Song of Blood & Stone by L. Penelope

Orphaned and alone, Jasminda lives in a land where cold whispers of invasion and war linger on the wind. Jasminda herself is an outcast in her homeland of Elsira, where her gift of Earthsong is feared. When ruthless soldiers seek refuge in her isolated cabin, they bring with them a captive, an injured spy who threatens to steal her heart. Jack's mission behind enemy lines to prove that the Mantle between Elsira and Lagrimar is about to fall nearly cost him his life, but he is saved by the healing Song of a mysterious young woman. Now he must do whatever it takes to save Elsira and its people from the True Father and he needs Jasminda's Earthsong to do it. They escape their vicious captors and together embark on a perilous journey to save Elsira and to uncover the secrets of The Queen Who Sleeps. Thrust into a hostile society, Jasminda and Jack must rely on one another even as secrets jeopardize their bond. As an ancient evil gains power, Jasminda races to unlock a mystery that promises salvation. The fates of two nations hang in the balance as Jasminda and Jack must choose between love and duty to fulfill their destinies and end the war.

Song of Blood and Stone (Earthsinger Chronicles Book #1
L. Penelope
Year published: 2018
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Genre: Young Adult ~ Fantasy ~ New Adult ~ Romance
Stars: Dnf'ed at 50%. Wasn't interesting me enough. But for the most part – it was a 2 star read.

Someone said on Goodreads that the book was self-published in 2015 and then was picked up by a publishing company. But since I received the book through Netgalley – I'm choosing the details of the ‘newly' published over the self-published detais

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for a free and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Please note that as this as I read an arc I have no way of knowing that if the scene shows up in the published version.

Warning: There's illusions towards rape and also an attempt at rape.

So, I wanted to like this book. It looked good – had magic and mentioned a land at war and I really like those things. But then it all fell apart. The book wasn't interesting enough. I tried to keep on – that's why I kept reading until 50% – thought it was maybe a slow read – and it was a slow read, but it didn't pick up for me.

The characters were a bit boring to me. I liked Jasminda, though, she was strong, but her story confused me a lot. I could never keep up with which side of the land her dad comes from and which side her mom comes from and what's the story behind both – it all confused me so much. And Jack, yeah, it's not that he was too intense, it's just that he instantly fell in love with Jasminda and that's not really in my interests.

The plot, while decent, had too much going on and too much time spent highlighting subplots to allow the main plot to thrive. The plot had the chance and ability to grow, it just didn't – and that upset me a bit.

*I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *
DNF @47%

I really did try and I gotta say, this book started off hooking me. I was so happy that I had ignored what my Goodreads' friends' reviews said, because I was liking it.
Then, I got confused.
And more confused.
Until finally the characters began to hold back information from each other or thinking “I'll tell them later” but we all know how that will end up, which just aggravates me.
And then how some scenes transitioned didn't make sense to me or how relationships were built and acted upon even with ... well, stuff.

Also, halfway through the book and I still don't understand Earthsong or the magic system. I mean... the limits and possibilities or if it affects people differently. I really wanted to know especially since it is talked about as a song.

And what exactly is the Mantle?? Why is it there? When did it get there?

I always find it weird when I'm the one asking for more information, since usually I think some books go overboard with explanations.

I'm so disappointed. The concept is there. The beginning and the hook? Totally there. I do want to know what is going to happen! So, I think there are some people who will be able to look past the things that confused me or the holding back of information to extend the book. I do honestly think many will like this book because of the plot, the interesting characters, and the magic system. All the more power to them. This is one I could have pushed myself to continue, I'm sure, but it just isn't worth it if I know I won't continue the series.

So, two stars because of how much I wanted to like it and because I think others might enjoy it as well.