OCTOBER 2020 - AudioFile
Allyson Johnson narrates Book 3 of the Earthsinger Chronicles, a fantasy with romantic elements. As the people of Elsira struggle to come to terms with their new reality after the fall of the Mantle, some who are dissatisfied ally themselves with enemies of the new king and queen. Many characters from the first two volumes return, and many more are introduced, making for a large cast, which Johnson capably navigates, keeping portrayals distinct and consistent. The four storylines are always easily distinguished. Sadly, though, what seemed like sensible accent choices made previously are now proving to diverge from the internal logic of this world, but Johnson is to be commended for choosing consistency and continuity. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
04/20/2020
Penelope’s jam-packed, uneven third Earthsinger Chronicles fantasy picks up six weeks after the events of Whispers of Shadow and Flame as the formerly warring nations of Elisara and Lagrimar forge a thorny path to unification. Legendary Earthsinger Darvyn ol-Tahlyro is still grieving Kyara ul-Lagrimar, his missing lover, when he’s tasked with apprehending a group of separatists responsible for a deadly attack on a local temple. Meanwhile, the imprisoned Kyara battles her captors’ sinister plot to rob her of her powers. Overly detailed reintroductions to the characters slow the plot to a near-crawl until the halfway mark, when the intrigue and investigation into the attack hit high gear. Penelope’s plotting is intricate as ever and series readers will be pleased to return to her fully realized world, but an excess of political subplots and shifts in perspective too often make this a slog. Fans will hope for a return to form in the next installment. Agent: Sara Megibow, KT Literary. (Aug.)
From the Publisher
"[A]n epic, sprawling fantasy adventure . . . [with] plenty of courtly politics here as well as a marvelous medley of world building." - Starred review, Booklist on Cry of Metal & Bone
"Penelope’s plotting is intricate as ever." - Publishers Weekly on Cry of Metal & Bone
"This is a wonderful integration of high-stakes epic fantasy intrigue with intimate personal connections." - Publisher's Weekly starred review for Whispers of Shadow & Flame
"High stakes and dire twists will keep readers turning pages, and it’s clear that this is only the beginning of what’s sure to be a thoughtful, emotional, magnificent series." - Booklist starred review for Whispers of Shadow & Flame
"A master class in fantasy world-building.” - TIME Magazine on Song of Blood & Stone
"Penelope delivers an engrossing story with delightful characters in this fantastic opening to a promising series." —Publishers Weekly starred review on Song of Blood & Stone
"Wonderful characters, unique setting, and an engaging romance set against the backdrop of ancient magic. I can't wait to see what L. Penelope will do next."—Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"Prepare to be hooked. SONG OF BLOOD AND STONE is brimming with captivating lore, unique magic, and plot-turns you never saw coming. L. Penelope has written your next fantasy obsession." —Elise Kova, USA Today bestselling author of The Loom Saga
"Set against a backdrop of myth and magic, Song of Blood and Stone is a sweeping tale of love, duty and destiny that feels as urgent as it does timeless.” - Rebecca Roanhorse, author of TRAIL OF LIGHTNING
“Song of Blood and Stone is an enchanting journey through a world more relevant than ever. Wars between Gods, romance, action—it’s everything I love all at once.” - K Arsenault Rivera, author of THE TIGER’S DAUGHTER
"Song of Blood and Stone is a sweeping journey of magic, romance, sacrifice, and self-discovery. These heartwarming characters, their trials and adventures, and their love for each other will stay with you long after the book ends." - Amanda Bouchet, USA Today bestselling author of The Kingmaker Chronicles
"Song of Blood and Stone is a thrilling and complex journey through a beautifully rendered world that is imaginative, magical, and eerily similar to our own. A terrific read!" - Daniel Jose Older, New York Times bestselling author
"Great characters, beautiful writing, incredible world building." —Ann Aguirre, New York Times Bestselling Author
OCTOBER 2020 - AudioFile
Allyson Johnson narrates Book 3 of the Earthsinger Chronicles, a fantasy with romantic elements. As the people of Elsira struggle to come to terms with their new reality after the fall of the Mantle, some who are dissatisfied ally themselves with enemies of the new king and queen. Many characters from the first two volumes return, and many more are introduced, making for a large cast, which Johnson capably navigates, keeping portrayals distinct and consistent. The four storylines are always easily distinguished. Sadly, though, what seemed like sensible accent choices made previously are now proving to diverge from the internal logic of this world, but Johnson is to be commended for choosing consistency and continuity. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
