Song of Blood & Stone

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.