The Songbird & the Heart of Stone
Ratings20
Average rating4.2
I wasn't quite as enchanted by Mische's story as I was with Oraya's. It is definitely a thrilling adventure, but it got a little repetitive. The slow burn romance is glacial. Still, I would probably pick up the next installment because that was some kind of cliffhanger.
Just... wow!
This books clears a lot of things about Mische that were big question marks for me in the past books, that were just crumbs leading to to this amazing book, I just can't have enough!
My biggest ccomplaints in the books 1 and 1.5 were towards world-building and this book just delivered it perfectly! I could feel like I was there, and picture all the scenes thanks to the great description so thanks Carissa!
Also this book is more in the traditional quest style, in contrast with the past 3 books were there was a goal that branched out into others. Not saying one is better than the other but I get why some people got bored with this one, I personally enjoyed it way more because of it. The quest was clear, the journey was full of obstacles that mixed both the MCs fears and regrets, and each stage closer to the goal became harder and deeper (in contrast with the past books that kept a steady pace throughout the story).
The character development is beautifully depicted, both the FMC and MMC learned and grew from their starting points, and Mische's trauma that didn't make much sense on how it was incorporated in book 2 was greatly explained that now it makes total sense if I were to re-read Ashes and the Star-Cursed King.
Some parts of the book were a bit slow, but you cannot have a continuous crescendo, you need nuances in the pacing and cadence. I just loved it!!!
This book! The story! The ending! The epilogue! Carissa I need the 4th book immediately!
The Songbird and the Heart of Stone book consolidated Carissa as my current favourite Romantasy writer. She writes the perfect blend of fantasy and romance, full of complex and layered characters, wrapped in a beautifully and imaginative setting.
Mische, alongside with Vincent, was my favorite character in this series and I had high expectations for her story. Still, I couldn't imagine how complex her background story was going to be, and how emotionally engaged I would feel with her journey.
I loved Mische before, and I love her even more now. This is a character full of hope, courage and kindness, and exactly the type of FMC I like to read about.
And Asar... what a perfect match for Mische he is! He's the farthest possible from a Heart of Stone and I can't wait to see more of him. It's difficult to resist sharing some quotes by him (I have so many highlighted) but I refuse to spoil others the discovery of this character... Still, I'm obsessed with his heart and quiet, but fierce, love.
This is a story full of vulnerability, pain and love, and I loved every minute of it. Carissa Broadbent writes romantasies like no one else.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Pan Macmillan | Tor Bramble and NetGalley for the eARC!
Originally posted at hardcover.app.