Whispers of Shadow & Flame (Earthsinger Chronicles #2) by L. Penelope (2019)
-eARC Review-

YA Fiction | Fantasy
Blurb:

“The Mantle that separates the kingdoms of Elsira and Lagrimar is about to fall. And life will drastically change for both kingdoms.

Born with a deadly magic she cannot control, Kyara is forced to become an assassin. Known as the Poison Flame in the kingdom of Lagrimar, she is notorious and lethal, but secretly seeks freedom from both her untamed power and the blood spell that commands her. She is tasked with capturing the legendary rebel called the Shadowfox, but everything changes when she learns her target’s true identity.

Darvyn ol-Tahlyro may be the most powerful Earthsinger in generations, but guilt over those he couldn’t save tortures him daily. He isn’t sure he can trust the mysterious young woman who claims to need his help, but when he discovers Kyara can unlock the secrets of his past, he can’t stay away.

Kyara and Darvyn grapple with betrayal, old promises, and older prophecies—all while trying to stop a war. And when a new threat emerges, they must beat the odds to save both kingdoms.”
–Goodreads 

Book One: SONG OF BLOOD & STONE

pooled ink Review:

Whispers of Shadow & Flame is sort of a sequel but also more of a companion novel to Song of Blood & Stone. It begins two weeks before the Mantle falls and features a whole new cast of characters! If you enjoyed book one then I think you’ll really enjoy this one too. It has the same world and vibes but is still a fresh look and twist on these world-shifting events.

In this book not only does it open with an assassin in the shadows but we spend time in the Fatherland/on the other side of the Mantle in Lagrimar where life is…less than ideal. While book one was set in Elsira and they had to desperately shake the slumber of peace to rally aid to their neighbors, Lagrimar is a life of fear and little sleep. Kyara has been forced down a bloody secretive path but she is not the only one who trades in silence. Darvyn might be immensely powerful but he is also afraid and the weight of his people’s struggles is a heavy weight upon his shoulders. When Kyara and Darvyn’s paths cross the consequences are anything but what they expected or prepared for.

I really liked both Kyara and Darvyn, the way those two characters evolved and danced held my attention throughout. I was also intrigued that this was set in Lagrimar and therefore we also got to learn more about their underground resistance network. Yep, spies, and do you remember who else was a spy in Lagrimar? Jack! He isn’t a major character in this book or anything (he already got to shine in Song of Blood & Stone) but we do get glimpses of his past and undercover operation mentioned in book one.

The Earthsinger Chronicles is a fantasy series I think more people should know and read! Great writing, characters, plot, and there’s magic so what more could you want? Although this one is tied to the first book you can read them as standalones although you’ll understand and appreciate things more by reading them in order. Also the endings are just so – they’re enough to satisfy but have a few subtle enough hooks to gently draw you back for more.

Whispers of Shadow & Flame is a strong continuation of the Earthsinger Chronicles and pushes the series further as a standout YA Fantasy that should be on everyone’s list! High stakes, unexpected entanglements, blood owed and owned, it all rushes together into a very exciting sequel.

Cheers.

 Purchase Here: Whispers of Shadow & Flame

Check out the series: Song of Blood & Stone (book 1)