ARC Review: Song of Blood & Stone by L. Penelope

Release Date: January 13th 2015

Publisher: Heartspell Media

Series: Earthsinger Chronicles #1

Genres: New/Mature-Adult/ Fantasy/Romance/Magic

Format: eARC

Source: Publisher via NetGalley

My Rating: 5 Stars

Find It: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Between love and duty lies destiny

Orphaned and alone, Jasminda is an outcast in her homeland of Elsira, where she is feared for both the shade of her skin and her magical abilities. When ruthless soldiers seek refuge in her isolated cabin, they bring with them a captive – an injured spy who steals her heart.

Jack’s mission behind enemy lines nearly cost him his life but he is saved by the healing power of a mysterious young woman. Together they embark on a perilous journey straight into the heart of a centuries-old conflict.

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.

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REVIEW: The only problem I had with this book is that it ended! I felt so betrayed by the author for leaving me with a cliffhanger of epic proportions. I’m still thinking about Jasminda and Jack, even after less than 24 hours from finishing this book. I felt so much while reading this. Not only is it well written but the characterizations and world building made it easy for me to envision every aspect of the book. I only wish for the next book to be released as soon as possible because I cannot take this torture.

Jasminda is an outcast. Being orphaned has left her with only her farm and her power of Earthsong. Although she is Elsiran born, she is still treated as though she is nothing. She is half Elsiran and Lagrimari, which basically means she is only seen as Lagrimari. She is called such names as grol witch and many others that are offensive. But, being the strong young woman that she is, she walks with her head held high. On her way back home from town, she stumbles across an injured soldier named Jack. First she is convinced that he must be crazy, because he is rambling about breaches in the mantle and that he came from Lagrimari as an Elsiran spy. She soon finds out that he speaks the truth when Lagrimari soldiers arrive and she runs home before they make it there to seek shelter from the storm brewing in the mountains. The soldiers all think that they are still in Lagrimar, but Jasminda and Jack know that is not the case. She heals Jack as best as she can using Earthsong but soon finds that his life is not the only one in jeopardy. They protect each other, and along with that protection comes a liking that neither of them are prepared for.

The story takes off after Jasminda and Jack set off on their journey to warn Elsira of the upcoming war. The story is told from both Jack’s and Jasminda’s POV. There are revelations that Jack nor Jas are prepared for. The betrayals, stares, and whispers are abundant throughout. When politics are involved, everything becomes more chaotic with this story. Secondary characters play important roles throughout, and the moment that I waited on finally came at the end. Sadly, it ended too soon for me. I wanted to learn more about the Queen Who Sleeps, and also get a better since of Jasminda’s maternal grandmother, who turned her back on her own flesh and blood because of the choices they made. I guess all will be revealed in time but I need more of this story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, magic, romance, etc…