Review of Song of the Dead by Sarah Glenn Marsh (physical arc)

 

 

Song of the Dead by Sarah Glenn Marsh

 

The Dead must stay buried.

Karthia is nothing like it used to be. The kingdom’s borders are open for the first time in nearly three hundred years, and raising the dead has been outlawed. Odessa is determined to explore the world beyond Karthia’s waters, hoping to heal a heart broken in more ways than she can count. But with Meredy joining the ocean voyage, vanquishing her sorrow will be a difficult task.

Despite the daily reminder of the history they share, Odessa and Meredy are fascinated when their journey takes them to a land where the Dead rule the night and dragons roam the streets. Odessa can’t help being mesmerized by the new magic–and by the girl at her side. But just as she and Meredy are beginning to explore the new world, a terrifying development in Karthia summons them home at once.

Growing political unrest on top of threats from foreign invaders means Odessa and Meredy are thrust back into the lives they tried to leave behind while specters from their past haunt their tenuous relationship. Gathering a force big enough to ward off enemies seems impossible, until one of Queen Valoria’s mages creates a weapon that could make them invincible. As danger continues to mount inside the palace, Odessa fears that without the Dead, even the greatest invention won’t be enough to save their fates.

In this enthralling, heartrending sequel to Reign of the Fallen, Odessa faces the fight of her life as the boundaries between the Dead and the living are challenged in a way more gruesome than ever before.

 

My Review:

 

I loved Song of the Dead just as much as Reign of the Fallen.  There may be spoilers for book one in this review.

 

Warnings for addiction and violence.

 

I really fell in love with the characters when reading Reign of the Fallen.  I was happy to see them back for book two and we got some new characters that I really liked, too.

 

Odessa is my favorite.   I love that she’s so flawed, but she realizes it and tries so hard to get better.  She loves with her whole heart, plus she’s a total badass.   In Song of the Dead, Odessa is still dealing with the loss of Evander, plus her addiction issues.  She may be done with the potion, but she still thinks about it.  Odessa is also trying to figure out her feelings for Meredy, while still loving Evander.   Valoria has forbidden the raising of the dead, so the necromancers feel a bit lost.  They do find out that they are still very much needed though.

 

“I’m Odessa of Grenwyr, and the dead answer to me.”

 

The book starts out where book one left off.  Odessa and Meredy are on Kasmira’s ship.  They go to a couple different places before hearing of issues with Valoria.  They do meet a girl, Azelie, and Odessa gets a pet dragon, Nipper.  Azelie is such a great addition to the group and I freaking love Nipper.  I would read a whole book just about her and the other dragons.

 

When they hear that Valoria was attacked by a shade and that many of her own people are rebelling against her, Odessa, Meredy, and Kasmira head back to help.  Everyone is pretty upset with Odessa for leaving without saying goodbye.  Jax has been drinking a lot.  Danial and Simeon are planning a wedding.  Valoria has been creating new things that many people are against.  And there are new kids in a school working on their powers.  Karston is a new character that we see a lot of.  He is a lot like Jax and Odessa can’t help but like him.

 

There is a lot of action throughout the book.  The group wants to figure out who is trying to hurt Valoria while also preparing for boats from another land that are said to be hostile.  They are training to fight.  Odessa also bought this stone from a vendor that is said to let you speak to the dead.  She uses it and then shares with Meredy.  Meredy becomes addicted to it, which causes a lot of problems with their relationship.  There is also a lot of death.  Lysander is back and I love his interactions with Nipper.  There’s just so much to love about this book and I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone.

 

I gave this book 5 stars.  Thank you to Penguin Teen for sending me a physical arc for review.  I already have my finished copy ordered and can’t wait to see the beautiful, finished cover in person.

 

Did you read Reign of the Fallen?  Is Song of the Dead on your TBR?