The Song of the Fireflies

by Jonathan Hunter, Jovan Stipic

278 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2024

Reviews

[G. W. reviewers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Floating islands, a thief's escapade, and the search for freedom—Jonathan Hunter’s The Song of the Fireflies takes you to a fantastical world high above the clouds, where empires, kingdoms, and duchies rule the Endless Skies. From the moment I picked up this book, I was transported into a realm so unique that it felt unlike anything I’ve read before. The story follows Viento, a thief tasked with stealing a mysterious box, a seemingly simple assignment that spirals into chaos, turning his world upside down. The journey that ensues is both thrilling and introspective, blending action-packed sequences with profound moments of self-discovery.

What truly struck me about this book was how much it resonated on a personal level. Viento’s struggles with his past—his childhood demons and buried memories—felt deeply human and relatable. I found myself drawn to his tumultuous emotions, his constant questioning of what freedom really means, and the choices he had to make along the way. The characters he meets during his journey are not just there to drive the plot; they add layers to the story, offering perspectives that made me reflect on my own understanding of life and purpose.

Speaking of the world-building, it’s absolutely stunning. The floating islands, the horrors of the night sky, and the vibrant cities are painted with such vivid detail that I could almost feel the wind and hear the distant echoes of the Endless Skies. And while the story leans more toward being character-driven, the unique setting provides a perfect backdrop for Viento’s adventures. The fast-paced action scenes, reminiscent of Aladdin’s daring escapades with parkour-like chases and explosions, kept me hooked. Yet, it was the quieter, reflective moments that lingered with me long after I turned the last page.

I’d recommend The Song of the Fireflies to anyone who loves a blend of character-driven storytelling, stunningly imaginative worlds, and thought-provoking themes. It’s a tale about finding meaning in freedom and life, wrapped in a captivating adventure. For me, it wasn’t just a story—it was an experience, one that left me yearning for more and reflecting on my own journey.

[Rai · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Song of the Fireflies by Jonathan Hunter transported me to a whole new beautiful universe where kingdoms are built on floating clouds and the royalty is ruling on the vast expanse of the Endless Skies. The narrative revolves around Viento, a skilled thief assigned to steal a peculiar box—a mission that unexpectedly entangles him in a life-altering conspiracy.

I absolutely loved the author's world-building capabilities, wherein I could feel myself sailing through the realms of the Endless Skies. The storyline masterfully balances thrilling action sequences, together with having a lot of emotional depth with Viento having his profound moments of self-reflections. Viento's intermix of past dictating his present and his self-discovery that changes his future had me invested on this story as a reader.

For enthusiasts of character-centric tales set in imaginative worlds, The Song of the Fireflies offers a captivating adventure that lingers long after the final page.

[Fasya (sistershelves) · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, let's admire the cover!! I always love book covers with illustrations like this. It captures the world perfectly.

If you love Treasure Planet and Final Fantasy with a touch of Mesopotamia, this book is for you!

Without spoiling, this book is about Viento who journeyed to find his meaning of freedom. He got, let's say an assignment from a higher-up to steal (yes he was a thief) something fundamental. Because of one or two things his plan went south but during that time of chase, blasts, and Aladdin-thief-like-parkour moments, he met interesting people who helped him figure out what the meaning of life and freedom truly like.

This fantasy book leans more toward character-driven rather than plot-driven. Throughout the book, we experience the tumultuous feelings of Viento, along with other characters. But the world-building is not slacking either. It's so unique and not like other fantasy settings that I've read before, as you can see from the cover of the book.

The ending is wrapped up nicely, with no cliffhanger (unlike the author's other book that makes me want to rip my hair off lol) but with some parts still left unanswered, it makes me want to know and read the next book ASAP. Plus the epilogue got me intrigued!!! Won't say what though haha ✌

[Verica Petrovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it's a Capricorn stellium in me but I never thought about personal freedom as much, or I was but through very rational, practical lense. This book made me ponder on what it means to me in my relation to others, and that alone is a good enough reason for people to read this book! But apart from that wonderful message this book is packed with amazing dialogs and details (which is my fave thing about Jonathan's writing), vibrant and fun characters and ungorgettable adventure and action! Everyone go pick it up! *threat*

[Zorana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Captivating, thrilling, engrossing!!!! A must read!