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That Which Sings
“Uncle. Family trouble. Blood feud. It’s old news. Really old news.”
Blood-bound to an ancient pact with beautiful, murderous fae, Nes always believed she would be the monsters’ next victim. She plays the game as best she can, but in her family a short temper is a short life, and she knows she is merely waiting for the blade to fall.
But it’s her uncle the faeries take, the one person she has left, and Nes will wait no longer.
She will get him back, or she will die trying.
Into Elphame she goes—she whom the fae hold responsible for an age-old atrocity, she who is ready to commit a few of her own.
Brimming with lush prose and brutal action, That Which Sings is a punk-rock fairy tale with sharp teeth, a vicious wit, and a heavy, burning heart.
Blood-bound to an ancient pact with beautiful, murderous fae, Nes always believed she would be the monsters’ next victim. She plays the game as best she can, but in her family a short temper is a short life, and she knows she is merely waiting for the blade to fall.
But it’s her uncle the faeries take, the one person she has left, and Nes will wait no longer.
She will get him back, or she will die trying.
Into Elphame she goes—she whom the fae hold responsible for an age-old atrocity, she who is ready to commit a few of her own.
Brimming with lush prose and brutal action, That Which Sings is a punk-rock fairy tale with sharp teeth, a vicious wit, and a heavy, burning heart.
- GenresFantasy
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2024
5 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 30, 2024
Just read it. You’ll thank me later.
This is a phenomenal story about hope, growth, family, and all good things worth reading about. This is definitely one of those reads I’ll be thinking about for a long time! If you know me personally and you read this book, you’re officially obligated to tell me about it so we can freak out about it.
(PS - there is a glossary/index in the back, plus other lovely goodies! It’s very helpful!)
Recommended for those who love:
stories about family, magic, and fighting against impossible odds;
trees in general;
pretty things;
terrifying things;
when books ACTUALLY describe violence in all its detail (for good reason);
and REALLY awesome prose.
Also, trees. Did I say trees?
Content Notes: graphic violence, language
This is a phenomenal story about hope, growth, family, and all good things worth reading about. This is definitely one of those reads I’ll be thinking about for a long time! If you know me personally and you read this book, you’re officially obligated to tell me about it so we can freak out about it.
(PS - there is a glossary/index in the back, plus other lovely goodies! It’s very helpful!)
Recommended for those who love:
stories about family, magic, and fighting against impossible odds;
trees in general;
pretty things;
terrifying things;
when books ACTUALLY describe violence in all its detail (for good reason);
and REALLY awesome prose.
Also, trees. Did I say trees?
Content Notes: graphic violence, language
November 13, 2024
delightful! i devoured most of it today & had the best time! great worldbuilding, pretty damn satisfying twist, & lots of murder :)
November 8, 2024
WELP accidentally somehow deleted my first review?
I don’t know Wren Scarborough, but her friends convinced me to read this book, and it was quite enjoyable.
The overall story is beautiful and heartbreaking, and makes the reader ponder questions of love, loyalty, morality, and the lengths to which we will go for those we love. The reason I gave it four stars instead of five was simply that it was a bit too, well, gory for me. I’m not one for graphic descriptions of wounds, blood, and torn flesh. (Also, for my sensitive friends, it does contain f bombs.) If you like fantasy, can stomach some gore, and want to explore a nightmarish faerie tale, this is the book for you!
I don’t know Wren Scarborough, but her friends convinced me to read this book, and it was quite enjoyable.
The overall story is beautiful and heartbreaking, and makes the reader ponder questions of love, loyalty, morality, and the lengths to which we will go for those we love. The reason I gave it four stars instead of five was simply that it was a bit too, well, gory for me. I’m not one for graphic descriptions of wounds, blood, and torn flesh. (Also, for my sensitive friends, it does contain f bombs.) If you like fantasy, can stomach some gore, and want to explore a nightmarish faerie tale, this is the book for you!
January 8, 2025
The premise for this book is exciting, and it delivers on the brutality promised on the back of the book. I found it a little too fast-paced for my taste, a personal preference, and wanted a bit more development of the relationship between Fin and Nes before the main action kicks off. Still an enjoyable read!
October 23, 2025
FINALLY, a faerie tale that is dark, bloody, and gritty.
These are not the fae that whisk you away to their castle. These are the fae that are beautiful, shining demons that will kill you the second they get the chance.
I feel like the less you know going into this, the better!!
Characters:
5/5 stars, I only wished we got more Fin!!! He was my favorite.
World Building:
5/5 stars, super fun, loved the faerie world, the magic, the hag, everything.
Writing:
5/5 stars, elegant, luxurious, and snappy.
Plot/Pacing:
4/5 stars. There were a few chapters that were just a touch too long for my taste, could have been trimmed IMO (but might just be me).
Also, I foresaw the ending a ~~mile~~ away. Still really fun, but I guessed a lot of how it was going to turn out -- almost feel like she foreshadowed too hard, ya know?
Overall:
A DELIGHT TO READ. I shrieked, I screamed, I gasped, I laughed, I loved it.
These are not the fae that whisk you away to their castle. These are the fae that are beautiful, shining demons that will kill you the second they get the chance.
I feel like the less you know going into this, the better!!
Characters:
5/5 stars, I only wished we got more Fin!!! He was my favorite.
World Building:
5/5 stars, super fun, loved the faerie world, the magic, the hag, everything.
Writing:
5/5 stars, elegant, luxurious, and snappy.
Plot/Pacing:
4/5 stars. There were a few chapters that were just a touch too long for my taste, could have been trimmed IMO (but might just be me).
Also, I foresaw the ending a ~~mile~~ away. Still really fun, but I guessed a lot of how it was going to turn out -- almost feel like she foreshadowed too hard, ya know?
Overall:
A DELIGHT TO READ. I shrieked, I screamed, I gasped, I laughed, I loved it.
December 25, 2024
When I opened the book and noticed that the chapter titles form a poem, I was absolutely delighted. The story itself is dark and whimsical, the prose is excellent, the pacing is great. The up backstory unfolds just right, not too fast, not too much, just enough for the plot to keep its momentum.
It's impossible not to love Nes and Fin and hope against all odds that they survive.
I very much enjoyed reading this.
Wren Scarborough is incredibly talented and I'm very excited to see what's she will write next
It's impossible not to love Nes and Fin and hope against all odds that they survive.
I very much enjoyed reading this.
Wren Scarborough is incredibly talented and I'm very excited to see what's she will write next
November 7, 2025
THAT WHICH SINGS is a ‘punk-rock fairytale’ that does not shy away from brutality, but is beautifully balanced by the lyrical prose and immersive setting description.
I personally enjoy stories that really embrace all of the bizarre and malicious aspects of more traditional fae and this story has it in spades along with some unique twists on the lore to keep things interesting.
*SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD*
The prologue was the perfect hook, and the main plot starts accelerating very quickly. The protagonist Nes is angry, desperate, conflicted, and you really feel for her from the get go.
The world building and magic is very soft, which contributes to the ‘fairytale’ feel of the novel. The plot seems like it's going to be a very classic quest, but quickly morphs into an almost John Wick style fantasy vengeance spree. Some of the overarching themes while common are handled pretty well. For example: What is a monster? Are they born or made? Can they be redeemed? Is vengeance selfish or selfless? It definitely has thought provoking moments that allow the reader to breathe and struggle alongside the protagonist.
For me, the prose and descriptions of each location and creature were the book’s greatest strengths. But I did struggle to stay invested near the middle of the story. Nes’ vengeance spree created largely repetitious plot points especially since it was fueled by magically enhanced strength and not varied with any strategic or clever maneuvers (although the main character’s refusal to think ahead is well-established so this is more of a personal preference.)
My other big critique is that while I enjoyed the interspersed flashbacks because they gave necessary context and always contributed to the present plot in a meaningful way, I so wish some of the information had been told in the present tense early in the story. I wanted more time with Nes and her uncle before the plot got going, I wanted more investment in their relationship. We get it as the story progresses, but only in hindsight.
Overall an enjoyable read that I’d recommend to anyone looking for action/adventure fantasy with bite, heart, folklore, and the type of ending you’d expect from the most classic fairytales. 3.75 Stars
I personally enjoy stories that really embrace all of the bizarre and malicious aspects of more traditional fae and this story has it in spades along with some unique twists on the lore to keep things interesting.
*SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD*
The prologue was the perfect hook, and the main plot starts accelerating very quickly. The protagonist Nes is angry, desperate, conflicted, and you really feel for her from the get go.
The world building and magic is very soft, which contributes to the ‘fairytale’ feel of the novel. The plot seems like it's going to be a very classic quest, but quickly morphs into an almost John Wick style fantasy vengeance spree. Some of the overarching themes while common are handled pretty well. For example: What is a monster? Are they born or made? Can they be redeemed? Is vengeance selfish or selfless? It definitely has thought provoking moments that allow the reader to breathe and struggle alongside the protagonist.
For me, the prose and descriptions of each location and creature were the book’s greatest strengths. But I did struggle to stay invested near the middle of the story. Nes’ vengeance spree created largely repetitious plot points especially since it was fueled by magically enhanced strength and not varied with any strategic or clever maneuvers (although the main character’s refusal to think ahead is well-established so this is more of a personal preference.)
My other big critique is that while I enjoyed the interspersed flashbacks because they gave necessary context and always contributed to the present plot in a meaningful way, I so wish some of the information had been told in the present tense early in the story. I wanted more time with Nes and her uncle before the plot got going, I wanted more investment in their relationship. We get it as the story progresses, but only in hindsight.
Overall an enjoyable read that I’d recommend to anyone looking for action/adventure fantasy with bite, heart, folklore, and the type of ending you’d expect from the most classic fairytales. 3.75 Stars
October 9, 2024
This story is full of perseverance in the face of hopeless odds, beautiful prose that feels like poetry, and lots of action. It is the story of a girl who is determined to do whatever it takes to save her family. It breaks your heart in all the best ways. It is the best book I've read this whole year, with Dracula being the 2nd best.
November 3, 2024
As indefinable as a dragon in its excellence. I received this book three days ago and have only put it down because I finished it today. Wren Scarborough's beautiful prose and description clash wonderfully with the brutality and hopelessness of the story.
Of course, nothing is truly hopeless if you choose to fight any way.
Of course, nothing is truly hopeless if you choose to fight any way.
November 3, 2024
Captivating book about a determined young girl on a mission to save her uncle, and lift the family’s curse. The author’s descriptive text brings the world of Elphame to life in beautiful detail. It’s one of those magic books that draws you in. Where it’s a surprise when you look up from the page to realize you’re really still in our real world and not in Faerie. Glad I followed the fireflies!
December 31, 2024
I found out about this book back when Wren still called it by the placeholder title, “Murdergirl vs. Faeries”, and let me tell you: this book definitely lived up to the hype of that name. The prose and wit and action was beautiful, and it was hard not to like Nes and cheer her on her warpath through Elphame.
February 11, 2025
Enjoyed this so much! After reading a lot of fantasy the past few months, this is definitely on par with all the popular books.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews