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Song of the Dark #2
Servant of Fear
After striking a deal with an evil god, Thomas is now bound to fulfill his promise to her. But finding the perfect man for the god of fear is no simple task when he’s stuck at sea on a skeleton crew run by a tyrant captain. To make matters worse, Thomas’s newly discovered power is out of control, and he can’t stop causing catastrophic storms. The only person who can help him is locked away, and the only way to communicate with her is through the last person he wants to see—his ex-boyfriend, Charles Southworth. Thomas quickly learns his deal with Tetra has only caused more problems, and if he can’t learn to control his power, he could lose Mariana forever.
Meanwhile, Felix is trapped in a camp that claims to help magi like him, but magic is forbidden, and other magi won’t talk to him. His luck turns when an old frenemy approaches him with an uncertain offer of escape, devised by a friendly witch. Their plan becomes more dangerous as camp restrictions tighten, and Felix soon discovers the key to magic removal has been much closer to home than he ever knew. Escape may not be an option for him, but if he can’t escape, the price is his soul.
Servant of Fear is the long-awaited second book in the Song of the Dark series. This action-packed romantasy adventure is a continuation of the compelling and emotional journey from book 1.
Meanwhile, Felix is trapped in a camp that claims to help magi like him, but magic is forbidden, and other magi won’t talk to him. His luck turns when an old frenemy approaches him with an uncertain offer of escape, devised by a friendly witch. Their plan becomes more dangerous as camp restrictions tighten, and Felix soon discovers the key to magic removal has been much closer to home than he ever knew. Escape may not be an option for him, but if he can’t escape, the price is his soul.
Servant of Fear is the long-awaited second book in the Song of the Dark series. This action-packed romantasy adventure is a continuation of the compelling and emotional journey from book 1.
504 pages, Hardcover
Published March 10, 2025
7 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 11, 2025
I was really excited to read this book and read about Thomas and his new abilities. I will say this book seemed more focused on the characters and their feelings than the overall plot of the book. At times I felt a little confused and felt like there wasn’t any moving parts to the story.
I loved the chapters that had to deal with the magic camp but when the story switched to the sea journey it felt stagnant. Lots of miscommunication and anger between characters. Honestly Thomas and Charles felt very unlikable in this one. Thomas was so hung up on the past he was putting everyone in danger, his unwillingness to try to learn magic or control his abilities drove me nuts. Charles behavior in front of his father was horrible after everything. The character development felt like it went backwards.
Felix and the twins? Loved them. Absolutely loved the connections we got throughout the book and the set up for the third book. Mainly because it centers on the camp again. I can’t wait to see what happens with the twins and Felix, I don’t want to put any spoilers but Felix deserves his own book and happy ending.
I loved the chapters that had to deal with the magic camp but when the story switched to the sea journey it felt stagnant. Lots of miscommunication and anger between characters. Honestly Thomas and Charles felt very unlikable in this one. Thomas was so hung up on the past he was putting everyone in danger, his unwillingness to try to learn magic or control his abilities drove me nuts. Charles behavior in front of his father was horrible after everything. The character development felt like it went backwards.
Felix and the twins? Loved them. Absolutely loved the connections we got throughout the book and the set up for the third book. Mainly because it centers on the camp again. I can’t wait to see what happens with the twins and Felix, I don’t want to put any spoilers but Felix deserves his own book and happy ending.
March 19, 2025
Ugh I just love this series so much. I love how well all of the characters are fledged out and how all of the stories come together. I fear I need the 3rd and 4th book immediately
February 24, 2025
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In the second installment of the the Song of the Dark series, we follow a few different perspectives this time around. The first being of our main protagonist Thomas who is trying to make it back to Brenton with the rest of his crew, while also struggling to understand his magic and his feelings (particularly the ones aimed toward Charles). In Servant of Fear, we also have a secondary main character in the form of Felix, the shapeshifter that had taken Thomas' place and had been sent away to a "magic rehabilitation camp" at the end of the first book. In his perspective, we see as he tries to find a way out, making some friends(?) along the way. Much like the first book, we also get a few sections from Charles perspective, but he is used more to fill in scenes where Thomas cannot.
Some things that I liked about Servant of Fear is that I really liked how much the title suited the current arc, the twist for the main antagonist in Felix's plot, Finnlay (no I don't need to explain anymore), and getting to see more of the magic system. In addition, we do see a few of the original cast members leave the narrative for the time being, and while it hurts me to say, I do think it's in the best interest of the story (so as to not juggle too many characters) and also it's just the best resolution for the characters as well. I hope we see them in future books in the series, but since I like seeing them happy, I can't be mad if they don't make a lasting return.
Finally, one of the main messages of the book is the importance of processing your feelings, and the harm of bottling them up and tucking them away. It also shows the struggle of processing these emotions, as it doesn't always come easy.
One of the most obvious cons for Servant of Fear is the fact that the book switches perspectives every chapter (sometimes multiple times). Personally, I think most books should really just stick to having one character for each chapter, unless the scenario really calls for it. Specifically if it's very high stakes, or if we want to immediately see how one perspective affects another.
My biggest gripe with Servant of Fear lies with the characters. Servant of Fear was more character-focused than plot-focused this time around, which means that we got to see relationships get built up, and character arcs explored. However, I didn't really care for the protagonists this time around. Thomas and Felix felt... unlikable? And a bit too similar. They both have their moments where they act very selfishly and just mean to the people around them. Meanwhile, most of the side characters are nice to them, take any punches the main characters dole out, and are usually the first to apologize. It's okay to make characters that have flaws and make mistakes, but sometimes it feels like they are overlooked or brushed-off instead of having the main characters grow from it.
Although, I will say that Felix did restore my faith a little bit when he realized he went too far in Chapter 21.
That aside, there were also a few instances that I felt that some things were oddly inconsistent. Specifically, Felix not picking up that Finnlay cursed himself and instead thought something along the lines of, "I'm not sure why he is explaining magic to me, when I thought he wanted to tell me about his childhood trauma?". However, he thought about Thomas for a second and immediately connected three dots and fully understood his magic situation. Plus, the guide at the "magic rehabilitation center" kept saying things that simply weren't true which I felt should have caused more outcry among the "residents".
Speaking of, the antagonists are sorta cartoonishly evil. Even the manipulative ones aren't subtle enough to trick the main characters. The antagonists also have pretty lackluster motivations, but hopefully we can explore more of those in the books going forward.
In the second installment of the the Song of the Dark series, we follow a few different perspectives this time around. The first being of our main protagonist Thomas who is trying to make it back to Brenton with the rest of his crew, while also struggling to understand his magic and his feelings (particularly the ones aimed toward Charles). In Servant of Fear, we also have a secondary main character in the form of Felix, the shapeshifter that had taken Thomas' place and had been sent away to a "magic rehabilitation camp" at the end of the first book. In his perspective, we see as he tries to find a way out, making some friends(?) along the way. Much like the first book, we also get a few sections from Charles perspective, but he is used more to fill in scenes where Thomas cannot.
Some things that I liked about Servant of Fear is that I really liked how much the title suited the current arc, the twist for the main antagonist in Felix's plot, Finnlay (no I don't need to explain anymore), and getting to see more of the magic system. In addition, we do see a few of the original cast members leave the narrative for the time being, and while it hurts me to say, I do think it's in the best interest of the story (so as to not juggle too many characters) and also it's just the best resolution for the characters as well. I hope we see them in future books in the series, but since I like seeing them happy, I can't be mad if they don't make a lasting return.
Finally, one of the main messages of the book is the importance of processing your feelings, and the harm of bottling them up and tucking them away. It also shows the struggle of processing these emotions, as it doesn't always come easy.
One of the most obvious cons for Servant of Fear is the fact that the book switches perspectives every chapter (sometimes multiple times). Personally, I think most books should really just stick to having one character for each chapter, unless the scenario really calls for it. Specifically if it's very high stakes, or if we want to immediately see how one perspective affects another.
My biggest gripe with Servant of Fear lies with the characters. Servant of Fear was more character-focused than plot-focused this time around, which means that we got to see relationships get built up, and character arcs explored. However, I didn't really care for the protagonists this time around. Thomas and Felix felt... unlikable? And a bit too similar. They both have their moments where they act very selfishly and just mean to the people around them. Meanwhile, most of the side characters are nice to them, take any punches the main characters dole out, and are usually the first to apologize. It's okay to make characters that have flaws and make mistakes, but sometimes it feels like they are overlooked or brushed-off instead of having the main characters grow from it.
Although, I will say that Felix did restore my faith a little bit when he realized he went too far in Chapter 21.
That aside, there were also a few instances that I felt that some things were oddly inconsistent. Specifically, Felix not picking up that Finnlay cursed himself and instead thought something along the lines of, "I'm not sure why he is explaining magic to me, when I thought he wanted to tell me about his childhood trauma?". However, he thought about Thomas for a second and immediately connected three dots and fully understood his magic situation. Plus, the guide at the "magic rehabilitation center" kept saying things that simply weren't true which I felt should have caused more outcry among the "residents".
Speaking of, the antagonists are sorta cartoonishly evil. Even the manipulative ones aren't subtle enough to trick the main characters. The antagonists also have pretty lackluster motivations, but hopefully we can explore more of those in the books going forward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2025
If you have ever had the desire to read a pirate story without any adventure, you have found the book you're looking for. "Servant of Fear" by Bryn Suddarth brings fantasy, romance, friendships, and stakes to this interesting sequel.
The remaining review includes spoilers.
Thomas has found his magic again and is now facing immortality. The book picks up hours after the first left off to the guys still stuck at the dreary coastal town. All the important players end up on a ship under a horrible captain to sail rough seas to eventually make it back to the boy's hometown. Meanwhile, we learn about more plotting of the gods and have to save the world again!
At the same time, a secondary plot is occurring with the shape-shifting Felix. He's sent off to the camp where magic is removed from the residents. He must escape at all costs.
After spending eight hours on this book, my general opinion of it is that it is a good book. A good story, a good hook. Just pretty good.
First off, the pacing of the story was slow. If you wanted action and swash-buckling pirates sailing the seven seas, this isn't your book. This story looks at the day-to-day life of our main characters as they ever so slowly continue the plot. I do not dislike this pace, it is part of why I kept reading it. But, after finishing, I was upset that I read nearly 500 pages of content and they only sailed one sea and hardly solved one problem while the secondary plot wasn't even completed.
Secondly, I still didn't think that Charles and Thomas should have gotten back together. I liked that Thomas was facing his fears at the end of the first book and choosing to leave Charles out of his life. Charles had been hurting him for years and continued to even when his father wasn't around anymore. "Servant of Fear" writes the apology and reconstruction of their relationship well, but I would have rather seen Thomas find new love (and maybe Charles become the true enemy.) Earlier in the book, a character says something along the lines of: "we always live with that old love in our hearts" and I was hoping it meant that their love was over. I was mistaken, but that's okay.
My third thought is that Mariana getting sick seemed out-of-place. At the end of the first book, I knew Thomas would spend "Servant of Fear" saving the mermaids. This does occur, but it is put on the backburner. Mariana was becoming corrupted and it seemed like a way to force the story along.
One editing mishap this book exhibits is the dialog tags. Characters "said" so many phrases that should have been exclaimed or questioned or grunted. It got on my nerves while reading because it was such a frequent issue.
In the end, the climax of this story was pretty good. I liked the exchange of characters and Thomas not being able to overcome the evil bad guy all on his own. It suited the book. I still thought the side plot was more interesting and deserved more of a resolution, but that will be saved for the sequel!
Overall, I enjoyed "Servant of Fear". Despite its venture outside expectations, the story was fun and the main characters lively. I would recommend this book to a casual fantasy enjoyer or someone who wants some slice-of-life magic.
The remaining review includes spoilers.
Thomas has found his magic again and is now facing immortality. The book picks up hours after the first left off to the guys still stuck at the dreary coastal town. All the important players end up on a ship under a horrible captain to sail rough seas to eventually make it back to the boy's hometown. Meanwhile, we learn about more plotting of the gods and have to save the world again!
At the same time, a secondary plot is occurring with the shape-shifting Felix. He's sent off to the camp where magic is removed from the residents. He must escape at all costs.
After spending eight hours on this book, my general opinion of it is that it is a good book. A good story, a good hook. Just pretty good.
First off, the pacing of the story was slow. If you wanted action and swash-buckling pirates sailing the seven seas, this isn't your book. This story looks at the day-to-day life of our main characters as they ever so slowly continue the plot. I do not dislike this pace, it is part of why I kept reading it. But, after finishing, I was upset that I read nearly 500 pages of content and they only sailed one sea and hardly solved one problem while the secondary plot wasn't even completed.
Secondly, I still didn't think that Charles and Thomas should have gotten back together. I liked that Thomas was facing his fears at the end of the first book and choosing to leave Charles out of his life. Charles had been hurting him for years and continued to even when his father wasn't around anymore. "Servant of Fear" writes the apology and reconstruction of their relationship well, but I would have rather seen Thomas find new love (and maybe Charles become the true enemy.) Earlier in the book, a character says something along the lines of: "we always live with that old love in our hearts" and I was hoping it meant that their love was over. I was mistaken, but that's okay.
My third thought is that Mariana getting sick seemed out-of-place. At the end of the first book, I knew Thomas would spend "Servant of Fear" saving the mermaids. This does occur, but it is put on the backburner. Mariana was becoming corrupted and it seemed like a way to force the story along.
One editing mishap this book exhibits is the dialog tags. Characters "said" so many phrases that should have been exclaimed or questioned or grunted. It got on my nerves while reading because it was such a frequent issue.
In the end, the climax of this story was pretty good. I liked the exchange of characters and Thomas not being able to overcome the evil bad guy all on his own. It suited the book. I still thought the side plot was more interesting and deserved more of a resolution, but that will be saved for the sequel!
Overall, I enjoyed "Servant of Fear". Despite its venture outside expectations, the story was fun and the main characters lively. I would recommend this book to a casual fantasy enjoyer or someone who wants some slice-of-life magic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2025
lol i have lots to say on this one.
I really loved the first book of this series, all the characters were great and it was a fun read, however they take a slight turn in this book. While I understand Thomas had no emotions in the first book and I can also understand he is struggling to cope with being able to feel, he was really unlikeable at times. Yes, what Charles did in the first book was absolutely horrible, but Thomas keeps stringing the poor guy along and forgiving him then getting mad at him for the most random thing. Like if you really can’t get over what he did then stop randomly acting like you want to be with him. Also, Thomas suspecting Charles of being a cheater when he finds out he’s bi is CRAZY how does he not see he’s also being mean to Charles like Charles used to do to him???? Also it was infuriating that he didn’t want to learn magic bc he was scared as if it’s not life or death and he just walks away from people whenever he doesn’t feel like having a conversation anymore. Idk I felt aggravated with Thomas more so than any other character in this book.
Now, something I feel that works for this book was the camp subplot. At first it was a little slow, but towards the end of the book it was one of the most interesting parts of the story and I was reading to find out what happened to Felix and Finnlay. Another thing I think that works is actually Charles. Yes, he was an asshole, but for the entirety of this book he is actively making all the correct choices and still somehow getting berated for it. He becomes a redeemable character and while I don’t agree with what he did in the first book, his circumstances really shed light on his previous nature. Finally, I think letting go of some of the characters was a smart choice as they weren’t doing much in this book.
All in all, I still enjoyed this book and I’m excited to continue reading this series if another one comes out. I think there are some things that could be improved upon, but I can’t say that I didn’t have fun reading this book.
Spoiler warning:
My final complaint about this book is something that I feel doesn’t make sense. If the Southworths are as pro magi as they say, and they don’t like the Hambletons…then why on EARTH would they turn Felix in?? I feel like that would have been perfect blackmail and they could have protected Felix like unless I’m missing something i seriously don’t understand why they turned him in.
I really loved the first book of this series, all the characters were great and it was a fun read, however they take a slight turn in this book. While I understand Thomas had no emotions in the first book and I can also understand he is struggling to cope with being able to feel, he was really unlikeable at times. Yes, what Charles did in the first book was absolutely horrible, but Thomas keeps stringing the poor guy along and forgiving him then getting mad at him for the most random thing. Like if you really can’t get over what he did then stop randomly acting like you want to be with him. Also, Thomas suspecting Charles of being a cheater when he finds out he’s bi is CRAZY how does he not see he’s also being mean to Charles like Charles used to do to him???? Also it was infuriating that he didn’t want to learn magic bc he was scared as if it’s not life or death and he just walks away from people whenever he doesn’t feel like having a conversation anymore. Idk I felt aggravated with Thomas more so than any other character in this book.
Now, something I feel that works for this book was the camp subplot. At first it was a little slow, but towards the end of the book it was one of the most interesting parts of the story and I was reading to find out what happened to Felix and Finnlay. Another thing I think that works is actually Charles. Yes, he was an asshole, but for the entirety of this book he is actively making all the correct choices and still somehow getting berated for it. He becomes a redeemable character and while I don’t agree with what he did in the first book, his circumstances really shed light on his previous nature. Finally, I think letting go of some of the characters was a smart choice as they weren’t doing much in this book.
All in all, I still enjoyed this book and I’m excited to continue reading this series if another one comes out. I think there are some things that could be improved upon, but I can’t say that I didn’t have fun reading this book.
Spoiler warning:
My final complaint about this book is something that I feel doesn’t make sense. If the Southworths are as pro magi as they say, and they don’t like the Hambletons…then why on EARTH would they turn Felix in?? I feel like that would have been perfect blackmail and they could have protected Felix like unless I’m missing something i seriously don’t understand why they turned him in.
April 5, 2025
OMG THOMAS AND CHARLES ARE ENGAGED?!?! AHHHH—
So, this book was awesome. I was living for the extra almost 200 pages compared to the last book. Despite the length nothing felt drawn out and rarely ever repetitive. The plot was stellar! The book being spilt into the perspectives of Thomas, Charles, and Felix made for such a fun read. The B-plot of Aella, Finnlay, and Felix trying to escape the magic conversion camp was so suspenseful and entertaining. The twists and turns of the main story with Thomas working to fight Tetra and facing the difficulties of immortality made for such an engaging read. The constant back and forth between Thomas and Charles hating each other than loving each other then hating each other again kept me on my toes! The dramatic proposal at Charles’ not-birthday-party and the final battle between Cadwell and Thomas had me squealing with anticipation. I literally could not be normal about this book while I was reading it in public I got so many weird looks.
I loved all the characters in this book. Some of them genuinely had me smitten while others I loved to HATE. Like Cathrine is terrible but such a well written villain. Finnlay is just so pure I love him, there’s really not much I have to say other than he’s a cutie patootie who is such a good friend to Felix and eventually Thomas. Aella is another character I love to hate. She’s hilarious but such an asshole. Also her BETRAYAL?!?! I was gagged. The Charles development in this book deeply healed something within me. He is truly the definition of the misunderstood ex-villain who is trying to redeem himself. The way he’s able to learn from his mistakes just makes him such an amazing character. Thomas overcoming his prejudices and learning to control his magic was also a wonderful step up in character for him. The relationship between him and his father is so bittersweet. I love how Edmund is trying to reconnect with his son even though he doesn’t entire understand his experiences. Thomas is just such a thoughtful protagonist and I can’t wait to see more of him.
My only complaint was the amount of times characters winked. Reading “he said with a wink” or “she winked at him” like a hundred times was kinda driving me nuts. ANYWAY, other than that I loved this book even more than the first and would totally recommend to fantasy and romance lovers.
So, this book was awesome. I was living for the extra almost 200 pages compared to the last book. Despite the length nothing felt drawn out and rarely ever repetitive. The plot was stellar! The book being spilt into the perspectives of Thomas, Charles, and Felix made for such a fun read. The B-plot of Aella, Finnlay, and Felix trying to escape the magic conversion camp was so suspenseful and entertaining. The twists and turns of the main story with Thomas working to fight Tetra and facing the difficulties of immortality made for such an engaging read. The constant back and forth between Thomas and Charles hating each other than loving each other then hating each other again kept me on my toes! The dramatic proposal at Charles’ not-birthday-party and the final battle between Cadwell and Thomas had me squealing with anticipation. I literally could not be normal about this book while I was reading it in public I got so many weird looks.
I loved all the characters in this book. Some of them genuinely had me smitten while others I loved to HATE. Like Cathrine is terrible but such a well written villain. Finnlay is just so pure I love him, there’s really not much I have to say other than he’s a cutie patootie who is such a good friend to Felix and eventually Thomas. Aella is another character I love to hate. She’s hilarious but such an asshole. Also her BETRAYAL?!?! I was gagged. The Charles development in this book deeply healed something within me. He is truly the definition of the misunderstood ex-villain who is trying to redeem himself. The way he’s able to learn from his mistakes just makes him such an amazing character. Thomas overcoming his prejudices and learning to control his magic was also a wonderful step up in character for him. The relationship between him and his father is so bittersweet. I love how Edmund is trying to reconnect with his son even though he doesn’t entire understand his experiences. Thomas is just such a thoughtful protagonist and I can’t wait to see more of him.
My only complaint was the amount of times characters winked. Reading “he said with a wink” or “she winked at him” like a hundred times was kinda driving me nuts. ANYWAY, other than that I loved this book even more than the first and would totally recommend to fantasy and romance lovers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2025
"If Charles was a siren, Thomas would have drowned a long time ago."
"It's easy to say I love you. It's hard to explain why."
I received and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Overall I enjoyed reading Servant of Fear. I think it was a great second book in this series and I'm excited to get my own physical copy to go with Song of the Dark and continue the story!
I rated this 3.5 stars because the plot of it seemed to drag for me a little. I absolutely loved the characters and seeing their progression more in this book than in Song of the Dark but I felt like we were just floating with them on their boat while other big moves were being made elsewhere.
That being said I love the way the story went and it felt like it is leading nicely to what is hopefully a third book on the way!
The characters in this book are so interesting and they all have something unique about them that draws you in and keeps you engaged. This book switched POVs that gave us an insight into how the other character interact with the world instead of just seeing it through Thomas' eyes and I really enjoyed that.
"It's easy to say I love you. It's hard to explain why."
I received and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Overall I enjoyed reading Servant of Fear. I think it was a great second book in this series and I'm excited to get my own physical copy to go with Song of the Dark and continue the story!
I rated this 3.5 stars because the plot of it seemed to drag for me a little. I absolutely loved the characters and seeing their progression more in this book than in Song of the Dark but I felt like we were just floating with them on their boat while other big moves were being made elsewhere.
That being said I love the way the story went and it felt like it is leading nicely to what is hopefully a third book on the way!
The characters in this book are so interesting and they all have something unique about them that draws you in and keeps you engaged. This book switched POVs that gave us an insight into how the other character interact with the world instead of just seeing it through Thomas' eyes and I really enjoyed that.
February 24, 2025
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
-using the spoilers filter just in case but I don’t think there are any actual spoilers-
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I felt it was a good continuation of Song of the Dark. I liked the development of Charles and Thomas’ relationship and the fact that their individual problems weren’t immediately solved just because they got together. I think the reveal of who is behind the camp/how the magic removal is happening was well done. I also am glad that we got to know a bit more about Felix and his backstory. I really liked his dynamic with Finnlay. I think pretty much all of the characters got a bit more fleshed out in this one, which I think was needed as it allows the reader to better understand their motivations.
My one complaint would be that as soon as I got into what was happening in one plot line we’d be taken to the other. This might not be a bad thing for other people, as it does create suspense, but personally I found myself getting annoyed more than once and it may have driven me to prefer one set of characters/plot line over the other. It wasn’t a huge huge deal, since you can see that I still have the book 4 stars, and I eventually grew to care about both plots. There was also one character that I despised from their introduction and if they get a redemption arc in the future I will be very sad lol.
All in all, I had a good experience with this book. I liked the characters, world-building, and story. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, I highly recommend you pick up this one as well.
-using the spoilers filter just in case but I don’t think there are any actual spoilers-
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I felt it was a good continuation of Song of the Dark. I liked the development of Charles and Thomas’ relationship and the fact that their individual problems weren’t immediately solved just because they got together. I think the reveal of who is behind the camp/how the magic removal is happening was well done. I also am glad that we got to know a bit more about Felix and his backstory. I really liked his dynamic with Finnlay. I think pretty much all of the characters got a bit more fleshed out in this one, which I think was needed as it allows the reader to better understand their motivations.
My one complaint would be that as soon as I got into what was happening in one plot line we’d be taken to the other. This might not be a bad thing for other people, as it does create suspense, but personally I found myself getting annoyed more than once and it may have driven me to prefer one set of characters/plot line over the other. It wasn’t a huge huge deal, since you can see that I still have the book 4 stars, and I eventually grew to care about both plots. There was also one character that I despised from their introduction and if they get a redemption arc in the future I will be very sad lol.
All in all, I had a good experience with this book. I liked the characters, world-building, and story. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, I highly recommend you pick up this one as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2025
I had the incredible pleasure to receive an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. Servant of Fear is the best continuation of Song of the Dark could’ve hoped for. Bryn Suddarth is a master at pacing without having you feel rushed. The themes of family, self identity, autonomy, and learning to listen to your emotions will touch everybody but especially those within the queer community. Each chapter leaves you wanting to know what happens next until the next POV has you in a vice-like grip. Even though magic is in every word, this story is very human. Picking up right after the events of Book 1, finds our group on the journey to Thomas’s home, finding out villainous motives, new skills, new coping mechanisms, and possibly old love? The emotional journey is just as turbulent as the waves that threaten to over take everything from Thomas’s group. This truly is an amazing sequel to The song of the Dark.
February 25, 2025
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love this series!!
Servant of Fear is a gripping, emotional ride that pulled me in from the first page and didn’t let go. The characters feel so real—flawed, & struggling, and trying to survive in a world that constantly pushes them to their limits. The tension constantly rises, the stakes are high, and the relationships are just as complicated and gut wrenching as ever.
What I love most about this book is how effortlessly it blends action, magic, and deeply personal struggles. Every moment feels meaningful, every decision has weight, and it’s impossible not to get invested. By the time I reached the last page, I was already thinking about what’s next.
This series keeps getting better, I can’t wait to see where it goes from here! Ughh I have to wait for the next book now
I love this series!!
Servant of Fear is a gripping, emotional ride that pulled me in from the first page and didn’t let go. The characters feel so real—flawed, & struggling, and trying to survive in a world that constantly pushes them to their limits. The tension constantly rises, the stakes are high, and the relationships are just as complicated and gut wrenching as ever.
What I love most about this book is how effortlessly it blends action, magic, and deeply personal struggles. Every moment feels meaningful, every decision has weight, and it’s impossible not to get invested. By the time I reached the last page, I was already thinking about what’s next.
This series keeps getting better, I can’t wait to see where it goes from here! Ughh I have to wait for the next book now
February 26, 2025
This book series is going to end me.
Listen. It's mostly about feelings. Big feelings. It's about processing them in a healthy way, its about forgiving yourself and forgiving others, and it's about finding yourself, being who you are, and not allowing others to change you.
All of that wrapped up in a kicking-my-feet adorable YA romance that makes me giggle like a madman, plus magic and pirates and mermaids.
The language of the book is geared towards younger audiences, I believe. I'm used to reading dark fantasy romances (iykyk) so it does take me a little bit to get my brain into the cadence of the writing, but that's not a bad thing. It's just the DNA of this series.
Bryn, give me book three already :D
Listen. It's mostly about feelings. Big feelings. It's about processing them in a healthy way, its about forgiving yourself and forgiving others, and it's about finding yourself, being who you are, and not allowing others to change you.
All of that wrapped up in a kicking-my-feet adorable YA romance that makes me giggle like a madman, plus magic and pirates and mermaids.
The language of the book is geared towards younger audiences, I believe. I'm used to reading dark fantasy romances (iykyk) so it does take me a little bit to get my brain into the cadence of the writing, but that's not a bad thing. It's just the DNA of this series.
Bryn, give me book three already :D
May 29, 2025
I think I liked this book better than book one. The plot, the characters, the emotional journey of it all was so satisfying. The magic aspect was also really interesting to see more of as the characters developed throughout the book.
Read For
✓ Magic
✓ Storms
✓ Hurt/Comfort
✓ Queer Fantasy
✓ Relationship Drama
⚠️ Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Homophobia, Transphobia, Classism
𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊
Spice Level: n/a
Sad Level: 💧💧
Plot: 8/10
Pace: 8/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Enjoyability: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Would I Recommend? Yes
Favorite Character: Charles
Favorite Quote: ❝ “I got you back, and then I immediately lost you again. And it was my fault. Again. I don't remember much after I realized you were dead. I know I was crying. I wouldn't let you go.” ❞
POV: Multiple, Third Person
Pages: 504
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Release Date: 08, March 2025
Rep/Extras: Gay (main character), Trans man (side character), LGBTQIA+ Characters
March 11, 2025
Honestly this book is even more captivating than the first one. It continues on with the characters and the story perfectly, leading to the world getting more and more developed. I enjoyed all the new characters we met in this one. Very easy to read writing for someone like myself with ADHD who enjoys reading but typically takes months to finish a single book. Highly recommend
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2025
I love this book, but I’m not going too into detail because I don’t wish to spoil anything for a new reader. It was so exciting to read and I had many moments were I was scared what I hoped would happened wouldn’t (usually something BETTER happened in turn,) I love getting to know more about Felix since he is my favorite character so far in this building series. Definitely brought me to tears and the edge of my seat all at once, would definitely recommend!!
April 2, 2025
Absolutely incredible writing on Bryn's part. I'm gripping the edge of my chair waiting for book three. My only disappointment is that not everything is wrapped up before the end of this. I can't wait to see what Thomas gets up to next.
August 10, 2025
I'm torn when it comes to rating this one. Aella was insufferable and Charles was really immature and unlikable throughout the majority of the book. Near the end the plot finally picked up its pace and became more enjoyable.
July 15, 2025
I loved it, I can't wait for the 3rd book to come out
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews