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The Song Duology #1
A Song to Wake a Thousand Sorrows
A woman with unimaginable power. A king hellbent on ruling the world. An ancient force that could mean salvation or destruction.The survivor of a brutal childhood, Clare Brighton craves the kind of wealth and notoriety that will mean the horrors of her past can never again touch her. With nothing but a battered guitar and a Songweaver’s talent, she comes to the capital of the Faelhorn Provinces, determined to gain her place.
But there is another, more dangerous power that dwells within Clare. An entity she calls the Song, it is ancient and fathomless…and no longer content to be held in the cage she has trapped it in. It is a power the ruthless Jackal King has long been searching for, and should he discover she possesses it, the cost will be far greater than her life.
Clare has sworn that she will never again let anyone control her. But escaping the Jackal King’s notice will require the one thing she never wanted to help. It will come first from the two lords who have taken her under their wing. Next from the second prince of Faelhorn, who Clare alone knows is not what he seems. And finally, from the Song itself.
The Song has the strength to save her—if it doesn’t destroy her first.
But there is another, more dangerous power that dwells within Clare. An entity she calls the Song, it is ancient and fathomless…and no longer content to be held in the cage she has trapped it in. It is a power the ruthless Jackal King has long been searching for, and should he discover she possesses it, the cost will be far greater than her life.
Clare has sworn that she will never again let anyone control her. But escaping the Jackal King’s notice will require the one thing she never wanted to help. It will come first from the two lords who have taken her under their wing. Next from the second prince of Faelhorn, who Clare alone knows is not what he seems. And finally, from the Song itself.
The Song has the strength to save her—if it doesn’t destroy her first.
Audio CD
First published March 19, 2024
34 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Manus
11 books90 followersMichelle lives in a desolate land with a dark wizard, a unicorn, and a feline overlord. Despite certain stereotypes you may be familiar with, the dark wizard is not holding her captive, nor does the unicorn require virgin riders. The feline overlord, however, may well be evil.
She holds dual BAs in English and Philosophy, which has gotten her about as far as you would expect it to in life. Despite all evidence to the contrary, she’s still desperately holding out hope that in an alternate reality she’s a sword-wielding princess.
She holds dual BAs in English and Philosophy, which has gotten her about as far as you would expect it to in life. Despite all evidence to the contrary, she’s still desperately holding out hope that in an alternate reality she’s a sword-wielding princess.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 16, 2025
4.5⭐️ Wow. This was brilliant! I love when I stumble upon a hidden gem. This was written so well, making me love it even more. (Except I did knock off half a star for the overuse of ellipsis). This had everything. Trauma, feminine rage, a Villian to hate, a slow burn (and I do mean slow), a sweet friendship, magic…I could go on but I don’t want to give it all away. This is a chunky read, but the pacing is well done. Looking forward to book 2. I’m curious how this will wrap up.
March 26, 2024
I already read some of Michelles Books before and enjoyed them but this was another Level entirely. This Story was soo well written, so eloquent and lyrical but without being overly descriptive and I thoroughly enjoyed it from the first to the very last page. The characters, the storyline, the Magic System and world building… it all just fit.
I can‘t wait for the next one 📖
I can‘t wait for the next one 📖
March 28, 2024
This was epic. The storyline draws you in thoroughly. I cannot wait to see what happens next. So glad I found this world.
September 2, 2025
This book had NOOO business being this good 😭😭😭 why aren’t more people reading this author?!? Do yourself a favor and pick this baby up, you won’t be disappointed. 🫶🏻
March 31, 2024
Michelle is masterful with her word choices. To have song weaving as magic and describe in words how people react without us hearing the music is wonderful.
The time pacing in this fantasy book is wonderful. It doesn't feel like fast time wise in the actions, but there's time passing. We are fully in the moments that are important. We grow bonds between the characters in the ways they are to be, friendships, potential more than friends, irritation, dislike, and more.
Clare is a special person. She carries the song with her. Though, the Song is more than she ever knew it was. She's afraid to let the Song out of the prison she's built inside her as it will want more than she wants to give.
Clare has ambitions. She has goals for what she wants to do. And those goals grow as she meets those in the city with the palace and the Jackal king. Clare has crafty ways to reach her goals. The way she plays music when put on the spot, the way she plans on breaking the guild, and even more. She's a brilliant woman.
There's a friendship that grows into a bond that Clare has never had before. To watch this friendship form and grow... it's beautiful. They accept each other for who they are and help each other through the days in the palace full of self centered men and ladies.
Then things change. And Clare and the Song make their choice on no longer hiding.
The things that Clare does and can do. Wow. I couldn't read this book fast enough to take it all in at the same time. I loved the actions. I love what we see of the world. I love the potential and the threat to this world. Clare is a damaged character that takes it all in, and has to do things that are...wowing.
I can't wait for the next book to come out to see where we go next and what Clare will do.
The time pacing in this fantasy book is wonderful. It doesn't feel like fast time wise in the actions, but there's time passing. We are fully in the moments that are important. We grow bonds between the characters in the ways they are to be, friendships, potential more than friends, irritation, dislike, and more.
Clare is a special person. She carries the song with her. Though, the Song is more than she ever knew it was. She's afraid to let the Song out of the prison she's built inside her as it will want more than she wants to give.
Clare has ambitions. She has goals for what she wants to do. And those goals grow as she meets those in the city with the palace and the Jackal king. Clare has crafty ways to reach her goals. The way she plays music when put on the spot, the way she plans on breaking the guild, and even more. She's a brilliant woman.
There's a friendship that grows into a bond that Clare has never had before. To watch this friendship form and grow... it's beautiful. They accept each other for who they are and help each other through the days in the palace full of self centered men and ladies.
Then things change. And Clare and the Song make their choice on no longer hiding.
The things that Clare does and can do. Wow. I couldn't read this book fast enough to take it all in at the same time. I loved the actions. I love what we see of the world. I love the potential and the threat to this world. Clare is a damaged character that takes it all in, and has to do things that are...wowing.
I can't wait for the next book to come out to see where we go next and what Clare will do.
November 27, 2024
The fact that Michelle Manus doesn't have a 6+ figure publishing deal is absolutely insane to me. She is, easily and by far, one of the most talented writers in the fantasy/urban fantasy realms right now.
A Song to Wake a Thousand Sorrows is a better fantasy (I'd say light romantasy, as there is plenty of plot outside the romance angle) than anything influencers on BookTok and Bookstagram are talking about. Her work has depth, both in plot and in character, and her writing style is approachable and engaging.
She's just a damn good writer.
If you like anything in these genres, give this book a shot and then go check out Nyx Fortuna.
Seriously Manus is SUCH a sleeper writing superstar. You won't regret it.
A Song to Wake a Thousand Sorrows is a better fantasy (I'd say light romantasy, as there is plenty of plot outside the romance angle) than anything influencers on BookTok and Bookstagram are talking about. Her work has depth, both in plot and in character, and her writing style is approachable and engaging.
She's just a damn good writer.
If you like anything in these genres, give this book a shot and then go check out Nyx Fortuna.
Seriously Manus is SUCH a sleeper writing superstar. You won't regret it.
October 5, 2025
A love letter to all the horse girls
4.25 stars
4.25 stars
June 16, 2025
This is a hidden gem, and should be significantly more popular than it is.
All the characters were interesting, complex, had their own personalities in their own pov’s.
The story line was intriguing and the romance believable while also being a delicious slow burn.
This is how you write a strong FMC that is interesting, complex and strong. I just hope she continues to be still likeable as thus far she is reasonable in her decisions and lack of trust etc and has motivation behind everything she does.
Bravo, excellent job
All the characters were interesting, complex, had their own personalities in their own pov’s.
The story line was intriguing and the romance believable while also being a delicious slow burn.
This is how you write a strong FMC that is interesting, complex and strong. I just hope she continues to be still likeable as thus far she is reasonable in her decisions and lack of trust etc and has motivation behind everything she does.
Bravo, excellent job
November 24, 2024
What is this book? A masterpiece ✨️
It was refreshing seeing a female lead with such witt and intelligence. Her actions weren't aimless or fuelled by misunderstandings. She always tried to grasp the full picture before acting out.
She was clever, crafty, bold without pretence, honest, and practical. Her strength wasn't only in her powers but also in her mind.
It was impossible not to like clare and seek to continue viewing the world through her eyes.
The other characters were equally likeable. Not for their purity and goodness but for their depth of character. Each had their own torments and was dealing with them the only way they knew how.
The relationships created didn't feel rushed nor disingenuous. They felt true to character, for each loved and cared differently in their own way.
The romantic development between Clare and Numare was also beautiful woven. It wasn't quickened for the sake of physical attraction. It had a solid foundation. They saw each other for who their truly were.
I couldn't stop kicking my feet during some of their interactions.
‐-------
- "Who are you, Clare Brighton?”
She thought of who she’d been. Of who she wanted to be. Of the lives and memories constantly pressing at her mind. “Everything and everyone. Who are you, Numair Tolvannen?”
That dark melancholy moved across his eyes again. “Nothing and no one.”
- “And have it be said I needed assistance rescuing a gentleman in distress?”
“I think ‘distress’ might be overstating the situation.”
“Princes are always overstating the damsel’s distress in those ridiculous stories.”
“Fair enough,” he conceded. “Should I swoon for the sake of equality?”
‐------------------
Can't wait for book 2 😌✨️💕
It was refreshing seeing a female lead with such witt and intelligence. Her actions weren't aimless or fuelled by misunderstandings. She always tried to grasp the full picture before acting out.
She was clever, crafty, bold without pretence, honest, and practical. Her strength wasn't only in her powers but also in her mind.
It was impossible not to like clare and seek to continue viewing the world through her eyes.
The other characters were equally likeable. Not for their purity and goodness but for their depth of character. Each had their own torments and was dealing with them the only way they knew how.
The relationships created didn't feel rushed nor disingenuous. They felt true to character, for each loved and cared differently in their own way.
The romantic development between Clare and Numare was also beautiful woven. It wasn't quickened for the sake of physical attraction. It had a solid foundation. They saw each other for who their truly were.
I couldn't stop kicking my feet during some of their interactions.
‐-------
- "Who are you, Clare Brighton?”
She thought of who she’d been. Of who she wanted to be. Of the lives and memories constantly pressing at her mind. “Everything and everyone. Who are you, Numair Tolvannen?”
That dark melancholy moved across his eyes again. “Nothing and no one.”
- “And have it be said I needed assistance rescuing a gentleman in distress?”
“I think ‘distress’ might be overstating the situation.”
“Princes are always overstating the damsel’s distress in those ridiculous stories.”
“Fair enough,” he conceded. “Should I swoon for the sake of equality?”
‐------------------
Can't wait for book 2 😌✨️💕
April 30, 2024
Almost a month has passed since reading this book and yet, I still find myself thinking of it often. This book was phenomenal. The world building, characters and emotions were intricately layered in a way that I have never read before.
This book is a masterpiece. Michelle Manus has quickly become one of my favourite authors, joining a list that includes Ilona Andrews, T.A. White, Jessie Mihalik, and K.F. Breene, to name a few.
The first in a new series, A Song To Wake. A Thousand Soorows, takes readers on a journey alongside two lost, broken souls who have seen and experienced the worst of humanity. When a reluctant, fragile connection blooms between them, each must decide whether it is worth fighting for.
This book is a masterpiece. Michelle Manus has quickly become one of my favourite authors, joining a list that includes Ilona Andrews, T.A. White, Jessie Mihalik, and K.F. Breene, to name a few.
The first in a new series, A Song To Wake. A Thousand Soorows, takes readers on a journey alongside two lost, broken souls who have seen and experienced the worst of humanity. When a reluctant, fragile connection blooms between them, each must decide whether it is worth fighting for.
February 3, 2025
This is one of the best books that I have read in a long time. The world building is amazing. Clare Brighton is an amazing MC. She is written as a flawed character and how couldn't she be especially as the reader learns about where she came from, but despite her flaws and herself she is growing and learning to ask for help. This book is way better than that Fourth Wing drivel that everyone is loving right now and it is even better than ACOTAR (which I shamelessly love). Michelle Manus, well done. I can't wait to read the next book. I will be recommending this to all my friends that love to read! This is way better book than most of the fantasy that is out right now and deserves to be way more popular than it currently is.
May 8, 2025
great story
The story is well developed, I really enjoyed how things played out and the imagery used. The slow build of the romance was well done.
My issues are the writing style is a bit over the top dramatic and at times needing grammar corrections and better editing. It’s also a bit too long - there was too much telling and not enough showing.
I would not recommend this to someone just starting to read fantasy as this would likely turn you off.
But I do recommend it for those wanting a mildly complex story and decent world building, with a main character who is relatable to those of us who have had our own sorrows to learn from.
This is a heroine I would like to keep reading about!
The story is well developed, I really enjoyed how things played out and the imagery used. The slow build of the romance was well done.
My issues are the writing style is a bit over the top dramatic and at times needing grammar corrections and better editing. It’s also a bit too long - there was too much telling and not enough showing.
I would not recommend this to someone just starting to read fantasy as this would likely turn you off.
But I do recommend it for those wanting a mildly complex story and decent world building, with a main character who is relatable to those of us who have had our own sorrows to learn from.
This is a heroine I would like to keep reading about!
March 29, 2024
Holllllly shit this was gooooooooooood.
This is a romantasy about characters who have had to step into the darkness in order to survive what the darkness did to them. Its not a pretty story, these characters have been through a lot and they are not okay, but you are routing for them with everything you have by the end of chapter 3.
I've honestly haven't had my heart pinched like this since I read the All for the Game series. It gives you the same bruised but in a good way feeling when you end the book.
HIGHLY recommend. Cannot wait for book 2.
This is a romantasy about characters who have had to step into the darkness in order to survive what the darkness did to them. Its not a pretty story, these characters have been through a lot and they are not okay, but you are routing for them with everything you have by the end of chapter 3.
I've honestly haven't had my heart pinched like this since I read the All for the Game series. It gives you the same bruised but in a good way feeling when you end the book.
HIGHLY recommend. Cannot wait for book 2.
January 21, 2025
This was a really amazing book I am not sure why it is not more popular. The writing was really spectacular and the story was unique, which was very refreshing.
My only criticism is there was unnecessary side inclusions with the lgbtq+ community. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind if that’s in the story. What I mean is it was super random and only on side characters that appeared once in the whole book. It felt like she was trying to be seen as inclusive for the sake of popularity rather than just normalizing lgbtq+ characters in the story.
My only criticism is there was unnecessary side inclusions with the lgbtq+ community. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind if that’s in the story. What I mean is it was super random and only on side characters that appeared once in the whole book. It felt like she was trying to be seen as inclusive for the sake of popularity rather than just normalizing lgbtq+ characters in the story.
May 4, 2024
Story of a girl with a dark entity living in her mind. Imagery is excellent. Lots of trigger warnings here - both the main characters were put through extreme abuse. I am not sure about the hero/prince but instead of breaking her it made Claire a force to be reckoned with raining vengeance on her abuser. There is some disconnect here and there, for example I am not sure why the "song" didn't help her when she was being abused by Simian. Overall a good book to read and re read.
March 19, 2025
I came across this book by chance and it’s honestly one of my favourite fantasy novels. I hadn’t heard of the author before, but I’m convinced after this series, she will gain heaps of popularity.
Michelle created an incredible story line with characters that I fell in love with. She gives a fresh face to romantic fantasy rather than recycling old ideas from other popular novels. I can’t wait for the 2nd one to come out!
Michelle created an incredible story line with characters that I fell in love with. She gives a fresh face to romantic fantasy rather than recycling old ideas from other popular novels. I can’t wait for the 2nd one to come out!
June 8, 2025
Pretty good. Probably a 4.75. The author classifies this on her website as "epic fantasy." I agree and enjoyed the journey of this story. It doesn't linger and once something is hinted at, it is quickly revealed in the story, which I really liked.
my only criticism was that sometimes the love interest part seemed cheesy and didn't align with what I felt like was the main character's personality, but mostly I still liked their connection.
my only criticism was that sometimes the love interest part seemed cheesy and didn't align with what I felt like was the main character's personality, but mostly I still liked their connection.
July 9, 2025
This was such a unique, beautiful story. It ends with a cliffhanger so you know more action is coming. This is I guess high fantasy. It’s deeper level and more complex. The characters are interesting. I don’t feel particularly drawn to any but they are rich and interesting. The magic system is different and beautiful. The Song and song weaving is what makes this story particularly unique. Looking forward to book 2!
March 4, 2025
I do love this author. Her Guardian series is delightful. This is a good fantasy with another wonderfully strong female character who still manages to be together despite many and horrid challenging in her past. Great characters, good story with unexpected story turns.
Look forward to the next instalment.
Look forward to the next instalment.
March 30, 2024
The perfect balance of world building, horror with hope and a steady build up of information without revealing much of anything until the puzzle is nearly complete.
I'm giddy to see the finale and I'm not even confident there will be a HEA.. the unpredictability is delightful.
I'm giddy to see the finale and I'm not even confident there will be a HEA.. the unpredictability is delightful.
April 28, 2024
wow
This is a seriously engaging book. Some of it could be triggering, and i felt like there were the occasionally, minutely disjointed bits…but those are minor complaints in the grand scheme of this big, broad and ambitious story. Cannot wait for #2 to come out.
This is a seriously engaging book. Some of it could be triggering, and i felt like there were the occasionally, minutely disjointed bits…but those are minor complaints in the grand scheme of this big, broad and ambitious story. Cannot wait for #2 to come out.
May 14, 2024
Great story! The first for me for this author. I really enjoy watching Claire struggle with her siren power.
Not a huge fan of the MMC sleeping with other women but understand it's to show a power dynamic between him and the king.
Not a huge fan of the MMC sleeping with other women but understand it's to show a power dynamic between him and the king.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2024
Excellent. Considering it is written in a style I don't generally care for, it is outstanding. A lot of internal character musings that I usually find to be all tell no show but here, here the compelling characters made the distance acceptable.
September 1, 2024
This was by far my favorite book of the year. I’m not sure if it’s because I wasn’t expecting it to be as good, I picked it up randomly, or if it’s just that good. I’ll be desperately waiting for the finale
February 12, 2025
You know I never really understood the power of Slow Burn before, but I think I get it now. I loved the developing relationship between Clare and Numair, and the the found family. I'll be waiting for book two.
March 29, 2024
4.5 stars
April 2, 2024
I need the next book right now. The plot, dialogue and world building was perfection.
April 9, 2024
Slow start and took time to get into the story but once I did, I loved it
April 10, 2024
Really enjoyed this book. Can't wait for book 2.
February 1, 2025
Fabulous story. Beautifully crafted by a master story teller
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews