A Song of Spells & Sorrow

The Ballad of Fate #1

by Kalynn Applewhite, Chrissabug (Illustrator)

There has always been a wildness to Keira’s magic—a restless curiosity that once led her deep into the forests of her childhood and a fierce power that thrums through her veins. Her gift was a mystery to her until the day the red wizard arrived. He became her guardian and teacher, whisking her away to his remote tower, where she spent years mastering her natural magics and learning the secrets of the arcane.

Penniless and bruised in the midst of a summer storm, Caspian takes refuge in the very same tower, not knowing that it will change the course of his life. He becomes a permanent fixture, working as a farmhand as he comes to know the wizard’s intriguing ward. His friendship with Keira grows into the blossoms of first love. However their plans to run away together are cut short as Caspian is sent off to war never to return.

Four year later, Keira finds herself on an unexpected path, working with a band of mercenary adventurers known as the Blades of Fate. When a message from her estranged guardian brings her back home, she learns the Caspian is in fact not only alive, but by some twist of fate, now a titled lord. Keira is torn between her desire to rekindle their love and the fear that she no longer has a place in his life. Yet as darkness gathers, she will have to risk more than her broken heart in order to fight for their second chance at love.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance

472 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2026

About the author

Kalynn is a work-at-home mom and lead creator/writer for Applewhite Games. She is a lifelong writer with a passion for exploring Feminist themes through fantasy. Kalynn lives in Ohio with her husband, two sons, and beloved cats.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Kalynn’s White Crow series and I was offered a chance to be an ARC reader so I jumped at it. A Song of Spells &Sorrow is a completely different genre for Kalynn and she did a great job in the Romantasy genre. I love when a story is told through multiple characters point of views, I enjoyed how different the characters were how she was able to really give each one their own personality. I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for Keira and Yvett (my 2 favorite characters)

[Amber McKeever · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a beta reader for this book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it in its final form. This is not my typical genre since I don’t read a lot of fantasy, but I really liked the overall story and would be interested in reading more in this series!

[Kaysi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… A Song of Spells and Sorrow was so many things. It’s a romance, it’s dynamic, it’s heartbreaking, and at times it’s a cautionary tale. These characters are so complex and very well rounded. The multiple points of view throughout the story was done so well that genuinely I want to know more about each character. Our main couple has this rich and hard fought love story that you’re so compelled to root for. The pacing was perfect for me. Overall great read and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

Be sure to check the trigger warnings there are some tough topics that are handled with care.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventurous Romantasy | Heartbreak | Spice | Unforgettable characters & an intriguing plot that keeps you interested

I enjoyed Applewhite's first 3 books in the White Crow series and was excited when she announced this project because the tropes in her graphic made it sound like something I'd really like. (the photo suggests a D&D inspired romantasy with sweet and spicy romance; multi-POV and 1st in series.) This book did not disappoint - I loved it! The bond Keira forms with the Blades and the way the story unravels to tell Caspian's side urged me on because I needed to know what happened in the past and present.

I'm a big fan of multi-POV books and the characters were all so intriguing to read. I enjoyed the story when it shifted perspective and felt like it made sense in relation to what was going on, which made it even more enjoyable. Speaking of characters... Caspian and Keira 😍 ummm yes! And I definitely need more Florian, Yvette, and Knox. I cannot wait to read the sequel and see where things go next.

I received a copy of A Song of Spells & Sorrow in exchange for an honest review and I loved this book from beginning to end. Thank you Kalynn for the opportunity to read this ARC and another wonderful tale!

[Emily Mims · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book and man let me tell you, this book was everything! Romance, action and fantasy. This story had me yelling, crying and laughing all within the same time frame. There are some hard topics in this story so please make sure to read the trigger warnings but I absolutely loved this book and Kalynn is now one of my all time favorite authors.

[Meghan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whimsical | Magical | Romance | A Love that Never Dies | Found Family | Adversities

A semi spicy romantasy that will keep you turning for the next page 🌶🥰

This book was everything I had hoped it to be and more! The magical elements incorporated throughout the book added a touch of wonder and really set the scene. It's a love story that continues to succeed even through all of the trials thrown it's way. Keira and Caspian have so much emotional depth written into their characters and the author does a phenomenal job bringing them to life on page. I am so excited to see what the next book has to offer for other characters in this series!

[Jackilyn Derwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author at a book con in summer of 2025 and immediately added her White Crow series to my TBR list! I was so excited to hear from her about her upcoming romantasy series she was starting and when the opportunity to be an ARC reader came up, I jumped at the chance!

A Song of Spells & Sorrows is a truly beautiful story that captures you from the very beginning. I love a multi-POV and Applewhite did a great job of getting inside each character's head and allowing their own unique voices to come out. It added so much character development as well because the reader is able to see the main characters from other perspectives and get a more complete view of who they are.

I loved getting to experience Caspian and Keira's relationship from innocent beginnings to the not-so-innocent future. You'll smile, gasp, laugh, and cry (maybe sometimes all in the same chapter!) as you follow along their journey, rooting for them the whole way! I'm so excited to see what she has in store for these characters as the series continues!!

One final note, this book does deal with some difficult, potentially triggering topics so be sure to be aware of those and please protect your own mental/emotional health when enjoying great reads!

[Cassi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pure, enchanting heartbreak—in the absolute best way. Kalynn Applewhite weaves a world of music, magic, and grief that feels so vivid you can almost hear the spells humming off the page. The atmosphere is dark, lyrical, and hauntingly beautiful, wrapping you in a story that refuses to let go.

The characters are what truly shine. Each one is layered with pain, power, and longing, and their emotional journeys hit so hard I had to pause more than once just to breathe. The romance is slow, aching, and unforgettable—the kind that creeps into your chest and settles there.

Applewhite’s storytelling is immersive, poetic, and full of heart. The plot moves with purpose, the twists land, and the magical elements feel fresh and unique. By the time I reached the last page, I wasn’t ready to leave this world behind.

If you love fantasy drenched in emotion, beautifully built magic systems, and characters who feel achingly real, this book deserves a spot at the top of your TBR. It’s spellbinding, sorrowful, and absolutely stunning. ✨💙📖

[Brittany Aitchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortune enough to receive an ARC of this book and have definitely taken my time writing this review. (Sorry in advance)

To start off, I loved this book. I initially was fortunate to hear about Spells & Sorrow when Kalynn Applewhite attended a near by book convention. She personally described the book as her Dungeons and Dragon inspired story and I was sold.

I admire these characters. From the start you are introduced to two very dynamic and complex characters coming from two different backgrounds. Keira and Caspian are such a good fit for one another from the start. To see them be separated and witness the journey Keira takes to reunite herself with him, and the way both of their stories form around one another is the highlight of this novel. I will say Song of Spells & Sorrow does touch on some sensitive subjects in this tale, but Kalynn does a fantastic job of addressing them and keeping the story moving.

I cannot wait for book two where we get to explore more stories and hopefully learn more about the characters we've met along the way.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and am I glad I did. It is an action-packed adult romantasy. The author weaves a thrilling adventure filled with romantic tension that builds like a freight train rolling downhill to the conclusion. The action has more ups and downs than a roller coaster. Every time you think things are going to work out just fine, another crisis jumps up and swings things in a new direction threatening the characters and any chance they have to hold on to each other. Even as the main characters deal with one catastrophe after another, they never give up which has the reader rooting even harder for them to succeed. If you like fantasy you’ll really like this one.

[Kristen Groenke · Rating 4 out of 5]

An epic romantasy with mild spice! The world building is very easy to follow, the character development is exciting, and there is just the right amount of peril to keep you turning the page!

I appreciated that the names of characters, towns, monsters, etc were easy to pronounce and remember. In some fantasy/romantasy books it seems like I spend more time trying to remember who is who than diving into the story, but that was not the case here! It’s easy to invest in the characters, relationships, and drama!

Keira and Caspian make for a great FMC/MMC pair! I enjoyed the second chance at love trope!

[Backyard Bindings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captivated me. The world-building was beautiful but didn’t overpower the story. Initially, I thought the storyline was resolving quickly, but there were even more layers to it as I delved deeper into the book. The book has a good dose of spice, but it doesn’t rely on it to carry the story. I loved how the characters were unique and the book felt inclusive. The plot is captivating, and the ending is beautifully set up to continue the story in book two. Definitely a book I didn’t wanna put down once I started it.

[Elizabeth Raypole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The knot tying ceremony was my favorite and I think I may implement that into a vow rededication with my husband. It’s such a beautiful idea.

I actually got to meet this author and speak with her a bit before purchasing this book. She is super nice and down to Earth. I can’t wait for Book 2 in this series!