Whispers of Shadow & Flame

Earthsinger Chronicles #2

by L. Penelope

The Mantle that separates the kingdoms of Elsira and Lagrimar is about to fall. And life will drastically change for both kingdoms.

Born with a deadly magic she cannot control, Kyara is forced to become an assassin. Known as the Poison Flame in the kingdom of Lagrimar, she is notorious and lethal, but secretly seeks freedom from both her untamed power and the blood spell that commands her. She is tasked with capturing the legendary rebel called the Shadowfox, but everything changes when she learns her target’s true identity.

Darvyn ol-Tahlyro may be the most powerful Earthsinger in generations, but guilt over those he couldn’t save tortures him daily. He isn’t sure he can trust the mysterious young woman who claims to need his help, but when he discovers Kyara can unlock the secrets of his past, he can’t stay away.

Kyara and Darvyn grapple with betrayal, old promises, and older prophecies—all while trying to stop a war. And when a new threat emerges, they must beat the odds to save both kingdoms.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Fantasy Romance, Audiobook, High Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy

496 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2015

About the author

L. Penelope (also writing as Leslye Penelope) has been writing since she could hold a pen and loves getting lost in the worlds in her head. She is an award-winning author of fantasy and paranormal romance.

She was born in the Bronx, just after the birth of hip hop, but left before she could acquire an accent. Equally left and right-brained, she studied Film at Howard University and minored in Computer Science. This led to a graduate degree in Multimedia and a career in website development. She's also an award-winning independent filmmaker, co-founded a literary magazine, and sometimes dreams in HTML.

Leslye lives in Maryland with her husband and their furry dependents. Sign up for new release information and giveaways on her website: http://www.lpenelope.com.

Reviews

[L. Penelope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I wrote it, but I still really liked it :)

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads giveaway win!

3.5 Stars!

Black O Ween: A fantasy by a Black author

I haven't been the biggest fan of Fantasy novels for the last couple of years. I think I read too many mediocre Fantasies and I just burnt myself out on them.

So you can understand why I was hesitant to pick up Song of Blood & Stone which is book 1 in the Earthsinger Chronicles. I feared that I wouldn't like it. Or that it would go over my head.

My fears were for nothing because I loved that book. It was a fun fast read. The world building as easy to understand and complete. I loved the characters and I just fell in love with that book. I could not wait to read book 2 Whispers of Shadow & Flame which I had won in a giveaway that I had entered by accident. I never intended to win this book because I didn't own book 1. Sometimes the universe just takes over, because I was meant to read this series and I wouldn't have if I hadn't won book 2.

Whispers of Shadow & Flame is the second book in the Earthsinger Chronicles but it can be read without reading book 1. Its the same world but none of the characters from book 1 are in this book. As you can see from star rating I didn't love this book as much as I loved book 1. Whispers of Shadow & Flame had one of my pet peeves....

TOO MANY CHARACTERS!

Book 1 stuck with 2 characters that we got to follow and get to know in a deeper way. But with this book we followed 4-6 characters. I never really got to settle in and get to know them. The 2 main characters never felt real to me.

I do plan on reading book 3(if I can find it) because I do love the world built in these books and I do love L.Penelope's writing.

Read Song of Blood & Stone its great!

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good epic fantasy is a journey filled with turmoil, tests of fortitude and resilience and conflict at every turn. Great epic fantasy is all that and more! It draws the reader into each page, into the minds of the characters and why they do what they do, how they feel about it and what their actions may cost them. We are invited to see the characters, physically, relate to them and forget they are not real…

WHISPERS OF SHADOW AND FLAME by L. Penelope is a great fantasy! Kyara and Darvyn are like two sides to a coin> Kyara is riddled with guilt for her deadly magic of bringing death. She cannot even control it, even as there are those who wish to control her. Now she must kill her latest target, but he isn’t who she thought he would be…

Darvyn lives with the guilt of the lives he could not save with his powers, but Kyara needs his help and she may be the only person who can help him discover his past. Together, they will fight to save their kingdoms and prevent a war that will doom them all. Can they sift through the lies and treachery? Can they trust each other?

L. Penelope’s writing is masterful as she builds a world that springs to life precariously balanced on the blade of war. Powerfully drawn characters, scenes that are filled to overflowing with strife, turmoil and deceit, it was easy to lose myself in her world and the romance of her writing.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from St. Martin's Griffin! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: Earthsinger Chronicles - Book 2
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (October 1, 2019)
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Print Length: 489 pages
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[Kenesha Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book number 2 in a series, but you do not have to have read the first book, Song of Blood & Stone, in the series to read Book 2 because they have different characters and a parallel timeline. Although, you should totally read Book 1 because it's awesome.

First can we talk about the cover? I love covers that are "Unapologetically black" there is no hiding the character's race through shadow or outline, we see that this is a "black book" and I love it. L. Penelope has a knack for putting the perfect cover with her books, look at the cover for Book 1 in this series, it is gorgeous.

Well, they say you can't judge a book by it's cover, but I am a sucker for a pretty cover. Luckily, Whispers of Shadow & Flame is way more than a pretty cover, it is a book with heart and a female character that manages to not only save herself, but her love interest as well. If you like strong female characters, then you'll love both books in the Earthsinger Chronicles. Okay on to the synopsis!

This book takes place in Lagrimar, a land compromised of an all black population who are Earthsingers. Earthsingers are those who have magical powers to manipulate the natural elements to their will although they cannot use the natural elements to kill anyone when used in combat it is only used in defensive measures.

However our main character Kyara is not an Earthsinger she has a rare and deadly magical power she is a Nethersinger and her power is derived from the mortality in others, so infants for example have less Nether for her to draw from than someone who is elderly or ill.

Kyara has been drafted into the ranks of the True Father's army and she is known as the Poisoned Flame for her ability to kill without touching someone. She is sent on a mission to find the Shadowfox,, who is currently the strongest Earthsinger alive and a member of a resistance party against the True Father. Kyara ends up meeting and falling for the Shadowfox, Darvyn, and I don't want to post any spoilers so that's where I'll leave my synopsis.

So to say I liked this book is an understatement. It gave me everything I needed, action, adventure, magic, romance, sex and it hit me straight in the FEELS!

I love the way L. Penelope writes her female characters. First none of them are virgins, you might be saying to yourself, "Why does that matter?". It matters because it doesn't shame her characters for not waiting for "the one". I didn't wait for "the one" and most people don't and I think it's a way to indoctrinate young women through literature to a purity standard that says you can only have sex with "the one" and if you don't you're dirty or unworthy of being the heroine . Okay, that's my little soapbox and now I'm off it. In both Earthsinger books the female characters are strong women who don't need men to accomplish their goals and in fact are the saviors. Can I repeat that??? THEY ARE THE SAVIORS!

And if awesomely written female characters aren't enough for you, can we talk about the world building. L. Penelope does a wonderful job of building up the Earthsinger world, she even has a map in the beginning matter of the book, but even without looking at that, I could clearly picture the landscape she's painted for us with her words.

More gushing...The magic. First the powers that the different characters have is well thought out and the rules used in the novel are consistent. I hate inconsistent magic in novels or characters that can "do all the things". If the magic rules don't make sense or the characters are all powerful it instantly pulls me out of the book into picking at the flaws of the way the magic is portrayed.

So, in closing, Whispers of Shadow & Flame is awesome, you should BUY IT and I can't wait until Book 3. However, I don't think I will be satisfied with only 3 books in this series so I'm going to need L.Penelope to make this a decalogy (yes I'm asking for 10 books!).

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit bummed that Whispers of Shadow & Flame wouldn't be continuing Jasminda and Jack's story, but I ended up falling in love with two new characters: Kyara and Darvyn. Kyara has a very rare type of magic. Instead of being an Earthsinger who can heal and do good, she's a Nethersinger and only brings death. Because of her unusual gift, the True Father uses her as an assassin. She's also bloodbound, so she must obey. Her next mission is to bring in the mysterious Shadowfox, but not kill him. He's the most powerful Earthsinger and the True Father must have his magic. Kyara doesn't want to, but she must, or die trying.

Whispers of Shadow & Flame does take place at the same time as Song of Blood & Stone, which I thought I was cool. We got to see what was happening elsewhere which paints a broader picture of what was going on this world. In fact, there's a ton more excellent world-building. We get to see new places and meet all kinds of characters. I was particularly interested in the Avinids and the Physicks. I'm hoping there will be more of them in the next book(s). Of course, there's also a lot more about magic as Kyara and Darvyn are both extremely powerful and have essentially opposite powers.

The romance in Whispers of Shadow & Flame was also great! Obviously, Darvyn is Kyara's assignment, but she doesn't know this at first. She's undercover and traveling with him as he rescues children who have been kidnapped and sold. They get to know each other and there's an attraction there, which makes it all the more difficult for her to carry out her mission. Everything is working against them! She can't help but betray him, and he can't help her with his Earthsong because of her Nethersong. But once they do finally get together, it's hot! Woah!

That ending though! Whispers of Shadow & Flame ends on a cliffhanger! It takes us to the battle from the first book, but all is not well for Darvyn and Kyara! I need the next book!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[Angela Jones-Cuéllar · Rating 4 out of 5]

pooled ink Reviews:

If you enjoyed Song of Blood & Stone then you'll probably love this as well!
Whispers of Shadow & Flame is a strong continuation of the Earthsinger Chronicles and pushes the series further as a standout YA Fantasy that should be on everyone’s list! High stakes, unexpected entanglements, blood owed and owned, it all rushes together into a very exciting sequel.

Read my full review here: https://pooledink.com/2019/09/23/whis...

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m new to the writings of L. Penelope, but I found this novel to be a great introduction. Whispers of Shadow & Flame: Earthsinger Chronicles, Book Two is the continuation of her fantasy series.

The Mantle, the magical barrier which separates the countries of Lagrimar and Elsira, is failing. All previous breaches of the Mantle led to war between the countries. This breach could be the one that brings the barrier down completely.

Kyara of Lagrimar and Darvyn of Elsira are the best their respective countries have to offer. They have opposing powers and are members of opposing factions but develop tentative respect for each other. Kyara and Darvyn will have to put aside their differences and join forces to battle both age-old and new powers to save their countries from a war that could destroy them all.

L. Penelope has built a world of vast wonders, some vibrant and some desolate. The characterization is top-notch. Though most are imbued with magical powers, the characters are still believable and well-developed. The author’s ability to smoothly handle the numerous characters without confusing the reader is a wonder in and of itself. The varying background scenery adds depth to the story and proves the author’s world-building skill. The plot is engrossing and held my attention from the first page to the last. The ending is a perfect lead-in for future installments.

Book two of Whispers of Shadow & Flame is a strong 5 out of 5 star read that I throughly enjoyed. I recommend it to those who enjoy in-depth fantasy/sci-fi.

My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[aarya · Rating 4 out of 5]

B+ review: https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/r...

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristy]

DNF 25%

I enjoyed the first book in this stand-alone fantasy series, but I struggled with this one. We have new characters and it felt like starting a new series. Unfortunately, it was too slow for me and I’m bailing for now.

I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kyara has the “gift” of Nethersong. It is the opposite of Earthsong - it is death. She’s known as the Poison Flame. She is able to see the “death” in people and force it to accelerate, causing them to die. Forced to kill on behalf of the Truth Father, Kyara longs for her own death to put an end to her curse.

Darvyn is the most powerful Earthsinger in the land. Known as Shadowfox, he is the “savior” of the Lagimar people, but he and his fellow Keepers must stay hidden in the shadows or risk capture by the True Father. Pulled into service at a young age after his mother left him with the Keepers, Darvyn always does what is best for the Lagimar people, yet he longs to find his mother and follow his own path.

Ms. Penelope’s world-building is massive and epic in scope, bringing readers a world where magic is sacred yet stolen by a tyrant, the True Father. With alternating POVs that include both Kyara and Darvyn, along with a couple different Lagimar girls, readers are able to comprehend different perceptions of Earthsong (magic) and the rule of the True Father. I especially enjoyed following Zeli, a seventeen-year-old personal maid whose aspirations represent the bulk of the Lagimaris - just trying to get by and earn a better life than the one they currently live.

While not a romance (no HEA), Whispers of Shadow and Flame features strong romantic elements and personal connections that play into the story and direct much of the action and interactions between the two main characters. Both Kyara and Darvyn are critical pieces on the chess board in a game between the True Father and the Queen Who Sleeps. As they are placed in situations causing them to spend time together, they learn they have much in common and a mutual trust and friendship grows.

Although the story is filled with fascinating world-building and interesting characters, I found that I had a few issues with Whispers of Shadow and Flame. The story builds slowly, and I found myself struggling to stay connected to the plotline and characters for the first half of the book. Additionally, I was bothered that only one character’s POV (young Lagimar girl, Ulani) is shared in present (and future) tense, while the rest of the book is told in past tense. Finally, I was unhappy with how easily resolutions came after the climatic battle scenes.

Narration: Ms. Johnson reads the story in the same soft, feminine voice for each narrator, regardless of whose point of view is presented. It is a soothing and well-spoken voice, however it sounds young, which doesn’t always work for Darvyn and Kyara’s POVs. I don’t know if it’s the narration or the writing or both, but the two main characters sound almost like teenagers. Character dialogue is unique for each speaker. Distinctions are made based on age, gender, and ethnicity. Overall, the voices are pleasing.

The ending of Whispers of Shadow and Flame opens the door to the next chapter of Darvyn and Kyara’s story, and I look forward to finding out where their journey leads them.

My Ratings:
Stary: C+
Narration: B-

Review copy provided by Macmillan Audio.
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About

[Ashlee » libraryinthecountry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love L. Penelope’s work and this book really adds to her Earthsinger Chronicles and the incredibly detailed fantasy world she’s created. Fantasy or not, this is a world with realistic emotions, motivations and (steamy) romance.

I’ve been really looking forward to getting to know Darvyn, after his first mention in Song of Blood & Stone, and this book did not disappoint! In addition to his character, we meet new ones Kyara, Zeli, Ulani and Tana. I loved everyone - they’re all incredibly different but each plays a pivotal role in the plot. There’s also a handful of characters with not so benevolent intentions and it’s up to the reader to weed them out as the story progresses. Innocence is shattered, friendships are broken and alliances are forged.

Additionally, this story takes place during the same time as Song of Blood & Stone, therefore we get occasional mention of what Jack & Jasminda (😍) are up to and what’s happening over the border in Elsira. You get the feeling that soon, everyone will have to come together and the story is building toward that point.

I really love these books and cannot wait for more. It left some characters in precarious positions and I’m forever curious to see where L. Penelope will take them next!

Highly recommend these books to ALL fantasy fans. L. Penelope’s writing and storytelling is masterful.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this dark fantasy set in another world, but I was at a disadvantage I think by not having read the first book. If you have read and loved the first Earthsinger book you will perhaps give this one more stars.

The trade-size paperback was sent to me for an unbiased review. I'm impressed by the presentation as it is from a smaller press but it has a great cover, a map, professional layout and I didn't find any proofreading errors. There are a few American spellings but not many modern American terms, which might have dragged us out of the alternative world. The spine would look terrific on the bookshelf as the fonts used are lovely. Anyone wondering whether to spend on the paperback rather than the e-book will be getting their money's worth. I'm going to add that if I see more than a paragraph in italics, I don't read them, as italics are too hard on the eyes. A memory or dream doesn't need to be in italics. Save it for the poetry... just my opinion.

Now the story; this follows an assassin who works for a despot and kills by use of magic. Kyara is used to being sent around to do this work and she is known as the Poison Flame. When in the ruler's palace she is treated as something of a dogsbody by her magic-wielding superior and not trained in any other function, just made to donate blood for spells. When we meet her she is dispatched summarily to find and kill a rebel leader in a desert tribe. Knowing only the man's nickname, Shadowfox, she pretends she is looking for her kidnapped sister in order to get close to the tribe.

At first I was reading this in short bursts over a few evenings, but each time I found it hard to pick up the story again and had to work at getting a feeling of sympathy for the characters. I read the last half of the book in one go, which helped for continuity, although someone would say they might find a certain artefact here, and I would say eh? what was that again? This may be a factor of coming new to the tale in the second book. The adventure really picks up when a man called Darvyn is introduced, a member of the rebels - but is he the unknown Shadowfox or not? I like the descriptions of the desert and adventure, the magic, a city made of glass. Interestingly diesel crawler vehicles are used in the desert as well as beasts of burden, though we haven't seen much mechanical use.

My main issue is that the story is even too immersive not just in the world but in the mindset. Most pages have a word like dead, death, blood or killing on them. Even where it is unnecessary, like 'He stared dead at Kyara.' This could be 'He stared at Kyara.' Or he stared hard, straight, directly, angrily, bitterly etc. So this does seem to be part of the author's mindset rather than any character's. As I don't read horror and prefer not to talk about death and blood all the time, I expect this is why I found it hard to get sympathy for the characters or to fall into the story easily on returning to it. The people seem too grim and landscape too bleak; it's human nature to joke, juggle at a market, dance, whistle, even in tough times. All Kyara finally finds to make herself feel better is sex, and it's sex to relieve stress rather than to enjoy each other's bodies. Possibly the author is writing allegory. I'm hoping the third book will feel more cheerful.

This is an adult dark fantasy with violence, killing and adult behaviour.

[Jan farnworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this epic fantasy series, their is a novella between book one and two that in this case sheds even more light on the events that unfold as you read the books. This second book focuses on two new characters one we met in the first book Darvyn and the second is Kyara. Both have very different uses of Earthsong. They are two sides of a coin Kyara deadly magic is a poison to anyone she encounters when she wrapped up in the use of it. Hence her name the Poison Flame and she has no control over it and their are those who to seek to control it and her. Then you have Darvyn who has this amazing power but it riddled with the guilt that he can’t save everyone and has the name of the Shadowfox.

These two are an explosive path where the Poison Flame is to drown the Shadowfox at all cost. The author is a master of weaving this world so each book exposes you to more and more secrets that are hiding within the pages. Book two even though it focuses more on new characters and the world they are entrenched in.

The second book also does a great job of setting us up for the third book with just a tease at the end of this story of what is to come. I also like that if you not read the first book then you will not be lost in the second in fact you will want to go back and read the novella and the first novel just to get more story.

I think that this story will be hard to end in 3 books it be nice to get more maybe some more novellas just to give us a good grounding in the all these amazing characters. I thrilled with this series and if your a fan of books where each one is a new setting, new characters and more discoveries then this is the series for you.

[Monica **can't read fast enough** · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Whispers Of Shadow & Flame features Darvyn and Kyara who are both strong characters dealing with insecurities, fears, and huge responsibilities that neither feel confident in fulfilling. In this second book of the series the collapsing of the Mantle that separates Elsira and Lagrimar is imminent and war is on the horizon. This is fantasy with nice world building and would be a good book to transition from reading YA fantasy to adult fantasy. The main characters are fairly young but are not angst ridden. You also do not need to have read book one to enjoy this one.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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[Cardyn Brooks]

There is a fatalistic undertone to this second entry in the compelling Earthsinger Chronicles that makes Kyara's saga more grueling and somewhat depressing, especially in the first one hundred pages, than the overall triumphant vibe in Song of Blood & Stone. The cliffhanger ending is a downer, but this author's considerable storytelling prowess merits readers' anticipation for a satisfying continuation in book three.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I looooooooved Darvyn and Kyara. That’s the review.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Ola Adamska · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book so much, maybe too much... But after book one that I really liked and found intriguing, this one had dragged the whole time and I couldn't get into the characters at All. I felt like separate things would work for me, but altogether it was not working for me in this book.
I hope that the next book will be able to hold everything that is going on better, as the premise, ideas and characters are something that makes this story really intriguing in that genre. I will read the next one for sure.
This book is a proper YA, besides once scene that would easily go to NA book.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sequel ushers in a shift in approach from its predecessor. The original book in the series, A Song of Blood & Stone, read like a romantasy book to me. While there is world-building and conflict that go beyond the romantic plot, the majority focus on the hot-and-heavy love story qualifies it as a fusion of two genres. In Whispers of Shadow & Flame, there is still a central romantic plot with a new couple, but a secondary and completely separate (for now) plot with a focus on found sisterhood made this book feel less like a romance at heart. Also, the romance here ends on a cliffhanger before being much resolved or explored. In other words, this read more like a general fantasy novel, which is something I like but didn't anticipate from the style of book one.

The premise of this book is intriguing because it shares a timeline with the first book but largely in the enemy nation. There are interconnected characters across the two, and big events spurred on by characters in one book inevitably affect those in the other. Some intentional plot holes in the first book are plugged up once the actions of this group are known to the reader. This was an intriguing way to join the two books, and it was interesting but perhaps also frustrating to end at the same point in time with no further knowledge of what comes next.

The two major plotlines in this book are a romance between an assassin and the rebel she's meant to catch (the first time she's been asked to return someone alive), and the adventures of a servant girl whose dreams of improving her rank face challenges the more she understands the realities of power. The latter story grew to be my favorite, introducing conspiracy, kidnapping, and hope, where the romance relied on angst, disjointed exploration of magic system(s), and instalove.

Beyond my mismatched feelings about the two plotlines, the world-building didn't strike my fancy. The decisions of where to explain versus where to leave some mystery didn't always make sense to me. I'm still confused about elements of magic and history because I think big reveals are coming later, but other aspects were discussed in detail. I think the problem for me was that I'm not left curious to know more; I'm just frustrated with my spotty understanding of what's going on. That's purely subjective, so I think other readers will have different experiences. On my part, I am undecided about whether to finish out the series when my commitment is lukewarm.

[Dr. des. Siobhán · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free book*

This second installment in a trilogy does not continue the stories of our protagonists from book 1. I was a bit annoyed by that at first but I can see why. Anyhow, this book takes place two weeks before the end of the first book and it doesn't really affect this ending at all. We, the readers, already know what is happening and I wasn't too attached to the characters which is why I didn't care too much.

The characters were okay, it was nice to get to know a bit more about the other country in this conflict, the rebels and their past plus that there is not only Earthsong but also Nethersong, but it didn't get to me as much as the first one did.

The romance was also a bit annoying. I know this is a thing in novels but you don't fall in love within a week and are then willing to give your life for the other person etc. It's just a bit too much.

And I really dislike that the women are so very passive in the sex scenes. Yes, there's female orgasms in this one and it's good that they are described because it's not about the man's pleasure only, yet begging for penetration all the time is just...ughh. I don't know, seriously, girls, go get what you want and not beg for it.

I'm not really excited for #3 but I'd like to know how the story will continue in this newly, forcibly united country.

3 Stars

[Jennifer (bunnyreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulous book from L. Penelope. I am quickly becoming a huge fan. The second book in the Earthsinger Chronicles, this runs along side the events in the first book but following Darvyn and Kyara. I admit I missed Jack and Jasminda quite a bit, but I grew to love these two just as much.

Fantastic world building! This book explored more of the world and different magic, that we didn’t see in the first book. You could probably read it as a stand alone, but I think it adds so much richness to this world having read the first one.

And the magic! I LOVE the magic in this series! Magic is one of those things I can take or leave in a book but this is beautifully done magic that adds dimension to the characters and the world, instead of just being a tool.

Now my only complaint is that Darvyn and Kyara’s story didn’t have completion, but how can I complain too much, when this just means another story to look forward to!

Great followup in this series.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by the author that I have read and is the second in a series. What makes this book different from most other series (from what I have gathered from other reviewers) is that the characters are different from the first book. This makes this book a very good stand alone read. The author has an engaging style making for a fairly quick read as you don't want to put the book down. It is a variation of Terry Brooks "Shanarra" series in that it uses song as a power, but in different ways. I will definitely be reading more by this author in the future.

I received a free Kindle ARC courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. It was with the understanding that I would provide an honest review and post it on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page

[Ide · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me this book is an amazing commentary on the capricious nature of rulers. Even the wise "queen who sleeps" has prejudices and shows little care for her messenger and flock. This begs the question, why must this necessary fight be in her name? Why can't fairness and justice be sufficient sources of inspiration?
Darvyn's new task will necessarily dovetail with his personal goals, but that kind of rankles to me. I wish the queen who sleeps and her family would just shuffle off permanently, but I guess where would the fun be in that. The book definitely left me wanting more, so I'm off to get the next one in the series. Thank you for the free copy, these opinions are my own.

[Deloris · Rating 5 out of 5]

APB Perspective Review: 4.75
I am really enjoying this series , Darvyns and Kyara's is really good even though I have to wait for the next book to see how their story concludes. Two people who are meant to be enemies connect and discover they aren't really enemies at all. In a war between the Elsiran's and the Lagrimari things are not always what the seem and figuring out what is really going on is a journey that I truly enjoyed. So now I wait for the next book in the series to see if I finally get y happy ending.

[Raven Nivhaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won an uncorrected proof/ARC of this book through a Goodreads giveaway, so the things that I have noted in this review may or may not be in the finished novel.

This book will be released on October 1st 2019

One thing I did want to say before I get into my (hopefully) non-spoilery thoughts is that I have NOT read the first book, so I have no idea how much it influenced this one, if at all.
I was not aware that this was a sequel when I entered the giveaway, but I didn't feel lost while reading, so I feel like, at least where this one is concerned, you can jump right in without being too confused about the world, other than the time period, which I do discuss briefly.

First of all, I did enjoy this book, though I did find a few issues which I will jump into:

-The Time Period
This book didn't appear to know what time period it wanted to be in, sometimes it felt more modern, other times medieval. There were essentially CARS for crying out loud. It was quite jarring to have them be around all of this medieval stuff, and then have something like electricity (which I believe they had, but please correct me if I'm wrong) and vehicles be thrown into the mix.

-Magic
I did like the idea of their magic being called Songs, I felt it was unique among books with magic for that reason. Though I didn't quite understand how the Nethersong was so rare, while Earthsong was abundant, because you would think that the world would need the balance, but it was probably just something that bothered me personally lol.

-Pacing/World
I will say, though, that this is NOT a fast-paced book. It's not that it dragged, but it was just very slow, with not a lot of action. And when something DID happen, it was over with quickly, almost abruptly. The overall pacing of the novel, however, felt quite monotonous for most of it, though some of the action scenes did lend a bit of color, as stated earlier, they were over quite quickly. I also felt that there was quite a bit of telling when I would have preferred a bit more visuals, though the visuals we got were nice and clear, they were kind of drowned out by the overall tone of the novel.

-Characters
The characters were... interesting, if a bit one-dimensional at times. You could definitely tell the people who were important, and who were just... there. The story has three main view points, Darvyn, Kyara, and Zeli, with an occasional fourth, but honestly, I really didn't care for Zeli's story-line, however I am curious as to whether or not it will intersect with Darvyn's and Kyara's in a future novel.
though I also felt like the romance in this book was a little on the weak side, to the point where it felt forced. I didn't feel anything between the two love interests to warrant the things they do for one another.

Other than those points, I don't really have much to say (non-spoiler wise anyway) beyond the fact that, while this book wasn't perfect, I still enjoyed it. And even though it was slow, I didn't necessarily feel bored while reading, and I think that L. Penelope has a clear voice.

I will say again, that this is an UNCORRECTED PROOF that I received, so there is a strong chance that the things that I took issue with will be changed for the finished product.

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know how or why I waited so long to read the next book in this series! For shame. I loved the first book when I read it a couple of years ago and that was firmly fantasy romance. This felt more strictly fantasy to me and not only because there wasn’t an HEA for the main couple. We get a few other POVs and I’m very curious how they’ll come to intersect because they didn’t here. Perhaps in the next book? This felt like a lot of big world-building set up for big things ahead but not in a bad way. I was entranced by where all the story went. I loved Darvyn and Kyara together. I have no idea how an HEA will happen but I have to believe that it will because they are such a great, unlikely pair. An Earthsinger and an assassin! It should never work and yet it does. I did get a little tired of how trusting Zeli was and why she couldn’t see Kerym’s true colors but I’m glad she eventually got on board with the program.

I do want to note a couple of things around disability that may be upsetting. First, a physician injected disabled and sick people with the plague, including Darvyn’s mother. This is primarily recounted from the past but the physician appears to still be doing this work. Second, Darvyn is betrayed by someone and the traitor turns out to be the one disabled person in their group. While Darvyn’s mother was disabled and presented in a positive light, we only experience her through Kyara’s memory. I do not remember any other positive depictions of disabled characters that could perhaps offset the Disabled Villain trope but I may have missed something.

Character notes: Kyara is a 21 year old assassin with Nethersong. Darvyn is an Earthsinger (likely mid-20s). Zeli is a 17 year old maid. Ulani is a 7 year old girl and Tana is an 11 year old girl.

CW: heroine is an assassin and there are on-page assassinations, gunshot wound, torture (brief, more focused on aftermath), kidnapping, imprisonment, human trafficking, near-death experience for main character, heroine has a magic-induced unhealed wound on her chest, cutting for blood magic (and scars from past cuts), soldier brutality, child abuse, stepmother sold Ulani and Tana to nabbers, Tana’s dad kept her locked in a closet (it is not clear why), harems consist of kidnapped girls and the True Father “fathers” children with them for his army, hero’s mother disappeared 20 years ago we later learn she was killed but she had never stopped looking for him, Zeli’s parents were executed for being Keepers of the Promise when she was a child, physician injected disabled and sick people with the plague, Disabled Villain trope, concern of children being sold to pedophile but they avoid this fate, slut-shaming, painful first time (past), alcohol, manhood used as euphemism, ableist language

[Daniel Cuthbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

In “Whispers Of Shadow and Flame,” book two of the Earthsinger Chronicles, Kyara is an assassin with undeniably great magical power known colloquially as the Poison Flame. But with this great power comes undue hardship to her state of mind, great enough that she is looking for the opportunity to escape from what the job and life she has been pigeonholed into. And when she is given the job of capturing a rebel soldier known as the Shadowfox, and learns of who the Shadowfox actually is, her need to escape grows exponentially more necessary. Enlisting the help of Darvyn, a guilt-ridden Earthsinger rich in magic of their own, they set out to stop what could turn into an unbelievably devastating war.

There are a few components of this that are quite well done. The world-building, which is one of the most essential parts of any great fantasy book, is extremely intricate and extensive! For a book that clocks in at over 400 pages, Penelope is able to construct a land filled with rather unique abilities for its characters and vividly descriptive lands to fight over. And her character stories are complex enough to make a reader get invested in desiring their success in what they fight over and wish to accomplish.

However, at least for me, what ultimately makes me rate this at 3.5/5 stars (since you can’t do half-stars on here,) is it was a bit slow. Fantasy is always been a tricky genre for me to read, but sometimes when the story genre-hops, or contains elements that I can get into, like a funny side-character or something that relies a little less on magic and a little more lean into more realistic territory, I personally tend to get more invested. There was a certain severe earnestness throughout this that I think, and again for me, made it more difficult and slow to read through without needing to stop and walk away for a bit. Certainly this level of grimness was appropriate to the story being told, but for me, there weren’t enough breaks away from that. I do not blame this on the novel itself, because it does seem to cater towards a crowd more interested in high fantasy type tales, and this was just not quite my area of interest.

Having said that, I would certainly recommend this to those who appreciate their fantasy with a capital F, and appreciate the opportunity to give consideration to the book.

(I received an ARC copy of this in a giveaway and genuinely appreciate the opportunity to review this.)

[Nora Suntken · Rating 5 out of 5]

With sequels, there can sometimes be some worry as to whether or not it will live up to the first book, but this book did not disappoint. I loved all of the characters (especially Zeli) and their stories were intertwined in such complex ways while still having their own merit independently of one another. Kyara and Darvyn had such an interesting relationship progression and the dynamic of Nethersong vs. Earthsong was fascinating. I loved getting to spend time in Lagrimar instead of Elsira, and I appreciated the effort that was put into making it a distinct country with vastly different politics and beliefs. I loved that the story was told in-parallel with the first novel because you got to see a totally different side of the events that had taken place. Overall, I'm really excited to finish this series.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

An epic fantasy according to my heart, well written and entertaining.
I loved the great world building, the cast of characters, found the plot entertaining and engrossing.
I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best fantasies I've read in a long time! This requires carving out a lot of time to read but is so worth it. Kyara and Darvyn are amazing characters. I just can't wait to read the next book.