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Ballad of Emerald and Iron #1
Song of Shadow
They said she was out of her mind. The dark truth will shake the foundations of the fae realm…
Lorelei refuses to believe her wild visions mean she’s insane. But despite her royal sidhe heritage, she’s banished to a remote priory to prevent her causing trouble. So when a priestess of the Elemental Order urges her to join a risky pilgrimage, she flees her prison and sails headlong into danger.
Traveling to an ancient land imbued with volatile magic, she chokes back her disbelief after unearthing evil sorcery that shouldn’t exist. And now that Lorelei holds the forbidden secrets, she fears it’s only a matter of time before the powerful Elphyne Empire silences her permanently. If the fae church’s ruthless assassins don’t hunt her down first…
Can Lorelei expose the sinister conspiracy before darkness falls forever?
Song of Shadow is the captivating first novel in the Ballad of Emerald and Iron epic fantasy series. If you like strong women, potent magic, and non-stop adventure, then you’ll love Natalya Capello’s enthralling tale.
Lorelei refuses to believe her wild visions mean she’s insane. But despite her royal sidhe heritage, she’s banished to a remote priory to prevent her causing trouble. So when a priestess of the Elemental Order urges her to join a risky pilgrimage, she flees her prison and sails headlong into danger.
Traveling to an ancient land imbued with volatile magic, she chokes back her disbelief after unearthing evil sorcery that shouldn’t exist. And now that Lorelei holds the forbidden secrets, she fears it’s only a matter of time before the powerful Elphyne Empire silences her permanently. If the fae church’s ruthless assassins don’t hunt her down first…
Can Lorelei expose the sinister conspiracy before darkness falls forever?
Song of Shadow is the captivating first novel in the Ballad of Emerald and Iron epic fantasy series. If you like strong women, potent magic, and non-stop adventure, then you’ll love Natalya Capello’s enthralling tale.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2019
207 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
Natalya Capello
6 books22 followersNatalya Capello lives in a world of oddballs, weather wizards, and big dreams. Really, it’s just Texas. She loves chocolate and spaghetti (but not together!) and writes about fantastical worlds with strong heroines and lots of magic. When she’s not writing she enjoys spending time with her cat and playing video games and tabletop RPGs.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 20, 2020
* I read this as a judge for the #SPFBO *
This story is very magic-based and follows Lorelei, a young Sidhe character who has powers when she sings. It's clear to the reader from early in the book that Lorelei has previously caused some trouble, and been sent to a monastery to try and earn trust back, but it's evident that no matter her genuine trying her family doesn't want to forgive her.
When a new character, Vaana, arrives and offers Lorelei a chance to escape and do something that could help probe her innocence she leaps at the chance and ends up following Vaana to quite the adventure!
We also meet a character called Vandermere who has visions and a sword later on who is sentient. Both of these two are also major characters along with Wes.
What I liked best with this story was all the magic which is used and the clash of the religion and the magic. There's a lot of fast-moving battles and throwing magic around which is entertaining.
The book reads as quite colloquial and modern even though it's a magical world which was a little jarring for me at some times, however that's more personal preference.
3*s from me which is 6/10.
This story is very magic-based and follows Lorelei, a young Sidhe character who has powers when she sings. It's clear to the reader from early in the book that Lorelei has previously caused some trouble, and been sent to a monastery to try and earn trust back, but it's evident that no matter her genuine trying her family doesn't want to forgive her.
When a new character, Vaana, arrives and offers Lorelei a chance to escape and do something that could help probe her innocence she leaps at the chance and ends up following Vaana to quite the adventure!
We also meet a character called Vandermere who has visions and a sword later on who is sentient. Both of these two are also major characters along with Wes.
What I liked best with this story was all the magic which is used and the clash of the religion and the magic. There's a lot of fast-moving battles and throwing magic around which is entertaining.
The book reads as quite colloquial and modern even though it's a magical world which was a little jarring for me at some times, however that's more personal preference.
3*s from me which is 6/10.
November 16, 2021
2.5
I gotta be honest. This has a great cover, but I was bored stiff by it. It's just so very linear. This happens, and then this happens, and then this happens, and then this happens. There is no build up of tension or feeling of being immersed in a broader story. And so very many of the things that happened were the group running into battle, getting injured, freeing someone, getting healed to run off and to the exact same thing again. It got redundant.
Then there is one of my biggest pet peeves. This book is labeled as book one. But there is apparently a novella that comes before it that really needs to have been read for some things to make sense. I am of the firm belief that if the prequel needs to be read (not just a bonus, but is an integral part of the story and plot), IT IS BOOK ONE OF THE SERIES.
I did like some of the characters, Wes in particular. And the mechanical writing is plenty readable. But I just couldn't really ever get into it.
I gotta be honest. This has a great cover, but I was bored stiff by it. It's just so very linear. This happens, and then this happens, and then this happens, and then this happens. There is no build up of tension or feeling of being immersed in a broader story. And so very many of the things that happened were the group running into battle, getting injured, freeing someone, getting healed to run off and to the exact same thing again. It got redundant.
Then there is one of my biggest pet peeves. This book is labeled as book one. But there is apparently a novella that comes before it that really needs to have been read for some things to make sense. I am of the firm belief that if the prequel needs to be read (not just a bonus, but is an integral part of the story and plot), IT IS BOOK ONE OF THE SERIES.
I did like some of the characters, Wes in particular. And the mechanical writing is plenty readable. But I just couldn't really ever get into it.
October 7, 2025
never again will i let a pretty cover trick me into finishing a mid book…
i wanted so badly to like this and then half way through was forcing myself to hurry up and finish it
i will say i think it had potential at first but it just felt like it was written on some middle schoolers chrome book between classes
i wanted so badly to like this and then half way through was forcing myself to hurry up and finish it
i will say i think it had potential at first but it just felt like it was written on some middle schoolers chrome book between classes
May 6, 2020
It's a book set in a lush world... so lush I had trouble to follow. At first I thought I just can't focus, but then I realize that this book feels like I'm reading the second part of a series. Like we were supposed to get it from page one, with little explanation offered. The characters, albeit interesting, weren't properly introduced and as a reader, I didn't have enough time to get to know them and the world before action started. And there was loads of it. Unfortuneraly, many scenes felt cut short.
All in all, it was interesting and complex but I feel like it was a little bit too much for me.
All in all, it was interesting and complex but I feel like it was a little bit too much for me.
June 8, 2020
There is a level of repeat without change or learning from experience that is mildly annoying
Why does MC go on and on about the ex who is her sisters fiance
Never time to communicate which causes tension and drama but not in a good way
No curious enough about things the peak the instinct
Keep running blind into fights and forgetting the magic they can do until they are half dead, or lead with the sword when using magic from the side line would make more sense
no real questioning of authority
I'm hoping this smooths out with the second book. the world building is interesting enough to stay a little long, but the 3 main characters need some development, they have been traveling together for months. bonding time like meals are not shared.
Why does MC go on and on about the ex who is her sisters fiance
Never time to communicate which causes tension and drama but not in a good way
No curious enough about things the peak the instinct
Keep running blind into fights and forgetting the magic they can do until they are half dead, or lead with the sword when using magic from the side line would make more sense
no real questioning of authority
I'm hoping this smooths out with the second book. the world building is interesting enough to stay a little long, but the 3 main characters need some development, they have been traveling together for months. bonding time like meals are not shared.
July 1, 2021
Song of Shadow (Ballad of Emerald and Iron #1)
by Natalya Capello
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story opens with Lorelei, who we understand is a Sidhe. She can wield magic in a specific way, unintentionally creating a complication at home owing to her magical abilities which results in her being forced to stay with nuns. As a form of punishment, this is in the hope she will change her ways. Suffering from the nightmares of her past lives, she is ultimately rejected by her family, desiring a change for her future, banishing her from their home, leaving her to join the ranks of the sisters. Lorelei desperately wishes to return to her family but when the Apostle of fire requests to speak with her explicitly, awarding her a path out of life in the nunnery, Lorelei realises she has little choice and faces adventure head on.
This is the first book in the Ballad of Emerald and Iron series. A fascinating new series full of mystery, intrigue and illusion. Natalya Capello has constructed a compelling book with exceptional personalities, notably Lorelei who becomes a strong protagonist. Full of problematic magical adventures, it keeps the reader guessing as to where it will end.
The issue I did identify was the quests encountered became a little too frequent for my taste. I listened to the audiobook version of this narrative which was fantastic but I found that it very quickly became too much to follow. There is so much information included concerning characters, names etc that I felt a little thrown in at the deep end, seeming as if I had missed something. It would surely benefit from a novella if one does not exist already. I have considered reading the printed version to see if I would have a different opinion.
The audio version is narrated by Senn Annis, who fully brought Lorelei to life, including most of the other personalities. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get past the block I encountered when I heard the accent of one of them; Wes.
Overall the book is a great first book to the series that has so much depth. I would just have liked more of an introductory experience. Thank you to Audiobooks Unleashed.
I rate Song of Shadow 3 out of 5 stars.
by Natalya Capello
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story opens with Lorelei, who we understand is a Sidhe. She can wield magic in a specific way, unintentionally creating a complication at home owing to her magical abilities which results in her being forced to stay with nuns. As a form of punishment, this is in the hope she will change her ways. Suffering from the nightmares of her past lives, she is ultimately rejected by her family, desiring a change for her future, banishing her from their home, leaving her to join the ranks of the sisters. Lorelei desperately wishes to return to her family but when the Apostle of fire requests to speak with her explicitly, awarding her a path out of life in the nunnery, Lorelei realises she has little choice and faces adventure head on.
This is the first book in the Ballad of Emerald and Iron series. A fascinating new series full of mystery, intrigue and illusion. Natalya Capello has constructed a compelling book with exceptional personalities, notably Lorelei who becomes a strong protagonist. Full of problematic magical adventures, it keeps the reader guessing as to where it will end.
The issue I did identify was the quests encountered became a little too frequent for my taste. I listened to the audiobook version of this narrative which was fantastic but I found that it very quickly became too much to follow. There is so much information included concerning characters, names etc that I felt a little thrown in at the deep end, seeming as if I had missed something. It would surely benefit from a novella if one does not exist already. I have considered reading the printed version to see if I would have a different opinion.
The audio version is narrated by Senn Annis, who fully brought Lorelei to life, including most of the other personalities. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get past the block I encountered when I heard the accent of one of them; Wes.
Overall the book is a great first book to the series that has so much depth. I would just have liked more of an introductory experience. Thank you to Audiobooks Unleashed.
I rate Song of Shadow 3 out of 5 stars.
January 2, 2022
The author leads the reader into a world of multiple different faerie. We follow a special young women who really is searching for where she fits in the faeries society she was raised. The is accused of being ill, but the reader can see there is something else behind her affliction. The searching that she does leads her to discover that all she thought was true is not. There is an entirely different mystery behind everything. The is devoted to her friends and their cause. The world contains a lot of magic and she gets to see it all. There is action and more action.
Pick this book up to satisfy your magic thirst, your need to read action and also mystery woven into everything that happens.
Pick this book up to satisfy your magic thirst, your need to read action and also mystery woven into everything that happens.
May 28, 2020
This is one of those books that just sort of grabs your mind and takes you along for the adventure. It's not hugely complex, like reading a chess game or tapestry, it's entertaining and fun. The characters are well thought out, the plot is perfect for a fantasy adventure and the next books are probably going to be just as entertaining (if the ending of this is anything to go by). I enjoyed this greatly and Vandermere is definitely my favourite.
June 3, 2022
surprise
I picked up this book, yes I judge a book by its cover and first chapter. Want expecting much hut gave it a go. Wow! I just finished a stint with Robert Jordan’s WOT and although the author doesn’t go into that kind of detail she sure knows how to keep the pace moving. That I like! Enough detail but not too much! Good job
I picked up this book, yes I judge a book by its cover and first chapter. Want expecting much hut gave it a go. Wow! I just finished a stint with Robert Jordan’s WOT and although the author doesn’t go into that kind of detail she sure knows how to keep the pace moving. That I like! Enough detail but not too much! Good job
September 6, 2025
If you want fun magic, this has it. However, it felt a bit redundant. Group jumps into battle while on quest. Someone gets hurt. They heal. Then do it all again 5 minutes later, without learning anything. The characters were ok, the story mediocre. It felt like there was a lot of backstory or even another book prior to this one, although it says book one.
.
.
April 7, 2021
what a wonderful book. I like how she and her team travel across the realm and become embroiled in all that they find. How can she hold gods, how can he see the future. Hopefully the next installment explains more. I can not wait.
December 5, 2022
Nothing about this was all that bad, but nothing was all that great either.
October 14, 2024
It’s actually nice book full of magic, mystery and .. well still I can’t really feel anything while reading.
Things are happening and nothing more 🫣
Things are happening and nothing more 🫣
December 31, 2024
This was a good read.
January 23, 2020
Such a great book. I picked it up solely based on the cover and it was so much more than I expected, can’t wait to see how much more trouble they can get into in the next book. More gods to free and the order to take down.
August 26, 2019
With a chance to clear her name and be part of an exciting adventure,Lorelei chooses to join Vaana on her quest for the Order.
They meet Vandameer, a prophet of house Essus, and with his help explore the temple of Muir, but their adventure is brought to a quick halt when Vaana, after touching ancing relic tablets, ends up with several gods residing within her.
Their journey takes an unexpected turn as they try to find a solution for Vaana, which also brings about questions about the Order and whether they can be trusted.
Lorelei also wishes to prove she is not mad, and uncover a secret sect bent on bringing down the Quorum.
Will she finally prove her family wrong about her being mad? Will they find a solution for the gods residing within Vaana? Will the curse of house Essus hinder their adventure?
This is a fast paced adventure fantasy novel full of action, magic, hints of romance, and an easily addictive plot that will keep you reading non-stop.
I eagerly await the sequel.
They meet Vandameer, a prophet of house Essus, and with his help explore the temple of Muir, but their adventure is brought to a quick halt when Vaana, after touching ancing relic tablets, ends up with several gods residing within her.
Their journey takes an unexpected turn as they try to find a solution for Vaana, which also brings about questions about the Order and whether they can be trusted.
Lorelei also wishes to prove she is not mad, and uncover a secret sect bent on bringing down the Quorum.
Will she finally prove her family wrong about her being mad? Will they find a solution for the gods residing within Vaana? Will the curse of house Essus hinder their adventure?
This is a fast paced adventure fantasy novel full of action, magic, hints of romance, and an easily addictive plot that will keep you reading non-stop.
I eagerly await the sequel.
September 1, 2019
I read (many, many) tons of fantasy novels. It’s a particular addiction of mine but I’m still very picky and only go for books where the world-building, character crafting, plot and writing are all well done. Happily, Natalya Capello’s Song of Shadow, the first book in her new Ballad of Emerald and Iron series, far exceeds that standard. It’s simply superb. Action, thrills, a sinister conspiracy, magic, thrills and adventure await, with a truly superb heroine in Lorelei and an epic-fantasy-in-the-making plot and story arc start. Total fun and, but for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed, I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 8, 2019
Great world building, the different aspects of magic and types of people were so intrigue. Loved discovering what each new species had the ability to do / not do. Good layout on what looks to be the start of some deep seeded political/religious intrigue that will hopefully be uncovered in the next book.
The characters always seemed to find themselves in the worse scenario possible with each scene, and then would be saved in the nick of time by someone popping in on the action that it didn't really seem like should be there. It among other things pulled me out of the story. Might not be the same for other readers though, so worth giving a read if you love adventure, elves, and magical worlds.
The characters always seemed to find themselves in the worse scenario possible with each scene, and then would be saved in the nick of time by someone popping in on the action that it didn't really seem like should be there. It among other things pulled me out of the story. Might not be the same for other readers though, so worth giving a read if you love adventure, elves, and magical worlds.
August 13, 2019
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
Capello gave us a "taste" of Lorelei's world in "Nocturne", in "Song Of Shadow" she gives us a feast of nicely done world building. Capello did a fine job of balancing exposition and action.
Will Lorelai recover from losing her fiance to her sister?
Can she gain control of her magical talent?
Grab this book and find out for yourself!!
In the interest of transparency: I was provided a copy of this book for review. I am voluntarily sharing my own honest opinion.
Capello gave us a "taste" of Lorelei's world in "Nocturne", in "Song Of Shadow" she gives us a feast of nicely done world building. Capello did a fine job of balancing exposition and action.
Will Lorelai recover from losing her fiance to her sister?
Can she gain control of her magical talent?
Grab this book and find out for yourself!!
In the interest of transparency: I was provided a copy of this book for review. I am voluntarily sharing my own honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2019
I was lucky enough to receive an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book got me from the get go, I enjoyed the descriptions of all the other fairies and goblins, a nice change from the norm.
And Lorelei, is quite an interesting sidhe, I look forward to seeing how she develops.
Vandermere is a strange one to, and Vaana.
There is lots of action, it’s a fast paced story, but one that keeps you hooked.
This book got me from the get go, I enjoyed the descriptions of all the other fairies and goblins, a nice change from the norm.
And Lorelei, is quite an interesting sidhe, I look forward to seeing how she develops.
Vandermere is a strange one to, and Vaana.
There is lots of action, it’s a fast paced story, but one that keeps you hooked.
August 26, 2019
This is the first book and it starts with excitement and adventure. The Fae world was so well written and intriguing that I just flew through the pages. The story draws you in and you feel like you're there. The characters were relatable and had depth. I enjoyed this start and look forward to seeing what happens next. Beautifully written, creative and well thought out story!
I received an arc for an honest review
I received an arc for an honest review
September 4, 2019
Lorelei has a chance to finally clear her name and prove that she isn't crazy to her family. She heads out with the Order on a mission, without really asking enough questions. Along the way she makes some new friends. I loved the descriptions of the different faerie, but also wish there were more details about some of them, if that makes sense. I really look forward to reading the next book, and seeing where this group heads and what they get up to.
September 11, 2019
Lorelei is my kind of hero!
This is a fantastic book! I chose 5 stars because the characterization was tight and the main character of Lorelei was the right choice for this book about the fae. She is really sassy and brave. All of the characters are great. They all interacted well together. This book is for someone who likes a bit of intrigue mixed in with their epic fantasy.
5 stars
This is a fantastic book! I chose 5 stars because the characterization was tight and the main character of Lorelei was the right choice for this book about the fae. She is really sassy and brave. All of the characters are great. They all interacted well together. This book is for someone who likes a bit of intrigue mixed in with their epic fantasy.
5 stars
September 15, 2019
A fascinating ride.
I love this story but, again, it is spoilt by poor proofreading! I’m happy to forward my notes to the author should she wish. It’s the reason that I can only give 4 stars i.s.o. 5! Lorelei seems to be growing into her name as she progresses on this quest. Vandermere and Raana prove to be staunch allies despite Raana’s past. Her sister Freya is as beautiful as the poisoned apple given to Snow White. The question is, why?
I love this story but, again, it is spoilt by poor proofreading! I’m happy to forward my notes to the author should she wish. It’s the reason that I can only give 4 stars i.s.o. 5! Lorelei seems to be growing into her name as she progresses on this quest. Vandermere and Raana prove to be staunch allies despite Raana’s past. Her sister Freya is as beautiful as the poisoned apple given to Snow White. The question is, why?
October 17, 2019
Great concept and plot. The characters were relateable and enjoyable. However, the writing is sloppy. There were so many grammatical errors. Also, the fight scenes were particularly annoying. They often did not often make sense because the sentence structure was so poor that one could not fully grasp the scene. Hopefully, the author and team have taken more time with the next book in the series because I am truly interested to see where the story takes us.
October 2, 2019
Engaging story! Looking forward for book 2 to be released in November!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews