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Song of the Depths #1
Song of the Depths: A Sci-Fantasy Cyberpunk Thriller
To the Creshe Empire, I’m just a number.
I’ve spent the past five years in isolation and under study. With my home razed by a Syldrari attack, my mind damaged, and nothing but white walls and a viewing window around me, I dedicated myself to two things: training my body, and reading any book they allowed me to have.
The Empire wants me to serve, to use the inhuman power the Incident stirred within me. Technically, they asked, but it wasn’t much of a choice. It never is. Serve, or… I refused to be a mindless slave. My life was taken from me once. Never again.
With the Empire moving forward with their xenophobic plans, they needed someone capable of killing Syldrari—and I was just that. A tool they could use, a tool they thought they could manipulate. Needing me was their first mistake. They gave me leverage; I named my terms.
Now, after five years, my life can begin.
Song of the Depths is a slow burn romantic science fantasy series with a constellation relationship dynamic and diverse cast.
I’ve spent the past five years in isolation and under study. With my home razed by a Syldrari attack, my mind damaged, and nothing but white walls and a viewing window around me, I dedicated myself to two things: training my body, and reading any book they allowed me to have.
The Empire wants me to serve, to use the inhuman power the Incident stirred within me. Technically, they asked, but it wasn’t much of a choice. It never is. Serve, or… I refused to be a mindless slave. My life was taken from me once. Never again.
With the Empire moving forward with their xenophobic plans, they needed someone capable of killing Syldrari—and I was just that. A tool they could use, a tool they thought they could manipulate. Needing me was their first mistake. They gave me leverage; I named my terms.
Now, after five years, my life can begin.
Song of the Depths is a slow burn romantic science fantasy series with a constellation relationship dynamic and diverse cast.
696 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2020
12 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie L. Price
5 books40 followersBonnie L. Price was born in 1990 and has lived in several different states. At the age of twelve, while living in rural Upstate New York, she turned to writing as a way to entertain herself. Without internet or TV, there was little else to do during the long, cold winters.
What started as a way to amuse herself soon became a passion, and she’s been writing ever since.
When she's not writing, she can be found playing games, tinkering with Photoshop, or spoiling her dog.
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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Song of the Depths: A Why Choose Science Fantasy Adventure is a work of fiction in the steamy romance, reverse harem and science fiction and fantasy sub-genres, and was penned by author Bonnie L. Price. The first book in the series of the same name, this work is intended for mature adult reading audiences due to the presence of explicit language, scenes of violence, and some harrowing topics such as slavery and assault. The work follows the characters through their exploration of different cultures, physicality, and social structure whilst also unveiling a wider, more sinister plot as the wicked Empire plots death to the Syldrari race.
Author Bonnie L. Price has crafted a truly unique and stylish work of science fiction which offers readers a well-balanced approach to both the romance plot and the wider, cyberpunk thriller arc of the plot. In the series opener, we find ourselves well established in the Creshe Empire and introduced to its brutal ways very early on, which elicits a great deal of sympathy for the characters as they struggle to break free of their respective chains and forge a life for themselves amid the stringent regime. One of the aspects which I really wanted to celebrate throughout the book was its commitment to diversity, which encourages the readership to open their minds to gender and body type in a whole new way through the science fiction genre. Overall, I would certainly recommend Song of the Depths to fans of paranormal reverse harem who also want plenty of plot in their stories.
What started as a way to amuse herself soon became a passion, and she’s been writing ever since.
When she's not writing, she can be found playing games, tinkering with Photoshop, or spoiling her dog.
---
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Song of the Depths: A Why Choose Science Fantasy Adventure is a work of fiction in the steamy romance, reverse harem and science fiction and fantasy sub-genres, and was penned by author Bonnie L. Price. The first book in the series of the same name, this work is intended for mature adult reading audiences due to the presence of explicit language, scenes of violence, and some harrowing topics such as slavery and assault. The work follows the characters through their exploration of different cultures, physicality, and social structure whilst also unveiling a wider, more sinister plot as the wicked Empire plots death to the Syldrari race.
Author Bonnie L. Price has crafted a truly unique and stylish work of science fiction which offers readers a well-balanced approach to both the romance plot and the wider, cyberpunk thriller arc of the plot. In the series opener, we find ourselves well established in the Creshe Empire and introduced to its brutal ways very early on, which elicits a great deal of sympathy for the characters as they struggle to break free of their respective chains and forge a life for themselves amid the stringent regime. One of the aspects which I really wanted to celebrate throughout the book was its commitment to diversity, which encourages the readership to open their minds to gender and body type in a whole new way through the science fiction genre. Overall, I would certainly recommend Song of the Depths to fans of paranormal reverse harem who also want plenty of plot in their stories.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 17, 2020
I have read this book, in an Advanced Review Copy, and have been reading the chapters online as they have been made available on the authors Patreon account.
This book Song of the Depths, has kept me eager to read more, and for me it has been addictive, and not a book that I could put down easily, until the available chapters have been read. A sense of realism, surrounds the story, in that all the characters are well developed, and have their own paths, and objectives. There is a focus on the main character, and their moral code, dealing with things that they learn or encounter.
As the story unfolds, there are more aspects of the cultures that are depicted, unveiling fragments of a deeper mystery.
The perspective of the chapters, is highlighted with a series of symbols, so that you know which of the characters the story is involving.
If you enjoy a world in which you can immerse yourself in, learning new aspects of the world and more about the characters, then this is a great book to read. Given there is a 2nd book already in progress, there looks to be a very good amount of time to spend learning about this universe.
Though I have read the story already, I will be ensuring I do get another copy, as it is worth rereading several times. I am also looking forward to hearing the audio book when that is ready.
I have very much enjoyed The Song of the Depths, and do feel that many others will find the book a joy to read.
This book Song of the Depths, has kept me eager to read more, and for me it has been addictive, and not a book that I could put down easily, until the available chapters have been read. A sense of realism, surrounds the story, in that all the characters are well developed, and have their own paths, and objectives. There is a focus on the main character, and their moral code, dealing with things that they learn or encounter.
As the story unfolds, there are more aspects of the cultures that are depicted, unveiling fragments of a deeper mystery.
The perspective of the chapters, is highlighted with a series of symbols, so that you know which of the characters the story is involving.
If you enjoy a world in which you can immerse yourself in, learning new aspects of the world and more about the characters, then this is a great book to read. Given there is a 2nd book already in progress, there looks to be a very good amount of time to spend learning about this universe.
Though I have read the story already, I will be ensuring I do get another copy, as it is worth rereading several times. I am also looking forward to hearing the audio book when that is ready.
I have very much enjoyed The Song of the Depths, and do feel that many others will find the book a joy to read.
September 24, 2020
Real Sci-fi Romance
Now this is real sci-fi romance! Great world building, well thought out plot, good pacing, developed characters, and excellent slow build RH.
Hoping we see more of the 4-armed guys (Bihri, was it?) in a future book or spin off.
Now this is real sci-fi romance! Great world building, well thought out plot, good pacing, developed characters, and excellent slow build RH.
Hoping we see more of the 4-armed guys (Bihri, was it?) in a future book or spin off.
September 25, 2020
Must read!!!!
It is very good!! I love the characters, I love the plot!! I can’t wait to read more! I couldn’t put the book down. I read it every chance I could, for the past three days.
It is very good!! I love the characters, I love the plot!! I can’t wait to read more! I couldn’t put the book down. I read it every chance I could, for the past three days.
September 24, 2020
Amazing
This is a must read! It was an amazing story that I couldn't put down! I need more! I have a total book hangover now !
This is a must read! It was an amazing story that I couldn't put down! I need more! I have a total book hangover now !
September 21, 2020
Full Disclosure: *I am an Arc Copy Reader*
10/10 5/5 This book with make you want a little more flavor in your life.
On a personal note I find this series to be the most accessible work Bonnie has written to date. I hope you do too!
It's a thrilling story of a woman finding her way both out of danger and into her own power. Not just as a person, but as a companion and a friend. There is no predetermined romance, just conflicting perceptions and mixed signals that all deserve the chance to be talked about, because nothing is what you think it is. Love isn't meant to be easy but it doesn't have to be hard. It's important to be mature and more importantly be clear with your intentions. This book sets the stage for what is sure to be one of the most mature discussions about romance I've actually seen about courting in any novel even in it's brevity.
Conflict, aggression, confusion and collusion. Empires rise and fall, but no one knows it all. In the dark of the universe you don't need to look for the light at the end of the tunnel. There is a lot to trust in the shadows of your mind and in the spaces between your understanding. Here in this story, you'll find that there is no lack of lust or love for inference, or hidden messages. With that make sure you paint the story with your own colors in the spaces between the lines and make the most out of the picture painted for you.
**Spoilers Ahead**
Reasons you might not enjoy this book:
* Some characters come across as inconsistent for some readers. They're complex and alien and not to be defined by our human standards.
* Very long or Very short chapters - The pacing of chapters is set to the content and flow of the story, not every chapter can be a fulfilling length, make sure you have the endurance to read or ability to put down the book in the middle of a long chapter.
* Concepts that may make you uncomfortable - Whether it's selling humans or being reprogrammed or being eaten alive there may be concepts in a dark world that you may not be happy with.
* Inferences - If you can't connect lines between missing dots and you feel like books that do that are not well written because they require you to make some leaps of logic then you may want to turn around.
Reasons you should enjoy this book:
* A female MC who wants to be her own person and make sure she isn't defined by the people holding her prisoner makes bold actions and alliances where she thinks she can.
* Alien characters that help define the world and make it fantastical and surreal as much as they also ground you in it.
* If you ever wished humans came with a skin graft version of a mood ring so you knew how they felt. THIS IS FOR YOU.
* If you just hate 2020 and want to escape into a world that lets you feel like all hope isn't lost even when everything is going wrong. Jump in the deep end of fantasy and sci-fi and submerse yourself in a story that will leave you wanting more and looking forward to a brand new year with a new chance at the next book.
*My personal feelings and thoughts*
Ceyoh Is by far my favorite. I have a sweet tooth and she's got candy on a stick. The book cover says it all for me, Cyberpunk with fantasy powers in a dark moody setting. GIVE ME MORE!! I wish there were more descriptions of everything from cars to technology to buildings and clothes. But it's painted with broad strokes, and the book is already big enough you could hurt some one with it. So I'll be satisfied for now! I hope to see more of many of the side characters. and I can't help but imagine one of them (You'll find out when you read! ) as a good version of Cruella de Vil with all the personality and sass to go with that. There is no shortage of characters to love. Somehow even though there is a shortage of antagonists, there isn't a shortage of people to hate either!
If you buy it, review too! I want to hear and see other peoples thoughts, I can't be alone in wanting a book with some Depth!
10/10 5/5 This book with make you want a little more flavor in your life.
On a personal note I find this series to be the most accessible work Bonnie has written to date. I hope you do too!
It's a thrilling story of a woman finding her way both out of danger and into her own power. Not just as a person, but as a companion and a friend. There is no predetermined romance, just conflicting perceptions and mixed signals that all deserve the chance to be talked about, because nothing is what you think it is. Love isn't meant to be easy but it doesn't have to be hard. It's important to be mature and more importantly be clear with your intentions. This book sets the stage for what is sure to be one of the most mature discussions about romance I've actually seen about courting in any novel even in it's brevity.
Conflict, aggression, confusion and collusion. Empires rise and fall, but no one knows it all. In the dark of the universe you don't need to look for the light at the end of the tunnel. There is a lot to trust in the shadows of your mind and in the spaces between your understanding. Here in this story, you'll find that there is no lack of lust or love for inference, or hidden messages. With that make sure you paint the story with your own colors in the spaces between the lines and make the most out of the picture painted for you.
**Spoilers Ahead**
Reasons you might not enjoy this book:
* Some characters come across as inconsistent for some readers. They're complex and alien and not to be defined by our human standards.
* Very long or Very short chapters - The pacing of chapters is set to the content and flow of the story, not every chapter can be a fulfilling length, make sure you have the endurance to read or ability to put down the book in the middle of a long chapter.
* Concepts that may make you uncomfortable - Whether it's selling humans or being reprogrammed or being eaten alive there may be concepts in a dark world that you may not be happy with.
* Inferences - If you can't connect lines between missing dots and you feel like books that do that are not well written because they require you to make some leaps of logic then you may want to turn around.
Reasons you should enjoy this book:
* A female MC who wants to be her own person and make sure she isn't defined by the people holding her prisoner makes bold actions and alliances where she thinks she can.
* Alien characters that help define the world and make it fantastical and surreal as much as they also ground you in it.
* If you ever wished humans came with a skin graft version of a mood ring so you knew how they felt. THIS IS FOR YOU.
* If you just hate 2020 and want to escape into a world that lets you feel like all hope isn't lost even when everything is going wrong. Jump in the deep end of fantasy and sci-fi and submerse yourself in a story that will leave you wanting more and looking forward to a brand new year with a new chance at the next book.
*My personal feelings and thoughts*
Ceyoh Is by far my favorite. I have a sweet tooth and she's got candy on a stick. The book cover says it all for me, Cyberpunk with fantasy powers in a dark moody setting. GIVE ME MORE!! I wish there were more descriptions of everything from cars to technology to buildings and clothes. But it's painted with broad strokes, and the book is already big enough you could hurt some one with it. So I'll be satisfied for now! I hope to see more of many of the side characters. and I can't help but imagine one of them (You'll find out when you read! ) as a good version of Cruella de Vil with all the personality and sass to go with that. There is no shortage of characters to love. Somehow even though there is a shortage of antagonists, there isn't a shortage of people to hate either!
If you buy it, review too! I want to hear and see other peoples thoughts, I can't be alone in wanting a book with some Depth!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2020
Slow and a bit sloppy.
The pace is too slow with too many interruptions to the main plot witch is too vague. The MC stays with the military even as they try to kill her and threaten her with reprogramming of her personality and selling her as a sex slave when she could easily take her team and stay with Rel and his clan? WTF? The Empire threatens to shoot their cobbled together weapon and the Shildari dock/city ship even though the aliens are a intergalactic species that could glass the planet a million times over for it? Again WTF! Work a bit on a believeble plot! Lucky the book is mildly entertaining so I could give it 3 stars.
The pace is too slow with too many interruptions to the main plot witch is too vague. The MC stays with the military even as they try to kill her and threaten her with reprogramming of her personality and selling her as a sex slave when she could easily take her team and stay with Rel and his clan? WTF? The Empire threatens to shoot their cobbled together weapon and the Shildari dock/city ship even though the aliens are a intergalactic species that could glass the planet a million times over for it? Again WTF! Work a bit on a believeble plot! Lucky the book is mildly entertaining so I could give it 3 stars.
October 13, 2020
Wish second book was out. The author did great in creating the world. I have some unanswered question but since there is another book hope the author answers those in the next or some. Please dont drag on the sexual atraction hate that.
October 28, 2020
Bonnie has let loose a killer of a series in this book. Once I began reading I found it hard to put down until it was finished it. This is some great writing
March 29, 2021
I really enjoyed this story and although it was confusing at times I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
April 5, 2025
An absolutely phenomenal and well written story from the worldbuilding to the characters. There is so much to experience and love here. Kept me on the edge of my seat more times than I could count. You just couldn't predict what would happen next and it kept you wanting more. The Syldrari are beyond an interesting species. I don't think I've ever read anything like this before. If you're looking for a real Romance with great pacing then you've found it. I can't choose between who I like more...Rel or Jysel, both fantastic characters. For many years I've loved Sci-Fi and Cyberpunk, and this book scratched that itch real good. You can tell Price worked so hard on carefully crafting Song of the Depths from each and every character to the rich story. They provided us with so much attention to detail that made this read such an incredible immersive journey. I am most certainly picking up the next book and can hardly wait to continue the story!
September 21, 2020
This was a fun read. Interesting characters and a intricate species to get to know. Definitely a start to a promising series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews