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A Dreamer's Misfortune #1
Songs of the Wicked
Fear is not my master. I will never submit.
A grave threat looms over the mortal world. The veil that separates the realms has weakened over time, and monsters-Undesirables-claw their way out of the Netherworld to torment the living. What once dwelled in whispered stories now stalks the shadows. The only guard against chaos is balance.
Reapers are duty bound to uphold that balance, tasked with guiding mortal souls to the afterlife. Lark secretly dreams of shedding her immortal chains and forging her own path. She's captivated by the humans and envies their freedom, their passion, their anguish. Her master, Thanar, god of death, forbids this fascination and demands her utmost loyalty.
When Lark encounters a mortal whose fire and suffering awakens something in her, she denies fate and saves him, refusing to guide him to his death.
To escape Thanar's wrath, Lark makes a deal with the witch-queen of the Netherworld and is remade as human-trading her power for mortality. She flees through the veil and enters the land of the living, unaware she isn't the only one freed from the clutches of the Netherworld.
A grave threat looms over the mortal world. The veil that separates the realms has weakened over time, and monsters-Undesirables-claw their way out of the Netherworld to torment the living. What once dwelled in whispered stories now stalks the shadows. The only guard against chaos is balance.
Reapers are duty bound to uphold that balance, tasked with guiding mortal souls to the afterlife. Lark secretly dreams of shedding her immortal chains and forging her own path. She's captivated by the humans and envies their freedom, their passion, their anguish. Her master, Thanar, god of death, forbids this fascination and demands her utmost loyalty.
When Lark encounters a mortal whose fire and suffering awakens something in her, she denies fate and saves him, refusing to guide him to his death.
To escape Thanar's wrath, Lark makes a deal with the witch-queen of the Netherworld and is remade as human-trading her power for mortality. She flees through the veil and enters the land of the living, unaware she isn't the only one freed from the clutches of the Netherworld.
703 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2022
57 people are currently reading
6101 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Farran
5 books126 followersC.A. Farran is an emerging author of dark fantasy. She’s addicted to video games, Kit Kats, and energy drinks.
Farran grew up by the sea on a steady intake of fairytales, renaissance fairs, and mythology. She’s always felt a profound connection to horror and dark fantasy, spending her childhood searching the woods for monsters and magic.
Now, she spends her days photographing nature in Maine with her two cats; Commander and Demon, her husband, and their wildling.
This is C.A.’s first novel, but her short story "Safe Travels" can be found in the anthology "Frontiers: Past, Present, and Future" by Owl Hollow Press.
To stay updated on her shenanigans, check out cafarran.com
Farran grew up by the sea on a steady intake of fairytales, renaissance fairs, and mythology. She’s always felt a profound connection to horror and dark fantasy, spending her childhood searching the woods for monsters and magic.
Now, she spends her days photographing nature in Maine with her two cats; Commander and Demon, her husband, and their wildling.
This is C.A.’s first novel, but her short story "Safe Travels" can be found in the anthology "Frontiers: Past, Present, and Future" by Owl Hollow Press.
To stay updated on her shenanigans, check out cafarran.com
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April 14, 2023
“How did I find you?” He asked, voice soft with wonder.
She stared into those dark green eyes that glimmered with gold in the right light. The ones she’d imagined each day and night since the first time she saw him, pacing the room where Emric was fading.
“I found you,” she huffed with a small smile.
The way I am utterly and devastatingly in love with this book is not even funny, honestly.
🦅𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗗 - 𝗕𝗬 𝗖.𝗔. 𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗡🦅
★𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
★𝗬𝗔/𝗡𝗔/𝗔: 🅽🅰/🅰
★𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: 𝙰 𝙳𝚁𝙴𝙰𝙼𝙴𝚁'𝚂 𝙼𝙸𝚂𝙵𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚄𝙽𝙴 #𝟷
★𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦: 𝙿𝙰𝚁𝙰𝙽𝙾𝚁𝙼𝙰𝙻 - 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴 - 𝙳𝙰𝚁𝙺 𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈 - 𝙷𝙴𝙸𝚂𝚃𝚂
★𝗣𝗢𝗩: 𝙳𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝙿𝙾𝚅 - 𝚃𝙷𝙸𝚁𝙳 𝙿𝙴𝚁𝚂𝙾𝙽 - 𝙿𝙰𝚂𝚃 𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚂𝙴
★𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: 𝙴𝙽𝙴𝙼𝙸𝙴𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚂 - 𝙻𝙾𝙾𝚂𝙴 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚃𝙻𝙴 𝙼𝙴𝚁𝙼𝙰𝙸𝙳 𝚁𝙴𝚃𝙴𝙻𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙶 - 𝚂𝙻𝙾𝚆 𝙱𝚄𝚁𝙽 - 𝙵𝙾𝚄𝙽𝙳 𝙵𝙰𝙼𝙸𝙻𝚈 - 𝙵𝚁𝙾𝙼 𝚂𝚄𝙿𝙴𝚁𝙽𝙰𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙰𝙻 𝚃𝙾 𝙷𝚄𝙰𝙼𝙰𝙽 - 𝙴𝙼𝙾𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻 𝚂𝙲𝙰𝚁𝚂 - 𝚃𝙴𝙽𝙳𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝚃𝙾 𝙸𝙽𝙹𝚄𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂 - 𝚆𝚁𝙸𝚃𝚃𝙴𝙽 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚁𝚂 - 𝙻𝙾𝚂𝚃 𝙼𝙴𝙼𝙾𝚁𝚈 -𝙸 𝚃𝙷𝙾𝚄𝙶𝙷𝚃 𝙸'𝙳 𝙻𝙾𝚂𝚃 𝚈𝙾𝚄 - 𝚃𝙾𝚄𝙲𝙷 𝙷𝙴𝚁/𝙷𝙸𝙼 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝚈𝙾𝚄 𝙳𝙸𝙴
★𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: 👥👥👥👥👥/𝟱
★𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼/𝟱
★𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧: 📜📜📜📜/𝟱
★𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦 & 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦: 💀💀💀💀/𝟱 ((𝚃𝙷𝚁𝙴𝙰𝚃𝚂 𝙾𝙵) 𝚁𝙰𝙿𝙴 - 𝙿𝙷𝚈𝚂𝙸𝙲𝙰𝙻 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙴𝙼𝙾𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻 𝚅𝙸𝙾𝙻𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙴/𝚃𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙴 - 𝙼𝚄𝚁𝙳𝙴𝚁 - 𝙱𝙻𝙾𝙾𝙳 - 𝙸𝙽𝙹𝚄𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂 - 𝙷𝙾𝙼𝙾𝙿𝙷𝙾𝙱𝙸𝙰 - 𝚂𝚄𝚁𝚅𝙸𝚅𝙾𝚁 𝙶𝚄𝙸𝙻𝚃 - 𝙶𝚁𝙸𝙴𝙵 - 𝙻𝙾𝚂𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝙳 𝙾𝙽𝙴𝚂/𝙵𝚁𝙸𝙴𝙽𝙳𝚂/𝙵𝙰𝙼𝙸𝙻𝚈 𝙼𝙴𝙼𝙱𝙴𝚁𝚂 - 𝙶𝙷𝙾𝚂𝚃𝚂 - 𝙼𝙲𝚂 𝚂𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙴 𝙰 𝙳𝚄𝙱-𝙲𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝙸𝚂𝚂 𝙵𝙾𝚁 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙿𝙻𝙾𝚃)
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧/𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🔥🔥🔥½/𝟱 (𝙺𝙸𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙽𝙶 - 𝙿𝙴𝚃𝚃𝙸𝙽𝙶 - 𝙾𝚁𝙰𝙻 𝚂𝙴𝚇 - 𝙻𝙾𝚂𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝚅𝙸𝚁𝙶𝙸𝙽𝙸𝚃𝚈 - 𝚂𝙴𝙼𝙸 𝙶𝚁𝙰𝙿𝙷𝙸𝙲 𝚂𝙴𝚇 (𝙱𝙴𝚃𝚆𝙴𝙴𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙼𝙲𝚂) - 𝙼𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 𝙾𝙵 𝚂𝙸𝙳𝙴 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙰𝙲𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂 𝙷𝙰𝚅𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝚂𝙴𝚇𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙽𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂 𝚆𝙸𝚃𝙷 𝚅𝙰𝚁𝙸𝙾𝚄𝚂 𝙿𝙰𝚁𝚃𝙽𝙴𝚁𝚂)
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🚒🚒🚒½/𝟱 (𝙳𝙴𝙰𝚁 𝙶𝙾𝙳 𝙶𝙰𝚅𝚁𝙸𝙴𝙻 "𝙽𝙾. 𝙻𝙴𝚃 𝙼𝙴 𝙷𝙴𝙰𝚁 𝚈𝙾𝚄." 𝙿𝙴𝙰𝚁𝚂𝙾𝙽 - 𝙲𝙻𝙰𝚂𝚂𝚈 𝚂𝙼𝚄𝚃 𝚃𝙼)
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗬: 💣💣/𝟱
★𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦: 🤐🤐🤐/5 (𝙼𝙰𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙴 𝙻𝙰𝙽𝙶𝚄𝙰𝙶𝙴 - 𝙶𝚁𝙰𝙿𝙷𝙸𝙲 𝙳𝙴𝚂𝙲𝚁𝙸𝙿𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝚅𝙸𝙾𝙻𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙴/𝙼𝚄𝚁𝙳𝙴𝚁/𝚂𝙴𝚇𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝚂𝙸𝚃𝚄𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂)
★𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🌻🌻🌻/𝟱
★𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🌹🌹🌹🌹½/𝟱 (𝙸 𝚂𝙷𝙸𝙿 𝚃𝙷𝙴𝙼 𝚂𝙾 𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙳 𝙸 𝙼𝙸𝙶𝙷𝚃 𝙷𝙰𝚅𝙴 𝙿𝚄𝙻𝙻𝙴𝙳 𝙰 𝙼𝚄𝚂𝙲𝙻𝙴 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝚈𝙴𝚂 𝙸𝚃'𝚂 𝙳𝙴𝙵𝙸𝙽𝙸𝚃𝙴𝙻𝚈 𝙼𝚈 𝙷𝙴𝙰𝚁𝚃)
★𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: 💔💔💔½/𝟱
★𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗟𝗘: ❌
★𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘: 𝙵/𝙼
★𝗥𝗘𝗣: 𝙵𝙼𝙲 𝙸𝚂 𝙼𝚄𝚃𝙴 𝙵𝙾𝚁 𝙰 𝚂𝙷𝙾𝚁𝚃 𝙿𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙾𝙳 - 𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝚂𝙸𝙳𝙴 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙰𝙲𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙸𝚂 𝙾𝙿𝙴𝙽𝙻𝚈 𝙶𝙰𝚈 (𝙼)- 𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝚂𝙸𝙳𝙴 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙰𝙲𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙸𝚂 𝙾𝙿𝙴𝙽𝙻𝚈 𝙱𝙸 (𝙼)- 𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝚂𝙸𝙳𝙴 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙰𝙲𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙸𝚂 𝙰𝚃 𝙻𝙴𝙰𝚂𝚃 𝙱𝙸 (𝙵)- 𝙰𝙽𝚇𝙸𝙴𝚃𝚈 - 𝙿𝚃𝚂𝙳 - 𝚂𝚄𝚁𝚅𝙸𝚅𝙾𝚁 𝙶𝚄𝙸𝙻𝚃 - 𝚅𝙸𝚂𝙸𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝚂𝙲𝙰𝚁𝚂
★𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗘𝗦-𝗧𝗢-𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦: 🖤🖤🖤½/𝟱
★𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚:
★𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗚: 🎶𝙶𝙷𝙾𝚂𝚃 - 𝙹𝙰𝙲𝙾𝙱 𝙻𝙴𝙴🎶
▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰
There's something about this book I can't quite explain.
It's something tangible yet ethereal; something that catapulted me into it and held my attention, right from the very first line.
I swear I'll try my best to fill in the gaps I couldn't fill with my review chart, but I already know I'll never be able to give this book justice, not even if I spend the next 20 years praising it.
Songs of the Wicked is a painful book.
It begins with one of the saddest opening scenes I've ever read, and the tone only lightens up a little in the next chapters, but not too much and not for long.
I instantly fell in love with it and, once I started, I couldn't let go.
Farran's prose is emotional, atmospheric and absolutely quotable. I had so much fun highlighting the heck out of this book, because every line feels iconic, and I love when words leave a mark like that.
Plotwise speaking, this was pure balanced perfection.
I'm talking about the right amount of action mixed with the right amount of domesticity mixed with some of the best dialogues I've ever read.
I was a little indimidated by this book being longer than my usual reads, but the fact that there's never a dull moment between a scene and another, definitely makes a difference, and kept the story flowing.
And everything was so well written, it was impossible not to be glued to the pages.
I know I'm repeating myself, but I seriously can't remember the last time I wanted to know EVERYTHING about a book or that a novel kept my interest alive for its entirety, the way SotW did.
Another thing I'll never stop thanking the author for, is how she handled the character, and the found family aspect of the novel, in particular.
I think I've cried at least seven times because of Lark, Daciana, Allistair, Langford and Hugo.
They were a force of nature and a delight, and in some ways, they reminded me of the Crows a little. Just, older and less edgy.
Lark has become one of my favorite main characters ever, but I really don't feel like elaborating. You have to find out for yourselves.
Last but not least, the romance.
Oh, my heart. If the dictionary had a definition for state-of-heart enemies-to-lovers, I'm sure slow burn and Lark and Gavriel's names would totally be mentioned.
The progression from hate to love was simply divine and it wasn't rushed at all.
I appreciated that they didn't go from hating each other's guts (but really, Gavriel, I'm just looking at you, here) to reapping off each other's clothes, because it wouldn't have fitted the characters.
But I should have known Farran wouldn't have let me down.
She did the romance just like she did the rest of this underrated gem.
Masterfully.
You know when in romance novels people have sex and one says to the other "you've ruined me for anyone else"?
I feel like this is what this book did for me.
It's the kind of book that most definitely will put me into a slump, but I don't regret a single second I spent enjoying it and sobbing over it.
I don't want to presume Songs of the Wicked will appease all kind of readers, but I know for sure it touched the heart of at least one of them.
And I know, for a fact, that this tiny little reader in particular will not only re-read this book again in the future but she will be waiting for the sequel as if her life depends on it.
(I'm definitely gonna add more to this as I keep processing. Note to self: maybe say something about the retelling aspect of the story, too)
June 8, 2024
5 Apple Stars ⭐
Spicy Level: 🌶️.5/5
This was an unexpected surprise that almost snuck up on me! But because of that, it made the experience so much more enjoyable!
We start off by meeting Lark, a reaper who is depressed in her life, not in the sense that she is sad, but more that she is listless and unsatisfied. She is stuck in a rut as she can't feel, taste, or experience anything. Nothing gives her joy or the motivation to be happy as a reaper. One day she is assigned to guide a soul, and she crosses paths with Gavriel. Something about him sparks something inside of her. So when his name comes up for reaping, she can't let that happen, she has to save him and so does everything she can to change his destiny, even if it means seeking help from the Underworld Witch. As saving the mortal was against the rules of being a reaper, Lark faces severe punishment. To escape this, she makes another deal with the witch to become human.
The first 100 pages of this are slow, and they can feel quite overwhelming and confusing because you are thrown right into the thick of it with the worldbuilding, the characters, and how everything works. Do not give up hope because soon the vines of the story will intricately integrate into your soul, wrap around your heart, and clutch you tight; forcing you to give the story your undivided attention. But this isn't a problem because you will be invested and enamoured by the story. Once I got past those 100 pages, I couldn't put this down. The book flew by as I was reading five chapters, then ten chapters, then 15 chapters. I seriously cannot explain properly how captivating and enticing this story was and how these characters dug into my heart.
The world-building is pretty intricate and diverse, pulling on inspiration from classical "celestial" mythology and traditional folk tales, specifically The Little Mermaid. This tale is a little less Disney and more similar to the Dark Hans Christian Andersen version. Lark's transition as a human is painful, and much like in the traditional story, she loses her voice and walking on her feet is excruciatingly painful (at least in this book, those aspects go away after a few days).
The prose of this is hauntingly beautiful, at times poetic and extremely emotive. It has been a long while since I have seen such pain and despair written about so well. C.A. Farran excellently managed to explain and infer the feeling of dissonance and emptiness Lark Feels. The text was beautiful. But not just with Lark, I could feel the characters suffering, I could experience their fear, and I could imagine myself in their painful shoes.
Lark has it rough. Her transition to human (as I mentioned) is not easy, and it doesn't get easier as time passes. She is pushed and pulled into brutal and traumatic experiences, taking her level of suffering to the extreme, and all I wanted to do was climb in the pages and hug her. I loved her determination to succeed and that her willpower was never broken, no matter what was thrown at her.
The vibes of this were also refreshing, it's been a while since I've ventured away from Romantasy back into the realm of traditional epic fantasy - but it's books like this that remind me why I love fantasy so much. The romance is there, but it's not at the forefront of the plot, it's a side aspect to everything that is happening - but frankly, I wouldn't change it a bit! It is an extremely slow burn. BUT is an excellent, excellent progression of enemies to lovers. In fact, I'd almost use this as the textbook example of how to do Enemies to Lovers well. To see how that hatred blossomed into those awkward stares, simple touches, and that magnetism to be near each other was PERFECTTION. Lark and Gavriel help each other grow to be better versions of themselves and it's just perfect how these two on opposite sides learn to work together, establish trust, and have that trust evolve into love. It was absolutely stunning.
The best part of this book was the found family. It was an exquisite depiction of how a band of people can be brought together in desperation and form that inexplicable unbreakable bond. Their "family" felt very similar to the vibes of the Crows from the Six of Crows, as the merry band in this story land up in some very exciting, peculiar, and dangerous positions while working through plans and heists. While it does feel like something always goes wrong in their plans, it was exciting. They felt like a "band of brothers", (metaphorical brothers because Lark and Dacianna are female). But they came together, each bringing their unique skills, quirks, characteristics, and tragic backstory. This family was a unit, they worked and banded together and their interaction and love for each other was beautiful.
Tropes in this include:
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Found Family
▶ Little Mermaid Retelling with Reapers
▶ One Horse
▶ Heists
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Slow Burn
▶ Tending to Injuries
Overall, I really adored this once I got into it. It frankly blew me away, and I almost want to kick myself for taking so long to read this. This was number one on my TBR, meaning that it had been there for the longest and I feel bad that I didn't give this the opportunity it deserved sooner because it is an excellent piece of writing, a fantastic story, and an amazing fantasy.
Spicy Level: 🌶️.5/5
This was an unexpected surprise that almost snuck up on me! But because of that, it made the experience so much more enjoyable!
We start off by meeting Lark, a reaper who is depressed in her life, not in the sense that she is sad, but more that she is listless and unsatisfied. She is stuck in a rut as she can't feel, taste, or experience anything. Nothing gives her joy or the motivation to be happy as a reaper. One day she is assigned to guide a soul, and she crosses paths with Gavriel. Something about him sparks something inside of her. So when his name comes up for reaping, she can't let that happen, she has to save him and so does everything she can to change his destiny, even if it means seeking help from the Underworld Witch. As saving the mortal was against the rules of being a reaper, Lark faces severe punishment. To escape this, she makes another deal with the witch to become human.
The first 100 pages of this are slow, and they can feel quite overwhelming and confusing because you are thrown right into the thick of it with the worldbuilding, the characters, and how everything works. Do not give up hope because soon the vines of the story will intricately integrate into your soul, wrap around your heart, and clutch you tight; forcing you to give the story your undivided attention. But this isn't a problem because you will be invested and enamoured by the story. Once I got past those 100 pages, I couldn't put this down. The book flew by as I was reading five chapters, then ten chapters, then 15 chapters. I seriously cannot explain properly how captivating and enticing this story was and how these characters dug into my heart.
The world-building is pretty intricate and diverse, pulling on inspiration from classical "celestial" mythology and traditional folk tales, specifically The Little Mermaid. This tale is a little less Disney and more similar to the Dark Hans Christian Andersen version. Lark's transition as a human is painful, and much like in the traditional story, she loses her voice and walking on her feet is excruciatingly painful (at least in this book, those aspects go away after a few days).
The prose of this is hauntingly beautiful, at times poetic and extremely emotive. It has been a long while since I have seen such pain and despair written about so well. C.A. Farran excellently managed to explain and infer the feeling of dissonance and emptiness Lark Feels. The text was beautiful. But not just with Lark, I could feel the characters suffering, I could experience their fear, and I could imagine myself in their painful shoes.
Lark has it rough. Her transition to human (as I mentioned) is not easy, and it doesn't get easier as time passes. She is pushed and pulled into brutal and traumatic experiences, taking her level of suffering to the extreme, and all I wanted to do was climb in the pages and hug her. I loved her determination to succeed and that her willpower was never broken, no matter what was thrown at her.
The vibes of this were also refreshing, it's been a while since I've ventured away from Romantasy back into the realm of traditional epic fantasy - but it's books like this that remind me why I love fantasy so much. The romance is there, but it's not at the forefront of the plot, it's a side aspect to everything that is happening - but frankly, I wouldn't change it a bit! It is an extremely slow burn. BUT is an excellent, excellent progression of enemies to lovers. In fact, I'd almost use this as the textbook example of how to do Enemies to Lovers well. To see how that hatred blossomed into those awkward stares, simple touches, and that magnetism to be near each other was PERFECTTION. Lark and Gavriel help each other grow to be better versions of themselves and it's just perfect how these two on opposite sides learn to work together, establish trust, and have that trust evolve into love. It was absolutely stunning.
The best part of this book was the found family. It was an exquisite depiction of how a band of people can be brought together in desperation and form that inexplicable unbreakable bond. Their "family" felt very similar to the vibes of the Crows from the Six of Crows, as the merry band in this story land up in some very exciting, peculiar, and dangerous positions while working through plans and heists. While it does feel like something always goes wrong in their plans, it was exciting. They felt like a "band of brothers", (metaphorical brothers because Lark and Dacianna are female). But they came together, each bringing their unique skills, quirks, characteristics, and tragic backstory. This family was a unit, they worked and banded together and their interaction and love for each other was beautiful.
Tropes in this include:
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Found Family
▶ Little Mermaid Retelling with Reapers
▶ One Horse
▶ Heists
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Slow Burn
▶ Tending to Injuries
Overall, I really adored this once I got into it. It frankly blew me away, and I almost want to kick myself for taking so long to read this. This was number one on my TBR, meaning that it had been there for the longest and I feel bad that I didn't give this the opportunity it deserved sooner because it is an excellent piece of writing, a fantastic story, and an amazing fantasy.
January 25, 2022
Do you like "The Little Mermaid"?
Do you like fated love?
Do you like dark luscious fantasy?
Magical prose?
Heart rending relationships?
Found families?
Do you like magic?
Mischief? Those breath stealing moments that make you flip pages even though it's 2am and you have to go to bed or a Reaper will certainly be coming for your soul?
.
.
I present for your consideration "Songs of the Wicked" by C.A.Farran . I can't express to you how deeply this book made me feel. It's so magical and yet so heartbreaking human. This book is the kind that stays with you in the best ways.
.
Do you like fated love?
Do you like dark luscious fantasy?
Magical prose?
Heart rending relationships?
Found families?
Do you like magic?
Mischief? Those breath stealing moments that make you flip pages even though it's 2am and you have to go to bed or a Reaper will certainly be coming for your soul?
.
.
I present for your consideration "Songs of the Wicked" by C.A.Farran . I can't express to you how deeply this book made me feel. It's so magical and yet so heartbreaking human. This book is the kind that stays with you in the best ways.
.
October 17, 2025
Let’s start with the good: the book started strong, it had a good premise and I was entertained for the first third of the book.
But the more it went on the less I wanted to go on, nothing interested me, I didn’t get attached, the book really lost the plot, the story died and became a mess. Everything was shallow, there was no relationship buildup either in the friendships or the romance (instalove), there was no dept, not in the story, not in the characters (all surface level and especially no personality whatsoever in the mmc) and not in the romance (no meaningful moments or developing of connection).
I don’t expect the first book of a series to develop everything already, but I need something.
But the more it went on the less I wanted to go on, nothing interested me, I didn’t get attached, the book really lost the plot, the story died and became a mess. Everything was shallow, there was no relationship buildup either in the friendships or the romance (instalove), there was no dept, not in the story, not in the characters (all surface level and especially no personality whatsoever in the mmc) and not in the romance (no meaningful moments or developing of connection).
I don’t expect the first book of a series to develop everything already, but I need something.
Want to read
March 6, 2022A New Adult dark reimagining of The Little Mermaid you say? Sold 🧜🏼♀️
May 4, 2023
I scooped this book up based off a found fam reader update and was not disappointed. (Please check out booksnpenguins for a much better review vs the wafflefest that is bound to follow)
This gaggle of merry misfits were such a treat altho my heart did somewhat break @ at least one point but 🤐 🤫 and when dealing with Gods of Death, Witch Queens, Reapers + Seers who even knows where this series might take us…but I for one am along for the ride and eagerly awaiting an announcement for book2 🤞
Something tells me there'll be even more Godly powers at play before too long as this is set up for an upstairs v downstairs confrontation and I am ready to meet the power players that have been holding the reins and will presumably appear before too long with the bargain struck towards the end 😈
This book, unsurprisingly as the FMC is a reformed Reaper (such a novel viewpoint imho) and another character is an assassin, deals with a lot of death and indeed opens on a particularly challenging scene - please check trigger warnings and mind yourselves!
Quick thoughts review to say that, Dacianna, Langford & Hugo were hands down my faves with a special shout out for Kenna who I hope makes more appearances in future books and I lowkey love where this ended promising larger roles for certain characters – I was hoping that might be the case and I am ready for it!
Anyone who has talked book'ish with me in the past can probably guess my feelings on the love story but I am plenty invested in the rest of the story and set up as a whole to see what happens next + read about what more kinda gross sounding Undesirables might appear & if we see "Spike" again (not his name but the character totes reminds me of Spike from Buffy for some reason – apologies to any who might read this based off that potentially false or misleading connection due to my weird brain) 😇🍿
This gaggle of merry misfits were such a treat altho my heart did somewhat break @ at least one point but 🤐 🤫 and when dealing with Gods of Death, Witch Queens, Reapers + Seers who even knows where this series might take us…but I for one am along for the ride and eagerly awaiting an announcement for book2 🤞
Something tells me there'll be even more Godly powers at play before too long as this is set up for an upstairs v downstairs confrontation and I am ready to meet the power players that have been holding the reins and will presumably appear before too long with the bargain struck towards the end 😈
This book, unsurprisingly as the FMC is a reformed Reaper (such a novel viewpoint imho) and another character is an assassin, deals with a lot of death and indeed opens on a particularly challenging scene - please check trigger warnings and mind yourselves!
Quick thoughts review to say that, Dacianna, Langford & Hugo were hands down my faves with a special shout out for Kenna who I hope makes more appearances in future books and I lowkey love where this ended promising larger roles for certain characters – I was hoping that might be the case and I am ready for it!
Anyone who has talked book'ish with me in the past can probably guess my feelings on the love story but I am plenty invested in the rest of the story and set up as a whole to see what happens next + read about what more kinda gross sounding Undesirables might appear & if we see "Spike" again (not his name but the character totes reminds me of Spike from Buffy for some reason – apologies to any who might read this based off that potentially false or misleading connection due to my weird brain) 😇🍿
December 31, 2021
Lark is a Reaper who dreams of a mortal life and escaping the control of Thanar, god of death. While helping shepherd a soul to the afterlife, she first sets eyes on fierce assassin Gavriel, denying fate in order to save his life. Having made a deal for her mortality with the witch-queen of the Netherworld, Lark enters the human world remade. However, to her dismay, she soon discovers that not only does Gavriel despise her, but she was not the only one who crossed between worlds.
Songs of the Wicked is a luxuriously written dark fantasy. I recommend you take your time to savour this dense, complex, beautiful book. While pitched as a retelling of The Little Mermaid, Songs of the Wicked stands as a confident and original work in its own right, drawing on familiar elements of the fairy tale and blending it with European folklore to create something entirely new. Adult readers who enjoyed the Throne of Glass series will relish the rich world, fiery protagonist Lark, and the enemies-to-lovers romance she shares with Gavriel.
Personally I didn't read Lark as selfish. I thought her yearning to experience a mortal life was explored so well during the early stages of the novel, and I was rooting for her to escape the influence of Thanar by any means necessary. I very much enjoyed how my expectations were subverted regarding Lark and Gavriel's first encounter, and following their intially rocky relationship as it developed was a pleasure.
Thank you to the author for providing a free eARC of Songs of the Wicked. These opinions are my own.
Songs of the Wicked is a luxuriously written dark fantasy. I recommend you take your time to savour this dense, complex, beautiful book. While pitched as a retelling of The Little Mermaid, Songs of the Wicked stands as a confident and original work in its own right, drawing on familiar elements of the fairy tale and blending it with European folklore to create something entirely new. Adult readers who enjoyed the Throne of Glass series will relish the rich world, fiery protagonist Lark, and the enemies-to-lovers romance she shares with Gavriel.
Personally I didn't read Lark as selfish. I thought her yearning to experience a mortal life was explored so well during the early stages of the novel, and I was rooting for her to escape the influence of Thanar by any means necessary. I very much enjoyed how my expectations were subverted regarding Lark and Gavriel's first encounter, and following their intially rocky relationship as it developed was a pleasure.
Thank you to the author for providing a free eARC of Songs of the Wicked. These opinions are my own.
October 13, 2023
This was so enjoyable!!!
I absolutely flew through this book - the plot was really interesting and I LOVED the vague The Little Mermaid retelling vibes. The fantasy aspects and creatures were also really interesting, and I almost wished we learnt more about life after death and how reapers were chosen etc, it was all so fascinating and unique.
Plus, the characters were the most precious!!! I ADORED the found family (Hugo was my absolute favourite - I adore strong platonic bonds, especially the father-daughter vibes, The Witcher style) and our main character was so powerful and realistic. And, of course, the romance was adorable… I’m also really rooting for a side romance, I’ll have to continue the series and see what happens with them!
All in all, this was such an enjoyable, underrated fantasy romance - I loved it!!
I absolutely flew through this book - the plot was really interesting and I LOVED the vague The Little Mermaid retelling vibes. The fantasy aspects and creatures were also really interesting, and I almost wished we learnt more about life after death and how reapers were chosen etc, it was all so fascinating and unique.
Plus, the characters were the most precious!!! I ADORED the found family (Hugo was my absolute favourite - I adore strong platonic bonds, especially the father-daughter vibes, The Witcher style) and our main character was so powerful and realistic. And, of course, the romance was adorable… I’m also really rooting for a side romance, I’ll have to continue the series and see what happens with them!
All in all, this was such an enjoyable, underrated fantasy romance - I loved it!!
July 20, 2022
The second I finished this book, I wanted to read it all over again. Experience everything that makes this book so magical, so beautiful in all its weavings of secrets and character arcs and subtle tells that hit you full face later on. You think you know what this will be when you hear it described as a dark Little Mermaid retelling. And the references are there, though small and fleeting. They’re enough to make you think, oh, I know what this will become. You don’t. And you will delight in it. This book has everything: morally grey characters, action, adventure, slight horror, romance, found family, dark fantasy, some spice, a diverse cast of characters… I think what I love the most is that none of the characters are there to make a statement on representation. They just are who they are and though Lark is the main character, you feel everyone else gets just enough shared spotlight. Nothing ever feels forced or unnecessary. You want the plot points as well as the fillers, the small everyday moments with the climatic events. You’ll want more when it’s over, and you, like me, will want to read it all over again until Farran releases her next masterpiece.
November 27, 2021
Once upon a time there was a little reaper who dreamed of a mortal life — who dreamed of a mortal man. The little reaper arbitrated a deal with a god, leaving her immortal life behind. And that’s when her adventure began.
This masterwork is gorgeous, simply gorgeous, and it has left me yearning for more. One would have to read it many times to get the full, poetic meaning of it. It is fragile and sturdy all at once — it is introspective, brutal, haunting, and even sensual, but above all, it is about friendship — it is about found family. Lark, an age-wizened reaper, is reborn into a human life, and she is almost childlike in her passion and her lust for life. She is relearning the world around her in the company of a band of misfits, who accept her for who and what she is. And oh! Oh! How I love each one of them! They are MY friends! They are MY found family! They led me into their world of peril, always finding a way through the darkness. SOW stuns with its twists and turns, its sizzling passions, its merciless darkness, and Farran subverts so many tropes, I was kept on my toes. It was only after I’d endured moments of heartache, after I’d longed for resolution to the characters’ struggles, after I’d lingered on passages of exquisite and ravishing prose, that I realized this book was not what I thought it was. It transformed me, instantly and irrevocably.
I am forever lost in these pages.
This masterwork is gorgeous, simply gorgeous, and it has left me yearning for more. One would have to read it many times to get the full, poetic meaning of it. It is fragile and sturdy all at once — it is introspective, brutal, haunting, and even sensual, but above all, it is about friendship — it is about found family. Lark, an age-wizened reaper, is reborn into a human life, and she is almost childlike in her passion and her lust for life. She is relearning the world around her in the company of a band of misfits, who accept her for who and what she is. And oh! Oh! How I love each one of them! They are MY friends! They are MY found family! They led me into their world of peril, always finding a way through the darkness. SOW stuns with its twists and turns, its sizzling passions, its merciless darkness, and Farran subverts so many tropes, I was kept on my toes. It was only after I’d endured moments of heartache, after I’d longed for resolution to the characters’ struggles, after I’d lingered on passages of exquisite and ravishing prose, that I realized this book was not what I thought it was. It transformed me, instantly and irrevocably.
I am forever lost in these pages.
November 2, 2021
"Sometimes, finding the person you'd burn the world for is the worst sort of curse."
This book was such a ride! I love the fast paced writing, the setting of Otherworld, the Guild, etc, but most of all I love the characters! I was a bit annoyed by Lark in the beginning, ngl, but she grew on me as the story progressed. Yes, she was (sort of) selfish but her action was propelled by something else, which will be clear in the end of the book.
I also love her found family! Alistair, Hugo, Langford, and Daciana. Especially Alistair because he provided the comic relief for almost the whole book lol I love his energy so much. And Gavriel! Angry, moody boy who is also smooth af haha. Ohhhh and also Thanar. Can't talk about him because it will be spoiler but he climbed his spot as one of my fav character by the end of the book :)
Can't wait for book 2!! Hell, I finished this book hours ago and already miss these characters. Don't know how I'll survive waiting for book 2 haha
<< Thanks to author for providing me ARC in exchange of honest review. >>
This book was such a ride! I love the fast paced writing, the setting of Otherworld, the Guild, etc, but most of all I love the characters! I was a bit annoyed by Lark in the beginning, ngl, but she grew on me as the story progressed. Yes, she was (sort of) selfish but her action was propelled by something else, which will be clear in the end of the book.
I also love her found family! Alistair, Hugo, Langford, and Daciana. Especially Alistair because he provided the comic relief for almost the whole book lol I love his energy so much. And Gavriel! Angry, moody boy who is also smooth af haha. Ohhhh and also Thanar. Can't talk about him because it will be spoiler but he climbed his spot as one of my fav character by the end of the book :)
Can't wait for book 2!! Hell, I finished this book hours ago and already miss these characters. Don't know how I'll survive waiting for book 2 haha
<< Thanks to author for providing me ARC in exchange of honest review. >>
March 19, 2022
In a literary world that has been swamped in recent years with one retelling after another, I am always wary of yet another one. But Songs of the Wicked is not a barely disguised smutty fairy tale- it’s one of the most original stories I’ve read even though it’s a retelling. C A Farran has taken the foundational elements of A Little Mermaid and reworked them into a fascinating, dark tale of deep longing and startling discovery and their consequences. Lark made me appreciate the subtleties of every day life: the fresh crunch of an apple, the melting warmth of chocolate, the striking intimacy of a kiss.
With lush writing creating deeply atmospheric settings, and characters with depth, humor, and some of my favorite banter I’ve read, this book has what a lot of fantasy stories are missing- an organic heart. There isn’t the sort of mass-market pandering that so many books have, this is simply the truth of these characters and their adventures. I enjoyed every minute of them, and I can’t wait to find out what happens to Lark, Gavriel, and the others in the next installment.
March 10, 2023
This book really has my whole heart.
I think this is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read - and the thing about me is that I don't really care about how well written a book is, I'm a character driven reader - but this is a masterpiece. The imagery is stunning, and I think it works so well because when Lark takes the world in as a "re-born" mortal, we see everything in the way she is viewing it. The descriptions are so lovely and poetic. It really stopped me and reminded me to appreciate all the small things the world offers us.
The beautiful writing aside - we also have the BEST tropes. This is one of the best found family tropes I've ever read, hands down. We also have true enemies to lovers (with our FMC being the enemy), one horse, hurt/comfort, ALL the creatures, a real true slooooow burn (which, you really do need for a well written enemies to lovers), ONE HORSE - my personal fave, and so much more.
And the characters. Oh, the characters. They are all so well developed. The supporting characters don't even feel supporting, they all have such a depth to them. Even the ones we got smaller glimpses of, you know there's something more with them. There were absolutely no meaningless, filler characters in this one. The FMC and MMC have fantastic growth both individually and together, which makes the enemies to lovers slow burn THAT much better.
This book truly sucked me in and is my favorite book of the year, and probably in my top books ever. I laughed AND I cried reading this. I cannot recommend this enough. I can't wait to continue this series.
I think this is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read - and the thing about me is that I don't really care about how well written a book is, I'm a character driven reader - but this is a masterpiece. The imagery is stunning, and I think it works so well because when Lark takes the world in as a "re-born" mortal, we see everything in the way she is viewing it. The descriptions are so lovely and poetic. It really stopped me and reminded me to appreciate all the small things the world offers us.
The beautiful writing aside - we also have the BEST tropes. This is one of the best found family tropes I've ever read, hands down. We also have true enemies to lovers (with our FMC being the enemy), one horse, hurt/comfort, ALL the creatures, a real true slooooow burn (which, you really do need for a well written enemies to lovers), ONE HORSE - my personal fave, and so much more.
And the characters. Oh, the characters. They are all so well developed. The supporting characters don't even feel supporting, they all have such a depth to them. Even the ones we got smaller glimpses of, you know there's something more with them. There were absolutely no meaningless, filler characters in this one. The FMC and MMC have fantastic growth both individually and together, which makes the enemies to lovers slow burn THAT much better.
This book truly sucked me in and is my favorite book of the year, and probably in my top books ever. I laughed AND I cried reading this. I cannot recommend this enough. I can't wait to continue this series.
June 16, 2023
So, bottom line? I enjoyed this.
But I have some thoughts.
- The first 40% or so of this book was like a siren song; I couldn’t get enough, couldn’t put it down, was truly and utterly enthralled by it.
Around the halfway mark though, things started to get a little shaky.
- It’s almost as if a completely different person wrote the second half of this book.
It felt extremely rushed.
To a point where the ability to maintain an interest, or any emotional connection to the story, completely disappeared for me.
-The characters didn’t have a whole lot of depth or a real motive behind a majority of their actions.
I was hoping that in the second half the reader would get more insight to who they were as people, but instead it just felt like the author was trying to TELL you how to feel.
“She’s wonderful and everyone loves her.”
“He’s gorgeous and worth saving.”
“Feel sorry for him.”
“Root for her.”
“We hate this guy.”
Like okay, cool, but *why*?
-The story line and plot idea is wonderful, but the way it was executed was just a bit off for me.
I stopped caring. I stopped wondering what would happen next.
For example.. My favorite character in the whole book had an emotionally charged *moment/thing* near the end, and I couldn’t find it in myself to give a shit. Like at all.
All in all, I did like it. I just didn’t vibe with the entirety of the writing style.
If/when the next book in this series comes out, I’ll more than likely read it, but I’m not waiting with bated breath.
But I have some thoughts.
- The first 40% or so of this book was like a siren song; I couldn’t get enough, couldn’t put it down, was truly and utterly enthralled by it.
Around the halfway mark though, things started to get a little shaky.
- It’s almost as if a completely different person wrote the second half of this book.
It felt extremely rushed.
To a point where the ability to maintain an interest, or any emotional connection to the story, completely disappeared for me.
-The characters didn’t have a whole lot of depth or a real motive behind a majority of their actions.
I was hoping that in the second half the reader would get more insight to who they were as people, but instead it just felt like the author was trying to TELL you how to feel.
“She’s wonderful and everyone loves her.”
“He’s gorgeous and worth saving.”
“Feel sorry for him.”
“Root for her.”
“We hate this guy.”
Like okay, cool, but *why*?
-The story line and plot idea is wonderful, but the way it was executed was just a bit off for me.
I stopped caring. I stopped wondering what would happen next.
For example.. My favorite character in the whole book had an emotionally charged *moment/thing* near the end, and I couldn’t find it in myself to give a shit. Like at all.
All in all, I did like it. I just didn’t vibe with the entirety of the writing style.
If/when the next book in this series comes out, I’ll more than likely read it, but I’m not waiting with bated breath.
June 8, 2022
Songs of Wicked is my new personality. I will not rest until everyone I know and love has read this book. 🥹😭 My favorite thing about this has to be how UNIQUE it is. I have read so many retellings, heck my own book is a retelling in its own way, and this was 100% the most creative and stunning reimagining of a story I’ve ever read in my LIFE. Lark is such a strong, relatable and fantastic MC. I will cherish her forever. 🌙
Here is the tea: 🫖
🧜♀️ dark reimagining of the little mermaid
🧜♀️ beautiful world building
🧜♀️ found family
🧜♀️ LGBTQ+ representation
🧜♀️ ROMANCE. *cue angry messages i was sending to the author last night 😂*
🧜♀️ epic battles/fights
🧜♀️ first in a series *already messaged the author and was like… so pls tell me you’re working on book 2 😍*
🧜♀️ BANTER.
🧜♀️ plot twists and cliffhangers galore
🧜♀️ IMAGERY. I could imagine this whole world so beautifully.
🧜♀️ fate, destiny and all of those concepts that we love for in fantasy books
C.A. Farran does include a content warning in the beginning of the book. If you want more information on that, please do not hesitate to reach out. 🖤
Here is the tea: 🫖
🧜♀️ dark reimagining of the little mermaid
🧜♀️ beautiful world building
🧜♀️ found family
🧜♀️ LGBTQ+ representation
🧜♀️ ROMANCE. *cue angry messages i was sending to the author last night 😂*
🧜♀️ epic battles/fights
🧜♀️ first in a series *already messaged the author and was like… so pls tell me you’re working on book 2 😍*
🧜♀️ BANTER.
🧜♀️ plot twists and cliffhangers galore
🧜♀️ IMAGERY. I could imagine this whole world so beautifully.
🧜♀️ fate, destiny and all of those concepts that we love for in fantasy books
C.A. Farran does include a content warning in the beginning of the book. If you want more information on that, please do not hesitate to reach out. 🖤
April 16, 2023
DNF around 50%
Looks like I’m going to be in the minority here, but I read almost 350 pages of this and I fail to see why this has so many five star reviews? This is a dark/NA (feels more YA to me) retelling of The Little Mermaid. Lark is a Reaper who assists human souls to the afterlife. She is depressed and doesn’t want to be a Reaper anymore because she wants to be a mortal so she can “feel things.” She was made into a Reaper by Thanar, who is the ruler of death. She constantly flouts his authority and he puts up with it because she is “special” for some reason. Essentially, he is a bad dude and tries to control Lark. Naturally, she wants to escape Reaper world because it sucks. During her work, she meets Gavriel who is a mortal that she instantly wants to smash and has instalove for. She ends up making a deal with the queen witch of the underworld to save Gavriel from a deadly poison, and there are, of course, *consequences*
This story didn’t work for a few reasons… The world building is so flimsy and lacking that these consequences don’t really hold any substance. Her actions cause a “tear” in the veil (?) that is letting demons from the underworld enter the mortal world. This was already happening to some degree at the beginning of the story, so 🤷🏼♀️
There is talk of Paragons/Gods and what I assume to be heaven vs hell, but it doesn’t really seem to be important/relevant to the story even at 50% in? Thanar doesn’t want to do anything about the demons because he “doesn’t want to upset the balance” but that didn’t really make any sense because it’s upset already? And why does the balance matter? Who created all of this?! There is foreshadowing that Lark is super speshal with powers that Thanar wants, but I don’t know (or care) to find out why it even matters.
Why doesn’t she want to be a reaper anymore?? Her life sounds pretty sick, with a clawfoot bathtub in her private quarters, awesome food, drinks, and favor from Thanar… so what’s the problem? She says she wants to escape Thanar’s control but what is he really doing to control her? Asking her to do her job? LOL. Yes, he did forcefully “make” her, and he is kind of a dick, so if that’s reasoning enough. 🤷🏼♀️ Also, Reaper Lark can’t feel emotions or have any sensations, yet there are many scenes where she describes sensations or emotions she feels as a Reaper?? It’s even funnier to me that Reapers (who are thousands of years old) still eat breakfast and do “human” things that they can’t even enjoy? What would be the point of this? Why would they waste their time doing something so trivial?
The enemies to lovers aspect between Gavriel and Lark is very forced and VERY basic. I found nothing unique or intriguing about either of them. Lark is your standard, basic super speshal princess with red hair that every man wants to smash. The only things I did like about the book were the found family aspect and some of the dialogue was funny/entertaining.
Looks like I’m going to be in the minority here, but I read almost 350 pages of this and I fail to see why this has so many five star reviews? This is a dark/NA (feels more YA to me) retelling of The Little Mermaid. Lark is a Reaper who assists human souls to the afterlife. She is depressed and doesn’t want to be a Reaper anymore because she wants to be a mortal so she can “feel things.” She was made into a Reaper by Thanar, who is the ruler of death. She constantly flouts his authority and he puts up with it because she is “special” for some reason. Essentially, he is a bad dude and tries to control Lark. Naturally, she wants to escape Reaper world because it sucks. During her work, she meets Gavriel who is a mortal that she instantly wants to smash and has instalove for. She ends up making a deal with the queen witch of the underworld to save Gavriel from a deadly poison, and there are, of course, *consequences*
This story didn’t work for a few reasons… The world building is so flimsy and lacking that these consequences don’t really hold any substance. Her actions cause a “tear” in the veil (?) that is letting demons from the underworld enter the mortal world. This was already happening to some degree at the beginning of the story, so 🤷🏼♀️
There is talk of Paragons/Gods and what I assume to be heaven vs hell, but it doesn’t really seem to be important/relevant to the story even at 50% in? Thanar doesn’t want to do anything about the demons because he “doesn’t want to upset the balance” but that didn’t really make any sense because it’s upset already? And why does the balance matter? Who created all of this?! There is foreshadowing that Lark is super speshal with powers that Thanar wants, but I don’t know (or care) to find out why it even matters.
Why doesn’t she want to be a reaper anymore?? Her life sounds pretty sick, with a clawfoot bathtub in her private quarters, awesome food, drinks, and favor from Thanar… so what’s the problem? She says she wants to escape Thanar’s control but what is he really doing to control her? Asking her to do her job? LOL. Yes, he did forcefully “make” her, and he is kind of a dick, so if that’s reasoning enough. 🤷🏼♀️ Also, Reaper Lark can’t feel emotions or have any sensations, yet there are many scenes where she describes sensations or emotions she feels as a Reaper?? It’s even funnier to me that Reapers (who are thousands of years old) still eat breakfast and do “human” things that they can’t even enjoy? What would be the point of this? Why would they waste their time doing something so trivial?
The enemies to lovers aspect between Gavriel and Lark is very forced and VERY basic. I found nothing unique or intriguing about either of them. Lark is your standard, basic super speshal princess with red hair that every man wants to smash. The only things I did like about the book were the found family aspect and some of the dialogue was funny/entertaining.
January 11, 2022
“How would you like to feel the sun on your face again?”
Right off the bat, Farran provides the reader with a longing to be mortal, to escape the numbness of the Otherworld. To once again feel the simple joys—and even sorrows—of mortal life. For Lark, the main character, a Reaper, can feel none of them.
In this retelling of The Little Mermaid, Farran has created a new universe of gods, with unique laws of physics, and a design of the afterlife…one that is so palpable and realistic that the reader doesn’t doubt its truth for a moment. Her world building so solid, so convincing, that within a few pages, one begins to wonder whether we all face Reapers when we die…and can only hope that we do.
Farran’s writing is very much alive; compelling the reader as much as it compels its characters. Each character is thoughtfully crafted with motives and backstories. And Lark…Lark is a mystery the reader is desperate to solve.
Not only is SONGS OF THE WICKED such a thrilling ride of a story, but the book itself is gorgeous. The cover and interior pages are beautifully designed; as aesthetically pleasing as the prose itself.
Right off the bat, Farran provides the reader with a longing to be mortal, to escape the numbness of the Otherworld. To once again feel the simple joys—and even sorrows—of mortal life. For Lark, the main character, a Reaper, can feel none of them.
In this retelling of The Little Mermaid, Farran has created a new universe of gods, with unique laws of physics, and a design of the afterlife…one that is so palpable and realistic that the reader doesn’t doubt its truth for a moment. Her world building so solid, so convincing, that within a few pages, one begins to wonder whether we all face Reapers when we die…and can only hope that we do.
Farran’s writing is very much alive; compelling the reader as much as it compels its characters. Each character is thoughtfully crafted with motives and backstories. And Lark…Lark is a mystery the reader is desperate to solve.
Not only is SONGS OF THE WICKED such a thrilling ride of a story, but the book itself is gorgeous. The cover and interior pages are beautifully designed; as aesthetically pleasing as the prose itself.
December 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this fantasy story. It was unique and intriguing and had all the aspects I love in fantasy romance.
It leaned heavily into the found family trope and I loved the adventure/trouble these characters got into together.
I cannot wait for more in this world.
The only slight negative is the pacing in the beginning and middle and could have been edited down more BUT it didn’t take away from the story, I was invested the whole time and really enjoyed it.
It leaned heavily into the found family trope and I loved the adventure/trouble these characters got into together.
I cannot wait for more in this world.
The only slight negative is the pacing in the beginning and middle and could have been edited down more BUT it didn’t take away from the story, I was invested the whole time and really enjoyed it.
November 6, 2021
"*I will never submit.*
The thought roiled in her until rage replaced guilt and fear. Rage she shouldn’t feel, and yet she commanded. Her hands clenched, fists trembling. Such sweet, exquisite fury. Baring her teeth at her reflection, she gave herself over to the anger, reveling in its hypnotic embrace."
-Songs of the Wicked, Chapter 7
Recently, I was fortunate enough to be an ARC reader for the lovely C.A. Farran. Her novel, "Songs of the Wicked," follows Lark, a Reaper tasked with guiding the dead to the afterlife, in service of the god of death, Thanar. In her immortality, Lark has everything one could ever want: a beautiful home, good food, safety in the presence of her companions—yet she is miserable, longing for the physical sensations and the freedom that comes with being mortal. Her resistance to submit to the way of the Reapers causes her a great deal of trouble, and Lark knows her master's patience grows thin. But she when a particular mortal man catches her eye, her desire for freedom and life accelerates, and she finds herself playing a very dangerous game.
Truthfully, it's not often that I'm fond of characters in Lark's shoes; the balance between understandable longing and endless complaining is often hard to strike. However, Farran does an excellent job of making Lark relatable—even as an immortal Reaper—and it's easy to be sympathetic with her cause. Likewise, the concept of Reapers themselves and the otherworldly occupation of guiding spirits was intriguing to me. The settings were immersive, the main characters were distinct and each with their own interesting quirks, and the writing itself was beautiful, often rising to very poignant and power lines.
If dark fantasy, adventure, and complicated romance is your jam, I highly recommend you snag your copy of "Songs of the Wicked" when it's available. In the meantime, go give some love to the author!
The thought roiled in her until rage replaced guilt and fear. Rage she shouldn’t feel, and yet she commanded. Her hands clenched, fists trembling. Such sweet, exquisite fury. Baring her teeth at her reflection, she gave herself over to the anger, reveling in its hypnotic embrace."
-Songs of the Wicked, Chapter 7
Recently, I was fortunate enough to be an ARC reader for the lovely C.A. Farran. Her novel, "Songs of the Wicked," follows Lark, a Reaper tasked with guiding the dead to the afterlife, in service of the god of death, Thanar. In her immortality, Lark has everything one could ever want: a beautiful home, good food, safety in the presence of her companions—yet she is miserable, longing for the physical sensations and the freedom that comes with being mortal. Her resistance to submit to the way of the Reapers causes her a great deal of trouble, and Lark knows her master's patience grows thin. But she when a particular mortal man catches her eye, her desire for freedom and life accelerates, and she finds herself playing a very dangerous game.
Truthfully, it's not often that I'm fond of characters in Lark's shoes; the balance between understandable longing and endless complaining is often hard to strike. However, Farran does an excellent job of making Lark relatable—even as an immortal Reaper—and it's easy to be sympathetic with her cause. Likewise, the concept of Reapers themselves and the otherworldly occupation of guiding spirits was intriguing to me. The settings were immersive, the main characters were distinct and each with their own interesting quirks, and the writing itself was beautiful, often rising to very poignant and power lines.
If dark fantasy, adventure, and complicated romance is your jam, I highly recommend you snag your copy of "Songs of the Wicked" when it's available. In the meantime, go give some love to the author!
December 29, 2022
From the first line this story captured my attention and lured me in. A slow burn, but a fast paced novel, I found myself eagerly turning each page to see what trouble Larkin and the gang landed in next (and if Gavriel would finally kiss her or not!).
Larkin, a Reaper, starts out so powerful and strong it leaves you wondering how her character will progress. But within those first few chapters she makes a deadly deal with the ruler of the Underworld and is reborn a human. The emotions and passions inside of her are no longer dampened or reigned in, but unleashed and raw. Her arc is a beautiful ride of self discovery, finding family, and remembering what it is means to be alive.
Though mostly centered around and told through Larkin’s perspective, there are six main characters that will capture your heart. Farran has managed to give each of them their own purpose to the story, each with a teaser of a backstory you will yearn to know more of, and each distinctively having their OWN VOICE. That, folks, is how you know Farran is the real deal.
Personally, I need a Hugo and Gavriel in my life. I want a Langford to sip tea with and discuss books, and a Daciana to giggle with and receive a few swordsmanship lessons from. And then, when I want to get into some trouble or have a good laugh, I know Alistair will never fail.
The story is pitched as a Little Mermaid retelling -and I can see the similarities- but I do not believe that gives justice to the originality of this beautiful tale. Farran’s world building is beautiful and layered without being complicated. Her world is unlike anything I have ever read about before and leaves me hoping that, when my time comes, I will have a beautiful soul like Larkin’s to guide me through the veil.
I cannot wait for book two!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*--And I loved it so much I bought it in every format...
Larkin, a Reaper, starts out so powerful and strong it leaves you wondering how her character will progress. But within those first few chapters she makes a deadly deal with the ruler of the Underworld and is reborn a human. The emotions and passions inside of her are no longer dampened or reigned in, but unleashed and raw. Her arc is a beautiful ride of self discovery, finding family, and remembering what it is means to be alive.
Though mostly centered around and told through Larkin’s perspective, there are six main characters that will capture your heart. Farran has managed to give each of them their own purpose to the story, each with a teaser of a backstory you will yearn to know more of, and each distinctively having their OWN VOICE. That, folks, is how you know Farran is the real deal.
Personally, I need a Hugo and Gavriel in my life. I want a Langford to sip tea with and discuss books, and a Daciana to giggle with and receive a few swordsmanship lessons from. And then, when I want to get into some trouble or have a good laugh, I know Alistair will never fail.
The story is pitched as a Little Mermaid retelling -and I can see the similarities- but I do not believe that gives justice to the originality of this beautiful tale. Farran’s world building is beautiful and layered without being complicated. Her world is unlike anything I have ever read about before and leaves me hoping that, when my time comes, I will have a beautiful soul like Larkin’s to guide me through the veil.
I cannot wait for book two!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*--And I loved it so much I bought it in every format...
November 27, 2022
STUNNING.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I’m always hesitant to start fantasies over 500 pages (though let’s be honest, that’s also MY JAM). And then most of the time, I find myself completely engrossed in the story not realizing I’ve spent so much time with a new favorite.
This was a fantastic read. Great writing and characterization. I am alllll about the characters and the found family here was WONDERFUL. I loved Lark and her progression throughout everything thrown her way. She was resilient and yet, always remained kind and I can’t get enough of that type of FMC.
Enter in one of the slowest burns ever with Gavriel and I was smitten. If at anytime I here myself say, KISS ALREADY, I know it’s good. And it happened here multiple times. There relationship is so complex and I am very curious how it continues to evolve as the series progresses.
There is a very nuanced Little Mermaid vibe. If you’ve watched the movie enough times it was fun to notice the subtle ways Farran threw in nods and allusions to the tale. While I would have definitely appreciated some actual mermaids, I was pleased with everything else!
The plot is thick with many layers. I thought the world building was written well. Not overly convoluted, but spaced out without info dumping to really allow for the build that this story took. I’m excited to see what book two holds.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy + Romance
- Language: some
- Romance: open door
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of rape (in initial scenes, side character), kidnapping, loss of loved ones, weapons violence, physical altercations, creature attacks, imprisonment
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I’m always hesitant to start fantasies over 500 pages (though let’s be honest, that’s also MY JAM). And then most of the time, I find myself completely engrossed in the story not realizing I’ve spent so much time with a new favorite.
This was a fantastic read. Great writing and characterization. I am alllll about the characters and the found family here was WONDERFUL. I loved Lark and her progression throughout everything thrown her way. She was resilient and yet, always remained kind and I can’t get enough of that type of FMC.
Enter in one of the slowest burns ever with Gavriel and I was smitten. If at anytime I here myself say, KISS ALREADY, I know it’s good. And it happened here multiple times. There relationship is so complex and I am very curious how it continues to evolve as the series progresses.
There is a very nuanced Little Mermaid vibe. If you’ve watched the movie enough times it was fun to notice the subtle ways Farran threw in nods and allusions to the tale. While I would have definitely appreciated some actual mermaids, I was pleased with everything else!
The plot is thick with many layers. I thought the world building was written well. Not overly convoluted, but spaced out without info dumping to really allow for the build that this story took. I’m excited to see what book two holds.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy + Romance
- Language: some
- Romance: open door
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of rape (in initial scenes, side character), kidnapping, loss of loved ones, weapons violence, physical altercations, creature attacks, imprisonment
March 8, 2022
This book left me completely and utterly speechless.
I purchased this book on a whim without reading much about it (a definite case of judging a book by its beautiful cover) and once I picked it up, I just could not put this book down. The feelings this story invoked from me: the reminder to live and love fully and to cherish everything because it is a gift. There is just so much feeling.
Larkin - oh Lark - a reaper who longs for a mortal existence, to feel, to love, and have the freedom to set her own fate. With her brazen will and determination, she is a FMC that I can really resonate with. You feel what she feels, experience things as she does. The connection was very real for me.
The world-building in this book is amazing. Not only do we have our mortal realm, but we have the otherworld and the netherworld and significant characters in each plane. We are brought through these realms throughout our story each holding its own place and significance.
Let's talk about tropes - enemies to lovers, found family, and an excruciatingly perfect slow burn. I mean excruciating in the best kind of way.
Do yourself a favor, read this book. It's worth the journey. Get lost in this world. Struggle in your recovery, as I am. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
I purchased this book on a whim without reading much about it (a definite case of judging a book by its beautiful cover) and once I picked it up, I just could not put this book down. The feelings this story invoked from me: the reminder to live and love fully and to cherish everything because it is a gift. There is just so much feeling.
Larkin - oh Lark - a reaper who longs for a mortal existence, to feel, to love, and have the freedom to set her own fate. With her brazen will and determination, she is a FMC that I can really resonate with. You feel what she feels, experience things as she does. The connection was very real for me.
The world-building in this book is amazing. Not only do we have our mortal realm, but we have the otherworld and the netherworld and significant characters in each plane. We are brought through these realms throughout our story each holding its own place and significance.
Let's talk about tropes - enemies to lovers, found family, and an excruciatingly perfect slow burn. I mean excruciating in the best kind of way.
Do yourself a favor, read this book. It's worth the journey. Get lost in this world. Struggle in your recovery, as I am. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
June 15, 2022
Let me begin by saying you should NOT let the length of time it took me to complete this book hinder your belief in my rating. I had deadlines upon deadlines to meet, but allowed myself at least 5 pages each available day until I was finally able to binge the last ~300 over the last 4 days.
Second let me say this book. THIS BOOK.
C.A. Farran has crafted a wonderful tale that sends shivers down your spine one moment and has you cackling with laughter the next. It’s beautiful. It’s twisted. It’s poetic. It’s gory. It’s sexy. It’s everything you could ever ask for in a dark fantasy novel.
I, of course, also have to comment on the characters because there was such a wonderful crew of them. From the moment we are introduced to Lark, it’s impossible not to fall in love and be drawn into her journey. The same could be said ten-fold about the rest of the cast (even the villains) who are all so wonderfully unique. I found myself invested in every single one of their journeys, which I sometimes find hard to do in fantasy stories with such an expansive cast. These characters were written so brilliantly, however, that it was impossible not to!
To think this is only the beginning… I cannot wait to get my hands on whatever else is in store from this incredible debut author!
Second let me say this book. THIS BOOK.
C.A. Farran has crafted a wonderful tale that sends shivers down your spine one moment and has you cackling with laughter the next. It’s beautiful. It’s twisted. It’s poetic. It’s gory. It’s sexy. It’s everything you could ever ask for in a dark fantasy novel.
I, of course, also have to comment on the characters because there was such a wonderful crew of them. From the moment we are introduced to Lark, it’s impossible not to fall in love and be drawn into her journey. The same could be said ten-fold about the rest of the cast (even the villains) who are all so wonderfully unique. I found myself invested in every single one of their journeys, which I sometimes find hard to do in fantasy stories with such an expansive cast. These characters were written so brilliantly, however, that it was impossible not to!
To think this is only the beginning… I cannot wait to get my hands on whatever else is in store from this incredible debut author!
July 8, 2022
What can I say?
This book hauled me out of a slump and reminded me why I love reading. In Songs of the Wicked we have a host of characters that we get to know slowly as they also cautiously figure one another out. Nothing is rushed, each friendship and relationship is a satisfying slow burn. We have two rich worlds (the mortal realm and Otherworld). We have capricous gods and frightening demons, deadly assassins and folklore-inspired beasts.
The aspect I enjoyed most about Songs of the Wicked was the reverence for mortality. It struck me as refreshingly different in a genre where magic and immortality are held in awe. Through Lark we appreciate the simple joy of food, the touch of a loved one and the fleeting beauty of life.
I am already eagerly awaiting the next book! Lark and her motley crew have found a way into my heart and I can't wait to follow their adventures.
This book hauled me out of a slump and reminded me why I love reading. In Songs of the Wicked we have a host of characters that we get to know slowly as they also cautiously figure one another out. Nothing is rushed, each friendship and relationship is a satisfying slow burn. We have two rich worlds (the mortal realm and Otherworld). We have capricous gods and frightening demons, deadly assassins and folklore-inspired beasts.
The aspect I enjoyed most about Songs of the Wicked was the reverence for mortality. It struck me as refreshingly different in a genre where magic and immortality are held in awe. Through Lark we appreciate the simple joy of food, the touch of a loved one and the fleeting beauty of life.
I am already eagerly awaiting the next book! Lark and her motley crew have found a way into my heart and I can't wait to follow their adventures.
July 16, 2022
"Fear is not my master. I will never submit."
Songs of the Wicked is a new adult dark fantasy retelling of the little mermaid.
From the very beginning Caity draws you in and makes you wonder about the lost little reaper and her world.
This story has everything! Twists and turns and magic and love and characters worth dying for. It's such a satisfying read that keeps you turning pages and wondering what will happen next?
Her world is so well built and her characters are all their own people. I love each one of them so deeply and want to protect all of them! They are like my own family: familiar and comforting.
I can't wait to read the second book and see these characters again.
Songs of the Wicked is a new adult dark fantasy retelling of the little mermaid.
From the very beginning Caity draws you in and makes you wonder about the lost little reaper and her world.
This story has everything! Twists and turns and magic and love and characters worth dying for. It's such a satisfying read that keeps you turning pages and wondering what will happen next?
Her world is so well built and her characters are all their own people. I love each one of them so deeply and want to protect all of them! They are like my own family: familiar and comforting.
I can't wait to read the second book and see these characters again.
March 18, 2023
It started great, then just died for me. The pace dragged and it felt like nothing was happening. I heard it really picks up, but I couldn’t sludge thru it. This is a Dnf at 35%. Just not for me.
December 28, 2022
Updated my review!!
Fear can make you sharper, hone your focus. It’s a myth that fear is a weakness. Fear is a blade. — C.A Farran
So many feelings. Absolutely LOVED this book!!!! I can not wait for book two!!!! Do yourself a favor download this book. IMMEDIATELY.
No really stop reading this. Go get it. And come back to me. And thank me later for your download or purchase 😘
I know I will forever thank Brit for spreading her love of this book always to get me to want to read it. Her recommendations never disappoint but man this one hits to the core! (Cass was constantly telling me to finish it too ☺️😉)
Caity’s writing was captivating, made you feel so connected to the characters. The descriptions, so many lines highlighted just based of descriptions and the way the words made me feel! Hello, quote that started this post!
The characters! So many I absolutely loved and a few you love to hate. My absolute FAVORITE side character as Hugo. Please and thank you he was perfection of a silent, overly large alpha male reminding you of a huge grizzly but also the biggest squishiest marshmallow on the inside.. Larks interactions with him were my favorite and I constantly told Caity about this fact. Lark is our main Female and gosh her layers… she is fierce, determined, a little hard headed, but just wants to love and feel what it means to be loved. Gavriel… 🥵 this man is all the things you want. Rough on the edges, dark lost soul, who finds himself in the right place and the wrong time. Gosh I just loved these characters. I’m trying to avoid spoiling anything.
This is definitely a slow burn and was just the right amount of 🔥 burn.
Beyond beautiful book and so worth the read. You can get it on Amazon via paper or kindle (not KU) but it’s WORTH IT! (I think I’ve said that enough yet?)
Fear can make you sharper, hone your focus. It’s a myth that fear is a weakness. Fear is a blade. — C.A Farran
So many feelings. Absolutely LOVED this book!!!! I can not wait for book two!!!! Do yourself a favor download this book. IMMEDIATELY.
No really stop reading this. Go get it. And come back to me. And thank me later for your download or purchase 😘
I know I will forever thank Brit for spreading her love of this book always to get me to want to read it. Her recommendations never disappoint but man this one hits to the core! (Cass was constantly telling me to finish it too ☺️😉)
Caity’s writing was captivating, made you feel so connected to the characters. The descriptions, so many lines highlighted just based of descriptions and the way the words made me feel! Hello, quote that started this post!
The characters! So many I absolutely loved and a few you love to hate. My absolute FAVORITE side character as Hugo. Please and thank you he was perfection of a silent, overly large alpha male reminding you of a huge grizzly but also the biggest squishiest marshmallow on the inside.. Larks interactions with him were my favorite and I constantly told Caity about this fact. Lark is our main Female and gosh her layers… she is fierce, determined, a little hard headed, but just wants to love and feel what it means to be loved. Gavriel… 🥵 this man is all the things you want. Rough on the edges, dark lost soul, who finds himself in the right place and the wrong time. Gosh I just loved these characters. I’m trying to avoid spoiling anything.
This is definitely a slow burn and was just the right amount of 🔥 burn.
Beyond beautiful book and so worth the read. You can get it on Amazon via paper or kindle (not KU) but it’s WORTH IT! (I think I’ve said that enough yet?)
April 27, 2022
5 stars
"Everything else fell away until there was only she and him. His notes and her fractured heart beating away as he played. His song was a lifeline to her very soul, tugging her out of the mists and into somewhere new and inviting. Something once lost, found."
Let me start off this review by saying this. I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. When I found out this book was a dark reimagining of the Little Mermaid. I one clicked so fast. The Little Mermaid is one of my all time favorite Disney movies. I loved everything about this dark fantasy world. The story grabs your attention immediately in the first chapter and keeps you enthralled throughout until the very last page.
I seriously cannot believe this is the author's first novel it's written so well. This is an enemies to lovers story where the slow burn is done right and has an interesting cast of characters. Lark is strong, stubborn and a fighter, who fights for what she wants, stands her ground and stays true to herself and her beliefs. Gavriel is a grumpy assassin who is loyal to a fault, had demons of his own and was very protective of Lark that he was willing to sacrifice himself.
I loved seeing them fall in love they had so many cute, funny moments and the sexual tension was intense. Even days after finishing this book I still have their moments playing in my head and the revelations everytime something got revealed I was shocked I kept rereading the passages over and over especially that big reveal in the end. I'm so excited for the sequel! I cannot wait! This was truly a masterpiece. Highly recommend!
"Everything else fell away until there was only she and him. His notes and her fractured heart beating away as he played. His song was a lifeline to her very soul, tugging her out of the mists and into somewhere new and inviting. Something once lost, found."
Let me start off this review by saying this. I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. When I found out this book was a dark reimagining of the Little Mermaid. I one clicked so fast. The Little Mermaid is one of my all time favorite Disney movies. I loved everything about this dark fantasy world. The story grabs your attention immediately in the first chapter and keeps you enthralled throughout until the very last page.
I seriously cannot believe this is the author's first novel it's written so well. This is an enemies to lovers story where the slow burn is done right and has an interesting cast of characters. Lark is strong, stubborn and a fighter, who fights for what she wants, stands her ground and stays true to herself and her beliefs. Gavriel is a grumpy assassin who is loyal to a fault, had demons of his own and was very protective of Lark that he was willing to sacrifice himself.
I loved seeing them fall in love they had so many cute, funny moments and the sexual tension was intense. Even days after finishing this book I still have their moments playing in my head and the revelations everytime something got revealed I was shocked I kept rereading the passages over and over especially that big reveal in the end. I'm so excited for the sequel! I cannot wait! This was truly a masterpiece. Highly recommend!
May 15, 2022
I took my time with this book, savoring the idea that it will hold court in the fantasy book world. The characters were so vibrant and endearing, each scene jumped from the page, making me share in their pain and joy. Alastair is definitely a favorite. He has all the bits I love—snarky indifference to cover up his steadfast loyalty and devotion to his friends, wit, talent with a blade, and good looks (wink). Really looking forward to the next, though I am a bit cross with the author and her blatant disregard for my heart in her choice of darling slaughter.
November 2, 2024
The book throws you right in a dark scene setting the tone for the story.
It was a pleasantly surprise that we followed a female reaper this time. I’m a huge fan of reapers but they always turn out to be male.
The world is interesting, the characters are interesting and have a lot of depth and the story is engaging and keeps you effortlessly entertained.
There’s a lot of side quests that build depth and interest but aren’t per se necessary for the plot.
Conclusion 4.5⭐️
It was a pleasantly surprise that we followed a female reaper this time. I’m a huge fan of reapers but they always turn out to be male.
The world is interesting, the characters are interesting and have a lot of depth and the story is engaging and keeps you effortlessly entertained.
There’s a lot of side quests that build depth and interest but aren’t per se necessary for the plot.
Conclusion 4.5⭐️
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