The Song of Wrath

The Bones of Ruin #2

by Sarah Raughley

Penny Dreadful meets The Gilded Wolves in this captivating sequel to young adult historical fantasy The Bones of Ruin that follows immortal Iris as she desperately tries to thwart her destructive destiny.

Iris Marlow can’t die. For years, she was tormented by her missing memories and desperate to learn her real identity. So when the mysterious Adam Temple offered to reveal the truth of who she was in exchange for her joining his team in the Tournament of Freaks, a gruesome magical competition, it was an offer she couldn’t refuse. But the truth would have been better left buried.

Because Adam is a member of the Enlightenment Committee, an elite secret society built upon one fundamental idea: that the apocalypse known as Hiva had destroyed the world before and would do it again, and soon. But what the Committee—and Iris—never guessed is that Hiva is not an event. Hiva is a person—Iris.

Now, no matter how hard Iris fights for a normal life, the newly awakened power inside her keeps drawing her toward the path of global annihilation. Adam, perversely obsessed with Iris, will stop at nothing to force her to unlock her true potential, while a terrifying newcomer with ties to Hiva’s past is on the hunt for Iris.

All Iris wants is the freedom to choose her own future, but the cost might be everything Iris holds dear—including the world itself.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Young Adult Fantasy, Paranormal

432 pages, Hardcover

First published April 18, 2023

About the author

Sarah Raughley grew up in Southern Ontario writing stories about freakish little girls with powers because she secretly wanted to be one. She is a huge fangirl of anything from manga to SF/F TV to Japanese Role Playing Games, but she will swear up and down that she was inspired by ~Jane Austin~ at book signings. On top of being a YA Writer, she is currently completing a PhD in English, because the sight of blood makes her queasy (which crossed Medical School off the list).

She is represented by The Bradford Literary Agency.

So far, you can also find her on Twitter, where work ethic goes to die.

Reviews

[USOM · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)

Considering the events of The Bones of Ruin I wasn't sure where The Song of Wrath could go, but wow! This sequel is not only full of actions, and some side character development, but it's also focused on Iris. At the beginning, when new characters are being introduced, as well as catching back up with some loose ends, it can feel a little loose, but it comes together. Picking up immediately where the first ends, I loved Iris' character development in this sequel.

full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...

[Ariel (ariel_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the second book in a trilogy, this book is pretty solid. It takes on the events from book 1 and expands on them. Our main character Iris is faced with a lot more tough decisions, and I liked following her path along with her as she made one choice or another. Some parts of the story felt a little bit uneven in pace, but I think that's mostly because there's a lot of set up for the book 3 finale, which I can't wait for! Overall, it was a quick read and an enjoyable one. These stories remind me of historical X-Men which I absolutely love this idea. A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a free eArc in exchange for an honest review!

[Izzys_Internet_Bookshelf · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5

I was excited at first to read this book because of my love for the first one. But very quickly that excitement turned to boredom. I found the plot was dragging and I had to drag myself to the finish line.

[sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

*wails into the sun*

[D.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like the quality and my intrigue is just as high as in the first book. The sequel is darker and has way more despair and gore, but the character’s backstories are more fleshed out. The kingdom of Dahomey once again plays a significant part in Iris’s life. And now we wait for the inevitable.

Can’t wait for book 3!

gosh. Love the long-awaited reunion between Max and Berta, but it’s bittersweet. Max is a much more hardened and callous version of himself. I can’t say it felt OOC because it makes sense, but I was very saddened by it.

And I completely get all the characters not wanting to be doomed, but it’s also what has inadvertently pushed her to the brink. Like, if one person believed in her, she probably could’ve pulled through. But also who can bet their existence on one person? AHHH. It all makes sense, and it’s messy and complicated

slightly unclear but Jinn's the one that killed her right? i was expecting it. her true love betraying her is what would set her off

[Nicole Birnbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. There was a lot going on in this book, to the point where many parts felt unnecessary. Like Fables for example; what is his purpose besides being Hiva’s lapdog. And Lulu doesn’t add much to the story to begin with. The fights with the golem and the specters, two of the Naacal’s most impressive weapons, ended in five seconds. Why introduce it at all?

If the One sends Hivas to destroy civilizations deserving of divine judgement, all the while controlling their final deaths and rebirths at will, why tell them that they could be killed at all? Why give them a way to escape this destiny the One have created for them?

Why would Iris picture Jinn’s satisfied grin after she died? Did that really happen or did her grief confuse her? Max was the one who killed her and Jinn held her as she died. Why would he be relieved? And if she is imagining it, why wouldn’t it be Max’s face she saw?

I am very curious to see how this trilogy wraps up, and it is unfortunate that the third book doesn’t come out until April. I have high expectations and hope the ending is great. :)

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Honestly I really loved the first one however I could just not get into this one as much. I just felt like it was all drama and kinda went nowhere

[Simon Skiles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt like I was reading a soap opera.

[Juliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Mitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not think it could get any crazier than what we got in book 1, but clearly I was wrong. This book is absolutely wild, I was constantly left with my jaw dropped in surprise.

The plot was well-paced for the most part. A lot happens pretty quickly, so it's more on the fast-paced side but it works. Character-wise, I'd say Iris, Rin, even Adam, probably had the most development. In comparison, Jinn ended up feeling underdeveloped -- I just expected more from him. Although that ending definitely hints at more to come from him in book 3. Also, Max's whole thing?? He has a pretty drastic personality shift which was a little jarring. If Raughley plays it well in book 3 though and makes it make sense, then I'll probably let it slide.

I'm most invested in what's going on with Iris. It really feels like Raughley is trying to push her to the limits and bring up that question of what happens once everyone has turned on you? So fascinating, I can't wait for book 3.

[Jonesy.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of Sarah Raughley's epic novels! She has another winner with The Song of Wrath, the second book in the Bones of Ruin series. So much happens in this one with Iris discovering that she is Hiva, and that she is not the only one. As she travels around the world trying to gain her freedom while faced with impossibly hard decisions concerning the fate of herself and her friends. I loved this book, but it is not a stand alone. Reading the Bones of Ruin first will give you the necessary build up of info in order to truly understand the characters and events in The Song of Wrath.

[Neet · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly only powered through this to talk to my friend about it. Surprisingly not the worse book I read this year but definitely in the top five. Felt like a huge waste of time the characters were unlikeable and the plot went in circles worldbuilding was lazy and I hate hate hate your approach on romance my god.

[Liria · Rating 3 out of 5]

why are we having romantic drama there are bigger problems like, you know, the fucking apocalypse

[Fay · Rating 4 out of 5]

im sorry like after everything white people did if i was iris the world would’ve ended in 5 seconds

[Kristen Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok but a thought read than the first one… is that just the way of middle books in a trilogy?

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in this series featured a deadly competition (think Hunger Games). In this sequel Iris struggles to deal with her true identity. She’s Hiva, an immortal who destroyed the world before and is meant to do it again.

I struggled to keep up with such a large cast of characters in the first book, but since not all of them made it out of the tournament the list has been trimmed. As Hiva, Iris doesn’t want to repeat history and destroy the world again. She has the power to kill someone with just a look, but she wants to make good choices and not be a murderer. That’s easier said than done, and her instincts take over in certain situations. She fights her urges, but I didn’t like the direction she was headed.

Adam was full of secrets in the first book, but now that they’re revealed – he’s just a greedy and power hungry guy. He’s still obsessed with Iris and wants her to realize the full potential of her powers. But he’s not the only one trying to find her. Someone else is tracking her, and this person is a game changer.

With plenty of action and deaths, X-Men-like powers, and the fate of the world at stake, The Song of Wrath is tension-filled. The huge cliffhanger ending sets up book three perfectly.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Loni · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to start by saying that I enjoyed the first book in this series, Bones of Ruin. It was not what I was expecting, but the story was intriguing and the book moved fairly quickly and kept me interested.
Unfortunately The Song of Wrath did not follow suit with it's predecessor. After spending weeks trying to make my way through it and only being at 35%, I had to call it and DNF it. The story was so slow and lacked the pull that Bones of Ruin had. I kept waiting for something to happen that would capture my attention, but all I got was confusing flashbacks and callous characters I didn't really care much for.
That being said, I KNOW there are people out there who will adore this book. If you loved Bones of Ruin, then definitely pick this one up. It just wasn't the book for me.

Huge Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the gifted e-copy and the chance to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Keke · Rating 5 out of 5]

IRIS DID NOTHING WRONG. I am Team Iris regardless of if she kills all humanity or not!
I understand this is a complicated topic and the existence of another Hiva is definitely adding to the moral quandary. I just wish people gave Iris more of a break and understood that she really doesn't want to destroy humanity. AND THEN JINN KILLS HER?! AND ADAM STARTS A WORLD WAR?! Honestly I am so enraged as I write this. Iris, you go girl, I don't think they deserve forgiveness!!

Also, while I am glad Max still lives and reunites with his sister Berta, he is such a different character and more willing to kill (after all, he was stuck in a coffin filled with sugarcane). I do feel for him but it is hard to like him or trust him... BUT HE DIDNT KILL IRIS SO I GUESS THERE IS THAT.

[Ashleigh Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

it took me so long to read this because i think it had a lot of what felt like filler. idk. i completely dissociated the first time i read it, so i started over, and i still couldn't get into most of the story, as it felt like a lot of tiny details i didn't need. it's strange for ME to not want details, because i need them, but there was something in this story that felt like it was dragging along and not getting anywhere.

but the parts i did like, were great!
it was not a terrible read, it was just a lot to read for what felt like no reason, to me. i'll still be reading the next one, though.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid continuation to the series. As with the first book, it undeniably belongs in the YA category with plentiful helpings of teen angst. The book was a bit slow at times and then the ending felt a little rushed, but overall it was an excellent book with plenty of action and more information on Iris' past. As with Bones of Ruin, Raughley shows the impacts of colonialism from the point of view of the colonized, which is a refreshing change. I can't wait for the third book!

[NevaReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the focus on how hard it is to navigation the different perceptions and demands people have of you. Especially when none of them actually account for what you want or think about it.

That being said, I'm a bit lost on the plot here. I get the generally idea and how the threads link together, though I'm finding it difficult to see more than a loose connection between several very different stories playing out simultaneously.

[Brianna Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW
I loved this book! It was better than the first and I am excited to dive into the last one. The twists are so good and you never know who will betray each each at any given moment. I did feel like the moment alter Iris gave into her powers was sudden almost like it never happened. I like the authors writing style and will 100% read more of her work in the future!

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Song of Wrath is a nicely written sequel to The Bones of Ruin. The storyline flowed smoothly, from cover to cover, and tied up some storylines from the first novel. Great character development, especially with Iris. Teens, and adults alike, will enjoy. Highly recommend!

[Abigail Books Addiction · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't know that this book was sequel so I of course read the first book first, And to read the sequel afterward was a bit disappointing. It didn't live with it's expectations. It felt flat in my opinion.

[Nicole Luiken · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd book in the series. At the end of the book one Iris found out about her past, so naturally she spends this book grappling with that. This was also more of a travel book: London, Paris, Dahomey, plus experimental labs and ancient temples under the sea...

[Tanaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wild ride! Darker and grittier than The Bones of Ruin with so many twists and turns. Also, that ending?? I want the third book right now!

[Caitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book moved a lot slower then the first one.

[Eric Nhem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot a lot of what happened in the first book, but I was able follow along for the most apart. The author does a great job of incorporating colonialism into a YA fantasy series.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, loved reading this book, it was such a great sequel, so much happened, and that ending, I need to know how it all ends!

[Kristi Housman Confessions of a YA Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

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