What do you think?
Rate this book
A Song of Silver and Gold #2
A Chorus of Ashes and Shadows
Not all happily-ever-afters last forever.
The day before Kae and Aqeara's royal wedding, a random attack on Avalon's port leaves the kingdom reeling with loss. The two queens learn of similar attacks in other kingdoms, including Aqeara's underwater home.
On a mission to hunt the individuals behind the attacks, Queen Kae and Queen Aqeara replace their crowns for tricorn hats and blades. They rally their crew and set sail on a dangerous adventure where secrets swirl to life and truths threaten to overcome them.
Ruff never expected a happily ever after, but just as one was within his reach, it had been ripped away. When Captain Kae approaches him, Ruff sets aside his grief and joins his close friends on another harrowing journey. But the weight of a missing piece of his heart might just drown Ruff out at sea, where he first gave his heart away.
The day before Kae and Aqeara's royal wedding, a random attack on Avalon's port leaves the kingdom reeling with loss. The two queens learn of similar attacks in other kingdoms, including Aqeara's underwater home.
On a mission to hunt the individuals behind the attacks, Queen Kae and Queen Aqeara replace their crowns for tricorn hats and blades. They rally their crew and set sail on a dangerous adventure where secrets swirl to life and truths threaten to overcome them.
Ruff never expected a happily ever after, but just as one was within his reach, it had been ripped away. When Captain Kae approaches him, Ruff sets aside his grief and joins his close friends on another harrowing journey. But the weight of a missing piece of his heart might just drown Ruff out at sea, where he first gave his heart away.
290 pages, ebook
First published June 16, 2023
11 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 26, 2023
(Spoilers for the first book, and some minor spoilers for this book...
I have never been more dissapointed about a sequel.
First, i will go over the physical book itself and how its written, then i will go in to my review of the story itself.
[BOOK BUILD QUALITY] - It was, to be honest, rather expensive. at £15 for a damn PAPERBACK, it was very expensive. Almost 50% more expensive than most paperbacks and this was not even slightly justified once, half way through reading it, one of the pages FELL OUT. Absoultely horrible.
[NO EDITOR?] - Several times during the book there are many errors that made me seriously doubt if the author hired an editor or not.
At one point, a character throws a dagger in to a nameless grunt, saying "I threw it at *her*" but then only one paragraph later it was described as "my knife was lost somewhere in *him*"
Seriously? Its literally on the same page.
There are also various and frequent examples of the author being tone deaf. For instance, at one point a character returns from something that almost kills them, and that characters romantic partner basically just shrugs and goes to talk to someone else, but i will talk about this more in the story section.
The book starts from the perspective of Ruff, Kae's first mate aboard her ship. Annoyingly, stupidly, the books last chapter is ALSO from his perspective. I'm pretty sure any editor worth their salt would have told the author that this was a bad idea - Ruff was a side character in the first book, and through this book his role barely expands beyond that. Simply put, his character is dull and unimportant and almost everything in his chapters from his persective would have been better served being from the perspective of the actual protagonists of the book, as a lot of it is literally just conversations between the two protagonists, just from the perspective of Ruff.
If this book had an editor, i would have been certain they would have suggested those chapters be re-written from Kae or Aqueras perspectives, because im pretty sure i'm in the majority here by saying that Ruff is not interesting enough for him to get his own chapters, especially when they add so little. But again i will go in to this in the story section.
[THE STORY] - When i realised that the first book, that i enjoyed, had a sequel i jumped on the chance to read it. My mind raced at the possibilities for a plot for the second book - Maybe Kae would be turned in to a Siren, if only temporarily, and visit the Siren kingdom? It would only make sense after all, the first book was all about Aquera, a siren, discovering the human world. Would the main plot be about the sirens accepting Kae, as a former siren hunter? Would Aqueras sisters acccept her? Maybe they might even make an attempt on her life! It would also be a reconciliation of sorts between Kae and her feeling for sirens having killed her brother! After all, she may have fallen in love with a siren but that doesn't mean she's forgiven them as a race, surely?
Maybe it could instead be about humans coming to accept a Siren as their Queens lover? After all, Sirens have been killing Humans for centuries. This could have been an interesting idea!
Behold my dissapointment when the book takes quite possibly the most boring route possible.
It starts off with Kae and Aquera getting ready to get married but is stopped, and before we know it they're on the waves again after....Wait seriously? They're out to kill the sea witch that died in the first book? How did this get past storyboarding?
The sea witch from the first book served a narrative purpose as ultimately revealing Aquera to Kae as a siren, and after that is done her importance is so low that she literally dies one page later. Boom, done, her character has served her purpose for the story
But now...She's the main anatagonist? Seriously? What was the author thinking?
As mentioned earlier, there are chapters from the perspective of Ruff and i have to say, i almost wanted to skip these chapters half the time.
His chapters fell in to two catagories
Chapters where he is having an internal monologue about how he can ignore his pain and continue his duty, meanwhile he spends the entire time being sad and complaining about Dalton being missing, and that's literally his whole character
And
Chapters where he stands around not contributing anything while looking at a conversation between Kae and another character, or Aquera and another character...Which are instances that would have been better served to be from the perspective of either one of them, but not Ruff.
He should not have had his own chapters, nevermind just as many as the other two characters.
By the time you're halfway through the book, there are literally 7 gay couples on the ship. Literally everyone is gay. Why? Whhhhy? Having that many gay couples kinda detracts from how special it was that kae and Aquera got together in the first place, overcoming tradition in favour of love.
And honestly...its mostly the number of couples. Imagine reading a romance novel and by the end there are literally 7 couples. That's just too many. It's too busy.
Why was Kae and Aquera not the focus? Why did the author feel like they had to push an agenda here by quite literally over-crowding the ship in couples? Did she want the book to be about a ship of gay people rather than a ship of pirates? Certainly seems like it, as they barely do any real pirating all book.
(MODERATE SPOILERS FROM HERE)
I have never been more dissapointed about a sequel.
First, i will go over the physical book itself and how its written, then i will go in to my review of the story itself.
[BOOK BUILD QUALITY] - It was, to be honest, rather expensive. at £15 for a damn PAPERBACK, it was very expensive. Almost 50% more expensive than most paperbacks and this was not even slightly justified once, half way through reading it, one of the pages FELL OUT. Absoultely horrible.
[NO EDITOR?] - Several times during the book there are many errors that made me seriously doubt if the author hired an editor or not.
At one point, a character throws a dagger in to a nameless grunt, saying "I threw it at *her*" but then only one paragraph later it was described as "my knife was lost somewhere in *him*"
Seriously? Its literally on the same page.
There are also various and frequent examples of the author being tone deaf. For instance, at one point a character returns from something that almost kills them, and that characters romantic partner basically just shrugs and goes to talk to someone else, but i will talk about this more in the story section.
The book starts from the perspective of Ruff, Kae's first mate aboard her ship. Annoyingly, stupidly, the books last chapter is ALSO from his perspective. I'm pretty sure any editor worth their salt would have told the author that this was a bad idea - Ruff was a side character in the first book, and through this book his role barely expands beyond that. Simply put, his character is dull and unimportant and almost everything in his chapters from his persective would have been better served being from the perspective of the actual protagonists of the book, as a lot of it is literally just conversations between the two protagonists, just from the perspective of Ruff.
If this book had an editor, i would have been certain they would have suggested those chapters be re-written from Kae or Aqueras perspectives, because im pretty sure i'm in the majority here by saying that Ruff is not interesting enough for him to get his own chapters, especially when they add so little. But again i will go in to this in the story section.
[THE STORY] - When i realised that the first book, that i enjoyed, had a sequel i jumped on the chance to read it. My mind raced at the possibilities for a plot for the second book - Maybe Kae would be turned in to a Siren, if only temporarily, and visit the Siren kingdom? It would only make sense after all, the first book was all about Aquera, a siren, discovering the human world. Would the main plot be about the sirens accepting Kae, as a former siren hunter? Would Aqueras sisters acccept her? Maybe they might even make an attempt on her life! It would also be a reconciliation of sorts between Kae and her feeling for sirens having killed her brother! After all, she may have fallen in love with a siren but that doesn't mean she's forgiven them as a race, surely?
Maybe it could instead be about humans coming to accept a Siren as their Queens lover? After all, Sirens have been killing Humans for centuries. This could have been an interesting idea!
Behold my dissapointment when the book takes quite possibly the most boring route possible.
It starts off with Kae and Aquera getting ready to get married but is stopped, and before we know it they're on the waves again after....Wait seriously? They're out to kill the sea witch that died in the first book? How did this get past storyboarding?
The sea witch from the first book served a narrative purpose as ultimately revealing Aquera to Kae as a siren, and after that is done her importance is so low that she literally dies one page later. Boom, done, her character has served her purpose for the story
But now...She's the main anatagonist? Seriously? What was the author thinking?
As mentioned earlier, there are chapters from the perspective of Ruff and i have to say, i almost wanted to skip these chapters half the time.
His chapters fell in to two catagories
Chapters where he is having an internal monologue about how he can ignore his pain and continue his duty, meanwhile he spends the entire time being sad and complaining about Dalton being missing, and that's literally his whole character
And
Chapters where he stands around not contributing anything while looking at a conversation between Kae and another character, or Aquera and another character...Which are instances that would have been better served to be from the perspective of either one of them, but not Ruff.
He should not have had his own chapters, nevermind just as many as the other two characters.
By the time you're halfway through the book, there are literally 7 gay couples on the ship. Literally everyone is gay. Why? Whhhhy? Having that many gay couples kinda detracts from how special it was that kae and Aquera got together in the first place, overcoming tradition in favour of love.
And honestly...its mostly the number of couples. Imagine reading a romance novel and by the end there are literally 7 couples. That's just too many. It's too busy.
Why was Kae and Aquera not the focus? Why did the author feel like they had to push an agenda here by quite literally over-crowding the ship in couples? Did she want the book to be about a ship of gay people rather than a ship of pirates? Certainly seems like it, as they barely do any real pirating all book.
(MODERATE SPOILERS FROM HERE)
dnf
July 17, 2023DNF @ 40%
i do not think the first book needed a sequel at all i think it would’ve been better as a standalone
i do not think the first book needed a sequel at all i think it would’ve been better as a standalone
May 22, 2023
A Chorus of Ashes and Shadows by Melissa Karibian is a fantasy and book 2 of the series. This story starts off about 6 months after book 1. That's a whole 6 months of repairing and healing. Things are starting to look up in the Kingdom of Avalon until they are attacked along with several other kingdoms. Now, instead of wedding bells, a group of pirates will come together again to embark on an adventure!
I absolutely loved this story. Book 1 was amazing, and this one was even better. You get a high stakes quest, world building, action, and a beautiful love story or two! The characters were great! You get pirates, sirens, and magic. The lgbtq+ representation was wonderful. I enjoyed this story from beginning to end!
I absolutely loved this story. Book 1 was amazing, and this one was even better. You get a high stakes quest, world building, action, and a beautiful love story or two! The characters were great! You get pirates, sirens, and magic. The lgbtq+ representation was wonderful. I enjoyed this story from beginning to end!
November 27, 2023
It was an interesting sequel that thankfully did not drag out the plot too much. I wish Ruff's character was written properly though - I wasn't happy with how one-dimensional he ended up being. I also found it very frustrating, maybe even lazy, how the tension and arguments between Kae and Aqueara were built up this time - there was no proper reason or resolution, and it felt very out of place. I wish Raiva and Aqueara had more interactions, as it would have been a nice juxtaposition against the first book - in the first, we saw the antagonism between sirens and humans, and if we got to see the reverence humans have for sirens in this book, it would have been a great example of world-building and development. Lots of potential left as is.
September 13, 2023
Wow what an ending of this duology. I didn't know before this book how much I have missed these characters. They are one truly family.
This book made my heart ache, it left me wanting to read more. This is the perfect sequel and ending of this amazing duology. I wish it was even longer. I will miss these amazing characters.
Now onto the story, it was original, scary and full of action and emotions. I had some problems with putting the book down😅
This duology is perfect for fans of a Queer little mermaid retelling with pirates!
This book made my heart ache, it left me wanting to read more. This is the perfect sequel and ending of this amazing duology. I wish it was even longer. I will miss these amazing characters.
Now onto the story, it was original, scary and full of action and emotions. I had some problems with putting the book down😅
This duology is perfect for fans of a Queer little mermaid retelling with pirates!
August 5, 2023
I’m so glad I know Melissa in real life because when I tell you I was SCREAMING in her dms.
If ASOSAG is the light hearted first movie, the sequel takes the events of book one, layers in unforeseen consequences, and takes on another adventure with dire stakes.
Melissa owes me therapy. That is all.
If ASOSAG is the light hearted first movie, the sequel takes the events of book one, layers in unforeseen consequences, and takes on another adventure with dire stakes.
Melissa owes me therapy. That is all.
May 7, 2025
I was hoping for this to surpass the first one, but it's on pretty much the same wavelength. I enjoyed this series purely for the vibes. This is, at least, even more queer than the first one and with a little more focus given to some of the fun side characters (Zech and Hyrissa my beloveds).
My only disappointment again was where the focus lay, or at least the lack of focus on a lot of factors. You still don't get much insight into Kae and Aqeara's queen-ships (or life in general outside the piracy) or the siren world in general. Also, a large plot point of the series is Dalton's absence, and it's not really focused on. It is kind of, very briefly explained why they aren't looking for him, but there's a real lack of intensity to their concern, especially given the whole reason (I assume) for Ruff's new POV is because he's Dalton's lover/partner. There's also no in-depth explanation of any of the magic, which didn't bother me as such, but it adds to the just having to accept things and push on. You are left on occasion going 'huh?' and just told '✨magic✨', which. Fair enough.
In saying that, the vibes are fun. The piracy is fun, the imagery is cool, the characters are still (mostly) enjoyable. The relationships are still (mostly) wonderful. I guess the best way I could describe it is that I just constantly wanted more (be that explanation, depth, feeling) and there wasn't anything I really disliked about what does happen. For anyone looking for some fun sapphic fantasy, it is a nice little read.
My only disappointment again was where the focus lay, or at least the lack of focus on a lot of factors. You still don't get much insight into Kae and Aqeara's queen-ships (or life in general outside the piracy) or the siren world in general. Also, a large plot point of the series is Dalton's absence, and it's not really focused on. It is kind of, very briefly explained why they aren't looking for him, but there's a real lack of intensity to their concern, especially given the whole reason (I assume) for Ruff's new POV is because he's Dalton's lover/partner. There's also no in-depth explanation of any of the magic, which didn't bother me as such, but it adds to the just having to accept things and push on. You are left on occasion going 'huh?' and just told '✨magic✨', which. Fair enough.
In saying that, the vibes are fun. The piracy is fun, the imagery is cool, the characters are still (mostly) enjoyable. The relationships are still (mostly) wonderful. I guess the best way I could describe it is that I just constantly wanted more (be that explanation, depth, feeling) and there wasn't anything I really disliked about what does happen. For anyone looking for some fun sapphic fantasy, it is a nice little read.
August 13, 2024
*3.75 ⭐️
September 12, 2024
First book was better!!
May 1, 2025
This book had no reason to exist but whatever it takes to get more Kae content ig 😓
November 12, 2025
I DNF’ed this 3 quarters of the way through. I just couldn’t do it! I was severely disappointed with the follow up from the first book. :( Don’t even bother!
August 2, 2024
This duology is so close to my heart
July 29, 2024
A fantastic, action and romance-packed end to Kae, Aqeara and their crew's stories! Loved seeing the crew back together, and that everyone gets their well-deserved happy endings.
August 26, 2024
This made my heart ache because how did Melissa have the audacity to hurt these babies like this?
I’m still recovering.
I’m still recovering.
June 1, 2023
A Chorus of Ashes and Shadows picks up 6 months after the events of A Song of Silver and Gold. Kae and Aqeara are preparing for their wedding but the day before an attack on Avalon's harbor disrupts their plans. They soon learn of other similar attacks that occurred in other kingdoms at the same time and know it can only be the work of one person. The crew reassembles to hunt down the culprit and stop them before they get too powerful.
I really enjoyed this book. Much like the first book, the characters are really where this book shines. I love the found family of pirates and the relationships (both friendships and romances) between the characters. It’s a very fun read. There are definitely things that happen within the plot that are very convenient and at times it feels like the characters get over their preconceived notions a little too easily. It wasn’t to the point that it really impacted my enjoyment of the story but I did have to suspend my disbelief a bit. Much like the first book, the ending packs an emotional punch. Overall, I think this was a good conclusion to this duology and I would recommend both books!
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I really enjoyed this book. Much like the first book, the characters are really where this book shines. I love the found family of pirates and the relationships (both friendships and romances) between the characters. It’s a very fun read. There are definitely things that happen within the plot that are very convenient and at times it feels like the characters get over their preconceived notions a little too easily. It wasn’t to the point that it really impacted my enjoyment of the story but I did have to suspend my disbelief a bit. Much like the first book, the ending packs an emotional punch. Overall, I think this was a good conclusion to this duology and I would recommend both books!
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
March 18, 2024
A compelling fantasy novel that delves into the aftermath of a devastating attack on the kingdom of Avalon, as well as other kingdoms. The two queens, Kae and Aquera, set out on a dangerous adventure to uncover the individuals behind the attacks, replacing their crowns with tricorn hats and blades. Alongside them is Ruff, who must navigate his grief while joining his friends on this harrowing journey.
The representation of strong, powerful female characters like Kae and Aquera is powerful. The book explores themes of love, loyalty, and resilience, as the characters face challenges and confront their own inner demons. Showcasing a diverse range of relationships and identities.
While some may criticize elements of the story, such as the pacing or focus on certain characters, overall A Chorus of Ashes and Shadows is a captivating read that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. With a blend of action, romance, and fantasy elements, this book is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. Melissa Karibian has crafted a rich and immersive world that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
The representation of strong, powerful female characters like Kae and Aquera is powerful. The book explores themes of love, loyalty, and resilience, as the characters face challenges and confront their own inner demons. Showcasing a diverse range of relationships and identities.
While some may criticize elements of the story, such as the pacing or focus on certain characters, overall A Chorus of Ashes and Shadows is a captivating read that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. With a blend of action, romance, and fantasy elements, this book is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. Melissa Karibian has crafted a rich and immersive world that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
June 7, 2023
This return to the world of Kae and Aqeara is action-packed, a little bit darker than the first book, and filled with just as much pirate adventure!
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
Kae and Aqeara’s romantic relationship is still going strong, which I was very glad for – there’s always a worry when a happy ending has a sequel, so I was happy to see them fighting and ruling alongside each other! There is still plenty of romantic intrigue among the other characters though, which came to an emotional conclusion.
This is a proper adventure story, with plenty of magic, drama, and sword fights. There’s also plenty of found family among the pirate crew with plenty of queer representation. It’s just generally a very fun, immersive and uplifting read, and from the moment I started reading it I couldn’t put it down!
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
Kae and Aqeara’s romantic relationship is still going strong, which I was very glad for – there’s always a worry when a happy ending has a sequel, so I was happy to see them fighting and ruling alongside each other! There is still plenty of romantic intrigue among the other characters though, which came to an emotional conclusion.
This is a proper adventure story, with plenty of magic, drama, and sword fights. There’s also plenty of found family among the pirate crew with plenty of queer representation. It’s just generally a very fun, immersive and uplifting read, and from the moment I started reading it I couldn’t put it down!
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
January 21, 2024
This book was decent for a sequel. I liked how it showed Kae's and Aquera's relationship being strained due to both Kae and Aquera running their kingdoms. I also liked how it added some new characters a few new places. I didn't mind that the author added Ruff's point of view.
Now, the things I didn't like about the book:
1) The book was too short for me, especially for it being a sequel and for showing new places. I felt like Karibian could have added more descriptions for the new locations and explained some of the characters motivations.
2) Some of the conflict that Kae and Aquera could have been resolved by both characters communicating how they feel and I felt like it wasn't really necessary.
3) I felt like all crew mates were getting into relationships with others and it also wasn't necessary. Not every character needs to be in a relationship to be happy.
4) The ending could have been longer and more detailed. I was surprised how short it was and thought it was odd and didn't feel satisfied with it.
All in all I did enjoy reading it despite some things
Now, the things I didn't like about the book:
1) The book was too short for me, especially for it being a sequel and for showing new places. I felt like Karibian could have added more descriptions for the new locations and explained some of the characters motivations.
2) Some of the conflict that Kae and Aquera could have been resolved by both characters communicating how they feel and I felt like it wasn't really necessary.
3) I felt like all crew mates were getting into relationships with others and it also wasn't necessary. Not every character needs to be in a relationship to be happy.
4) The ending could have been longer and more detailed. I was surprised how short it was and thought it was odd and didn't feel satisfied with it.
All in all I did enjoy reading it despite some things
August 8, 2023
The conclusion of this duology left me on the edge of my seat, with the way the story expertly built on the reveals and twists that came before it while adding even more surprises that blended naturally into the tapestry of the plot. The final showdown between the crew and Salophine—as well as the endings for all of the couples I had been rooting for—made me cry, and I'll leave it to you to figure out if it was joyful or mournful crying.
My favorite part of the book was, again, the relationship between Kae and Aqeara, and how we got to see them struggle against their own natures and responsibilities that complicated their simple desire to be together. Also getting further spotlight is Kae's relationship with Dalton, as you truly get to see how close the two are, and that kind of platonic soulmate bond rang true to me.
As soon as I finished this one, I immediately grabbed the prequel!
My favorite part of the book was, again, the relationship between Kae and Aqeara, and how we got to see them struggle against their own natures and responsibilities that complicated their simple desire to be together. Also getting further spotlight is Kae's relationship with Dalton, as you truly get to see how close the two are, and that kind of platonic soulmate bond rang true to me.
As soon as I finished this one, I immediately grabbed the prequel!
March 23, 2023
Arcs have gone out into the world, which means readers will see what awaits Kae and Aqeara in the sequel to my debut duology (which is WILD)!
Thank you to everyone that has read and reviewed ASOSAG and is looking forward to ACOAAS!
CWs: violence, blood/gore, anxiety/panic attacks, death & grief, sexual content, emesis
Thank you to everyone that has read and reviewed ASOSAG and is looking forward to ACOAAS!
CWs: violence, blood/gore, anxiety/panic attacks, death & grief, sexual content, emesis
April 7, 2023
I received the ARC and I have to say you guys will not be disappointed. If you're wanting a story with an adventure then this book will not disappoint. It will definitely make you feel emotional but also make you appreciate the beautiful gay moments. Everyone needs to pre-order the book now. ITS GOING TO BE OUT ON JUNE 16TH!!!
January 2, 2026
This is the Gay Little Mermaid you've always wanted
A Chorus of Ashes and Shadows is an action-packed conclusion to the duology
Full of swashbuckling adventure, found family, queer love, and some heartbreaking loss, this perfectly wraps up the adventures of these scoundrels
3.5
A Chorus of Ashes and Shadows is an action-packed conclusion to the duology
Full of swashbuckling adventure, found family, queer love, and some heartbreaking loss, this perfectly wraps up the adventures of these scoundrels
3.5
November 25, 2023
I really wanted to like this. I liked the characters a lot and the first one was fun. Not fantastic, very predictable, but fun. This one I couldn’t bring myself to pick up and keep reading though. Maybe it’s because I was waiting for Iron Flame to come out. Maybe I’ll revisit it. But I just wanted invested enough to keep going.
January 9, 2024
Did not finish with ~70 pages to go.
Just found myself picking at it rather then reading it. Needed major editing to cut out the bulking and tighten it up. The series just didn’t hit the way I was hoping it would. Might update this once I give it some thought - we’ll see
Just found myself picking at it rather then reading it. Needed major editing to cut out the bulking and tighten it up. The series just didn’t hit the way I was hoping it would. Might update this once I give it some thought - we’ll see
August 7, 2023
A perfect conclusion to an exciting adventure featuring queer characters that feel like family. I was crying on that very last page, not ready to say goodbye.
November 1, 2023
A song of silver and gold hätte einfach ein standalone bleiben sollen 🫠
January 25, 2024
The perfect ending to this duology. I just finished crying- definitely felt every emotion throughout the book. Truly a beautiful story and I really fell in love with the characters, will miss them
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews