Amanda Harbin

Review of A Song of Ash and Moonlight (Audiobook) As a follow-up to the first book, A Song of Ash and Moonlight brings readers back into a complex world of family feuds, magical intrigue, and slow-burning romance. However, while I was eager to continue the journey, this installment left me with mixed feelings. Farrin, the protagonist, unfortunately felt like a tired trope of the bitter, overburdened heroine hiding a softer side. Instead of endearing me, her constant anger and abrasive attitude made her hard to root for. A particularly frustrating moment late in the book sealed my dislike for her, leaving little room for redemption in my eyes. On the other hand, Ryder, though a typical brooding love interest, was more palatable, if not overly original. The romance between them provided a few steamy scenes that were enjoyable, even if I struggled to connect with Farrin as a character. Another point of frustration was the overly complex world-building. While Romantasy can thrive on immersive settings, the narrative often felt disjointed, with convoluted elements that detracted from the flow of the story. It seemed to be reaching for high fantasy intricacy but ended up over-complicating things. That said, I appreciated the growth of Gemma, who continues to evolve into a more interesting and dynamic character. She provided a refreshing contrast to Farrin’s frustrating demeanor. Overall, A Song of Ash and Moonlight has its moments, but it left me hoping for more clarity in the world-building and a more likable heroine in future installments. Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listener copy.