A Song of Wraiths and Ruin
An instant New York Times bestseller!
The first in a gripping fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction—from debut author Roseanne A. Brown. This New York Times bestseller is perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi, Renée Ahdieh, and Sabaa Tahir.
For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts his younger sister, Nadia, as payment to enter the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom.
But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition.
When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a heart-pounding course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?
"Magic creates a centuries-long divide between peoples in this stunning debut novel inspired by North African and West African folklore. An action-packed tale of injustice, magic, and romance, this novel immerses readers in a thrilling world and narrative reminiscent of Children of Blood and Bone." (Publishers Weekly, "An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List")
Don't miss the second book in this epic duology, A Psalm of Storms and Silence!
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“An action-packed tale of injustice, magic, and romance...”
Praise for A Song of Wraiths and Ruin
A New York Times Bestseller
Indie Bestseller
A Cosmopolitan Best YA Book of All Time
Junior Library Guild Selection
Kirkus Best YA Fantasy and Science Fiction
Forbes Best YA Books
Boston Globe Best Books
A Buzzfeed Best YA Book of the Year
YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection
YALSA 2021 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults Selection
Goodreads Finalist for Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction Teen Book of the Year
“An explosive, stunning fantasy debut… Brown’s world building is diverse and brimming with political intrigue, magic, and a burgeoning romance in the best of ways. Notably, Brown uses a lush fantasy backdrop to poignantly discuss real-world issues.” - ALA Booklist (starred review)
“Revitalizing and exciting, Brown’s debut breathes life into ancient but still relevant folk stories.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“An action-packed tale of injustice, magic, and romance, this novel immerses readers in a thrilling world and narrative tantamount to that of Children of Blood and Bone.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“This epic story is brimming with trickster spirits, rich culture, and an organically developing romance that make every twist and turn more interesting than the last….Brown’s novel will easily fit on shelves next to other great West African–inspired fantasies like Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone and Ifueko’s Raybearer, and the ending makes it apparent that Malik and Karina’s story has (thankfully) only just begun." - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
“A supernatural love story inspired by West African folklore and dripping in political commentary and modern parallels.” - BookPage (starred review)
“A rapturous love story with wickedly delicious magic and bloody stakes, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin is a heart-racing epic that can’t be missed.” - Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles series