Shadowsong – S. Jae-Jones (Review)

On By TeacherofYAIn Reviews

Title: Shadowsong (Wintersong #2)
Author: S. Jae-Jones
Publisher: Wednesday Books, 2018 (Feb 6)
Genre: YA Fantasy

**I received a copy of this book from the author and my review is in no way affected or influenced by receipt of this book**

This review can be found on my Blog, TeacherofYA’s Tumblr, or my Goodreads page

My Review:

First of all, I’m going to tell you right off the bat – I haven’t finished this book…but I agreed to a stop on the blog tour, so I feel like I should at least tell you how it’s going so far. Plus it was the release day yesterday, so it’s only right to celebrate!!

The covers of both books are gorgeous btw.

Here’s the blurb:

Six months after the end of Wintersong, Liesl is working toward furthering both her brother’s and her own musical careers. Although she is determined to look forward and not behind, life in the world above is not as easy as Liesl had hoped. Her younger brother Josef is cold, distant, and withdrawn, while Liesl can’t forget the austere young man she left beneath the earth, and the music he inspired in her.

When troubling signs arise that the barrier between worlds is crumbling, Liesl must return to the Underground to unravel the mystery of life, death, and the Goblin King—who he was, who he is, and who he will be. What will it take to break the old laws once and for all? What is the true meaning of sacrifice when the fate of the world—or the ones Liesl loves—is in her hands?

Sounds awesome, right?

I love the way Jae-Jones writes the words in her book…she’s lyrical with her prose.

Here’s an example of her use of alliteration:

Nature creeped in along the edges, reclaiming groomed, orderly, and civilized corridors into a twisting tangle of tunnels and tracks, weeds and wildflowers.

Branches and brambles reached for me with grasping hands as I passed, bursting forth from the walls like sudden shoots and saplings.

I love the way she does this throughout the book. It is poetic and pretty…like a song.

I am currently halfway through the book, but I can already tell it’s going to be a five star read for me. It’s like reading Wintersong all over again…though now instead of Liesl dealing with becoming Queen of the Underworld, she is dealing with becoming a victim of The Wild Hunt. And it’s all because she lived and walked away that the whole world is out of balance.

Is it Classroom-Appropriate?

No. These books are definitely not appropriate for classroom reading. They are definitely meant for older YA readers. So we will just skip this section all together and give Shadowsong ★☆☆☆☆ for class use.

Age Range

I would DEFINITELY stress older readers for this series. Like, simply put, 16 plus. I don’t think it’s appropriate for anyone under that age to read Wintersong. But this is my opinion.

End Result:

I love these books…and though I have not finished this one, I know I’m going to love it. I loved the first book and I loved this one. I love the writing, I love the story, I love it all.

I give Shadowsong ★★★★★!

Here’s some info about the Author!

S. Jae-Jones, called JJ, is an artist, an adrenaline junkie, and the NYT bestselling author of Wintersong.

Born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, she lived in New York City for ten years before relocating down to Dixie, where she is comfortably growing fat on grits and barbecue. When not writing, she can be found rock-climbing, skydiving, taking photographs, drawing pictures, and dragging her dog on ridiculously long hikes.

Here are the links for Shadowsong:

BOOK LINKS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30694168-shadowsong

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shadowsong-S-Jae-Jones/dp/1250129133/ref=bseries_primary_1_1250129133

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadowsong-sjaejones1126245370ean=9781250129130#/

Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Shadowsong-S-Jae-jones/9781785655463ref=gridview&qid=1517549146544&sr=1-1

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/shadowsong

IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781250129130

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/shadowsong/id1251255910?mt=11

There is also a giveaway for the book!! So I’m going to share the link now!

Rafflecopter Link: Giveaway for Shadowsong!!

Because of ALAMW, I’m literally on the road (well, I’m in a hotel at this exact moment), so I am not going to be writing any reviews until I get back. But I will post updates of the trip!

I’ll keep you updated on the adventure!! 😘❤️

11 thoughts on “Shadowsong – S. Jae-Jones (Review)”

  1. Crystal

    I am reading this right now. I wanted to get my review posted before the publication date but I didn’t have time. I hope this ends up being good! I have read mixed reviews so far.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Ooh, I would love to know what you think of this when you finish it!
      I’m pretty confident from what I’ve read so far how I am going to feel about it…I don’t normally rate things before I finish them but I’m pretty confident and I can usually tell once I hit 50%.
      Please let me know what you think of it! 😊😊😊

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      Reply

  2. Awesome review! I agree, her use of alliteration is one of the things I really enjoyed about this author’s writing. You may have convinced me to pick this one up, I’ve been on the fence since Wintersong was not what I expected. I’m glad you’re enjoying this one & look forward to your review 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. It’s been wonderful! I wanted to devour it but Colorado called and I had to answer. I know I’m going to love it because I do already. 😍😍😍
      I didn’t love Wintersong until the very end…so this is a good sign for me!

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  3. I’m really glad you’re enjoying this book so far Stephanie, and I really hope you enjoy the rest of it as well (based on your thoughts so far, and the fact that you already think this will be a five-star review for you, I’m sure it won’t take you too long to finish Shadowsong).
    I wasn’t a massive fan of Wintersong so I’m not sure if I’ll pick this one up, but again I’m glad you’re enjoying it. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. I AM enjoying it bc I love her writing. I think that’s what made me so obsessed with her. She writes like a poet. Wintersong was def not a good YA book though…
      But I really enjoy reading her stuff because I can FEEL the characters you know?

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      1. I wonder if that’s why I wasn’t a massive fan of Wintersong, because it wasn’t a good YA book. I dunno, maybe if I see enough good reviews for Shadowsong I’ll be tempted to pick it up. I definitely get what you mean, and I guess it’s good that Shadowsong has lived up to the promise the first book had as well. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I think it helped me once I knew it was not really YA – I was a little shocked about it when I first read Wintersong but I really appreciated the writing style and the creativity behind the plot.
      I think Shadowsong has been mild compared to Wintersong. I’m waiting to see what happens…I need more Goblin King and I’m waiting for the really good stuff to happen as I read it now. I hope it does continue to live up to my expectations!! 🤔🤞🤞🤞

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      Reply

      1. Yeah I think I went into Wintersong the same way, maybe that means Shadowsong will be better for me as well. Something to bear in mind at least. 🙂
        How far into it are you now then? Near the end or still at the beginning? I’ll keep my fingers crossed you get more of the Goblin King soon! 😀

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