Song of Silver, Flame Like Night book review

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night (Song of the Last Kingdom, #1) by Amélie Wen Zhao
Series: Song of the Last Kingdom #1
on January 3, 2023
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Hardcover
Goodreads

In a fallen kingdom, one girl carries the key to discovering the secrets of her nation's past--and unleashing the demons that sleep at its heart. An epic fantasy series inspired by the mythology and folklore of ancient China.
Once, Lan had a different name. Now, she goes by the one the Elantian colonizers gave her when they invaded her kingdom, killed her mother, and outlawed her people's magic. She spends her nights as a songgirl in Haak'gong, a city transformed by the conquerors, and spends her days scavenging for remnants of the past. For anything that might help her understand the strange mark burned into her arm by her mother, in her last act before she died.
No one can see the mysterious mark--an untranslatable Hin character--except Lan. Until the night a boy appears at the teahouse and saves her life.
Zen is a practitioner--one of the fabled magicians of the Last Kingdom, whose abilities were rumored to be drawn from the demons they communed with. Magic believed to be long lost. Magic to be hidden from the Elantians at all costs.
When Zen comes across Lan's unusual qi, he recognizes what she is: a practitioner with a powerful ability hidden in the mark on her arm. He's never seen anything like it--but he knows: if there are answers, they lie deep in the pine forests and misty mountains of the Last Kingdom, with an order of practitioning masters planning to overthrow the Elantian regime.
Both Lan and Zen have secrets buried deep within. Fate has connected them, but their destiny remains unwritten. Both hold the power to liberate their land. And both hold the power to destroy the world.

I picked this book up because not only is it absolutely gorgeous but Song Like Silver, Flame Like Night had some amazing reviews. It’s definitely not the easiest book to get into but the mythology and writing style is stunning. The tale that weaves all the way through was so intricate and well written I just wanted there to have been more.

Characters in Song Like Silver, Flame Like Night

This entire book centres around Lan and her life under Elantian rule, navigating being a song girl with a mysterious seal stamped onto her wrist and no real memories of her past life. In some ways she is the perfect trope-like female character, weak but without knowing her true power, but there was a way in which the story was told that kept the story fresh and exciting. Lan’s resilience throughout was well-written and didn’t feel like overwrought or tropey at any point.

I think my favourite part of Lan throughout Song Like Silver, Flame Like Night was her found family and her desperation for someone to love and to be a part of something. It was a great part of the story and I adored watching her character develop in this state of calm was some of the best parts of this book. She quickly grew to be a favourite character.

Zen was a brilliant character from start to finish, his arc all the way through was not only a shock but also expected. I think that was the greatest part of this book, was just how unpredictable the characters were and how the ending played out. Zen was one of those characters that seemed to have his whole story mapped out and it was only when you looked deeper the cracks started to form. He was brilliantly written and well thought out and planned.

Bad bits in Song Like Silver, Flame Like Night

For me the only bad bit was the beginning of Song Like Silver, Flame Like Night, the author tried to cram so much information into the start that I felt so overwhelmed and confused. In fact this book went from a near DNF to one of my favourites of the month. I understood the need for the context and information I just wish it had been a little more accessible. There was a lot to take in and as much as I don’t mind doing some of my own research this just felt like I was thrown completely into the deep end with no life raft.

Good bits

Once I had gotten past all of the info dumping I found the story to be beautifully told and so rich within the setting and characters. It really drew me in, I thought there was so much going on but I never felt as though I was being dragged along for the ride. Everything was smooth sailing from scene to scene. I loved the different aspects, and the way the plot was divided. I think the best thing about Song Like Silver, Flame Like Night was the twists and turns it took you on. Nothing was quite what it seemed but when the reveals happened it all made flawless sense.

What now?

I have already preordered the sequel, I am dying to know how this story continues and how it is all going to end up. There are so many questions that need to be answered and also so many ongoing problems that need to be solved. Very excited to see where this series ends up going.

Have you read a similar book? One that had you tearing your hair out but ended up falling in love with? Let me know in the comments.