Monday, February 20, 2017

Review: The Song Rising by Samantha Shannon


The Song Rising by Samantha Shannon
Book Three of The Bone Season series
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: March 7, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

Following a bloody battle against foes on every side, Paige Mahoney has risen to the dangerous position of Underqueen, ruling over London's criminal population. 

But, having turned her back on Jaxon Hall and with vengeful enemies still at large, the task of stabilising the fractured underworld has never seemed so challenging. 

Little does Paige know that her reign may be cut short by the introduction of Senshield, a deadly technology that spells doom for the clairvoyant community and the world as they know it…

What I Liked:

It's been quite a long time since I read (and enjoyed) The Mime Order, and even longer since I read The Bone Season. But this is a series that sticks with you, even if it's just the major events. It didn't take me long to get back into London 2059, where Paige Mahoney has taken the deadly position of Underqueen. Overall I think I enjoyed this third novel. It'll be interesting to see how Shannon makes this a seven-book series. 

In this book, Paige has assumed the role of Underqueen, with Jaxon Hall's shocking betrayal. Many voyants are not happy with her or her assent to power, and she has many more enemies than she ever has. But an entirely different problem has risen - the creation of the Senshield, a technology that has incredible sensitivity in detecting clairvoyants, especially since the power of the Senshield is to be harnessed into handheld detectors for the military. Paige knows she must prove herself as Underqueen, but she is also determined to find the core of the Senshield's power. 

The book starts off a little too slowly for my taste, but I got back into the story fairly quickly. Once the story shifted focus to the introduction of the Senshield and its deadly implications, I was more hooked. The Senshield is a game-changer for voyants, and Paige is forced to move the Mime Order underground to survive. Destroying the Senshield is the main focus of this book, but there are other problems. For example, Paige's tenuous hold as Underqueen, the Rephaite-human Mime Order relations, her complicated relationship with Warden, Hildred Vance (a villain almost as bad as Nashira). There is no shortage of threats and death surrounding Paige.

This book really tests Paige's character. As Underqueen, she must make difficult and sometimes cruel decisions. Paige doesn't like who she is becoming. She wants to prove herself and she also wants to redeem herself. You can also see how Paige resolves herself to become a martyr, at a certain point in the story. But it was good to see how Paige handled conflict after conflict, because she didn't become a martyr or a coward - she survived and fought and became stronger, by the end of the book.

One of my favorite aspects of this series is the barely-there romance. This book was a little odd, in terms of the romance. On the one hand, things definitely progress in a little steamier direction (though not overly so), between Warden and Paige. But on the other hand, Paige plays the I'm-Underqueen-and-I-can't-afford-to-be-distracted card, for much of the book. The two of them share a very powerful connection, both psychically and emotionally, and it's of course very silly for her to think they can turn it off because she's now Underqueen. Like I said, the romance is barely there and very subtle, but I also liked its progression. By the end of the book, things there were unsaid are better handled by Paige. I definitely want to see more from the romance in future books. 

There is plenty of action, plenty of close calls, and plenty of betrayals and double-crossing. The secondary characters are so important in this book, and I loved seeing some of them flourish. I adore Nick, and Eliza, and Warden of course (though I think of Warden as more of a primary character). I would love to see Warden play a more critical role in future books - though he was instrumental in this book. 

As always, the world-building of this series is so well-written. It's an easy world to lose yourself in, though it's a brutal and unforgiving world. I'm still trying to wrap my head around all of the different orders of clairvoyants, but I like that we get to see so many different types and their powers in action. 

I'm going to put this as a little bit of a warning - there is some torture in this book, which broke my heart. As far as torture goes, it's not the worst that could have happened, but be prepared to read about Paige getting tortured. Again, it's not as bad as it could have been, but it's there. Paige definitely comes out a lot stronger, and that part of the plot served a higher purpose for the story in general. 

We know this is going to be a seven-book series and so this book ends nowhere near resolved. Certain aspects of this book specifically are resolved, but the overall plot (voyants being screened and hunted, Nashira's grand plan, etc.) is far from concluded. While this book does not end in a cliffhanger, it'll definitely leave you wanting more. 

What I Did Not Like:

I suppose this one moved a little too slowly, initially. It took over one hundred pages for me to finally feel like I was invested in the story. The first one hundred or so pages focus more on Paige's struggles as Underqueen, which I found... boring? Perhaps necessary to the story (especially given the ending of the book), but boring nonetheless. 

So you know when the books in a long book series are almost like episodes of a TV show, in which there is a problem and it's resolved by the end of that one episode? That's definitely the setup of this book, with a new problem introduced and a resolution to that problem by the end of the story. There is nothing really wrong with this, but I guess I wanted more from the overall series plot, how this book is tied in with the other two books and the remaining four. Yes, there is always the threat of Nashira, and the threat to voyants by the government, but I guess I wanted to know more about where this series is heading. 

Also, this is book three of an adult fiction series. I am unashamed when I say that I wanted more from the romance. Hint. HINT. 

Would I Recommend It:

I can't speak for the series overall, because it's such a long series and I'm not sure if it'll pay off (long series scare me). I can't really gauge the direction of the series at this point, and I can't tell if Shannon is the type of author to slaughter everyone in the end, or give a hopeful ending, or whatever. It's too early to tell, and she doesn't give us much to look forward to, in terms of the overall plot. So I can't say I do (or don't) recommend the series in general. So far, it's an intriguing series, and fans of dystopian novels will enjoy it. 

But in terms of this book, sure, I recommend it. If you've read the other books, you won't be disappointed by this sequel. It does move the story along, and there is a fair amount of character growth (Paige), heightened stakes, developing romance, etc. It's a good sequel.

Rating:

3.5 stars -> rounded up to 4 stars. So far, Shannon has not disappointed. While this isn't a new favorite or anything like that, I am pretty pleased with this book and it has left me wanting to read book four. I hope Shannon writes it faster than this book, or The Mime Order!


Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

28 comments:

  1. Oh I really can't wait to read this book Alyssa, it seems like the wait has been too long! It did take me a while to get into the previous book, so I expect that will be the same with this book too, which I don't mind, as once I get into the book, then I usually can't stop reading! You have me worried about the parts of torture though :( Fab review as always Alyssa! :)

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    1. I know what you mean! I think, of the three, book two has been the slowest so far. This book was a lot shorter than the previous two, as well. There definitely some gritty aspects to this story. :/

      Thank you, Jasprit!

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  2. Haven't heard of this series before but reading your review, I guess it's a great one.
    Great review Alyssa :)

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    1. I liked it! It's too bad this series is so long though. So much waiting!

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  3. I read and really enjoyed The Mime Order but have yet to pick up the next books. But, I do miss the fabulous world Shannon created - especially the relationship between Paige and Warden!

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    1. You're not too behind - this is the third book, and The Mime Order was the second! I hope you enjoy this one, Kim. :D

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  4. The Bone Season has been on my list, forever! I should really try to get it from the library soon, just to see if it's a series I'll like enough to purchase the other books.

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    1. It's a seven-book series! Rather long, in my opinion. o_o

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  5. gah I have not read The Bone Season, so I just totally skimmed your review. Good to see that there is character growth, even if its not always in a good direction XD

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    1. No problem! Thank you for commenting anyway! The book overall was quite good. ^_^

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  6. I've heard great things about this series, though I'm sorry the beginning was slow and there wasn't enough adult romance ;D I'll have to check these books out eventually, though long series make me nervous as well, haha. Great review!

    Brittany @ Brittany's Book Rambles

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    1. More romance in general (adult or PG 13) would have been nice! I sort of regret starting this series, since it's set to be so long, but meh, almost halfway there. :O Thank you, Brittany!

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  7. This sounds like an interesting read. I struggle when a book starts off slow to keep reading. Great review!

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    1. You and me both! I think sometimes it's just best to power through the beginning and get to the good stuff. ;)

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  8. I've had The Bone Season on my shelves for years now and I still haven't read it, but hearing that the series is still going strong after the third book makes me want to pick it up soon! It's too bad that this one started out slow and was a bit lacking in the romance department (lol), but otherwise it sounds really good!

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    1. Danya, I think you would enjoy this series! Somehow, it seems like a *you* series. It's a seven-book series though. I personally want more romance, but I guess since it's a seven-book series, the author is taking it slow... le sigh.

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  9. I totally need to read this series! I have the first book but you know how it is! 😫
    @TeacherofYA

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    1. YES! You should, Stephanie! If you get to it, I hope you like it. <3

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  10. Ahh..A series I REALLY need to pick up! I'm a little concerned about the pace 'cause you said it's slow? I don't mind slow pace at all if the writing's gorgeous :) Great review Alyssa <3

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    1. The pacing of this book - and honestly, the series in general - is slow. I guess because it's a seven-book series? :/ Thank you, Uma!

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  11. I think this would annoy me a little: "I'm-Underqueen-and-I-can't-afford-to-be-distracted card" as far as the romance goes. Bummer it slagged at the beginning. This is one of those series I decided to wait on until all the books are released. I heard it's a little complicated and I don't want details getting missed because I can't remember. Wonderful review, Alyssa! :)

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    1. YES! It was a little annoying! Don't worry, she wises up at the end. ;) It is definitely a complicated series in general, and a seven-book series, at that. Waiting to binge-read the books is a good idea!

      Thank you, Rachel!

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  12. So I have not read this series. My co-blogger loves the series though and has told me I need to give it a chance. I'm just eh on the slow pace since those put me off a lot. Maybe one day I'll read it :)
    Genesis @ Latte Nights Reviews

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    1. You should, Gen! Though maybe once the series is completed? Who even knows how long that will take. It'll be four years at the very least!

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  13. I haven't started this series, but I have the first book.
    I'm glad you enjoyed it, though, but too bad it wasn't amazing.

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    1. The first book is my favorite, I think. I loved it! This book was pretty good, though not amazing, you know?

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  14. Lovely review Alyssa :D Yaay for enjoying this one. <3 But ugh, not enough romance? That's just depressing, haha :) I actually had to DNF book one on around 150 pages years ago.. aw. Won't go back to them, sadly :p But glad you are loving this series, despite some issues. <3 Hugs.

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    1. Thank you! The romance that *was* present left me wanting. I think the author is moving the romance at a snail's pace because the series is so long. The series in general is moving at a snail's space. :/ Ehhh, oh well. I'm hear for it!

      Thank you, Carina!

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