Song of the Abyss by Makiia Lucier Review

Overall Rating: ****

Romance: ***

Release Date: August 27, 2019

Song of the Abyss (Tower of Winds) dives right into the action when the main character Reyna has to flee her ship from mysterious raiders. Her escape lands her in a rival country where her path collides with their Prince Levi.  Reyna and Levi soon find themselves thrust together on a high seas adventure to unravel the mystery behind the raiders who have taken their loved ones. This book was a fast paced and interesting read that had just enough romance to keep me going.  The characters and world were well developed and I really enjoyed each of them.

This is the second book in the <a href=”http://Isle of Blood and Stone (Tower of Winds)” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Tower of Winds series but it could also be read as a standalone as no back story was needed. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars as it is lacking any really unique element, although I am very interested to see what Lucier does with this world in the future.

Official Synopsis:

Ancient grievances, long-held grudges, and dangerous magic combine in this sweeping standalone fantasy perfect for fans of Tamora Pierce and Rachel Hartman.
 
      They came in the night as she dreamt, in her berth, on a ship sailing home to del Mar. After, they would be all Reyna thought about: two carracks painted scorpion black. No emblem on either forecastle, no pennants flying above the mainmasts to hint at a kingdom of origin.

     Never a good sign.

     As the granddaughter of a famed navigator, seventeen-year-old Reyna has always lived life on her own terms, despite those who say a girl could never be an explorer for the royal house of St. John del Mar. She is determined to prove them wrong, and as she returns home after a year-long expedition, she knows her dream is within reach. No longer an apprentice, instead: Reyna, Master Explorer.

     But when menacing raiders attack her ship, those dreams are pushed aside. Reyna’s escape is both desperate and dangerous, and when next she sees her ship, a mystery rises from the deep. The sailors–her captain, her countrymen–have vanished. To find them, Reyna must use every resource at her disposal . . . including placing her trust in a handsome prince from a rival kingdom.

     Together they uncover a disturbing truth. The attack was no isolated incident. Troubling signs point to a shadowy kingdom in the north, and for once, the rulers of the Sea of Magdalen agree: something must be done. But can Reyna be brave enough to find a way?

Thank you to NetGalley and HMH Books for the opportunity to review this advanced copy for my honest opinion.