Tuesday Reviews: A Song of Ash and Moonlight by Claire LeGrand

 

  

New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn, Claire Legrand, enchants with a lush, steamy enemies to lovers fantasy romance perfect for fans of Bridgerton and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

THE OLD WAR IS OVER. A NEW ONE IS JUST BEGINNING.

The curse plaguing the Ashbourne and Bask families has finally been broken, but Farrin, the eldest Ashbourne daughter, still struggles to find peace. Unflappable and tireless, her composure masks a seething sorrow. Since her mother abandoned the family, Farrin has been their rock—managing her father's temper, running the estate, keeping tight control over her dangerous musical power, and ignoring her own need for rest, distraction, and most of all, love.

In Ryder Bask, Farrin's stubborn strength has met its match. The man infuriates her. He's coarse, arrogant, annoyingly handsome. He's as tired of their feuding parents as she is, and he brims with some secret anger that mirrors Farrin's frustrated rage.

But Farrin must work with every ally she can—even the man she has been raised to hate. With every rising dawn, the Middlemist weakens further. Anointed magicians are disappearing. A fiery Olden creature is stalking Farrin. Strange visions haunt the High Queen Yvaine. And as Farrin and Ryder race to find stolen loved ones, they begin to realize a horrifying truth:

The gods are not dead. They're waking up. And someone is hunting them.

“A Song of Ash and Moonlight” is like a dramatic Bridgerton episode, but with dark magic, monsters, and a hero who’s basically a walking "Don’t-You-Dare-Ignore-Me" sign. Meet Farrin, the sister who’s had it up to here with her family’s drama and now has to cozy up with their sworn enemy, Ryder, to figure out who's messing with the waking gods. Because, you know, why not add a side of romantic tension to an already complicated situation?

Farrin is the relatable sister we didn't know we needed—full of insecurities, grumpy moments, and an emotional rollercoaster that rivals any soap opera. Her romance with Ryder is a slow-burn masterpiece with so much angst, it might as well come with a warning label. Their fiery chemistry makes for some seriously sizzling scenes that are worth the wait.

The book offers a unique twist on a Bridgerton-style world with its dark magic and menacing monsters, making it a captivating read. The writing is lush and lyrical, perfect for getting lost in.

On the flip side, Farrin’s habit of yelling at everyone who’s trying to help her gets old, and some sub-plots feel like they’re there to test your patience. Still, Ryder’s teaching sessions and the magical world-building are worth the ride.