Book Review: This Savage Song
*This is a spoiler-free review*
I decided to kick off my 2018 reading with This Savage Song by Victoria (V.E.) Schwab! I have not yet had a chance to read her A Darker Shade of Magic Series either, and I was feeling like I was one of the only people in the world not to have read at least one of her books! Now that I have officially read one of her books, I thought I would type up a quick review.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I did feel like it started a little slow, but given the details about how this dystopian world works, that might actually have been needed; I'm not sure I would have wrapped my head around everything if the pace started off quickly. While there are lots of dystopian reads out there, there were absolutely elements of this story that were unique and different that make is worthwhile.
The characters were also well written. Again, it felt like it took a little while to get to know them, but once things started moving along, it became clear that the main characters, August and Kate, are complex and fascinating individuals. I particularly enjoyed getting to know August, as he struggled through lots of different moral dilemmas about who he is, and how his actions define him. In addition to the two main characters, there is a small supporting cast that includes different, unique characters, notably Leo, Ilsa, and Sloan (shudder).
What I liked most about the book was the way in which Schwab examined complex questions about our actions and our morals. That may make the story sound 'heavy', but it was more thought provoking than anything else. Add in the supernatural elements with complicated villains and monsters, and it's a story I really couldn't resist picking up! There is a sequel, Our Dark Duet, so if you aren't looking for a commitment, then add this to your TBR list for later. If you are looking for a series, then you won't need to wait because the sequel has already been released, so you can pick it up as soon as you finish This Savage Song.
Overall, definitely a book I recommend. Happy reading and feel free to share your thoughts!
Overall rating: 7.5/10 stars
You'll like this book if you enjoyed: The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater; Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge; Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones; Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor; Truthwitch by Susan Denard