Song of Silver, Flame like Nigh - Amélie Wen Zhao

Overall Rating 5/5 stars

I began reading this book because I was captivated by the cover, and the storyline piqued my interest. Once I delved in, I was instantly immersed in the world of the Hin and Elentians. The narrative follows a girl named Lan, who possesses a mysterious seal, and a boy named Zen, one of the last surviving Hin practitioners. This tale took me on a rollercoaster of emotions, primarily anger towards the Elentians, for the devastation they wrought upon countless lives, and anger for the Hin people suffering from their destruction.

It’s a story steeped in themes of war, power, and colonial resistance, illustrating the far-reaching effects on everyone involved. The chaos runs rampant, destroying everything in its wake. Although the pacing was swift, I found myself setting the book down at times as my interest waned; however, once I regained my focus, I was once again engrossed and eagerly anticipating the sequel.

At times, Lan, the main character, frustrated me with some of her choices that led to significant damage and consequences. Yet, to be fair, she was navigating a world she didn’t fully understand, and if I were in her position, having endured what she did over twelve cycles, I might react similarly. Her life is tragic, and she has faced immense struggles, demonstrating remarkable strength in persevering through it all. I empathise with her in that regard.

Zen, whom I initially adored, underwent significant changes as the book progressed. The narrative centred on both Lan and Zen, and the character development for each was spot on and masterfully done. Without giving too much away, Zen transformed into a character that you love to dislike. I found myself wanting to support him against the Elentians, yet he also became increasingly frustrating as the plot unfolded. I am eager to discover his fate in the sequel.

My favourite character is Shàn'jūn; his pure personality and willingness to help others resonate deeply with me. I also love his relationship with Tai. They are a gorgeous couple who would go to great lengths for each other, and their deep emotions reveal this beautifully.

Lastly, the four demon gods possess a captivating beauty that adds an enchanting dimension to the narrative, which I truly love. Each god comes with its unique power and motives, making them some of the most compelling elements of the story and infusing a delightful sense of whimsy into the plot. The rich history and mythology interwoven throughout the narrative enhance the overall experience. In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.