As a note. The Author’s note actually gives a trigger warning for Self-harm, Addiction, Reckless behaviors and Suicidal ideation.Title: Shadowsong (Wintersong #2)
Author: S. Jae-Jones
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Release Date: February 6, 2018
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Six months after the end of Wintersong, Liesl is working toward furthering both her brother’s and her own musical careers. Although she is determined to look forward and not behind, life in the world above is not as easy as Liesl had hoped. Her younger brother Josef is cold, distant, and withdrawn, while Liesl can’t forget the austere young man she left beneath the earth, and the music he inspired in her.
When troubling signs arise that the barrier between worlds is crumbling, Liesl must return to the Underground to unravel the mystery of life, death, and the Goblin King—who he was, who he is, and who he will be. What will it take to break the old laws once and for all? What is the true meaning of sacrifice when the fate of the world—or the ones Liesl loves—is in her hands?
I’m not even sure what I was expecting going into Shadowsong from Wintersong. I had loved Wintersong and I was actually okay with the ending. Sometimes I don’t mind seemingly loose ends. I feel Shadowsong really does a great job of wrapping up the ending in a way that makes sense.
The plot had a slow start for me. I was frustrated with both Liesel and Josef. Josef was being such a jerk and Liesel, well it felt like she was a shadow of the kick butt girl I remembered from the first book. She is so clearly wrapped up in her struggle to leave behind the Underground and the Goblin King that she is completely unaware of things happening around her. There is a point where things change and the book picks up in all the ways it needs. Once the Countess and Count enter the picture things get more interesting.
This book is more about Lisel and Josef and their relationship then it is about Lisel and the Goblin King. Although he is not completely absent either. Again I was frustrated with Josef for being a jerk but it was interesting to see Lisel see herself from Josef’s eyes. Despite my frustrations with her, she actually experiences quit a bit of growth. To see the things she has done and how that has affected others. Kathe and Francois felt a bit under used as characters but they also still have a presence.
There is more insight into what Der Erlkonig’s own really means. We also get to delve more into the history of the Goblin King and the first bride. I found those aspects really contributed to the understanding of the world as a whole. I was excited to learn more. I loved the way the pieces slowly fit together and eventually will reveal what makes the Goblin King, the Goblin King.
The writing is lyrical and haunting. Almost like you are lost in the pages of a song. You can still feel how much music is a part of everything. Since it’s such a special part of Lisel, Josef and the Goblin King. I’m glad that it didn’t fade from the first book.
I enjoyed the book. I really like how things were wrapped up in the end.
S. Jae-Jones, called JJ, is an artist, an adrenaline junkie, and the NYT bestselling author of Wintersong.
Born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, she lived in New York City for ten years before relocating down to Dixie, where she is comfortably growing fat on grits and barbecue. When not writing, she can be found rock-climbing, skydiving, taking photographs, drawing pictures, and dragging her dog on ridiculously long hikes.
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• Starts: 2/4
• Ends: 2/16
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