Song of Blood and Stone: Earthsinger Chronicles, Book 1

Penelope delivers an engrossing story with delightful characters in this fantastic opening to a promising series. Jasminda ul-Sarifor inherited many things from her father, including her magical powers as an Earthsinger and the features that mark her as a woman of Lagrimaran descent. Unfortunately, she lives in xenophobic Elsira. She’s reviled by her neighbors and has every reason to hate Jack, an Elsiran spy fleeing pursuit from vicious Lagrimaran soldiers; instead, she takes pity on him. He bears the news that the magical barrier that separates Elsira and Lagrimara is about to fail, and he must return to his superiors to warn of an impending war that could destroy Elsira and plunge the world into the despot control of the cruel True-Father. As Jasminda and Jack work together to protect their home, attraction turns their pragmatic alliance into a romantic union that won’t be denied, despite the obligations of Jack’s social and political position and the persistent prejudice against Jasminda’s mixed heritage. The tale is infused with optimism but never cloying, and it culminates in a well-earned and satisfying ending, leaving readers impatient for the next installment of the series. [em](BookLife) [/em]