The Stained Sea (Book One, Omen) by Paul Williams (Review & Giveaway)

I'm stoked to be hosting a spot on the THE STAINED SEA by Paul Carver Williams Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my review and make sure to enter the giveaway! 

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the wake of a lost messiah, an oppressed religious sect known as ‘the singers of Oros’ are targeted by those in power. A lone singer calling himself Runo works tirelessly to revive the faith of his people by any means necessary. Even if it leads to bloody experiments, and cold-hearted manipulation. A young slave named Cai is called on by a philosopher to aid in a catalogue of the wealthiest families in Grecuria, starting with the owner of the library where he works. On his journey he must confront a past that isn’t his own. Lastly, Sailing on a sky ship surrounded by merchants, Mele Amahki was given passage to begin a new life. However, everything changes when their pink sky turns blue, and they find themselves in a new, unexpected world where things are much the same as back home, except her people do not exist. She finds herself thrust into positions of power, entirely unsure of what is best for her crew. Knowledge, religion, power, and blood run through the veins of the Grecurian islands. But through three headstrong individuals, the veins will be cut, and darkness will stain the sea.

Genre: Adult Fantasy | Publication Date: March 31, 2023 | Publisher: Paul Carver Williams | Page Count: 279 (Paperback) | Disclosure: I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review!

GUILD'S REVIEW

“Earthsong moved across his skin like the lips of a lover.”

Song of Blood & Stone is the first novel in the Earthsinger Chronicles. The Earthsinger Chronicles is a new adult/adult epic fantasy romance. It follows the story of Jasminda, an outcast endowed with Earthsong, and her fateful encounter with the injured spy Jack. Jasminda lives on the border of Elsira and Lagamiri, nations caught in a centuries-long feud separated by a magical barrier called the Mantle. Thrust together one fateful winter night, Jasminda and Jack set off to stop the impending war and fall in love in the process.

“The two sides she’d seen before—soulful Jack and warrior Jack—merged before her, giving a complete picture for the first time.”

I adored this story and romance! It contains the familiar tropes of the hero’s—and in this case heroine’s—journey popularized by Joseph Campbell. However, unlike many entries in the mythopoeia genre, Song of Blood & Stone feels fresh. Snippets of world lore open most chapters dubbed the “Collected Folktales” with cool chapter header art. Folklore and romance are interwoven into Jasminda’s coming-of-age and blossoming romance with Jack. The heroine, a mix-raced Earthsong practitioner, embodies her divided arcanepunk world. While the novel lagged near the end and introduced the dreaded “jealous childhood friend” female antagonist, the finale will keep readers on their toes and hooked until the last word.

Final Judgement:

Song of Blood & Stone is a daring epic fantasy romance delivering fresh twists on stale tropes! I highly recommend this novel and I can't wait to finish the series. ⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️ / 5 Swords

Recommended for Readers who Love:

— a soaring epic fantasy,
— steamy new adult/adult romance,
— and a magical mixed-race heroine

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An LGBTQ, Black-Latino young adult with an eclectic taste in music, PAUL WILLIAMS has struggled with his identity, eventually leading to mental illness. However, with support from his siblings, he gained new confidence to express his inner emotions through art and writing. At age seventeen, he published his first book. In 2018, along with his friend, Icesis Street, Paul won the technology Student Association (TSA) 1st place State award for Children's storybooks. He is now working endlessly to carve a place for himself among the creative professionals and pave the way for other talented ‘students’ of art and literature.

In his newest book, Shadow of Hades, Williams reveals themes of grief, often what we commonly associate with death. He hopes readers are moved to examine their lives on a smaller scale, feel invited to empathize with all aspects of the world and see the magical playground that is our shared universe. The world seemed uniquely grim at the time Williams wrote Shadow of Hades, and that darkness is nuanced in the characters, however, he still provides a glimmer of hope to the readers for a world that desperately needs it and that we should all keep close to our hearts.

GIVEAWAY

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE STAINED SEA, US Only.

Ends May 6th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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