I am a wildly rabid fan of Schwab books.
We actually get to be called Schwablins and isn’t that the best? I tell you, it’s worth signing up to have your soul smashed by VE Schwab immediately just for the sake of being called a SCHWABLIN.
But despite how much I loooove my slightly goblin title…I ALSO NEED TO TALK ABOUT THIS SAVAGE SONG TODAY. This is a strange review because (A) I actually bought this book myself and do you know how often I blog about books I’ve bought?!?? NEVER. It’s always ARCs around here. And also (B) I’ve never reviewed a Schwab book on the blog before?!? I swear, my brain is just on holidays 87% of the time.
- IT’S ALL ABOUT MONSTERS — AKA MY FAVOURITE TOPIC.
I loooove monsters. I LOVE ‘EM. It’s set in a “Gotham inspired world”, where humans are waring against each other, and monsters are eating everyone in between. #GoodTimes It’s mostly human vs human and human vs monster. And, naturally, I love the comparison of humans being more monsterish than the actual monsters. Gah, I just love that kind of story, okay?!
- IT FEATURES A VERY SPECIAL QUOTE IN THE FRONT. Which IS SO META and makes my Schwablin heart fairly die of appreciation.
Plenty of humans are monstrous, and plenty of monsters know how to play at being human.
— V.A. VALE
For those of you don’t know, “V.A. Vale” is a character out of Vicious. THE AUTHOR LITERALLY QUOTED HER OWN CHARACTER IN HER OWN BOOK AND I JUST…I CANNOT. I LOVE THIS SO MUCH.
Also it’s a fantastic quote. Obviously.
- THE PLOT HAS A LOT OF RUNNING AND BLEEDING.
Which is also my favourite. Although I confess the plot isn’t going to blow your mind with complex and intricate twists. But I’ve heard it being referred to as “Romeo and Juliet retelling without the romance” and that is very very accurate.
- NOW WE CAN TALK ABOUT THE PRECIOUS DAMAGED CINNAMON ROLLS? Yes. Yes we can. Forever and ever and ever preferably. You know those kind of characters that just are so incredibly you must sit there thinking “They are scary and precious and I LOVE THEM AND THERE’S PROBABLY SOMETHING WRONG WITH ME BUT NO REGRETS”? These are those. The characters were perfect little beasts. We have two narrators: Kate (a beastly nasty girl who is daughter of a crime-lord and a human) and August (who is a soul-eating monster and adopted-son of the human rebels). August ends up “spying” on Kate at her school and then they get thrown into a run-for-your-life adventure.
- KATE: She was so snarky and bitter and CRUEL but it was like she was forcing herself to be that way. Cue feels breaking in the distance. She was awful in order to impress her awful dad. I did love her.
- AUGUST: I admit…I loved him more. August is a monster who wishes he wasn’t. AND I LOVE THAT KIND OF TROPE. He is entirely adorable and sweet and plays violin (although that also sucks out your soul, so #awkward) and the levels of adorable cinnamon roll dark side tragedy just SPOKE TO ME GREATLY. I am raving. But not even sorry.
- ALSO: VIOLINIST!! VIOLINIST ALERT!!
How often do I read books about classical instruments?! Like never. And plus I used tomurderplay the violin myself so this was infinitely pleasing to realise I, too, could’ve been sucking souls. I’m sure my family agreed that I was anyway.
- THE WRITING IS SO DELICIOUS I WILL DEVOUR IT AT DAWN.
No, no, I’ll devour it all the time because I can’t get enough. It has this intensely flawless way of sucking me into the story. I LOSE TIME READING HERE. I never lose time. I’m usually hyper-focused on time, okay!? The characters are so complex, the writing sensory, and the details perfection. Oh and while I’m here gushing like an appreciative loony mongoose: I want to mention something I was really fond of. I feel like it portrayed Sensory Overload really really well. Although NOTE: the book doesn’t use that phrase so this might be me “seeing into things”…but August seemed to have monster-sensory-meltdowns and as someone who frequently experiences sensory overload (spoiler: that is me) I related so much I WANTED TO CRY.
August cringed; the overhead lights were too bright, the scraping of chairs too sharp. Everything was heightened, like the volume on his life was turned up but not in an exciting way. Noises were too loud and smells too strong and pain — which he did feel — too sharp. But worse than the senses were the emotions. Agitation and anger burned under his skin and in his head. Every comment and every thought felt like a spark on dry wood.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to go through a sensory overload experience: that is it. It’s described so accurately I JUST THANK THE BOOKISH UNIVERSE THAT IS THIS BOOK EXISTS.
- DID I MENTION THERE IS ACTUALLY NO ROMANCE?
This is, as you might’ve noticed, a very rare occurrence in YA. (Although I have a list of YA books without romance if you’re so inclined to peruse.) And I’m so happy?!? Like ridiculously happy! FINALLY we have two characters who (A) are focused on survival not make-out sessions #PRIORITIES, (B) are really family orientated (although like Kate’s dad is a psychopath and August’s family eat souls but…whatever), and (C) proves friendship is downright freaking awesome.
- HELP ME. I THINK THIS BOOK STOLE MY HEART.
I’m kidding. Don’t help me. Leave me in my feels. I’m so so happy with this book okay?!? There is violence and danger, and ti’s gritty and blood-streaked. PLUS THERE IS A VIOLIN AND I PLAY VIOLIN SO MY CONNECTION TO AUGUST IS IMMENSE. That moment when you connect to a character so so much is just…ajfdskaljd it’s marvellously special.
Monsters, monsters, big and small,
they’re gonna come and eat you all…
\\ click to read reviews //
I’m a Schwablin too! As any sane person would be, given the chance. I loved this book, and I pretty much love everything she writes. But the exploration of what it means to be a monster, or, as you put it, humans being more monsterish than the actual monsters, was actually my favorite part.
HELLO FELLOW SCHWABLIN and omg I couldn’t agree more: all the sane people should be. *nods* There is literally no reason not to be a Schwablin. Monster themes always are amazing in books, but I think VE Schwab writes it so well I just afdjskalfda SO MUCH TO MAKE US THINK.
OH MY GOSH I HAVE FOREVER WANTED TO READ SCHWAB IN PARTICULAR THIS SAVAGE SONG! Now that you have loved it sounds like I have to read it. ALSO LOVE THAT COVER!
I hope you get to try it and that you like it! *subtly and calmly throws it at you to encourage you to read it*
Yay! I loved this book, too! I am super excited for the next one (and am desperately hoping for more explanation about the world in it! – though I sort of loved how vague certain things about the world were in this one). It was unexpectedly awesome (:
Ali @ the bandar blog
I totally would like more world-building too FOR SURE. I actually was a bit befuddled when I started it, but I got into the swing of things after the first few chapters.😂
I must read this book!
YES YOU MUST!!
1) Those book stacks are incredible and I bow to you
2) Somehow I didn’t realise that she quoted HER OWN BOOK???? But that is incredible
3) I loved This Savage Song. ARE YOU PROUD?? You should be proud. Having no romance did help 😉
Why thank you. I work hard. (No really, cleaning up is a nightmare.😂) But omg I didn’t realise she did that quote either until I saw it on twitter! But I don’t think it was in the eARC I read anyway. AND I AM SO PROUD YOU LOVED THIS. I’M LIKE CRYING PROUD TEARS.
I feel so ashamed that I have yet to read any of her books – I have meant to, but I just never get the chance. Where do you think I should start?
Thanks for the review.
THIS ONE RIGHT HERE *shrieks* Well, actually, you could start anywhere.😂 I started with Vicious and it totally hooked me in. The ADSOM series is the best, I think, but the cliffhangers are killers. So maybe just…read them all at once? #SolidPlan
Okay – sign me up. I also want to be a Schwablin! Her books have been on my TBR for too long – I need to get one read!
Fantastic review. 🙂 This book sounds EXACTLY like what I need to read.
YES YES YOU DO. I’m glad I have convinced you because, TRUST ME NOW, your life will be 90000% better with Schwab books in it.
I have been reading the Shades of Magic series, and I loveeeeee it, so I guess that makes me a Schwablin too :). I bought This Savage Song bought I haven’t started it yet because I have been furiously reading books for a book fair coming up this month where I want to have read the books before I meet the authors. So, are you saying I should put This Savage Song at the very top of my TBR list?
Oh oh the Shades of Magic books ARE LITERALLY THE BEST THINGS OF THE UNIVERSE. I think I love them the best of all the Schwab books I’ve read (granted, I have only read 5 but pfft, I’m working on finding her older books😂) OH. But that makes sense about the priorities of your TBR! But maybe after that…you could read this one?! *subtly throws it at you*
Ouch!! Ok, it shall be next :).
I did as I was told :). I read it and loved it!! What an awesome concept – that monsters are created from the evil deeds that man does. I can’t wait for the second book! Now I have a problem. I am already going to three book events this Fall, one of which is on October 28th in Toronto which is a couple of hours drive for me. Then I just noticed that Victoria Schwab is going to be in Toronto on October 27th. I’m really tempted to go, but that might be kind of pushing it LOL.
So glad you liked it. Keep hearing really good things about this author, though I’ve never come across her. (Guess there is something wrong with my regional library system…) Somebody send me money to buy books!!! Ahem… Happy you’re flailing away this morning 😉
(P.S. Have all my emails been downloading properly? As far as I know, everything is fine with my internet connections, etc., but slightly odd things have happened to my computer in the last 48 hours, so I’m just checking.)
Ahhh, I hope you get a chance to try a Schwab book soon!! I shall cross my fingers and hope your library buys some of her books! SQUEE.
And I’m not sure about emails. Did you email me in the last 2 days?🙈🙊
It says 4 days on my email/inbox information. There were also no reported problems with sent messages. Check and let me know.
Soooo, I never read a Schwab book. EVER. Which is weird because we had at least three of them as BOMs at NBRC (goodreads). So… to attest to your marketing skill I just suggested to my fellow mods to have a BOM takeover for November (It is too late to have it for October because 1) polls are already on and 2)I need to count with shipping time to Portugal). Now is a matter of keeping fingers crossed… (and maybe some demands) for them to agree.
Anyway… your blog is bad for my wallet. I have one bookshelf (yes, bookshelf… like exactly ONE) that had been in dire need of reinforcement for a while – books on the floor and on the top and scattered all over the place. Now… since I’ve started to follow you I already bought a few more (Ten or Twelve, but who’s counting) meaning I’m currently looking at bookshelves and prices and how long will it take for me to fill them in.
I need to get a new microwave oven and washer and fridge. So, I’ve spent hours this weekend looking at online stores. What did I look at? Bookshelves. Good to know my priorities are still intact *giggles*
EEEEEP. I hope you get to read them!! IT IS ALWAYS A GOOD TIME TO BE READING A SCHWAB BOOK. *shrieks* And yes yes my blog is bad for wallets, TBRs, life in general. *heavy sigh* I ought to be out-lawed.
(But seriously it’s the besssst compliment of EVER to know that you like my recommendations! I SHALL CONTINUE TO SHRIEK NOW OMG.)
And yes your priorities are awesome. Who needs anything else when you can have BOOKSHELVES.
Im so happy that you loved This Savage Song too. I LOVED it so much and there weren’t a lot of my Schwablin friends that were super-wild about it. That violin killed me too!
Really?!? I can’t imagine NOT being super wild about it.😂😍 Ahem yes I’m very very obsessed hehehe. The violin killed EVERYBODY…*collapses laughing at own stunning wit*
I’m glad you liked it. I loved Vicious and A Darker Shade of Magic, so I’m beyond excited for this one. 🙂
Basically everything VE Schwab writes is BEYOND GLORIOUS PERFECTION.😍
This Savage Song has been on my TBR for ETERNITY. I absolutely cannot wait to finally read it. It basically sounds like all my dream tropes and ideas squished into one amazing adventure!!! I adore romance, but DOES EVERY SINGLE BOOK HAVE TO HAVE IT? No thank you. This Savage Song has just rose up approximately 84.36% in my eyes.
I so agree!! I don’t mind squishable shippable romances…but it’s actually just a relief to read a book without it sometimes.😂 PLUS LIKE MONSTERS AND MUSIC AND SOUL EATING AND EVIL DARK CITY AFJDKSLADJ This book just went through my checklist and ticked everything off basically. <3
I’ve been wanting to read this book but now I have to. Today. Now. Why do we not have 24hr bookshops or deliver within 5 min online stores. I haven’t (gasp!) Read any of her books and I cant even think of an excuse. Great review! I am going to be camping outside our local bookstore tonight.
I honestly am annoyed you can’t order books like pizza. I mean what world do we live in?!??! I JUST WANT TO ORDER A BOOK AND HAVE IT DELIVERED INSTANTLY, DANGIT. *stamps foot* 😂
I do not even want to think about how long it must’ve taken you to pile up all of the books in that picture. Wow. That is dedication.
I’m so ready for this one, I’ve read A Darker Shade of Magic, which was good, but I think this one sounds better. 😉 I was sold when I first heard about the soul-sucking music. 🙂
It actually wasn’t too bad! That’s mostly my TBR plus a few extras from my shelves to bulk it up.😂 But I mean, seriously what even do I do with my life that I spend hours taking photos of books?!? I DON’T KNOW, RAIN. I’M A SAD CREATURE. Ahem. And yessss, all the books should have soul-sucking monsters. They are glorious. ALWAYS.
I really enjoyed reading this book, although somehow I gave all three Schwab books 4 stars. They just seem to miss something? and I just don’t know what it is.
I loooooved August! Basically agree with everything you said in your review haha. And that ending… Can’t wait for the sequel 😀
Awww, fair enough! I’ve given all the Schwab books I’ve read 5-stars so far.😂 So, ahem, least to say I’m a little completely totally obsessed. BUT YES I NEED THE SEQUEL LIKE YESTERDAY.
I love when a book has no romance and it’s still good! Great review Cait! I STILL have not read anything by VE Schwab and I have no idea why?!
*quietly piles Schwab books on your head* You should definitely try one someday, Becca!! I WILL LITERALLY BEG YOU TO.😂 And yes it’s so refreshing just to have no romance for once. :’)
I have been eyeing this one forever, I must get it!
Yes yes!! Please do! MONSTERS, SKYE. THEY’RE WORTH IT.
I just finished This Savage Song and it was SO GOOD! I agree with literally everything you said. I have nothing to add, it was gorgeous and you said it all. August was such an incredible character and I just loved everything. This world was so gosh darn interesting and the monsters were awesome! I almost wished it were October so it would be a kick-off for the Halloween season, it felt perfect. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
AHHHH I’M SO GLAD YOU’RE A FAN TOO!! LET ME FLAIL WITH YOU, JORDAN!! *shrieks* I’m dying for the sequel though. Like DYING. I want to know more about the world and what August and Kate will do next and just adfjskald I LOVED IT SO MUCH.
This Savage song is on my TBR list. Hope to read it soon 🙂
Yayyyy!! I hope you read it soon too!!
My favorite V.E. Schwab book is Vicious. That one was SOOOOOO GOOD!!!! Sadly I am not a Shwablin. I tried all her other books and have not loved them. I got the Savage Song but didn’t read it, because when I got it I realized the publisher was Greenwillow. My arch publisher nemesis! Greenwillow is my least favorite publisher and I don’t really like books published from them. I don’t read books with instruments that much. In The Jewel by Amy Ewing, the main character plays the cello. In The Winner’s Curse, Kestrel plays the piano. Thats about as far as I go. My favorite instrument artist though is Lindsey Stirling. If you haven’t heard her play the violin, GO DO IT NOW! She is amazing!!
YESSSSS I LOVE VICIOUS SO MUCH!! I’m sad it was a once-off love for you. Excuse me, I shall be crying.
I’m confused why you don’t read books because of the publisher though?? What happened? It’s a pity you didn’t even try This Savage Song.😭 *goes away to cry*
i bought it because of you cait and i love it
OMG REALLY!?? My day is officially infinitely better. :’)
Schwablin here too! My friend Sandra pestered my ’til I read Vicious (well it took something like ten seconds, actually, she put the book in my hands and said : “READ THIS.”. And like a good girl, I read.) and I loved Vicious. Did you know that there’s going ot be a sequel?
But then I saw the synopsis for This Savage Song and IT. DEVOURED. MY. SOUL. Without violin, at the time, though, so it was a less badass soul-eating, but a soul-eating all the same. And when I finally got my hands on it (auto-present for my birthday) I just… I couldn’t put it down. The non-romance was so refreshing and I loved August and Kate so much. I can’t wait for the second book to be released! I NEED IT NOW.
It’s so cool that you play the violin. Is it hard to learn? I’ve always wanted to learn
COMMENCE THE SCHWABLIN FAN PARTY!! I’m very very glad you have that friend Sandra. Sandra is an exceptional human bean with exceptional taste and YOU SHOULD KEEP HER FOR SURE *nods* And yessss, so so excited for the sequel. :’) I mean, it was a great standalone but I also want more more mooooooore.
JFALSDAFD YES EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS SAVAGE SONG IS PERFECT. Monsters are like my ultimate weakness, but add in violins to that?!? I’m done. Absolutely done with love. <3
(I thought the violin was pretty hard.😂 I switched to cello a few years ago and it is the best. But I still have a soft spot for my violin, as evidenced by the fact I still own it. hehheh.)
I want to read this so much! I was going to get it at Barnes & Noble right after it came out, but then they didn’t have any copies left and I was sad. Your review is making me REALLY tempted to just go out and buy it now. I actually haven’t read ANY Victoria Schwab books. No idea how that happened! I own A Darker Shade of Magic now, though, so it’s only a matter of time.
This is definitely a delicious Schwab book to start with FOR SURE. And it’s just downright aaaamazing. *shrieks* ADSOM is probably my ultimate favourite though, so if you start there, I shall be here to give you cake for all the feels. :’) #sokind
GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I REALLY NEED TO READ THIS BOOK IT JUST LOOKS SO PERFECT AND THE COVER AND MONSTERS AND CFCFIIJFIJOCKOwpofsvGDKlVMDW
MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY. LET ME JUST FLAIL WITH YOU NOW FRIEND.
YES I SHALL. BUT I NEED A COPY FIRST SO I CAN FLAIL WITH IT TOO
CAIT OH MY GOODNESS DO I SEE CROOKED KINGDOMS IN YOUR STACK?????????? :O :O :O I’M DYING I NEED IT HAVE YOU READ IT YET ALKSDJFLDKJ I AM ALL THE INCOHERENT.
Ahem.
On with the actual topic of the post. XD
I’m afraid I haven’t yet read a Schwab? But I do REALLY want to read A Darker Shade of Magic (or whichever the first one is? I GET THE TITLES MIXED UP) and actually saw it at the library and HELD IT IT MY HANDS but I couldn’t get it out because I’m too busy. *cries* But I will return for it one day!!! Totally.
Also I love that you’re reviewing this even though it wasn’t FOR review, because that shows you love it. 😀 I was the same way about Illusionarium. XD
Oh oh! Have you read The Composer is Dead by Lemony Snicket??? It’s only a picture book but it’s all about instruments and has like a murder mystery and it’s so witty and funny because Lemony Snicket and you would ADORE it. 😀 YOU MUST READ IT IF YOU HAVEN’T!!!
Other books with classical instruments… There are two different cello-related books I can think of right now: The Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt by Patricia MacLachlan (I think it’s MG but it’s about a girl (whose mother is a writer!!) who plays cello and I just really liked it), and Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones — the main guy plays cello and is part of a quartet band and they play music and stuffs but it’s not the main plot (which is all contemporary with a dash of sinister fairy magic behind). Dunno if you’d like either of them or not, but I really did. 🙂
THAT IS THE COOLEST HAVING A QUOTE FROM A CHARACTER. 😀 I’m a fan. *nods*
YES YES YOU DO BUT SHHH I’M NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE IT YET.😂 I was just throwing TBR books everywhere so it sneaked in omg but yes I’m actually not supposed to mention I have it until the 27th ahhhhahaha. AND NO I HAVEN’T READ IT YET BUT I WILL SOON BECAUSE FAJDSKLAJDKALFD THIS IS MY MOST HIGHLY ANTICIPATED BOOK OF THE YEAR.😱 Ahem.
A Darker Shade of Magic is actually the first one!! And ohhh you should read it. Pleeeeease!? I will literally beg because it’s just that good.
And yesss, my enthusiasm can’t be dampened here. :’) It’s actually nice to review books that I GENUINELY want to shriek over! I’m really glad I decided to cut back on the ARCs heheh.
I have heard all about The Composor is Dead but I haven’t actually read it I don’t think. My mum was listening to an audio and told me all about it though.😂 But obviously I SHOULD try it because I am a cellist and it’s Lemony Snicket so omg of course. I haven’t heard of either of those books you’ve mentioned though! GREAT. I NEED THEM!! And anything with a dash of sinister fairy magic speaks to my heart.
Okay, so you have convinced me to read this book. Thanks.
That is what I am here for, omg, wonderful news. :’)
Ooh! A book without any romance??? Sign me up!!!
Also, I’m slightly disturbed by this book because I’m learning to play violin, and my month of birth is August…so…yeah… Not sure if I should read this or not for fear I’ll start killing people…
Well it seems WE HAVE FOUND YOUR DESTINY. *flings black confetti* Have fun with the violin and try not to devour the world all at once!
Why, thank you! I shall try to keep my ravenous appetite under control, but I ain’t making any promises. The world is probably delicious.
Oh Cait, I have also just review my first Schwab book! ( It’s actually the first review I have ever done so super excited!!! ) I am definitely a Schwablin, and last I checked I have now read all of Miss Victoria’s books that she currently has published. Not bragging, just happy for myself. XD
The creativity of the soul sucking had to be my favorite part ( aside from August himself but we won’t go into that because otherwise we’ll be here forever ).
How could you ask me to chose between books Cait?! That’s so monstrous of you ( see what I did there XD ). But really, the pain…… oh alright, I’ll say A Gathering of Shadows because of Kell and all the magic that is in that book. I just can’t get enough magic in my life.
I lied! I lied! I have just discovered more books by her that I did not know of before. Therefore I have not read all her books. New mission acquired!
ZOMG I AM SO GLAD YOU LOVE SCHWAB BOOKS TOO MY FELLOW SCHWABLIN!! She does have a lot of sneaky books, like that are older and out of print? It’s really frustrating. *wails* I want to read The Nearwitch but I can’t find it!!
We can totally dissolve into the deep deep hole that is August Appreciation. I will be there forever with you. :’)
I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE AND I APPROVE. Ahem. And also I think ADSOM is my favourite series. <3 I cannot pick between ADSOM and AGOS. I'm going to pretend that they're just one book stuck together so I can have them both. But I mean, it's so hard to choose between books that are all 5-stars?!?
This Savage Song IS AMAZING!!! I think I saw you post something about it on Goodreads and picked it up because you liked it AND OMG THANK YOU!! *gives all the cake* August… AHHH August – I completely agree with your description of him. On top his adorableness, the fact that he plays violin just makes him even better (even if there is that tiny issue with the souls…). I do like Schwab’s other series, but have to go with This Savage Song as the fav.
Omg you picked it up BECAUSE OF ME?!?! *flails wildly* I FEEL LIKE THAT IS THE BEST THING TO HEAR OF EVER. August is too much adorableness and I can’t even contain myself. And I mean, everyone needs to eat, so that’s totally okay that he has to eat souls. These things happen. All is forgiven.
I have yet to read any VE Schwab book. 🙁 A lot recommended me Vicious, but I think I might enjoy The Archive better. 😀 But I also got this in eBook, just in case I decide to read it. 🙂
I loved the Archived! (Well…surprise, right?!? HAHAHHA. Ahem. We have established I love all her books. :’) I hope you do give it a try!!! It has an AMAZING plot twist!
Urrà! Finally a good YA book without romance. I think I’m going to cry, they’re so rare. I trust you, and if you say that friendship is so valued inside the pages, I’m already hooked. If monsters and civil wars and bleeding wasn’t enough…
Thank you for your review, now I just have to hope that it will be translated in Italy… Now I’m crying for a different cause.
They are super rare….which is confusing. Like life isn’t ALWAYS romantically involved, dear authors.😂 ANYWAY!! I’m so glad this book exists for sure!! :’)
Omg I really hope it gets translated for you too.
I have never read A V.E Schwab book, but I plan to sometime, SO THAT I CAN BE CALLED A SCHWABLIN.
Naturally the first book I think of with a violin playing character is Sherlock Holmes.
Honestly it’s 100% worth reading her books just to claim the Schwablin title *nods*
Oh yes!! Sherlock for sure!!
So, so happy you loved this, and what a fantastic review, as always! I have read the ADSOM series -well… I’m waiting for the third book, or more likely DYING BECAUSE IT IS TOO FAR AWAY, but I’m looking forward to read more books from this author. That story sounds SO good, quite original, and there’s no romance? YES please. Finally a book without romance 🙂
Omg dying for the third ADSOM book is VERY VERY ACCURATE AND VERY VERY PAINFUL. *sobs* That last cliffhanger in AGOS was soooo cruel I kind of hate VE Schwab a little. I MEAN, I LOVE HER. BUT ALSO HOW COULD SHE DO THAT TO US??!? OMGGGG. *has small minor life crisis* Ahem. But YES. This Savage Song is brilliant and I’m so impressed it didn’t feel the need to force a romance. :’)
I had This Savage Song as an ARC and proceeded to babble about it for months until it came out!
I read it as an eARC too actually so it was like PURE OBSESSION that drove me to buy it.😂 It’s so so pretty. <3 No regrets.
I absolutely adored This Savage Song too! I thought the whole play on monsters and humans was so wonderful, and I definitely enjoyed seeing Schwab tackle it in this novel.
I’m definitely of the opinion VE Schwab can do no wrong. AHHH!!!! It was so brilliant.
THIS BOOK SOUNDS AMAZING. I still haven’t read a VE Schwab book – CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! This sounds so incredible, I must go read it. Now. Brilliant review, Cait!
YOU GOTTA TRY ONE, KYRA. I WILL LITERALLY GET ON MY KNEES AND BEG YOU. PLEEEEEASE. *puppy dog eyes*
Haha…I knew you were going to love this. 😉 A). It’s such a Cait book, B). It has monsters, and C). it’s VE Schwab. What could go wrong, right?! xD I completely agree though. August and Kate are fantastic characters. And I literally was so happy that there was no romance here. It wasn’t needed, and I like how it wasn’t pushed or forced. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review Cait! <3
Sooooo true. It was basically a “Cait Will Love This Book” checklist and it just ticked them all off perfectly. <3
How did I not realize that quote was from Vicious?!?! I didn’t even look at the name of the person tbh! That’s so awesome! So glad you enjoyed This Savage Song!
~Sara
I actually saw it mentioned on twitter!! I think it wasn’t even in the eARC I read?? Or else I didn’t notice it too so don’t feel bad hahah. BUT ISN’T IT INCREDIBLE?!? VE SCHWAB IS MY FAVOURITE.
Well I haven’t read a book by Victoria Schwab yet this book has been popping up a bit lately. It sounds really interesting and I want to read it. Also I’ve always wanted to play the violin. It was my dream instrument as a child but I ended up learning piano and for some reason forgot. ? I don’t even know how it happened. I really want to learn to play it still though, now that I’ve remembered I do. So definitely putting this on my TBR list. Another great review 😀
Piano is awesome too!! I play piano! I should actually start playing piano again though, omg, because I have a book about a pianist….and somehow it’s easier to WRITE about music than actual practise it. #lazy
I’m so glad you liked the review!! And I hope you get a chance to find it someday. 😀 BECAUSE IT IS ALL THE GOOD.
I love VE Schwab’s writing so, so much and I’m really looking forward to This Savage Song! I mean the hb is pretty and I went and bought it myself so I really don’t blame you. I love how there’s no romance and those tortured characters, yes please! Great review Cat <3
Yesss, the hardcover is just DIVINE right?!? I don’t even think any Aussie publishers are even printing VE Schwab (which absolutely sucks gah) so when it comes to hardcover vs paperback….I will go hardcover.😂 I am a snob. Blame bookstagram!! It’s not helping my hardcover addiction!!
Okay, I haven’t read Viscous yet so I did NOT know about this quote and I freakinG LOVE. IT. Like I literally want to give the book an extra half star or something just for that! I liked the book a lot, but I also felt a little teeeeeny tiny bit underwhelmed?? Don’t throw stuff, I liked it a lot! I gave it 4 stars, I just felt like there was something that I was having trouble connecting with, Idk. But I mostly really liked it! Incidentally, I had the same feelings about ADSOM, so Idk what my problem is. I have not read many books with classical instruments because music and I rarely get along, but I DID love its role in this book! I also liked August more, but I could feel for Kate too. I think they worked quite well as narrators! I am so glad you loved this so much, and I am sorry that you will be forced to wait in agony for the sequel.
YES IT TOTALLY DESERVES MORE STARS FOR THAT EXTREMELY META QUOTE.🎉😂 And I shall forgive you for being underwhelmed and I shall remain non-violent (appreciate my restraint here omg) but I do understand! I mean not everyone connects with every book right!?? I generally never connect to characters but here….omg August was so so relatable for me it made me HAPPY/SAD….LIKE WHATEVER THAT EMOTION IS. I HAVE NO IDEA. IT MADE ME EMOTION. Ahem.
This book sounds all kinds of amazing. I have only read one VE Schwab book and that was Vicious. I NEED to read her other books. And the fact that there is NO romance just makes me want to read it even more. I freaking love that. Great review!
YEssss, READ IT CYNTHIA!! I feel like you’d really like this one too. :’) Although, tbh, I’m saying that to EVERYONE because I literally just want the whole world to read it.😂 BUT IT’S REALLY SO VERY GOOD TRUST ME NOW!!
I heard about that Vale quote and it just made me NEED this book SO MUCH MORE. I am kicking myself for not pre-ordering it when I had a gift card. Now because of my buying ban, I’ll need to wait a few more months BUT I NEED THIS LIKE AIR. I’m so happy you loved this too Cait^^ lots of positive reviews so far but it’s Schwab so I shouldn’t be surprised. Fab review my friend! xx
Ahhh THANK YOU KIND BEAN!!😊 I’m just so so happy that VE Schwab is like an author for me who NEVER disappoints!! I’ve rated all her books 5-stars so far.😱
AHHHH THIS BOOK SOUNDS SO GOOD. I’ve never read any of Schwab’s books before, although I do own The Archived… now I can’t decide whether to read This Savage Song or The Archived. XD The book struggle is real.
Oh oh I hope you try The Archived!! I just read that too and IT’S BRILLIANT AND INVOVLES CAKE.🎉🎉😉 So obviously I was sold bahahah. Ahem.
I think I’m one of the few readers left who hasn’t read anything of hers, but i shall rectify this immediately by buying this book. I’m a massive fan of book monsters, not the kind that live under your bed but MONSTER monsters and characters that make you question why YA doesn’t have MORE of them. I’m super excited to read this now. I thought it was a bit meh and wouldn’t have been for me but you’ve helped me see the light. Praise you smusher, praise you <3
I’M SO GLAD I HAVE CONVERTED YOU TO THE BETTER LIFE, KELLY. My job here is definitely done. :’) And yes omg why doesn’t YA have more monsters? The more stabby the better. #iswearimnormal
I actually just started to read this book yesterday! You make me look forward to the other excellent things that are sure to be in store, eh? 😀
Thanks for reviewing, Cait!
I suppose now is a good time as any to confess that I’ve not read ANY book by Schwab yet? *cowers and hides in shame* I honestly don’t know why, but I’ve never felt like picking up any of her books before. DON”T KILL ME YET. I’ve been wanting to read This Savage Song ever since I came across that brilliant quote though, so I must ask you- would this be a good place to start my VE Schwab experience as any? Or should I first read one of her other books? If so, WHAT? HELP ME PLEEEEESH!
I say I love Schwab and I’ve only read two of her books :O *dramatic gasping*
This, and Vicious, which i think is enough to say you love an author. I mean, there are authors with only one book published, and I say i love them so. LOGIC.
Anyway, I’m so glad you liked this one! And you have the gorgeous US cover, too *heart eyes*
I have to admit that I loved August more than Kate, too. Although id did like Kate, August was just so tortured, and I found myself rooting for him all the time, and wanting to cuddle the pain away.
I am really, really hoping that Kate and August remain FRIENDS, because that is one of the things I loved best in this book. That they were they for each other but in a completely platonic soulmate kind of way, rather than a kissing soulmate way. Let us pray it stays that way.
I actually wouldn’t mind if August/Kate got together.😂 I’m just glad FOR ONCE a book acknowledged that life-or-death situations aren’t always the best for romance hahaha. AHEM. 😉 But honestly I just looooove everything VE Schwab writes, so I have total confidence Our Dark Duet will be gorgeous. <3
So. . . *whispers* I’ve never read a Schwab book.
I know. What am I doing with my life?! I’ve always wanted to read one of her books though. I hear a lot of good things about her books. And then I heard about This Savage Song. AAAAHHH! Monsters. Humane monsters? Monstrous humans? My fave theme of ever. And MUSIC!? I really need this book. I’m glad to hear that you liked it. 🙂 Hopefully soon, I can find this book and read it.
OMGGG WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE ASHLEY.😱😂 But seriously now, this one is excellent. Plus monsters. You can’t go wrong with monsters, amirite?! (I mean, unless one eats you, but let’s not get into awkward details.) I’ll be hoping you get a chance to try it one day!🎉
What’s the overall message/theme to this book?
Mostly “don’t eat people, it’s rude” tbh.