Rating:
English covers:
This series consists of two books:
– This Savage Song
– Our Dark Duet
After every act of violence a monster is born. On one side of the city poor people have formed an army to fight back. On the other, the rich pay to be protected. But, who is protecting them and how?
Kate Harker wants to be as ruthless as her father, but deep down she knows she’s different. August Flynn wants to be a good person, but he is a monster who can steel souls. They start off on the opposite sides, but end up having to work together in order to survive.
Different parts of the world all have a unique atmosphere and are introduced gradually alongside their inhabitants which makes the reading experience incredibly immersive.
There is a plot here as well, but it develops slowly and the focus seems to be more on the characters and their complex interpersonal relationships.
As the story progresses the discussion about what’s right and wrong becomes more complicated. The world is not purely black and white so the author asks us if it should than be seen that way.
It becomes obvious that you can temporarly ignore a problem, but that it will inevitably catch up with you. People can pay for the illusion, conform to the society around them, even obey someone, but it all ultimately leads to the same exact thing.
And these are just some of the many complex themes the author brings up throughout the story.
The only thing that might be a bit weaker is the ending. The main events play out and than the book kinda just stops. Though, this could be intentional as those who survive have to keep going and, just like in real life, nothing can ever have a truly satisfying resolution.
I read online that this series contains elements of horror and dystopia which made me a little nervous to give it a go, but I loved it so much that it ended up being my favorite read of 2023.
So, don’t let the short review dissuade you from reading the series. I just find Victoria Schwab’s books a bit difficult to talk about as they primarily focused on the world and its atmosphere and those you simply have to experience yourself.