The Monsters! I never thought I would hear myself gushing about a collection of monsters, but Schwab does a brilliant job of coming up with some of the most unique monsters I’ve ever encountered, and the idea that these monsters are “born” from violent acts committed by humans is just pure genius. I could go on for days about what I loved in this book, but here are some highlights to give you an idea of how amazing this book is. If you’re not familiar with Schwab’s writing, all I can say is be prepared for a ride that is dark, intense, creepy, and thrilling! He has to be careful though because if Kate finds out what he really is, what better way for her to prove herself to dear old dad than by capturing and bringing home one of Flynn’s rare monsters? When August is finally given the opportunity to prove himself useful – by posing as a student at Kate’s school in case the Flynn resistance needs to grab her to use as leverage against her father, he actually ends up befriending Kate. Yes, Henry Flynn has monsters of his own, a rare breed that Kate’s father would love to get his hands on. Why? Because August Flynn is a monster…literally. But if you’re familiar with Schwab’s stories, you can guess that this is not your typical coming of age story. Kate Harker and August Flynn, and what happens when two children of powerful men become desperate to prove themselves to their fathers. The story doesn’t actually focus on these two men, however, but rather on their children. The other side of the city is run by Henry Flynn, a much more fair-minded individual who just wants to honor the terms of the treaty, keep the peace, and most especially, keep the monsters at bay so that his people are safe. Cross him or don’t pay your protection fee, and you’re the monsters’ next meal. Being the “nice” guy that he is, Harker offers his services to protect the citizens on his side of the city from the monsters – for a fee. A treaty has divided Verity into two halves, one run by the ruthless Callum Harker, a crime boss who controls the majority of the monsters. Not only is the city practically destroyed by war, but the violence that has taken place has actually led to the creation of actual monsters who threaten to overrun what is left of the city. This Savage Song is an urban fantasy set in the war-torn city of Verity.

Well, my concerns were completely misplaced because while it may not have topped Shades of Magic, This Savage Song is equally brilliant in its own way and easily one of the most compelling books I’ve read this year. As good as its synopsis sounded, I was just convinced that nothing could top the adventures of Kell, Rhys, and Lila and the 4 Londons. Victoria Schwab’s Shades of Magic series was such a glorious read that I was actually a little hesitant to move on to This Savage Song.

Published by Greenwillow Books on July 5th 2016

Also by this author: A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1), A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic, #2)

Ve schwab this savage song