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The Spellsinger #1
The Last Lullaby
Elaria Tanager comes from two old, distinguished family lines. As in ancient and divine. Her father's people are witches, and her mother's are sirens, which makes her something very rare. Elaria is a spellsinger, able to weave words into witchcraft, and she's made a lucrative business out of her talents. Need someone to change their mind? No problem. Rather have them dead? Sure, but it'll cost you extra. Anything is possible, if Elaria sings the right lyrics. She's made a name for herself within the paranormal community, and now a fairy duke has come all the way from Tir Nan Og to hire her. The pay is impressive, but so is the target. The Onyx King of the Shining Ones, one of the most powerful magic users in all the realms, and someone wants him dead. Despite her misgivings, sentiment sways her, and Elaria takes the job. If she can catch him off guard, she'll be able to kill the Onyx King with just a single song. But intrigue abounds in Tir Nan Og, and the King of Onyx may not be the villain she was led to believe. Will he be able to change her tune or will this be the spellsinger's last lullaby?
393 pages, ebook
First published May 23, 2017
710 people are currently reading
1162 people want to read
About the author
Amy Sumida
243 books978 followersAmy Sumida is the Internationally Acclaimed author of the Award-Winning Godhunter Series, the fantasy paranormal Twilight Court Series, the Beyond the Godhunter Series, the music-oriented paranormal Spellsinger Series, the superhero Spectra Series, and several short stories. Her books have been translated into several languages, have won numerous awards, and are bestsellers. She believes in empowering women through her writing as well as providing everyone with a great escape from reality. Her stories are full of strong women and hot gods, shapeshifters, vampires, dragons, fairies, gargoyles... pretty much any type of supernatural, breathtakingly gorgeous man you can think of. Because why have normal when you could have paranormal?
Born and raised in Hawaii, Amy made a perilous journey across the ocean with six cats to settle in the beautiful state of Oregon which reminds her a lot of Hawaii but without the cockroaches or evil sand. When she isn't trying to type fast enough to get down everything the voices in her head are saying while her kitties try to sabotage her with cuteness, she enjoys painting on canvases, walls, and anything else that will sit still long enough for the paint to dry. She prefers antiques to modern furniture, tea to coffee, night to day, and Tom Hardy to Tom Hiddleston. No; Tom Hiddleston to Tom Hardy. No, wait... Tom Hardy and Tom Hiddleston to Tom Cruise. Yes, that's it.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter and get a free short story:
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The first books in her Godhunter and Twilight Court Series are free!
Join the God Squad on Facebook:
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Dive further into the worlds of the Godhunter and the Twilight Court on Amy's website: https://amysumida.com
Amy's Imaginary Worlds, a Facebook group where you can discuss all of her books:
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Check out the new Godhunter Store on Cafe Press, with all kinds of items featuring quotes and art from The Godhunter Series:
http://www.cafepress.com/godhunter
Born and raised in Hawaii, Amy made a perilous journey across the ocean with six cats to settle in the beautiful state of Oregon which reminds her a lot of Hawaii but without the cockroaches or evil sand. When she isn't trying to type fast enough to get down everything the voices in her head are saying while her kitties try to sabotage her with cuteness, she enjoys painting on canvases, walls, and anything else that will sit still long enough for the paint to dry. She prefers antiques to modern furniture, tea to coffee, night to day, and Tom Hardy to Tom Hiddleston. No; Tom Hiddleston to Tom Hardy. No, wait... Tom Hardy and Tom Hiddleston to Tom Cruise. Yes, that's it.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter and get a free short story:
http://google.us11.list-manage.com/su...
The first books in her Godhunter and Twilight Court Series are free!
Join the God Squad on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AmySumidaAut...
Dive further into the worlds of the Godhunter and the Twilight Court on Amy's website: https://amysumida.com
Amy's Imaginary Worlds, a Facebook group where you can discuss all of her books:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/15360...
Check out the new Godhunter Store on Cafe Press, with all kinds of items featuring quotes and art from The Godhunter Series:
http://www.cafepress.com/godhunter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
May 30, 2017
The Last Lullaby (The Spellsinger #1) by Amy Sumida is a terrific fantasy/paranormal novel. I certain never got bored but was glued to the book. Plenty of magic, fantasy, adventure, and a fun read. This is a book I won from the Kindle Scout program. Boy do I love that program, I get some great books there!
September 6, 2019
So I'm 0-2 when it comes to RH today. Dnf @ 52%.
So I am in the mood for some RH romance, the first book I read was bad but I was able to finish it. I actually read the reviews for this one and thought I might have found the one but na. This book right here. No bueno.
First off, I know authors like to tweak things and make them unique. We all know about vampires and sirens and the fae so I can understand trying to do something different with the same material. Well, this author should have just stuck with what already works. Vampires were called Blooders, sirens were spell singers and they apparently fly, the world have in wrong in this case, they are so kind of bird but they still lure men to their death and then the fae are called shining ones.
So not only do I have to get used to that, then i'm besieged by insta love, left right and center. Apparently in her other life she was a "blooder" and was in love with another "blooder" when she was killed by the "blooder queen" out of jealousy but surprise surprise she's been reincarnated and her "blooder" guy is not letting her go. Oh, he tells her all this while she's gagged and tied up on the bed.
Like any normal person, she's not interested and I applaud her for that because though she's getting tingles she still has some sense. She decides to take a job in the "shining ones" realm to escape the creeper. I forgot to mention shes kind of an assassin but she has morals, she's not going to kill willy nilly, unless you offer her $200 million and a sad story then she's all for it, she'll do it without even confirming if it's true or not. Even though she's going to kill innocent bystanders with her song but who cares.
Luckily for her the person who she's about to kill had a premonition and was ready for her so that was a burst. Then she finds out that she was hired to take out someone who actually cares for the kingdom. Oops. No worries though, there's a prophesy that has her in it. A relic has been left in the realm and it only awakens for the rarest of the rare and what's rarer than a spell singer, there's only been six in the last bajillion years! Two days later the onyx king who she's suppose to kill is offering words of love and she's feeling something too.
Least I forget , you'd think the things in this book was real with the pages upon pages of explanations. There's no way you can spin it but at the end of the day vampires will still suck blood, don't waste pages telling us that. I was bored of all the long af descriptions. I'm dealing with a lot already. Sheesh.
Lastly, I hated her song. Imagine having to listen to it in real life, I'll burst my ear drum to avoid that torture. The actual songs I like and listen to in real life but from the description I hated them. If the author can take songs I enjoy and ruin them then there is no hope. I'm out.
So I am in the mood for some RH romance, the first book I read was bad but I was able to finish it. I actually read the reviews for this one and thought I might have found the one but na. This book right here. No bueno.
First off, I know authors like to tweak things and make them unique. We all know about vampires and sirens and the fae so I can understand trying to do something different with the same material. Well, this author should have just stuck with what already works. Vampires were called Blooders, sirens were spell singers and they apparently fly, the world have in wrong in this case, they are so kind of bird but they still lure men to their death and then the fae are called shining ones.
So not only do I have to get used to that, then i'm besieged by insta love, left right and center. Apparently in her other life she was a "blooder" and was in love with another "blooder" when she was killed by the "blooder queen" out of jealousy but surprise surprise she's been reincarnated and her "blooder" guy is not letting her go. Oh, he tells her all this while she's gagged and tied up on the bed.
Like any normal person, she's not interested and I applaud her for that because though she's getting tingles she still has some sense. She decides to take a job in the "shining ones" realm to escape the creeper. I forgot to mention shes kind of an assassin but she has morals, she's not going to kill willy nilly, unless you offer her $200 million and a sad story then she's all for it, she'll do it without even confirming if it's true or not. Even though she's going to kill innocent bystanders with her song but who cares.
Luckily for her the person who she's about to kill had a premonition and was ready for her so that was a burst. Then she finds out that she was hired to take out someone who actually cares for the kingdom. Oops. No worries though, there's a prophesy that has her in it. A relic has been left in the realm and it only awakens for the rarest of the rare and what's rarer than a spell singer, there's only been six in the last bajillion years! Two days later the onyx king who she's suppose to kill is offering words of love and she's feeling something too.
Least I forget , you'd think the things in this book was real with the pages upon pages of explanations. There's no way you can spin it but at the end of the day vampires will still suck blood, don't waste pages telling us that. I was bored of all the long af descriptions. I'm dealing with a lot already. Sheesh.
Lastly, I hated her song. Imagine having to listen to it in real life, I'll burst my ear drum to avoid that torture. The actual songs I like and listen to in real life but from the description I hated them. If the author can take songs I enjoy and ruin them then there is no hope. I'm out.
June 22, 2017
Pros: Great writing, strong female lead, good world building, good action scenes
(spoilers below)
Cons: The romance development between El and Torin is terrible, or rather, nonexistent. It's very unusual for me to read a book and not fall in love with the main male character at the same time as the heroine, but that was the case for this book. It's just instalove on both sides. El thinks Torin is really hot and instantly falls for him. Torin gets a prophesy that he will fall in love with El, he instantly falls for her. They only know each other for a few days before they start having sex, and I just couldn't get into it because I didn't feel any emotional attachment between the characters. In fact, in one of their sex scenes, El tells him that they don't know each other very well, and she's reluctant to be with him, but he keeps making love to her anyway while trying to convince her they should be together. That just screams rape to me.
There is one scene where she is abducted and tied up in ropes for hours. Banning finds her first and tries to comfort her, and Torin sees them and gets angry. Later that day, as he beds her, this happens:
"I don't belong to you."
"Of course you do." He scowled. "You love me, you said so."
"Love isn't about ownership." I tried to ease away, but he slid inside me, and I groaned.
"Is it not?" Torin began a steady rhythm, driving harder and deeper with each thrust.
"I told you before." I clung to his shoulders even as I tried to rebuke him. "You can't cage a spellsinger."
"I've done it once already." He bit at the tender skin of my neck, making me arch into him.
I was hoping their relationship would get better than this, but it didn't. There are several instances (aforementioned scene and ending scene) where he acts all dominant over her and ignores her complaints or just tries to shut them down by kissing her. While I get that acting all manly, angry and dominant is supposed to be "sexy", it just isn't to me when the guy is too forceful about it. There were many sex scenes, but because of the poor development of their romance, I didn't like them.
El's relationship with Banning was interesting, but it's kinda weird and awkward with their past, and it wasn't explored very much.
The truth is, I think El's relationship with Declan was the best. He's the most gentlemanly and he respects her, and they actually had a spark between them. The author had a chance to redeem the story at the end, but screwed it up.
(spoilers below)
Cons: The romance development between El and Torin is terrible, or rather, nonexistent. It's very unusual for me to read a book and not fall in love with the main male character at the same time as the heroine, but that was the case for this book. It's just instalove on both sides. El thinks Torin is really hot and instantly falls for him. Torin gets a prophesy that he will fall in love with El, he instantly falls for her. They only know each other for a few days before they start having sex, and I just couldn't get into it because I didn't feel any emotional attachment between the characters. In fact, in one of their sex scenes, El tells him that they don't know each other very well, and she's reluctant to be with him, but he keeps making love to her anyway while trying to convince her they should be together. That just screams rape to me.
There is one scene where she is abducted and tied up in ropes for hours. Banning finds her first and tries to comfort her, and Torin sees them and gets angry. Later that day, as he beds her, this happens:
"I don't belong to you."
"Of course you do." He scowled. "You love me, you said so."
"Love isn't about ownership." I tried to ease away, but he slid inside me, and I groaned.
"Is it not?" Torin began a steady rhythm, driving harder and deeper with each thrust.
"I told you before." I clung to his shoulders even as I tried to rebuke him. "You can't cage a spellsinger."
"I've done it once already." He bit at the tender skin of my neck, making me arch into him.
I was hoping their relationship would get better than this, but it didn't. There are several instances (aforementioned scene and ending scene) where he acts all dominant over her and ignores her complaints or just tries to shut them down by kissing her. While I get that acting all manly, angry and dominant is supposed to be "sexy", it just isn't to me when the guy is too forceful about it. There were many sex scenes, but because of the poor development of their romance, I didn't like them.
El's relationship with Banning was interesting, but it's kinda weird and awkward with their past, and it wasn't explored very much.
The truth is, I think El's relationship with Declan was the best. He's the most gentlemanly and he respects her, and they actually had a spark between them. The author had a chance to redeem the story at the end, but screwed it up.
August 18, 2017
Rating: Five freakin stars
Take one portion creative epic fantasy, snarky dialogue, snippy humor, then sprinkle in various mythologies with a dual-heritage heroine that literally has a magical voice. With that voice, add in loads of hit tunes ranging from Ashford & Simpson to AC/DC to Portishead, and what we have, me dearlings, is an amazing novel. There are hot Fae men with equally pulsing loins, sexy vampires, alpha shape-shifters, and fallen gods all eager and waiting to nuzzle up with our heroine, Elaria Tanager, who is half witch and half siren, and 100% songbird extraordinaire who kicks major butt.
The descriptions of the setting, battle, and tunes that El wields like the vocal weapons-mistress that she is, were so vivid, each scene so mesmerizing and exciting, I had to pull myself away. Hmm, wonder if I am an action junkie? *shrug* Whatever my addiction, it was time to work and they don't pay me to read! Plus my staff would only keep interrupting and that would ruin things. I didn't want to miss nil!
El is the most refreshing blend of bad-ass, cynicism, and strategy but then her vulnerability will rear its head, and I wanted to guide and comfort her. It makes her too cute and so human, her confidence shaken despite her skills. There are times when she is whip-sharp and others she is downright naive. All in all, she is quite lovable and fun.
All for the romance. Don't get me started. I also don't want to give ANYTHING away by even discussing the hero. Or other matters regarding El's love life. All I will say is this is coming off like a reverse harem, one of my favorite subgenres. Also, the tunes El uses for her magic on her iPod rocked my world. I've said enough mentioning a few of the artists mentioned but there is NO doggone way I'm revealing what she was singing by all this talent.
Nope. You'll just have to read it for yourself.
Onward to book two!
Take one portion creative epic fantasy, snarky dialogue, snippy humor, then sprinkle in various mythologies with a dual-heritage heroine that literally has a magical voice. With that voice, add in loads of hit tunes ranging from Ashford & Simpson to AC/DC to Portishead, and what we have, me dearlings, is an amazing novel. There are hot Fae men with equally pulsing loins, sexy vampires, alpha shape-shifters, and fallen gods all eager and waiting to nuzzle up with our heroine, Elaria Tanager, who is half witch and half siren, and 100% songbird extraordinaire who kicks major butt.
The descriptions of the setting, battle, and tunes that El wields like the vocal weapons-mistress that she is, were so vivid, each scene so mesmerizing and exciting, I had to pull myself away. Hmm, wonder if I am an action junkie? *shrug* Whatever my addiction, it was time to work and they don't pay me to read! Plus my staff would only keep interrupting and that would ruin things. I didn't want to miss nil!
El is the most refreshing blend of bad-ass, cynicism, and strategy but then her vulnerability will rear its head, and I wanted to guide and comfort her. It makes her too cute and so human, her confidence shaken despite her skills. There are times when she is whip-sharp and others she is downright naive. All in all, she is quite lovable and fun.
All for the romance. Don't get me started. I also don't want to give ANYTHING away by even discussing the hero. Or other matters regarding El's love life. All I will say is this is coming off like a reverse harem, one of my favorite subgenres. Also, the tunes El uses for her magic on her iPod rocked my world. I've said enough mentioning a few of the artists mentioned but there is NO doggone way I'm revealing what she was singing by all this talent.
Nope. You'll just have to read it for yourself.
Onward to book two!
Read
January 13, 2018Rating : 3.5 stars
I've read a few books of both The Godhunter and The Twilight Court series and i have to admit this one was by far my favorite. Maybe i'm getting used to Amy Sumida, maybe i know what to expect, but the result is the same: it was fun and damn entertaining.
Elaria is a fucking kick ass character. You think Vervain is all badass as a godhunter/rouva/tima/goddess/mistress of powerful gods? You think Seren was all charismatic as a sparkle fairy princess? Wait til you meet El.
Elaria is part witch, part siren, which makes her a Spellsinger, the sixth of her kind. To say they're rare is an euphemism, and to say they're strong is a joke. Elaria is fucking powerful. And fucking magnificient.
Like every other sirens, her powers lie in her voice. Specifically in the lyrics of the songs she sings. She can change a man's heart, set on fire people, destroy mountains, put joy in everyone's soul or bring fucking Hell on earth. She can do anything unless her voice is sealed.
Elaria is sent to fairy land to kill a King but things turn out rather differently. Oh, she does kill a King, but not the one she was planning on at the begining. But then again, she didn't plan on falling in love with her mission.
This is what I do not like with Amy Sumida's books. Not the romance because i happen to enjoy a lot the sweet and funny moments that she always comes up with, but the instalove. The instalove with a man we're probably gonna adore at first and will probably feel betrayed with later on. Line Thor. Like Seren's Wild Hunt lover - forgot his name.
By all means, i don't think love is a forever thing, especially when you're immortal. But neither Vervain nor Seren came really more grown up from it and i feel it like a waste of time.
But I might be wrong.
I hope I am anyway.
The books finally revolves on Elaria and Torin's love affair and on Elaria singing badass stuff. The set of secondary characters is not as charming as the Godhunter's - except for Cer, he's a keeper - and the first other potential love interest acts like a lady on her periods.
I wonder how the other books will turn out, hopefully a delight and not a frustrating read like with The Godhunter.
I've read a few books of both The Godhunter and The Twilight Court series and i have to admit this one was by far my favorite. Maybe i'm getting used to Amy Sumida, maybe i know what to expect, but the result is the same: it was fun and damn entertaining.
Elaria is a fucking kick ass character. You think Vervain is all badass as a godhunter/rouva/tima/goddess/mistress of powerful gods? You think Seren was all charismatic as a sparkle fairy princess? Wait til you meet El.
Elaria is part witch, part siren, which makes her a Spellsinger, the sixth of her kind. To say they're rare is an euphemism, and to say they're strong is a joke. Elaria is fucking powerful. And fucking magnificient.
Like every other sirens, her powers lie in her voice. Specifically in the lyrics of the songs she sings. She can change a man's heart, set on fire people, destroy mountains, put joy in everyone's soul or bring fucking Hell on earth. She can do anything unless her voice is sealed.
Elaria is sent to fairy land to kill a King but things turn out rather differently. Oh, she does kill a King, but not the one she was planning on at the begining. But then again, she didn't plan on falling in love with her mission.
This is what I do not like with Amy Sumida's books. Not the romance because i happen to enjoy a lot the sweet and funny moments that she always comes up with, but the instalove. The instalove with a man we're probably gonna adore at first and will probably feel betrayed with later on. Line Thor. Like Seren's Wild Hunt lover - forgot his name.
By all means, i don't think love is a forever thing, especially when you're immortal. But neither Vervain nor Seren came really more grown up from it and i feel it like a waste of time.
But I might be wrong.
I hope I am anyway.
The books finally revolves on Elaria and Torin's love affair and on Elaria singing badass stuff. The set of secondary characters is not as charming as the Godhunter's - except for Cer, he's a keeper - and the first other potential love interest acts like a lady on her periods.
I wonder how the other books will turn out, hopefully a delight and not a frustrating read like with The Godhunter.
November 27, 2017
This wasn't a bad start to a series but I did find myself wanting a little more development with the characters. I will still check out book 2 and see where this story goes. Glad it was offered as a kindleunlimited.
October 21, 2019
DNF 30%
June 4, 2017
This has a lot of potential but I was very put off by the existence of, and the emphasis on, the love triangle. You could say it was resolved by the end of the book but I tend to think it was more of a book ending resolution that'll flare up again later. YAWN.
Otherwise the premise for the characters and the world is a fun take on old standards of supernatural lore.
Otherwise the premise for the characters and the world is a fun take on old standards of supernatural lore.
May 23, 2017
Spellsinger is spellbinding!
Amy Sumeida has done it again! Spellsinger is enchanting! It has a perfect blend of elements! The heroine Elaria is feisty, powerful and just truly kick-ass! King Torin is BEYOND YUMMY, and honestly I've read all of Sumeida's books and I truly believe the romance/relationship that Sumeida has created between Elaria and Torin is my favorite! I love reverse harem reads but I love the heroine and hero's relationship so much that I truly wouldn't care (in fact I think I'd like it) if Sumeida would make this series progress with just these two, exclusively. It's the way she has written their love that is so enduring and beautiful! It's so poignant and TRUE that it even takes precedent (at least to me) over reincarnation and past lives and loves (you'll have to read the book to get that reference) just know you will not regret this read, and you will not miss any other love interests...Elaria and Torin, they are truly spellbinding together!
Amy Sumeida has done it again! Spellsinger is enchanting! It has a perfect blend of elements! The heroine Elaria is feisty, powerful and just truly kick-ass! King Torin is BEYOND YUMMY, and honestly I've read all of Sumeida's books and I truly believe the romance/relationship that Sumeida has created between Elaria and Torin is my favorite! I love reverse harem reads but I love the heroine and hero's relationship so much that I truly wouldn't care (in fact I think I'd like it) if Sumeida would make this series progress with just these two, exclusively. It's the way she has written their love that is so enduring and beautiful! It's so poignant and TRUE that it even takes precedent (at least to me) over reincarnation and past lives and loves (you'll have to read the book to get that reference) just know you will not regret this read, and you will not miss any other love interests...Elaria and Torin, they are truly spellbinding together!
November 18, 2018
The Last Lullaby begins when the heroine is kidnapped in the Fey world. She is changing her mind on the Shining One king she wants to help, and she starts to have feelings for him as well things get a little bit more complicated.
This book has an awesome heroine who is pretty kick-ass, the only downside is she had a major weakness that wasn't so awesome. So, I hope she works on that and gets better.
I also loved the other characters in the story as well. However, the one thing I didn't like was the fact that this is a reverse-harem series, but right now it's being set up for her to be with just one man, and the way it's done in this one doesn't really make sense for it to end up being a reverse-harem.
Other than that though, I thought the book was good, and I look forward to more.
This book has an awesome heroine who is pretty kick-ass, the only downside is she had a major weakness that wasn't so awesome. So, I hope she works on that and gets better.
I also loved the other characters in the story as well. However, the one thing I didn't like was the fact that this is a reverse-harem series, but right now it's being set up for her to be with just one man, and the way it's done in this one doesn't really make sense for it to end up being a reverse-harem.
Other than that though, I thought the book was good, and I look forward to more.
added-it
June 25, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/25/2023)! 🎁
November 29, 2017
The premise of the story is not only good but different with interesting characters. The detail explanations are a tad too long otherwise still good.
Elaria a character that doesn't act on her feelings instead she questions it and can be a little stubborn but not too much. Through humor and cynicism she protects herself, unable to truly find the good in people like she used to. But a twist of fate changes everything.
In the story, there were two life altering revelation that was way too close together that could of been slowly introduced. But still adds to the story and makes it interesting.
I have to admit I had a mini melt down when the story took a sharp turn into cheating territory but I'm happy to say it didn't happen.
Definitely reading more.
Elaria a character that doesn't act on her feelings instead she questions it and can be a little stubborn but not too much. Through humor and cynicism she protects herself, unable to truly find the good in people like she used to. But a twist of fate changes everything.
In the story, there were two life altering revelation that was way too close together that could of been slowly introduced. But still adds to the story and makes it interesting.
I have to admit I had a mini melt down when the story took a sharp turn into cheating territory but I'm happy to say it didn't happen.
Definitely reading more.
September 27, 2018
I really can't get enough of Amy Sumida's books! This book introduced another strong sassy heroine that has me laughing out loud while people stare and think I've lost it. I loved it and read it way to fast. I'll just have to read it again. I can't wait to see where this new series goes!
September 12, 2021
Book 1
Amy’s book 1 are ALWAYS good, and always well written. The rest are too, though sometimes they start feeling a touch repetitive. That side, her plots are unique and the fmc’s strong.
Amy’s book 1 are ALWAYS good, and always well written. The rest are too, though sometimes they start feeling a touch repetitive. That side, her plots are unique and the fmc’s strong.
May 29, 2017
Another interesting fantasy story by Amy Sumida!
As with this author's other's books, "The Last Lullaby" features lots of magical/supernatural creatures, vivid world-building, and a strong, sassy heroine. Elaria, the main character, is a spell slinger, which means she casts spells through singing. It's an interesting and formidable ability, and she hires out her skills for the right price. These skills get her hired by the Shining Ones (fairies) who want her to act as an assassin. The fairy world described is beautifully and, unlike many books I've read about the fae, in Sumida's version, the fairy kingdoms are based on jewels, not seasons. It turns out that Elaria has a bigger role to play than assassin and she's drawn into a war to save both the fairy and human worlds.
I only rated this book 3 stars for several reasons. The first is that I felt the romance between Elaria and Torin was rushed and that their declarations of love came too soon. While the author took a lot of time to build the fairy world, there was little to no building of the romantic relationships between El and Torin. Secondly, there was plenty of slut shaming going on, which is an automatic let-down for me. I really dislike when authors use the trope of the slutty ex trying to steal the MC's man. There are plenty of other ways to make the ex disliked besides painting her as and calling her a slut. Lastly, while the writing was descriptive and beautiful, I felt that sometimes the descriptions became too flowery and overly long. I found myself skimming past entire paragraphs of description to get to the action/dialogue.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I will probably read the sequel, though it wasn't as amazing as I hoped it would be.
As with this author's other's books, "The Last Lullaby" features lots of magical/supernatural creatures, vivid world-building, and a strong, sassy heroine. Elaria, the main character, is a spell slinger, which means she casts spells through singing. It's an interesting and formidable ability, and she hires out her skills for the right price. These skills get her hired by the Shining Ones (fairies) who want her to act as an assassin. The fairy world described is beautifully and, unlike many books I've read about the fae, in Sumida's version, the fairy kingdoms are based on jewels, not seasons. It turns out that Elaria has a bigger role to play than assassin and she's drawn into a war to save both the fairy and human worlds.
I only rated this book 3 stars for several reasons. The first is that I felt the romance between Elaria and Torin was rushed and that their declarations of love came too soon. While the author took a lot of time to build the fairy world, there was little to no building of the romantic relationships between El and Torin. Secondly, there was plenty of slut shaming going on, which is an automatic let-down for me. I really dislike when authors use the trope of the slutty ex trying to steal the MC's man. There are plenty of other ways to make the ex disliked besides painting her as and calling her a slut. Lastly, while the writing was descriptive and beautiful, I felt that sometimes the descriptions became too flowery and overly long. I found myself skimming past entire paragraphs of description to get to the action/dialogue.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I will probably read the sequel, though it wasn't as amazing as I hoped it would be.
November 13, 2018
I wasn't a fan of this one. Neither the characters or the plot did it for me. I especially didn't like the last few chapters. That was unnecessary drama that could of just been avoided by acting like an adult and talking. All in all I just wasn't a fan.
October 10, 2020
Singing magic is a rush
I like the writing style of this author she brings intensity to her characters. I also like the story of fantasy brought to life with Elaria and her singing magic. I read this due to her other series with the fairy Queen and extinguisher. I think for me that the other stories are much better.
I like the writing style of this author she brings intensity to her characters. I also like the story of fantasy brought to life with Elaria and her singing magic. I read this due to her other series with the fairy Queen and extinguisher. I think for me that the other stories are much better.
May 23, 2017
Another amazing book
Amy Sumidal has always had a way with pulling me into the fantasy world she created and The Last Lullaby is no different. From page one I was happily hooked and couldn't put the book down. I can't wait for the next one. This book and the songs mentioned help you picture the scene. I will gladly recommend this to anyone looking for a new book to read!
Amy Sumidal has always had a way with pulling me into the fantasy world she created and The Last Lullaby is no different. From page one I was happily hooked and couldn't put the book down. I can't wait for the next one. This book and the songs mentioned help you picture the scene. I will gladly recommend this to anyone looking for a new book to read!
May 22, 2017
Mind capturing!
I couldn't put it down at all! When Elaria goes into the Fairy realm and met Torin, I was captured. I was right there through all the ups and downs. With her previous life with Banning, to King Declan. It was completely riveting! Thumbs way up to Amy Sumida for a book well written!
I couldn't put it down at all! When Elaria goes into the Fairy realm and met Torin, I was captured. I was right there through all the ups and downs. With her previous life with Banning, to King Declan. It was completely riveting! Thumbs way up to Amy Sumida for a book well written!
May 24, 2017
So good!
I really enjoyed this book and can't believe I waited so long to read it. The characters are pretty fantastic.
I really enjoyed this book and can't believe I waited so long to read it. The characters are pretty fantastic.
May 22, 2017
Well written, still hoping it will be RH
May 21, 2017
Delightful
I loved the first book in Amy Sunida's new series. It had a ton of action, magic and romance. I can't wait to see what comes next.
I loved the first book in Amy Sunida's new series. It had a ton of action, magic and romance. I can't wait to see what comes next.
May 16, 2017
This is one brilliant book! I have read Amy Sumida's books before so I know what a great writer she is. I normally try to wait until there is more than one book in a series because of wanting to read the next, but I gave this a try.
The main character was brilliant. A spell singer. She is fun, she is feisty, she has guts and she can sing people to their deaths if she wanted to, but she doesn't unless she has to. She is an assassin for hire but can just as easily sing them to a better life.
All of a sudden she is supposedly the hope of the fairy Kingdom along with a prophecy.
Cannot wait for book 2 :)
The main character was brilliant. A spell singer. She is fun, she is feisty, she has guts and she can sing people to their deaths if she wanted to, but she doesn't unless she has to. She is an assassin for hire but can just as easily sing them to a better life.
All of a sudden she is supposedly the hope of the fairy Kingdom along with a prophecy.
Cannot wait for book 2 :)
May 4, 2017
Sassy heroine who saves the world
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I was expecting to. The main character was hilarious and very relatable. I enjoyed immersing myself into the supernatural world the author created. Elaria was an engaging main character and I was rooting for her to succeed throughout the book. Amy did a great job at ensuring the story progressed and I never really felt like the book dragged on. I only wish that the author spent more time expanding the character Cerberus because I really wanted to hear more about his life. Overall, this was a great story that I would highly recommend. Just as a warning, there are some minor sex scenes but they do not overtake the plot. I will definitely be looking for book 2!
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I was expecting to. The main character was hilarious and very relatable. I enjoyed immersing myself into the supernatural world the author created. Elaria was an engaging main character and I was rooting for her to succeed throughout the book. Amy did a great job at ensuring the story progressed and I never really felt like the book dragged on. I only wish that the author spent more time expanding the character Cerberus because I really wanted to hear more about his life. Overall, this was a great story that I would highly recommend. Just as a warning, there are some minor sex scenes but they do not overtake the plot. I will definitely be looking for book 2!
April 29, 2017
The Last Lullaby is the wildly entertaining debut in Amy Sumida's new series, The Spellsinger. I loved this book so much I broke one of my own rules for reviewing books. I usually will not give a 5 star for the first novel in a series; series build to a perfect finale. This book proves the exception. It's highly original, well written, nicely paced. The world building is extraordinary, the characters are wonderfully multi-dimensional. It's captivating from beginning to end.
Elaria is a spellsinger, a siren-witch hybrid. Very rare in the world Beneath; a world of paranormals Vampires, Shapeshifters, Shining Ones, etc. Amy has mastered developing the perfect lead female. Elaria is strong, smart, beautiful, caring, sexy, vulnerable, and sarcastic. Her use of humor when she's uncomfortable is the perfect finishing touch. Elaria works with her best friend Cerberus working security for a very select clientele. Her songs are her weapon. She can sing one into submission, forgetfulness, altering their course or to their own destruction.
Last Lullaby is a perfect blend of action, suspense, danger, intrigue, and love (old and new, platonic and romantic). There are choices to be made. Lives will be lost, worlds will be saved, hearts will be broken. Cerberus, Banning, and Torin are the main men in Elaria's life; all playing an important role. I loved all three.
This is a cleverly written book. It's full of wit, current and historical references, and has a wonderful playlist (Elaria's songs). It pulled emotion after emotion from me; uncertainty, amusement, hope, angst, relief, anger, happiness. It left me completely satisfied and wanting more. What more can you ask for in a book? I highly recommend this one and am eagerly awaiting the second one!
Elaria is a spellsinger, a siren-witch hybrid. Very rare in the world Beneath; a world of paranormals Vampires, Shapeshifters, Shining Ones, etc. Amy has mastered developing the perfect lead female. Elaria is strong, smart, beautiful, caring, sexy, vulnerable, and sarcastic. Her use of humor when she's uncomfortable is the perfect finishing touch. Elaria works with her best friend Cerberus working security for a very select clientele. Her songs are her weapon. She can sing one into submission, forgetfulness, altering their course or to their own destruction.
Last Lullaby is a perfect blend of action, suspense, danger, intrigue, and love (old and new, platonic and romantic). There are choices to be made. Lives will be lost, worlds will be saved, hearts will be broken. Cerberus, Banning, and Torin are the main men in Elaria's life; all playing an important role. I loved all three.
This is a cleverly written book. It's full of wit, current and historical references, and has a wonderful playlist (Elaria's songs). It pulled emotion after emotion from me; uncertainty, amusement, hope, angst, relief, anger, happiness. It left me completely satisfied and wanting more. What more can you ask for in a book? I highly recommend this one and am eagerly awaiting the second one!
May 4, 2017
A layered musical story
Another great novel and series for Amy Sumida. I love how Amy uses songs and lyrics as weapons. Songs say the word we can't. I have read other series by this author so I knew I would be enjoying a strong heroine. I love the story and world building. We get good desktop potions and layered stories that build on emotion. Loved this book.
Another great novel and series for Amy Sumida. I love how Amy uses songs and lyrics as weapons. Songs say the word we can't. I have read other series by this author so I knew I would be enjoying a strong heroine. I love the story and world building. We get good desktop potions and layered stories that build on emotion. Loved this book.
October 8, 2017
Amazing ♡
Just like the other books by Amy Sumida, this was amazing. It was some what of a slow build, but once it got going, it didn't stop!
I love el & Cerberus. I was so hoping they would so hook up! I have some feelings about the blooded, but that is neither here nor there.
Can't wait to see what's in store for the next book!
Just like the other books by Amy Sumida, this was amazing. It was some what of a slow build, but once it got going, it didn't stop!
I love el & Cerberus. I was so hoping they would so hook up! I have some feelings about the blooded, but that is neither here nor there.
Can't wait to see what's in store for the next book!
June 5, 2017
3,5 *
February 1, 2018
Really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next installment. The last part of the book had me in tears couldn’t believe it but pretty glad that it turned out the way it did!
August 26, 2018
3.75 to 4. Very enjoyable read loved El, and most of the characters especially Cerberus. El and Cer’s relationship seems like the perfect combination of loyalty, trustworthiness, teasing and flirtatiousness without ever crossing any lines. They themselves had some great chemistry though just friends. The world building was detailed to say the least. Though I didn’t have any problems following there seemed to be a lot of fact spewing. The plot line itself was really good the story had great flow intermittent with snarky humor.
I loved the use of songs as spells though I might have had to look up a couple of the songs used because I didn’t know them. The battle scene was vivid with the combinations of songs and the descriptions along with knowing the songs had me jamming along. Not going to lie Lost Boy is still stuck in my head I’ve been singing it all day. I also loved the descriptions of the stones and their properties. There are a lot of pop culture references but I didn’t really feel like it took away from the story much.
That being said, there were a couple things that held me back from giving a full 4 star rating. The first being Banning and a vague previous life and love, right at the beginning of the story. It was jarring and really had nothing to do with the story and Banning could have been completely deleted from the entire story and the story would have been pretty much the same. Making him an almost MC in a sort of weird love triangle with El and Torin with almost no backstory or even real relevance to the story was confusing and just unnecessary. It just didn’t make any sense.
I’m also not a huge fan of insta love especially when it doesn’t seem to fit with a character’s personality. El is a bad A, and seems to have a long life of experiences, she’s snarky and strong and just doesn’t seem to fit the profile of love at first sight. Torin, also, even stated himself that he has in the past had trouble with trusting women especially after a cruel girl bullied him as a child. Their personalities seemed like they should really just clash so much more and then eventually end up denying their feelings until they finally admitted it.
I was surprised that after their battles that the story just kept on completing itself in its own time, almost like a stand alone novel. No cliffhangers here, and really nothing to even imply what the next book in the series is about. I can tell each of these books will probably have their own story. Either way this book was very entertaining.
I loved the use of songs as spells though I might have had to look up a couple of the songs used because I didn’t know them. The battle scene was vivid with the combinations of songs and the descriptions along with knowing the songs had me jamming along. Not going to lie Lost Boy is still stuck in my head I’ve been singing it all day. I also loved the descriptions of the stones and their properties. There are a lot of pop culture references but I didn’t really feel like it took away from the story much.
That being said, there were a couple things that held me back from giving a full 4 star rating. The first being Banning and a vague previous life and love, right at the beginning of the story. It was jarring and really had nothing to do with the story and Banning could have been completely deleted from the entire story and the story would have been pretty much the same. Making him an almost MC in a sort of weird love triangle with El and Torin with almost no backstory or even real relevance to the story was confusing and just unnecessary. It just didn’t make any sense.
I’m also not a huge fan of insta love especially when it doesn’t seem to fit with a character’s personality. El is a bad A, and seems to have a long life of experiences, she’s snarky and strong and just doesn’t seem to fit the profile of love at first sight. Torin, also, even stated himself that he has in the past had trouble with trusting women especially after a cruel girl bullied him as a child. Their personalities seemed like they should really just clash so much more and then eventually end up denying their feelings until they finally admitted it.
I was surprised that after their battles that the story just kept on completing itself in its own time, almost like a stand alone novel. No cliffhangers here, and really nothing to even imply what the next book in the series is about. I can tell each of these books will probably have their own story. Either way this book was very entertaining.
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