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A Chorus Rises
(A Song Below Water #2)
by
The Hate U Give meets Shadowshaper in Bethany C. Morrow's A Chorus Rises, a brilliant contemporary fantasy set in the world of A Song Below Water.
Teen influencer Naema Bradshaw has it all: she's famous, privileged, has “the good hair”— and she’s an Eloko, a person who’s gifted with a song that woos anyone who hears it. Everyone loves her — well, until she's cast as the awf ...more
Teen influencer Naema Bradshaw has it all: she's famous, privileged, has “the good hair”— and she’s an Eloko, a person who’s gifted with a song that woos anyone who hears it. Everyone loves her — well, until she's cast as the awf ...more
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Start your review of A Chorus Rises (A Song Below Water, #2)
y'all seeing this cover
i mean wow ...more
i mean wow ...more
~Thank you NetGalley and Tor Teen for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!~
*This is a spoiler-free review, so you can read it even if you haven’t read the book yet!*
"I'm never gonna be okay with people trying to erase the rest of who I am. Never again."
My Rating: 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
【Note: The first thing I feel like I should mention is that somehow I didn’t realize this was a sequel when I requested the ARC and I thought it was a standalone. And then I checked Goodreads, and I rushed the finish th ...more
*This is a spoiler-free review, so you can read it even if you haven’t read the book yet!*
"I'm never gonna be okay with people trying to erase the rest of who I am. Never again."
My Rating: 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
【Note: The first thing I feel like I should mention is that somehow I didn’t realize this was a sequel when I requested the ARC and I thought it was a standalone. And then I checked Goodreads, and I rushed the finish th ...more
Nov 19, 2020
rachel ☾
marked it as radar
Shelves:
releases-2021,
rep-bipoc,
sequel-tbr,
coverporn,
fantasy,
young-adult-lit,
rep-bipoc-author
#1) A Song Below Water ★★☆☆☆
this cover needs to be framed and hung in a museum
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • Twitter • Instagram
...more
Jan 22, 2021
megs_bookrack
marked it as to-read
ARC received!!!
Thank you so much, Tor Teen.
This is exactly the kick in the pants I need to pick up the first book, A Song Below Water, which I have owned since its release.
And let's all take a moment to admire this cover!!
...more
Thank you so much, Tor Teen.
This is exactly the kick in the pants I need to pick up the first book, A Song Below Water, which I have owned since its release.
And let's all take a moment to admire this cover!!
...more
Aug 13, 2020
Pippin Hart • The Pigeon
marked it as to-read
WHAT?! Yes.
A Chorus Rises follows Naema Bradshaw and the events that follow Bethany Morrow's A Song Below Water.
CW: racism, hate crimes
Naema is an Eloko, who has seemingly had a perfect life until the Awakening. Needing to get away, Naema leaves Portland to go South and visit her family for the first time. She discovers more of herself and her powers.
I will say that Morrow did an excellent job in making Naema a character that would need redemption. She was not likeable in A Song Below Water, however getti ...more
CW: racism, hate crimes
Naema is an Eloko, who has seemingly had a perfect life until the Awakening. Needing to get away, Naema leaves Portland to go South and visit her family for the first time. She discovers more of herself and her powers.
I will say that Morrow did an excellent job in making Naema a character that would need redemption. She was not likeable in A Song Below Water, however getti ...more
~ received as an ARC from NetGalley ~
2.5.5 stars.
I know this says it could be a standalone, but there were so many things I didn't understand in the book. I would definitely recommend reading #1 of her world...even though this was supposed to be read even if you didn't read the other one.
To be honest, I don't know what I really liked about the writing or the plot. Naema's growth is minimal and rushed at the end with apologetic rhetoric that still puts her at the center of attention.
I did lik ...more
2.5.5 stars.
I know this says it could be a standalone, but there were so many things I didn't understand in the book. I would definitely recommend reading #1 of her world...even though this was supposed to be read even if you didn't read the other one.
To be honest, I don't know what I really liked about the writing or the plot. Naema's growth is minimal and rushed at the end with apologetic rhetoric that still puts her at the center of attention.
I did lik ...more
Jan 21, 2021
Elli
marked it as to-read
does anyone know if this is a companion novel or do i have to read the first book beforhand???
Feb 07, 2021
Pixie 🍜
added it
I received this as an arc but while it is supposed to be a companion book and readable without reading the first book, I don’t recommend it. I had absolutely no idea what was happening, who anyone was, and I gave up because it gave me a headache. Not because it’s badly written but it really doesn’t make sense to me without the foundation of book one. I’m sure I’ll come back again after I’ve finished the first book now I know it’s related to it.
Nov 06, 2020
Alyssa Thomas
marked it as to-read
Bethany C. Morrow won for Best Cover in 2020 and it looks like she's gonna win for 2021 as well! This cover is BEAUTIFUL.
...more
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2.5 stars
thank you to netgalley and publisher for sending an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The Chorus Rises is a companion novel that could be read as a standalone. However, it did not feel like that at all. When I started this book, I had absolutely no idea what was happening-- the terms confused me, I didn't fully understand the powers any of the creatures mentioned had, or the network that they kept referring to. And by the end of the book, I still wouldn't be able to ex ...more
thank you to netgalley and publisher for sending an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The Chorus Rises is a companion novel that could be read as a standalone. However, it did not feel like that at all. When I started this book, I had absolutely no idea what was happening-- the terms confused me, I didn't fully understand the powers any of the creatures mentioned had, or the network that they kept referring to. And by the end of the book, I still wouldn't be able to ex ...more
Thank you Netgally for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I did not read the first book of Bethany C. Morrow, A song below water, but I decided to go ahead and read this one as it was presented as taking place in the same universe, but not a sequel. I will say that the start of the book was a bit confusing, so I now think that reading the first book might have helped with the required prior knowledge. Having said that, I absolutely loved the book.
This is the story of ...more
I did not read the first book of Bethany C. Morrow, A song below water, but I decided to go ahead and read this one as it was presented as taking place in the same universe, but not a sequel. I will say that the start of the book was a bit confusing, so I now think that reading the first book might have helped with the required prior knowledge. Having said that, I absolutely loved the book.
This is the story of ...more
A Chorus Rises, the sequel to Bethany C. Morrow's A Song Below Water, tells the story of Naema, an Eloko who up until now has had a pretty perfect life. In the year since the events of A Song Below Water, however, things have not gone as well for Naema. Needing to get away from Portland, Naema goes to visit family for the first time, and discovers new abilities she never knew she had.
Naema is not the most sympathetic character in A Song Below Water, and A Chorus Rises does an excellent job of ma ...more
Naema is not the most sympathetic character in A Song Below Water, and A Chorus Rises does an excellent job of ma ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Teen for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
I was really trying to be open minded going into this because there’s two sides to every story. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Naema’s side, but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her, her family and what it’s like to truly be Eloko. I enjoyed getting to see her side, why she was so upset and her motives behind her actions from A Song Below Water.
The idea of the Eloko’s and their powers and ...more
I was really trying to be open minded going into this because there’s two sides to every story. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Naema’s side, but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her, her family and what it’s like to truly be Eloko. I enjoyed getting to see her side, why she was so upset and her motives behind her actions from A Song Below Water.
The idea of the Eloko’s and their powers and ...more
A Song Below Water was one of my favorite books I read last year, so I was excited to read this companion book and it did not disappoint! I wasn't sure how I felt about the focus being on Naema, but I soon relaxed in the author's expert hands and went with it. I really appreciate the fact that Naema is flawed and wrong about a lot of things, but she's still likeable and relatable even before her redemption arc really gets going. Morrow's refusal to fall back on easy, rigid categories of right an
...more
This book was received as an ARC from Macmillan Tor/Forge-Tor Teen in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
If this book is not a reality check, I don’t know what is. You are famous on social media part of this elite group and all of a sudden one of your deepest darkest secrets gets revealed and your image gets tainted and the public no longer perceives you as valuable, your world changes and leaves you drained out. Bethany C Morrow t ...more
If this book is not a reality check, I don’t know what is. You are famous on social media part of this elite group and all of a sudden one of your deepest darkest secrets gets revealed and your image gets tainted and the public no longer perceives you as valuable, your world changes and leaves you drained out. Bethany C Morrow t ...more
Solid follow-up to A Song Below Water. It’s less action-packed and dramatic than ASBW, as it’s far more of a character portrait exploring Naema’s internal journey and growth, but it works well in that vein. I love that these books place magic identity as one more intersecting factor within the realistic context of identities and oppressions/privileges, rather than taking the too-common easy way out of many fantasy books, where a magical/fantasy identity is a stand-in or metaphor for something li
...more
Ny, a major influencer in the Portland magic network, suffered a traumatic event at the hands of another, and is then vilified for it. She must face the loss of her followers, her friends, and herself. As she struggles to find a way to heal she must make a number of tough decisions along the way - does she get vengeance, or does she get justice?
This magical story is a little confusing in the beginning. There is a lot of backstory that must be shared in order to understand the situation our prota ...more
This magical story is a little confusing in the beginning. There is a lot of backstory that must be shared in order to understand the situation our prota ...more
DNF at 31%
I read and enjoyed A Song Below Water and was really excited to read A Chorus Rises however I just can’t push myself to read any further due to:
1. The heavy handed writing with so much rehashing of what happened in the first book. Unfortunately it’s done in a really poor way where there’s a lot of information given, but would be confusing for those who haven’t first read A Song Below Water.
2. Naema’s character. I’m all for a redemption arc but Naema is incredibly self-centred and unli ...more
I read and enjoyed A Song Below Water and was really excited to read A Chorus Rises however I just can’t push myself to read any further due to:
1. The heavy handed writing with so much rehashing of what happened in the first book. Unfortunately it’s done in a really poor way where there’s a lot of information given, but would be confusing for those who haven’t first read A Song Below Water.
2. Naema’s character. I’m all for a redemption arc but Naema is incredibly self-centred and unli ...more
This book had a bit of a slow start; the first 20% seemed to rehash the same issues over and over; plus, Naema is not an entirely likable character at the start. However, the family reunion (and cousins Courtney in particular) seemed to inject more life and humanity into the story. Naema’s transformation throughout the book is believable and interesting. Just like the previous novel, the author does a great job of talking about big social issues, this time focusing on the dangers of online radic
...more
Being Eloko had always been amazing, people worship you and treat you like a goddess. But when Naema comes out of the stone her perspective has changed and so have her Eloko abilities. A trip to see family reminds her of who is she, and all those in her family, and when homegrown terrorists seem determined to take down Sirens she calls on family, blood and chosen, to help her right the wrongs. I loved the first book in this series and this book picks up the tale flawlessly, I can’t wait to see i
...more
One of the best stories I have read in 2021 so far. A fabulous and magical story that is written so well with such well-rounded characters. There is something about realism within the fantastical, and I love that about A Chorus Rises by Bethany C. Morrow. This is about teenagers trying to figure out who they are as a whole: racism, xenophobia, family, friendship, staying true, all of it. We are constantly reminded that we are bigger than our worst moments, no matter how complicated we are.
Bethany has done it again. A CHORUS RISES is a wonderful story filled with self-discovery and empowerment. Trials and tribulations of the young. I have been a fan of Bethany's since A SONG BELOW WATER, and her next novel doesn't disappoint. The plot. Characters. Stakes. There is so much to unpack in this AMAZING story. I HIGHLY recommend A CHORUS RISES. Don't miss out!
...more
I really enjoyed reading your book. I read enthusiastically and understood the story. ... If you have some great stories like this one, you can publish it on Novel Star, just submit your story to hardy@novelstar.top or joye@novelstar.top
Book 113 of 2021
Wow. A beautiful, solid, and worthy follow up to A Song Below Water, one of my favorite books featuring black girls in fantasy.
I did not like Naema in Book 1, and in this book she did not do 180 turn to become likeable. The author showed her just as she is, flaws and all.
Rtc.
Wow. A beautiful, solid, and worthy follow up to A Song Below Water, one of my favorite books featuring black girls in fantasy.
I did not like Naema in Book 1, and in this book she did not do 180 turn to become likeable. The author showed her just as she is, flaws and all.
Rtc.
Feb 04, 2021
Ele
marked it as to-read-ya
These covers look like birthday cakes.
Feb 05, 2021
Tanisha Murray
marked it as to-read
This cover is stunning definitely in the running for the best cover of 2021 right along with The Gilded Ones.
I wasn't expecting to feel sympathy for this book's MC who was a part protagonist in the first book. Lovely story and even better messages. A+
...more
Why was this book so good? I really didn't like this character in A song Below Water, and now after reading her story in A Chorus Rises, I like her a lot more. So then I felt a little guilty for not liking her in the last one, but that is neither here nor there.
Who would have thought that a trip to a hot ass desert could change everything for someone? Not me. However, it is on this trip that Naema finally reconnects with herself and is able to become the fully formed Eloko she was trying to be. ...more
Who would have thought that a trip to a hot ass desert could change everything for someone? Not me. However, it is on this trip that Naema finally reconnects with herself and is able to become the fully formed Eloko she was trying to be. ...more
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Readers also enjoyed
A somewhat-recovering expat living in the American Northeast (with one foot still firmly planted in Quebec), Bethany C Morrow writes speculative fiction for both the adult and the young adult market.
Her adult debut, MEM, was an ABA 2018 Indies Introduce pick, and a June Indie Next pick, and was featured/reviewed in: Locus Magazine, the LA Times, Buzzfeed, Book Riot, Bustle, and Tor.com, among othe ...more
Her adult debut, MEM, was an ABA 2018 Indies Introduce pick, and a June Indie Next pick, and was featured/reviewed in: Locus Magazine, the LA Times, Buzzfeed, Book Riot, Bustle, and Tor.com, among othe ...more
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