What do you think?
Rate this book
Songs of Healing
Once upon a time, in a world not so different from ours...
Sarah Tressarian is the Peace Princess of Dicrandia, a constitutional monarchy where the War and Peace parties have feuded since before the webiverse and before indoor plumbing. Their feuding caused the royal family split that brought in parliamentary democracy centuries ago.
Sarah has no problem with the fight. The War Royals, like Prince Philip, are all arrogant jerks bent on destroying the country.
At least, that's what she thinks until she gets to know Phil.
And until monsters and fairies rise from the murk of legend to invade Dicrandia's Northwest.
Now, to bring safety, Sarah must not only relearn the magic her people have forgotten, but also do what no one has done for centuries
-forge a stable alliance between War and Peace.
Sarah Tressarian is the Peace Princess of Dicrandia, a constitutional monarchy where the War and Peace parties have feuded since before the webiverse and before indoor plumbing. Their feuding caused the royal family split that brought in parliamentary democracy centuries ago.
Sarah has no problem with the fight. The War Royals, like Prince Philip, are all arrogant jerks bent on destroying the country.
At least, that's what she thinks until she gets to know Phil.
And until monsters and fairies rise from the murk of legend to invade Dicrandia's Northwest.
Now, to bring safety, Sarah must not only relearn the magic her people have forgotten, but also do what no one has done for centuries
-forge a stable alliance between War and Peace.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
260 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2020
About the author
R.L.S. Hoff
5 books42 followersR. L. S. Hoff is a writer of mostly young adult sci-fi and fantasy. She lives in a multi-cultural household where she often has to remind one child that he must learn English because it's important for life in the US and the other two children that they must learn Mandarin because it is and always will be their brother's native language. When she's not writing or working at (so far) more profitable gigs, she enjoys reading, gardening, and baking bread.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 11, 2021
So we have princess Sarah from the peace side and Prince Phillip from the war side. These two fractions rule and feud and hate each other. Set in a fantastic world designed by the author this is political and adventurous, action packed and magical, the plot intriguing and the characters fascinating!
September 30, 2020
Songs of Healing follows Sarah Tressarian, princess of the Peace Party, that together with War party rule over Dicrandia. The two parties have hated each other for generations, and Sarah agrees with her predecessors on that matter - The War royals are jerks destroying the country. At least that's what she thinks, before she meets Phil, prince of the War Party. And before the land their two families rule is invaded by creatures nobody believed to exist.
I'm rating this book 3.5 stars. While I'm giving it this rating, I think this novel still had several strenghts, of which I'd like to highlight the world building, that I thought to be very original, and the political aspect included in the story, that I found I incredibly interesting, and it was probably my favorite part of the book. I also liked the characters. I cared for them, which is very important for me to enjoy a reading experience. Truly, I think the first half of the book was very good and I wished the second one hadn't moved so far away from it.
The latter half just didn't do it for me (the third quarter, especially.). It was almost solely focused on the action aspect, and I have to admit there were moments where I had to reread chapters because I was having a hard time understanding what was happening. I think if the third quarter had been more condensed (since it got boring at times), and if the political themes had been more present after the first half, this could have easily been a 4 star read. Another thing I think could have been better executed is the romance. It had an incredible amount of potential to be an enemies to lover romance with an amazing slow-burn, that would have driven us, readers, crazy, but unfortunately that potential wasn't really used. Maybe next book?
Even though I didn't enjoy this as much as I wish I had, I still enjoyed it and would love to continue reading the Dicrandia Chronicles when the second novel comes out.
I would very much like to thank the publisher for letting me read this ARC through the Netgalley site, it was a great experience!
I'm rating this book 3.5 stars. While I'm giving it this rating, I think this novel still had several strenghts, of which I'd like to highlight the world building, that I thought to be very original, and the political aspect included in the story, that I found I incredibly interesting, and it was probably my favorite part of the book. I also liked the characters. I cared for them, which is very important for me to enjoy a reading experience. Truly, I think the first half of the book was very good and I wished the second one hadn't moved so far away from it.
The latter half just didn't do it for me (the third quarter, especially.). It was almost solely focused on the action aspect, and I have to admit there were moments where I had to reread chapters because I was having a hard time understanding what was happening. I think if the third quarter had been more condensed (since it got boring at times), and if the political themes had been more present after the first half, this could have easily been a 4 star read. Another thing I think could have been better executed is the romance. It had an incredible amount of potential to be an enemies to lover romance with an amazing slow-burn, that would have driven us, readers, crazy, but unfortunately that potential wasn't really used. Maybe next book?
Even though I didn't enjoy this as much as I wish I had, I still enjoyed it and would love to continue reading the Dicrandia Chronicles when the second novel comes out.
I would very much like to thank the publisher for letting me read this ARC through the Netgalley site, it was a great experience!
February 1, 2021
I always wondered what it would be like to be a princess in a fantasy world, but I could never imagine what that world would look like. Songs of Healing solved that problem for me. We meet Princess Sarah from the Peace faction, who everyone thinks is young and naive. She sees and knows more than they think. After meeting a hurt Prince Philip, the readers find out that Princess Sarah has a magical gift. Their encounter changes the way they see each other. There is danger on the outskirts of town, and it's coming closer to town. Can the two parties come together in time to save the kingdom?
I enjoyed this story, but the ending left a little to be desired. It felt a bit rushed, and I would have liked a bit more resolution. I enjoyed both characters of Princess Sarah and Prince Philip and the chemistry between them. I even enjoyed the interactions between Sarah and the villain. It ended rather nicely wrapped up, and there will clearly be a sequel. I do look forward to reading the sequel.
I enjoyed this story, but the ending left a little to be desired. It felt a bit rushed, and I would have liked a bit more resolution. I enjoyed both characters of Princess Sarah and Prince Philip and the chemistry between them. I even enjoyed the interactions between Sarah and the villain. It ended rather nicely wrapped up, and there will clearly be a sequel. I do look forward to reading the sequel.
October 1, 2020
I have been provided an ARC copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book, the synopsis was a little vague in places. It took a little while for me to adjust to the style of writing as it was written as a YA novel. Once the plot of the book really started moving I was pleasantly surprised at the level of detail in the scenes. One of the things I liked best about this book was the portrayal of Sarah's royal duties when it comes to politics, I particularly liked that she didn't shy away from these duty, rather she embraced them.
Overall this was s good book and I am glad that I read it.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book, the synopsis was a little vague in places. It took a little while for me to adjust to the style of writing as it was written as a YA novel. Once the plot of the book really started moving I was pleasantly surprised at the level of detail in the scenes. One of the things I liked best about this book was the portrayal of Sarah's royal duties when it comes to politics, I particularly liked that she didn't shy away from these duty, rather she embraced them.
Overall this was s good book and I am glad that I read it.
October 21, 2020
Hopefully this is the first of a series as there is much scope to develop further and also the ending was a bit of a cliffhanger. So what happens when War and Peace try to rule a country together? A political system full of suspicion that takes a pair of teenagers with their friends to form an alliance and save their home. Of course they have to figure out who is friend and who is foe and rediscover magic along the way. Interested to see where this alliance will end and can war and peace ever really work together and agree?
October 23, 2020
I won't be writing full review for this book. I started it and decided to DNF it. It's just not my cup of tea.
Song of Healing follows Sarah, Princess of Peace Party, that rules over Dicrandia together with War Party. They used to hate each other. Sarah used to hate them too. Until she met Philip, prince of War Party. Also, monsters are attacking their kingdoms.
I honestly didn't enjoy this book. I will give it 1 star just because I have to rate it, but I honestly don't know what rating to give it.
Song of Healing follows Sarah, Princess of Peace Party, that rules over Dicrandia together with War Party. They used to hate each other. Sarah used to hate them too. Until she met Philip, prince of War Party. Also, monsters are attacking their kingdoms.
I honestly didn't enjoy this book. I will give it 1 star just because I have to rate it, but I honestly don't know what rating to give it.
October 15, 2020
Captivating Twist on Fae
The character development was fantastic. While it was a little difficult to get through Sarah’s working on her Peace Proposal, the events of the book otherwise were fast paced and attention keeping. I found myself unable to put the book down.
The character development was fantastic. While it was a little difficult to get through Sarah’s working on her Peace Proposal, the events of the book otherwise were fast paced and attention keeping. I found myself unable to put the book down.
December 14, 2020
The format of the writing is very YA, and for someone who enjoys reading YA novels this is a very qualified candidate. As soon as the plot start moving towards the climax of the story you will find yourself entransed by the details given. they are never overwhelming but still always present.
It was a great book, glad i got the chance to read it.
It was a great book, glad i got the chance to read it.
October 27, 2020
I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Can we talk about the cliffhanger please? The book has all the scope to be spun into a beautiful series. Can’t wait to read more.
Thank you kindly to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this review copy.
Can we talk about the cliffhanger please? The book has all the scope to be spun into a beautiful series. Can’t wait to read more.
Thank you kindly to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this review copy.
Read
October 5, 2025It feels strange to be able to write a review of one's own book. I think it deserves lots of stars (naturally), but I think that's for people other than the author to decide.
But one little note:
In many ways, this is my first book, though it bears only a passing resemblance to the work I wrote out in spiral bound notebooks in between shelving books during study hall at my high school library. One might almost say it's unrecognizable. But that story seed became this novel.
And I think it's finally ready to make its way in the world.
But one little note:
In many ways, this is my first book, though it bears only a passing resemblance to the work I wrote out in spiral bound notebooks in between shelving books during study hall at my high school library. One might almost say it's unrecognizable. But that story seed became this novel.
And I think it's finally ready to make its way in the world.
October 14, 2020
I received a copy of this book with thanks from The Pencil Princess Workshop via Netgalley in return for an honest review."
Okay, well...hmmm. This book was okay.
" You don't trust me," he said. "You don't trust me," I answered. There was silence on the line for a long moment. Then he said, "But I want to."
And that guys, is the extent of the excitement in this book.
I know this seems harsh but a book with a war and peace faction, with a prince and princess fighting to discover themselves, with a world of magic, fairies, enchanters, and dragons! This book was entirely lackluster and I got bored REAL quick.
let's get into the iteration of the plot:
"There was a princess of peace
and a prince of war.
They shouldn't like each other but they do.
And they fight and fight and well, fight.
But the fights are petty.
They like each other though they don't actually spend time together...
Oh, and there is magic stuff that causes havoc in their realm...
...OK, okay! sorry! let's try that again. Trial #2:
Dicrandia a world divided by War and Peace.
Two monarchies fighting for control.
Two enthralled hearts are bound by duty.
A war approaches with figures arisen from fairytales.
Dragons, song makers, and faeries,
who is the true foe? a faction who seeks power or a new power which may eradicate the world as they know it?
Okayyyyyy let's dig into this.
Writing: Good! but lackluster.
Worldbuilding: Really interesting but I wish there was MORE of that.
Characters: ugh.
Romance: kill me.
Overall: It was ok.
Trust me when I say I take no pleasure in writing these things. The characters were so naive with this idea that they were badasses when they're petty and well, NAIVE.
Our main protagonist Sarah, ughh... i don't even know what to write, to be honest, she was sooooo lackluster. That word is my catchline right now, there was no depth to her and she fell in love with a idiot. horrible tastes in men. seriously.
Let's talk about this idi- I mean prince. YIKES! was I supposed to like him? really? Maybe it's because I'm a social worker but my perspective was that he is toxic as all heck. AS ALL HECK.
He doesn't respect her.
He uses her.
He NEVER truly tells her how he feels (while she spills her heart)
HE'S PLAYING HER.
He doesn't tell his friends about his feeling for her and tells his mates that it's nothing.
He's in short a douche bag.
He gets jealous when she is presented to other guys.
He makes everything he does for her sound like a chore.
He gets angry at her at any time.
THERE WAS EVEN A TIME WHERE SHE THOUGHT HE'D HIT HER! and she was like, "oh i hope he won't hit me, if we fight, it wouldn't go well for me." I BEG YOUR PARDON!? and you LIKE a guy who you believe could HIT you and that's supposed to be OK?
Author, please know that your audience is a young crowd, what are you presenting to young kids with this kind of dysfunctional story/ romance? Are you TRYING to normalize a toxic relationship?
Sarah and Princey barely spend anytime together because this novel is 98% politics and working on passing Bills than actual adventure. You've been warned. Be prepared to know all about the legislative processes of Dicrandia. So how the heck can she think she loves him?
No Sarah, even you don't deserve that, don't let that blond hair and baby blues kid ya, he's a dud.
The only time I felt genuinely interested in this book was when the bad guy showed up. He's the only character that was interesting and I low key thought that if he was somehow misportrayed he could've made a fantastic love interest that was actually INTERESTING. But alas....it was not meant to be.
And let's talk powers. BRUH! You had such an amazing door of opportunity to make these songs and chant phenomenal and to describe them in vivid details but it was only like, "chant...faint." and repeat for an entire book. UGH!
Also, let's talk about the cover. Do the figures on this novel's cover page look 15 and 17 to you!? I was like wot? how old are they supposed to be?! shocked.
This book gets a solid 2/5 for me.
I can't even say whether I'll read the next one in all honesty but we'll see.
Stay awesome everyone and stay safe!
Emmeline (The Book Herald)
Please follow me for more in depth reviews
Okay, well...hmmm. This book was okay.
" You don't trust me," he said. "You don't trust me," I answered. There was silence on the line for a long moment. Then he said, "But I want to."
And that guys, is the extent of the excitement in this book.
I know this seems harsh but a book with a war and peace faction, with a prince and princess fighting to discover themselves, with a world of magic, fairies, enchanters, and dragons! This book was entirely lackluster and I got bored REAL quick.
let's get into the iteration of the plot:
"There was a princess of peace
and a prince of war.
They shouldn't like each other but they do.
And they fight and fight and well, fight.
But the fights are petty.
They like each other though they don't actually spend time together...
Oh, and there is magic stuff that causes havoc in their realm...
...OK, okay! sorry! let's try that again. Trial #2:
Dicrandia a world divided by War and Peace.
Two monarchies fighting for control.
Two enthralled hearts are bound by duty.
A war approaches with figures arisen from fairytales.
Dragons, song makers, and faeries,
who is the true foe? a faction who seeks power or a new power which may eradicate the world as they know it?
Okayyyyyy let's dig into this.
Writing: Good! but lackluster.
Worldbuilding: Really interesting but I wish there was MORE of that.
Characters: ugh.
Romance: kill me.
Overall: It was ok.
Trust me when I say I take no pleasure in writing these things. The characters were so naive with this idea that they were badasses when they're petty and well, NAIVE.
Our main protagonist Sarah, ughh... i don't even know what to write, to be honest, she was sooooo lackluster. That word is my catchline right now, there was no depth to her and she fell in love with a idiot. horrible tastes in men. seriously.
Let's talk about this idi- I mean prince. YIKES! was I supposed to like him? really? Maybe it's because I'm a social worker but my perspective was that he is toxic as all heck. AS ALL HECK.
He doesn't respect her.
He uses her.
He NEVER truly tells her how he feels (while she spills her heart)
HE'S PLAYING HER.
He doesn't tell his friends about his feeling for her and tells his mates that it's nothing.
He's in short a douche bag.
He gets jealous when she is presented to other guys.
He makes everything he does for her sound like a chore.
He gets angry at her at any time.
THERE WAS EVEN A TIME WHERE SHE THOUGHT HE'D HIT HER! and she was like, "oh i hope he won't hit me, if we fight, it wouldn't go well for me." I BEG YOUR PARDON!? and you LIKE a guy who you believe could HIT you and that's supposed to be OK?
Author, please know that your audience is a young crowd, what are you presenting to young kids with this kind of dysfunctional story/ romance? Are you TRYING to normalize a toxic relationship?
Sarah and Princey barely spend anytime together because this novel is 98% politics and working on passing Bills than actual adventure. You've been warned. Be prepared to know all about the legislative processes of Dicrandia. So how the heck can she think she loves him?
No Sarah, even you don't deserve that, don't let that blond hair and baby blues kid ya, he's a dud.
The only time I felt genuinely interested in this book was when the bad guy showed up. He's the only character that was interesting and I low key thought that if he was somehow misportrayed he could've made a fantastic love interest that was actually INTERESTING. But alas....it was not meant to be.
And let's talk powers. BRUH! You had such an amazing door of opportunity to make these songs and chant phenomenal and to describe them in vivid details but it was only like, "chant...faint." and repeat for an entire book. UGH!
Also, let's talk about the cover. Do the figures on this novel's cover page look 15 and 17 to you!? I was like wot? how old are they supposed to be?! shocked.
This book gets a solid 2/5 for me.
I can't even say whether I'll read the next one in all honesty but we'll see.
Stay awesome everyone and stay safe!
Emmeline (The Book Herald)
Please follow me for more in depth reviews
August 13, 2021
I would like to thank The Pencil Princess Workshop and the Netgalley website for allowing me to read this book which is the first in the series: "The Dicrandia Chronicles".
I was immediately attracted by the beautiful cover of this book where we see the two protagonists Sarah and Phil.
We find Sarah, Princess of Peace, who has no problem with the politics of the Dicrandian world. She has been fighting since before the webiverse and the royal family became a constitutional monarchy. As for the war kings they only want to destroy the country. She thinks that except that she will get to know the famous Phil. Except that monsters and fairies will invade the northwest of Dicrandia. To fix this, Sarah will have to use the magic her people have forgotten and dare to do what no one has done in centuries.
A book read in one sitting so much I was hooked on the story so gripping, captivating, addictive, full of intrigue, suspense and twists and turns with very engaging characters. I hope that the complete series will be released one day in hardback editions for example.
I was immediately attracted by the beautiful cover of this book where we see the two protagonists Sarah and Phil.
We find Sarah, Princess of Peace, who has no problem with the politics of the Dicrandian world. She has been fighting since before the webiverse and the royal family became a constitutional monarchy. As for the war kings they only want to destroy the country. She thinks that except that she will get to know the famous Phil. Except that monsters and fairies will invade the northwest of Dicrandia. To fix this, Sarah will have to use the magic her people have forgotten and dare to do what no one has done in centuries.
A book read in one sitting so much I was hooked on the story so gripping, captivating, addictive, full of intrigue, suspense and twists and turns with very engaging characters. I hope that the complete series will be released one day in hardback editions for example.
December 31, 2020
I really enjoyed the first book in what seems to be a very promising series! The world building was not only original but detailed, making it easy to envision and follow along. I never thought I would be saying this, but I think my favorite part was the political aspects. Not only does it have the political concepts of War and Peace factions, but also Royalty (I am a complete sucker for a Prince/Princess story).
In terms of action, it definitely is more action packed the second half! I wish there had been a bit more political focus in the second half as it had in the first, but I enjoyed the adventure we were taken on nonetheless!
Overall, the plot was interesting, the characters intriguing and I am excited to see what happens next!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this opportunity!
In terms of action, it definitely is more action packed the second half! I wish there had been a bit more political focus in the second half as it had in the first, but I enjoyed the adventure we were taken on nonetheless!
Overall, the plot was interesting, the characters intriguing and I am excited to see what happens next!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this opportunity!
September 25, 2022
I loved this book.
The very first chapter felt a little fast. Soon after, it was all made up for. I really felt connected to Sarah (the leading lady). I loved the relationship with Phil (our rival prince. Who can’t get enough of haters to lovers, am I right!?) I honestly questioned Phil time and time again, which is wonderful. The not-knowing of whether I could trust him or any of the characters made me keep on reading! There came a point I couldn’t put this book down and stayed up way to late.
The story is romantic, but not upper teen romance. Think more along the lines of Ella Enchanted.
Once I understand this story is more juvenile directed than YA (I normally read YA and NA) I fell madly I love! Seriously! I cannot wait for the next book and I am following this author so I can get it the moment it comes out.
The very first chapter felt a little fast. Soon after, it was all made up for. I really felt connected to Sarah (the leading lady). I loved the relationship with Phil (our rival prince. Who can’t get enough of haters to lovers, am I right!?) I honestly questioned Phil time and time again, which is wonderful. The not-knowing of whether I could trust him or any of the characters made me keep on reading! There came a point I couldn’t put this book down and stayed up way to late.
The story is romantic, but not upper teen romance. Think more along the lines of Ella Enchanted.
Once I understand this story is more juvenile directed than YA (I normally read YA and NA) I fell madly I love! Seriously! I cannot wait for the next book and I am following this author so I can get it the moment it comes out.
September 29, 2021
The first seed you plant is the one I read in your background. Who best to write about not so far off lands than somebody who has mastered a mixed race family! It can be strangely rewarding and challenging. Like your story. The title is perfect, Phil is well drawn (love a three dimensional, misunderstood character!) Fairies and monsters certainly are a treat for the fantasy reader. And resurrecting a democracy crushed by the fate of history is a mighty important goal to achieve. There's an innocence and approachability not found in books like Lord of the Rings. Modern readers will not shy away since it isn't filled with walking walking walking as is Bilbo and Frodo's stories (sorry Tolkien).
February 15, 2021
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. There is a lot going on in this novel and it is more about seeing the world from another point of view. What we think it is not always the reality of things. There are two ruling parties that rule and they are the Peace and War parties. Neither side likes the other side much. Sarah is the princess of the peace side and she has believed as her ancestors have for that is all she has to go on. That is when she meets a hurt Philip. This changes a lot of things especially when creatures of mystery start to invade and Sarah must relearn magic long forgotten by her people. I enjoyed it. It is perfect YA princess and prince story.
October 6, 2020
I started this book with an open mind, the description was intriguing to me and I thought it may be an interesting enemies to lovers plot line.
However I was not able to finish, I think that the political system that the author created has potential but i couldn't get on board with it most likely because I started it for the romance plot. The relationship between the Prince and her just seemed a little sporadic and not consistent with the enemies to lovers plot that the description had given me.
However if a slower start is okay for you then I would give this book a shot.
However I was not able to finish, I think that the political system that the author created has potential but i couldn't get on board with it most likely because I started it for the romance plot. The relationship between the Prince and her just seemed a little sporadic and not consistent with the enemies to lovers plot that the description had given me.
However if a slower start is okay for you then I would give this book a shot.
May 11, 2022
this was a great use of fairies and dragons, the characters were a lot of fun and I enjoyed the world that was presented.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2022
I couldn't decide if it felt futuristic or historical as it has the feel of both. It's not my usual genre to read but I got sucked into the story and I had to see what happened to the characters. My children are too young for this, but it would be a fun book to read alongside your teenager.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews