A Song of Wraiths and Ruin – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

bookTeen & Young Adult, Science Fiction & Fantasy

78%

WISE Score

4.5

Amazon

West African folklore meets YA fantasy in this gripping tale of two teens who must kill each other—except they're falling for each other instead.

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin

book

Teen & Young Adult, Science Fiction & Fantasy

78%

WISE Score

4.5

Amazon

West African folklore meets YA fantasy in this gripping tale of two teens who must kill each other—except they're falling for each other instead.

4.5

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a genuinely strong YA fantasy that delivers on its promise: lush worldbuilding rooted in West African folklore, two compelling protagonists on a collision course, and enough moral complexity to keep things interesting without being gratuitously dark.

The assassination premise sounds edgy, but it's handled with purpose—both characters are desperate, not evil, and the book explores what people will sacrifice for family. The violence is present but not graphic, landing squarely in standard YA fantasy territory.

What makes this stand out is the cultural richness. Too much YA fantasy still defaults to vaguely medieval Europe, so a story steeped in West African mythology feels refreshing and important. It's also just a page-turner with solid pacing and a romance that complicates the murder plans in all the best ways.

Not for sensitive readers or younger middle schoolers, but for teens ready for darker themes and complex characters, this is a winner.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13 and up who are ready for darker YA fantasy with violence and morally complex situations. The sophisticated themes and assassination plot make it too intense for younger middle grade readers, but it's perfect for high schoolers who loved Children of Blood and Bone.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The book centers on two teens forced into morally complex situations—both planning to murder each other for desperate reasons—which creates ethical tension rather than clear moral modeling. However, it explores grief, family bonds, and the consequences of difficult choices with emotional depth. The romance that develops despite their conflicting goals adds nuance, though the premise of mutual assassination attempts isn't exactly wholesome territory. The pacing is solid for YA fantasy, and characters show growth through their struggles.

Imaginative

Richly inspired by West African and North African folklore, this book creates an immersive desert city setting with ancient magic, vengeful spirits, and resurrection rituals. The dual perspective structure and the collision course plot invite readers into a world of cultural mythology that's underrepresented in YA fantasy. The magic system and Solstasia festival competition provide creative worldbuilding that stands out from typical European fantasy tropes. Reviewers consistently praise its fresh, dazzling approach to the genre.

Safe

Common Sense Media confirms violence including a character being killed with heart removal (not graphic), blood, and death throughout. The entire plot revolves around assassination plans, though execution isn't gratuitous. For a YA fantasy, this level of violence is fairly standard—comparable to Children of Blood and Bone or similar titles. No sexual content, nudity, or other inappropriate material noted. The violence is purposeful to the plot rather than shocking or gratuitous, but younger or sensitive readers should be aware of the darker themes.

Enriching

This book offers significant cultural enrichment through West African folklore and mythology, exposing readers to stories and traditions outside the Western canon. It grapples with complex themes: grief and loss, the ethics of sacrifice, systemic injustice, and the cost of survival. The dual perspective encourages empathy as readers understand both characters' desperate motivations. It's an engaging page-turner that also builds understanding of different cultural narratives. The exploration of what people will do for family and how grief can drive destructive choices provides meaningful discussion material.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Gorgeously immersive world inspired by West African mythology that breaks from the usual European fantasy mold
Dual perspectives create genuine tension as you root for both characters despite their conflicting deadly goals
Explores grief, family loyalty, and impossible choices with emotional depth and cultural richness
Fast-paced plot with a festival competition, ancient magic, and a romance that complicates everything
New York Times bestseller that's been compared favorably to Tomi Adeyemi and Sabaa Tahir

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What to Watch For

The entire premise revolves around assassination—both main characters are planning to murder someone, which creates dark tension throughout
Violence includes death, blood, and a heart removal scene (not graphic but present)
Heavy themes of grief and loss drive the plot, which may be intense for younger or sensitive readers
Best for readers comfortable with morally gray characters making desperate choices

Conversation Starters

"Both Malik and Karina are trying to kill someone to save someone they love. When do you think it's okay to do something wrong for the right reasons?"
"How does grief affect the choices both main characters make? Have you ever felt like grief made you want to do something you wouldn't normally do?"
"The book draws from West African folklore. What did you learn about cultures and stories you hadn't heard before?"
"If you were in Malik's position—your sister kidnapped and the only way to save her is to kill someone—what would you do?"

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