Songlight: Winner of the YA Book Prize

I really enjoyed this debut author. I am looking forward to the next one

When I first picked up Songlight, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But as soon as I started reading, I was hooked. This dystopian YA fantasy felt like a bit like The Handmaid's Tale, with its bleak world, oppressive society, and a deeply exciting magic system that kept me on the edge of my seat added to the mix.

The world of Brightland is a terrifying place, where those born with the gift of Songlight are hunted down, dehumanized, and turned into lifeless chrysalids. From the very beginning, I was drawn into the lives of Elsa and Rye, whose struggle to hide their powers and their love made my heart race. The stakes were always high, and the tension was palpable as they navigated a world where trust could mean life or death.

What really captivated me, though, was the connection between Elsa and Rye, and later, the bond that forms between Elsa and Kaira. The depth of these relationships was so beautifully portrayed that I felt every moment of pain, fear, and hope alongside the characters. Even the side characters were richly developed, each with their own complex motivations and backstories. I found myself caring about them all, even those I was supposed to hate.

Buffini’s worldbuilding is nothing short of brilliant. The society she created, with its rigid rules and terrifying punishments, felt oppressively real. The propaganda, the war, the way history was manipulated—it all served to paint a vivid picture of a world gone wrong. And yet, within this darkness, there was light in the form of friendship, love, and defiance.

The magic system, centred around the concept of Songlight, was another highlight for me. It was unique, well thought out, and integral to the plot in a way that never felt forced. The way Buffini wove this element into the story, using it to explore themes of power, control, and resistance, was masterful.

As I read, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to The Handmaid’s Tale with its exploration of gender roles and societal control, but Songlight stands out on its own with its fresh take on these themes and its gripping narrative. The multiple POVs worked seamlessly, adding layers to the story without ever feeling overwhelming. Even characters I didn’t initially like became fascinating as their perspectives were revealed.

Overall, Songlight was a wild ride that I couldn’t put down. The writing was sharp, the pacing was perfect, and the twists kept me guessing until the very end. This is definitely a book that I’ll be rereading, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next instalment. If you’re a fan of dystopian YA with deep character connections and a thrilling magic system, this is a must-read.

Thank you NetGalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for my ARC of 'Songlight'