Songlight

by Moira Buffini
Songlight cover
Good Books rating 4.49
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 1442
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-06
  • ISBN: 9780571385676
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2024-08-27
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 4

Set in the seemingly idyllic town of Northaven, Songlight reveals a dark underbelly where townsfolk hunt those with telepathic abilities called songlight. Lark, who has lived in constant danger since her own songlight emerged, encounters a young woman from a distant city, forging an extraordinary bond. However, in a world where power is paramount, their survival is far from guaranteed. This gripping tale from an award-winning screenwriter promises to captivate readers with its imaginative and hard-hitting narrative, already garnering praise for its epic scope and compelling characters.

Reviews
Ad Librum Aeternam · 2024-09-13
thrilling 4.75

Songlight is a thrilling and emotionally resonant read, highly recommended for fans of dystopian books and strong female friendships.

The reviewer found Songlight to be a marvelous and thrilling read, praising its emotional depth and engaging narrative. They particularly appreciate the focus on female friendships and the LGBTQ+ themes, making it a standout in the dystopian genre. The reviewer wholeheartedly recommends this book to those who enjoy dystopian settings and stories that highlight the strength of female bonds. The emotional resonance and compelling characters make it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Songlight is a marvelous, thrilling and feelsy read!

    I recommend it whole-heartedly to lovers of dystopian books, of female friendships, LGBTQ+ readers.

    The emotional depth and engaging narrative make it a standout in the dystopian genre.

Sifa Elizabeth Reads · 2024-09-08
thought-provoking 4.20

The story is fast-paced with a war-torn setting and dystopian elements reminiscent of 'The Handmaid's Tale'. The reviewer finds it engaging and thought-provoking.

Sifa Elizabeth Reads notes that Songlight is a fast-paced story set in a war-torn world with dystopian elements that remind readers of 'The Handmaid's Tale'. The reviewer finds the book engaging and thought-provoking, highlighting its ability to draw readers in with its intense and compelling narrative. They appreciate the depth of the world-building and the complexity of the characters, which add to the overall impact of the story. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to tackle serious themes in a way that keeps readers hooked.

Quick quotes

    It's a fast paced story, with a war destroying the country from the inside and dystopian elements reminiscent of THE HANDMAID'S TALE.

    The book's intense and compelling narrative keeps readers hooked.

    The depth of the world-building and the complexity of the characters add to the overall impact of the story.

Lace and Dagger Books · 2024-09-05
engaging 4.50

This book is a great introduction to dystopian and sci-fi genres for teenagers, offering an engaging and accessible entry point.

The reviewer believes that Songlight is an excellent choice for young readers looking to explore dystopian and sci-fi genres. They appreciate how the book opens up these genres in a way that is both engaging and accessible. The story's themes and narrative style make it a compelling read for teenagers, potentially sparking a lasting interest in these genres. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to captivate young readers and introduce them to complex themes in a digestible manner.

Quick quotes

    This could be a great book for getting teenagers into dystopian and sci-fi, and will definitely open up those genres for them.

    The story is engaging and accessible, making it a compelling read for young readers.

    Songlight has the potential to spark a lasting interest in dystopian and sci-fi genres.

Young Creative Press · 2024-08-23
compelling 4.50

The world-building and character development in Songlight are exceptional, with complex and flawed characters that make the story compelling.

The reviewer is impressed by the intricate world-building and character development in Songlight. They highlight how the characters are crafted with complexity and flaws, making them interesting and relatable. The reviewer is eager to continue with the series, indicating a high level of engagement with the story. The depth of the characters and the richly constructed world contribute to a compelling narrative that keeps readers invested.

Quick quotes

    The world of Songlight and its characters have been crafted so well.

    They're complex, flawed and interesting.

    I'm definitely going to continue with the series.

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