Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Vivid fantasy series off to an intriguing start.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
SONG OF SILVER, FLAME LIKE NIGHT tells the story of 16-year-old Lan, who was orphaned 12 years ago when an invading army destroyed her home and everyone in it. Right before she died, her mother imprinted a magic seal onto Lan's wrist, but Lan has no idea why or what it means. When a mysterious and malevolent magician tries to capture Lan and destroys the teahouse where she works, Lan sets out to find the answers to magic seal. Little could she have imagined that the search for those answers could lead to nothing more or less than the destruction, or the salvation, of the entire kingdom.
Is It Any Good?
This is a well-written, solid, and intriguing start to a fantasy series. The world building in Song of Silver, Flame Like Night is vivid and deep, but easy to understand and feel familiar in. Colorful characters and exciting, sometimes hair-raising, adventures keep the pages turning, especially the way the relationship between Lan and Zen develops. Teens will relate to Lan as she searches for answers about herself and her past. Fantasy fans will get a lot of food for thought about power, its uses, and the consequences of abusing it. The story ends at a crossroad that will have fans eager for the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about role models in Song of Silver, Flame Like Night? Which characters are positive role models? Do they have any weaknesses? How do they demonstrate courage, perseverance, self- control, and teamwork?
What about the violence? Is it too much? Does it make a difference if it's in the real world or the fantasy realm? Why, or why not?
Fantasy stories are very popular. What do we love about them? What are some of your favorites? How does this one compare?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Dragons , Magic )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Self-control , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Random House Children's Books
- Publication date : January 3, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 480
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : March 6, 2026
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