ARC Read ● Rosie Hewlett ● Sweet Bitter Song ↖Physcial↗

Start Date : 14th April 2026

Finish Date : th April 2026

Source : Physical

Star Rating : ✨✨✨✨✨ 5/5 

                                        (This would have to be a five star read for me, i feel     because of how the story is written, how the characters are made and the fact that it was unputdownable.)

This is my first time ever holding a physical arc book, and omg the excitement that actually went through me for this, and the fact that I cannot stop smelling it (if you know then you know that smell of new books) I couldn't help myself before even doing any unboxing videos and jumped straight into it. I know that this book was published in March but it is still exciting for me as a reader, especially when you're holding the book in your hands.

I'm not one that will ruin a book for others, if you have read my other blog reviews you'll already know this but if you are new here then I'm just letting you know now that this review will not ruin a book for you. I am one of those people who love to go into a book blind and I also love the reviews that hype a book without ruining it, so if this is the kind of review that you like then please stick around.

MAYBE ::::: 

- Possible spray edges design + attach this to a image of the book.

- The township ?

Some images with my signature on them have been drawn/created by myself and were done for my review videos on social medias, and if the author would like these to use them then I am happy to send them through to her or her publishers. I do drawing in my spare time as it is something I love to do, among other small hobbies that I have and I cannot wait for you to see what else I can do in the near future.

You'll find my social medias here on my link tree account that I have created https://linktr.ee/xxcathyjacobsxx please excuse everything else that is on their as I also use it for my wish lists etc. I will also add links to my blog for my reviews so that you can go and have a look at what I have created to promote the book.

This story wasn't a small read, but it also wasn't a hard read. When I first looked at the book I was thinking that this is a chunky book, but as I was reading yesterday I realised that it wasn't going to take me long as I thought to read the book. My own thoughts had deceived me I shall admit that, but I was excited to get into the book.

I went into this book blind I read the BookHero and Amazon short for it, but that was all that I looked at as I am one of those readers who prefer to go in blind and make my own decisions. The plot, story line, characters and personalities and so on are what actually makes the story good. 

The story follows the gods, their children and also those who work under them (which they call them slaves, but for me I am really not comfortable calling them that. Call me old fashioned I guess if that is what it is), we also follow their ways and how they do things in their kingdoms.

Melantho is the main character that we meet in this story, she is one of the slaves at the palace. Her personality is one of many things that has drawn to make me like her, she is hard working, stubborn, kind, caring and friendly. While this story is about her and a lot of other things, we also meet the gods, princesses etc in this story. And also watch her become best friends with the princess (or so one would think)

She meets Penelope after she is chosen for the god and then forms a friendship that is special, sometimes things aren't as they seem. But further down the track we learn that their friendship is still there, after Penelope chooses her. Penelope just wants her friend to be happy, but this takes awhile for her to realise that it isn't all bad where she lives.

There is a "a lot" of parts of this book where you will be put on edge holding tight wondering 'OMG" and "ohh please no no no" and other sayings, I can tell you now I was sure put on edge in a few places that is a fact.

When the group attempts at an escape, things aren't exactly as they would seem especially when they are "punished" this bit here made me want to cry. At this part in time they don't realise that their lives are about to change, that her and her families life could be something better or maybe not, but you will find out whether this is a true fact as you carry on reading. Will it be for the good, or for the bad?

Is Melantho & Penelope's relationship just a friendship, or do they love each other more than friends?? Well this is something that went through my mind for quite awhile, the answer well read along and find out... Yeah if you thought I was going to tell you, then please think again hehe I am leaving you to read.

This story is actually really unputdownable, it's one of them once you start reading for a session you can't stop. How do I know of this? Well last night (17th April) I was reading and then I realised the time was about 2.30am (yeah I really should have been sleeping). 

The war that is mentioned in this book, i'm really unsure about this if I have read it in the few books that are on this plot with the gods. So I cannot relate to any information about it, are there other books that cover the war? Please do let me know some books.

OMG I have to admit though, all of the plot twists that are in this book have had me on edge! I am at about 60 ish pages left and I am already one again in complete utter shock over what it happening.

Eeeek that ending, I did not expect that at all. If you haven't read this yet then I really do think that you should.

I wouldn't normally read this kind of fantasy, but I'll admit that it was a really good read. I enjoyed it and cannot wait to see what else Rosie has written to look into on kindle.

Love Cathy

↖ Ps ↗ if you are here at this part of my review, then a massive thank you for taking your time in reading. It really does mean a lot to me. As I never do see anyone comment on them so I really have no clue if my blog is out there yet, I know that my TikTok's & Instagram posts/reels are always seen.