This Savage Song summary

Two Unlikely Allies in a City of Monsters

In This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab, we are introduced to a world where violence breeds actual monsters. The story is set in the city of Verity, which is divided into two territories: the North City controlled by Harker, a ruthless man who keeps the monsters at bay in exchange for protection money, and the South City, where Flynn, a man who has found a way to keep the monsters at bay without resorting to violence, is in charge.

Our main characters, Kate Harker and August Flynn, come from opposite sides of this divide. Kate, the daughter of Harker, is trying to prove herself as ruthless and cold-hearted as her father. She's returned to the city after being expelled from yet another boarding school. August, on the other hand, is a monster who wants to be human. He's part of a group of monsters who are trying to live peacefully in the South City under Flynn's rule.

An Unlikely Friendship in the Midst of Chaos

As the plot unfolds, Kate and August's paths cross when August is sent to spy on Kate at her new school. However, their initial meeting is interrupted by a failed assassination attempt on Kate, and they are forced to flee together. This leads to an unlikely friendship between the two, despite their allegiances and the inherent danger of their situation.

As they navigate the dangerous streets of Verity, they encounter various monsters, including the Sunai, a rare and powerful type of monster who can only be created when a great atrocity is committed. August, a Sunai himself, is a rare and dangerous creature, as he can only feed on the souls of those who have committed such atrocities. This, in turn, leads to a complex moral and ethical struggle for August, who is torn between his human desires and his monstrous nature.

The Fight for Survival and the Truth

As Kate and August continue their journey, they uncover shocking truths about the city and its leaders. They learn that Harker has been creating new monsters to maintain his control over the North City, and that the supposed peace in the South City is a facade, maintained by Flynn's own morally questionable methods.

With their newfound knowledge, Kate and August are faced with a choice: to continue following the paths set for them by their fathers, or to forge their own destinies. They decide to confront Harker and expose his lies, but their plan goes awry, leading to a dramatic and deadly showdown in the North City.

The Beginning of a Rebellion

In the aftermath of their confrontation with Harker, Kate and August return to the South City, changed by their experiences. They realize that their city is in desperate need of change, and they decide to work together to bring about that change. The novel ends with an uneasy truce between the two territories, setting the stage for the next book in the series, Our Dark Duet.

In conclusion, This Savage Song is a gripping and thought-provoking tale of friendship, morality, and the struggle between light and darkness. Schwab's vivid world-building and complex characters make for a compelling read, and leaves us eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Kate and August's story.