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Review: A Song for You and I by K. O’Neill

A Song for You and I by K. O'Neill

A Song for You and I
K. O’Neill
Random House Graphic
Published March 4, 2025

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About A Song for You and I

Being a ranger means adventure, action, and protecting the weak. But who protects the ranger when they lose their way? From the bestselling author of The Moth Keeper and the Tea Dragon Society comes a must read MG graphic novel for fans of soft sweeping fantasy romances.

Rowan knows exactly what they to be a ranger, protecting their village alongside their trusted flying horse Kes. But when Rowan’s eagerness to show off their worth gets Kes injured, Rowan is suddenly unsure if they’re capable of being the protector they’ve always dreamed of becoming. 

With Kes needing to heal, Rowan is assigned a slow and winding expedition across the outlying lands. Paired with a lackadasical sheep hearder Leone, Rowan only finds frustration as they seem to fail even the simplest tasks. But Leone’s own struggles, and endless support brings a new possibility to Rowan. Could their unlikely friendship be something more? And if it is, will Rowan be able to leave Leone behind to pursue being a ranger once Kes is healed?

My Review

This sweet book is exactly the story I needed this week. I’ve been a fan of O’Neill’s work for a while, though I still have some books to catch up on. So, when I saw this book coming out this year, I knew I would have to read it.

The gentle pacing and gorgeous landscapes that appear throughout the story swept me away. I’m not sure I’d call this cozy precisely, but maybe cozy-adjacent? There is at least one moment with some real tension, though a lot of the story centers on relationships and personal growth or healing.

The two main characters have really different personalities. Leone is generally positive and optimistic, but struggles with confidence in playing music. Rowan resents the slower pacing that Leone lives life and feels anxious to get out into the world serving as a ranger. As the story progresses, though, they realize that Leone’s way of approaching life offers things they lack.

I honestly couldn’t have read this book at a better time. The color palettes are stunning, the characters made me smile, and the pacing felt like taking a long, full breath after a stressful day. It’s a fabulous book.

If you’re unfamiliar with K. O’Neill’s work and you like cozier fantasy, you definitely do not want to miss this one.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
One character kisses another on the cheek.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Rowan’s horse, Kes, is injured during a storm.

Drug Content
None.

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