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Songs of the Amaranthine #9
Scribbled in Margins
They were sent into solitude, yet neither of them was ever truly alone.
Wrongfully accused of insulting a man of higher rank, a bright young man is banished to a remote post where he must stand watch over a signal fire. Batu isn’t entirely alone, though. There’s an orange-robed monk who checks in on him from time to time, and he’s somehow befriended a golden eagle. But strange things begin to happen when the guard changes in the next tower over.
Qara can’t bear to face the future her father planned, so she runs away, pretending to be her older brother. But her new commanding officer isn’t so easily fooled. For her own good, she’s bundled off to a mountaintop watchtower. Qara is safe, but the cold and the solitude become too much to bear … until she befriends a wild sheep, a cheery villager, and the man in the next tower over.
Wrongfully accused of insulting a man of higher rank, a bright young man is banished to a remote post where he must stand watch over a signal fire. Batu isn’t entirely alone, though. There’s an orange-robed monk who checks in on him from time to time, and he’s somehow befriended a golden eagle. But strange things begin to happen when the guard changes in the next tower over.
Qara can’t bear to face the future her father planned, so she runs away, pretending to be her older brother. But her new commanding officer isn’t so easily fooled. For her own good, she’s bundled off to a mountaintop watchtower. Qara is safe, but the cold and the solitude become too much to bear … until she befriends a wild sheep, a cheery villager, and the man in the next tower over.
101 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2023
16 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Forthright .
38 books551 followersa teller of tales with a fondness for unlikely friendships, wary alliances, unexpected upshots, hard-won trust, diverse cultures, found family, local legends, and folksome things. Author of the Immortal Holmes series, paranormal mysteries with a steampunk aesthetic set in an alternate history & the romantically-inclined Amaranthine Saga, with all of its attendant short stories & serials.
As a reader, this account is where I rate and review manga.
As a reader, this account is where I rate and review manga.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 27, 2023
Scribbled in Margins
5 Stars
This is a fun and heartwarming story of two Batu's and their towers. What a fantastic story! I thoroughly enjoyed their adventures and touching their toes in romance. It's definitely worth reading.
5 Stars
This is a fun and heartwarming story of two Batu's and their towers. What a fantastic story! I thoroughly enjoyed their adventures and touching their toes in romance. It's definitely worth reading.
April 8, 2023
Another enjoyable story. Sometimes it’s hard to follow all the characters and all the “truths” they drop but I think I figured this one out. The Amaranthine are such a loving people and it’s interesting how this story of the 2 Batu’s unfolds (that was a little confusing).
The little village is tucked away and hidden until a killer snow storm forces the Batu’s to take shelter in the Enclave. Here is where I didn’t understand, the people at the watch towers had been there for years and never invited before?
Not visited before? Seems a bit convenient that it happened when it did.
But I really love these little glimpses into their lives and the pure love they can share.
The little village is tucked away and hidden until a killer snow storm forces the Batu’s to take shelter in the Enclave. Here is where I didn’t understand, the people at the watch towers had been there for years and never invited before?
Not visited before? Seems a bit convenient that it happened when it did.
But I really love these little glimpses into their lives and the pure love they can share.
April 21, 2023
A Place to Belong
This story, with harsh winds and cold mountains, is about belonging. About family and friend and community. About the importance of being open and the confidence in choice.
When a daughter runs off to avoid a marriage by taking her beloved older brother's name for her own, it sparks a sort of destiny that legends could be made of.
This story, with harsh winds and cold mountains, is about belonging. About family and friend and community. About the importance of being open and the confidence in choice.
When a daughter runs off to avoid a marriage by taking her beloved older brother's name for her own, it sparks a sort of destiny that legends could be made of.
February 25, 2025
I have always admired women who chose their own destinies. Don't want to marry the man your father picked out for you? Run away and make your own future.
Fortunately there is also a second chance for men who find themselves suddenly in an awkward position at their military post. Get banished to a lonely watchtower and survive for perhaps a better future.
This is another quiet tale of the intersection of the Amaranthine World with the human world.
Highly recommended!
Fortunately there is also a second chance for men who find themselves suddenly in an awkward position at their military post. Get banished to a lonely watchtower and survive for perhaps a better future.
This is another quiet tale of the intersection of the Amaranthine World with the human world.
Highly recommended!
April 12, 2023
Another Forthright Delight
A really charming little book, set before “the Emergence”. You probably need to have read the main series, but as long as you have this fits beautifully and is unusually simple and straightforward to follow … for Forthy! I hope we will hear more about Bath and Qara, and Revic the ‘monk’ in future books.
A really charming little book, set before “the Emergence”. You probably need to have read the main series, but as long as you have this fits beautifully and is unusually simple and straightforward to follow … for Forthy! I hope we will hear more about Bath and Qara, and Revic the ‘monk’ in future books.
February 20, 2024
Lovely little story
Another sweet little story. I enjoy Forthright’s tales, always so unique and imaginative.
My one critique is that there are quite a few editing misses throughout this one, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story overall. I look forward to the next one!
Another sweet little story. I enjoy Forthright’s tales, always so unique and imaginative.
My one critique is that there are quite a few editing misses throughout this one, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story overall. I look forward to the next one!
April 8, 2023
Definitely Delightful!
Another piece of the history puzzle put in place. A few more clans added to the circle. This story is a beautifully woven tapestry that just adds to the layers of the Amaranthine cycle. I am never disappointed.
Another piece of the history puzzle put in place. A few more clans added to the circle. This story is a beautifully woven tapestry that just adds to the layers of the Amaranthine cycle. I am never disappointed.
April 9, 2023
Heart,soul, trees gently woven
Into a tapestry in my mind. This happens with many of Forthright's writings. But, this one has the sweet gentleness and strength of love and choice. No mighty upheavals, a story to read with Kith, nest mates and those who need. To be read too.
Into a tapestry in my mind. This happens with many of Forthright's writings. But, this one has the sweet gentleness and strength of love and choice. No mighty upheavals, a story to read with Kith, nest mates and those who need. To be read too.
April 6, 2023
Trees and eagles
While Forthy takes a little bit to get there, this one has trees and eagles. How could it not be a fun read?
While Forthy takes a little bit to get there, this one has trees and eagles. How could it not be a fun read?
February 21, 2024
I think I've finally hit on why I enjoy this series so much and it's because platonic, familial, and romantic relationships are all treated with the same amount of significance and importance. Makes my little aroace queer heart smile.
October 2, 2024
This was an adorable read, I loved exploring this part of the world, and these characters stories!
*First Read June 2nd, 2023*
This was another cute, sweet story, and I had a really great time being back in this world!
*First Read June 2nd, 2023*
This was another cute, sweet story, and I had a really great time being back in this world!
March 3, 2024
I think i really like the way that Forthright tells and stitches a tale and I also love the world she has created.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews