Sword Mountain

Swordbird #2

by Nancy Yi Fan

Can dandelion and her raptor friends save Sword mountain? Nancy Yi Fan, the New York Times bestselling author of Swordbird , is back with her richly imagined fantasy bird world. On her sky-born day, Dandelion is injured and separated from her parents. The exiled musician prince, Fleydur, comes to her rescue and brings her to the Castle of Sky. But the court life of the golden eagles is still dominated by rigid traditions and intrigue, and now a new threat is looming. As flying, swordplay, and music enter her life, Dandelion will have the chance to show that a valley eaglet can be a true princess and a heroine, too. Bravery, equality, and the gift of music triumph over all.

Genres: Fantasy, Animals, Middle Grade, Birds, Adventure, Fiction, Childrens

315 pages, Hardcover

First published July 3, 2012

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Dandelion the Eaglet's parents are murdered by the Archeotrypx that survived the massacre from the Archeotrypx war, she is saved and adopted by Fleydur, Eagle Prince of Sword Mountain. Will she be accepted up there as a bird of the valley and can she save her new home from dark forces? Read on and find out for yourself.

This was an amazing finale to the Swordbird series by Nancy Yi Fan. Fans of animal stories, bird stories, action, adventure, YA, and middle grade books will enjoy this book series. Definitely check out this book and the entire Swordbird series at your local library and wherever books and eBooks are sold.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

During Dandelion’s sky-born day celebration, her family is attacked and murdered by Kawaka a survivor from the evil Emperor Maldeor’s army. Trying to defend her family she is seriously injured and left for dead. The exiled prince, Fleydur, finds the injured Dandelion on his way home to Sword Mountain and decides to bring her back to his family's castle.

This is an exciting tale the entire family will enjoy. Dandelion is strong and heroic even in the face of prejudices and heart-felt loss. Dandelion was tormented because she is thought of as a lesser class, born in the valley she is dark not golden, and teased relentlessly by eaglets and adults alike. This story showed that with her perseverance she enacted change. This story contained lots of action, bravery and a fight for change. Definitely written for the younger reader Sword Mountain not just entertained but taught moral lessons against discrimination and the joy of music.

This copy of Sword Mountain was given to me by Goodreads First Reads and Harper (Harper Teen) in exchange for an honest review.

[A~lotus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sword Mountain by Nancy Yi Fan is a surprisingly delightful children's book (fantasy genre). It is well-written and has amazing character development and a strong plot--both of which engaged me as the reader. I couldn't put this book down, and once I finished it, I was thinking about reading the other avian adventure books by Fan. (In general, I would rate this book as 4.8 out of 5 stars.)

This novel reminded me of the classic fairytale of Cinderella, a down-to-earth girl turned into a princess, except that the protagonist in Sword Mountain is Dandelion, an eaglet (a valley bird; think peasant here) who finds herself waking up at the beautiful kingdom of Sword Mountain. But before all of that happens, she was just a typical valley bird about to celebrate her birthday with her first flight until an archaeopteryx (a reptilian bird) ruins everything. Her parents died in the fight against the archaeopteryx that showed up at her home-cave. Like Cinderella, she becomes an orphan, but is saved by a disowned eagle prince named Fleydur, who decides to adopt her and makes her a princess. Of course, upon arrival at the palace, Dandelion faces adversity in many forms: such hostility of her status as a valley bird; the Queen's icy treatment of her; bullying and teasing at a "fake party" led by her assigned companion, Olga (eaglet); awful treatment by the new tutor (Tranglarhad, the owl); Fleydur's unjust imprisonment; and finding a way to protect Sword Mountain itself from evil anybirds that try to claim it.

As a children's novel, I really admire the many lessons craftily woven into the book. For instance, Dandelion learns the meaning of friendship and bravery and justice against evil and prejudice. She learns perseverance and standing up for herself when she is challenged. An example is a scene between her and the new tutor, Tranglarhad, when Tranglarhad wanted Olga to say that anybirds have "no merit," but she rose to defend Olga when Olga broke down crying.

The symbolism of flight is also a strong theme throughout the novel. It is represented by Dandelion's birthday candle that was extinguished by the archaeopteryx on her sky-born day. Throughout any form of adversity, Dandelion touches that candle in her pocket to give herself strength and will to move forward. Dandelion is not only a princess but also a warrior when she learns to wield a sword after her best friend, Cloud-wing (another eaglet), goes to Rockbottom Academy to be a full-fledged eagle warrior of Sword Mountain. The reader can note the similarities of Dandelion's perseverance and determination with both learning how to fly and wielding a sword. In fact, those qualities are found in the meaning of her name as well--the tenacity as a dandelion flower.

A dichotomy addressed in this book is tradition versus change. In the world of eagles and the Sword Mountain, rank/status is significant. Likewise, tradition and rules are heavily ingrained within this eagle culture. However, when Fleydur returns home and then later brings home Dandelion, both tradition and rules are challenged in more ways than one. If change is successful, the society is awarded with something beneficial for its members. In this case, Sword Mountain receives not only the gift of music but also the gift of unifying anybirds from everywhere by putting aside any formalities and prejudices (e.g., rank, prestige, etc.).

As mentioned previously, character development is fairly strong in this novel. As a reader, I learned to appreciate and love the uniqueness of each character, especially with the fact that there are many introduced in this book! However, it is wonderful to compare and contrast the personalities of Fleydur, Cloud-wing, and Dandelion--as they all know what it is like to be misfits or mis-perceived by others at Sword Mountain.

Although the book ended happily, I just felt that the ending was a bit rushed. Miraculously, the missing gem is found, the Stone Mountain King is alive, and Fleydur is freed from prison. Shouldn't the Queen offer an apology to Dandelion for treating her disrespectfully (but then again, I suppose the Queen was always like that)? Should the Queen also offer Fleydur an apology for "disowning" him in so many ways? What was in the will the King wanted to say/write? So what happens to Tranglarhad and the rest of the owls and archaeopteryx empire? Does Fleydur make up with the Queen or his brother after he was freed from prison? So many questions, yet overall, this book is generally worth reading as it is written beautifully in plot, character development, and style (even if there are a few errors).

Notes: This book was a Goodreads giveaway (an uncorrected proof copy, or ARC copy).

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely and enjoyable

I enjoyed Yi Fan's first novel, Swordbird, and when I read Sword Mountain I could tell she'd improved her style quite a bit. Both books had little charming and helpful details that I've found difficult to include when I'm writing. The characters, even the more irascible ones, have a lot of charm and love put into them. It's been a long time since I've been engrossed in a book and suddenly realized I was more than halfway through. I have a slight reading disability that makes it hard for me to get through books and read for long periods of time, so whenever I find a book that pulls me in, it really helps. I love reading and didn't always have reading issues so this book made me happy to read. It really was nice to get back into this series.

[Shannon Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Yi Fan proves that with age comes experience. Sure, the plot of her first two books was lackluster, but the diction and word choice that were used were beautiful. I remember being awestruck when I first read them in my Freshman year of Junior High School. Many people complain that the story was boring, and this argument is valid. But if they read Sword Mountain, their minds would be changed within the blink of an eye.
For starters, the diction is ten times as better than Fan's previous works. There was one quote from the book that talked about Music being the "tongue of the soul" that will become one of my favorite quotes forever more. The plot is still lackluster though, but with a story about birds, how complicated can a story get?
The only problem that I have with this book are the stereotypical high-ranking eagles. I know that no matter how conceited a part of society is, there are always good people that believe in equality for all.
Overall, this book is a fine read for those who are looking to have a casual read. It also teaches children that when things are wrong, you must stand up for yourself, no matter who you are. It almost makes me wish that I had books like this when I was younger.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 7 year old loves all 3 books by Nancy Yi Fan! He's listened to the first two on audio book countless times, and carries around Sword Mountain as if was as sacred as the old scripture itself. He also will read the quotes out from old scripture and the book of heresy to whomever will listen.

We just finished reading Sword Mountain together. The book is a wonderful story that teaches kids about hierarchy, classism, prejudice, and hope. My son is sincerely captivated by the three books, and the trilogy has nurtured a love for birds within him. A great series that truly captives the young heart on hope, justice, and imagination.

[Amy M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Closer to a 2.5/5 rating.

I haven't read the first book, but it didn't seem like you had to.

The style and tone of the story was easy to read, but you don't really get to understand how this bird kingdom thing really works, and the characters are quite flimsy.

I'm not interested enough to continue with the series, but I don't regret reading it. I'm just not the right audience for this one. I will probably still read "kid's" books when I'm old and grey, but this is one of those that you would enjoy better as an actual child.

[Andria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is similar to guardians of g'hoole, red wall, warriors etc. although there was more of a message in this book than in those other series. This was not just a good versus evil story. It was a story about the importance of music breaking down barriers of a caste society. There is a particular audience for this story. Unfortunately, I am not one of those who would be the audience for this type if story. It was well written and the message did not beat you over the head.

[EchoHouseLibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant bit of thrilling adventure by a very young author. Both my 13 year old and I enjoyed the story which was somewhat predictable but flowing with specific details to paint a unique and captivating new story. We received this as an advanced copy, free from Goodreads:) There were a couple typos that I imagine are corrected now.

[Lyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads First reads. First of all, I really enjoyed this book. I had been reading some decent books but couldn't find one that grabbed my interest. I started this one and by halfway through the first chapter I was hooked. I really enjoyed these books. They reminded me of the Redwall series. I am definitely going to read the other books by this author.

[Justin · Rating 2 out of 5]

First off I won this book as a pre-release unedited edition. I felt that it was a good story. I think that the conclusion to the book was really rushed for some reason. I would read the book again but read the earlier books in the series first to get a better knowledge of the series.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book free through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. I gave this book to my friends daughter and she said it was a great book and very creative. She said the world the author painted with words was very fascinating and an exciting read.

[Alexa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect example of the caste system and treatment of other lower class. This book had a good ending of equality through a specific downfall of differences as every bird found happiness through one another without the assurance of their rank in society.

[Linda Davison]

marked it as to-read

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, for the third time, Fan weaves a magical tale with deep, heartfelt messages. Fan uses many life lessons of different forms in her book.