What do you think?
Rate this book
The Creed of Gethin #2
The Forgotten Lyric
How can an assassin retire and live with everything they’ve done? Some men turn to drink, while others choose to live in denial. Kennet Peders, on the other hand, is just trying to be a better person. Saving a young girl from death by poison seems to be the perfect place to start, yet even as he takes a job that does nothing but good, Kennet can’t fully escape his past…
With the supernatural ability to influence other people’s emotions, Asa never felt quite comfortable in the society they were raised in. Luckily, being a bard means they can easily leave that society to find a home somewhere new—and the country of Bladland is very new to them. Here Asa finds themself presented with an opportunity: use their influence to help save a young girl and befriend a mysterious (and handsome) sword-for-hire in the process. It’s an adventure they’d be a fool to pass up on.
The Forgotten Lyric is the second book in the Creed of Gethin trilogy.
Content Warnings: The Forgotten Lyric depicts some child endangerment, brief instances of paralyzation, drug and alcohol use, and fantasy violence including harm to eyes.
With the supernatural ability to influence other people’s emotions, Asa never felt quite comfortable in the society they were raised in. Luckily, being a bard means they can easily leave that society to find a home somewhere new—and the country of Bladland is very new to them. Here Asa finds themself presented with an opportunity: use their influence to help save a young girl and befriend a mysterious (and handsome) sword-for-hire in the process. It’s an adventure they’d be a fool to pass up on.
The Forgotten Lyric is the second book in the Creed of Gethin trilogy.
Content Warnings: The Forgotten Lyric depicts some child endangerment, brief instances of paralyzation, drug and alcohol use, and fantasy violence including harm to eyes.
494 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
2 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Carolina Cruz
6 books44 followersCarolina "Nina" Cruz is an author and artist who loves to draw their characters as much as they love writing them.
Besides writing what they draw and drawing what they write, Cruz enjoys listening to almost every genre of music, making battle vests, and cooking with their spouse.
You can find Cruz on twitter and instagram @Ninawolverina to get frequent updates on their process and new releases!
Besides writing what they draw and drawing what they write, Cruz enjoys listening to almost every genre of music, making battle vests, and cooking with their spouse.
You can find Cruz on twitter and instagram @Ninawolverina to get frequent updates on their process and new releases!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 26, 2024
This is the second book on the Creed of Gethin series, first one being The unwanted prophet. You don’t have to read book 1 to pick this one, but why would you not want to read book 1???
Anyway this is the story Kennet, the saddest man who ever lived, my little meow meow, I love him. Did he make mistakes, well, yes. Do I care ??? Listen, I love morally grey characters and Kennet is just that 🥰.
His life takes a turn for the better when he meets Asa of the Isles, the prettiest bard ever.
It’s a story divided in three act and each focus on different aspects, first one is a classic quest to save a child’s life, second act focus on Kennet’s past and last one is heavily centred around Asa and their life story.
I had so much fun reading this. Each characters is unique, I loved how they all acted together, special shoutout to Hannah. Who I want to marry. Badly.
It’s a ruthless world, and no one’s safe !
Their relationship is a slow burn, it’s beautiful and heartwarming and I’m obsessed by them both.
Anyyyyway. Love this story a whole lot. And now I’ll be waiting for book 3 🥰
Anyway this is the story Kennet, the saddest man who ever lived, my little meow meow, I love him. Did he make mistakes, well, yes. Do I care ??? Listen, I love morally grey characters and Kennet is just that 🥰.
His life takes a turn for the better when he meets Asa of the Isles, the prettiest bard ever.
It’s a story divided in three act and each focus on different aspects, first one is a classic quest to save a child’s life, second act focus on Kennet’s past and last one is heavily centred around Asa and their life story.
I had so much fun reading this. Each characters is unique, I loved how they all acted together, special shoutout to Hannah. Who I want to marry. Badly.
It’s a ruthless world, and no one’s safe !
Their relationship is a slow burn, it’s beautiful and heartwarming and I’m obsessed by them both.
Anyyyyway. Love this story a whole lot. And now I’ll be waiting for book 3 🥰
August 10, 2023
The Forgotten Lyric is such a fun and enthralling read. I was captivated from the beginning by Cruz's incredible prose, world-building and, of course, their compelling characters. Admittedly, I still have yet to read the first book in The Creed of Gethin series, but I didn't find it hindered my understanding of this book at all. If anything, TFL made me even more keen to see where this world of Carolina Cruz's began.
October 14, 2024
An excellent continuation of the Creed of Gethin series, THE FORGOTTEN LYRIC is a deeply emotional journey for both its main characters. I fell absolutely in love with Asa and Kennett and their story; these characters are so *real* and their journey together is just beautiful. I felt like they were my friends right from the beginning--partially because I've admired Nina's art of them, but also because they leap right off the page and invite you into their story as if you're stepping into the book with them. Nina's writing is gorgeous: lush and descriptive and tender. The Creed of Gethin is turning out to be one of my top favorite fantasy series, and I cannot wait to see everyone come together in the next book!
August 6, 2023
To preface this review, I must confess that I am not an avid reader. I haven't read much in my life and generally find it difficult to concentrate when it comes to paperbacks and even digital copies of any text I am reading.
However, having said that, this book has captivated me with its warm and almost homely atmosphere that persists throughout the narrative, despite the horrors that befall the main characters, Asa and Kennet. It is those two that maintain said atmosphere, practically radiating comfort and gentle mutual understanding from the word go. Their relationship is not without its faults and nicks and things of that sort, but they are a wonderful example of patience and perseverance in the face of adversity that can only be admired.
I have heard that there is another, preceding book in this narrative that does tie into the story of this one, however Cruz has managed to weave enough information into the story that a first-time reader will not be lost in the relationships previously established. Masterfully crafted, the story is also a solid mystery with a touching reveal that tugs at the heart in all the good ways.
I also appreciate the deep flaws and wounds that Kennet has to face. Some of them, in smaller ways, being highly relatable to me, personally. Seeing him work through the traumas of his past and finding happiness at last was inspiring!
Of criticisms I have only a few. Those being that the book does feel a little short. I feel as though it would only stand to gain from getting a bit more room to breathe. And the pacing, though it wasn't at all unpleasant, is a slight bit too fast for my liking. However, that does not (at least for me) take away from the reading experience enough to garner anything but a passing mention.
All-in-all, 'The Forgotten Lyric' has my full recommendation for all that haven't read it yet (and for those that have - a second read-through ought be in order) for its brilliant portrayal of the intricacies and difficulties of human relationships and the value of working through them rather than letting them fester.
Bravo! I cannot wait to read whatever might come next.
Also, I must disclose that I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
However, having said that, this book has captivated me with its warm and almost homely atmosphere that persists throughout the narrative, despite the horrors that befall the main characters, Asa and Kennet. It is those two that maintain said atmosphere, practically radiating comfort and gentle mutual understanding from the word go. Their relationship is not without its faults and nicks and things of that sort, but they are a wonderful example of patience and perseverance in the face of adversity that can only be admired.
I have heard that there is another, preceding book in this narrative that does tie into the story of this one, however Cruz has managed to weave enough information into the story that a first-time reader will not be lost in the relationships previously established. Masterfully crafted, the story is also a solid mystery with a touching reveal that tugs at the heart in all the good ways.
I also appreciate the deep flaws and wounds that Kennet has to face. Some of them, in smaller ways, being highly relatable to me, personally. Seeing him work through the traumas of his past and finding happiness at last was inspiring!
Of criticisms I have only a few. Those being that the book does feel a little short. I feel as though it would only stand to gain from getting a bit more room to breathe. And the pacing, though it wasn't at all unpleasant, is a slight bit too fast for my liking. However, that does not (at least for me) take away from the reading experience enough to garner anything but a passing mention.
All-in-all, 'The Forgotten Lyric' has my full recommendation for all that haven't read it yet (and for those that have - a second read-through ought be in order) for its brilliant portrayal of the intricacies and difficulties of human relationships and the value of working through them rather than letting them fester.
Bravo! I cannot wait to read whatever might come next.
Also, I must disclose that I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2023
Second verse, same as the first.
Carolina Cruz outdid themselves with this outing. I had the privilege and luck to be there as it was being written, I've seen the number of changes it has gone through, and I can say with confidence that it's one of my favourite pieces of written work that I've ever read.
An important thing to note that a lot of readers won't necessarily be aware of is that THE FORGOTTEN LYRIC isn't just a sequel, it's set at the same time as their previous published work, THE UNWANTED PROPHET. They can be read in any order, not just in terms of when they were published.
The characters were delightfully dense, with complexity to them that you get to unravel as you read through the story.
Kennet Peders starts out as cold, calculated, an efficient former manhunter, yet as the pages turned I found him falling apart piece by piece, either through his own hand or the work of those around him. He's a wonderful perspective character and you get an excellent feel for both who he used to be, who he is now, and who he might be in the future.
Asa of the Isles. Asa. Wonderfully upbeat yet not blind to the world around them either they are the crux of the story. Who they are is a fixture of the tale to a degree where even they themselves wonder. That self-exploration, curiosity, and bright nature are a great contrast with Kennet Peders' more self-depracating personality.
A special note has to be made for one of my favourite characters ever. Speaking in my head with the voice of the great Peter Capaldi, Kristoff Lange, a former priest and currently a hermit, this man is the greatest of all time. He's a nerd, he's very much neurodivergent, and though it's not made obvious on the page, the author has stated that (and portrayed Kristoff Lange visually as) Transmasculine. I'd listen to this red-haired wild-eyed historiographer read the dictionary with the amount of charisma he has.
Importantly, Asa is probably one of my favourite representations of a non-binary character in fantasy fiction. Their identity is never questioned and they are treated with the fullest respect, and at the same time it all feels natural. Exploring the societal construct of gender can be a difficult task and it's important to be able to relate to- and find shelter with fictional characters who might be able to help the reader understand both themselves and who they feel they are.
The story begins with Kennet Peders investigating the poisoning of a nobleman's daughter, and as he learns more he is slowly lead down a path he'd hoped never to tread again. Simultaneously he has to hide something else from Asa of the Isles, who travels with him. I won't say what, it's best you find out for yourself.
Asa of the Isles, at the same time, has ran away from something. They're not quite sure what, but their journey of learning what exactly they're running from is gripping, and it had me hang onto every word.
This book will keep you hooked until the end, just like it had with me, and I can't wait to find out how the next one will go. Go read it!!!
Carolina Cruz outdid themselves with this outing. I had the privilege and luck to be there as it was being written, I've seen the number of changes it has gone through, and I can say with confidence that it's one of my favourite pieces of written work that I've ever read.
An important thing to note that a lot of readers won't necessarily be aware of is that THE FORGOTTEN LYRIC isn't just a sequel, it's set at the same time as their previous published work, THE UNWANTED PROPHET. They can be read in any order, not just in terms of when they were published.
The characters were delightfully dense, with complexity to them that you get to unravel as you read through the story.
Kennet Peders starts out as cold, calculated, an efficient former manhunter, yet as the pages turned I found him falling apart piece by piece, either through his own hand or the work of those around him. He's a wonderful perspective character and you get an excellent feel for both who he used to be, who he is now, and who he might be in the future.
Asa of the Isles. Asa. Wonderfully upbeat yet not blind to the world around them either they are the crux of the story. Who they are is a fixture of the tale to a degree where even they themselves wonder. That self-exploration, curiosity, and bright nature are a great contrast with Kennet Peders' more self-depracating personality.
A special note has to be made for one of my favourite characters ever. Speaking in my head with the voice of the great Peter Capaldi, Kristoff Lange, a former priest and currently a hermit, this man is the greatest of all time. He's a nerd, he's very much neurodivergent, and though it's not made obvious on the page, the author has stated that (and portrayed Kristoff Lange visually as) Transmasculine. I'd listen to this red-haired wild-eyed historiographer read the dictionary with the amount of charisma he has.
Importantly, Asa is probably one of my favourite representations of a non-binary character in fantasy fiction. Their identity is never questioned and they are treated with the fullest respect, and at the same time it all feels natural. Exploring the societal construct of gender can be a difficult task and it's important to be able to relate to- and find shelter with fictional characters who might be able to help the reader understand both themselves and who they feel they are.
The story begins with Kennet Peders investigating the poisoning of a nobleman's daughter, and as he learns more he is slowly lead down a path he'd hoped never to tread again. Simultaneously he has to hide something else from Asa of the Isles, who travels with him. I won't say what, it's best you find out for yourself.
Asa of the Isles, at the same time, has ran away from something. They're not quite sure what, but their journey of learning what exactly they're running from is gripping, and it had me hang onto every word.
This book will keep you hooked until the end, just like it had with me, and I can't wait to find out how the next one will go. Go read it!!!
September 7, 2023
Do you ever read a book and just feel like it was written for you? That’s how I felt about The Forgotten Lyric. Maybe I just happened to read it at the right time, when I was feeling a little lonely and unlovable, stuck in a transitional period between one point of my life and the next… This is a story about understanding yourself in the present in relation to the past and future, about what it takes to make amends while not requiring (or even expecting) forgiveness, and accepting that every person deserves to be loved (yes, even you).
The characters are the heart and soul of this story, set against a lush backdrop of beautiful worldbuilding that expands on what The Unwanted Prophet started. I knew I was going to love these characters, but I couldn't have predicted just how deeply I fell for them all. The side characters were a delight, each of them fully realized and a believable part of the setting they inhabited.
Initially, I saw nothing of myself in Asa, but getting to know them throughout the book made me feel like I was getting to know a piece of myself better. I loved first getting to know them through Kennet’s eyes and then getting to see their own thoughts, feelings, and world view. Their whole journey of figuring out what’s worth staying and fighting for was captivating and fulfilling. Their moments of uncertainty and fear were so Real
Kennet’s search for atonement is far beyond anything I could ever specifically relate to, but his self-doubt and need for reassurance hit home more often than I’d like to admit. His journey to accept that the past is the past and the steps he takes to do better are inspiring, and the moments where he slips or catches himself starting to fall back into old habits showcased the very realistic journey of healing.
Technically speaking, one of my biggest pet peeves in fiction is plot points feeling contrived. I can’t pinpoint the exact reason why or how, but the narrative coincidences were pushed just far enough that it never got to contrived territory. Everything was logically laid out and everything happened for a reason, and that reason wasn’t just to further the plot. We got deep looks into the characters’ thoughts that supplied the reasonings and made things make sense. And I cannot applaud that enough. The characters all seemed so real and so true to themselves throughout the entire journey.
I don’t think I am able to fully put into words all my feelings about what this book means to me, and I feel like I have so much more to say, but it was genuinely so delightful.
The characters are the heart and soul of this story, set against a lush backdrop of beautiful worldbuilding that expands on what The Unwanted Prophet started. I knew I was going to love these characters, but I couldn't have predicted just how deeply I fell for them all. The side characters were a delight, each of them fully realized and a believable part of the setting they inhabited.
Initially, I saw nothing of myself in Asa, but getting to know them throughout the book made me feel like I was getting to know a piece of myself better. I loved first getting to know them through Kennet’s eyes and then getting to see their own thoughts, feelings, and world view. Their whole journey of figuring out what’s worth staying and fighting for was captivating and fulfilling. Their moments of uncertainty and fear were so Real
Kennet’s search for atonement is far beyond anything I could ever specifically relate to, but his self-doubt and need for reassurance hit home more often than I’d like to admit. His journey to accept that the past is the past and the steps he takes to do better are inspiring, and the moments where he slips or catches himself starting to fall back into old habits showcased the very realistic journey of healing.
Technically speaking, one of my biggest pet peeves in fiction is plot points feeling contrived. I can’t pinpoint the exact reason why or how, but the narrative coincidences were pushed just far enough that it never got to contrived territory. Everything was logically laid out and everything happened for a reason, and that reason wasn’t just to further the plot. We got deep looks into the characters’ thoughts that supplied the reasonings and made things make sense. And I cannot applaud that enough. The characters all seemed so real and so true to themselves throughout the entire journey.
I don’t think I am able to fully put into words all my feelings about what this book means to me, and I feel like I have so much more to say, but it was genuinely so delightful.
January 21, 2024
I should've known I was going to adore this book. I remember walking past it at the book store, seeing it on the "Local Authors" shelf next to my book, and picking it up over and over. Then, when Carolina came to my signing, said we were mutuals, and told me *this* series was the one they'd written, I knew I had to read it. It lived up to everything I hoped for—some things are just meant to be!
For context, readers can read Book 1 or Book 2 in any order they want. But they'll need to read both before getting to Book 3, which I know Carolina is working away on.
Onto the review! This is probably the most underrated book I've encountered in a while. The prose is lovely and sophisticated. I immediately cared about the characters, routing for them every step of the way. Their perspectives are rich, only made all the more beautiful by their complicated pasts. Kennet truly has a heart of gold, but no one believes he does because of the life he lived. I spent the whole book aching for the other characters to see just how *good* he is. Luckily, Asa seemed to see it too.
The structure of this book is one I think most readers will never have encountered before, but I truly don't think it's to the books detriment. It's simply different. It will feel like the book has come to its natural conclusion, yet there's still 1/3 remaining? What more is there to say? OH BOY, there's stuff to say. Believe me. I like that the structure matches the pacing of regular life. Our lives are not a freytag's pyramid, and neither are Kennet's and Asa's. This story could not have been told any other way.
If you're looking for a book where the characters love each other in such a complicated way, this is the book for you. I want to visit this queer-normative world and get to know all the characters. I want to hear Asa sing (hell, I want to hear Kennet sing too). I want to explore Lange's massive library. I want to learn about poisons and their cures. I want to see a certain someone get her ass handed to her.
I'm eagerly awaiting Book 3 of this series, but in the meantime, I'll be picking up Book 1 and learning more about Quincey and Gethin!
For context, readers can read Book 1 or Book 2 in any order they want. But they'll need to read both before getting to Book 3, which I know Carolina is working away on.
Onto the review! This is probably the most underrated book I've encountered in a while. The prose is lovely and sophisticated. I immediately cared about the characters, routing for them every step of the way. Their perspectives are rich, only made all the more beautiful by their complicated pasts. Kennet truly has a heart of gold, but no one believes he does because of the life he lived. I spent the whole book aching for the other characters to see just how *good* he is. Luckily, Asa seemed to see it too.
The structure of this book is one I think most readers will never have encountered before, but I truly don't think it's to the books detriment. It's simply different. It will feel like the book has come to its natural conclusion, yet there's still 1/3 remaining? What more is there to say? OH BOY, there's stuff to say. Believe me. I like that the structure matches the pacing of regular life. Our lives are not a freytag's pyramid, and neither are Kennet's and Asa's. This story could not have been told any other way.
If you're looking for a book where the characters love each other in such a complicated way, this is the book for you. I want to visit this queer-normative world and get to know all the characters. I want to hear Asa sing (hell, I want to hear Kennet sing too). I want to explore Lange's massive library. I want to learn about poisons and their cures. I want to see a certain someone get her ass handed to her.
I'm eagerly awaiting Book 3 of this series, but in the meantime, I'll be picking up Book 1 and learning more about Quincey and Gethin!
May 26, 2023
Despite my growing desire to devour this book, I decided to pace myself and only read a bit at a time. It was hard, but for some time now I've taken a bit of every day to eagerly stroll through the great world Carolina Cruz has brought to life. I'm certainly glad to have savored the experience.
Each and every character feels well placed and exactly as relevant as they need to be for the story, resulting in a very comfortable and well paced read. Aside from my fervent desire to know what happens next to the characters, the backdrop left me with a consistent sense of curiosity and wonder. Too much is never revealed, and the sense of awe that you get as you learn another juicy piece of backstory or lore flows well through the book! The placement of new information is great, and lends well to where it falls in the plot rather than seeming shoved in. As a result, the feeling of consequence and importance of each decision the characters make places a vibrant shadow over each scene.
Of all the aspects of this book I enjoyed, the one that takes the cake is just how genuine and relatable the characters are. Their reactions, their connections, and most importantly of all, their feelings, are well conveyed and beautifully described. Each personality certainly poured from the pages and cemented my fondness for the book. Suffice to say, although this only just dropped I'm certainly anxious and eager to learn what the third book in the trilogy has in store! I am certainly going to miss sitting down each morning to follow Kennet and Asa's adventures!~
Having adored the first book in the Creed of Gethin Trilogy, The Unwanted Prophet, I was overjoyed at the opportunity to read this early! I truly loved it.
I was graciously granted an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks again!~
Each and every character feels well placed and exactly as relevant as they need to be for the story, resulting in a very comfortable and well paced read. Aside from my fervent desire to know what happens next to the characters, the backdrop left me with a consistent sense of curiosity and wonder. Too much is never revealed, and the sense of awe that you get as you learn another juicy piece of backstory or lore flows well through the book! The placement of new information is great, and lends well to where it falls in the plot rather than seeming shoved in. As a result, the feeling of consequence and importance of each decision the characters make places a vibrant shadow over each scene.
Of all the aspects of this book I enjoyed, the one that takes the cake is just how genuine and relatable the characters are. Their reactions, their connections, and most importantly of all, their feelings, are well conveyed and beautifully described. Each personality certainly poured from the pages and cemented my fondness for the book. Suffice to say, although this only just dropped I'm certainly anxious and eager to learn what the third book in the trilogy has in store! I am certainly going to miss sitting down each morning to follow Kennet and Asa's adventures!~
Having adored the first book in the Creed of Gethin Trilogy, The Unwanted Prophet, I was overjoyed at the opportunity to read this early! I truly loved it.
I was graciously granted an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks again!~
July 29, 2023
As a fan of The Unwanted Prophet (Book 1), I was so lucky and grateful to get an advance reader copy of The Forgotten Lyric (Book 2). That said, despite loving Book 1 of the trilogy, I was a bit apprehensive about Book 2 because it focuses on entirely different characters. I fell in in love with Quincy and Marlowe in Book 1 and was really eager for more of their stories (and I'm assuming that if you're reading this, you feel the same way). Choosing to focus on new characters feels like a big risk, but sometimes big risks lead to big rewards, and I'm happy to report that this is definitely the case here! It was a fantastic book and I had trouble putting it down!
The backbone of this book is absolutely the relationship between the protagonists, Asa and Kennet. Cruz has written two incredibly charismatic characters who I would adore on their own, but the way they approach problems together and grow to support each other on their journey was wonderful to read. As I mentioned above, it's a big risk to give your readers all new characters, but it really paid off.
The pacing in this book is incredibly well done too. Now that I'm finished and am reflecting back on it, a lot happens in those pages, but the story is so well structured that it never felt rushed or like a puzzle piece was missing. Within all the mystery and action, you also have a lot of time to really get to know the cast, and the world building in this book expands and elaborates on things we learned in Book 1 in a really satisfying way.
I reread Book 1 right before reading this book, which wasn't necessary to do, but it did make me notice something I might not have otherwise: Cruz's overall writing skills feel like they've improved since Book 1! Obviously I'm a fan of Book 1 and Cruz was still a good writer then, but overall everything feels tighter and more polished in an appreciable way.
The ending left me even more excited for Book 3 than I was for Book 2, so I can't wait for The Friend of Gods to come out! I really love the world and the diverse characters in it!
The backbone of this book is absolutely the relationship between the protagonists, Asa and Kennet. Cruz has written two incredibly charismatic characters who I would adore on their own, but the way they approach problems together and grow to support each other on their journey was wonderful to read. As I mentioned above, it's a big risk to give your readers all new characters, but it really paid off.
The pacing in this book is incredibly well done too. Now that I'm finished and am reflecting back on it, a lot happens in those pages, but the story is so well structured that it never felt rushed or like a puzzle piece was missing. Within all the mystery and action, you also have a lot of time to really get to know the cast, and the world building in this book expands and elaborates on things we learned in Book 1 in a really satisfying way.
I reread Book 1 right before reading this book, which wasn't necessary to do, but it did make me notice something I might not have otherwise: Cruz's overall writing skills feel like they've improved since Book 1! Obviously I'm a fan of Book 1 and Cruz was still a good writer then, but overall everything feels tighter and more polished in an appreciable way.
The ending left me even more excited for Book 3 than I was for Book 2, so I can't wait for The Friend of Gods to come out! I really love the world and the diverse characters in it!
September 28, 2023
That was one thing he loved about his profession. He got to look intense and intimidating, and then when people least expected it… he got to be kind.
First thing I noticed upon opening this book: I loved the writing style.
The main character, Kennet, is ashamed of his checkered past and uses guilt as primary motivator to change his life. I found Kennet’s struggles real and wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be okay.
Asa is a skilled and alluring bard with bright golden clothes and a more colorful personality. They are the light to Kennet’s darkness. Asa comes into his life and sees him for who he is instead of a renowned killer. As any good bard, they are also a composer, and their songs were powerful! (As the teens say, they slap.) It felt as if Asa was playing directly on my heartstrings.
The character work was splendid not only on the two main POVs (Asa’s and Kennet’s), but even secondary characters are complex and their actions understandable.
The epilogue references the first book in the series, but you can enjoy this novel as a standalone. This comes from someone who has only read this one and is absolutely intrigued about the rest.
If you are into dark stories with funny moments, romance, mystery, great character development, and gods with lots of feelings, this series may be for you.
Read my full review: https://tinyelfarcanist.com/2023/09/2...
August 5, 2024
3.5/5 stars
The Forgotten Lyric is the second standalone book in The Creed of Gethin that follows an ex-assassin and his new bard companion. Kennet is a former assassin that is determined to turn a new leaf after a traumatic incident a couple year prior. He takes on a mission from a lord to investigate the poisoning of his child when he meets Asa, a nonbinary bard with a mysterious power to influence people’s emotions. Together, they search for a cure, find the culprit, and discover the origins of Asa’s magic.
I have mixed feelings about this book. There were parts that I thought really worked (the characters) and didn’t (the story structure). I thought I was getting a mystery, but it felt more like a quest as it was very linear and straightforward. The answers were provided so fast and there really wasn’t any need to actually do any investigating. Then dividing the book into three distinct parts made it feel very episodic and short. The pacing was somehow meandering even with the very singular direction it headed towards (if that makes sense). It has the vibes of a cozy fantasy (while not being one) with its minimal action and lower more personal stakes.
I really liked Kennet. I thought he was a very sympathetic character with tons of depth in his search for redemption from a morally gray past. However, I didn’t like the incident that he was running away from when it was finally revealed because it honestly felt kind of stupid and not thought out. Our other protagonist is Asa who was far less defined, but that’s a given that a lot of their character is linked with the answer to their mysterious origin. Their romance felt very subtle and understated. And while I would have liked a bit more passion, I do think it worked nonetheless.
As someone who hasn’t read the first book, I can attest to the fact that this is a standalone and can be read and understood without any prior knowledge. The only part, I am assuming, that links to the first book is in the epilogue which was also still understandable. The book itself feels like it’s setting up these two characters who may play a big part in a bigger more epic fantasy.
The Forgotten Lyric is a queer low stakes fantasy that can be read as a standalone tale.
*I read this book as a judge for the 2nd Indie Ink Awards. My review here will not necessarily reflect my score there.
The Forgotten Lyric is the second standalone book in The Creed of Gethin that follows an ex-assassin and his new bard companion. Kennet is a former assassin that is determined to turn a new leaf after a traumatic incident a couple year prior. He takes on a mission from a lord to investigate the poisoning of his child when he meets Asa, a nonbinary bard with a mysterious power to influence people’s emotions. Together, they search for a cure, find the culprit, and discover the origins of Asa’s magic.
I have mixed feelings about this book. There were parts that I thought really worked (the characters) and didn’t (the story structure). I thought I was getting a mystery, but it felt more like a quest as it was very linear and straightforward. The answers were provided so fast and there really wasn’t any need to actually do any investigating. Then dividing the book into three distinct parts made it feel very episodic and short. The pacing was somehow meandering even with the very singular direction it headed towards (if that makes sense). It has the vibes of a cozy fantasy (while not being one) with its minimal action and lower more personal stakes.
I really liked Kennet. I thought he was a very sympathetic character with tons of depth in his search for redemption from a morally gray past. However, I didn’t like the incident that he was running away from when it was finally revealed because it honestly felt kind of stupid and not thought out. Our other protagonist is Asa who was far less defined, but that’s a given that a lot of their character is linked with the answer to their mysterious origin. Their romance felt very subtle and understated. And while I would have liked a bit more passion, I do think it worked nonetheless.
As someone who hasn’t read the first book, I can attest to the fact that this is a standalone and can be read and understood without any prior knowledge. The only part, I am assuming, that links to the first book is in the epilogue which was also still understandable. The book itself feels like it’s setting up these two characters who may play a big part in a bigger more epic fantasy.
The Forgotten Lyric is a queer low stakes fantasy that can be read as a standalone tale.
*I read this book as a judge for the 2nd Indie Ink Awards. My review here will not necessarily reflect my score there.
April 2, 2024
3.5⭐️
June 16, 2024
An absolutely fantastic book with characters I loved and a world I want to live in. No one is perfect, and the lines between good and bad are blurred.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews