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Seasons of Music and Magic #2
Summer of the Summoned Sword
A princess accused of murder.
A knight without a name.
A legend retold.
Elsa Brabant, princess of the Summer Court, has learned to maneuver her way around the scheming and political intrigue that have plagued Summer since the death of her uncle, the late King. The constant tension and peacemaking are exhausting, which is why she’s glad she has her older brother Geoffrey at her back.
Until suddenly she doesn’t, and murder charges are being hurled at her feet.
Sir Green has never been able to stay in one place for long, constrained as he is by the effects of a curse cast in his infancy—it’s hard to make a home when no one can ask you your name. Despite his forced transiency, Sir Green is determined to make every moment count, and has taken on the role of champion for the inhabitants of Faerie, and so when news of unrest in the Summer Court reaches him, he dutifully answers the call.
Sir Green expects to find trouble; what he doesn’t expect is the captivating princess of Summer. For the first time in his life, he begins to have hope that his curse can be broken. He finds that winning the tournament for the crown is not nearly as important as winning Elsa’s heart. But even if he does win, how will a princess love him when she can’t even ask his name?
A knight without a name.
A legend retold.
Elsa Brabant, princess of the Summer Court, has learned to maneuver her way around the scheming and political intrigue that have plagued Summer since the death of her uncle, the late King. The constant tension and peacemaking are exhausting, which is why she’s glad she has her older brother Geoffrey at her back.
Until suddenly she doesn’t, and murder charges are being hurled at her feet.
Sir Green has never been able to stay in one place for long, constrained as he is by the effects of a curse cast in his infancy—it’s hard to make a home when no one can ask you your name. Despite his forced transiency, Sir Green is determined to make every moment count, and has taken on the role of champion for the inhabitants of Faerie, and so when news of unrest in the Summer Court reaches him, he dutifully answers the call.
Sir Green expects to find trouble; what he doesn’t expect is the captivating princess of Summer. For the first time in his life, he begins to have hope that his curse can be broken. He finds that winning the tournament for the crown is not nearly as important as winning Elsa’s heart. But even if he does win, how will a princess love him when she can’t even ask his name?
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2023
20 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Beran
29 books191 followersSarah lives in sunny southern California with her husband, two small children, and dog Pippin. An elementary music teacher by day, when she is not writing or devouring books she spends her free time running, making music, or playing make believe.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 21, 2025
4.5 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction (with light Christian Faith content) - (obscure) Fairytale Retelling
I was so excited for this book after really enjoying the first book in the series and that it is set in the summer kingdom! Summer is my favorite season and this was really delightful in many ways. It might be silly to say, but I was amused by the fact that the court of Summer’s princess’ name is Elsa. Not winter like we would think because of Frozen. 😉 That said, I greatly liked Elsa and her compassion for others. She was a sweetheart but had a backbone to stand up for her people and I loved seeing that! The world of this series is very interesting because of all the different type of creatures/faes, but also because of the different kingdoms that are seasons. The faith content was stronger in this book than the first one and I also really liked how it was discussed and a part of this world. It’s not an allegory per se, but it definitely has nods to Christianity.
I was super curious about Sir Green and his story, and very glad about how it ended. I might have saw the ending coming, but I frankly don’t care because it made me do a happy sign. 😌
I need all the other marriage of convenience books to move out of the way—this just became my favorite! It should be noted that I usually avoid that trope because of unnecessary sexual hints, but this book was squeaky clean (just how I like it) in that regard while also being incredibly cute.
I also realized at the end of this book that Elsa’s best friend, Celesta, is the main character of “To Crack a Solider”! (Which I accidentally read ahead of this series, not knowing it was connected.) It was so good to see her again and I’m actually very excited to already know what will happen in her future. ;) I definitely suggest to read these in order, however!
I would completely read more books about Elsa and Sir Green, so I’m a little sad the rest of the series covers other characters. Not terribly sad because I’m excited to read them, but will definitely be looking for crumbs about these two in future books! 💗
Main Content-
Set in the Faerie realm & Elsa is an elf and there are many different types of fae in this world (brownies, dryads, gnomes, dwarves, fauns, nymph, sirens, pixies, water sprites, and also wizards that are like the caretakers of the world; There are creatures like basilisks, chimera, dragons, and manticores); All fae can learn to harness Natural magic through music, but elves are able to use their ability to use Creative magic and create new things; Because of this, some elves believe they are more important than the “lesser fae” or those with mixed bloodlines and are prejudice and rude towards others (one elf says that the Almighty appointed elves to rule over Faerie, the fae land and implies that that means they are better than the others); Sir Green is able to hear the music of someone or their “heart-song” as well as fix it or see that something is wrong with it (He prays before doing this for the Almighty to give him the notes to correct the song; *Spoiler ); Sir Green has been cursed for two hundred years to wander and is in pain when the curse takes affect, mainly when the curse pulls him from a place to a new place that he has never been before; When a faun (who is also a bard) sings with his enchanted lute, light comes from the instrument to show in smoke when he is singing about; Elsa has a dream about a man coming to rescue her and then it happens (not implied to be a vision or anything of the sort, just noting it); When Elsa plays her instrument, she is able to create and manipulate others emotions (which she uses to other faes who are sick, bring peace in the midst of mourning, or inspire bravery in the face of fear; She only uses it with good intentions and to help others; Sir Green notes that she could incite a revolt, subdue a rebellion, or inspire an army, but Elsa says she would never do that); A wizard uses a song to heal someone & silver light glows from his hands; Someone asks why a villain-character was allowed to live and why the Almighty didn’t smite him, and another character says that he doesn’t know, but it may because the other still has some part for him to play “after all, we are but instruments in the hands of the Almighty”.
A wedding takes place in a chapel (the colored glass windows and altar is mentioned); Magic is said to be a gift from the Almighty; Both Elsa & Sir Green pray to the Almighty and thank Him; A few talks about the Almighty & being blessed by Him; Most ‘H’s are capital when referring to the Almighty; Mentions of the Almighty & His creation (including the faes).
Mentions of enchanted items & one that has been enchanted to only react to the truth (an instrument and if the user plays with while saying a lie, it results in broken strings or sour notes); Mentions of someone cursing another & curses (it’s not said how the person was able to curse another but it is looked upon as wrong and criminal); Mentions of luck.
No language; A couple mentions of others cursing (not written); Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Fights/Fighting (both elves and creatures likes a manticore, up to a few sentences including killing one of the latter), Being stabbed and poisoned, injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, & being locked in a prison (up to a few sentences); Hearing and seeing prejudice (including one nearly being stabbed) from elves towards other fae that are not elves and those with mixed bloodlines; Seeing fights, someone nearly killed, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to a few sentences); Grief (up to a few sentences).
Elsa is accused of murdering her brother when he has been missing for some time & she tries to tell herself that he can’t be dead.
Mentions of a possible/rumored murder; Mentions of poisons; Mentions of fights/fighting, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of prejudice & hatred; Mentions of a bully; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of drinking, a drunk, alcohol and implied alcohol, & taverns; A few mentions of a murder of someone who recently gave birth & the child being stolen; A few mentions of having a marriage bond dissolved (divorce); A couple mentions of a man being cruel to his wife; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of criminals; A mention of robbers.
1 fingers-to-lips touch,
2 hand/fingers kisses,
2 cheek kisses,
1 forehead kisses,
3 kisses with no details,
1 kiss lasting 2-3 sentences.
Touches, Embraces, Tingles/Shivers, Flutters, Nearness, & Noticing (up to a couple sentences); Blushes; When he is injured, Elsa helps Sir Green take off his shirt and she is flustered by him being half-clothed;
Mentions of kisses, kissing, & wanting to kiss someone (up to a couple sentences); A mention of jealousy; A mention of a flirt.
I was so excited for this book after really enjoying the first book in the series and that it is set in the summer kingdom! Summer is my favorite season and this was really delightful in many ways. It might be silly to say, but I was amused by the fact that the court of Summer’s princess’ name is Elsa. Not winter like we would think because of Frozen. 😉 That said, I greatly liked Elsa and her compassion for others. She was a sweetheart but had a backbone to stand up for her people and I loved seeing that! The world of this series is very interesting because of all the different type of creatures/faes, but also because of the different kingdoms that are seasons. The faith content was stronger in this book than the first one and I also really liked how it was discussed and a part of this world. It’s not an allegory per se, but it definitely has nods to Christianity.
I was super curious about Sir Green and his story, and very glad about how it ended. I might have saw the ending coming, but I frankly don’t care because it made me do a happy sign. 😌
I need all the other marriage of convenience books to move out of the way—this just became my favorite! It should be noted that I usually avoid that trope because of unnecessary sexual hints, but this book was squeaky clean (just how I like it) in that regard while also being incredibly cute.
I also realized at the end of this book that Elsa’s best friend, Celesta, is the main character of “To Crack a Solider”! (Which I accidentally read ahead of this series, not knowing it was connected.) It was so good to see her again and I’m actually very excited to already know what will happen in her future. ;) I definitely suggest to read these in order, however!
I would completely read more books about Elsa and Sir Green, so I’m a little sad the rest of the series covers other characters. Not terribly sad because I’m excited to read them, but will definitely be looking for crumbs about these two in future books! 💗
Main Content-
Set in the Faerie realm & Elsa is an elf and there are many different types of fae in this world (brownies, dryads, gnomes, dwarves, fauns, nymph, sirens, pixies, water sprites, and also wizards that are like the caretakers of the world; There are creatures like basilisks, chimera, dragons, and manticores); All fae can learn to harness Natural magic through music, but elves are able to use their ability to use Creative magic and create new things; Because of this, some elves believe they are more important than the “lesser fae” or those with mixed bloodlines and are prejudice and rude towards others (one elf says that the Almighty appointed elves to rule over Faerie, the fae land and implies that that means they are better than the others); Sir Green is able to hear the music of someone or their “heart-song” as well as fix it or see that something is wrong with it (He prays before doing this for the Almighty to give him the notes to correct the song; *Spoiler ); Sir Green has been cursed for two hundred years to wander and is in pain when the curse takes affect, mainly when the curse pulls him from a place to a new place that he has never been before; When a faun (who is also a bard) sings with his enchanted lute, light comes from the instrument to show in smoke when he is singing about; Elsa has a dream about a man coming to rescue her and then it happens (not implied to be a vision or anything of the sort, just noting it); When Elsa plays her instrument, she is able to create and manipulate others emotions (which she uses to other faes who are sick, bring peace in the midst of mourning, or inspire bravery in the face of fear; She only uses it with good intentions and to help others; Sir Green notes that she could incite a revolt, subdue a rebellion, or inspire an army, but Elsa says she would never do that); A wizard uses a song to heal someone & silver light glows from his hands; Someone asks why a villain-character was allowed to live and why the Almighty didn’t smite him, and another character says that he doesn’t know, but it may because the other still has some part for him to play “after all, we are but instruments in the hands of the Almighty”.
A wedding takes place in a chapel (the colored glass windows and altar is mentioned); Magic is said to be a gift from the Almighty; Both Elsa & Sir Green pray to the Almighty and thank Him; A few talks about the Almighty & being blessed by Him; Most ‘H’s are capital when referring to the Almighty; Mentions of the Almighty & His creation (including the faes).
Mentions of enchanted items & one that has been enchanted to only react to the truth (an instrument and if the user plays with while saying a lie, it results in broken strings or sour notes); Mentions of someone cursing another & curses (it’s not said how the person was able to curse another but it is looked upon as wrong and criminal); Mentions of luck.
No language; A couple mentions of others cursing (not written); Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Fights/Fighting (both elves and creatures likes a manticore, up to a few sentences including killing one of the latter), Being stabbed and poisoned, injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, & being locked in a prison (up to a few sentences); Hearing and seeing prejudice (including one nearly being stabbed) from elves towards other fae that are not elves and those with mixed bloodlines; Seeing fights, someone nearly killed, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to a few sentences); Grief (up to a few sentences).
Elsa is accused of murdering her brother when he has been missing for some time & she tries to tell herself that he can’t be dead.
Mentions of a possible/rumored murder; Mentions of poisons; Mentions of fights/fighting, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of prejudice & hatred; Mentions of a bully; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of drinking, a drunk, alcohol and implied alcohol, & taverns; A few mentions of a murder of someone who recently gave birth & the child being stolen; A few mentions of having a marriage bond dissolved (divorce); A couple mentions of a man being cruel to his wife; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of criminals; A mention of robbers.
1 fingers-to-lips touch,
2 hand/fingers kisses,
2 cheek kisses,
1 forehead kisses,
3 kisses with no details,
1 kiss lasting 2-3 sentences.
Touches, Embraces, Tingles/Shivers, Flutters, Nearness, & Noticing (up to a couple sentences); Blushes; When he is injured, Elsa helps Sir Green take off his shirt and she is flustered by him being half-clothed;
Mentions of kisses, kissing, & wanting to kiss someone (up to a couple sentences); A mention of jealousy; A mention of a flirt.
March 10, 2025
Another delightful retelling from Beran.
As always, this was a joy to read. Elsa was a lovable protagonist, and I really liked her loyalty to her brother and how sweet she was to those whom others deemed unworthy of respect. Lowen...where to start with Lowen. He's a cinnamon roll who needs hugs, okay? A big sweetie who needs lots of hugs and hot chocolate.
Syl is the best. I need his help coming up with insults about the real-life villains I have to deal with.
The villains were truly despotic and it was so satisfying to watch them finally get in trouble.
Brimming with cleverness, an enjoyable plot, wit and humor, and a big case of the feels, Summer of the Summoned Sword is a retelling not to be missed.
As always, this was a joy to read. Elsa was a lovable protagonist, and I really liked her loyalty to her brother and how sweet she was to those whom others deemed unworthy of respect. Lowen...where to start with Lowen. He's a cinnamon roll who needs hugs, okay? A big sweetie who needs lots of hugs and hot chocolate.
Syl is the best. I need his help coming up with insults about the real-life villains I have to deal with.
The villains were truly despotic and it was so satisfying to watch them finally get in trouble.
Brimming with cleverness, an enjoyable plot, wit and humor, and a big case of the feels, Summer of the Summoned Sword is a retelling not to be missed.
August 16, 2025
This was cute with enough peril and danger and questions about Lowen’s curse that kept me worried for our leads and their it-better-be-or-I’ll-riot happily ever after. I didn’t even know this opera even existed either (not that I’m up on my operas outside of The Magic Flute, but that’s beside the point, haha), so learning about the OG story and what the author changed was super fun.
Elsa and Lowen were cute together and well rounded characters, though I do wish they’d spent a bit more time together to further cement their romance. The biggest highlight for me though was both characters’ friendships with Celesta (from To Crack a Solider fame) and Syl, respectively, and how they all came together to keep the Summer Court safe and make sure Lowen won the tournament; I really liked and believed in their dynamics with each other.
I enjoyed this one very much and would pick it up again if I need a light, fun read.
‼️Content‼️
Violence: a character is stabbed in the shoulder (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); a character is sliced in the side (not detailed); a magical creature chases and attacks characters (not detailed)
Sexual: kissing (not detailed); a couple almost conversations about having an heir that are cut off
Alcohol/Drugs: a character is poisoned
Other: elves/fae/other magical races and creatures; magic; a character is imprisoned; magical objects/abilities; false accusations of murder; characters are cursed
Elsa and Lowen were cute together and well rounded characters, though I do wish they’d spent a bit more time together to further cement their romance. The biggest highlight for me though was both characters’ friendships with Celesta (from To Crack a Solider fame) and Syl, respectively, and how they all came together to keep the Summer Court safe and make sure Lowen won the tournament; I really liked and believed in their dynamics with each other.
I enjoyed this one very much and would pick it up again if I need a light, fun read.
‼️Content‼️
Violence: a character is stabbed in the shoulder (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); a character is sliced in the side (not detailed); a magical creature chases and attacks characters (not detailed)
Sexual: kissing (not detailed); a couple almost conversations about having an heir that are cut off
Alcohol/Drugs: a character is poisoned
Other: elves/fae/other magical races and creatures; magic; a character is imprisoned; magical objects/abilities; false accusations of murder; characters are cursed
February 23, 2025
I liked that this story introduced me to a tale I hadn't known, and the concept of stories with musical magic based on operas was fun. However, this story had a teaching/morale lesson type tone that came off as preachy/lecturing at times, mostly in Elsa's chapters, which became very annoying.
Elsa fell flat to me. She was bland, 'perfect' other than her lack of self-worth, didn't seem to represent or embrace anything particular to the Summer Court, and as mentioned above had most of the annoying/preachy parts of the book. She also didn't seem as connected to music or magic as other characters. She and her Court mostly just felt like transplanted humans squabbling about human problems like succession (even though there was no evidence her brother was dead) and racism, so the fact that she was fae seemed pointless. She also kept acting like she was worthless, even when she came with a crown and had had a supposedly loving family, which made her pov often sound whiny. This was disappointing because at the beginning I thought she was going to be an intelligent and savvy royal character. The only scene I actually liked her in was the during first council meeting.
Lowen is why I continued to read this book. His chapters were filled with music, magic, and mystery. Some of his pov had a self-sacrificial/fatalistic tone, but it wasn't as frequent or as grating as Elsa's and came off more as chivalrous. His battles were interestingly infused with music and magic. He even had an amusing bard friend. I just wish he had a more interesting love interest.
Elsa fell flat to me. She was bland, 'perfect' other than her lack of self-worth, didn't seem to represent or embrace anything particular to the Summer Court, and as mentioned above had most of the annoying/preachy parts of the book. She also didn't seem as connected to music or magic as other characters. She and her Court mostly just felt like transplanted humans squabbling about human problems like succession (even though there was no evidence her brother was dead) and racism, so the fact that she was fae seemed pointless. She also kept acting like she was worthless, even when she came with a crown and had had a supposedly loving family, which made her pov often sound whiny. This was disappointing because at the beginning I thought she was going to be an intelligent and savvy royal character. The only scene I actually liked her in was the during first council meeting.
Lowen is why I continued to read this book. His chapters were filled with music, magic, and mystery. Some of his pov had a self-sacrificial/fatalistic tone, but it wasn't as frequent or as grating as Elsa's and came off more as chivalrous. His battles were interestingly infused with music and magic. He even had an amusing bard friend. I just wish he had a more interesting love interest.
November 1, 2025
It's not what they expected when they shot the accusations of murder at her. They envisioned her admitting defeat and shriveling into nothingness in the prison they threw her. But Princess Elsa has been seriously underestimated by her enemies. Despite being worried about her brother Geoffrey’s disappearance and dealing with the outrageous charges that she is the reason he’s assumed dead, Princess Elsa does not falter before those that would threaten the realm. She has the strength and heart that make a true and beloved ruler. She defends the weakest in the kingdom and makes sure what is done will not place a further burden on those she has sworn to serve. Her only words of condemnation are for those that have forgotten their duties to the kingdom and have begun to see others as lesser than the valued, priceless individuals created by the Almighty. It’s this fire, this servant spirit, this commitment to protect despite the trial that she faces that endears us to her immediately.
But we’re not the only ones. Sir Green pledges to her “his sword and his heart.” It’s a promise he never questions because from the start he sees a heart and spirit that beats in the same rhythm as his own. He’s the protector of the Fairie, coming to the aide of whoever needs help and expecting nothing in return. And just as Elsa, we find ourselves warming up to him quickly because he’s just genuine, noble, kind, and literally what a knight is supposed to be. Sadly, though with the curse, his journey is doomed to be a lonely one, for in any moment he’ll find himself ripped from one place and thrown into another part of the world. And so, he’s scared but he can’t help but hope at the same time so much with Elsa. The longer he’s with her, the surer he is that she’s made for him. He knows he could have that life he’s dreamed of with Elsa and he finally starts to tentatively reach out for it. Yet despite how strong Elsa appears in the face of the lions circling them, Sir Green knows she’s afraid. And with his curse, he could be the one to make her greatest fear become reality. Because it’s of her turning around and suddenly finding someone else she cares about just…gone. And to do that to her again, it would tear him apart.
He's the knight fulfilling the age-old story of rescuing the princess yet realizing he’s the one that needs the rescuing. The curse has shackled him for it seems longer than he can remember, so he had resigned himself to bearing this burden, living this existence. Perhaps though there is something to be found that is stronger than even the chains of a curse. Like in a vow made between two hearts, from a knight to his princess.
“But I’ve lived in this realm long enough to know that sometimes the Almighty leads us down different paths. There are things out of my control. But as long as the choice is mine, I will choose you, Elsa.”
But we’re not the only ones. Sir Green pledges to her “his sword and his heart.” It’s a promise he never questions because from the start he sees a heart and spirit that beats in the same rhythm as his own. He’s the protector of the Fairie, coming to the aide of whoever needs help and expecting nothing in return. And just as Elsa, we find ourselves warming up to him quickly because he’s just genuine, noble, kind, and literally what a knight is supposed to be. Sadly, though with the curse, his journey is doomed to be a lonely one, for in any moment he’ll find himself ripped from one place and thrown into another part of the world. And so, he’s scared but he can’t help but hope at the same time so much with Elsa. The longer he’s with her, the surer he is that she’s made for him. He knows he could have that life he’s dreamed of with Elsa and he finally starts to tentatively reach out for it. Yet despite how strong Elsa appears in the face of the lions circling them, Sir Green knows she’s afraid. And with his curse, he could be the one to make her greatest fear become reality. Because it’s of her turning around and suddenly finding someone else she cares about just…gone. And to do that to her again, it would tear him apart.
He's the knight fulfilling the age-old story of rescuing the princess yet realizing he’s the one that needs the rescuing. The curse has shackled him for it seems longer than he can remember, so he had resigned himself to bearing this burden, living this existence. Perhaps though there is something to be found that is stronger than even the chains of a curse. Like in a vow made between two hearts, from a knight to his princess.
“But I’ve lived in this realm long enough to know that sometimes the Almighty leads us down different paths. There are things out of my control. But as long as the choice is mine, I will choose you, Elsa.”
August 24, 2023
These interconnected yet stand alone Seasons of Magic and Music books are fun. I like how the magic of the fae, and the elves specifically, is a bit different than I have seen before. Also, I was pleasantly surprised to realise this story had a marriage of convenience in it. Those always snag my interest.
This retelling may be based off of an opera, but it put me in mind of several different fairytales here and there as I read it. And, of course, it’s lovely to expect a happily ever after, even if the original doesn’t have one. I enjoyed the unexpected (to me) ending.
Violence-wise, there is fighting, poisoning, multiple near death experiences, and blood mentioned. It is not, however, gory or overdone. Romance-wise, completely clean.
This retelling may be based off of an opera, but it put me in mind of several different fairytales here and there as I read it. And, of course, it’s lovely to expect a happily ever after, even if the original doesn’t have one. I enjoyed the unexpected (to me) ending.
Violence-wise, there is fighting, poisoning, multiple near death experiences, and blood mentioned. It is not, however, gory or overdone. Romance-wise, completely clean.
July 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I had not heard of the tale Lohengrin but Sarah Beran does a great creating a wonderful story. I remembered it being briefly mentioned in To Crack a Soldier and it was wonderful to read the full extent of it. Elsa and Green’s romance was a very sweet marriage of convenience storyline. I’m not sure if this book is my favorite in the series (its either between Summer court or Winter court story) but it is one of my favorite Sarah Beran books. I look forward to reading the Autumn Courts story next!
March 31, 2025
😭😭😭
I went into this book knowing it couldn’t be better than the first but it completely proved me wrong. This book was fantastic!!!!
A princess accused of murder, a contest for the throne, a mysterious knight, and an amazing twist.
The main couple was precious. The curse was heartbreaking. (I cried twice) The ending was perfect.
My new favorite fiction book
I went into this book knowing it couldn’t be better than the first but it completely proved me wrong. This book was fantastic!!!!
A princess accused of murder, a contest for the throne, a mysterious knight, and an amazing twist.
The main couple was precious. The curse was heartbreaking. (I cried twice) The ending was perfect.
My new favorite fiction book
August 8, 2023
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I am looking forward to reading the next book in this really wonderful series!
May 25, 2024
This series just keeps getting better
After a stunning intro to the series in Spring, I had an excellent feeling that this would be my new favorite series. Book two has only solidified that feeling. Absolutely delighted with the way this is told. 🥰
After a stunning intro to the series in Spring, I had an excellent feeling that this would be my new favorite series. Book two has only solidified that feeling. Absolutely delighted with the way this is told. 🥰
March 31, 2025
Very sweet story with some character interactions that had me laughing out loud. I never had any doubt about where the story was going, but the journey kept me interested, and the HEA leaves me smiling. <3
May 18, 2025
Don’t be fooled by the unassuming cover
This is an incredible, captivating, and uplifting story. I throughly enjoyed every minute of it and the ending was absolutely satisfying. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
This is an incredible, captivating, and uplifting story. I throughly enjoyed every minute of it and the ending was absolutely satisfying. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
July 1, 2025
Surprising
I've never heard the tail of Lohengrin, but now I want to! This was a delightful story. My Fav and I had to put the book down several times to um... discuss some part or other. It was great fun. A good read!
I've never heard the tail of Lohengrin, but now I want to! This was a delightful story. My Fav and I had to put the book down several times to um... discuss some part or other. It was great fun. A good read!
September 9, 2025
Gripping and sweet
This is a lovely retelling of a lost prince a princess trapped in a plot to steal a throne, a bard enjoined to only make songs telling the truth and a cursed knight
This is a lovely retelling of a lost prince a princess trapped in a plot to steal a throne, a bard enjoined to only make songs telling the truth and a cursed knight
August 8, 2023
Good book!
I enjoyed reading this story, and I am looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future!
I enjoyed reading this story, and I am looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future!
June 5, 2024
Another stunner
Perhaps my new favorite of Beran's books! Elsa and Lowen are adorable and I am so glad I spent this time with them.
Perhaps my new favorite of Beran's books! Elsa and Lowen are adorable and I am so glad I spent this time with them.
June 6, 2024
This book has become one of my all time favourites. Everything from the story to the character growth to the vibe was perfect. I am utterly in love.
Squeaky clean content as usual.
Squeaky clean content as usual.
July 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this story.
Content: clean - mild violence
Content: clean - mild violence
April 7, 2025
Great plot, engaging characters, loved the world building, well written and clean. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
June 1, 2025
Ugh I’m a mess! I loved this story so much, Green is truly a knight in shining armor and I love his devotion to Elsa.
June 16, 2025
4.25 stars🫶🏻
August 24, 2025
Oh my! Elsa and Sir Green are wonderful! I really love the way he steps up to be her champion and that he fights for her because he sees her worth. Really noble, protective MMC. And oh man. I do love the ending!
I also love seeing Celesta in this book and I realized To Crack a Soldier comes after this one and tells her story. Go check it out!
I also love seeing Celesta in this book and I realized To Crack a Soldier comes after this one and tells her story. Go check it out!
January 6, 2026
Content:
Profanity: None.
Violence: High mild. There are multiple wounds depicted with minor blood but nothing graphic. Mostly stab wounds/slashes with swords and the like. Stitches required. Peril throughout.
Sexual: Mild. This has a marriage of convenience so there is a conversation about expectations within the marriage, which are almost immediately dismissed because the male character is honorable. A few hair/cheek kisses and a few on the mouth kisses. All G-rated and sweet.
Triggers: One character deals with betrayal and feeling abandoned.
A 4.5 rounded up to a 5
This was fantastic.
I wasn't familiar with the Lohengrin opera by Wagner, but I do know Arthurian legends. Lohengrin is a tale I was only vaguely familiar with, and I LOVE how Sarah Beran retold his story. It's one of those I never really cared for, because of the sad ending that just seemed sad for the sake of drama (it was a medieval romance thing). THANK YOU FOR FIXING IT.
Lowen Green (haha) is a knight who wanders around all the realms of faerie and defends whomever is put into his path. The problem is, he's cursed. If anyone asks who he is, he is immediately whisked away to another place that he has never been before, and can never return to any place he's already traveled to. He believes strongly that the Almighty is directing his path in many ways, using his curse to do good.
But he's always alone.
Never really known.
Thankfully, he's got his faithful squire/bard best friend, Sylvester as his one companion. I adored their friendship. It was amazing. While traveling, they hear of the plight of a princess of Summer, Elsa Brabant, who is in dire need.
Elsa is in a huge pickle. Her brother, the heir to the throne, has gone missing. And there's a certain member of the council who is eyeing the throne. Enter Sir Green, who offers everything he has to get her out of said pickle.
Their relationship is sweet and lovely. The fun is figuring out Lowen/Green's background and story as the plot progresses. I loved how it all unfolded. Especially that ending. Cue my happy tears.
There are so many aspects of this story I loved. The brother/best friend relationship between Lowen and Sylvester was my all-time favorite. And then at the end when Pardon me while I go blubber-sob.
Lowen's faith was inspiring. He listened and followed the 'Almighty' always, despite It really brought home those moments when I personally have felt utterly alone and don't understand why I have to go through certain things, and yet still hold tight to faith. Lowen became real to me then, in those moments.
I just loved this book. I could ramble for a good long while, but that's what it comes down to: I simply loved it. It touched my heart and entertained me, and left me warm and hopeful.
AUDIOBOOK
This audio was well done, but I didn't like it as much as I hoped I would. I think it's partially because I enjoyed reading this one so much, I'm kinda bummed that Tawnya Rollingson started using voices I've heard in the other books Sarah Beran has had her narrate. Princess Celesta sounds just like Fay from "Callie and the Pumpkin Seed", and Telramund sounds like the slimy guy who wants to marry Callie in the same book. This is the reason I like authors to branch out on who they use as narrators. It's no fault on the narrator, they can't do it all. But it's hard to not hear other characters and then get pulled out of the story. Still a good audio, I'm just really picky about same narrator use.
Profanity: None.
Violence: High mild. There are multiple wounds depicted with minor blood but nothing graphic. Mostly stab wounds/slashes with swords and the like. Stitches required. Peril throughout.
Sexual: Mild. This has a marriage of convenience so there is a conversation about expectations within the marriage, which are almost immediately dismissed because the male character is honorable. A few hair/cheek kisses and a few on the mouth kisses. All G-rated and sweet.
Triggers: One character deals with betrayal and feeling abandoned.
A 4.5 rounded up to a 5
This was fantastic.
I wasn't familiar with the Lohengrin opera by Wagner, but I do know Arthurian legends. Lohengrin is a tale I was only vaguely familiar with, and I LOVE how Sarah Beran retold his story. It's one of those I never really cared for, because of the sad ending that just seemed sad for the sake of drama (it was a medieval romance thing). THANK YOU FOR FIXING IT.
Lowen Green (haha) is a knight who wanders around all the realms of faerie and defends whomever is put into his path. The problem is, he's cursed. If anyone asks who he is, he is immediately whisked away to another place that he has never been before, and can never return to any place he's already traveled to. He believes strongly that the Almighty is directing his path in many ways, using his curse to do good.
But he's always alone.
Never really known.
Thankfully, he's got his faithful squire/bard best friend, Sylvester as his one companion. I adored their friendship. It was amazing. While traveling, they hear of the plight of a princess of Summer, Elsa Brabant, who is in dire need.
Elsa is in a huge pickle. Her brother, the heir to the throne, has gone missing. And there's a certain member of the council who is eyeing the throne. Enter Sir Green, who offers everything he has to get her out of said pickle.
Their relationship is sweet and lovely. The fun is figuring out Lowen/Green's background and story as the plot progresses. I loved how it all unfolded. Especially that ending. Cue my happy tears.
There are so many aspects of this story I loved. The brother/best friend relationship between Lowen and Sylvester was my all-time favorite. And then at the end when Pardon me while I go blubber-sob.
Lowen's faith was inspiring. He listened and followed the 'Almighty' always, despite It really brought home those moments when I personally have felt utterly alone and don't understand why I have to go through certain things, and yet still hold tight to faith. Lowen became real to me then, in those moments.
I just loved this book. I could ramble for a good long while, but that's what it comes down to: I simply loved it. It touched my heart and entertained me, and left me warm and hopeful.
AUDIOBOOK
This audio was well done, but I didn't like it as much as I hoped I would. I think it's partially because I enjoyed reading this one so much, I'm kinda bummed that Tawnya Rollingson started using voices I've heard in the other books Sarah Beran has had her narrate. Princess Celesta sounds just like Fay from "Callie and the Pumpkin Seed", and Telramund sounds like the slimy guy who wants to marry Callie in the same book. This is the reason I like authors to branch out on who they use as narrators. It's no fault on the narrator, they can't do it all. But it's hard to not hear other characters and then get pulled out of the story. Still a good audio, I'm just really picky about same narrator use.
December 19, 2025
4.5 fot sure. this is the second book in the series. cannot wait to read the Autumn one which is the 3rd. I love how God is known as The Almighty. Sarah Beran has done a great one with combining Christianity with Fairytale retelling.
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