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Veil of Shadows #2
Nightingale Girl
Things aren’t so wonderful within the Seven Kingdoms of Heaven. Meg promised on Sparrow’s life not to leave, but Sparrow’s starting to act a little… strange. Again. The daughter of an Archangel and the Devil’s own spawn should know better than to expect two tickets to paradise without complications. But sometimes falling in love can change a world-weary country girl. Sometimes following your heart means losing your mind.
Sparrow Man Book 2.
Sparrow Man Book 2.
272 pages, Paperback
Published June 11, 2023
17 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Pritchard
50 books165 followersM. R. Pritchard is a two-time Kindle Scout winning author and her short story "Glitch" has been featured in the 2017 winter edition of THE FIRST LINE literary journal. She holds degrees in Biochemistry and Nursing. She is a northern New Yorker transplanted to the Gulf Coast of Florida who enjoys coffee, mint chocolate, cloudy days, and reading on the lanai.
Visit her website MRPritchard.com and sign up for her newsletter. You'll get a monthly newsletter with updates, day to day shenanigans, and book deals.
Visit her website MRPritchard.com and sign up for her newsletter. You'll get a monthly newsletter with updates, day to day shenanigans, and book deals.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 7, 2017
Nightingale Girl by M.R. Pritchard is a really good kindle scout book! It is a fantasy with intrigue, a bit off the norm, unique, strange in a good way, and has characters that are all their own. I found it refreshing and odd, but I like that in a book, maybe it is just me! If you are looking something different but you are not sure what, this is it!
April 4, 2017
4.5 Stars
Full Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via Kindle Scout. This has not influenced my review.*
I was hesitant to even read this after the first book, not because I didn't enjoy but because I knew this would have a totally different feel to it. What I loved most about the first book was the quirky, offbeat, feel-good vibe of Meg and Sparrow traipsing through the continent, killing zombies, collecting feathers, and getting to know one another. I was sad when the book changed and took that away from me and introduced certain supernatural creatures into the mix, creatures I generally don't like reading about. But I am SO glad I decided to continue because I loved this book!
First of all, Meg's characterization and voice really stood out in a great way. It was fantastic. She grew up in a trailer park with a dad who beat her. She spent her time smoking, drinking, stealing, speeding down roads, having underage sex, and doing all sorts of illegal things. She spent time in juvie as a kid. She likes to party and drink beer to unwind. She's the opposite of little ol' goody-two-shoes, bookworm me in so many ways, yet somehow I was able to like her and understand her and empathize with her and even relate with some of her emotions. She also cracked me up quite a bit. And she was a strong person, someone who dealt with a lot but still kept fighting. So I just loved her character.
(I also just really love quotes about Walmart because they're always so accurate, but I digress.)
In fact, the characters in general were what made this book shine. There really wasn't much to the plot until the very end, but I was drawn in regardless. I loved seeing the interactions between all the characters and how they were all handling things.
I was surprised that Jim seemed so docile; I thought he'd be a lot more angry considering the things that have happened, but no, he displayed his asshole-ness in a more subtle way by sneering and using words to fuck with Meg emotionally, knowing just what to say---or tell Sparrow to say---to poke at her fears and doubts. I loved seeing how Meg dealt with him (I give her props for even being able to deal with him at all after what he did), and I was always leery of what vile thing he might do next.
I also loved Meg's friendship with Noah, and Noah himself totally won me over. He may not have been a typical "knight in shining armor" kinda guy, but it was clear that he had always cared about Meg and still did, and he ended up being really lovable.
I am kind of worried though, like Meg, that I won't like Sparrow's "normal" because his quirkiness was what I loved so much about him in the first book, and that was another reason I was hesitant to continue, but he still wasn't entirely normal in this book because of the situation, and my love for the other characters made up for the differences in Sparrow.
I was also intrigued by the whole Hellion thing. I don't know, like, they're awful, but they have this crazy lair stocked with alcohol and blood and chains and a pool table where they hang out and then they go off during the day and do mysterious Hellion stuff, all while wearing leather and flying around with leather wings. How is that not intriguing?
I don't even know... I just found so much about this book intriguing. I don't have any other word for it. The whole book had this kind of oddly surrealistic yet realistic feel.
I was also super glad that the book was really focused on the characters and not about *SPOILER (for Book 1)* *END SPOILER* which is what I had thought it would be about. And I was glad it was set mostly in *SPOILER (for Book 1)* *END SPOILER*
I also cracked up a lot, what with Meg's thoughts and her interactions with Noah and even just the way *SPOILER (for Book 1)* *END SPOILER* And hearing about how Noah got all the food was kind of funny but also kind of horrifying and I wasn't sure how I should feel about it lol.
But I also really felt for Meg. She's this super tough, thick-skinned, been-through-shit, not-emotional kind of girl, but, somehow, she was never cold or emotionless either. And seeing her actually feel heartbroken just made me feel for her even more.
The only negative thing I have to say is that all this stuff started happening near the end, and I just couldn't quite make sense of all of it or all the characters' parts in it. Like why Clea kept being so cryptic and didn't step in to help if she knew everything that was going on and wanted Meg and Sparrow to be happy together. Or how she could have known that the random things she did would lead to the desired outcomes. Or why the man running the place didn't seem to know, or maybe just didn't care about, what was going on right under his own roof.
Overall though, I loved the book and the characters and the completely unique premise, and I'm definitely glad I decided to continue the series!
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in M. R. Pritchard's Sparrow Man Series. Anyone looking for a somewhat offbeat supernatural read, especially if you like quirky and/or really developed characters.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Full Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via Kindle Scout. This has not influenced my review.*
I was hesitant to even read this after the first book, not because I didn't enjoy but because I knew this would have a totally different feel to it. What I loved most about the first book was the quirky, offbeat, feel-good vibe of Meg and Sparrow traipsing through the continent, killing zombies, collecting feathers, and getting to know one another. I was sad when the book changed and took that away from me and introduced certain supernatural creatures into the mix, creatures I generally don't like reading about. But I am SO glad I decided to continue because I loved this book!
First of all, Meg's characterization and voice really stood out in a great way. It was fantastic. She grew up in a trailer park with a dad who beat her. She spent her time smoking, drinking, stealing, speeding down roads, having underage sex, and doing all sorts of illegal things. She spent time in juvie as a kid. She likes to party and drink beer to unwind. She's the opposite of little ol' goody-two-shoes, bookworm me in so many ways, yet somehow I was able to like her and understand her and empathize with her and even relate with some of her emotions. She also cracked me up quite a bit. And she was a strong person, someone who dealt with a lot but still kept fighting. So I just loved her character.
By the time I reach the stairwell, I wish I had something more appropriate on. I’m wearing nothing but a long T-shirt and underwear. Oh well, I’ve worn less into Walmart.
(I also just really love quotes about Walmart because they're always so accurate, but I digress.)
In fact, the characters in general were what made this book shine. There really wasn't much to the plot until the very end, but I was drawn in regardless. I loved seeing the interactions between all the characters and how they were all handling things.
I was surprised that Jim seemed so docile; I thought he'd be a lot more angry considering the things that have happened, but no, he displayed his asshole-ness in a more subtle way by sneering and using words to fuck with Meg emotionally, knowing just what to say---or tell Sparrow to say---to poke at her fears and doubts. I loved seeing how Meg dealt with him (I give her props for even being able to deal with him at all after what he did), and I was always leery of what vile thing he might do next.
I also loved Meg's friendship with Noah, and Noah himself totally won me over. He may not have been a typical "knight in shining armor" kinda guy, but it was clear that he had always cared about Meg and still did, and he ended up being really lovable.
I am kind of worried though, like Meg, that I won't like Sparrow's "normal" because his quirkiness was what I loved so much about him in the first book, and that was another reason I was hesitant to continue, but he still wasn't entirely normal in this book because of the situation, and my love for the other characters made up for the differences in Sparrow.
“Cool threads, man.”
Sparrow whistles something that sounds like a blue jay call. The guy at the counter looks confused. I should tell him not to mind my man, who has apparently decided to communicate with birdcalls.
I was also intrigued by the whole Hellion thing. I don't know, like, they're awful, but they have this crazy lair stocked with alcohol and blood and chains and a pool table where they hang out and then they go off during the day and do mysterious Hellion stuff, all while wearing leather and flying around with leather wings. How is that not intriguing?
I don't even know... I just found so much about this book intriguing. I don't have any other word for it. The whole book had this kind of oddly surrealistic yet realistic feel.
I was also super glad that the book was really focused on the characters and not about *SPOILER (for Book 1)* *END SPOILER* which is what I had thought it would be about. And I was glad it was set mostly in *SPOILER (for Book 1)* *END SPOILER*
I also cracked up a lot, what with Meg's thoughts and her interactions with Noah and even just the way *SPOILER (for Book 1)* *END SPOILER* And hearing about how Noah got all the food was kind of funny but also kind of horrifying and I wasn't sure how I should feel about it lol.
“Never wore dirty underthings like this for me, Meg.”
“I couldn’t afford that shit when we were kids.” I pull a gray top from its hanger. I didn’t have a bank full of money until I turned twenty- five.
“What’s there to afford? It’s just string.” Noah closes the drawer. “I could go get some fishing line and make you something.”
But I also really felt for Meg. She's this super tough, thick-skinned, been-through-shit, not-emotional kind of girl, but, somehow, she was never cold or emotionless either. And seeing her actually feel heartbroken just made me feel for her even more.
The only negative thing I have to say is that all this stuff started happening near the end, and I just couldn't quite make sense of all of it or all the characters' parts in it. Like why Clea kept being so cryptic and didn't step in to help if she knew everything that was going on and wanted Meg and Sparrow to be happy together. Or how she could have known that the random things she did would lead to the desired outcomes. Or why the man running the place didn't seem to know, or maybe just didn't care about, what was going on right under his own roof.
Overall though, I loved the book and the characters and the completely unique premise, and I'm definitely glad I decided to continue the series!
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in M. R. Pritchard's Sparrow Man Series. Anyone looking for a somewhat offbeat supernatural read, especially if you like quirky and/or really developed characters.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
July 27, 2016
Meg has an interesting ancestry; she’s the result of the union between an archangel and the devil’s daughter. Things aren’t going well in the Seven Kingdoms of Heaven, and in order to set them right, Meg has to leave. The problem is that she’s promised, on the life of Sparrow, an angel she’s particular fond of, that she won’t leave. Then, Sparrow starts acting strangely, and she’s faced with a choice, keep her word or lose him. Of course she chooses the most arduous, dangerous, and annoying path.
Nightingale Girl by M. R. Pritchard is fantasy, but it’s also funny. This is a book you might want to read when no one else’s around, because you might be thought a bit bonkers sitting laughing to yourself. Meg is a thoroughly loveable character, but she’s almost upstaged by Sparrow’s sister, Nightingale, a roller skate-wearing nymph who makes Meg’s life miserable when she follows her to hell uninvited.
Pritchard does a good job balancing humor and thrills—hell, it’s mostly funny—and delivering the reader a cast of characters so unbelievable that you can’t help but love them.
Nightingale Girl by M. R. Pritchard is fantasy, but it’s also funny. This is a book you might want to read when no one else’s around, because you might be thought a bit bonkers sitting laughing to yourself. Meg is a thoroughly loveable character, but she’s almost upstaged by Sparrow’s sister, Nightingale, a roller skate-wearing nymph who makes Meg’s life miserable when she follows her to hell uninvited.
Pritchard does a good job balancing humor and thrills—hell, it’s mostly funny—and delivering the reader a cast of characters so unbelievable that you can’t help but love them.
July 30, 2016
A mixed breed, Meg isn’t finding Heaven so much to her liking. The darkness inside her is brooding and wants to have free rein. Plus her romantic interest, Sparrow, is acting like a strange bird indeed.
Turns out, because of Sparrow’s angelic lineage, he must undertake a dark task to save his people. Though Meg gave her word she wouldn’t leave heaven, she follows Sparrow and his runaway sister into the abyss, which is fraught with life-threatening perils.
Sparrow’s sister, Nightingale, is the wacky kid the family keeps hidden away, but she makes a point to escape to help her brother
Another great fantasy from Kindle Press with humor, edginess, childlike joy, and the frailty of love. Pritchard reminds us to nurture those we hold dear as we root for her characters to have a happily ever after.
Maggie Toussaint and Rigel Carson for Muddy Rose Reviews
Turns out, because of Sparrow’s angelic lineage, he must undertake a dark task to save his people. Though Meg gave her word she wouldn’t leave heaven, she follows Sparrow and his runaway sister into the abyss, which is fraught with life-threatening perils.
Sparrow’s sister, Nightingale, is the wacky kid the family keeps hidden away, but she makes a point to escape to help her brother
Another great fantasy from Kindle Press with humor, edginess, childlike joy, and the frailty of love. Pritchard reminds us to nurture those we hold dear as we root for her characters to have a happily ever after.
Maggie Toussaint and Rigel Carson for Muddy Rose Reviews
February 22, 2017
A fantasy story with a difference. Meg is half light,half dark. Her boyfriend's father is Lucius and hence he has to spend time in hell learning. His sister is Nightingale who lives in a world of her own most of the time.
This is the story of being there for someone who is going through a tough time, of love and trauma with strong characters that you can’t help but like. Meg,and Sparrow’s mother Clea, stand out in a well told tale. I am not normally into fantasy but this one grabbed me as it is so much more.
This is the story of being there for someone who is going through a tough time, of love and trauma with strong characters that you can’t help but like. Meg,and Sparrow’s mother Clea, stand out in a well told tale. I am not normally into fantasy but this one grabbed me as it is so much more.
November 24, 2023
The last few days have been lost devouring this incredible omnibus and as such, it is one to keep for a re-read where it can be savoured
The three books within complement each other beautifully and reflect the growth of not just the protagonist, Meg, but also the skill of the author.
The story is woven back and forth between the books and in a similar fashion to LOTR, each book raises questions, answers them and elaborates further. I am very glad this is an omnibus as I would have been on tenterhooks waiting for each book!
In the beginning, I saw glimmers of The Walking Dead amd I was thrilled as, lets be real, zombies! However, the omnibus twists and turns and grows into so much more than just another post-apocalyptic zombie tale. I am not going to elaborate on how, I will just say they are a factor of the saga, not the main performance
Meg is a fantastic protagonist, multi-dimensional and certainly not perfect and that is what adds something special to this book for me. She's relatable and I found my heart breaking for her one minute and being as frustrated as anything with her the next. That is a great character for me. She is interesting and her personal journey is wholly unexpected
Book 1: The Sparrow Man and Book 3: ScareCrow are certainly my favourites,but Book 2, Nightingale Girl had me intrigued at how everything could come together
On finishing the omnibus, I was both exhilerated and exhausted. Absolutely wonderful
This omnibus is absolutely brilliant and I am looking forward to reading more from this author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The three books within complement each other beautifully and reflect the growth of not just the protagonist, Meg, but also the skill of the author.
The story is woven back and forth between the books and in a similar fashion to LOTR, each book raises questions, answers them and elaborates further. I am very glad this is an omnibus as I would have been on tenterhooks waiting for each book!
In the beginning, I saw glimmers of The Walking Dead amd I was thrilled as, lets be real, zombies! However, the omnibus twists and turns and grows into so much more than just another post-apocalyptic zombie tale. I am not going to elaborate on how, I will just say they are a factor of the saga, not the main performance
Meg is a fantastic protagonist, multi-dimensional and certainly not perfect and that is what adds something special to this book for me. She's relatable and I found my heart breaking for her one minute and being as frustrated as anything with her the next. That is a great character for me. She is interesting and her personal journey is wholly unexpected
Book 1: The Sparrow Man and Book 3: ScareCrow are certainly my favourites,but Book 2, Nightingale Girl had me intrigued at how everything could come together
On finishing the omnibus, I was both exhilerated and exhausted. Absolutely wonderful
This omnibus is absolutely brilliant and I am looking forward to reading more from this author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 12, 2018
Angels among us
Sparrow and Meg are so different from each other and so much in love. Sparrow is an Angel that was banished to the earth for losing Meg when she was an infant. 25 years later they find each other and begin the treacherous journey of trying to go home. This is an awesome series of good versus evil!
Sparrow and Meg are so different from each other and so much in love. Sparrow is an Angel that was banished to the earth for losing Meg when she was an infant. 25 years later they find each other and begin the treacherous journey of trying to go home. This is an awesome series of good versus evil!
October 22, 2017
Another fast read
I love books that I can’t immediately guess how they will end and this was one of those books. Now I just have to read the next one to see what happens to Meg & Sparrow.
I love books that I can’t immediately guess how they will end and this was one of those books. Now I just have to read the next one to see what happens to Meg & Sparrow.
June 24, 2017
Another great one!
This is a story that grabs you and keeps you reading long after you should be sleeping. On to the next one!
This is a story that grabs you and keeps you reading long after you should be sleeping. On to the next one!
May 7, 2018
So bad, just so bad
April 30, 2025
Lots of plot twists I wasn’t expecting! Definitely a page turner!
April 30, 2025
This fantasy series is so good. There are ao many different characters. I love Megs' wittiness.
March 1, 2017
I have mixed feelings about this book. The title makes it sound like it will be about the angel Nightingale. Although she has a part to play, it's not the main focus of the story. At times, the plot felt disjointed, switching from things happening to Meg and Sparrow, then to Nightingale, then back to Meg and Sparrow. They all do tie together, but not in a nice, seamless way. If you look beyond that, Sparrow's plight with the Hellions made for an interesting tale. I also wasn't crazy about the foul-mouthed angels with anger issues. That whole world felt off to me, but I'm sure others will have no issues with it.
I received a copy of this book through the Kindle Scout program.
I received a copy of this book through the Kindle Scout program.
August 29, 2016
This must just be me - judging by the great reviews - but I couldn't get into this at all. It seemed like there were things going on/had been going on that I seemed to be missing. I gave up reading this book, which is something I very rarely do. Very frustrating for me and probably for the author too.
I received a free digital copy through Kindle Scout, and this is an honest review.
I received a free digital copy through Kindle Scout, and this is an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews