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The Sorcerer's Song #2
A Chorus of Fire: The Sorcerer's Song, Book 2
A shadow has moved across Lamoria. Whispers of the coming conflict are growing louder; the enemy becoming bolder. Belkar's reach has extended far into the heart of Ralmarstad, and war now seems inevitable.
Mariyah, clinging to the hope of one day being reunited with Lem, struggles to attain the power she will need to make the world safe again. But a power like this is not easily acquired and will test the limits of her mind and body. She will need to look deep inside herself to find the strength to achieve what even the Thaumas of old could not.
Lem continues his descent into darkness, serving a man he does not trust in the name of a faith that is not his own. Only Shemi keeps his heart from succumbing to despair, along with the knowledge that he has finally found Mariyah. But Lem is convinced she is being held against her will and compelled to do the bidding of her captors. He is determined to free her, regardless of the cost.
Their separate roads are leading them to the same destination. And once they arrive they will have to confront more than the power of Belkar. They will have to face themselves and what Lamoria has forced them to become.
Mariyah, clinging to the hope of one day being reunited with Lem, struggles to attain the power she will need to make the world safe again. But a power like this is not easily acquired and will test the limits of her mind and body. She will need to look deep inside herself to find the strength to achieve what even the Thaumas of old could not.
Lem continues his descent into darkness, serving a man he does not trust in the name of a faith that is not his own. Only Shemi keeps his heart from succumbing to despair, along with the knowledge that he has finally found Mariyah. But Lem is convinced she is being held against her will and compelled to do the bidding of her captors. He is determined to free her, regardless of the cost.
Their separate roads are leading them to the same destination. And once they arrive they will have to confront more than the power of Belkar. They will have to face themselves and what Lamoria has forced them to become.
Audible Audio
First published August 4, 2020
29 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Brian D. Anderson
47 books691 followersKnown as one of the O.G. independent authors of the 2010-2012 indie explosion, Brian D. Anderson gained massive popularity right out of the gate with his debut series, The Godling Chronicles. His follow-up series, Dragonvein, was just as popular, Book One becoming a Top Five Finalist on Audible.com for Fantasy Book of the Year in 2015 – becoming the very first independent to reach the finals. But Anderson was far from finished.
After co-authoring Akiri with Steven Savile (Warhammer, Pathfinder, Dr. Who, and Sherlock Holmes) Anderson became the first independent author in history to secure a six-figure audio only deal for his highly anticipated two-book sequel of The Godling Chronicles.
Anderson continued with his indie career with The Vale series. But even after twenty novels, he felt there was more to accomplish. So he secured a three-book deal with Tor Books for The Sorcerer’s Song series.
When not writing, Brian D. Anderson divides his time enjoying his friends and family at home in the sleepy little southern town of Fairhope, Alabama, and riding atop his Harley Davidson, dubbed The Mighty Puck, traveling the country from convention to convention, meeting fans and signing books.
After co-authoring Akiri with Steven Savile (Warhammer, Pathfinder, Dr. Who, and Sherlock Holmes) Anderson became the first independent author in history to secure a six-figure audio only deal for his highly anticipated two-book sequel of The Godling Chronicles.
Anderson continued with his indie career with The Vale series. But even after twenty novels, he felt there was more to accomplish. So he secured a three-book deal with Tor Books for The Sorcerer’s Song series.
When not writing, Brian D. Anderson divides his time enjoying his friends and family at home in the sleepy little southern town of Fairhope, Alabama, and riding atop his Harley Davidson, dubbed The Mighty Puck, traveling the country from convention to convention, meeting fans and signing books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 8, 2020
ARC provided by the publisher—Tor Books—in exchange for an honest review.
A great page-turning sequel that's incredibly easy and comfortable to read.
Similar to my review for The Bard’s Blade, I’m going to start this review by giving appreciation to the cover artist first. Felix Ortiz has truly done a spectacular job illustrating the cover arts of this series, and I can’t wait to see what he’ll come up with for the cover art of the next book. Content-wise, The Bard’s Blade was one of my favorite books of 2019; I’ll even go as far as saying that it’s one of my favorites first installment to a trilogy. A Chorus of Fire, the second book in The Sorcerer’s Song trilogy by Brian D. Anderson, lived up to its predecessor nicely; if you enjoyed reading The Bard’s Blade, I’m sure you’re going to enjoy reading this one.
Honestly, I could practically repeat everything positive I elaborated in my review of The Bard’s Blade and it would still be applicable here. Please pardon me if this review sounded repetitive. The story in A Chorus of Fire takes place soon after what happened at the end of the previous book, and it’s an installment that mainly revolves around the most vital aspect of this series: the characterizations and the genuine character’s developments. Lem and Mariyah are characters that felt so real, and I loved reading about them so much. Struggles and hardships have completely robbed them of their innocence, and witnessing them trying their best to retain every sense of goodness while having to do relatively bad things to survive was utterly captivating. A longing for peace, a longing for a different life, trying to love and stay loyal to each other despite myriad temptations; the characterizations for these two, above everything else in the series, are what made The Sorcerer’s Song so far worked so well for me.
It’s also worth noting that this series is very easy to breeze through due to Anderson’s writing style. I personally think that Anderson’s prose is commendable. Yes, it is very simplistic and accessible, some have argued that the writing felt YA, but I think this is a very subjective interpretation. I think there’s the tendency to immediately classify an author’s prose as being YA writing style—like it immediately means it’s a bad thing when it’s not—when the author uses simplistic vocabulary that’s accessible by both teenagers and adult audience. I loved reading Anderson’s writing; it was so easy and engaging to read; I was in the right mood for a high fantasy that’s easier to devour, and Anderson delivers once again. Plus, the epigraphs in A Chorus of Fire was so imminently quotable. I’m not kidding; I actually highlighted almost every epigraph in this book. Here are a few of my favorite epigraphs:
Speaking of music, I’ve mentioned several times that I wish more fantasy books would include bards and music in their stories. The rarity is frankly insane, ever since I finished The Bard’s Blade last year, all the fantasy books I read since then didn’t have any bard or music playing a prominent role. The inclusion of music in the first book of this trilogy was one of the reasons why I loved the first book so much; it’s also where, in my opinion, Anderson’s writing excels the most. It is unfortunate—and understandable due to story purposes—that the focus on music is mostly missing in this installment. This and the end sections of the book that flew too quickly to my liking is why I slightly loved the first book more. On the bright side, though, it’s enlightening to know the revelations behind Kylor, Belkar, and the role of the Bards in the series.
A Chorus of Fire is a wonderful compelling sequel overflowing with excellent characterizations. There’s nothing revolutionary about this series, but if you want to read an easy-to-read high fantasy with characters that spark every sense of your empathy, you can’t go wrong with reading this series. I also love the contrast usage of music versus weapon/magic used in the respective titles of this series. First, we have The Bard’s Blade, then A Chorus of Fire, and lastly, The Sword’s Elegy, in a series called The Sorcerer’s Song; this is a lovely touch because music, assassinations, and magic are integral parts of the series. I can’t wait to find out how the series concludes in The Sword’s Elegy. I know I have spammed this review with so many quotes from the book; I can't help it, there's so many gems here. Here's one more to close this review:
Official release date: 4th August 2020
You can order the book from: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository (Free shipping)
The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Devin, Hamad, Joie, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas.
A great page-turning sequel that's incredibly easy and comfortable to read.
“The scales of mortal hearts are tilted in favor of love. It is in this their virtue is made manifest.”
Similar to my review for The Bard’s Blade, I’m going to start this review by giving appreciation to the cover artist first. Felix Ortiz has truly done a spectacular job illustrating the cover arts of this series, and I can’t wait to see what he’ll come up with for the cover art of the next book. Content-wise, The Bard’s Blade was one of my favorite books of 2019; I’ll even go as far as saying that it’s one of my favorites first installment to a trilogy. A Chorus of Fire, the second book in The Sorcerer’s Song trilogy by Brian D. Anderson, lived up to its predecessor nicely; if you enjoyed reading The Bard’s Blade, I’m sure you’re going to enjoy reading this one.
“Forgiveness is the sustenance that feeds the soul. Even the darkest heart is not irredeemable in the eyes of Kylor.”
Honestly, I could practically repeat everything positive I elaborated in my review of The Bard’s Blade and it would still be applicable here. Please pardon me if this review sounded repetitive. The story in A Chorus of Fire takes place soon after what happened at the end of the previous book, and it’s an installment that mainly revolves around the most vital aspect of this series: the characterizations and the genuine character’s developments. Lem and Mariyah are characters that felt so real, and I loved reading about them so much. Struggles and hardships have completely robbed them of their innocence, and witnessing them trying their best to retain every sense of goodness while having to do relatively bad things to survive was utterly captivating. A longing for peace, a longing for a different life, trying to love and stay loyal to each other despite myriad temptations; the characterizations for these two, above everything else in the series, are what made The Sorcerer’s Song so far worked so well for me.
“To slay so many for the benefit of one, even one you love dearly, exacts a heavy price.”
It’s also worth noting that this series is very easy to breeze through due to Anderson’s writing style. I personally think that Anderson’s prose is commendable. Yes, it is very simplistic and accessible, some have argued that the writing felt YA, but I think this is a very subjective interpretation. I think there’s the tendency to immediately classify an author’s prose as being YA writing style—like it immediately means it’s a bad thing when it’s not—when the author uses simplistic vocabulary that’s accessible by both teenagers and adult audience. I loved reading Anderson’s writing; it was so easy and engaging to read; I was in the right mood for a high fantasy that’s easier to devour, and Anderson delivers once again. Plus, the epigraphs in A Chorus of Fire was so imminently quotable. I’m not kidding; I actually highlighted almost every epigraph in this book. Here are a few of my favorite epigraphs:
“A painful truth is far better than a soothing lie. A seed cannot grow buried in the soil of deception.”
“Do not allow your pride to make you a fool. It is the humble soul who reaches the loftiest peaks—where true bliss resides.”
“Heed the call from a friend in peril, for salvation is earned through deeds of fidelity and courage.”
“Through music, a bard extends their soul to heal the woes of Lamoria. They are a salve to soothe the burn, a blanket to combat the cold.”
Speaking of music, I’ve mentioned several times that I wish more fantasy books would include bards and music in their stories. The rarity is frankly insane, ever since I finished The Bard’s Blade last year, all the fantasy books I read since then didn’t have any bard or music playing a prominent role. The inclusion of music in the first book of this trilogy was one of the reasons why I loved the first book so much; it’s also where, in my opinion, Anderson’s writing excels the most. It is unfortunate—and understandable due to story purposes—that the focus on music is mostly missing in this installment. This and the end sections of the book that flew too quickly to my liking is why I slightly loved the first book more. On the bright side, though, it’s enlightening to know the revelations behind Kylor, Belkar, and the role of the Bards in the series.
“Occasionally he feared he would lose the ability to experience the joy music gave him. To lose his love for music would be like having an arm or a leg hacked off.”
A Chorus of Fire is a wonderful compelling sequel overflowing with excellent characterizations. There’s nothing revolutionary about this series, but if you want to read an easy-to-read high fantasy with characters that spark every sense of your empathy, you can’t go wrong with reading this series. I also love the contrast usage of music versus weapon/magic used in the respective titles of this series. First, we have The Bard’s Blade, then A Chorus of Fire, and lastly, The Sword’s Elegy, in a series called The Sorcerer’s Song; this is a lovely touch because music, assassinations, and magic are integral parts of the series. I can’t wait to find out how the series concludes in The Sword’s Elegy. I know I have spammed this review with so many quotes from the book; I can't help it, there's so many gems here. Here's one more to close this review:
“A good meal can make you feel safe, happy, excited. Or it can remind you of people you’ve lost, or good times long past. A fine meal is more than something to fill your belly. It fills your soul.”
Official release date: 4th August 2020
You can order the book from: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository (Free shipping)
The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Devin, Hamad, Joie, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas.
September 14, 2020
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
A captivating continuation, A Chorus of fire expertly sets up the series for a climactic finish.
The Bard’s Blade was the first book I read by Brian D. Anderson and I loved it. As I stated in my review for that book, there are not many fantasy stories where music plays a major role. That does not seem to have changed much since I wrote that and I was eagerly looking forward to immersing myself back in this world. When I was given the chance to read the sequel early, I had zero hesitation in saying “YES, PLEASE!” Before I carry on though, I would like to give a shout out to Felix Ortiz for the gorgeous cover art he created for this book.
“A knife in the dark. A whisper in the mist. When death is nigh, a final prayer. To send your soul to loving arms on gentle shores. Eternal paradise awaits those who welcome my kiss.”
A Chorus of Fire picks up the threads of this story shortly after the events of the first book. Both Lem and Mariyah have followed paths they never expected to travel down in their wildest dreams. Countless, exciting new possibilities have been revealed to them, but there are two sides to a coin. They have also seen the uglier side of humanity and had to do many things they are not proud of, with dark deeds weighing particularly heavy on Lem’s mind.
“For these things, it is just that you suffer. If you did not, it would make you a monster.”
Where they once had perfect lives planned out, their new reality is one in which the machinations of a powerful, malevolent force is tainting every hope and dream once held. They never give up though and keep on fighting to hold onto the good people they were; their love for one another a constant, driving compass for their thoughts and deeds. And they will need this strength. Both of them will have to embrace the opportunities given to them to learn everything they can in preparation for the coming onslaught of this ancient enemy.
“The deadliest foe is one without hope”
I praised the characterizations of the first book in my review for that one, and the author has continued the good work in this sequel. Len and Mariyah are both such well written, realistic protagonists that I never felt disappointment when the POV shifted. That said, I felt I could shake them a few times, as they had moments in this book where I thought they were being particularly rude. This stood out for me, but only because they have up to now had an easy going way and excellent manners, possibly due to their sheltered upbringing. Perhaps a bit harsh on my part as it might be ascribed to the stress of their situation… *shrugs… I don’t like rudeness. As for the other characters, I’d like to give honorable mentions to two. I have developed a fondness for Loria who has not had an easy life, but has changed her fortunes through hard work and sheer will and is doing everything she can in the fight against the evil that seeks to destroy their world. As a mentor character she is hitting all the right notes for me. The second person is Shemi, who is just a warmhearted soul. I loved seeing more of him and thought his relationship with Travil was a nice added touch.
"…the soul is like a silver cup. Neglected, it becomes tarnished and ugly, but all it takes is love to make it shine again."
Concerning worldbuilding, Brain D Anderson has not rested on his laurels after setting the scene in the first book. Quite a bit of history and lore is revealed through the tale, with the truth about Kylor being the most fascinating, but there were lots of little aspects that added to the overall picture. Our protagonists traveled around a bit, revealing many new locations and interesting places, such as a…drumroll… Bard’s College! So Anderson mixed my love for music with my love for a fantasy school setting and I could not have been more pleased. Unfortunately, the whole school part lasted only a chapter or two (WOE IS ME) where I wouldn’t have minded spending the rest of the book with Lem training at the college. As I said, music in fantasy is quite a rarity and something I wish there was more of, even in this very book. Mariyah had a similar short spell at a school of magic (again, I’m also a sucker for fantasy schools) and I would have loved more of that too. I understand though that this is a trilogy and there was no time for these things, but damn, I savoured every minute of it and wanted another helping.
I think it’s easy to see the reasons I enjoy this so much, but I can add one more. Anderson writes in a way that makes reading feel effortless easy and has the pages flying by in flurries. While some people see lucid, accessible writing as a negative thing, I am not one of them. I love a Malazan style book as much as the next fantasy fan, but there is just as much to enjoy in clear, uncomplicated storytelling. It always reminds me of a quote by a beloved children’s author: Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
A Chorus of Fire is a delightful sequel that delivers on the promise of its predecessor. It’s a classical, feel good fantasy that is perfect for those both new and old to the genre looking for something quick and easy to read, and an easy recommendation. I can’t wait to see where the finale takes us.
“…the world is limitless—a land of infinite hidden wonders begging to be discovered. Our body may have limits. But the boundaries of life are of our own creation, nothing more.”
***********************************************
Official release date:
• August 11th, 2020 (UK & US)
You can pre-order the book from:
• Amazon UK
• Amazon US
• Book Depository (Free shipping)
• Bookshop (Support Local Bookstores.)
• The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change
upon publication.
• You can find this review and more at Novel Notions
A captivating continuation, A Chorus of fire expertly sets up the series for a climactic finish.
The Bard’s Blade was the first book I read by Brian D. Anderson and I loved it. As I stated in my review for that book, there are not many fantasy stories where music plays a major role. That does not seem to have changed much since I wrote that and I was eagerly looking forward to immersing myself back in this world. When I was given the chance to read the sequel early, I had zero hesitation in saying “YES, PLEASE!” Before I carry on though, I would like to give a shout out to Felix Ortiz for the gorgeous cover art he created for this book.
“A knife in the dark. A whisper in the mist. When death is nigh, a final prayer. To send your soul to loving arms on gentle shores. Eternal paradise awaits those who welcome my kiss.”
A Chorus of Fire picks up the threads of this story shortly after the events of the first book. Both Lem and Mariyah have followed paths they never expected to travel down in their wildest dreams. Countless, exciting new possibilities have been revealed to them, but there are two sides to a coin. They have also seen the uglier side of humanity and had to do many things they are not proud of, with dark deeds weighing particularly heavy on Lem’s mind.
“For these things, it is just that you suffer. If you did not, it would make you a monster.”
Where they once had perfect lives planned out, their new reality is one in which the machinations of a powerful, malevolent force is tainting every hope and dream once held. They never give up though and keep on fighting to hold onto the good people they were; their love for one another a constant, driving compass for their thoughts and deeds. And they will need this strength. Both of them will have to embrace the opportunities given to them to learn everything they can in preparation for the coming onslaught of this ancient enemy.
“The deadliest foe is one without hope”
I praised the characterizations of the first book in my review for that one, and the author has continued the good work in this sequel. Len and Mariyah are both such well written, realistic protagonists that I never felt disappointment when the POV shifted. That said, I felt I could shake them a few times, as they had moments in this book where I thought they were being particularly rude. This stood out for me, but only because they have up to now had an easy going way and excellent manners, possibly due to their sheltered upbringing. Perhaps a bit harsh on my part as it might be ascribed to the stress of their situation… *shrugs… I don’t like rudeness. As for the other characters, I’d like to give honorable mentions to two. I have developed a fondness for Loria who has not had an easy life, but has changed her fortunes through hard work and sheer will and is doing everything she can in the fight against the evil that seeks to destroy their world. As a mentor character she is hitting all the right notes for me. The second person is Shemi, who is just a warmhearted soul. I loved seeing more of him and thought his relationship with Travil was a nice added touch.
"…the soul is like a silver cup. Neglected, it becomes tarnished and ugly, but all it takes is love to make it shine again."
Concerning worldbuilding, Brain D Anderson has not rested on his laurels after setting the scene in the first book. Quite a bit of history and lore is revealed through the tale, with the truth about Kylor being the most fascinating, but there were lots of little aspects that added to the overall picture. Our protagonists traveled around a bit, revealing many new locations and interesting places, such as a…drumroll… Bard’s College! So Anderson mixed my love for music with my love for a fantasy school setting and I could not have been more pleased. Unfortunately, the whole school part lasted only a chapter or two (WOE IS ME) where I wouldn’t have minded spending the rest of the book with Lem training at the college. As I said, music in fantasy is quite a rarity and something I wish there was more of, even in this very book. Mariyah had a similar short spell at a school of magic (again, I’m also a sucker for fantasy schools) and I would have loved more of that too. I understand though that this is a trilogy and there was no time for these things, but damn, I savoured every minute of it and wanted another helping.
I think it’s easy to see the reasons I enjoy this so much, but I can add one more. Anderson writes in a way that makes reading feel effortless easy and has the pages flying by in flurries. While some people see lucid, accessible writing as a negative thing, I am not one of them. I love a Malazan style book as much as the next fantasy fan, but there is just as much to enjoy in clear, uncomplicated storytelling. It always reminds me of a quote by a beloved children’s author: Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
A Chorus of Fire is a delightful sequel that delivers on the promise of its predecessor. It’s a classical, feel good fantasy that is perfect for those both new and old to the genre looking for something quick and easy to read, and an easy recommendation. I can’t wait to see where the finale takes us.
“…the world is limitless—a land of infinite hidden wonders begging to be discovered. Our body may have limits. But the boundaries of life are of our own creation, nothing more.”
***********************************************
Official release date:
• August 11th, 2020 (UK & US)
You can pre-order the book from:
• Amazon UK
• Amazon US
• Book Depository (Free shipping)
• Bookshop (Support Local Bookstores.)
• The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change
upon publication.
• You can find this review and more at Novel Notions
August 19, 2020
A Chorus of Fire is the second installment in an epic fantasy series with a very classic feel. I enjoyed the first book, but did have some structural and pacing issues, so I was pleased to find this a definite step up. Despite an uneven start (Mariyah's perspective being less interesting at the beginning) this really picks up and completely sucked me in.
I imagine some critics might say that the bones of this plot are something we've seen a lot before. And while that may be true, for me this felt like a warm hug of an epic fantasy story. It's familiar with classic tropes, but also refreshingly current with openly queer side characters and a heroine with agency who can go to darker places and be powerful enough to save others, not just need saving herself. Lem and Mariyah are both walking lines of morality that they are uncertain they can come back from, but the fate of the world hangs in the balance. The series also explores religion as something that can be both corrupt and valuable.
Later in the book the action and intrigue ramp up and while one of my issues with book 1 was an awkwardly abrupt ending, this ending was pitch perfect. It is a satisfying conclusion to the arc of the book, while leaving open many unresolved threads for future books in the series. Not a perfect book altogether, but one I quite enjoyed my time with and plan to continue on in the series. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings include murder, kidnapping, being drugged.
I imagine some critics might say that the bones of this plot are something we've seen a lot before. And while that may be true, for me this felt like a warm hug of an epic fantasy story. It's familiar with classic tropes, but also refreshingly current with openly queer side characters and a heroine with agency who can go to darker places and be powerful enough to save others, not just need saving herself. Lem and Mariyah are both walking lines of morality that they are uncertain they can come back from, but the fate of the world hangs in the balance. The series also explores religion as something that can be both corrupt and valuable.
Later in the book the action and intrigue ramp up and while one of my issues with book 1 was an awkwardly abrupt ending, this ending was pitch perfect. It is a satisfying conclusion to the arc of the book, while leaving open many unresolved threads for future books in the series. Not a perfect book altogether, but one I quite enjoyed my time with and plan to continue on in the series. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings include murder, kidnapping, being drugged.
September 13, 2020
This was a great sequel to The Bard's Blade. Sometimes the second book in a trilogy can feel disappointing, like it's just a bridge from book 1 to book 3, but not this one. Anderson's writing is easy to read while at the same time, he has built complex characters. In a way it reminds me of Michael J. Sullivan's writing. I'll definitely be looking for other things written by this author.
There were a couple of things that I thought would probably happen that I was completely wrong about, and I'm glad I was wrong. I really don't like it when a book is predictable. Although the overall plot is nothing new, and in many ways it reminds me of classic high fantasy, it somehow still feels fresh.
Once again I loved the bards and music in this series, and was thrilled when Lem was shown the magical aspect of being a bard. I really like the way the bard's magic is being woven into this story, and the history of the world. I haven't read a fantasy series with music in it like this since I read the Kingkiller Chronicles books, and honestly, I like these better.
I also loved how true to each other Lem and Mariyah are, even though they are apart. Each of them has changed so much since they've been apart, I was wondering how things would be for them when they were finally reunited. They've both had to make some hard choices and are no longer the naive innocents they were in the beginning of their journey. It seemed like they were giving up the part of themselves that the other loved the most. Will they still love each other the same after all this is done? We do get an answer to this at the end of the book, but I'm not about the spoil it here.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.
There were a couple of things that I thought would probably happen that I was completely wrong about, and I'm glad I was wrong. I really don't like it when a book is predictable. Although the overall plot is nothing new, and in many ways it reminds me of classic high fantasy, it somehow still feels fresh.
Once again I loved the bards and music in this series, and was thrilled when Lem was shown the magical aspect of being a bard. I really like the way the bard's magic is being woven into this story, and the history of the world. I haven't read a fantasy series with music in it like this since I read the Kingkiller Chronicles books, and honestly, I like these better.
I also loved how true to each other Lem and Mariyah are, even though they are apart. Each of them has changed so much since they've been apart, I was wondering how things would be for them when they were finally reunited. They've both had to make some hard choices and are no longer the naive innocents they were in the beginning of their journey. It seemed like they were giving up the part of themselves that the other loved the most. Will they still love each other the same after all this is done? We do get an answer to this at the end of the book, but I'm not about the spoil it here.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.
January 4, 2021
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2020/12/27/...
Reviews to sequels can be tough sometimes, because I find there’s only so many ways to say, “If you enjoyed the first one, then it’s a safe bet you’ll like this one too.” But this is exactly the case with A Chorus of Fire, follow-up up to The Bard’s Blade. As the second novel in the trilogy, it acts as a bridge, but there’s no “middle book” syndrome here as we’re pushing full speed ahead with the plot threads established in the first volume while also seeing a lot of development in the overall series arc and characters.
The story opens soon after the events of the previous novel. Lem, a once humble bard from Vylari had to become someone else to survive the harsh and cruel conditions of Lamoria, the world beyond the veil. Time and training has transformed him into a hardened assassin—the Blade of Kylor. He has killed in the name of a god he doesn’t believe in, more times than he can count. All of it was done to save Mariyah, the woman he loves who had followed him to Lamoria, only to become captured and imprisoned.
But unknown to Lem, Mariyah is far from helpless, nor is she truly the prisoner as he believes she is. Like him, she has been learning to survive, becoming a practitioner of magic. She too is doing everything she can in order to be granted her freedom and be reunited with her love, even if it requires challenging the boundaries of their relationship.
What’s clear is that our protagonists are no longer the innocent and untroubled youths we first met in book one. They’ve both been through so much and had their eyes open to hardship and pure evil. They have lost their idealism and sheltered views of the world. However, what remains unchanged is the strength of their bond. This is a tale of two people trying to find their way back to each other, and while it is a trope as old as time, it remains popular because the audience loves a couple they can cheer for. And when it comes to Lem and Mariyah, it’s even easier to root for them because they’re both so likeable and relatable.
Speaking of likeable and relatable, I have to give a nod to Brian D. Anderson’s effortless, flowing writing style. There’s nothing fancy about the prose, but it’s so easy to fall into. It almost does the story’s contents a disfavor, since we get deeper into the history and the politics of the world, and at times the details come across as overly simplistic. But given how rare it is to come across a good, accessible epic fantasy, The Sorcerer’s Song trilogy may fill a much-in-demand niche for readers who are interested in the genre but are looking for something lighter.
There’s also much to be said about the classic quest narrative. I love how both Lem and Mariyah’s storylines follow similar trajectories, but each one has their own unique challenges. The musical motifs remain strong throughout, as evidenced from the book titles as well as events in Lem’s chapters, while Mariyah’s mostly focus on magic. There are moments where I think the dialogue border on cheesiness, but somehow they don’t feel as objectionable or too out of place among the old-school vibes.
I said this about the first book, and I’ll say it again with A Chorus of Fire: For pure escapism, it doesn’t get any more perfect than this. We’re not talking about anything flashy or a series that will revolutionize the genre, but much like the idea of comfort foods, some books simply serve as great comfort reads. This very much describes The Sorcerer’s Song, which I’ve settled into like a warm, cozy blanket. The last time I felt like this was probably with Michael J. Sullivan’s Riyria Revelations, so if you like that style of traditional fantasy, I highly recommend also checking out The Bard’s Blade and A Chorus of Fire. I really hope these trends will continue into the final installment, and I’m looking forward to see how the trilogy will conclude.
Audiobook Comments: There’s a certain charm to Gildart Jackson’s confident, engaging narration. It appears he wasn’t the narrator for the first book, but nevertheless, he seems to have gotten a pretty good grasp for the characters which is impressive. I liked his voices for both Lem and Mariyah’s chapters, and overall it was a great performance.
Reviews to sequels can be tough sometimes, because I find there’s only so many ways to say, “If you enjoyed the first one, then it’s a safe bet you’ll like this one too.” But this is exactly the case with A Chorus of Fire, follow-up up to The Bard’s Blade. As the second novel in the trilogy, it acts as a bridge, but there’s no “middle book” syndrome here as we’re pushing full speed ahead with the plot threads established in the first volume while also seeing a lot of development in the overall series arc and characters.
The story opens soon after the events of the previous novel. Lem, a once humble bard from Vylari had to become someone else to survive the harsh and cruel conditions of Lamoria, the world beyond the veil. Time and training has transformed him into a hardened assassin—the Blade of Kylor. He has killed in the name of a god he doesn’t believe in, more times than he can count. All of it was done to save Mariyah, the woman he loves who had followed him to Lamoria, only to become captured and imprisoned.
But unknown to Lem, Mariyah is far from helpless, nor is she truly the prisoner as he believes she is. Like him, she has been learning to survive, becoming a practitioner of magic. She too is doing everything she can in order to be granted her freedom and be reunited with her love, even if it requires challenging the boundaries of their relationship.
What’s clear is that our protagonists are no longer the innocent and untroubled youths we first met in book one. They’ve both been through so much and had their eyes open to hardship and pure evil. They have lost their idealism and sheltered views of the world. However, what remains unchanged is the strength of their bond. This is a tale of two people trying to find their way back to each other, and while it is a trope as old as time, it remains popular because the audience loves a couple they can cheer for. And when it comes to Lem and Mariyah, it’s even easier to root for them because they’re both so likeable and relatable.
Speaking of likeable and relatable, I have to give a nod to Brian D. Anderson’s effortless, flowing writing style. There’s nothing fancy about the prose, but it’s so easy to fall into. It almost does the story’s contents a disfavor, since we get deeper into the history and the politics of the world, and at times the details come across as overly simplistic. But given how rare it is to come across a good, accessible epic fantasy, The Sorcerer’s Song trilogy may fill a much-in-demand niche for readers who are interested in the genre but are looking for something lighter.
There’s also much to be said about the classic quest narrative. I love how both Lem and Mariyah’s storylines follow similar trajectories, but each one has their own unique challenges. The musical motifs remain strong throughout, as evidenced from the book titles as well as events in Lem’s chapters, while Mariyah’s mostly focus on magic. There are moments where I think the dialogue border on cheesiness, but somehow they don’t feel as objectionable or too out of place among the old-school vibes.
I said this about the first book, and I’ll say it again with A Chorus of Fire: For pure escapism, it doesn’t get any more perfect than this. We’re not talking about anything flashy or a series that will revolutionize the genre, but much like the idea of comfort foods, some books simply serve as great comfort reads. This very much describes The Sorcerer’s Song, which I’ve settled into like a warm, cozy blanket. The last time I felt like this was probably with Michael J. Sullivan’s Riyria Revelations, so if you like that style of traditional fantasy, I highly recommend also checking out The Bard’s Blade and A Chorus of Fire. I really hope these trends will continue into the final installment, and I’m looking forward to see how the trilogy will conclude.
Audiobook Comments: There’s a certain charm to Gildart Jackson’s confident, engaging narration. It appears he wasn’t the narrator for the first book, but nevertheless, he seems to have gotten a pretty good grasp for the characters which is impressive. I liked his voices for both Lem and Mariyah’s chapters, and overall it was a great performance.
August 22, 2023
4 Stars
For the full review, check out: medium.com/hooked-on-books/book-revie...
What's the story about: A Chorus of Fire begins shortly after The Bard's Blade ended in that Mariyah and Lem are on very different paths, but both are hoping to reach one another eventually. Lem wants nothing more than to get Mariyah back through whatever means necessary, even if that means working for a man as an assassin. And Mariyah is doing her best to be trained in magic practices in order to prepare for the coming doom that is Belkar.
A Chorus of Fire is a fantastic, if not a little underwhelming, sequel to The Bard's Blade. With being a sufficient successor, it acknowledges what comes before it and seamlessly ties the two books together in a splendid and wonderful way. The characters change naturally, the story grows in scale and scope, the world increases in depth, all while keeping the main story of love the center of the narrative. Anderson shows off how well he can balance storytelling with a comfortable and simple read that is nearly flawless and satisfying, if not a little wasted. Instead of moving forward, it spins its wheels a little waiting for the end to really move in a direction. Not that it was unenjoyable, just not the amazing sequel that it could have been.
For the full review, check out: medium.com/hooked-on-books/book-revie...
What's the story about: A Chorus of Fire begins shortly after The Bard's Blade ended in that Mariyah and Lem are on very different paths, but both are hoping to reach one another eventually. Lem wants nothing more than to get Mariyah back through whatever means necessary, even if that means working for a man as an assassin. And Mariyah is doing her best to be trained in magic practices in order to prepare for the coming doom that is Belkar.
A Chorus of Fire is a fantastic, if not a little underwhelming, sequel to The Bard's Blade. With being a sufficient successor, it acknowledges what comes before it and seamlessly ties the two books together in a splendid and wonderful way. The characters change naturally, the story grows in scale and scope, the world increases in depth, all while keeping the main story of love the center of the narrative. Anderson shows off how well he can balance storytelling with a comfortable and simple read that is nearly flawless and satisfying, if not a little wasted. Instead of moving forward, it spins its wheels a little waiting for the end to really move in a direction. Not that it was unenjoyable, just not the amazing sequel that it could have been.
January 30, 2023
3.5 Stars
Although a good follow up, there was nothing that blew me away. There was definitely a moment in which I thought I had accidentally skipped a few pages, went to make sure I hadn't and when I realized I hadn't, was very confused. The end felt a little rushed and odd to me, bringing it down from 4 stars to 3.5
Although a good follow up, there was nothing that blew me away. There was definitely a moment in which I thought I had accidentally skipped a few pages, went to make sure I hadn't and when I realized I hadn't, was very confused. The end felt a little rushed and odd to me, bringing it down from 4 stars to 3.5
August 21, 2020
I struggle with reviewing the 2nd book of a series I really like – mostly because what more is there to say that I did not say the first time? I already told you about the characters, plot, setting, pacing, etc, for the most part. How do I address that again without repeating myself?
And that is basically where I am with The Sorcerer’s Song. Author Brian D. Anderson has an absolute gem on his hands with this series: The Bard’s Blade was marvelous, and A Chorus of Fire is just as good. Actually, I would say A Chorus of Fire is slightly better.
In Book 2 of the series, Lem and Mariyah are involved in the same events as they were in Book 1. Time has passed, though, and they are basically powered-up versions of themselves – both having found ways to get better at what they do. The rub here is that they are both still intent on getting back to the other. That is a plot point that oftentimes will get thrown away in Book 2 of series; it will start out with two people closely connected, they get separated for some reason, and in their newfound circumstances that longing for the other has faded. That is not the case, here. Lem and Mariyah both are still focusing on accomplishing their current task so they can get back to the other one. In this instance, distance has made the heart grow fonder, and I love that about this book.
One of the biggest draws to The Bard’s Blade, for me, was the video-game-like nature of the plot. This aspect of the story has not changed in A Chorus of Fire, and I am thankful for that. Adventure fantasy is my favorite, and not only is this story full of adventure many of the scenes gave me Zelda-like vibes. The plot for the characters feel like quests to me, and they discover people and items as they enter into new towns and areas of the map that give them new pieces of the story or interests to pursue. As the story continues, I can see myself pulling Lem along in Hyrule, fighting a million Octorok to level up, becoming strong enough to fight Ganondorf. Both the setting and narrative feel very nostalgic to me, and that is a great way to get me to like your book.
One big difference between A Chorus of Fire and a typical Book 2 is the amount of expansion. Typically, a second book in a series is an opportunity for the author to expand on the world of book 1. Both the protagonist and antagonists level up, and the reader typically gets to explore more of the setting. Anderson took that double-time in this book. A Chorus of Fire bring us a lot more than is typical: Lem and Mariyah are much stronger than I expected, as are their enemies. They get also get a lot deeper into the main, over-arching plot, as well. I like the fact that they also each have side-narratives going on while working toward their main goals, as well. The tension that brings to this story is one of the reasons it is such a page-turner.
Well, folks, Brian D. Anderson has done it again: A Chorus of Fire is a phenomenal, adventure-filled follow-up to The Bard’s Blade. I could not put it down, and I am guessing other fans of fantasy are going to feel the same way. This book gets my highest recommendation. Now the wait for the third installment begins.
And that is basically where I am with The Sorcerer’s Song. Author Brian D. Anderson has an absolute gem on his hands with this series: The Bard’s Blade was marvelous, and A Chorus of Fire is just as good. Actually, I would say A Chorus of Fire is slightly better.
In Book 2 of the series, Lem and Mariyah are involved in the same events as they were in Book 1. Time has passed, though, and they are basically powered-up versions of themselves – both having found ways to get better at what they do. The rub here is that they are both still intent on getting back to the other. That is a plot point that oftentimes will get thrown away in Book 2 of series; it will start out with two people closely connected, they get separated for some reason, and in their newfound circumstances that longing for the other has faded. That is not the case, here. Lem and Mariyah both are still focusing on accomplishing their current task so they can get back to the other one. In this instance, distance has made the heart grow fonder, and I love that about this book.
One of the biggest draws to The Bard’s Blade, for me, was the video-game-like nature of the plot. This aspect of the story has not changed in A Chorus of Fire, and I am thankful for that. Adventure fantasy is my favorite, and not only is this story full of adventure many of the scenes gave me Zelda-like vibes. The plot for the characters feel like quests to me, and they discover people and items as they enter into new towns and areas of the map that give them new pieces of the story or interests to pursue. As the story continues, I can see myself pulling Lem along in Hyrule, fighting a million Octorok to level up, becoming strong enough to fight Ganondorf. Both the setting and narrative feel very nostalgic to me, and that is a great way to get me to like your book.
One big difference between A Chorus of Fire and a typical Book 2 is the amount of expansion. Typically, a second book in a series is an opportunity for the author to expand on the world of book 1. Both the protagonist and antagonists level up, and the reader typically gets to explore more of the setting. Anderson took that double-time in this book. A Chorus of Fire bring us a lot more than is typical: Lem and Mariyah are much stronger than I expected, as are their enemies. They get also get a lot deeper into the main, over-arching plot, as well. I like the fact that they also each have side-narratives going on while working toward their main goals, as well. The tension that brings to this story is one of the reasons it is such a page-turner.
Well, folks, Brian D. Anderson has done it again: A Chorus of Fire is a phenomenal, adventure-filled follow-up to The Bard’s Blade. I could not put it down, and I am guessing other fans of fantasy are going to feel the same way. This book gets my highest recommendation. Now the wait for the third installment begins.
December 15, 2020
Cozy fantasy. I love the influence of music within this story. The covers of these novels need more praise. Love this story. My only criticism is that sometimes the plot feels a little cliched or YA but i guess its just the style
December 30, 2021
The Bard’s Blade is still my favorite, but this book certainly was awesome. The characters growth is impressive, and the development of the story took many unexpected turns. That said, I need the final book, thank you.
January 20, 2021
The first half of the book was kinda slow but towards the latter half of the book, it starts picking up. You start seeing how everything is preparing or foreshadowing for the conclusion of the next book. There are a couple of moments relating to magic that are skipped over just basically tying it up to the fact that ehh it's magic and not really going into any more in depth information. In this one, we actually get more POVs. In the first two book there was two: Lem and Mariyah. In this one we get a couple more towards the end of the book. I do hope to see more of Loria's point of view and how she has been preparing for the war and also the Thaumas as I feel their side is seriously underpowered. I'm looking forward to reading the third book to see how everything ties together and ends.
September 16, 2020
Unique fantasy continues!
All that glowering heaviness, despair and foundering romance, cloaked in the shadows of good and evil splashed against the canvas of Lamoria.
In this second in the series of Sorcerer's Song fantasy Lem and Mariyah are journeying on their seperate pathways, even as fate, magic and music are Lem and Mariyah them closer to each other.
I look forward to where the resolution of their story lies.
A Macmillan-Tor/Forge ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
All that glowering heaviness, despair and foundering romance, cloaked in the shadows of good and evil splashed against the canvas of Lamoria.
In this second in the series of Sorcerer's Song fantasy Lem and Mariyah are journeying on their seperate pathways, even as fate, magic and music are Lem and Mariyah them closer to each other.
I look forward to where the resolution of their story lies.
A Macmillan-Tor/Forge ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
June 8, 2023
4.5 stars
Despite what i felt was a rushed and forced conclusion for our main characters, A Chorus of Fire continues the captivating tale of magic, music, assassinations, and betrayal. I'm interested to see if our main characters make it home in the epilogue.
Despite what i felt was a rushed and forced conclusion for our main characters, A Chorus of Fire continues the captivating tale of magic, music, assassinations, and betrayal. I'm interested to see if our main characters make it home in the epilogue.
July 30, 2024
3.75/5
Still very fun and readable and while I do think that there was a bit of a weird jump in character development it was very fun to read, especially during exam season.
Still very fun and readable and while I do think that there was a bit of a weird jump in character development it was very fun to read, especially during exam season.
December 31, 2020
I have to start by saying how much I enjoy Anderson’s writing. His books are so easy to read and get through. I say that absolutely as a compliment. I feel like there is such good flow and I really like his prose. There were several times that I looked down at the page number and was shocked at how far I progressed. The writing is so engaging; it is really easy to immerse yourself in this story.
My favorite part of the series is the two main characters Lem and Mariyah. Their development is so well done and this is a very character driven series – one of the many reasons why I love it so much. It was easy to feel as though you were right there alongside them step for step through their journey. Their emotions pulsed off the pages and you experienced the pains, the struggles, the guilt, the hope, the wonder, and most importantly their love for one another. And it was impressive how both were able to push forward with their given tasks while maintaining their ultimate desire of reuniting, even if it would take some time. Their loyalty to one another is admirable, particularly as each faced a multitude of temptations. Simply put, these two felt real.
Another area that caught my attention was the worldbuilding and lore. Anderson masterfully set the scene in book one and continued that through this second installment. A Chorus of Fire provided the reader with the history of Kylor and the characters traveled around to new, exciting locations. I must say that my favorite scene was when Lem travelled to the Bard’s College. The time at the College was only a chapter or two, but I wish there were many more as I loved the time spent there. In many ways it felt nostalgic and brought me back to my times at University. It made me reminisce of when I was at the library cafe enjoying a delicious cup of coffee and preparing for exams or completing an assignment. I relished every minute spent at the Bard’s College.
This series also makes me wonder why there aren’t more books that feature a bard as the main character. Music is a universal language that so many can connect with. Why not use that as a foundation for a series? And while there isn’t quite as much music in this book, it is still a prominent part of the trilogy; one which makes it stand out from others in the genre. We started to get a hint of a bard’s true power in this second book and I cannot wait to see if we get a deeper dive in the finale.
I can’t end my post without mentioning two other things that I love about this series and that is the cover art and the epigraphs. The cover art in this series is simply stunning! Felix Ortiz has definitely caught my attention and I can’t wait to see what the cover of book 3 looks like. Additionally, Anderson provided epigraphs for each chapter in the series. I loved every single one and often found myself looking forward to the next chapter so that I could see what would come next. Here are a two that really stuck out to me in A Chorus of Fire:
“Within us all hides a secret – one that most never bother to seek out. For its discovery will lay the soul bare and reveal who we truly are. For most, this is a terrifying prospect. And why the world remains shrouded in ignorance.”
“The deadliest foe is one without hope.”
As I continue to reflect on these books, I realize more and more how much I love this high fantasy series. I flew through both books 1 and 2 and simply could not get enough. And now the hard part, waiting for the third and final installment. I am really looking forward to the finale. I can’t recommend this story enough.
My favorite part of the series is the two main characters Lem and Mariyah. Their development is so well done and this is a very character driven series – one of the many reasons why I love it so much. It was easy to feel as though you were right there alongside them step for step through their journey. Their emotions pulsed off the pages and you experienced the pains, the struggles, the guilt, the hope, the wonder, and most importantly their love for one another. And it was impressive how both were able to push forward with their given tasks while maintaining their ultimate desire of reuniting, even if it would take some time. Their loyalty to one another is admirable, particularly as each faced a multitude of temptations. Simply put, these two felt real.
Another area that caught my attention was the worldbuilding and lore. Anderson masterfully set the scene in book one and continued that through this second installment. A Chorus of Fire provided the reader with the history of Kylor and the characters traveled around to new, exciting locations. I must say that my favorite scene was when Lem travelled to the Bard’s College. The time at the College was only a chapter or two, but I wish there were many more as I loved the time spent there. In many ways it felt nostalgic and brought me back to my times at University. It made me reminisce of when I was at the library cafe enjoying a delicious cup of coffee and preparing for exams or completing an assignment. I relished every minute spent at the Bard’s College.
This series also makes me wonder why there aren’t more books that feature a bard as the main character. Music is a universal language that so many can connect with. Why not use that as a foundation for a series? And while there isn’t quite as much music in this book, it is still a prominent part of the trilogy; one which makes it stand out from others in the genre. We started to get a hint of a bard’s true power in this second book and I cannot wait to see if we get a deeper dive in the finale.
I can’t end my post without mentioning two other things that I love about this series and that is the cover art and the epigraphs. The cover art in this series is simply stunning! Felix Ortiz has definitely caught my attention and I can’t wait to see what the cover of book 3 looks like. Additionally, Anderson provided epigraphs for each chapter in the series. I loved every single one and often found myself looking forward to the next chapter so that I could see what would come next. Here are a two that really stuck out to me in A Chorus of Fire:
“Within us all hides a secret – one that most never bother to seek out. For its discovery will lay the soul bare and reveal who we truly are. For most, this is a terrifying prospect. And why the world remains shrouded in ignorance.”
“The deadliest foe is one without hope.”
As I continue to reflect on these books, I realize more and more how much I love this high fantasy series. I flew through both books 1 and 2 and simply could not get enough. And now the hard part, waiting for the third and final installment. I am really looking forward to the finale. I can’t recommend this story enough.
February 4, 2022
An incredible sequel to the first book. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. It is very much like a comfort food for me, it doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but instead tells a really enjoyable story with very well written characters. I can't wait to read the 3rd book.
January 14, 2021
Well that was quick. This book really confirms that I am a sucker for character driven narratives, and can’t stop myself from reading when characters I care about are involved. Much like the first book of this series, Bard’s Blade, there isn’t a whole lot of action in this book in the sense that we don’t have a lot of battles or fights compared to other series who make it one of their main storytelling tools.
Instead, what really drove my interest was that we stuck with the two main characters and followed them as they dove deeper in their own journeys to find each other. That is not to say that this book does not contain it’s share of deaths and pulse quickening moments, far from it. I always knew I was a sucker for a good love story and while it’s not enough to make me crave romance books, when it is well sown into a robust fantasy backdrop, it makes me care for the characters even more so. In this, Brian D. Anderson succeeds with aplomb. I love Lem and Mariyah’s relationship and I am rooting for them until the end of the line.
This story has really sank its hooks in me and there were some of my favorite chapters in the series so far in this one. I really liked the ones where Lem is at the Bard’s college. I am eager to find out how it all ends in the last one coming out later this year and will definitely keep an eye out for any future releases by this author, as his writing style is one I very much appreciate and love.
Instead, what really drove my interest was that we stuck with the two main characters and followed them as they dove deeper in their own journeys to find each other. That is not to say that this book does not contain it’s share of deaths and pulse quickening moments, far from it. I always knew I was a sucker for a good love story and while it’s not enough to make me crave romance books, when it is well sown into a robust fantasy backdrop, it makes me care for the characters even more so. In this, Brian D. Anderson succeeds with aplomb. I love Lem and Mariyah’s relationship and I am rooting for them until the end of the line.
This story has really sank its hooks in me and there were some of my favorite chapters in the series so far in this one. I really liked the ones where Lem is at the Bard’s college. I am eager to find out how it all ends in the last one coming out later this year and will definitely keep an eye out for any future releases by this author, as his writing style is one I very much appreciate and love.
November 16, 2021
The best book in the series so far!
Quick background, my husband loves this author. He's one of his favorite's because of the narrator of the audiobooks, the author's writing, and the stories themselves of course. When my husband urged me to read this book (even though he himself hasn't read it yet) I was skeptical, because we read the same genre but the kind of books we read are quite different. To make him happy, I gave him a chance.
Best decision ever.
The characters are really well rounded, and though you root for some less than others, you still find yourself aching to find out what's going to happen to them. I love this series because it feels like there is always something going on without the story feeling crowded. I hate long chapters, but these books do long chapters justice. They end up not feeling that long at all. I hate some parts of the story only because I knew he was going to "go there" and I really didn't want him to "go there". I assure you though, the hate was hidden behind a smile because it is really good that he "went there". The second book is my favorite because there is still heart and emotions like in the first book, but they are definitely doubled. I haven't felt this strong of emotions from a book in a long time and I love it.
Now, it was me urging my husband to read this book.
I can't wait for the next one!
Quick background, my husband loves this author. He's one of his favorite's because of the narrator of the audiobooks, the author's writing, and the stories themselves of course. When my husband urged me to read this book (even though he himself hasn't read it yet) I was skeptical, because we read the same genre but the kind of books we read are quite different. To make him happy, I gave him a chance.
Best decision ever.
The characters are really well rounded, and though you root for some less than others, you still find yourself aching to find out what's going to happen to them. I love this series because it feels like there is always something going on without the story feeling crowded. I hate long chapters, but these books do long chapters justice. They end up not feeling that long at all. I hate some parts of the story only because I knew he was going to "go there" and I really didn't want him to "go there". I assure you though, the hate was hidden behind a smile because it is really good that he "went there". The second book is my favorite because there is still heart and emotions like in the first book, but they are definitely doubled. I haven't felt this strong of emotions from a book in a long time and I love it.
Now, it was me urging my husband to read this book.
I can't wait for the next one!
August 9, 2020
Thank you Tor Books for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After the events of The Bard's Blade, Lem believes he can save Mariyah from her captors. At least, that's what he thinks is going on. He's turned himself almost into a different person just to make it possible to find her. Hopefully she can be saved. Mariyah, meanwhile, misses Lem and thinks of him often, but her focus is on harnessing power that will allow both of them to live in peace. As both of them push to reach their similar yet disparate goals, war brews on the horizon as Belkar extends his tendrils across the land. When Lem and Mariyah finally find each other again, will they still be the same people who fell in love, or will they be changed unrecognizably by their journey to find each other again? What's more, will they even be able to live out their lives in peace, or will Belkar overrun their home?
What really makes A Chorus of Fire and The Sorceror's Song trilogy somewhat unique is the prominent usage of bards and music in parts of the story. There's even a bard school in this part of the tale! These characters are full of love for each other, but their struggles are changing them, and those changes can definitely cause shifts in a relationship. The story is told from multiple points of view, though Mariyah and Lem drive most of it. Shemi and Loria are great side characters, and really, the way all of the characters are portrayed in this series is quite affecting. A Chorus of Fire, like The Bard's Blade before it, is accessible high fantasy with plenty of grey morality and nuance thrown into the mix. I would have liked to see more time spent with the bards and musical aspect this go-around, but overall, this was a great second novel for a trilogy, and I'd like to see what happens next. This series marches to its own beat, and A Chorus of Fire was a great fantasy treat.
3.5 ⭐/5
After the events of The Bard's Blade, Lem believes he can save Mariyah from her captors. At least, that's what he thinks is going on. He's turned himself almost into a different person just to make it possible to find her. Hopefully she can be saved. Mariyah, meanwhile, misses Lem and thinks of him often, but her focus is on harnessing power that will allow both of them to live in peace. As both of them push to reach their similar yet disparate goals, war brews on the horizon as Belkar extends his tendrils across the land. When Lem and Mariyah finally find each other again, will they still be the same people who fell in love, or will they be changed unrecognizably by their journey to find each other again? What's more, will they even be able to live out their lives in peace, or will Belkar overrun their home?
What really makes A Chorus of Fire and The Sorceror's Song trilogy somewhat unique is the prominent usage of bards and music in parts of the story. There's even a bard school in this part of the tale! These characters are full of love for each other, but their struggles are changing them, and those changes can definitely cause shifts in a relationship. The story is told from multiple points of view, though Mariyah and Lem drive most of it. Shemi and Loria are great side characters, and really, the way all of the characters are portrayed in this series is quite affecting. A Chorus of Fire, like The Bard's Blade before it, is accessible high fantasy with plenty of grey morality and nuance thrown into the mix. I would have liked to see more time spent with the bards and musical aspect this go-around, but overall, this was a great second novel for a trilogy, and I'd like to see what happens next. This series marches to its own beat, and A Chorus of Fire was a great fantasy treat.
3.5 ⭐/5
July 6, 2025
This was an enjoyable read and a good continuation of the first book. I think this deserves a 3.5 star, but there were a few things that didn't resonate with me enough to say 4.
What caught my interest in the first book is what I enjoyed even more in the second- two protagonists basically mirroring each other's experience in their own way. Lem and Mariyah both got equal story time and both are so similar, yet they had no idea what the other was doing. I enjoyed seeing them each handle things their own way and their paths slowly converge.
Both of these characters are young and so I have to excuse some rash decisions, but I felt frustrated with them none the less. They knew choices would be bad- did 'em anyway. Lem and the abilities he discovered at the bard college have a lot of potential, yet he was in a rush and essentially throws them aside. Mariyah plans to find a clever way to get herself out of situations yet I don't think she ever succeeded even once. They both feel a little too straightforward and simple at times when they've proven they could be more than that.
Overall I enjoyed the read but I am feeling a bit underwhelmed. Things have played out almost exactly like you would expect and I just thought there'd be more twists and payoffs. I would hope this is just Middle Book Syndrome and the third book lets them both shine, but I admit to a few reservations. I'll try to read the third book when I can find it.
What caught my interest in the first book is what I enjoyed even more in the second- two protagonists basically mirroring each other's experience in their own way. Lem and Mariyah both got equal story time and both are so similar, yet they had no idea what the other was doing. I enjoyed seeing them each handle things their own way and their paths slowly converge.
Both of these characters are young and so I have to excuse some rash decisions, but I felt frustrated with them none the less. They knew choices would be bad- did 'em anyway. Lem and the abilities he discovered at the bard college have a lot of potential, yet he was in a rush and essentially throws them aside. Mariyah plans to find a clever way to get herself out of situations yet I don't think she ever succeeded even once. They both feel a little too straightforward and simple at times when they've proven they could be more than that.
Overall I enjoyed the read but I am feeling a bit underwhelmed. Things have played out almost exactly like you would expect and I just thought there'd be more twists and payoffs. I would hope this is just Middle Book Syndrome and the third book lets them both shine, but I admit to a few reservations. I'll try to read the third book when I can find it.
May 18, 2022
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
acof got HEAVY with the lore and backstories but OMFG mariyah :’-) her GROWTH AND STRENGTH AND LOVE FOR LEM AND LORIA AND EVERYONE ELSE!!!! my baby!!!!! her understanding magic FINALLY was so incredible and despite her learning it from belkar she was so excited and CUTE!!! obsessed with her.
lem being the blade of mariyah. dont even get me STARTED i love him i love him i love him
also fuckin shemi and travil!!!!! wow!!! incredible. wow.
the ending made me smile so big. theyre FINALLY TOGETHER!!!! they’re together and happy even if its just for a MINUTE im so happy for them i cannot even it.
genuinely cannot wait for book 3 i am PUMPED
acof got HEAVY with the lore and backstories but OMFG mariyah :’-) her GROWTH AND STRENGTH AND LOVE FOR LEM AND LORIA AND EVERYONE ELSE!!!! my baby!!!!! her understanding magic FINALLY was so incredible and despite her learning it from belkar she was so excited and CUTE!!! obsessed with her.
lem being the blade of mariyah. dont even get me STARTED i love him i love him i love him
also fuckin shemi and travil!!!!! wow!!! incredible. wow.
the ending made me smile so big. theyre FINALLY TOGETHER!!!! they’re together and happy even if its just for a MINUTE im so happy for them i cannot even it.
genuinely cannot wait for book 3 i am PUMPED
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2020
A young woman is forced to face the magic inside of her to try and defeat a powerful evil being who wants to use her for his desire. Her true love has become everything opposite of what he thinks she wants to save her.
This is another book that stands above the rest. Very well written, and extremely entertaining. This story had me sucked in from the very beginning. Look forward to the next in this series.
This is another book that stands above the rest. Very well written, and extremely entertaining. This story had me sucked in from the very beginning. Look forward to the next in this series.
September 12, 2020
Mariyah and Lem continue their journey in this exciting follow-up to The Bard's Blade. I really enjoyed how we got to see more of the Thaumas and the Bards and how their individuals accounts as to Kylor's history, magic, and the formation of Vylari.
The book had a smooth, even pace and was easy to read. I'm already looking forward to the next installment.
Anyone who wants to read a light epic adventure that has a very Skyrim-like feel to it should read this series. Highly recommend.
The book had a smooth, even pace and was easy to read. I'm already looking forward to the next installment.
Anyone who wants to read a light epic adventure that has a very Skyrim-like feel to it should read this series. Highly recommend.
November 14, 2020
Some missed opportunities in this book - Everyone loves a good 'school' arc, and with an interesting world and lore, this book completely skips over not one but TWO opportunities to really dig into the magic systems of this world. Like, completely skips over them, no opportunities taken, glossing over the magic "eh, it just works", moving along with the story. Very frustrating for what could have been some of the most interesting moments in the book.
November 9, 2021
This was a great continuation of The Sorcerer's Song.
The arcs of the two main characters which were torn apart in book one are slowly moving back towards each other in this sequel. I enjoyed each of the points of view equally well. The deeper look into the lore of this world was welcome and I'm looking forward to seeing where it all ends up.
Anderson's style of writing is really easy to get into and the pages flow by easily.
I can easily recommend this series for fans of fantasy.
The arcs of the two main characters which were torn apart in book one are slowly moving back towards each other in this sequel. I enjoyed each of the points of view equally well. The deeper look into the lore of this world was welcome and I'm looking forward to seeing where it all ends up.
Anderson's style of writing is really easy to get into and the pages flow by easily.
I can easily recommend this series for fans of fantasy.
April 11, 2024
This series keeps getting better and better. I wanted more of the Bars college and I really hope to get that in book 3. But the love story in this is amazing! The villain is so complex and you almost like the bad guy. All the supporting characters are amazing and the world is so unique. Plus the magic system is awesome. I can't say enough good things about this series! Plus the narrator did a great job!!!
August 4, 2020
Thank you to the publisher for the e-copy through NetGally in exchange for review. All opinions are my own.
There will be some spoilers since this is a sequel!
I was looking forward to reading this after finishing the first book again not long before starting this one. The first book was very captivating and was still enjoyable the second time around. It’s always difficult to know how a sequel will go. Sometimes they are even better than the first and other times they are just lackluster. A Chorus of Fire kind of landed in the middle for me. There are certainly things I liked that I didn’t get in book one but there was also things thrown in that I didn’t really see as necessary.
In this one, we actually get more POVs. In the first two book there was two: Lem and Mariyah. In this one we get those two plus a couple more. I wouldn’t really say that the other two were necessary because one could have been done from the POV of Lem and the other just gave us unrequited love per say that didn’t add much to the overall plot.
There is definitely some character development for Lem and Mariyah as they try to figure how to maneuver through the world that isn’t like their home. They are learning and growing in power. I liked that we got more about the magic system and how it all started. Bards are underrated and I’m glad that more was learned for the ones in this story. It was probably my favorite part of the book. Mariyah does seem to grow in power with ease which is one thing I don’t care much for. I like to see them struggle a bit.
Their relationship is non-existent until the end which is when they come together once again. After being away for quite some time, their relationship moves quite quickly. They do say that the heart grows fonder. 🤷♀️🤣 I did think for a moment that they would find themselves in other relationships since there were hints of it. One did seem quite insta-love so I’m glad that never panned out.
As stated in a couple of the paragraphs, the relationships in this book just kind of fizzled for me. Some just felt thrown in for the sake of plot twists since there wasn’t much for it until the big twist. I just don’t like things like that.
The plot was fine and there is action but it’s definitely different action than the first book. I did prefer book one over this. There isn’t anything wrong (besides what I have stated) but it just didn’t grasp my attention like the first one. Some things did feel anticlimactic and maybe that’s why I feel this way.
Overall, it was a fine read but it kind of fizzled as a sequel for me. I am still somewhat curious about the third book and I’m sure I’ll read it for the sake of finishing this series.
There will be some spoilers since this is a sequel!
I was looking forward to reading this after finishing the first book again not long before starting this one. The first book was very captivating and was still enjoyable the second time around. It’s always difficult to know how a sequel will go. Sometimes they are even better than the first and other times they are just lackluster. A Chorus of Fire kind of landed in the middle for me. There are certainly things I liked that I didn’t get in book one but there was also things thrown in that I didn’t really see as necessary.
In this one, we actually get more POVs. In the first two book there was two: Lem and Mariyah. In this one we get those two plus a couple more. I wouldn’t really say that the other two were necessary because one could have been done from the POV of Lem and the other just gave us unrequited love per say that didn’t add much to the overall plot.
There is definitely some character development for Lem and Mariyah as they try to figure how to maneuver through the world that isn’t like their home. They are learning and growing in power. I liked that we got more about the magic system and how it all started. Bards are underrated and I’m glad that more was learned for the ones in this story. It was probably my favorite part of the book. Mariyah does seem to grow in power with ease which is one thing I don’t care much for. I like to see them struggle a bit.
Their relationship is non-existent until the end which is when they come together once again. After being away for quite some time, their relationship moves quite quickly. They do say that the heart grows fonder. 🤷♀️🤣 I did think for a moment that they would find themselves in other relationships since there were hints of it. One did seem quite insta-love so I’m glad that never panned out.
As stated in a couple of the paragraphs, the relationships in this book just kind of fizzled for me. Some just felt thrown in for the sake of plot twists since there wasn’t much for it until the big twist. I just don’t like things like that.
The plot was fine and there is action but it’s definitely different action than the first book. I did prefer book one over this. There isn’t anything wrong (besides what I have stated) but it just didn’t grasp my attention like the first one. Some things did feel anticlimactic and maybe that’s why I feel this way.
Overall, it was a fine read but it kind of fizzled as a sequel for me. I am still somewhat curious about the third book and I’m sure I’ll read it for the sake of finishing this series.
October 25, 2021
The story of Lem & Mariyah comes to a boil. A great read!
January 25, 2022
Solid sequel, looking forward to see what happens in the final novel
March 5, 2022
Nothing like getting lost in a nonsense fantastical world. Loads of fun.
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