What do you think?
Rate this book
Talon and the Songbird
In 2073, the world fractured into isolated enclaves after the collapse of centralized governments. When Makayla Odin returns from grueling years of captivity in the southern battlegrounds disguised as a male to survive, she's matured and ready to reclaim her position as leader of the Aurora enclave. But unexpected complications arise when she must share her bedroll with the injured Talon de LaTerre, Raptare's commander, whose brutal devotion to her people is matched by her fierce beauty.
Months later, Talon arrives in Aurora to negotiate a defense alliance. Instead, she discovers that the "fledgling" who caught her attention is Aurora’s new co-commander. Talon doesn't do relationships but can't shake her memories of the woman she knew as Mak. Especially when both consulting councils insist Makayla remain at Raptare to conduct extended negotiations with Talon.
In a world where survival depends on strategic alliances, Makayla and Talon must navigate not only complex politics but also the dangerous territory of their hearts.
Months later, Talon arrives in Aurora to negotiate a defense alliance. Instead, she discovers that the "fledgling" who caught her attention is Aurora’s new co-commander. Talon doesn't do relationships but can't shake her memories of the woman she knew as Mak. Especially when both consulting councils insist Makayla remain at Raptare to conduct extended negotiations with Talon.
In a world where survival depends on strategic alliances, Makayla and Talon must navigate not only complex politics but also the dangerous territory of their hearts.
- GenresLesbian
264 pages, Paperback
Published December 16, 2025
20 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 5, 2025
The book starts out with one of the strongest openings I’ve seen in a while. Makayla “Mak” Odin is walking home to Aurora after two years of fighting in a war. The USA no longer exists and the setting is dystopian late 21st century on the northwest coast. In order to survive, she’s been disguised as a young man. Although the book does not go into details, we assume she’s been through hell over what she’s seen and done. The world has been thrown back to horse and cart know-how with touches of old tech like solar panels. Nearby, a charismatic leader by the name of Talon de LaTerre heads another enclave called Raptare and their settlements decide to join together to make a strong alliance. Makayla, as the last in her honored line, works closely with Talon on the agreements and she begins to fall for the icy older woman.
What I like best about the book are the two main characters but I missed the badass Mak seen at the beginning of the book. For some reason, the author chooses to soften her character once she hits Raptare. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it completely changes the dynamic between the couple and I felt the age gap then. In comparison, when Talon meets up with Grace Wilde, sea captain, at the port town, someone who is equal in age and presence, the temperature blows up. I think the book is at its best when the author writes these larger than life characters and also adds action and mystery. The ravens as companions is a clever detail. What I did not like is having so much description about the same daily routines. A little bit more world building would’ve been great too.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. If you like the trope of the sweet, younger gal breaking through walls to capture the heart of the older crush, this one is for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
What I like best about the book are the two main characters but I missed the badass Mak seen at the beginning of the book. For some reason, the author chooses to soften her character once she hits Raptare. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it completely changes the dynamic between the couple and I felt the age gap then. In comparison, when Talon meets up with Grace Wilde, sea captain, at the port town, someone who is equal in age and presence, the temperature blows up. I think the book is at its best when the author writes these larger than life characters and also adds action and mystery. The ravens as companions is a clever detail. What I did not like is having so much description about the same daily routines. A little bit more world building would’ve been great too.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. If you like the trope of the sweet, younger gal breaking through walls to capture the heart of the older crush, this one is for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
December 8, 2025
This has been a dystopian story not too far from our own time. The world has lost all technology and gone back to traditional manual labor just to survive, with the inevitable clashes between groups—where women end up taking the worst of it.
Mak is a girl who was kidnapped by men who raided their community, if she hadn’t pretended to be a boy, she would’ve been raped and killed. Her disguise at least kept her alive, but she still had to watch her father, grandfather, and brother—who were with her—die.
Now she’s returning to her community alone, ready to take on her responsibilities, but on the way she finds someone injured. It turns out to be Talon, the commander of the community next to hers. This first encounter is honestly the best part of the story, even though it leaves hope that the rest will be interesting too. And it *is* interesting overall, even if nothing quite reaches the level of that beginning.
The two of them, who had kept their identities secret at first, later discover they have to work side by side so their communities—and other nearby ones—can stand up to future attacks. And their relationship is going to need work too, if Mak wants to win over Talon, who isn’t about to risk her duty or her heart.
It’s kind of like a fable with animal traits mixed in, and it gets a bit slow after the spectacular opening. But overall, it’s a sweet story.
Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to send me a copy via Netgalley for an honest review
Mak is a girl who was kidnapped by men who raided their community, if she hadn’t pretended to be a boy, she would’ve been raped and killed. Her disguise at least kept her alive, but she still had to watch her father, grandfather, and brother—who were with her—die.
Now she’s returning to her community alone, ready to take on her responsibilities, but on the way she finds someone injured. It turns out to be Talon, the commander of the community next to hers. This first encounter is honestly the best part of the story, even though it leaves hope that the rest will be interesting too. And it *is* interesting overall, even if nothing quite reaches the level of that beginning.
The two of them, who had kept their identities secret at first, later discover they have to work side by side so their communities—and other nearby ones—can stand up to future attacks. And their relationship is going to need work too, if Mak wants to win over Talon, who isn’t about to risk her duty or her heart.
It’s kind of like a fable with animal traits mixed in, and it gets a bit slow after the spectacular opening. But overall, it’s a sweet story.
Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to send me a copy via Netgalley for an honest review
December 8, 2025
2.75 ⭐
This story is set in a dystopian America that’s been in ruins for years, and we follow two resilient women who cross paths at the exact moment they both need someone. Makyala (Mak) is on her way back to Aurora after two years fighting in the war disguised as a man, when she finds Talon injured on the road. Talon is a commander from a neighboring enclave called Raptare, and the closer they travel together, the harder it becomes to ignore the connection forming between them… but will they let themselves have it?
Mak is a character who’s survived so much: losing her family, witnessing the cruelty of the world, and basically learning to fend for herself. I loved how fiercely she loves Talon and how she refuses to give up on them. She’s determined, sometimes stubborn, and she’s willing to fight for what she feels. However, I would’ve liked more personal depth from her outside of the romance. Since she spends most of the book chasing Talon, we don’t get much time to see her grow on her own. And even though she eventually becomes a co-commander, I never truly felt she developed the skills to fill that role. By the end, instead of seeing her vulnerability, she came across a bit too fragile for my personal taste.
Talon was also a little hard for me to connect with, even after learning her sad backstory. When she finally stops resisting her feelings for Mak, I felt more relief than excitement that the “will-they-won’t-they” tension was finally over. Still, it was nice watching her soften and make room for her personal life after being defined only by duty for so long. That shift really worked for her character.
As for the romance, it leans more toward insta-love than slow burn, so some moments didn’t feel fully believable to me. But I did enjoy the longing, the emotional vulnerability, and the little glimpses of intimacy they eventually share. Their connection had depth at times—it just wasn’t quite enough to convince me completely.
What I was most excited about, though, was the worldbuilding… and sadly, this part left me wanting more. For a dystopian setting, I didn’t get a strong sense of danger or survival urgency. The world often felt almost normal, and the lack of real action made the pacing drag in places.
Something that truly stood out to me was the "unkindness” of ravens as companions! I don’t think I’ve ever seen it portrayed quite like this, and it gave the story such a fun twist. Their moments with Mak were lovely and unexpectedly tender. And Betty (Talon’s cat) was just the cutest!
Overall, It's a sapphic dystopian romance with emotional moments and a lot of potential, I just wished for deeper development in both the world and the characters.
If you enjoy post-apocalyptic settings, vulnerable heroines, and romances where characters have to earn each other’s trust, this might be one to check out!
I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts, thank you for the opportunity.
This story is set in a dystopian America that’s been in ruins for years, and we follow two resilient women who cross paths at the exact moment they both need someone. Makyala (Mak) is on her way back to Aurora after two years fighting in the war disguised as a man, when she finds Talon injured on the road. Talon is a commander from a neighboring enclave called Raptare, and the closer they travel together, the harder it becomes to ignore the connection forming between them… but will they let themselves have it?
Mak is a character who’s survived so much: losing her family, witnessing the cruelty of the world, and basically learning to fend for herself. I loved how fiercely she loves Talon and how she refuses to give up on them. She’s determined, sometimes stubborn, and she’s willing to fight for what she feels. However, I would’ve liked more personal depth from her outside of the romance. Since she spends most of the book chasing Talon, we don’t get much time to see her grow on her own. And even though she eventually becomes a co-commander, I never truly felt she developed the skills to fill that role. By the end, instead of seeing her vulnerability, she came across a bit too fragile for my personal taste.
Talon was also a little hard for me to connect with, even after learning her sad backstory. When she finally stops resisting her feelings for Mak, I felt more relief than excitement that the “will-they-won’t-they” tension was finally over. Still, it was nice watching her soften and make room for her personal life after being defined only by duty for so long. That shift really worked for her character.
As for the romance, it leans more toward insta-love than slow burn, so some moments didn’t feel fully believable to me. But I did enjoy the longing, the emotional vulnerability, and the little glimpses of intimacy they eventually share. Their connection had depth at times—it just wasn’t quite enough to convince me completely.
What I was most excited about, though, was the worldbuilding… and sadly, this part left me wanting more. For a dystopian setting, I didn’t get a strong sense of danger or survival urgency. The world often felt almost normal, and the lack of real action made the pacing drag in places.
Something that truly stood out to me was the "unkindness” of ravens as companions! I don’t think I’ve ever seen it portrayed quite like this, and it gave the story such a fun twist. Their moments with Mak were lovely and unexpectedly tender. And Betty (Talon’s cat) was just the cutest!
Overall, It's a sapphic dystopian romance with emotional moments and a lot of potential, I just wished for deeper development in both the world and the characters.
If you enjoy post-apocalyptic settings, vulnerable heroines, and romances where characters have to earn each other’s trust, this might be one to check out!
I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts, thank you for the opportunity.
December 8, 2025
Two commanders thrown together by chance, then brought back together to form an alliance between their homes. One known as a ruthless leader and one who was thrown into leadership due to the death of her family.
Some things I want to point out right away is that this is an age gap, a 15 year one to be exact. I struggled with this a LOT because their age difference was extremely noticeable.
Makayla, the younger of the two at 25 is very naive and pushy. There was small talk of PTSD from being captured for 2 years, and I felt like that was a big opportunity to work off that more but it was just background information. Mak was also SUPER pushy with Talon and kept throwing herself at Talon even when Talon proved time and time again she wouldn’t do a relationship.
Talon, the “ruthless” commander at 40 acts like a spoiled, bratty teenager. We never see the true “ruthlessness” that is talked about over and over again.
Everything felt very surface level, the relationship between Mak and Talon felt toxic, and kind of weird because it kept giving mother/daughter vibes with the way Talon took care of Mak. It was also a predictable storyline.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes for the ARC.
Some things I want to point out right away is that this is an age gap, a 15 year one to be exact. I struggled with this a LOT because their age difference was extremely noticeable.
Makayla, the younger of the two at 25 is very naive and pushy. There was small talk of PTSD from being captured for 2 years, and I felt like that was a big opportunity to work off that more but it was just background information. Mak was also SUPER pushy with Talon and kept throwing herself at Talon even when Talon proved time and time again she wouldn’t do a relationship.
Talon, the “ruthless” commander at 40 acts like a spoiled, bratty teenager. We never see the true “ruthlessness” that is talked about over and over again.
Everything felt very surface level, the relationship between Mak and Talon felt toxic, and kind of weird because it kept giving mother/daughter vibes with the way Talon took care of Mak. It was also a predictable storyline.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes for the ARC.
December 23, 2025
This is a dystopian story about Makayla , Mak, whose enclave was attacked and she and her family are taken prisoners. Mak chops off her hair and wears a vest and pretends to be a boy. She escapes and starts her journey home. On the way she meets Talon who is trapped under a fallen tree. Mak frees her and helps her back to her enclave. Turns out that Talon is the commander of her enclave. Talon is a very serious and tough leader. She has a reputation of being violent and a womanizer. Talon is 40 and Mak is 25.
I liked the opening scene of the book it was interesting and unique. As the story progressed, I lost interest and was disappointed. It could have been an awesome story. Mak seemed very self centered and immature to me, definitely not leadership material. Which she did admit to. Talon was a more mature person and a good leader. I would have liked much more detail on the dystopian environment and more detailed storyline. This was a romance set with a dystopian background.
Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I liked the opening scene of the book it was interesting and unique. As the story progressed, I lost interest and was disappointed. It could have been an awesome story. Mak seemed very self centered and immature to me, definitely not leadership material. Which she did admit to. Talon was a more mature person and a good leader. I would have liked much more detail on the dystopian environment and more detailed storyline. This was a romance set with a dystopian background.
Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 15, 2026
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed the world in which the story was set: 2073, a dystopian America with enclaves instead of a central government and citizen lifestyles reverting to basics, much like in a zombie apocalypse. However, the story seemed to focus more on the budding relationship between the two main characters. This isn’t a bad thing at all—just perhaps a missed opportunity to further capitalise on the world the author built.
I enjoyed the world in which the story was set: 2073, a dystopian America with enclaves instead of a central government and citizen lifestyles reverting to basics, much like in a zombie apocalypse. However, the story seemed to focus more on the budding relationship between the two main characters. This isn’t a bad thing at all—just perhaps a missed opportunity to further capitalise on the world the author built.
November 27, 2025
Thank you NetGalley an the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. A huge thanks to the author for answering my questions!
WOW. I absolutely loved this. I’m actually a little speechless right now and I know words aren’t going to convey how beautiful and incredible the story of Talon and Makayla is. This is my first book by the author, Julia Underwood and can I just say? Genius. I love when authors really think about the themes and motifs in their stories. I love relating to things mentioned. I laughed out loud at the mention of fanfiction, The Devil Wears Prada, and Makayla’s homage to Edgar Allan Poe with her Ravens.
This story really has it all. While I laughed, I also cried and I’m not going to lie, I honestly could feel what Makayla was feeling. What a testament to the writing. The world building was phenomenal and did not take up too much of the book. The author was able to world build through out the story and really incorporate it while still telling what was going on in real time throughout the book.
I adore Makayla and Talon. I love them as individuals and as a couple. There’s nothing better than an Ice Queen thawing. The continuity was splendid. References to items that showed the reader Talon cared was clever. I don’t want to give too much away, but I’ll never think of a doily the same way.
Wow wow wooow, that’s all I can say. I do wish there was an epilogue so we can see into the future, but that it’s quite literally the only “critique” I have. It is so beautiful to me that the author doesn’t see this as dystopian. She told me she wanted the story to reflect the consequences of our world today but also be filled with hope, humanity and love. Well, you certainly accomplished that!!
I am looseleft. Thank you Julia Underwood.
WOW. I absolutely loved this. I’m actually a little speechless right now and I know words aren’t going to convey how beautiful and incredible the story of Talon and Makayla is. This is my first book by the author, Julia Underwood and can I just say? Genius. I love when authors really think about the themes and motifs in their stories. I love relating to things mentioned. I laughed out loud at the mention of fanfiction, The Devil Wears Prada, and Makayla’s homage to Edgar Allan Poe with her Ravens.
This story really has it all. While I laughed, I also cried and I’m not going to lie, I honestly could feel what Makayla was feeling. What a testament to the writing. The world building was phenomenal and did not take up too much of the book. The author was able to world build through out the story and really incorporate it while still telling what was going on in real time throughout the book.
I adore Makayla and Talon. I love them as individuals and as a couple. There’s nothing better than an Ice Queen thawing. The continuity was splendid. References to items that showed the reader Talon cared was clever. I don’t want to give too much away, but I’ll never think of a doily the same way.
Wow wow wooow, that’s all I can say. I do wish there was an epilogue so we can see into the future, but that it’s quite literally the only “critique” I have. It is so beautiful to me that the author doesn’t see this as dystopian. She told me she wanted the story to reflect the consequences of our world today but also be filled with hope, humanity and love. Well, you certainly accomplished that!!
I am looseleft. Thank you Julia Underwood.
November 29, 2025
I have read a lot of dystopian books and loved them when the cause that the world crashed is described in detail and the situation for the people remaining is described in a captivating way. In this book I unfortunately never got a real explanation on why the world is like this in 2073 nor who they fight and why. Thus, I was a bit disappointed at first but decided to read the book as a love story and not so much as dystopian book and that improved my reading experience.
Makayla is on her way back home to Aurora from the battlegrounds where she lost her grandfather. She saves a woman trapped and realizes that the infamous warrior woman, Talon the Terrible, the leader of Raptare. Mak helps the injured Talon get back home and during their travel they also find pleasure in each other, Mak 25 and inexperienced and Talon 40 and so experienced. Talon the on and done type of person and Mak the romantic so they split, and Mak goes home to Aurora. Mak is becoming the new co-commander of Aurora and with time Aurora must form a bond with other enclaves, and she meets Talon again. There has been an invasion and Raptare and Aurora agree to work together toward a shared defence strategy.
Mak still has a crush for sure but what about Talon, is she open to something more after all or is se such damaged goods that no way forward. Their back and forth is the main take of the story, Talon with all her protective layers may really like Mak after all but can it really work. Unfortunately, not that much conflict with their enemies on page.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
Makayla is on her way back home to Aurora from the battlegrounds where she lost her grandfather. She saves a woman trapped and realizes that the infamous warrior woman, Talon the Terrible, the leader of Raptare. Mak helps the injured Talon get back home and during their travel they also find pleasure in each other, Mak 25 and inexperienced and Talon 40 and so experienced. Talon the on and done type of person and Mak the romantic so they split, and Mak goes home to Aurora. Mak is becoming the new co-commander of Aurora and with time Aurora must form a bond with other enclaves, and she meets Talon again. There has been an invasion and Raptare and Aurora agree to work together toward a shared defence strategy.
Mak still has a crush for sure but what about Talon, is she open to something more after all or is se such damaged goods that no way forward. Their back and forth is the main take of the story, Talon with all her protective layers may really like Mak after all but can it really work. Unfortunately, not that much conflict with their enemies on page.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
December 3, 2025
I was given an opportunity to read this via NetGalley and bold strokes books. This is out to read from the 16th December.
The positive, well its a well wrote book I suppose oh and the ravens they are good!
I don’t want to be negative but the blurb that attracted me to this fell very short of expectations. Set in the future of a collapsed American society. Makayla with her three trusty ravens stumbles upon knocked out Talon a fearless commander. Makayla going by Mak dresses as a boy to survive must share her bedroll and help Talon get home. They part Makayla knows who Talon is but when Mak a commander in her own right is sent to Talons home to provide support with political negotiations, Mak is hoping one night may become forever but Talon has other ideas!
This sounds good in principle. Unfortunately this was a very slow drawn out policy lead story. By 60% honestly your no further forward, their relationship is Mak is in love and Talon only does one nights stands mainly due to being emotionally devastated 20 years ago so don’t get comfy in her bed she will throw you out!
I honestly didn’t really understand what Mak saw in Talon, it’s funny at times but very much a lusting over an older women. Some other bits happen such as vandalism and a trip to a trader town by 90% something happens that puts Mak in danger and then surprise they love each other, the end!
Mak who was quite capable during the start of the story as she was alone for the last two years and saves Talon. All of suddenly when she leaves as a female no longer capable of returning home on her own but strap down her breasts and cut her hair short she would have been fine - honestly come on, the character arch was pathetic she fell in love and became a bit useless all she can do is obsessed over why Talon can’t love her.
I found it dull, slow and honestly really didn’t see the point in the story nothing really happens it’s just a will they won’t they until surprisingly the emotional detached character finds her feeling and then it ends.
Unfortunately not one for me but happy reading of this sounds like your type of story!
The positive, well its a well wrote book I suppose oh and the ravens they are good!
I don’t want to be negative but the blurb that attracted me to this fell very short of expectations. Set in the future of a collapsed American society. Makayla with her three trusty ravens stumbles upon knocked out Talon a fearless commander. Makayla going by Mak dresses as a boy to survive must share her bedroll and help Talon get home. They part Makayla knows who Talon is but when Mak a commander in her own right is sent to Talons home to provide support with political negotiations, Mak is hoping one night may become forever but Talon has other ideas!
This sounds good in principle. Unfortunately this was a very slow drawn out policy lead story. By 60% honestly your no further forward, their relationship is Mak is in love and Talon only does one nights stands mainly due to being emotionally devastated 20 years ago so don’t get comfy in her bed she will throw you out!
I honestly didn’t really understand what Mak saw in Talon, it’s funny at times but very much a lusting over an older women. Some other bits happen such as vandalism and a trip to a trader town by 90% something happens that puts Mak in danger and then surprise they love each other, the end!
Mak who was quite capable during the start of the story as she was alone for the last two years and saves Talon. All of suddenly when she leaves as a female no longer capable of returning home on her own but strap down her breasts and cut her hair short she would have been fine - honestly come on, the character arch was pathetic she fell in love and became a bit useless all she can do is obsessed over why Talon can’t love her.
I found it dull, slow and honestly really didn’t see the point in the story nothing really happens it’s just a will they won’t they until surprisingly the emotional detached character finds her feeling and then it ends.
Unfortunately not one for me but happy reading of this sounds like your type of story!
November 30, 2025
dystopian f/f romance
This is a slow burn, grumpy/sunshine, melting the ice-queen romance in a dystopian setting. The focus is on love, hope and humanity, rather than on the minutiae of survival or the harshness of humans fighting for survival. Once I settled into this focus I really enjoyed the back and forth of Talon and Makayla.
It‘s 2073, the US is broken into small communities. Makayla comes back after being forced into military service and after the loss of her family. Disguised as a man (dystopia is no good environment for women) she encounters Talon the Terrible, commander of one of those communities. Both women have to survive for a few days never to meet again. And of course they do meet again and have to work together.
I esp. loved Makayla‘s there pet ravens and Talon‘s tomcat, Betty!! And so many good people. The background stories and the motivations of both main characters were believable. The writing of Underwood is lush with beautiful descriptions nearly on every page. However, sometimes all this beauty would sparkle even more if the focus would be slightly more narrow.
This story is balm for the soul, nourishment for hope and an enticing read.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
This is a slow burn, grumpy/sunshine, melting the ice-queen romance in a dystopian setting. The focus is on love, hope and humanity, rather than on the minutiae of survival or the harshness of humans fighting for survival. Once I settled into this focus I really enjoyed the back and forth of Talon and Makayla.
It‘s 2073, the US is broken into small communities. Makayla comes back after being forced into military service and after the loss of her family. Disguised as a man (dystopia is no good environment for women) she encounters Talon the Terrible, commander of one of those communities. Both women have to survive for a few days never to meet again. And of course they do meet again and have to work together.
I esp. loved Makayla‘s there pet ravens and Talon‘s tomcat, Betty!! And so many good people. The background stories and the motivations of both main characters were believable. The writing of Underwood is lush with beautiful descriptions nearly on every page. However, sometimes all this beauty would sparkle even more if the focus would be slightly more narrow.
This story is balm for the soul, nourishment for hope and an enticing read.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was attracted to this book’s description: tough MC who’d just survived tough times, fractured dystopian world, forbidden romance between leaders of different enclaves seeking to protect their own. It sounded like the perfect setup.
Talon and the Songbird start with Makayla on her way home after spending two years in captivity, disguised as a male. But she immediately disintegrates into mash upon meeting Talon, the commander of a neighbouring enclave known for her ruthlessness.
Written solely from Makayla’s POV, we get an uncertain narrator who seems lost in life while struggling with her yearning for an older, more assertive commander. At times, I wondered if her attraction was purely lust or maybe driven by the need for a mentor figure.
Also, I had expected Makayla to have better self-defence capabilities given her history. Hence, the final conflict felt a little forced as well.
While it was an easy read, I felt this novel could have been so much better if it had been developed a little more, instead of relying on temporary characters to push the leads towards each other.
That said, readers who like an age-gap slow-burn romance where conflicts are quickly resolved might enjoy Talon and the Songbird for its straightforward progression.
Talon and the Songbird start with Makayla on her way home after spending two years in captivity, disguised as a male. But she immediately disintegrates into mash upon meeting Talon, the commander of a neighbouring enclave known for her ruthlessness.
Written solely from Makayla’s POV, we get an uncertain narrator who seems lost in life while struggling with her yearning for an older, more assertive commander. At times, I wondered if her attraction was purely lust or maybe driven by the need for a mentor figure.
Also, I had expected Makayla to have better self-defence capabilities given her history. Hence, the final conflict felt a little forced as well.
While it was an easy read, I felt this novel could have been so much better if it had been developed a little more, instead of relying on temporary characters to push the leads towards each other.
That said, readers who like an age-gap slow-burn romance where conflicts are quickly resolved might enjoy Talon and the Songbird for its straightforward progression.
December 2, 2025
Not exactly what I expected, but good book overall.
Slow burn dystopian novel with multiple cliches, but Underwood makes it work. The book focuses on love, hope and humanity instead of just trying to survive in 2073.
Makayla disguises herself as a man because its unsafe to be a woman and meets Talon, a commander of one of the new territories. They think they won't meet again, but they do again and again. The background characters gave good depth to the story and it was an enjoyable read with wonderful descriptions and great backstory.
A good book overall. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Slow burn dystopian novel with multiple cliches, but Underwood makes it work. The book focuses on love, hope and humanity instead of just trying to survive in 2073.
Makayla disguises herself as a man because its unsafe to be a woman and meets Talon, a commander of one of the new territories. They think they won't meet again, but they do again and again. The background characters gave good depth to the story and it was an enjoyable read with wonderful descriptions and great backstory.
A good book overall. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2026
I wouldnt recommend this book. the writing was not very strong, the pacing was weird, the world building was seriously lacking. it feels like nothing happens the entire time. why are they rebuilding nato, how are we getting coffee imported from south America (literally mentioned in this post apocalypse dystopia). the story begins after the most interesting thing has already happened to the main character who's personality flip flops as convenient. not believable as a post apocalypse fiction novel, an okay romance. why was the random the devil wears prada shipping included. truly a confounding story.
thanks netgalley for giving me access in exchange for an honest review!
thanks netgalley for giving me access in exchange for an honest review!
December 20, 2025
A great big rollicking adventure. Loved it - female warriors, sapphic desire and a backdrop of dystopian landscapes in the future. Really enjoyed the read and the ride. Thank you to the author. Publisher please consider a different cover, it really doesn’t match the content. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews