What do you think?
Rate this book
The Books of Bayern #3
River Secrets
Razo has no idea why he was chosen to be a soldier.
He can barely swing a sword, and his brothers are forever wrestling him to the ground. Razo is sure it's out of pity that his captain asks him to join an elite mission—escorting the ambassador into Tira, Bayern's great enemy.
But when the Bayern arrive in the strange southern country, Razo discovers the first dead body. He’s the only Bayern able to befriend both the high and low born, people who can provide information about the ever-increasing murders. And he’s the one who must embrace his own talents in order to get the Bayern soldiers home again—alive.
He can barely swing a sword, and his brothers are forever wrestling him to the ground. Razo is sure it's out of pity that his captain asks him to join an elite mission—escorting the ambassador into Tira, Bayern's great enemy.
But when the Bayern arrive in the strange southern country, Razo discovers the first dead body. He’s the only Bayern able to befriend both the high and low born, people who can provide information about the ever-increasing murders. And he’s the one who must embrace his own talents in order to get the Bayern soldiers home again—alive.
290 pages, Hardcover
First published September 5, 2006
310 people are currently reading
12246 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Hale
145 books14.1k followersShannon Hale is the New York Times best-selling author of six young adult novels: the Newbery Honor book Princess Academy, multiple award winner Book of a Thousand Days, and the highly acclaimed Books of Bayern series. She has written three books for adults, including the upcoming Midnight in Austenland (Jan. 2012), companion book to Austenland. She co-wrote the hit graphic novel Rapunzel's Revenge and its sequel Calamity Jack with husband Dean Hale. They live near Salt Lake City, Utah with their four small children, and their pet, a small, plastic pig.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,708 reviews
December 21, 2017
4.5*
I really love this series, but this was my least favourite. I found it to be more predictable and a bit slower, especially following the amazingness that was "Enna Burning." But, I love Razo and he was a pleasure to follow!
I really love this series, but this was my least favourite. I found it to be more predictable and a bit slower, especially following the amazingness that was "Enna Burning." But, I love Razo and he was a pleasure to follow!
May 7, 2023
4.5⭐
🫧A river has its secrets
Far under folds of water
Deeper than the buried dark
Where all is slick and softer.🫧
This was so much fun. It was full of humor and mystery and excitement, an ultimate escape from the stress and flaws of real life. At this point I love these characters more than I love myself as I've watched them grow and change since The Goose Girl.
Razo, my adorable cinnamon roll, deserved his own amazing book and it delivered in every way. It felt like he himself breathed life into this book and gave it an extra dose of fun, snark, and adorableness than the other Books of Bayern have. This was the most adorable and quirky murder mystery I've ever read lol ✨✨
Overall, such a fun and lighthearted read. I highly recommend this series!
🫧A river has its secrets
Far under folds of water
Deeper than the buried dark
Where all is slick and softer.🫧
This was so much fun. It was full of humor and mystery and excitement, an ultimate escape from the stress and flaws of real life. At this point I love these characters more than I love myself as I've watched them grow and change since The Goose Girl.
Razo, my adorable cinnamon roll, deserved his own amazing book and it delivered in every way. It felt like he himself breathed life into this book and gave it an extra dose of fun, snark, and adorableness than the other Books of Bayern have. This was the most adorable and quirky murder mystery I've ever read lol ✨✨
Overall, such a fun and lighthearted read. I highly recommend this series!
May 9, 2023
4.5 ★
❉✦☾💙☽✦❉
Awwwe I loved this one! It was definitely better than Enna Burning, but still not as good as The Goose Girl 😉
Razo is such a cute character! I really enjoyed reading in his POV and hearing his thoughts. AND DASHA>>>> She is just perfect for Razo <3
Fsr, I feel like Shannon's writing style lost some of its magical touch in Enna Burning, but it definitely improved in River Secrets! I also really liked the mystery vibe this book had.
Super excited to continue the series! Tysm again, Malia, for lending us the books!
❉✦☾💙☽✦❉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
❉✦☾💙☽✦❉
Awwwe I loved this one! It was definitely better than Enna Burning, but still not as good as The Goose Girl 😉
Razo is such a cute character! I really enjoyed reading in his POV and hearing his thoughts. AND DASHA>>>> She is just perfect for Razo <3
Fsr, I feel like Shannon's writing style lost some of its magical touch in Enna Burning, but it definitely improved in River Secrets! I also really liked the mystery vibe this book had.
Super excited to continue the series! Tysm again, Malia, for lending us the books!
❉✦☾💙☽✦❉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
August 2, 2007
This is possibly my favorite of Shannon Hale's books so far (although it is hard to choose). The plot was perhaps slightly more predictable (just slightly), but Razo's character is absolutely hilarious! I love how Hale takes time to add in little funny or observant tidbits that aren't necessarily pertinent to the plot, but that add depth to the characters. This is definitely a worthwhile read (but read Goose Girl and Enna Burning first.)
October 23, 2018
I really love this series. It's not too terribly heavy so it's a great fantasy to jump into after a long day with just the right amount of politics, romance, and adventure.
Surprisingly, I like that it switches to a completely different narrator each book (tbh it reminds me of the Lunar Chronicles) and I love seeing how the different plot lines and characters mesh together to create this rich world and awesome cast of characters. I really liked Razo because of how friendly, smart, and innocent he was and I hope there are still plenty of great Razo moments in Forest Born
11+
Surprisingly, I like that it switches to a completely different narrator each book (tbh it reminds me of the Lunar Chronicles) and I love seeing how the different plot lines and characters mesh together to create this rich world and awesome cast of characters. I really liked Razo because of how friendly, smart, and innocent he was and I hope there are still plenty of great Razo moments in Forest Born
11+
May 18, 2010
I plugged through this one, hoping it would catch my interest later in the book like Enna Burning did. Alas, it was not to be. Shannon Hale (the author) was quoted as saying that Razo was her favorite character, the easiest to write, the most real to her. Unfortunately, that's not the case for me. Razo is the short, funny guy in the group who questions his worth in the war and wonders if he'll ever get over his first love. As the youngest son, he wishes he was the best at something, just for once. He is shocked and happy when he is picked to accompany the ambassador on her peace mission to Tira. Enna and Finn accompany him in the group, and they're having trouble because apparently Enna's just watched "Ten Things I Hate About You" and is wishing for a Heath Ledger-esque show of foolishness and Big Declaration of Love (like singing and dancing on the bleachers to "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" in front of the entire soccer and track teams while he dodges campus police.) So anyway, pretty darn predictable in that lonely Razo will find a great girl, turn out to be crucial to the success of the mission, and I'll be darned, he even grew a few inches to boot. Sigh.
May 7, 2023
4.5 ⭐
awwww!
full rtc! <3
✿ ✿ ✿
ahhhh that was such a fun read omg!!! I definitely love Razo more now that I've read his book. I think I liked this better than Enna Burning, it just flowed the whole time! ✨🤍
It was interesting, I assumed Razo would be the one with river secrets *wink wink* but after poor Enna's trauma I was relieved he was spared lol! And I absolutely adore Dasha her personality gives ocean hehe. 🌊💦💧
Also can we just appreciate Finn for a moment-
he is so sweet and respectful I was meltingggg and very much wanted to hit Enna over the head with my kindle when she wasn't rightfully appreciating him🥹 I mean girl he's a once in a lifetime find! 😂😂😂
I've said this before, but I wanna be Shannon Hale when I grow up! Her writing is sooooo beautiful and feels effortless. 😍😍😍
Onto the finale! 👏🏻💜
awwww!
full rtc! <3
✿ ✿ ✿
ahhhh that was such a fun read omg!!! I definitely love Razo more now that I've read his book. I think I liked this better than Enna Burning, it just flowed the whole time! ✨🤍
It was interesting, I assumed Razo would be the one with river secrets *wink wink* but after poor Enna's trauma I was relieved he was spared lol! And I absolutely adore Dasha her personality gives ocean hehe. 🌊💦💧
Also can we just appreciate Finn for a moment-
he is so sweet and respectful I was meltingggg and very much wanted to hit Enna over the head with my kindle when she wasn't rightfully appreciating him🥹 I mean girl he's a once in a lifetime find! 😂😂😂
I've said this before, but I wanna be Shannon Hale when I grow up! Her writing is sooooo beautiful and feels effortless. 😍😍😍
Onto the finale! 👏🏻💜
December 7, 2018
Razo is the best! He is definitely my favorite character so far! His narrative is super funny and and yet he can still be serious and work as a spy.
There was quite a bit of suggestive dialogue and content but I still really loved this book!
There was quite a bit of suggestive dialogue and content but I still really loved this book!
December 21, 2021
Razo reminds me of Leo from Rick Riordan’s Heroes of Olympus lol
April 7, 2017
This one is somewhat different from the other Books of Bayern, in that our main character, Razo, does not discover an ability in "nature language" as our previous main characters have done. He falls in love with a girl who has an ability to speak with water, but he himself does not have an ability.
I like though, that while the other books are about a person discovering a strength, an ability, a power that they have, this book has the same basic theme, even though our main character does not have an ability.
Razo is a self-proclaimed screw-up. He's the clown, the oddball, the dork. But he also discovers a strength that he has that no one else has.... he notices things. He has an amazing memory and an attention to detail that comes to him naturally. He is smart without seeming to try! He is good at something. He is special and set apart for something good.
And that is really the main theme of all these books: discovering that you are special and full of worth, no matter if you have a supernatural power or not.
As always, the book is well-written, the characters are complex and endearing, the plot moves along with wonderful suspense and action. I loved it! I read it all in one day.
I like though, that while the other books are about a person discovering a strength, an ability, a power that they have, this book has the same basic theme, even though our main character does not have an ability.
Razo is a self-proclaimed screw-up. He's the clown, the oddball, the dork. But he also discovers a strength that he has that no one else has.... he notices things. He has an amazing memory and an attention to detail that comes to him naturally. He is smart without seeming to try! He is good at something. He is special and set apart for something good.
And that is really the main theme of all these books: discovering that you are special and full of worth, no matter if you have a supernatural power or not.
As always, the book is well-written, the characters are complex and endearing, the plot moves along with wonderful suspense and action. I loved it! I read it all in one day.
August 26, 2016
This was a perfect way too round up the series. I was really excited about this one since it had Razo as the main character. He is the funniest character of the series and I'm so glad he got to shine in his own book. You get to see past characters fairly often and some good new characters as well.
Here is a quick run down of the book: Razo and the other soldiers of Bayern's Own must go to Tira to help along with the peace that is trying to be formed. Of course this doesn't turn out to be easy when burned bodies are being found thus making it harder for war not to happen again. I don't want to give too much away, but suffice to say that Razo's talents get to be displayed and there are interesting subplots as well dealing with Finn and Enna (who are seen a good deal in this book).
Definitely a must read for people who have read the first two in the series.
Later Note: Just found out that there is a fourth book in the series called Forest Born . Can't wait till it comes out!
Here is a quick run down of the book: Razo and the other soldiers of Bayern's Own must go to Tira to help along with the peace that is trying to be formed. Of course this doesn't turn out to be easy when burned bodies are being found thus making it harder for war not to happen again. I don't want to give too much away, but suffice to say that Razo's talents get to be displayed and there are interesting subplots as well dealing with Finn and Enna (who are seen a good deal in this book).
Definitely a must read for people who have read the first two in the series.
Later Note: Just found out that there is a fourth book in the series called Forest Born . Can't wait till it comes out!
April 2, 2009
Complex and edge-of-your-seat tense as the Bayern folk try to work out a peace with enemies still traumatized by the secret fire weapon that worked such havoc on their soldiers. Enna, the source of that burning, is with the delegation, working for peace, even when she knows it will mean her life if she is identified. Razo the forest boy is the main character, a friend of the queen's brought to observe the success of the peace mission. He is the one to discover someone in Tira is trying to hatch a plot to destroy the peace and re-start the war. He also finds himself drawn by the daughter of the Tiran ambassador, a spirited girl who leads him a merry dance, keeping him and the reader in suspense all through the book!
June 28, 2018
Such a happy ending! I loved this book series!
April 17, 2024
Beautiful aesthetics, political espionage, water magic, and a very endearing MC! This was a fun addition to the series and I love how Shannon Hale has built her world and magic system.
August 17, 2011
Razo isn��t much good at anything. He’s as short as the girls. He isn’t handy with a sword. And he always ends up in the thick of trouble. It’s beyond him why the captain the guard would choose to appoint him for the delicate—and dangerous—mission into Tira. To secure peace only a year after recent war.
Naturally Razo is the first to discover a burned body.
And then there’s the assassination attempts.
And the girl who calls him a tree rat.
All in all it’s just possible he should have stayed home.
I loved Razo’s voice: his modesty, his self-deprecating humor, his ecstasy over small things. And his apparently complete disregard for protecting life and limb—his own, that is.
Naturally Razo is the first to discover a burned body.
And then there’s the assassination attempts.
And the girl who calls him a tree rat.
All in all it’s just possible he should have stayed home.
I loved Razo’s voice: his modesty, his self-deprecating humor, his ecstasy over small things. And his apparently complete disregard for protecting life and limb—his own, that is.
May 31, 2024
I love Razo dearly and his story continues to immerse us in the world of Bayern - and now Tira. However, the plot of this book slowed to a crawl at times. I enjoyed it, of course, but it felt like nothing much happened for a large portion of the story. I wish it had been a bit more well paced with a lot more Dasha.
March 8, 2021
*My 100th review!*
Razo doesn't know why he's been chosen as one of the company who will escort the ambassador to Tira, Bayern's enemy on the border. With Tira full of unrest, the Bayern hope that sending their ambassador will help to sway the decision taking place to decide whether or not to engage in another war with Bayern in favor of peace. But when Razo starts finding burnt bodies, he uncovers a plot more sinister than any had imagined.
This book was a breath of fresh air. The first two books in this series are full of constant action and suspense but this one took it slow and I liked that. Razo always thought of himself as useless, always in the shadow of his older brothers and hopeless with a sword, but really his gifts were just found elsewhere. It was cool how this book conveyed the message of, we all have different gifts and talents, but there are always ways to use them for good no matter what they might be.
Even though the build up was slow, the tension kept me intrigued and although this as a re-read for me, I couldn't remember how it ended and that made the battle scene at the end as well as the events that followed really fun because it was like I was reading it again for the first time! I have never read the last book in this series before (and I'm not sure why because I love these books!) so I'm really excited for that. Thank you Shannon Hale and everyone who contributed to this book! Happy Reading :)
Razo doesn't know why he's been chosen as one of the company who will escort the ambassador to Tira, Bayern's enemy on the border. With Tira full of unrest, the Bayern hope that sending their ambassador will help to sway the decision taking place to decide whether or not to engage in another war with Bayern in favor of peace. But when Razo starts finding burnt bodies, he uncovers a plot more sinister than any had imagined.
This book was a breath of fresh air. The first two books in this series are full of constant action and suspense but this one took it slow and I liked that. Razo always thought of himself as useless, always in the shadow of his older brothers and hopeless with a sword, but really his gifts were just found elsewhere. It was cool how this book conveyed the message of, we all have different gifts and talents, but there are always ways to use them for good no matter what they might be.
Even though the build up was slow, the tension kept me intrigued and although this as a re-read for me, I couldn't remember how it ended and that made the battle scene at the end as well as the events that followed really fun because it was like I was reading it again for the first time! I have never read the last book in this series before (and I'm not sure why because I love these books!) so I'm really excited for that. Thank you Shannon Hale and everyone who contributed to this book! Happy Reading :)
March 13, 2008
I would have to call this Shannon's worst work I've read. The storyline was boring and dragged a lot. The entire first half of the book was devoted to Razo's feeling bad for himself and whining a lot. "I'm so short. I suck at everything. Nobody likes me. My girlfriend married someone else. I am no good at swordplay. Woe is me. etc etc." This was repeated page after page after page. Finally, about 3/4 way into the book, the story started going somewhere. There was a pleasant fight scene at the end which I enjoyed. The idea of a 'water fingers' gift was cool.
Overall, it's an okay read if you have endless hours of boredom facing you. I won't be reading it again. It just wasn't on par with the quality of Goose Girl. Sorry Shannon, you have failed me.
Overall, it's an okay read if you have endless hours of boredom facing you. I won't be reading it again. It just wasn't on par with the quality of Goose Girl. Sorry Shannon, you have failed me.
May 24, 2018
I enjoyed this one much more than the previous book, which wasn't bad either. This one felt more wholesome I suppose, and I really enjoyed reading about Razo and watching him grow up and mature. He gets a really good, interesting story and a cute romance too. Enna and Finn are there as background characters, although we see little of Geric and Isi. I wonder who's story we get to see next?
A really awesome YA series. Released recently with new covers, so easy enough to find to buy. Five stars!
A really awesome YA series. Released recently with new covers, so easy enough to find to buy. Five stars!
September 1, 2021
RIVER SECRETS
This is a series book and certainly doesn't work as a stand-alone read. I gave up after 74 pages,
1 star DNF
Happy Reading!
This is a series book and certainly doesn't work as a stand-alone read. I gave up after 74 pages,
1 star DNF
Happy Reading!
April 20, 2020
4.5 Stars. =D
If The Goose Girl took on a fairytale vibe and Enna Burning a dark tone, then River Secrets takes a happy, light, mysterious tone.
So I'll quickly get into why I took a 0.5 stars from my rating.
Basically, the previous two books had the characters learn how to speak the languages of different elements. Both of them had moments of adventure, and well, Enna Burning had a lot going on.
I didn't expect things to pick up right away in this book, BUT, when I got around page 100+ and the main character still didn't have anything to do with any of the languages, well, I was waiting as the book is only 290 pages.
Unlike the past two books in the series, this book is the least fantasy-like. To me it felt more like a Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys novel (which is a compliment as Nancy Drew was a favorite when I was younger).
Anyway, it was more like a mystery. So yes, this book had the adventure in it to, it was just different from the last two books, and that was okay.
What I REALLY LIKED:
Anyway I really like that mystery aspect of it and that Razo was put to the task of spying and trying to figure out who was the murderer.
And Razo is. A. Great. Character. I won't even lie, he is the best!!! He could make me laugh by his antics. He's short, so he makes his hair stick up to make himself appear taller. A little cute tree rat.
Content in Book:
1. Violence. (Burning people with fire. Stabbing people with swords and knives. Fighting against people. Using water against people. And beating people.)
2. Some girl was flirtatious with Razo and even sat on his lap. Nothing ever happened.
3. Magic-like elements. It's more like a language, however this book seem to have more of a magic-like feel.
4. A person drowning.
5. Someone trying to use poison.
Who Would I Recommend This Book To:
Those who first read the The Goose Girl and Enna Burning.
Those who like more magical elements that aren't too magical-like and are believable. Those who like fictional but believable worlds. Those who like books with a little romance, but isn't centered on it.
Will I Continue With the Other Books:
YES! I just need to pick up Forest Born =D.
Special thanks to my good friend, Angela (Coffee&Chapters), for recommending me this book. Also take a look at her really cool YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKUJ_Ke6eOqz0BFMwU3t8zA. =)
If The Goose Girl took on a fairytale vibe and Enna Burning a dark tone, then River Secrets takes a happy, light, mysterious tone.
So I'll quickly get into why I took a 0.5 stars from my rating.
Basically, the previous two books had the characters learn how to speak the languages of different elements. Both of them had moments of adventure, and well, Enna Burning had a lot going on.
I didn't expect things to pick up right away in this book, BUT, when I got around page 100+ and the main character still didn't have anything to do with any of the languages, well, I was waiting as the book is only 290 pages.
Unlike the past two books in the series, this book is the least fantasy-like. To me it felt more like a Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys novel (which is a compliment as Nancy Drew was a favorite when I was younger).
Anyway, it was more like a mystery. So yes, this book had the adventure in it to, it was just different from the last two books, and that was okay.
What I REALLY LIKED:
Anyway I really like that mystery aspect of it and that Razo was put to the task of spying and trying to figure out who was the murderer.
And Razo is. A. Great. Character. I won't even lie, he is the best!!! He could make me laugh by his antics. He's short, so he makes his hair stick up to make himself appear taller. A little cute tree rat.
Content in Book:
1. Violence. (Burning people with fire. Stabbing people with swords and knives. Fighting against people. Using water against people. And beating people.)
2. Some girl was flirtatious with Razo and even sat on his lap. Nothing ever happened.
3. Magic-like elements. It's more like a language, however this book seem to have more of a magic-like feel.
4. A person drowning.
5. Someone trying to use poison.
Who Would I Recommend This Book To:
Those who first read the The Goose Girl and Enna Burning.
Those who like more magical elements that aren't too magical-like and are believable. Those who like fictional but believable worlds. Those who like books with a little romance, but isn't centered on it.
Will I Continue With the Other Books:
YES! I just need to pick up Forest Born =D.
Special thanks to my good friend, Angela (Coffee&Chapters), for recommending me this book. Also take a look at her really cool YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKUJ_Ke6eOqz0BFMwU3t8zA. =)
August 3, 2011
I liked Razo in previous books, but I suspect that was because he only played a small part. A whole book from his point of view felt like a bit much. But I liked that he had a Journey and that he didn't wallow in self pity and uselessness for the entire book (although there was a lot of that in the first third). He gradually realised (or was told) that he has good qualities: observance, slinging, etc.
I could have done without all the imagery. I know the similes and stuff were what made the writing so Bayern-ish in Enna Burning (I think it's a forest-born thing) but Razo used them TO DEATH. All that stuff about eyeballs itching or sweating. So annoying! There were some good lines, though, like, "Loafing is just a hobby of mine," or when Enna tells Razo, "You'd eat a plate and call it pleasantly crunchy." Oh, and I did like the descriptions of Ingridan! I found myself wishing it was a real place, because it would be a beautiful city to visit.
The mystery wasn't done particularly well? It just seemed like random people were named as suspects for doing the least suspicious of things, then of course it turned out to be the first person Razo had ruled out, simply because he thought Ledel liked to do things by the book and so would never start a war dishonestly. (What kind of logic is that, anyway?) I also didn't like how easy it was for anyone to learn fire. I mean, seriously? ANYONE can be taught it? It makes Enna's talents less special.
All the Dasha stuff was annoying -- the is-she-good-is-she-bad stuff, I mean. It was so obvious she was good, so Razo's dilemma (I love her but she might be trying to kill me!) felt completely ridiculous. And while we're on the topic of romance, how awkward was all the Finn/Enna drama? I cringed at the harp scene. Don't get me wrong, I love Finn and Enna together, but I don't think publically serenading your girlfriend magically erases all the issues in your relationship...
I could have done without all the imagery. I know the similes and stuff were what made the writing so Bayern-ish in Enna Burning (I think it's a forest-born thing) but Razo used them TO DEATH. All that stuff about eyeballs itching or sweating. So annoying! There were some good lines, though, like, "Loafing is just a hobby of mine," or when Enna tells Razo, "You'd eat a plate and call it pleasantly crunchy." Oh, and I did like the descriptions of Ingridan! I found myself wishing it was a real place, because it would be a beautiful city to visit.
The mystery wasn't done particularly well? It just seemed like random people were named as suspects for doing the least suspicious of things, then of course it turned out to be the first person Razo had ruled out, simply because he thought Ledel liked to do things by the book and so would never start a war dishonestly. (What kind of logic is that, anyway?) I also didn't like how easy it was for anyone to learn fire. I mean, seriously? ANYONE can be taught it? It makes Enna's talents less special.
All the Dasha stuff was annoying -- the is-she-good-is-she-bad stuff, I mean. It was so obvious she was good, so Razo's dilemma (I love her but she might be trying to kill me!) felt completely ridiculous. And while we're on the topic of romance, how awkward was all the Finn/Enna drama? I cringed at the harp scene. Don't get me wrong, I love Finn and Enna together, but I don't think publically serenading your girlfriend magically erases all the issues in your relationship...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2009
Great, great book!! I really liked it. I was so glad to see that the next book in the series was about Razo. He's always so funny and a trustworthy friend.
Quick overview: Razo is chosen to join an elite mission to escort the ambassador to Tira. Razo can't think of any other reason that he would be chosen except out of pity, which is what most of his fellow soldiers think. In hopes of making peace with Tira they enter into the capital only to find that some Tiran are not so easy to forget their defeat in the war. Burned bodies are showing up. To make sure the Bayern soldiers return home and possibly avoid another war, Razo is going to have to use his talents to figure out who is trying to frame Bayern for the burnings before the assembly votes on whether to start the war again. But time is running out.
I know my overview's a little scratchy, but if you've read the other two books it doesn't really matter. You already know how great these books are. I admit that I liked this one better than Enna Burning, but I like all the books. Though Goose Girl is my absolute favorite. The book is a little slow at the beginning, but then begins to pick up pace. It kept me guessing all the way until the end. I loved that Razo finds that although he doesn't have special magic it's his own talents that save the day. A great book!!
Quick overview: Razo is chosen to join an elite mission to escort the ambassador to Tira. Razo can't think of any other reason that he would be chosen except out of pity, which is what most of his fellow soldiers think. In hopes of making peace with Tira they enter into the capital only to find that some Tiran are not so easy to forget their defeat in the war. Burned bodies are showing up. To make sure the Bayern soldiers return home and possibly avoid another war, Razo is going to have to use his talents to figure out who is trying to frame Bayern for the burnings before the assembly votes on whether to start the war again. But time is running out.
I know my overview's a little scratchy, but if you've read the other two books it doesn't really matter. You already know how great these books are. I admit that I liked this one better than Enna Burning, but I like all the books. Though Goose Girl is my absolute favorite. The book is a little slow at the beginning, but then begins to pick up pace. It kept me guessing all the way until the end. I loved that Razo finds that although he doesn't have special magic it's his own talents that save the day. A great book!!
May 6, 2008
If there was a 4.5 stars, this book would be it. I can't justify 5 stars because then it would be in competition with some of my favorite books of all time, and it's not QUITE there.
I think this book is an excellent example of character development. Not only do we see the improvement of the main character, but we see continued progression in characters from previous books. I had no idea I loved Razo as much as I do. In previous books, he was just the comic relief. Truthfully, I think he's portrayed that way because that's how all the other characters see him, including in River Secrets. But there's so much more depth to Razo than we've ever seen before. Who knew Bettin broke his heart as badly as she did? Who knew he had a photographic memory? And by the end of the book, I loved him even more for the man he'd become. I really liked Dasha as well. I never once thought that she was evil, and I think that's because I saw her through Razo's eyes, and he never doubted her.
Last night, at 11:11 pm, I kissed all my fingers and wished that Shannon Hale could write more books, faster. And that I'll die before she quits. I love her! She is a very serious contender for my favorite (living) author!
I think this book is an excellent example of character development. Not only do we see the improvement of the main character, but we see continued progression in characters from previous books. I had no idea I loved Razo as much as I do. In previous books, he was just the comic relief. Truthfully, I think he's portrayed that way because that's how all the other characters see him, including in River Secrets. But there's so much more depth to Razo than we've ever seen before. Who knew Bettin broke his heart as badly as she did? Who knew he had a photographic memory? And by the end of the book, I loved him even more for the man he'd become. I really liked Dasha as well. I never once thought that she was evil, and I think that's because I saw her through Razo's eyes, and he never doubted her.
Last night, at 11:11 pm, I kissed all my fingers and wished that Shannon Hale could write more books, faster. And that I'll die before she quits. I love her! She is a very serious contender for my favorite (living) author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2023
4.5⭐️
I honestly don’t know if I liked Enna Burning or River Secrets more! I loved getting to read from Razo’s pov and all his adventures and missions. He was such an entertaining character and Dasha is so great for him that I never wanted the book to end😭
Finn and Enna were driving me CRAZYYY!!! Why would you doubt a boy that said ”I know, love, I know. Lean into me, I've got you.” Enna must be blind is all I'm sayin. But I am glad they didn’t just end up having a happily-ever-after and instead are still having challenges.
Content Review:
Violence:
Mild violence, with some killing, fighting, and burning. Throughout the book burned bodies are found, but they aren't graphically described.
Sexual Content:
Very little romance, with a kiss here and there (not detailed.) There is a little bit of suggestive dialogue, and one scene where a female character sits on a male character’s lap and tries to do things, but it is no more than half a page and not graphic at all.
Language: None.
Age rating:12+
If you see this review, please do yourself a favor and pick up this series!! Give it a try and you might find a new favorite like I did😉
I honestly don’t know if I liked Enna Burning or River Secrets more! I loved getting to read from Razo’s pov and all his adventures and missions. He was such an entertaining character and Dasha is so great for him that I never wanted the book to end😭
Finn and Enna were driving me CRAZYYY!!! Why would you doubt a boy that said ”I know, love, I know. Lean into me, I've got you.” Enna must be blind is all I'm sayin. But I am glad they didn’t just end up having a happily-ever-after and instead are still having challenges.
Content Review:
Violence:
Mild violence, with some killing, fighting, and burning. Throughout the book burned bodies are found, but they aren't graphically described.
Sexual Content:
Very little romance, with a kiss here and there (not detailed.) There is a little bit of suggestive dialogue, and one scene where a female character sits on a male character’s lap and tries to do things, but it is no more than half a page and not graphic at all.
Language: None.
Age rating:12+
If you see this review, please do yourself a favor and pick up this series!! Give it a try and you might find a new favorite like I did😉
April 14, 2020
I do recall this being the weakest of the Bayern books, and I agree with my younger self. Mostly because Dasha is the least impressive of the nature-speakers, and Razo is pretty annoying.
Plus, this was set up almost like a detective story (Razo, Enna, etc. go to Tira, Bayern's neighboring country, on some diplomacy mission, and while they're there, some people are burned alive and Razo has to figure out who it is, or a Tira-Bayern war will break out for the second time in two books), which didn't work as well as the adventure/journey-based other books.
Plus, this was set up almost like a detective story (Razo, Enna, etc. go to Tira, Bayern's neighboring country, on some diplomacy mission, and while they're there, some people are burned alive and Razo has to figure out who it is, or a Tira-Bayern war will break out for the second time in two books), which didn't work as well as the adventure/journey-based other books.
August 25, 2025
There’s nothing quite like going to a foreign city, being weirded out by the vibes and the food, befriending the prince, influencing local fashions, uncovering a secret plot to rekindle (pun intended) a war between that nation and your native country… and then by the time you have to leave you’re already planning when you can visit again
May 10, 2019
1 really loved this book in my opinion it was better than the 2nd book I really enjoyed reading it so very much. I really liked the characters especially Razo he was different from many other male leads in a book that I have read I really liked that for a change the mc was the underdog and not the best at everything. I really liked his romance with Dasha it was well paced and I really liked all of their interactions that made a really cute couple. I really liked the plot of this book it started with an diplomatic mission that went into an interesting mystery to find out who was burning people I liked everything about the plot it had its exciting moments and I really enjoyed reading this book. So overall I loved this book will be reading the final one soon.
September 8, 2023
A comfort re-read for while I fell asleep, although I really didn’t remember a lot about this book. That was good for enjoyment sake and not so good for falling asleep! This was one of my favorite series as a teenager, and it’s fun returning to the characters and world. Razo was a lot of fun.
August 8, 2014
Thus far in my Bayern reread, this is definitely the strongest book by far. It benefits both from Hale being a more experienced writer and from building on the groundwork established in the previous two books in the series: the premise is a great deal more politically complicated than either The Goose Girl or Enna Burning, and it benefits the story greatly.
The characters also have a lot more nuance, I suspect in part because this is the first book Hale wrote with the idea of nature-speech overwhelming people firmly developed. This is by far one of my favorite concepts in the Books of Bayern, because it makes such a strong counterpoint to characters' powerful abilities and it changes their motivations so thoroughly. Magic in this world is a weight to carry as well as a source of power, and using it has significant costs and consequences, and I love that. I also love the differences between the elements and how they affect people - fire is too eager, air too busy, water so relaxed and malleable that it draws those who speak its language to join it. They're all distinct threats, and all dangerous in different ways.
As far as characters in this book go - I'm still apathetic towards Finn; I love Dasha completely; Enna is amazing, wavering between fear of doing the wrong thing and wanting to defend those she cares for. Razo's arc I found very compelling, though some of it did feel more told than shown - in particular, he's picked out for his ability to notice details; as the book is written in third person focused on his POV, seeing those small nuances from his view would have made sense and cemented that bit of characterization.
The more I reread this series, though, the more it stands out to me that all of the books have very similar romantic B-plots. Not that I don't like this book's romance - I do - but after reading three very similar romances in a row I find them a bit dry. There's also some convenient pairing up of secondary characters that made me feel acutely aware of the complete and utter lack of non-heterosexual romances in the series. Seriously, in addition to this book's main duo there are two other couples who get together in the course of this book - something about it felt overwhelming to me. Having come across Hale's explanation of why there are no queer romances in her books, which is less than satisfactory at best, it bothers me all the more. It just feels like... defaulting.
Forest Born - the one book without a romance plot - is up next, so maybe that'll go better.
The characters also have a lot more nuance, I suspect in part because this is the first book Hale wrote with the idea of nature-speech overwhelming people firmly developed. This is by far one of my favorite concepts in the Books of Bayern, because it makes such a strong counterpoint to characters' powerful abilities and it changes their motivations so thoroughly. Magic in this world is a weight to carry as well as a source of power, and using it has significant costs and consequences, and I love that. I also love the differences between the elements and how they affect people - fire is too eager, air too busy, water so relaxed and malleable that it draws those who speak its language to join it. They're all distinct threats, and all dangerous in different ways.
As far as characters in this book go - I'm still apathetic towards Finn; I love Dasha completely; Enna is amazing, wavering between fear of doing the wrong thing and wanting to defend those she cares for. Razo's arc I found very compelling, though some of it did feel more told than shown - in particular, he's picked out for his ability to notice details; as the book is written in third person focused on his POV, seeing those small nuances from his view would have made sense and cemented that bit of characterization.
The more I reread this series, though, the more it stands out to me that all of the books have very similar romantic B-plots. Not that I don't like this book's romance - I do - but after reading three very similar romances in a row I find them a bit dry. There's also some convenient pairing up of secondary characters that made me feel acutely aware of the complete and utter lack of non-heterosexual romances in the series. Seriously, in addition to this book's main duo there are two other couples who get together in the course of this book - something about it felt overwhelming to me. Having come across Hale's explanation of why there are no queer romances in her books, which is less than satisfactory at best, it bothers me all the more. It just feels like... defaulting.
Forest Born - the one book without a romance plot - is up next, so maybe that'll go better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,708 reviews