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The Song of the Burning Heart #2
The Twin Ascendant
In the northern city-state of Kalandragote, a plot is afoot to kill the Dayborn king and queen.
Gregor Thorn, the king's half brother, resolves to protect the royal family at all costs. Buoyed by a Yubriy leaf prophecy, Gregor believes the musician Silas O' the Songs is the key to keeping the Dayborn king and queen safe. But when tragedy strikes, both Gregor and Silas must decide if they've misinterpreted the prophecy.
Down south, Johanna Salk rushes toward the capital with her bonded, Easton Dayborn, in the hopes of saving the realm. But enemies abound, and it isn't long before their plans go awry. Looking to the sky, Johanna must decide if she will tap into her jeyedoshi powers and call down a dragon. Her life, and that of her beloved, may depend on it.
Gregor Thorn, the king's half brother, resolves to protect the royal family at all costs. Buoyed by a Yubriy leaf prophecy, Gregor believes the musician Silas O' the Songs is the key to keeping the Dayborn king and queen safe. But when tragedy strikes, both Gregor and Silas must decide if they've misinterpreted the prophecy.
Down south, Johanna Salk rushes toward the capital with her bonded, Easton Dayborn, in the hopes of saving the realm. But enemies abound, and it isn't long before their plans go awry. Looking to the sky, Johanna must decide if she will tap into her jeyedoshi powers and call down a dragon. Her life, and that of her beloved, may depend on it.
- GenresFantasy
379 pages, ebook
Published May 1, 2026
9 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Ben Spencer
9 books85 followersBen Spencer is the author of The Prophecy of the Yubriy Tree, Book One in the The Song of the Burning Heart universe. Ben writes character-driven fantasy full of style and heart.
Ben's fiction has appeared in Literary Orphans, Corner Bar Magazine, and Scholars & Rogues. He has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Please visit his newsletter at benspencer.substack.com and/or his website, benspencerwrites.com for more information.
Ben's fiction has appeared in Literary Orphans, Corner Bar Magazine, and Scholars & Rogues. He has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Please visit his newsletter at benspencer.substack.com and/or his website, benspencerwrites.com for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
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March 30, 2026I enjoyed this book as much if not a little bit more than the first one. One thing i really appreciated was the author giving a quick overview of what happened in the last book. It really helped me jump back in to the series i first read a year or so ago.
The characters are vibrant and interesting and this book gave us more insight into characters we met previously. The writing is crisp and fluid and full of description that brings you into the world.
This book leaned a bit more into the power grab and religious conflicts and it was quite an adventure watching political ambitions collide.
The ending was a cliff hanger but a satisfying one. It left it a spot that sets up the next book perfectly and Im already looking forward to it.
Definitely recommend this series if you enjoy fantasy with adventure and interesting characters!
The characters are vibrant and interesting and this book gave us more insight into characters we met previously. The writing is crisp and fluid and full of description that brings you into the world.
This book leaned a bit more into the power grab and religious conflicts and it was quite an adventure watching political ambitions collide.
The ending was a cliff hanger but a satisfying one. It left it a spot that sets up the next book perfectly and Im already looking forward to it.
Definitely recommend this series if you enjoy fantasy with adventure and interesting characters!
Review of advance copy
The Twin Ascendant (The Song of the Burning Heart #2) by Ben Spencer
4.75 rounded up to 5 orbs 🔮
Est. Pub. Date: May 1, 2026
Knock-Knee Books
In the darkness of Kalandragote…...
💡 Orbs Prologue: The snow-tipped mountain shards unveil times of forgotten pasts. Wielding my trusty mining axe, I tunnel my way beneath Kalandragote’s surface. The musky smell of the deep cavern has become therapeutic during times of strife. As I escape the turbulence above, below all I hear is melancholy silence. Wiping my bushy brows, I continue foraging for gems and minerals to help feed my family. Some would say this is a particularly difficult way to make a living. However, I would wholeheartedly disagree. Within the rock sentiments, I find myself exhilarated by the hunt, that slight euphoria of unearthing something so natural and pure, untouched by human hands. The clanking of my tool remains steadfast, small orange sparks emanating under the torchlight, the sound of being alive…...
🧐 A small glimpse: In the second installment of The Song of the Burning Heart series, our author Ben Spencer has dutifully taken the world by storm. From multiple points of view, those of Gregor Thorn, Johanna Salk, and Silas O-Songs, Spencer transforms the landscape and has us scheming throughout the world of Ragar Or. Reigning King Micah Dayborn seems to be losing control of Ragar Or, and in an attempt to form or reaffirm alliances, he has taken to traveling north to Kalandragote. In the south, Johanna Salk and Easton Dayborn are finding news of their bonding met with some disapproval from the nobles. All of this is to comfortably say the world is in a state of mayhem. A whirlwind of schemes begins to unravel, often led by those with religious differences and a self-serving interpretation of ancient prophecies. Who will ascend to lead Ragar Or? Will the writings on the Yubriy leaf lead Silas O-Songs to fulfill his destiny and help bring back the power of a dragon named Teriquay to restore proper order? Carefully strategized marriages await, but can they cement enough opposition to overthrow those in power already?
👍 Orbs Pros: This was phenomenal! Is that a pro? Well, if you love Abercrombie, Rothfuss, and even George R.R. Martin, you should be reading this series. The political intrigue, religious warring, enemies of the republic, magic-wielding jeyedoshi with whom all are skeptical, an unborn child, and did I mention the dragon? So if I had to really simplify this story, it would be like Game of Thrones, a lighter version. What always seemed to befuddle me in reading G.R.R. Martin’s fabulous series was the sheer number of characters that were involved. I found myself floundering to remember the noble houses and subsequent active participants vying for power. Ben Spencer brings depth to a manageable amount of players, and their parts remain crucial to the book's overall arc. Can they stay alive long enough to rise to the crown in a bloodthirsty realm? Spencer’s prose! This is where I believe Spencer sparkles! There is an ease in which Spencer conveys his message, one that paints an entire picture descriptively without being overly wordy. His grim dark fantasy reads similarly to Rothfuss and Abercrombie, which, in my book, is high praise indeed. The characters! From Gregor, a bastard brother to the king, whom all loathe, to Johanna Salk, a strong protagonist with hidden "talents," to Silas O'Songs, a self-doubting lutist who somehow finds some hidden courage. Due to Spencer’s excellent character development, you will learn to love these three. The side pieces! It’s not all about the MCs! Stirring the pot, these other people create an ungodly amount of turbulence, looking at you, Lord Dante Heron, and King Horos Ollspaer. Yet sprinkled in, others remain golden-hearted, such as our maligned Shupert the priest, for example. Epic fight scenes! Very visceral and 100% believable!
👎 Orbs Cons: This isn’t so much a con, but reading the first book of the series would be advised. Other than that, no cons… period!
Must Read! If you are a fan of the fantasy genre and particularly that of the grimdark persuasion, Please do yourself a favor and read this! If there was ever a gem to be uncovered in the fantasy genre, this might be the one! Can’t recommend this one highly enough!
💡 Orbs Epilogue: A strange ringing sounds from the sharpened end of my pickaxe. Ting, ting, ting… Reaching down, my leathery hands brush away some of the excess dirt. A transparent gem with tinges of an amber hue stares back at me. Excitedly, I chisel the rest of this rare, exotic-looking stone from the bedrock. Once in my hands, I notice something rather peculiar sitting in the center, a petrified leaf. Could this be a Yubriy tree leaf from legends past? Oh, how this would fetch a fortune! Gobsmacked, I gently deposit my findings into the nurturing warmth of my goatskin knapsack and scurry back towards the light of the cave opening. Beginning to emerge from the mouth, a deep, bellowing roar from the distance supplants the mountain’s tranquility. A fiery sunset emerges on the horizon, quelling the remaining freedom of the aqua-covered sky. A cascade of smoldering steam rises from bright crimson flames that presently shoot from the mouth of a majestic green-winged creature. The prophesied dragon unleashed, Teriquay! Dear readers, what have I done?
Many thanks to Ben Spencer/Knee-Knock Books for the ARC through Booksirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4.75 rounded up to 5 orbs 🔮
Est. Pub. Date: May 1, 2026
Knock-Knee Books
In the darkness of Kalandragote…...
💡 Orbs Prologue: The snow-tipped mountain shards unveil times of forgotten pasts. Wielding my trusty mining axe, I tunnel my way beneath Kalandragote’s surface. The musky smell of the deep cavern has become therapeutic during times of strife. As I escape the turbulence above, below all I hear is melancholy silence. Wiping my bushy brows, I continue foraging for gems and minerals to help feed my family. Some would say this is a particularly difficult way to make a living. However, I would wholeheartedly disagree. Within the rock sentiments, I find myself exhilarated by the hunt, that slight euphoria of unearthing something so natural and pure, untouched by human hands. The clanking of my tool remains steadfast, small orange sparks emanating under the torchlight, the sound of being alive…...
🧐 A small glimpse: In the second installment of The Song of the Burning Heart series, our author Ben Spencer has dutifully taken the world by storm. From multiple points of view, those of Gregor Thorn, Johanna Salk, and Silas O-Songs, Spencer transforms the landscape and has us scheming throughout the world of Ragar Or. Reigning King Micah Dayborn seems to be losing control of Ragar Or, and in an attempt to form or reaffirm alliances, he has taken to traveling north to Kalandragote. In the south, Johanna Salk and Easton Dayborn are finding news of their bonding met with some disapproval from the nobles. All of this is to comfortably say the world is in a state of mayhem. A whirlwind of schemes begins to unravel, often led by those with religious differences and a self-serving interpretation of ancient prophecies. Who will ascend to lead Ragar Or? Will the writings on the Yubriy leaf lead Silas O-Songs to fulfill his destiny and help bring back the power of a dragon named Teriquay to restore proper order? Carefully strategized marriages await, but can they cement enough opposition to overthrow those in power already?
👍 Orbs Pros: This was phenomenal! Is that a pro? Well, if you love Abercrombie, Rothfuss, and even George R.R. Martin, you should be reading this series. The political intrigue, religious warring, enemies of the republic, magic-wielding jeyedoshi with whom all are skeptical, an unborn child, and did I mention the dragon? So if I had to really simplify this story, it would be like Game of Thrones, a lighter version. What always seemed to befuddle me in reading G.R.R. Martin’s fabulous series was the sheer number of characters that were involved. I found myself floundering to remember the noble houses and subsequent active participants vying for power. Ben Spencer brings depth to a manageable amount of players, and their parts remain crucial to the book's overall arc. Can they stay alive long enough to rise to the crown in a bloodthirsty realm? Spencer’s prose! This is where I believe Spencer sparkles! There is an ease in which Spencer conveys his message, one that paints an entire picture descriptively without being overly wordy. His grim dark fantasy reads similarly to Rothfuss and Abercrombie, which, in my book, is high praise indeed. The characters! From Gregor, a bastard brother to the king, whom all loathe, to Johanna Salk, a strong protagonist with hidden "talents," to Silas O'Songs, a self-doubting lutist who somehow finds some hidden courage. Due to Spencer’s excellent character development, you will learn to love these three. The side pieces! It’s not all about the MCs! Stirring the pot, these other people create an ungodly amount of turbulence, looking at you, Lord Dante Heron, and King Horos Ollspaer. Yet sprinkled in, others remain golden-hearted, such as our maligned Shupert the priest, for example. Epic fight scenes! Very visceral and 100% believable!
👎 Orbs Cons: This isn’t so much a con, but reading the first book of the series would be advised. Other than that, no cons… period!
Must Read! If you are a fan of the fantasy genre and particularly that of the grimdark persuasion, Please do yourself a favor and read this! If there was ever a gem to be uncovered in the fantasy genre, this might be the one! Can’t recommend this one highly enough!
💡 Orbs Epilogue: A strange ringing sounds from the sharpened end of my pickaxe. Ting, ting, ting… Reaching down, my leathery hands brush away some of the excess dirt. A transparent gem with tinges of an amber hue stares back at me. Excitedly, I chisel the rest of this rare, exotic-looking stone from the bedrock. Once in my hands, I notice something rather peculiar sitting in the center, a petrified leaf. Could this be a Yubriy tree leaf from legends past? Oh, how this would fetch a fortune! Gobsmacked, I gently deposit my findings into the nurturing warmth of my goatskin knapsack and scurry back towards the light of the cave opening. Beginning to emerge from the mouth, a deep, bellowing roar from the distance supplants the mountain’s tranquility. A fiery sunset emerges on the horizon, quelling the remaining freedom of the aqua-covered sky. A cascade of smoldering steam rises from bright crimson flames that presently shoot from the mouth of a majestic green-winged creature. The prophesied dragon unleashed, Teriquay! Dear readers, what have I done?
Many thanks to Ben Spencer/Knee-Knock Books for the ARC through Booksirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
This time, I was used to the multiple story-lines approach and it didn’t throw me anymore. In a way it allows a deeper look into the characters as there is no guessing at their motivations. All of them are morally grey, which allows for a lot of lee way as to how they will turn out. Do they rise to the occasion, or will the break? Silas O’ the Songs rose to the occasion – one would probably say despite of himself. We’ll have to wait and see, if it was successful.
The story is evenly paced and I had to make sure to keep up with all the players in that very twisted game of royal court politics. In parts it got pretty gruesome and gory reminiscent of GoT, so heed the trigger warnings for blood and violence. Nevertheless, the world building is great, so if you like epic stories with multiple layers, religious fervor, a host of MCs, and some magic, this one is for you! I for one can’t wait for the sequel. There are some hints of dragons and more magical powers, so I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the hopes of the dragon playing a bigger part and maybe some magical resurrections.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story is evenly paced and I had to make sure to keep up with all the players in that very twisted game of royal court politics. In parts it got pretty gruesome and gory reminiscent of GoT, so heed the trigger warnings for blood and violence. Nevertheless, the world building is great, so if you like epic stories with multiple layers, religious fervor, a host of MCs, and some magic, this one is for you! I for one can’t wait for the sequel. There are some hints of dragons and more magical powers, so I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the hopes of the dragon playing a bigger part and maybe some magical resurrections.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
** 4.5 stars **
This second book in the series continue the development of the three main characters.
The first instalment was a year ago which I re-read to remind myself of the story and the characters.
Thanks also to Ben Spencer for the newsletter sand quizzes that helped me honed in on the details
The story was told from the perspective of these multiple point of views. The world building was engaging and immersive.
The characters continue to be colourful and some unpredictable, each of their stories compelling and insightful.
Relationships evolved in the midst of political intrigue undercurrent and hints of secrets and disguise. I found myself wondering who the real twin ascendants were.
There were schemes, shifting allegiance and ultimate betrayal.
Dragons, sagekinds, woodkins and magic added to the high fantasy.
I enjoyed reading this instalment and can not wait for the next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This second book in the series continue the development of the three main characters.
The first instalment was a year ago which I re-read to remind myself of the story and the characters.
Thanks also to Ben Spencer for the newsletter sand quizzes that helped me honed in on the details
The story was told from the perspective of these multiple point of views. The world building was engaging and immersive.
The characters continue to be colourful and some unpredictable, each of their stories compelling and insightful.
Relationships evolved in the midst of political intrigue undercurrent and hints of secrets and disguise. I found myself wondering who the real twin ascendants were.
There were schemes, shifting allegiance and ultimate betrayal.
Dragons, sagekinds, woodkins and magic added to the high fantasy.
I enjoyed reading this instalment and can not wait for the next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews