I've read plenty of Amy Padilla's work and found comfort in them but this has got to be my favorite of them. 🥰 I absolutely loved this couple and how well they fit together. No love declarations here but it was there in how they saw eachother and how tender and sweet they were. 🥺
I did find it a bit silly when it was pointed out how they'd have to simplify their wording so the other would understand in their language but Henry was out here casually saying " overzealous" and " symphony " 😂
Really liked the sibling relationship between Alice and Henry and how they would always be there for eachother.. I wish we had some scenes of Alice getting to know Garrun since she was very wary of him at first and while she does come around, I would've liked to see them interacting. 🥺
Anyway, totally loved this one. 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Let me say this.. I didn't cry as much as I thought I would. Amy Padilla has a way of pulling out emotion through all of her characters in each of her books. Characters who feel unwanted or a burden to their families and society. So much so, they stay to themselves. The Barbarian's Musician, third book in the Savagely Sweet Barbarian's series, has two such characters that totally tug at your heartstrings! One with scars disfiguring the side of his face and side of his body. The other, completely blind and dependent of his sister.
When Henry was a child he became sick and lost his eyesight. Feeling like he couldn't do anything, his Mother taught him how to play the violin, and from there he began playing his own songs. Then tragedy struck Henry and his Sister Alice's life; their parents died and they were left to care for themselves. Fortunately, they had each other and were fine with their routine yet as they got older, potential husbands began to vie for Alice.. not Alice and Henry.
This made Henry unliked by her suitors because it was made clear that Henry would also be living with anyone she chose to marry. Where Alice goes, Henry goes. They are a packaged deal. Nevertheless, Henry didn't want to get in the way of her happiness. So, who happens to come into town just at the right time with a convenient solution? Our favorite Savagely Sweet Barbarian's. After a brief and friendly interaction with them in the town center, Henry contemplates leaving town with them, as does his sister. After much deliberation, they decide to go on the adventure they always wanted to go on!
Gurrun, the scarred Barbarian and his pet wolf Ekkar, notices Henry's loss of sight, and soon they become fast friends. They both shared the discomfort of people's avoidance or pity because of their situations. No one wants to be pitied. But through their friendship, they begin to see each other. Truly see each other. Gurrun went from a disfigured grump to someone who found love in Henry's beauty as well as his music.
Amy did a fabulous job representing both Gurrun's disfigurement and Henry's loss of sight, in her Barbarianverse. She shared their personal POV's, their internal struggle and low self esteem due to their disabilities. This got me so teary eyed and it was very endearing to see the other barbarians treat them normally and not focus on their loss as the townspeople Henry left behind.
All in all, they're my favorite couple so far in this series! I felt their inner struggles and shame from their disabilities but also their happiness and awe in finding someone who really cares to look past them. I'm so grateful I was given an advanced reading copy by the author, as I'm such a huge fan of her. In reciprocity for my honest review, I hope it helps attracts sales and new readers! That's how I became a fan!
If you have enjoyed any of Amy Padilla’s ‘Barbarian’ novels so far then you are in for a treat with this particular one. [It still follows the two character POV.]
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*The siblings* : Two townsfolk, who want more from the world, neither of whom had been able to find happiness whilst living within the town in which they were raised. When they hear the ‘Barbarians’ make their offer to accept anyone who wants to travel with them to Al Nuzem, they decide this kind be the perfect opportunity for both of them.
*Henry* : He would do anything to make Alice happy. However is the beguiling & bewitching music that rounds deep within his soul, that enraptures the heart of a ‘Barbarian’ who had long since given up all hope of finding a bond mate.
*Alice* : She wants to a find a man that will not only love her but who can also accept the way she cares for her brother Henry. [This is a minor story arc. The love story between Alice and her ‘Barbarian’ provides meaningful context and delightful insights into Henry and Garruns narrative arc.]
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*Garrun* : A man who keeps his sweet & kind ‘Barbarian’ soul, hidden behind his gruff exterior, maintaining mental barriers from even his closest brethren. The scars he gained during the Gronnok (* see footnote 1) attack are a painful reminder to him that he is not good enough.
He doesn’t comprehend that protecting Ekkar the Ulvor pup (* see footnote 1) was an act of altruistic act of bravery, instead he berates himself as being cowardly for using his body as a shield, rather than taking time to grab a sword and fight off the Gronnok.
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This is by far the most romantic of the books in either of the ‘Barbarian’ series so far and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone.
Do not worry you still get the steamy scenes, and as always since his arrival in the series Simon is on hand to offer Sex-Ed…
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**footnote 1** Ekkar : The ulvor pup that Garrun rescued, trained, and now lives with. Gronnok : Large creature with big claws, extremely dangerous. Ulvor : Large wolf like creature, extremely dangerous pack animals.
Here's Amy Padilla's latest: "The Barbarian's Musician." It's the third novel in her Savagely Sweet series, which is a Not-So-Savage Barbarian's spin-off.
["After the gronnok attack, my life was never the same. I was left scarred, ashamed, and certain I would spend the rest of my days alone.
Then Henry arrived.
Blind since childhood, he somehow sees me more clearly than anyone ever has. Where others flinch, Henry offers kindness. His music seems to be the only thing that puts my heart at ease and allows me to finally rest.
But Henry was never meant to stay.
His life is already complicated enough without the hardship and uncertainty of our nomadic lifestyle. If I want any chance of keeping him, I’ll have to convince him that it’s possible for him to build a life here with me and with the clan. Because if I fail, I won’t just lose Henry. I’ll be left to face the darkness alone."]
Oh. My. Goddess.
This book was somehow even sweeter than the rest. Which is saying something. These two were so utterly devoted to each other. They were so alike in so many ways. They both felt isolated and unwanted, unloved. But they saw something in each other that was so strong and powerful and beautiful. They saw love and hope and a future. It was...beautiful.
Plus all of the accommodations just being...life? An all of the found family, continuing to grow and grow? And Simon being Simon? I'm obsessed with all of it.
Omg! This was, possibly, the lowest angst book I've read and just so adorably sweet! It's got the found family that makes both Barbarian series such fun. It's got banter, it's got mutual support, it's got a growly adorable wolf sidekick?? What's not too love about that?
Henry is an accomplished musician, and had an illness as a child that left him blind. Due to this he's experience some social isolation, and trauma linked to his self image/confidence. When he hears the Barbarians are in town, he suggests going on an adventure and starting anew to his sister? And so our journey begins!
Garrun is a big ol' growly softie with a wolf bff, Ekkor (who is my all time favorite character in this series! I love dogs, don't at me. lol) After a violent incident left him with large scars on his face and chest, he's struggled with his new reality and the reactions he can get from outside his clan.
The way Padilla writes Henry/Garrun is pitch perfect. It's mutual support, it's sweet and spicy. It's sometimes hard to tell how much time has passed in this books, but their emotional connection is key to their romantic relationship. I felt it was well paced and overall was a very relaxing read.
Third in series (Savagely Sweet Barbarians), best if read in order. Hurt/comfort. Found family. Quick read. Dual POV.
Henry wants to give his sister the chance to travel, so they both agree to join the barbarians and leave their town behind. For once there is a person that doesn’t cower from Garrun’s scars, Henry may be blind but he is a wonderful musician and beautifully kind.
There really is something about this barbarian universe the author has created, with people that embrace, accept, and care for anyone that joins their groups. Neither Henry’s blindness nor Garrun’s scars matter between the two men, nor the members of the clan, and they build a quick friendship and more. I really enjoyed Henry’s brave spirit and that with Garrun, and the wolf Ekkar by his side, Henry could have freedom and happiness. The fact that Garrun and Henry fit so easily together is one of my favorite aspects of this series. 4.5 rounded up
Garrun after being attacked and left scarred doesn't believe anyone could ever see him and not be afraid, he accepts his life with his ulvor (wolf), Ekkar, companion will be the best he can have. Henry having been blinded in his youth, has always relied on others to take care of him, when the barbarians offer him and his sister, Alice, a chance at a different life, together, they go on this great journey. in the encampment outside of Al Nuzem, Henry receives aide from Garrun, and together they form a bond of two broken men seeing past what others cannot and forming an unbreakable bond. Henrys musical gift soothes Garruns restless sold, while Garrun & Ekkars unyielding acceptance of Henry allows him to be truly free since losing his sight. Had fun seeing past couples settling into their new lives and meeting new barbarians in the encampment.
I love the first barbarian series written by Amy Padilla and I am loving the spin-off series. Of the three books written so far, I think The Barbarian's Musician might be my favorite in this series. Henry and Garrun are so incredibly adorable and sweet together that this book feels like a giant hug. It is a story about being “seen” for who you are rather than what you look like or what challenges you have in life. It was another book set in this greater world I didn’t want to end.
This is part of a spin-off series and can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading both series to get an overview of the difficulties faces by both the barbarians and the townsfolk and the things that happened to bring them to their current circumstances.
I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Another book in the lovely cosy series Savagely Sweet Barbarians. In this, we meet Garrun, a barbarian who has been mauled when saving his pet ulvor, Ekkar and Henry who has been blind since childhood and has been more or less housebound since then.
What I like about this series is it's straightforward, no angst to make you worry, just a love story and how they get to their HEA, but quite often meeting other people from the earlier books who can make the transition from the town to the clans easier. I liked reading about Finn, Simon, Patrick and Prince Zakai, even if it was very fleeting, and meeting Arlen, Tyos' mate from the last book.
I like Amy's world building and prose and the interaction of her characters within the setting. I can't wait to meet another pair in this series, but I'll go back and do a reread first!
I've greatly enjoyed all the Barbarian books! In this book, Henry, a violinist, and his sister take a chance to leave their home to join the barbarian tribes. Henry has never had a romantic relationship and he doesn't even know what he prefers. Blind from childhood, he is used to living a sheltered and somewhat lonely life.
Garrun, who has a wolf as his companion, was badly scarred in an animal attack. People are often put off and intimidated by him. Suffering from PTSD, he never gets a night's uninterrupted sleep. When he first sees and interacts with Henry, he meets a man who sees him better than those with eyes. He treats him with kindness and respect. Henry's violin soothes his anxious nerves. He is drawn to Henry, but he doesn't know if Henry would ever be interested in a barbarian.
This story is fun, low-angst, and spicy sweet. I look forward to more from this world!
The Barbarian's Musician is the third book in the Savagely Sweet Barbarians series. This book could be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This is the story of Gurrun a scared barbarian and Henry a blind young man. I loved this story so much that I read it in one sitting. Both Gurrun and Henry have baggage to deal with but they are just so perfect for each other. Amy Padilla did an amazing job portraying how their disabilities affected the characters. This book brought me to tears several times but it also had me smiling. I love the characters and the world that Amy has created for this series. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series as 5 star reads. received a free review copy
The Savagely Sweet Barbarians series lives up to it's name in this sweet love story. Barbarian Garrun carries physical scars from an animal attack from years ago. He feels like everyone either fears or pities him because of his appearance. Townsperson Henry, blind since childhood, feels like a burden to those around him. Both have a heart of gold and bring comfort to one another in ways no one else can. I thoroughly enjoyed watching their story unfold, and highly recommend it. For maximum enjoyment, read the series in order. Even better, start with the Not-S0-Savage Barbarians series, then read this spin-off series.
Note: I received an advance copy in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.
Henry and Garrun were so endearing and sweet together. They both had their insecurities and struggles thanks to their past experiences and the way they’re perceived by others. Their experience was sprinkled with adventure, unexpected developments, and sweetness overload as they take care of each other in the most endearing ways. I liked their chemistry, how they learned to trust in each other, and the help they received in accommodating and finding the way to their happiness. I also liked seeing old characters and how they interacted with them, as well as their role in overcoming the obstacles. I liked this story, and I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
- series - Virgin MC - disability rep - found family
This is the 3rd in the Savagely Sweet Barbarians series, which is itself a spin off from the Not-So-Savage Barbarians series. No prior knowledge is needed to read and enjoy this as a standalone though, but I can highly recommend both series as the world building is fantastic and there are some recurring characters. This is told from the POV of Henry, and it's done wonderfully as Henry is blind, and has been from a very young age. I loved both Henry and Garrun, they were so perfect together and just what the other needed.
I also really liked that Henry's sister decided to come to the barbarians with him for the adventure, and happy she got her HEA too. This is so sweet, and low angst that it was such an easy read. I also loved Garrun's clan and how easily they accepted Henry and made concessions for his blindness so easily. This truly was a found family for Henry and I also loved that he was so willing to put himself out of his comfort zone to get the most of his new life.
I loved being back in the Barbarian's world and I can't wait for more.
I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
The Barbarian’s Musician by Amy Padilla is book 3 in the Savagely Sweet Barbarians series. This was such a sweet installment of two men who felt different and unlovable- Henry with his blindness and Garrun with his scars. The way these two saw each other clearly was so wonderful. I love Ekkar (the wolf-like creature) and Alice, Henry’s sister. I think it was interesting when one of the barbarian’s mentioned how the townsfolk were so selfish to view helping others as being a burden. How true this is even today. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see where Amy takes us next.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
I just love these barbarian books, the guys are always such sweet, thoughtful people. In this one we meet Henry and Alice, Henry is a blind musician who lives in the town with his sister Alice. Alice has a few suitors but none of them are willing to take on a blind brother in law so the siblings decide to take a chance with the barbarian tribe that are offering refuge for all that want it. What follows is such a lovely story about not judging a book by it's cover! Garrun is scarred and quite grumpy, as well as having a large wolf like creature as his constant companion but with Henry he is thoughtful and caring and his wulver takes quite a shine to him too!
I love this world. Henry is a blind and living with his sister who takes care of him. Scorned by any of his sister’s suitors, he is upset about that fact. When the barbarians came to rake any townspeople who would like to have. Relationship with any same sex person, Henry decides that they should both leave. Harry takes his most prized possession which is his violin. Garrun was scarred due to a granok attack while saving his pup. He is feared due to the scars on his face. I loved the way these two are with each other. The fact that They were quickly friends to something more. I cannot wait to read more in this world.
Henry was a blind musician and he and his sister chose to go with the Barbarians. Already an outsider in his previous town, they felt the change might make a difference. Garrun, a huge scarred Barbarian with a pet wolf is kind to him and is enraptured with Henry and his music. It's such a sweet book establishing that a disability is not a weakness, that Henry has so much to offer. It highlights Garrun's insecurity, patience and pride in Henry along with his wolf's devotion to Henry. And I loved how he was referred to in admiration as " Garrun's Musician". I loved it!
Oh, what a sweet story. This author does a really nice job in bringing the perfect characters together. It doesn't matter which series you read, the MCs just work. And I loved the addition of Ekkar. Then we have Simon, Finn, and a few others, making brief cameos. In Simon's case, to cause (helpful) chaos.
If you are looking for something light, but with heart, this is another wonderful read.
I only noted maybe 3 or 4 proofreading issues in the ARC.
I love these barbarians. They are honestly too sweet and caring for words. It has been lovely getting to know some more clans besides the one that the original series was built around. Henry and Garrun finally find the person who honestly “sees” them as they are and not as outside perceptions. This is a great story and I have loved every single thing about all of the books so far. These barbarians and their bond mates are a very refreshing and happy feeling kind of read.
Thank you for the book; here is my honest opinion: Gosh, I love these barbarians! The author definitely delivers on the savagely sweet promise of the title. This one was particularly poignant, Henry and Garrun are both quite lonely and isolated. The bond they develop together was really beautiful, these two work really hard to take good care of each other. It’s wonderfully written, the characters are layered and lovely, and I love the inclusive and welcoming society they are building.
This story had all my favourite tropes. Friends to lovers, wounded mc and found family. I love the gradual development of henry and garruns relationship. Both of them have had difficult histories but manage to find a peace with one another. Its just soo sweet and beautiful. Plus i love ekkar hes soo cute! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Henry and Garrun are so sweetly written and absolutely perfect MCs! I love how supportive both are and how perfect Ekkar is. He was a great addition to this story. If you enjoy the other books in this series, or any of Amy Padilla’s novels, you should absolutely read this one!
For the themes this book explored this book was surprisingly very light. I was expecting more angst and tension as we explored the difficulties Garrun and Henry each faced but I felt like a lot of potential was missed since it wasn’t fully developed into an emotionally intense story.
I absolutely loved this story. This was such a heartwarming romance that was so full of hope and patience. These two were truly inspiring and perfect for each other. I am really enjoying this series and I can’t wait for more.
With so much angst in the world, it is lovely to read about famoly, acceptance, and a huge smart dog where all conflicts are solved quickly and easily with love and effortless kindness.