Gabriel Coleman has always known he has distant relatives, but since his father’s funeral, he’s never heard a word from them.
However, Academy rules are clear: finding your family and putting them forward to the Academy to be vetted for adoption is a requirement of becoming a full-fledged member. If Gabriel doesn’t complete the task, he’ll be left behind.
Again.
But now that Sang Sorenson has found a trace of her mother’s history, and it’s leading to the same town Gabriel’s family hails from, he has no excuse to put it off any longer.
Sang and Gabriel, along with other team members, are off across state lines to find out about their pasts. What really happened to Sang’s mom? Why did Gabriel’s family never contact him? What other secrets will they uncover?
The only thing they have to keep their sanity is each other, but even their love might not be enough to protect them from having to face family members who have long tried to erase them from their lives.
Sang and Gabriel must hold strong as they each face where they came from, knowing what they do next could ultimately change their lives forever.
Luckily this book was a bit better than the previous one. Some loose ends were finally tied up and we got to see more personal moments between the main characters. This one actually felt as if each character had their own moment and scene. However, it’s still lacking a lot of forward progress.
I think the author tries to add too many struggles or problems they need to solve together. Why can’t they just deal with one smaller problem for half the book? Why does it have to be 10 that just keep coming right after another? Pretty sure this group has dealt with hundreds of situations in only a year of knowing each other. If I even have that timeline right. It’s starting to get repetitive and as much as the special academy (almost secret society/CIA starting with young kids) idea was interesting in the beginning, with the way they handle some situations it’s getting less and less realistic, more frustrating and sometimes boring. Almost none of these bad guys actually get arrested or anything? Instead they are put in new locations and situations to hopefully make sure they change their bad ways. Seems really idealistic and unrealistic.
Also Sang says maybe a few words to each of the guys so it’s hard to believe they are in relationships when they don’t actually speak. She stands to the side and let’s them all talk to each other but somehow they are all supposed to love her?
Again, I’m annoyed I got sucked into this series but now I’ve gone so far I need to know who the main bad guy is. And I am hoping to at least see some forward progress in their storyline. Maybe by book 20??
This entire series is amazing! The characters, the details, the plot, everything! Stone gives me everything I want with this series and each new installment is just as good as the last. I cannot wait for #15 !
Gabriel has put off getting closure with his remaining family for years. After the deaths of his parents, he stayed with his stepmother. She was good to him but there were always lingering questions concerning his uncles and why they didn't claim him. The Academy demands family closure before one can become a full member, and now that Sang is going to hunt down her family in the same town his family is located, he knows the time has come to face his own past. So a trip to Kentucky is on order. Atrip to uncover the secrets of the past. A trip to share and grow closer. A trip to let go of past hurts and move forward. Sometimes knowing where you come from can help determine who you want to be.
The Ghost Bird search for a Ghost Writer continues. My vote is to keep looking until you can find the one who can capture the same feel from the first books. This series has three critical mistakes. The pacing was too ambitious/slow - take your pick. I understand the idea of a book for each guy and the need to make the timeline short ot keep them in the same age frame but the slow crawl borders on inertia. It also slows character growth. The second mistake is the inclusion of the two older men. Dr. Green and Mr. Blackbourne are two of the better characters but they do not fit. The age difference isn't extreme but it doesn't work when one character is still a minor. It's yucky and unbelievable. Neither man would be satisfied with an inexperienced, emotionally stunted child, and if they are, then there are bigger problems. If they had all met after graduation or if the older two had been added years later, it would have been better. The final mistake is the writing. Maybe C.L. Stone is a name for a group, not a single person. That would actually make more sense. 2013-2018 may have been 1 author, then a different author for each release since. Let's make a deal with all authors- no more third person. The only strength of this series lies with the characters. A layer of separation between the reader and the characters is not good. And remember, proofreaders, are your friends. I miss the original magic caught in the little moments, getting her hair done, sitting on the roof, walking through the woods, watching the boys...We still get the little moments but the magic is gone. Holidays are still fun but the day-to-day is mired in second-guessing, angst, and nothingness. Too much time is spent worrying about the unimportant. Contrived angst isn't necessary when there are actual problems. I wish the focus would open up and stop being on the minute. Maybe then some romance and excitement would return. At least in this book, we did get closure for the past. Now let's move forward. PLEASE! More character interaction, more romance, more magic. I miss the magic.
I am empty… I’ve read this series since middle school. I just binge read 14 books in 2 months, diving back into the life of Sang Sorenson, her deep dark past, and the perilous adventures she shares with her Academy boys…. WHAT DO U MEAN I HAVE TO WAIT MOREEEEE AND THE SERIES IS NOT DONE?!!! C.L. Stone must answer for her crimes because I was 12 when I read Introductions and I’m 22 and ITS STILL NOT DONE OMG. I need to finish this series and know how it ends like I need air to breathe. I’m too far gone. This series is so mid but also sooo good. I’m addicted. AND KOTAS BOOK IS NEXT AND WE GET TO KNOW ABOUT HIS DAD. UGHHHHHHH. Brb gotta kidnap this author and force her to tell me how it ends 😭
This series has had several mysteries in the works. And finally we had some answered in this book. We get a look into Sang’s past and who her blood family is. We also get a look into Gabriel’s past as well.
This book hit harder than it should have for me. In this book there is a lot of talk of death and grief and funerals. And unfortunately Sang’s grandfather passed away. The reason this hit hard for me is because my Grandpa passed away this month on the 14th. I went to his funeral. I am dealing with grief. And so, even though Snag and I’s relationships with our Grandfathers are different, grief is grief. Those emotions are still there. And though it was hard to read for me because of what has happened in my life, it made this book all the sweeter because I feel a little less alone. I see how Sang’s boys are there for her like my family and friends are there for me. I see how her panic attacks are similar to mine. And I see how well her story ended up. So my story can be good too maybe.
Overall, this book was beyond amazing. As usual, C.L. Stone wrote a five star and is still my favorite author. Somehow my life has synced with this series. I have never felt more seen than this series. And I look forward to reading even more books in the future. For now I will just reread the series for the millionth time.
And if you are reading this, C. L. Stone… Thank you. Just thank you. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Her Song in HIs Heart is my favorite novel in the Ghost Bird Series so far. This novel had such a complex storyline that made my heart shatter into a million pieces and then it took those pieces and molded them back together with love.
It was such a beautiful experience to be able to get a more solid backstory for Gabriel and Sang. Gabriel’s backstory made me understand his character and why he acts the way he does and I appreciate him so much more. Sang had the most fascinating and unique which was tragic yet beautiful.
This book kept surprising me at every page and I could never imagine what would happen next. This book will stick with me forever as it solidifies not only my love for the series but also the love the characters have for each other. They just have this pure love for each other that seeps into your veins and makes your heart flutter.
This book was just amazing and if I could give it more than 5 stars I would. The emotion, the conflict, the love just filled me with so much joy. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
This really was an excellent book in the series. I really felt like the relationship and personal growth both Sang and Gabriel went through gave us deep insight into both of them. I appreciated including the impact all of the trauma that Sang has went through had impacted her character. I also was so happy to learn about Sang's and Gabriel's history. When meeting his family you really kept to Gabriel's character of seeing and hoping for the best. He really does have rose colored glasses in many part of his life. Really spending time with the characters was a wonderful surprise. Dr. Greene time was so memorable. We do not get to see him often enough. The move to another location was a great choice and I especially appreciated the conversation between Lily and Sang about questions and the Academy. I think we really received a good insight into how trust works. Fabulous job...when is the next one coming???? Please please please only a year?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I'm going to make this short and sweet! I enjoyed this book; it had a little more action than the rest of them, so definitely a plus. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I will leave this review right here!
But I think my greatest disappointment is: Where are the other books in this series? This book was released in August 2022, and now it's June 2025, and still no release date for book 15....
Such a disappointment. SMH! I have no more words to give!
This was far superior to Requiem. There were no major acting out of character moments. We got moments with everyone and finally some answers and plots closed. There's even an intro for the next book which makes me hopeful we'll get some more releases.
I'm giving this book 4 stars for the same reason I gave Unsung Requiem 4 stars. Too many mistakes, not polished enough. But I waited for this book because I honestly love the characters and want to know everything that happens to them. I loved that Sand got to find where she came from and meet some family and I'm glad Gabriel got to shed some light on his family situation. And I'm so glad Valentines Day was a hit and I can't wait to see how Sang tops it next year! Can't wait for the next book. But honestly, if you need a proofreader CL, I will do it for free!!!
I've been hanging out for more of this series and it did not disappoint. Drama, action, mystery, new bonds, and fantastic character growth. Now I'm hanging out fir the next one.
Excellent story! We get some very important questions answered in this book. Definite growth and change happening here for both Sang and the young men.
Love the change of venue and definitely agree with how the men and Sang are more mature and open in this story. Really enjoyed the growing up of many of the characters.
I pretty much read the book today while I was supposed to be working. Bad worker, great reader! lol The pages just flew by. I literally couldn't put it down. Took it to the kitchen for a new drink and to the restroom. (sorry, tmi) Great ending and thank you for the next book teaser.
BUT the teaser for the next book has already got me wanting more! Great job CL Stone. Keep it up!
This book was deff better than the last book (the weakest of the entire series). The characters are way more like themselves in this book. The actual writing and tone feels like Ms. Stone’s writing again unlike the last book. The only thing I hope for is more romance in the next book. These last 2 books have had more action/drama than romance progression. I would love a nice balance! Can’t wait for Kotas book and hope there’s more mr. Blackbourne!
I think this one was exactly what the series needed. I read it in one sitting.
We finally got some back story for both Sang & Gabriel. I also honestly think the events that transpired were a good stray from the regular events we've been reading about in the most recent books. I also feel like the sexual tension has increased by a smidgen with this new installment. No complaints here! Loved it. Can't wait for the next one.
I keep reading the books because I really want all the answers, but man the endless inner monologue from sang are really starting to annoy me. It's constantly the same thing. and I get being a introvert and have a terrible past but the so called tongue tide is getting old. I love the guys and how they handle things, I still love the story but you have to be very patient if you want answers.
definitely more emotionally heavy than previous books but this book's events were important for the overall plot progression. it did have some good moments between the characters, though! but im glad they'll be back in charleston in the next book. hopefully that one will be more lighthearted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I would have finished this book so much sooner had I not had friends from out of town stay with us but once I was finally able to get back into it I couldn’t put it down. This story was so sweet and felt like a chapter that needed to end for them all to move on. I’m also glad I didn’t read it so fast as I don’t know when the next book is coming out.
I have continued to read this series in hope that it will finally materialize into the story we've been waiting for. Sang to stop acting like a 3yr old, scared of her own shadow, and always clams up. She has 9 guys in love with her. They have been talking about getting a house together for so long now. Is it ever going to happens?
This book more than made up for how horrible the last one went. I am so thoroughly impressed at the character development that happened in this book. If you are on the fence because of the last one don’t be you HAVE to read this one.
Loved this book, was filled with exciting details and tons of fun. This was one of my favorite books so far, Sang and Gabriel were amazing here. Love it so much a must read.
I enjoyed this one better than the last two! Maybe because I'm a Gabriel stan, but I digress.
I read some other reviews that mention the slow pacing, and agree wholeheartedly. It's still heavily centered on plot, which isn't bad at all, but with a story whose highlights are the characters themselves, I would prefer more scenes of them just hanging out and interacting with each other. This book's plot was much-needed though, so I'm glad it happened, because maybe now we'll get more scenes like the ones from the earlier books where it's Sang and the guys goofing off and growing romantically.
Sang and some of the crew head up to Kentucky to finally figure out the deal with her birth mother and extended family, as well as Gabriel's. I really enjoyed meeting the characters there, especially when noticing their resemblance to Sang. She had pretty bad luck growing up with her family, so it was nice to see her interact with different people that weren't terrible. I teared up at certain parts, because it's easy to sympathize with a girl like Sang who grew up lonely and is on this journey to find what she was missing growing up :(
I read the teaser for the next book (Kota's!) and am glad we're back in SC. I know we'll get more drama, but I hope there'll be more slice-of-life kind of activities, and once again, PROGRESSION IN THE ROMANCE PLEASEEE
2.5 stars, I finished this series in 9 days. honestly loved the books but this will be the first time I’m giving a review about the series so here I go..
The series didn’t seem like a reverse harem. Their setup during the first few books was great, the simplicity of the relationship when they were all just friends felt more like how a reverse harem should be like. I don’t know if I’ve just read too many RH books but this oddly felt like Sang cheating on everyone the way they had to keep hiding being intimate with each other. At first, it was understandable but in the end, it felt complicated and unnatural anymore I guess.
The series so far has 14 books but it still feels like some male protagonists are being overlooked, I guess this is the problem with a lot of people in the harem. 14 books are already supposed to show us the depth of the characters but somehow, I don’t feel like that. I don’t feel an attachment to the characters yet, just to the series and the plot. But I am biased toward Victor hahaha.
Might still read this when the next book comes out as I’ve been waiting for Kota’s story as well, hopefully, Owen’s asap. Still a great read. See you in the next book!
Another good Academy story!!! I love Sang and all her guys so much. This book was really bittersweet on so many levels. A lot of heartbreak and new experiences and a hopeful future for Sang and her guys though. I wished the book had all the guys in it more, but it made sense to the story that they weren’t all there. However, I totally enjoyed all the Gabriel and Sang time we got in this book. They both needed each other. It was very sweet to see their love grow stronger. This book had a very different storyline and pace than the last few books, and I think they needed rest physically, although emotionally, they still need more rest. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!! I wonder if it’ll be Kota’s book again or whose? I can’t wait for them all to move to the townhouse to be together, but everyone has their own space. It’ll be so much easier on them, but I know some of them are going to need some time for themselves, especially if they’re always together. I’m so excited for the next book! I will always love this series.
Another good Academy story!!! I love Sang and all her guys so much. This book was really bittersweet on so many levels. A lot of heartbreak and new experiences and a hopeful future for Sang and her guys though. I wished the book had all the guys in it more, but it made sense to the story that they weren’t all there. However, I totally enjoyed all the Gabriel and Sang time we got in this book. They both needed each other. It was very sweet to see their love grow stronger. This book had a very different storyline and pace than the last few books, and I think they needed rest physically, although emotionally, they still need more rest. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!! I wonder if it’ll be Kota’s book again or whose? I can’t wait for them all to move to the townhouse to be together, but everyone has their own space. It’ll be so much easier on them, but I know some of them are going to need some time for themselves, especially if they’re always together. I’m so excited for the next book! I will always love this series.
This is like a Gabriel origin story, where we coincidentally find out about Sang’s lost family as well. No progress on Volto; it really only exists in here to amp up their paranoia and force them to buy a heap of new phones. I did feel like this book had more plot than usual, though the same amount of everyone running around everywhere and making no progress. There’s a bit more revealed about the academy itself and what it means to be a Ghost Bird, though I didn’t understand why if Sang was revealed it would destroy them all. (Because none of them are Ghost Birds, and they all operate just fine). I enjoyed the change in setting, mostly because it gave this story a fresh feel, and the books are really getting repetitive at this point. A speed injection would be nice.
Okay....i just finished this books and to put it mildly, i love it. I love that Gabriel finally got his own book. Finally!!! We also got more of dr.sean. yayyyyyyyyy!!! And although I wish there were more of Mr. Blackbourne, understandable. But i need the next book asap. Gabriel is sooooo funny especially when he tries not to curse in front of sang lmao..and the scene with Dr.sean and sang in bed was just💜💜🫣. Also i need the necklace that the guys gave her....like right now. Srsly and i would've loved to hear the actual recordings of all the guys.but hey at least we got Owen's😁😁
Also North and sang in the woods? Him trying to find her pockets??🤭🥵👻ahhhh anyway, hope the next book comes out soon.
Also i reread the entire series just so I could read this book, soooo yeahhh,..hope the next book comes out soon so I don't have to do that again. Not that i mind🫣🤭😁😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This series is losing me. It feels like the author has too many ideas and wants to do them all in this series. In every book there is always a new problem, but there is never a solution to the BIG problems that are still ongoing. I am getting bored. I don't care about what Sang's grandfather's furniture looks like. I want to know who Volto is and how the group's relationship will move forward. Also, after 14 books why is she still unable to talk to these guys who she supposedly loves?!?! I understand how being shy and coming from her background could make it hard for her to speak up with others. But with the guys? No! I'm irritated, but I don't think I am giving up on this series yet. I just know I won't be reading anything else by this author since her plots move like a sloth stuck in molasses.
I usually don't read this genre of books, however this series has had my attention since the first book. And I read this last one so slow because I can't wait for the next book to come out. I absolutely love every single character! I love the story line. All of the twists and turns and really starting to see Sang and each of the boy's relationship with her grow more and more with her. And finally getting to know where she came from, who her family is. C.L. Stone, you are a very talented writer and I Will recommend you to everyone I know. I love this series and I am just starting on the Scarab Beetle series as well. If I could, I would give you a 10 star rating!