Safe behind the rebel walls of Dirgstire, Oz and his friends finally have a moment to breathe, but peace is short-lived. The Republic is amassing forces, and the Capitol teeters on the brink of war. With danger looming and Sapphira’s unusual illness worsening, Oz refuses to stand by and do nothing. He’s always put his friends first. Now, he must find the courage to risk it all for them. But as a disabled bard caught in a world of soldiers and mages, Oz is forced to confront the question that haunts him: Can he truly be the hero of his own story? And if a cure means changing who he is, will he be able to accept the cost? As romance ignites between Oz and commander Katarina, their relationship is tested by duty, secrets, and the rules that keep them apart. With magical creatures, unexpected betrayals, desire for power, and the search for identity at its core, The Bard’s Song is a tale of love, loyalty, and what it truly means to be brave.
Abby is an indie author and lover of all things fantasy. She started writing one day after a complicated surgery left her bed-bound for three months. It turned into a passion that she hopes to share with the world. Her favorite thing about writing is creating relatable characters whose stories can resonate with anyone.
The world of Amaria continues to prove itself to be engaging, immersive, and complex. The third book in the series, "The Bard's Song," is the newest addition to the "Amaria Chronicles." As the title suggests, this book is more focused on my favorite (and much-beloved) character, Oz.
Oz is a complex character who has a big heart, and it really shows in the latest book. Korver has done an exceptional job of developing a vivid world in which we get to learn more of the Bard's past, as well as join him (and his friends) on an impossible journey that is filled with twists and turns, shifting alliances, and a rapidly changing political landscape. The battles are captivating, exciting, anxiety-inducing, and harrowing. The stakes have never been higher, and that is truly felt in this book. The characters are written in such a way that brings forward a realness and depth that makes them individually spring to life.
The world of Amaria continues to evolve with an immersive story involving powerful (and ambitious) magicians, menders, creatures/monsters, and, of course, our favorite Bard. Oz's story is full of love, hardship, loss, and grief. At the surface level, Oz comes across as entertaining, funny, and charming, but he is far more than that. Oz is sincere, resilient, empathetic, and even heroic. The damaged Bard does not let his afflictions define him. Even with the cards stacked against him, the Bard always finds his way—pushing forward against all odds, trying to help his friends and save Amaria from the evil forces that work to destroy him, his friends, and their noble campaign.
It has been truly enjoyable to be a part of their journey. I look forward to joining our characters on their final climactic campaign in the next book.
Thank you, Abby, for another wonderful addition to this epic fantasy series!
Warnings: violence, manipulation, imprisonment, light language Religious elements: talk of gods
I am always amazed with each new book in this series, Abby is a wonderful storyteller and she just keeps getting better! This third installment did not disappoint and had me devouring it every chance I got. I loved being right back in the action and the quests that each character was on. There were jaw dropping moments that left me stunned, as well as powerful ones that had my fists clenched. I absolutely love these characters and how well their growth has been arching over the series. This book's main focus was on Oz and how his heroism shows through, just by his devotion to his friends. Of course the rest of the characters have major roles, but I enjoyed Oz finding his strength, and I admire their friendships. I love Liam and Sapphira's dynamic, their slow-burn romance is a highlight to the overall story. I also enjoyed watching Kat and Bo-Hai's camaraderie, plus the way Kat saw Oz for his heart (and how utterly captivated he is by her). I also love Asa's protectiveness over their little found family. The villains were treacherous and there were surprising allies that shocked me. I laughed, cried, and was a nervous wreck throughout the whole book while I was immersed in their world. I definitely recommend this no-spice, high-stakes fantasy to any reader looking for an adventure!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy with no expectation of a review. All opinions are my own.
The Bard’s Song is book 3 in the Amaria Chronicles, and, honestly, each book just keeps getting better. Abby created a complex and engaging world with a unique and interesting magic system in The Mender’s Curse, and I’m still inthralled even now. The story sucks you in from the beginning and absolutely refuses to let go.
This installment focuses mostly on our resident bard. By far my favorite character in the series, Oz is such a strong and resilient protagonist. Despite the injury to his leg, he proves to himself and those around him time and time again that he won’t let his disability define him or stop him from fighting for his friends. He’s such a kind soul and so full of heart.
One of my favorite things about this book is that we are getting more background on the characters. We see how Oz became the bard we all know and love, more about Liam’s childhood, and even memories of Cairo’s time as a mage in training. It gives a lot of added context and depth to the characters.
I absolutely love this series! I eagerly await the next book. Thank you so much for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
“Real love is sacrifice during famine, loyalty in rebellion, and comfort in loss..." "The world can be cruel, but it can also be generous. Sometimes we must suffer the darkness in order to find the light.”
I'm typically a romance main plot type of girly, but Abby Anne Korver does such a fantastic job drawing you into the the story that it doesn't matter that the romances are back seat. The action and the adventure that takes place pulls you in that you want to keep reading to see what happens next. I love all the characters and being able to see the story from all the POVs, very Six of Crows.
“I can’t pinpoint where the thought stems from, but every time I experience joy, it feels restrained, almost muted. As if I can’t help but feel that danger will always be lurking around the corner.”
And how right she was! 😭 Another amazing journey with a group of friends who are fighting against dark magic. No stranger to battle this group, but they seem to be torn apart from the inside this time 👀 I am utterly TORN about Liam and Sapphira separating yet again. 😩 I am absolutely OVER THE MOON for Oz, my main man🫶🏼 And heartbroken for Kat 😫
Book 4 cannot get here fast enough!! 🫴🏼
Thank you Abby for my eARC 🫶🏼 This series continues to be so AMAZING!
The third book in The Amaria Chronicle picks up right where the second book left off. Each book focuses on different characters, and this one’s main focus is Oz, the Bard. We get to know him much better, especially his past and his upbringing.
Oz refuses to drink the potion that might heal him. He wants to prove to everyone that despite his disability, he can be the hero for someone. Oz is so caring, resilient, and understanding, you just can’t help but want him to become a hero. We also learn more about his past and how he became a bard. There is a strength within him that even he doesn’t know yet.
We also learn more about Liam’s past, especially about his brother and father. Sapphira is still fighting the darkness within her, but she truly cares about Cecilia as she sees herself within her. Each character plays a larger role in this book.
Overall, I loved this book and the continuation of everyone’s story. This book is like a rollercoaster! Big secrets are revealed, and we learn so much more about some of the characters past. We also get some very painful betrayals and a reckoning of one of the characters. This book does end on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
This is a very detailed book, very plot and character oriented, with a lot of things are happening. I totally forgot what happened at the end of book 2 until about halfway through this book. And then it all started to make more sense. I do love the characters. I love that. I was thrilled for everything that Oz discovered. He has been my favorite character this whole series. I love his power/not magical power it’s so cool and I would love to have that power.
I received this book as arc and really enjoyed reading it!! I was so excited for this book after finishing book 2 and i didn’t get disappointed. The characters are really well developed and i feel like i really know them and I’m part of the group. The whole series has my heart and I’m so happy that it’s not over yet.
This third installment is soooo good. If you like some clean fantasy with great relatable characters, give it a try. The action scenes are really well written and the magical creatures, the canem add a new twist to the story. Be sure to read the first 2 books before tackling this one!
The Amaria Chronicles is a series to be breathed in, inhaled, and savoured. A series to love, cherish, and protect. Each installment brought new stories, new perspectives, new loves, and new losses. Each installment just as devastatingly beautiful as the last one.
The Bard's Song, as its title suggests, focuses on the beloved bard, Oz. But more importantly, it focuses on some extremely important topics. It dives deep into the concept of courage and heroism. What makes one a hero? Their battle prowess, their fearlessness? Or is it something more? Could it be that everyone can rise to be a hero by accepting themselves, by helping those around them, by loving them?
That's what makes one a hero in my eyes. And that's what makes Oz the most courageous of them all. We could all learn from Oz and become better people, one step at a time.
The story of Amaria is far from over. A war is brewing. Battles are inevitable. Villains rise, but seldom fall yet. Fall they will, though, and when they do, it will be glorious to witness.
Thank you, Abby, for allowing me to be one of your early readers. It's a true honor.
I absolutely loved book 3 in this series! First of all because it was more focused on Oz (because who doesn't love him?), but also because the adventure and the plot keeps being interesting and great! There wasn't a dull moment in this book and the characters are so well written. This is exactly how I like my (epic) fantasy stories. Can't wait for the next book!