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Songbird
As the ambassador from Braemar, Bran is sent on a diplomatic mission to the Old Country to establish trade relations. But the real reason for his mission is to uncover the secrets of a potent elixir that can give magic to anyone who drinks it. While there he encounters the Songbird, a beautiful, exotic woman, and the king’s most prized possession. Her song is full of magic, and he determines that her people must be connected to the deadly elixir. In exchange for her help, he is willing to risk his life to set her free. What he doesn’t expect, is to fall under her spell…
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2010
106 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Helme
47 books741 followersSolving crimes with sass, suspense, and a splash of the supernatural.
Colleen Helme is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, best known for her fast-paced, laugh-out-loud Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, where cozy mystery meets a dash of the paranormal. With over 19 books in the series and several more in her Sand and Shadow and the Love, Loyalty and Larceny series, she’s built a world in which readers love to escape.
Colleen Helme is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, best known for her fast-paced, laugh-out-loud Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, where cozy mystery meets a dash of the paranormal. With over 19 books in the series and several more in her Sand and Shadow and the Love, Loyalty and Larceny series, she’s built a world in which readers love to escape.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 23, 2011
This romantic fantasy had all the elements of a fantasy novel that I could wish for. Danger, romance, adventure, and most of all, magic. This magic comes from the Songbird's voice - her singing can produce feelings of love, happiness, healing, and on the other side, pain, anger, and even death. Could someone with this much power be trusted? Forced into bondage by the king, the Songbird, Teya, can only use a small amount of her magic because of the kundar, a collar which keeps it in check. According to the king, it is the only thing that keeps her from killing everyone. Bran, an ambassador from Braemar, is in the Old Country on a diplomatic mission. After witnessing the Songbird's magic, he is convinced he must rescue her in the hope that she will help him uncover the mystery of the elixir 'sym'. This elixir gives the recipient magical powers which in the wrong hands could be a deadly threat to his country. Thus begins their adventure. I loved the mystery, the romance, and the magic in this book. I loved the characters, and their love felt real to me. I highly recommend this book. It is one I will read again!
Want to read
July 10, 2019me, seeing that this blurb has the line 'Now, as she nears the completion of her journey, she realizes the path she is destined to take will also tear her from the man she loves. Can she give up everything she is for him?' and instantly angered about women dropping everything for men regardless of love or not:
March 13, 2011
One of the best books read this year. Great story, expressive writing, and twists that keep you spellbound. Look forward to more of her books.
April 25, 2011
Kidnapped at an early age, Teya knows she weaves magic when she sings. She has no idea how strong her magic is as the kundar around her neck prevents her from using it to its full extent.
Teya is a wonderful young woman. Her upbringing has made her naive and her unexpected escape leads her into silly mistakes. Exactly what you’d expect from someone who’d been in captivity for most of her adolescence.
Bran is the Braemar ambassador to the Old Country. Braemar society runs on technology whereas the Old Country relies on non-technology methods. His mission to find sym, the artificial substance which allows the user to manipulate magic. Bran, a strong warrior, helps Teya escape and removes the kundar. They set out to find the Kaloriahns, Teya’s people, but are chased by the King’s men. His instant attraction leads him into more action that he anticipates, especially as he feels the need to protect and try to keep up with Teya.
I loved being able to get inside Teya and Bran’s heads and hear their thoughts. It gave the story depth and made the action scenes more meaningful. The scenery and history of the world also came to life as their journey progressed. Their enemies, both known and unknown, were dogging them at every step which added urgency and thrilling moments. At times it seemed they would never succeed in their quest to find Teya’s people and the source of sym.
Ms Helme has truly written a wonderful story. It will appeal to readers of romance, fantasy and mystery. Strong characters and a way with words make this a must read book.
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Teya is a wonderful young woman. Her upbringing has made her naive and her unexpected escape leads her into silly mistakes. Exactly what you’d expect from someone who’d been in captivity for most of her adolescence.
Bran is the Braemar ambassador to the Old Country. Braemar society runs on technology whereas the Old Country relies on non-technology methods. His mission to find sym, the artificial substance which allows the user to manipulate magic. Bran, a strong warrior, helps Teya escape and removes the kundar. They set out to find the Kaloriahns, Teya’s people, but are chased by the King’s men. His instant attraction leads him into more action that he anticipates, especially as he feels the need to protect and try to keep up with Teya.
I loved being able to get inside Teya and Bran’s heads and hear their thoughts. It gave the story depth and made the action scenes more meaningful. The scenery and history of the world also came to life as their journey progressed. Their enemies, both known and unknown, were dogging them at every step which added urgency and thrilling moments. At times it seemed they would never succeed in their quest to find Teya’s people and the source of sym.
Ms Helme has truly written a wonderful story. It will appeal to readers of romance, fantasy and mystery. Strong characters and a way with words make this a must read book.
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
December 14, 2010
I loved reading Songbird!!!! It is a great fantasy adventure (with some romance of course). I felt like part of the book, like I knew the characters, and had some investment in what happened to them. Teya and Bran were real and emotional and flawed, kind of like me. I read the book in one day, wishing that I was still reading it when I had to put it down to do other things. More than once I found myself laughing out loud or feeling a bit mushy and girly, and I had to stop myself from flipping forward a few pages to find out what was going to happen.
It was definitely a few well-spent hours and I can't wait to read more from Colleen!!!!
It was definitely a few well-spent hours and I can't wait to read more from Colleen!!!!
January 13, 2011
Loved the book! At first, I couldn't quite decide where it was going, but as I read more, I found myself surprised as to it's direction. I couldn't put it down because it really caught my interest and I really anticipated the action to come. I have read a lot of fantasy, science fiction and romance novels and I was very satisfied when Songbird came to the end (even though I didn't want it to end). The story was engaging and different and I appreciated the magic being held in the music. As a musician myself, I know the power that music can have in one's life. It is also a story of faith, loyalty and love. I really enjoyed Songbird and I can't wait for more novels from Colleen Helme.
June 13, 2012
A wonderful, imaginative book!
What on earth was the publisher thinking though!? I felt like the slowest reader while going through this book because the print was so ridiculously cramped and small. Also, I may not have picked up this book just because of the cover art. Thankfully I didn't judge a book by its cover but that picture on the front is just horrible. I never took it with me in public and whenever I left it around the house, placed it with the cover facing down because I was so embarrassed by the awkward art.
This is a fast pace, enjoyable read but the author should seriously think about going with another publisher next time!
-Giselle
What on earth was the publisher thinking though!? I felt like the slowest reader while going through this book because the print was so ridiculously cramped and small. Also, I may not have picked up this book just because of the cover art. Thankfully I didn't judge a book by its cover but that picture on the front is just horrible. I never took it with me in public and whenever I left it around the house, placed it with the cover facing down because I was so embarrassed by the awkward art.
This is a fast pace, enjoyable read but the author should seriously think about going with another publisher next time!
-Giselle
January 4, 2011
Songbird captured my interest from the first page. I am an avid fantasy novel reader and this book is now one of my favorites. I loved the originality of the plot and the use of magic through music. But the best part was how the romance between the two characters developed. It never overshadowed the plot, but became an integral part of who the characters were. How everything resolved was highly satisfying and left me feeling euphoric. A great read!
April 3, 2011
What would you expect from this book? A helpless 10-year-old? A horror-less adventure? No adventure at all?
WRONG! This book filled the song inside of my heart, with the strength of the main character strumming the tune, and the impact of her singing providing the melody. The words? Why, they came from the story itself, from the words, the adventure. Pleasing me the most was the unlikely romance, catching me by surprise (not really). Overall, this enchantment was truly a worth-read.
WRONG! This book filled the song inside of my heart, with the strength of the main character strumming the tune, and the impact of her singing providing the melody. The words? Why, they came from the story itself, from the words, the adventure. Pleasing me the most was the unlikely romance, catching me by surprise (not really). Overall, this enchantment was truly a worth-read.
April 5, 2011
At first I wasn't sure if I would like this book or not but once I got into it I coudn't put it down! It was very intriguing. Songbird is a beautiful girl with a voice like an angel. Songbird's singing was not only beautiful but also magical. There is a beautiful love story as part of this tale which was very touching to me. Knowing the author of this book makes it even more delightful to read.
December 4, 2013
This is a great story by a new author that captures a girl who is enslaved for her voice. It is a science fiction novel. I enjoyed the plot but thought the ending was a bit too far fetched.
January 20, 2023
The City of Enoch?
I couldn’t help but think of the City of Enoch when I read this story. And because of my beliefs, many other similarities to stories I grew up learning as a child. Needless to say I loved this story. Well done Ms Helme.
I couldn’t help but think of the City of Enoch when I read this story. And because of my beliefs, many other similarities to stories I grew up learning as a child. Needless to say I loved this story. Well done Ms Helme.
December 20, 2013
Teya was taken away from her home when she was just ten years old. Captured, a device which impeded her magic was placed around her neck and for the next ten years she was a prisoner of the King of the Old Country, forced to sing for him for it is in her voice that her power lies. Any attempt to use too much magic causes her immense pain, until the day she is rescued by an ambassador from neighbouring Braemar who thinks her people are the source of a magical elixir wreaking havoc in his home. They fly from danger into danger, constantly running from those who wish them harm.
So, there are quite a lot of problems with this book for me. I think the underlying idea was quite interesting, having a magic system where the magic comes from the tones sung and the various treacheries that go on and criss-crossing of allegiances, but it just was not well executed. While reading this, I found myself in the strange position of finding that it was not a quick read, but also thinking that if it had been slowed down it would have been a lot better. Everything happens really quickly, especially considering that it's not a particularly long book. You aren't ever given the opportunity to really get to know the characters, and the current danger/central antagonist changes so often it's hard to build up any depth of feeling for any of the characters. Otherwise, the last chapter may have just broken my heart.
But as it was...I could see it was 'sad', but didn't actually feel it.
There are a few plots holes and little inconsistencies in the text, but there are a couple of quite major issues I had. Teya doesn't seem to realise all the myriad ways she can use her magic whilst in captivity, yet after one day of training she's blasting people with lightning. There's no learning curve: she can't, and then she can. But this is further confused by developments with Bran.
On top of this, there was some of the good ol' insta-love going on. Followed not long after by a love triangle, also of the insta-love kind. Teya is apparently stunningly attractive (but hey, let's go back to the capital city while the king's looking for her in spite of her recognisable she is - makes total sense!) so I can see why guys would be attracted to her, but love? In like, two days? I prefer relationships that are grounded on a little more than absolutely nothing.
Random aside which annoyed me: the border wall between Braemar and the Old Kingdom seems to be about a hundred feet from the Old Kingdom Palace...wut? If I had a captial and a palace, it would not be right next door to some other country. Especially one with vastly superior technology. Invasion threat much? It would take them about two minutes.
But in spite of all these things, I did manage to get through the book, and I wanted to know whether everything would work out, so it wasn't all bad by any means.
So, there are quite a lot of problems with this book for me. I think the underlying idea was quite interesting, having a magic system where the magic comes from the tones sung and the various treacheries that go on and criss-crossing of allegiances, but it just was not well executed. While reading this, I found myself in the strange position of finding that it was not a quick read, but also thinking that if it had been slowed down it would have been a lot better. Everything happens really quickly, especially considering that it's not a particularly long book. You aren't ever given the opportunity to really get to know the characters, and the current danger/central antagonist changes so often it's hard to build up any depth of feeling for any of the characters. Otherwise, the last chapter may have just broken my heart.
But as it was...I could see it was 'sad', but didn't actually feel it.
There are a few plots holes and little inconsistencies in the text, but there are a couple of quite major issues I had. Teya doesn't seem to realise all the myriad ways she can use her magic whilst in captivity, yet after one day of training she's blasting people with lightning. There's no learning curve: she can't, and then she can. But this is further confused by developments with Bran.
On top of this, there was some of the good ol' insta-love going on. Followed not long after by a love triangle, also of the insta-love kind. Teya is apparently stunningly attractive (but hey, let's go back to the capital city while the king's looking for her in spite of her recognisable she is - makes total sense!) so I can see why guys would be attracted to her, but love? In like, two days? I prefer relationships that are grounded on a little more than absolutely nothing.
Random aside which annoyed me: the border wall between Braemar and the Old Kingdom seems to be about a hundred feet from the Old Kingdom Palace...wut? If I had a captial and a palace, it would not be right next door to some other country. Especially one with vastly superior technology. Invasion threat much? It would take them about two minutes.
But in spite of all these things, I did manage to get through the book, and I wanted to know whether everything would work out, so it wasn't all bad by any means.
April 5, 2022
3.5/5
Review to come soon
Review to come soon
August 22, 2015
If you are expecting a fantasy romance with a happily ever after ending, this Songbird will make you work for it. Magically paranormal fantasy romance with endless twists, turns, danger and setbacks.
Kidnapped at the tender age of ten years, Teya was not even aware of her magical abilities.
She comes from a peaceful people, the Kalorian race.
Her magical potential is sought after by the leaders of neighboring countries and her kidnapping is part of political strategy. The full story begins ten years later.
Teya has been a captive and isolated most of that time. She is shown off as a prized possession, singing to entertain the king's guests. One day an ambassador from an outlying country arrives. His secret mission is to hunt down the source of a magical elixar. He believes the Kalorians are key to this drug. Stealing the Songbird (he thinks of it as rescuing) may lead him to other Kalorians.
Yes, he does get the Songbird out of the castle, but they are far from safe. Anyone who helps is in danger of being executed. Everyone's motives must be questioned.
Having been sheltered all her life, Teya is naive and trusting.
They meet a musician who appears to be Kalorian. Teya believes her race is honest and trustworthy.
Her trust again places them in danger including physical harm. Except for the Songbird, no one is who they appear on the surface. As she spends time among others, Teya finds herself in need of keeping secrets. Captured and needing to escape several times, Teya must learn to control her magic and her emotions. Danger and excitement at every turn of the page!
This book will interest those readers who appreciate military strategy even if they are not normally fantasy fans. Historical fiction readers will also enjoy it. This would make a wonderful book club read with much to discuss. I would share it with teehave male readers.
It is difficult to put down.
I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kidnapped at the tender age of ten years, Teya was not even aware of her magical abilities.
She comes from a peaceful people, the Kalorian race.
Her magical potential is sought after by the leaders of neighboring countries and her kidnapping is part of political strategy. The full story begins ten years later.
Teya has been a captive and isolated most of that time. She is shown off as a prized possession, singing to entertain the king's guests. One day an ambassador from an outlying country arrives. His secret mission is to hunt down the source of a magical elixar. He believes the Kalorians are key to this drug. Stealing the Songbird (he thinks of it as rescuing) may lead him to other Kalorians.
Yes, he does get the Songbird out of the castle, but they are far from safe. Anyone who helps is in danger of being executed. Everyone's motives must be questioned.
Having been sheltered all her life, Teya is naive and trusting.
They meet a musician who appears to be Kalorian. Teya believes her race is honest and trustworthy.
Her trust again places them in danger including physical harm. Except for the Songbird, no one is who they appear on the surface. As she spends time among others, Teya finds herself in need of keeping secrets. Captured and needing to escape several times, Teya must learn to control her magic and her emotions. Danger and excitement at every turn of the page!
This book will interest those readers who appreciate military strategy even if they are not normally fantasy fans. Historical fiction readers will also enjoy it. This would make a wonderful book club read with much to discuss. I would share it with teehave male readers.
It is difficult to put down.
I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2015
This book was really long (it seemed) but really good! There was always something going on and the plot didn’t let up for a minute. Honestly it was hard to find a stopping point because it was always right in the middle of something.
I had very few issues with it, and those were mainly character-based. The writing was very good and pacing was fine, although it probably could have been broken up into two books. The descriptions were great—such imagery, and it felt very real. The world-building was wonderful—even though there wasn’t too much of it (I only noticed this later), it still felt like there was a solid foundation there that didn’t leave any holes or gaps in my mind about each place. Braemar was like the modern world, and Old Country was, well, old-fashioned. Much like a fairytale, really. But if you ask me, the book was very much plot-driven, more than anything.
Teya was pretty much as you’d expect her to be. Sometimes she was a strong female protagonist, but most of the time she was the girl who had been kept as a slave during the most important years of her life (rather, the years that she should have been developing into the young woman she was meant to become). She was certainly a bit helpless at times, but she kept her sanity and that’s probably what saved her. I wasn’t too attached to her but I did want her to win, of course.
The FULL REVIEW is super long and unusually thoughtful (for me) so please check it out on my blog, Awesome Book Assessment.
I had very few issues with it, and those were mainly character-based. The writing was very good and pacing was fine, although it probably could have been broken up into two books. The descriptions were great—such imagery, and it felt very real. The world-building was wonderful—even though there wasn’t too much of it (I only noticed this later), it still felt like there was a solid foundation there that didn’t leave any holes or gaps in my mind about each place. Braemar was like the modern world, and Old Country was, well, old-fashioned. Much like a fairytale, really. But if you ask me, the book was very much plot-driven, more than anything.
Teya was pretty much as you’d expect her to be. Sometimes she was a strong female protagonist, but most of the time she was the girl who had been kept as a slave during the most important years of her life (rather, the years that she should have been developing into the young woman she was meant to become). She was certainly a bit helpless at times, but she kept her sanity and that’s probably what saved her. I wasn’t too attached to her but I did want her to win, of course.
The FULL REVIEW is super long and unusually thoughtful (for me) so please check it out on my blog, Awesome Book Assessment.
June 29, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is not what I was expecting, and that is a good thing. In this book we meet Teya, who was kidnapped when she was a child, so that she can be a prized item or “Songbird” for the king. No one, including Teya, knows how much more she is capable of. Enter the handsome Bran to rescue her from captivity, and help her on her journey. She must save her people, stop a madman, and fulfill her destiny. Sounds easy, right? This title is packed full of action and adventure, and is built into a magical and imaginative world that is a great escape from your normal day to day life. There is also a very sweet love story, which is always a good thing. I would highly recommend checking this book out if you enjoy a complicated love story or fantasy novels.
This book is not what I was expecting, and that is a good thing. In this book we meet Teya, who was kidnapped when she was a child, so that she can be a prized item or “Songbird” for the king. No one, including Teya, knows how much more she is capable of. Enter the handsome Bran to rescue her from captivity, and help her on her journey. She must save her people, stop a madman, and fulfill her destiny. Sounds easy, right? This title is packed full of action and adventure, and is built into a magical and imaginative world that is a great escape from your normal day to day life. There is also a very sweet love story, which is always a good thing. I would highly recommend checking this book out if you enjoy a complicated love story or fantasy novels.
March 9, 2011
I liked the premise of this book; it was original and intriguing with the idea of magic being possible through music and singing. For the most part, the writing was quite good. There was plenty of magic, romance, action and intrigue. Teya and Bran were great characters and their romantic relationship was special and, well, magical!
It took me a while to get used to the idea of motorcars, motorbikes and guns being part of this fantasy alongside kings, castles, swords and horses. It’s just not something I would expect to find in a fantasy, and even some of the expressions used jarred me out of the story a little bit because they seemed out of place.
However, that being said, I did enjoy the story and look forward to reading more of Ms. Helme’s work.
It took me a while to get used to the idea of motorcars, motorbikes and guns being part of this fantasy alongside kings, castles, swords and horses. It’s just not something I would expect to find in a fantasy, and even some of the expressions used jarred me out of the story a little bit because they seemed out of place.
However, that being said, I did enjoy the story and look forward to reading more of Ms. Helme’s work.
August 24, 2015
Teya es parte de una tribu llamada Kaloriahns, que poseen el don de producir magia a través del canto. Encarcelada y obligada a usar un collar que le impide usar su magia, se transforma en la prisionera de un rey ávido de poder. Cuando un embajador de otro país, Bran, le ofrece un escape a cambio de encontrar el origen de un elixir que otorga magia a los hombres, ella decide aprovechar la oportunidad para descubrir que fue de su familia y del mítico lugar en el que creció.
Me gusta la idea de que la magia de la música persista a pesar de la tecnología, ya que la gente la considera "talento" pero sigue conmoviendo nuestras emociones. Esta historia vendrá a mi mente cada vez que mi corazón se estremezca con una melodía!
Me gusta la idea de que la magia de la música persista a pesar de la tecnología, ya que la gente la considera "talento" pero sigue conmoviendo nuestras emociones. Esta historia vendrá a mi mente cada vez que mi corazón se estremezca con una melodía!
November 26, 2010
I loved reading Songbird! It was so hard for me to put it down I read it in one day! I felt like I was part of the book. I could relate to Teya, the main character because her singing voice was her magic, and I love to sing. I wish I could use my voice to create images and more. It was romantic, exciting, interesting, and fun to read! It took some twists and kept me intrigued, wondering how everything would work out until the end. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, romance, and a great story!
June 21, 2015
Enjoyable Story
I really enjoy the Shelby series by this author and was looking forward to reading this.
I haven't read this type of book in a long time and wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed the two main characters though I found Teya to be a bit naive. But, this was to be expected after her captivity.
There were many unexpected turns in the story that kept me guessing and I was happy with the length of the story and the ending.
Overall, an enjoyable read and is recommend it to anyone.
I really enjoy the Shelby series by this author and was looking forward to reading this.
I haven't read this type of book in a long time and wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed the two main characters though I found Teya to be a bit naive. But, this was to be expected after her captivity.
There were many unexpected turns in the story that kept me guessing and I was happy with the length of the story and the ending.
Overall, an enjoyable read and is recommend it to anyone.
July 10, 2011
This was wonderfully written. I like the plot. The king catches Teya and takes her singing abilities. This story is original. A young ambassador helps her escape.
At first I don't like the ambassador. I wondered what is motives were for helping Teya escape. I do like him afterwords when he falls in love with Teya. I was mad that he wouldn't remove her kundar around her neck. That was cruel for the king to do Keya.
At first I don't like the ambassador. I wondered what is motives were for helping Teya escape. I do like him afterwords when he falls in love with Teya. I was mad that he wouldn't remove her kundar around her neck. That was cruel for the king to do Keya.
July 9, 2011
great story idea, terrible writing. No plot development, no character growth, very disappointing.
June 6, 2011
Interesting premise, but I didn't think the writing was that good. A fun, quick read, but not memorable.
October 7, 2023
Four and 3/4 Stars!!
Wonderful fantasy story by Ms. Helme! Wish there was a grove on earth to go and hear the melody, and to join in the song of Creation. However, as a Christian I have a home prepared for me, with my loved ones waiting for me, and I will see my Savior face to face!! This story is a metaphor of the eternal battle against good and evil, darkness and light, redemption and damnation of the soul -- that part of us that lives forever. Teya is a wonderful songbird, full of potential to save her people and their home, the grove. But she's been imprisoned by a greedy king, and others also want her Power to use for their own agenda. Lovely, earthly Bran -- noble to the core, and true love of Teya. They go through much struggle to try to remain together. The storyline is delightful. The bad guys are deliciously sold out to evil. The good guys are in bondage and their power is being strangled and diminished in the most Wicked way imaginable. There are those with only human greed and ambition and see an opportunity to seize power over their foes! They all end up at the grove and then it GOES DOWN!! Am currently an avid fan of Ms. Helme's Shelby Nichols series, and this story is worlds away in genre. But, her brilliance shines through as a master storyteller. There was one part about 1/3 of the way that I thought it bogged down. But, just as soon as I had the thought it picked up again. Great story -- magic to heal and/or destroy, true love, life giving water, a "MotherTree" -- it all starts in a grove (you know "garden") -- a life stealing darkness, and, a shining celestial city!! What's not to love??!!
Wonderful fantasy story by Ms. Helme! Wish there was a grove on earth to go and hear the melody, and to join in the song of Creation. However, as a Christian I have a home prepared for me, with my loved ones waiting for me, and I will see my Savior face to face!! This story is a metaphor of the eternal battle against good and evil, darkness and light, redemption and damnation of the soul -- that part of us that lives forever. Teya is a wonderful songbird, full of potential to save her people and their home, the grove. But she's been imprisoned by a greedy king, and others also want her Power to use for their own agenda. Lovely, earthly Bran -- noble to the core, and true love of Teya. They go through much struggle to try to remain together. The storyline is delightful. The bad guys are deliciously sold out to evil. The good guys are in bondage and their power is being strangled and diminished in the most Wicked way imaginable. There are those with only human greed and ambition and see an opportunity to seize power over their foes! They all end up at the grove and then it GOES DOWN!! Am currently an avid fan of Ms. Helme's Shelby Nichols series, and this story is worlds away in genre. But, her brilliance shines through as a master storyteller. There was one part about 1/3 of the way that I thought it bogged down. But, just as soon as I had the thought it picked up again. Great story -- magic to heal and/or destroy, true love, life giving water, a "MotherTree" -- it all starts in a grove (you know "garden") -- a life stealing darkness, and, a shining celestial city!! What's not to love??!!
February 5, 2020
Thought Provoking Romantic Fantasy
Bran is on a spy mission to discover the source of a potion that gives people in his neighboring country magical powers. Powers that could potentially cause the neighboring country to overpower Bran's country. In the guise of a diplomat, he sees an ethereal beauty kept prisoner. she is forced to sing for the king and his group. Her voice has magic, but her magical powers are dampened by a collar around her neck. Bran believes she is part of a race of people with natural magical abilities, and that her people are the key to uncovering the magical elixir used by her captor, the king of Bran's neighboring country. Bran rescues her, and therein starts a journey to find and free her people. While doing so, he uncovers the secret to her magic. The book was very good, full of treachery, deceit, action, fighting, and death. There was some romance, but not erotic, no explicit sex, little in the way of fowl language. And the story was complete, stand alone, with a satisfying ending. It was thought provoking because the Songbird and her people were peaceful, but enslaved because others covered their power, and were afraid of people who were more powerful than them. Fear and envy, the cause of cruelty to others who are different.
Bran is on a spy mission to discover the source of a potion that gives people in his neighboring country magical powers. Powers that could potentially cause the neighboring country to overpower Bran's country. In the guise of a diplomat, he sees an ethereal beauty kept prisoner. she is forced to sing for the king and his group. Her voice has magic, but her magical powers are dampened by a collar around her neck. Bran believes she is part of a race of people with natural magical abilities, and that her people are the key to uncovering the magical elixir used by her captor, the king of Bran's neighboring country. Bran rescues her, and therein starts a journey to find and free her people. While doing so, he uncovers the secret to her magic. The book was very good, full of treachery, deceit, action, fighting, and death. There was some romance, but not erotic, no explicit sex, little in the way of fowl language. And the story was complete, stand alone, with a satisfying ending. It was thought provoking because the Songbird and her people were peaceful, but enslaved because others covered their power, and were afraid of people who were more powerful than them. Fear and envy, the cause of cruelty to others who are different.
June 6, 2024
Songbird
This book is vastly different from Colleen Helme’s Shelby Nichols series but equally riveting. While Shelby’s story takes place in the present age, this story takes place in an undefined time and land. It is more of a fable of good and evil, love and hatred, acceptance of what is and desire for what one cannot have. It is a tale well told with great imagination. Teya and Bran have a connection that cannot be broken and helps them overcome many obstacles on their path to restoring Teya’s homeland. There is magic and love in this book and always hope. I enjoyed this story very much.
This book is vastly different from Colleen Helme’s Shelby Nichols series but equally riveting. While Shelby’s story takes place in the present age, this story takes place in an undefined time and land. It is more of a fable of good and evil, love and hatred, acceptance of what is and desire for what one cannot have. It is a tale well told with great imagination. Teya and Bran have a connection that cannot be broken and helps them overcome many obstacles on their path to restoring Teya’s homeland. There is magic and love in this book and always hope. I enjoyed this story very much.
January 1, 2022
Blown away!
An amazing story. A clear vision of this new world that the songbird is set in is in my mind and heart. Such a delicious story of magic and love and mystery. Redemption and lots of overcoming. I loved the main characters and the villains were painted to be so believable too. Colleen Helme has a rare talent, she has written many books of one type and successfully branched out deeper into fantasy. Keep going Colleen, it's delightful!! Give this author a read, you won't regret it. Xxx
An amazing story. A clear vision of this new world that the songbird is set in is in my mind and heart. Such a delicious story of magic and love and mystery. Redemption and lots of overcoming. I loved the main characters and the villains were painted to be so believable too. Colleen Helme has a rare talent, she has written many books of one type and successfully branched out deeper into fantasy. Keep going Colleen, it's delightful!! Give this author a read, you won't regret it. Xxx
June 2, 2021
Magical and transcendent
Songbird is a very profound creation. This book will take you to a level that is enlightening and awe inspiring. The journey has depths that almost have you begging for a scrap of hope and then like a breath of fresh air, you have complete understanding. I found this book and put it off because I wasn’t sure of the genre change, I should have pounced on it, but waiting did increase my appreciation.. definitely an addition for my collection.
Songbird is a very profound creation. This book will take you to a level that is enlightening and awe inspiring. The journey has depths that almost have you begging for a scrap of hope and then like a breath of fresh air, you have complete understanding. I found this book and put it off because I wasn’t sure of the genre change, I should have pounced on it, but waiting did increase my appreciation.. definitely an addition for my collection.
December 22, 2020
Captivating
This story captured my attention from the first page until the last sentence of the epilogue. I was fascinated by the plot concept and by the romance developing. This author has a way of writing that just gets to the heart. I have now read all the books she has on Amazon, loved every one, and now await whatever she publishes next.
This story captured my attention from the first page until the last sentence of the epilogue. I was fascinated by the plot concept and by the romance developing. This author has a way of writing that just gets to the heart. I have now read all the books she has on Amazon, loved every one, and now await whatever she publishes next.
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