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Shiloh #3
Songbird
The stunning conclusion to The Shiloh Series
The Shadow's hold has grown strong over Shiloh. For many long years, the Bright Immortals have waited, and at last Ram has allowed them to intervene. At their behest, Simeon crafts the Singing Stone, and Isolde goes back into the Shadow to call the Children of the Morning to freedom, to light.
But the Wolf is cunning and his allies have made ready. War is coming for Isolde's sister, Rosalyn, for faithful Orin, for Eve and Merrick, and the few remaining warriors who refuse to be silent. Will they find the strength to stand against the last and greatest assault of the Dark Immortals?
Get swept up in the adventure that is Songbird.
The Shadow's hold has grown strong over Shiloh. For many long years, the Bright Immortals have waited, and at last Ram has allowed them to intervene. At their behest, Simeon crafts the Singing Stone, and Isolde goes back into the Shadow to call the Children of the Morning to freedom, to light.
But the Wolf is cunning and his allies have made ready. War is coming for Isolde's sister, Rosalyn, for faithful Orin, for Eve and Merrick, and the few remaining warriors who refuse to be silent. Will they find the strength to stand against the last and greatest assault of the Dark Immortals?
Get swept up in the adventure that is Songbird.
286 pages, Paperback
Published October 20, 2015
19 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Helena Sorensen
5 books231 followersHelena Sorensen grew up outside Tampa, Florida in a little backwater called Fort Lonesome. She is not making this up. As a child, she went exploring in the orange groves, searching for empty shotgun shells and fragments of broken glass. Since then, she has performed in show choirs and chamber choirs, received a degree in Music Education, written songs and poems, and traveled to Italy and Ireland. She never saw any of this coming.
She also had no idea of becoming either a mother or a writer, yet here she is, living in Nashville with two kids and four published books to her name. She ponders the humor of the divine and the strange adventure of living while she drinks kombucha on the porch and reads everything from Ursula Le Guin to Dave Barry to Betty MacDonald.
You can find her essays on her Substack, "Filaments."
She also had no idea of becoming either a mother or a writer, yet here she is, living in Nashville with two kids and four published books to her name. She ponders the humor of the divine and the strange adventure of living while she drinks kombucha on the porch and reads everything from Ursula Le Guin to Dave Barry to Betty MacDonald.
You can find her essays on her Substack, "Filaments."
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 5, 2024
4.5 stars.
March 30, 2022
This is such a beautiful trilogy and equally as beautiful the second time around.
Everyone should read it.
Everyone should read it.
May 2, 2025
Songbird is a fitting conclusion to the Shiloh trilogy. Admittedly, the cast of characters got a bit difficult to keep up with by the second half, especially nearing the end.
I enjoyed how the theme of light against darkness ebbed and flowed through the story. Rarely did one piece of hope sustain the cast for long. They had to continually fight to maintain their hope. The finale got a bit muddled but was still an enjoyable read. I personally would've enjoyed more description and time to sit with the highs and lows, especially with Rosalyn, Eve, and Isolde.
The imagery in the final chapters was beautiful and made the struggle of the final battle feel worth it. Overall, I thought it was good and would probably reread the series.
I enjoyed how the theme of light against darkness ebbed and flowed through the story. Rarely did one piece of hope sustain the cast for long. They had to continually fight to maintain their hope. The finale got a bit muddled but was still an enjoyable read. I personally would've enjoyed more description and time to sit with the highs and lows, especially with Rosalyn, Eve, and Isolde.
The imagery in the final chapters was beautiful and made the struggle of the final battle feel worth it. Overall, I thought it was good and would probably reread the series.
July 14, 2024
This series just never got good. There were a million characters and half of them could have been omitted without any problem, and it was hard to care about any of the main characters.
They all had very little personality and no growth, they just felt flat.
I never understood the world building and how the universe worked, and if you need to include a glossary at the back to help you keep track of all the “immortals” that get mentioned, it’s too many.
They all had very little personality and no growth, they just felt flat.
I never understood the world building and how the universe worked, and if you need to include a glossary at the back to help you keep track of all the “immortals” that get mentioned, it’s too many.
January 10, 2023
In the fullness of time the Shadow was broken and light spilled over the Land of Shiloh. This is a beautiful story of hope, bravery, sorrow, love, and, eventually, joy. A story where every tear is wiped away and people look on their Creator-they know him and love him. The only bad part is that it is over.
January 10, 2021
“...let us ride beyond the boundaries of hope and carry it with us. Let us bring hope where it has been forgotten.” (p. 178)
October 31, 2019
I suppose I should have gone back and reviewed Shiloh again before reading this. It's been a few years, so I had forgotten some of the characters, settings, and explanations. Overall I enjoyed it, I was almost moved to tears at the end by the awe of "God." However, I began to feel disturbed, and went to talk to my husband... now I am almost sure this author is a Mormon... children come bright from the gods, and there's no atonement. There's no Jesus. If there's a Jesus, it's "Leander" who is not equal with God in these books; he's the firstborn created child of God, and Satan is the second, just like Mormon theology. That's completely wrong. There's more to Christianity than yin and yang / light and darkness.
I'm upset--feel a bit deceived--because I was recommended these "Christian" books by other Christians, including Baptist missionaries, whom I think got the recommendations from Andrew Peterson's Rabbit Room, and trusted these were Christian because of that. I don't consider Mormon theology Christian and am frustrated by what feels to me deceitful, if this author is Mormon. Let me know up front, and I'll know to be careful about her interpretations. I'll still read it if it's good writing. I read Shannon Hale. But no wonder her explanations didn't hit the mark.
Aside from that (which is a big deal in and of itself), like book 2, this 3rd book is lacking a bit in purpose for different parts. There's not enough here to make it epic, but it feels like that's the scope we're going for. Like, why do they discover their gifts just there in the Hall? Why does the whole nation come fight--babies included? (More Mormon theology? Everyone is saved in the end? Not convincing.) Who are the Fire Children? who are the Star Children? Didn't remember who the Village of Blue Lights is... Why doesn't the shifter in the prison kill the girls before they shake the foundations, and why is Sorensen suddenly adding in the power of song? Why don't we ever meet Ulff, even in his own tower? Sorensen enters into a deeply theological discussion of why God allows the pain of suffering, but doesn't answer the question well--seems to almost randomly have God intervene when a weak girl sings a song... That didn't really answer the question as to why He delayed, or why He intervened at that time. You can guess at what she's trying to insinuate; but it just couldn't approach Lewis, and that is exactly what makes me wary of trying to write my own Christian fantasy--fear of not representing God rightly. Just a lot of imagery going on, and it perhaps would have been more powerful to leave some for another series, and develop a few in this series more fully. I still like her creative invention in general.
I'm upset--feel a bit deceived--because I was recommended these "Christian" books by other Christians, including Baptist missionaries, whom I think got the recommendations from Andrew Peterson's Rabbit Room, and trusted these were Christian because of that. I don't consider Mormon theology Christian and am frustrated by what feels to me deceitful, if this author is Mormon. Let me know up front, and I'll know to be careful about her interpretations. I'll still read it if it's good writing. I read Shannon Hale. But no wonder her explanations didn't hit the mark.
Aside from that (which is a big deal in and of itself), like book 2, this 3rd book is lacking a bit in purpose for different parts. There's not enough here to make it epic, but it feels like that's the scope we're going for. Like, why do they discover their gifts just there in the Hall? Why does the whole nation come fight--babies included? (More Mormon theology? Everyone is saved in the end? Not convincing.) Who are the Fire Children? who are the Star Children? Didn't remember who the Village of Blue Lights is... Why doesn't the shifter in the prison kill the girls before they shake the foundations, and why is Sorensen suddenly adding in the power of song? Why don't we ever meet Ulff, even in his own tower? Sorensen enters into a deeply theological discussion of why God allows the pain of suffering, but doesn't answer the question well--seems to almost randomly have God intervene when a weak girl sings a song... That didn't really answer the question as to why He delayed, or why He intervened at that time. You can guess at what she's trying to insinuate; but it just couldn't approach Lewis, and that is exactly what makes me wary of trying to write my own Christian fantasy--fear of not representing God rightly. Just a lot of imagery going on, and it perhaps would have been more powerful to leave some for another series, and develop a few in this series more fully. I still like her creative invention in general.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2019
"Man was cursed," Orin said, talking more to himself than to the weaver. "Cursed with forgettin'...here in the Shadow Realm we can hardly do anything but forget...but there's power in memory."
Songbird is the fitting conclusion to the Shiloh trilogy. The depth of the trilogy should not be quickly overlooked. I will grant, as others have noted, the character building falls second to Sorensen's world building and is not on par with the lengthier titans of the genre (LOTR for instance). But the threads that run through the narratives are richly exposed and expanded in this concluding story. If you've read the first two, do yourself a favor, pick this one up and read it, preferably with a friend. Then discuss the themes of human dignity, abundant life, identity, and hope. This, finally, is the resolving chord to the first two books.
Songbird is the fitting conclusion to the Shiloh trilogy. The depth of the trilogy should not be quickly overlooked. I will grant, as others have noted, the character building falls second to Sorensen's world building and is not on par with the lengthier titans of the genre (LOTR for instance). But the threads that run through the narratives are richly exposed and expanded in this concluding story. If you've read the first two, do yourself a favor, pick this one up and read it, preferably with a friend. Then discuss the themes of human dignity, abundant life, identity, and hope. This, finally, is the resolving chord to the first two books.
July 16, 2024
This is a 3.5 stars rounded up to four because I actually did like it so I couldn't justify only three.
Character development is lacking, but otherwise it was a very engaging read.
Character development is lacking, but otherwise it was a very engaging read.
February 26, 2023
This is most certainly my favorite in the Shiloh trilogy (though it still pales compared to The Door on Half-Bald Hill by Sorensen), which does make sense since it's the finale, so it ties the other two books together and brings their more somber endings to a glorious climax. I did have to think back a lot to remember some of the characters from the first two books, though, since it had been a while and names and such were given without reminder or reintroduction.
For the most part, I find Sorensen's fantasy world compelling. The big weakness, and this was much clearer in this book than the others, is that her world's afterlife concepts seem underdeveloped. I've thrown a few ideas around in my head trying to figure it out theologically. Since it's a made-up world, I don't expect it to match ours, with regard to afterlife or even ideas of sin/atonement (especially since Sorensen is dealing more with the theme of light/dark than good/evil, though there is overlap there. I also think that with her immortals she's not-so-subtly drawing on Tolkien's Valar and Maiar, which gave me more understanding there on an idea that can be taken odd ways). But because the afterlife "theology" wasn't well-developed (or explained enough; it may be developed in her mind), some aspects of the ending were a bit confusing to me, as were the various levels of things like the Hall of Shadows, etc.
A worthy ending to this trilogy.
For the most part, I find Sorensen's fantasy world compelling. The big weakness, and this was much clearer in this book than the others, is that her world's afterlife concepts seem underdeveloped. I've thrown a few ideas around in my head trying to figure it out theologically. Since it's a made-up world, I don't expect it to match ours, with regard to afterlife or even ideas of sin/atonement (especially since Sorensen is dealing more with the theme of light/dark than good/evil, though there is overlap there. I also think that with her immortals she's not-so-subtly drawing on Tolkien's Valar and Maiar, which gave me more understanding there on an idea that can be taken odd ways). But because the afterlife "theology" wasn't well-developed (or explained enough; it may be developed in her mind), some aspects of the ending were a bit confusing to me, as were the various levels of things like the Hall of Shadows, etc.
A worthy ending to this trilogy.
January 16, 2021
I didn’t think I’d find a new favorite author this early in the year, but I’ll now read any book Helena Sorensen ever writes. This book, this trilogy, has left me speechless.
It’s one of those that I don’t want to reveal any spoilers for, so I’m going to attempt to keep this review rather vague. This third book picks up where the first left off, after several of the characters had escaped the world of shadow and discovered a land in the sun. In this book, they are given tasks by some of the immortals to help rid the world forever of shadow.
What stood out to me most about this book was, despite the dark and despair, the human characters found ways to cling to hope. And it was that hope that helped overcome the darkness. I think we could all learn from that, that no matter how bleak life may seem, there are good things and hope to cling to.
I loved the sisters Isolde and Rosalyn, and their journeys to be reunited; little Rory who couldn’t hear but saw much, and the blind weaver Darby who couldn’t see, yet heard much. Though there were strong men who battled the physical forces of evil, I so loved how it was women who carried and spoke of the hope that brought the light to their world.
Again, if you love fantasy and stories full of mythology and legends, or if you’re a fan of Tolkien and Lewis, add this trilogy to your TBR.
It’s one of those that I don’t want to reveal any spoilers for, so I’m going to attempt to keep this review rather vague. This third book picks up where the first left off, after several of the characters had escaped the world of shadow and discovered a land in the sun. In this book, they are given tasks by some of the immortals to help rid the world forever of shadow.
What stood out to me most about this book was, despite the dark and despair, the human characters found ways to cling to hope. And it was that hope that helped overcome the darkness. I think we could all learn from that, that no matter how bleak life may seem, there are good things and hope to cling to.
I loved the sisters Isolde and Rosalyn, and their journeys to be reunited; little Rory who couldn’t hear but saw much, and the blind weaver Darby who couldn’t see, yet heard much. Though there were strong men who battled the physical forces of evil, I so loved how it was women who carried and spoke of the hope that brought the light to their world.
Again, if you love fantasy and stories full of mythology and legends, or if you’re a fan of Tolkien and Lewis, add this trilogy to your TBR.
December 5, 2024
This is the final book in the Shiloh Series. I enjoyed the stories of the previous two books but they felt like they just weren't quite there. Something felt lacking, things felt dark and burdensome and the victories menial. I now see that what they needed was the third book! What an incredible tale that turned into a page turner for me. For anyone hoping and longing for more than this world, which seems to worsen daily, this story offers hope. It seems like a tall order for a fictional tale, but it echoes with truth. I found myself longing and aching all the more for the things that lay beyond the shadow and the day when all things are revealed and made new. Well done! Entertaining fiction that points to things all too real.
December 5, 2017
I raced through this book. It is the stuff of epics. It is the culmination of both the previous books, and it is the very best in the trilogy. I was enraptured from start to finish. Sorensen’s characters continue to weave a beautiful story, and many from the other books are woven into this one. It’s beautiful. I cannot wait to see what comes next from her. This series, and especially this book, reminded me there is hope in the midst of what looks like tragedy all around, light in the darkness, and gifts endowed to each of us that we need to awaken and live into. What a marvelous work of storytelling this is!
June 22, 2018
This could have ended on Chapter 26, leaving the victorious aftermath to the reader's imagination. But it didn't. There was another chapter, with wonderful description, and showcasing a few places shown in previous books that had been devoured/destroyed by Shadow. And that epilogue. That epilogue just brought the whole series in a full circle.
Beautiful.
Recommended for everyone who loves driven characters, light in the darkness, and a bit of magic.
(I'm surprised that I was able to hold in my fangirling/excitement/feels long enough to write this mostly coherant little paragraph. I'm going to try and come back to add more detail to my reviews for these books.)
Beautiful.
Recommended for everyone who loves driven characters, light in the darkness, and a bit of magic.
(I'm surprised that I was able to hold in my fangirling/excitement/feels long enough to write this mostly coherant little paragraph. I'm going to try and come back to add more detail to my reviews for these books.)
March 16, 2025
These novels have a removed tone that makes reading them feel like watching a movie. I have vivid, epic images in my mind of different events, but I don't feel drawn into the secret heart of any one character. That said, this third book was like a lantern in the dark for the Times We Are In. Each morning I feel the Shadow over our land and the forgetfulness of our people more keenly. These stories tell a dark tale - but such is the tale of our story as well. Sorensen's reminders that the Light will win the day in the end, despite the darkness that seems overwhelming, is not a cure for the ache. But it is a balm.
February 1, 2021
Great!
This book is so captivating! It is such a good story with an even better meaning. The story shows that the world is full of shadow and the people full of fear. It also shows the hope that there is if you believe! It’s full of love, fear, hope, joy, sorrow, and truth. Totally worth reading! I definitely recommend this book.
This book is so captivating! It is such a good story with an even better meaning. The story shows that the world is full of shadow and the people full of fear. It also shows the hope that there is if you believe! It’s full of love, fear, hope, joy, sorrow, and truth. Totally worth reading! I definitely recommend this book.
December 20, 2022
If you can survive the sorrow of the first two books, then this book has enough redemption for itself, but none of the others. My advice to those who finish the other two and are wondering if this one is worth it is that it is, but don't recommend it to anyone else.
January 3, 2020
Best of the series. We need stories like this right now, with dragons and dangers and heroes who find a way.
April 7, 2020
Really good. Cried. V analogous to real life. She did a good job with all the characters, especially Darby and Evander.
January 27, 2021
So so wonderful! Awe inspiring, but more importantly, hope inspiring. My heart rarely feels so tender and so well girded to face all and every joy and sorrow life has to offer.
April 26, 2022
happy ending!
July 18, 2022
Ages 15 and up.
September 8, 2024
Loved this trilogy. So achingly beautiful.
January 20, 2025
This series is so special. What a beautiful picture of the Gospel! Thank you, Helena Sorensen!
July 12, 2023
7/10. You know, I really enjoyed this series as a whole, and as a whole I think I liked this last book. I think. The first two books were really quite excellent. The second book throws you for a loop with whole new characters, but after a bit you forget and are caught up in the beautiful, yet haunting story. With this final book, however, even though everything is rounded together in the end, we are introduced to new characters yet again and the book spends the story focusing on, primarily, characters that you didn't know at all until this book. Now, are they likable and developed well? Yes. But, I as a reader didn't really want new stuff, I wanted development of the old. In the midst of that, the conclusion was quite pleasing, yet it also didn't quite feel like it hit the spot. Not sure.
October 30, 2015
Masterful. I tempered my hopes after Seeker (book 2 in The Shiloh Series), because I didn't think Songbird could equal it. And, while I'm unwilling to say this was a surpassing, it was every bit as wonderful.
Sorensen continues her tale of hope amidst darkness and oppression, and she does it beautifully so. This was a novel I couldn't put down. But no profundity was sacrificed in making this a page turner. Again and again, as with Seeker, I found myself pausing to feel the weight of the content.
This wasn't simply an escape. It was a call to realize the potential in all of us, a call to remember that we can all find reason to hope in dark times. I'm sad the series has ended.
Sorensen continues her tale of hope amidst darkness and oppression, and she does it beautifully so. This was a novel I couldn't put down. But no profundity was sacrificed in making this a page turner. Again and again, as with Seeker, I found myself pausing to feel the weight of the content.
This wasn't simply an escape. It was a call to realize the potential in all of us, a call to remember that we can all find reason to hope in dark times. I'm sad the series has ended.
December 12, 2015
How ambitious to undertake the writing of a trilogy and have it mesmerize the reader, but Soresen achieves that undertaking splendidly in this conclusion to her highly imaginative Shiloh series.
A powerful story to be sure, SONGBIRD also gives special importance to the power of storytelling. The power it has to give peace, hope, and courage when it seems there is none to be found.
This page-turning story filled with distinctive characters and compelling themes is not to be missed.
A powerful story to be sure, SONGBIRD also gives special importance to the power of storytelling. The power it has to give peace, hope, and courage when it seems there is none to be found.
This page-turning story filled with distinctive characters and compelling themes is not to be missed.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews