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Sparrow Man #1
Sparrow Man
Meg Clark has turned out to be everything her father and the people of her little North Country town of Gouvernour, NY, have been saying her whole life: nothin’ but a piece of white trash. In an effort to hide her past and turn herself around, she spent her inheritance from her dead mother on the perfect little house with a white picket fence. Then something terrible happened and Meg got sent to county lockup so her fiancé, Jim, wouldn’t have to. And then everyone started waking up…dead.
Good thing escaping from County wasn’t hard. Jim told her exactly how to get free. Now Meg is running and the walking dead are following. In a last ditch effort to find weapons to protect herself, Meg finds Sparrow instead. A tall, strange man with a quirk, Sparrow has an obsession with feathers and the only goal that’s on his mind is finding an old barn on Route 37 with a snowy owl in its rafters.
Meg’s headed to Kingston, where she and Jim agreed to meet if they ever got separated. But sometimes, crossing the border brings more than just freedom and protection and safety. Sometimes it brings questions that someone like Meg would prefer not to answer. And everyone keeps asking questions, including Sparrow. He thinks she’s hiding something and he’s not impressed by her stories of the sins she’s been committing all her life. While Sparrow’s the one who’s a bit cracked in the head, it never occurs to Meg that she could be the one who’s not remembering something. Like what really happened that day she killed those seven men.
Good thing escaping from County wasn’t hard. Jim told her exactly how to get free. Now Meg is running and the walking dead are following. In a last ditch effort to find weapons to protect herself, Meg finds Sparrow instead. A tall, strange man with a quirk, Sparrow has an obsession with feathers and the only goal that’s on his mind is finding an old barn on Route 37 with a snowy owl in its rafters.
Meg’s headed to Kingston, where she and Jim agreed to meet if they ever got separated. But sometimes, crossing the border brings more than just freedom and protection and safety. Sometimes it brings questions that someone like Meg would prefer not to answer. And everyone keeps asking questions, including Sparrow. He thinks she’s hiding something and he’s not impressed by her stories of the sins she’s been committing all her life. While Sparrow’s the one who’s a bit cracked in the head, it never occurs to Meg that she could be the one who’s not remembering something. Like what really happened that day she killed those seven men.
356 pages, ebook
First published August 10, 2014
98 people are currently reading
2340 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Pritchard
50 books165 followersM. R. Pritchard is a two-time Kindle Scout winning author and her short story "Glitch" has been featured in the 2017 winter edition of THE FIRST LINE literary journal. She holds degrees in Biochemistry and Nursing. She is a northern New Yorker transplanted to the Gulf Coast of Florida who enjoys coffee, mint chocolate, cloudy days, and reading on the lanai.
Visit her website MRPritchard.com and sign up for her newsletter. You'll get a monthly newsletter with updates, day to day shenanigans, and book deals.
Visit her website MRPritchard.com and sign up for her newsletter. You'll get a monthly newsletter with updates, day to day shenanigans, and book deals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 23, 2023
“I was alone. Waiting for my fiance to get home -” “His name is Jim?”
Meg sets out to find him…alone. Every step is dangerous and she is ill equipped to handle it on her own. It’s a good thing she comes across Sparrow. Is it be chance or fate? She thinks he’s crazy. Obsessive about collecting feathers. About Jim, I didn’t see that coming at all. About Meg, I knew something was up with her. After all, she is the star of the show, so she has to special in some way. About Sparrow, his identity slowly came to me, but I didn’t grasp the full story. As Meg finds out her history and lineage, the full betrayal brings her to her knees. I am super pissed off for her and I would love to be there and help her kick some demon ass. The familiarity with The Walking Dead, Supernatural and Lucifer made reading Sparrow Man wicked good and easy to visualize the action. Sparrow Man laid the foundation for the entire series, which needs to be read in order. It did end in a good place with no cliffhanger. I will be devouring Nightingale Girl, Book II, ASAP.
Meg sets out to find him…alone. Every step is dangerous and she is ill equipped to handle it on her own. It’s a good thing she comes across Sparrow. Is it be chance or fate? She thinks he’s crazy. Obsessive about collecting feathers. About Jim, I didn’t see that coming at all. About Meg, I knew something was up with her. After all, she is the star of the show, so she has to special in some way. About Sparrow, his identity slowly came to me, but I didn’t grasp the full story. As Meg finds out her history and lineage, the full betrayal brings her to her knees. I am super pissed off for her and I would love to be there and help her kick some demon ass. The familiarity with The Walking Dead, Supernatural and Lucifer made reading Sparrow Man wicked good and easy to visualize the action. Sparrow Man laid the foundation for the entire series, which needs to be read in order. It did end in a good place with no cliffhanger. I will be devouring Nightingale Girl, Book II, ASAP.
March 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
Full Review:
This is a hard review to write because this is one of those books that might be best gone into blind. Everything I want to say most is kind of a spoiler because it’ll ruin that mysterious element. But one thing I can say is that I went into this book not knowing what to expect, and still it ended up being something unexpected.
From the blurb you’ve at least gotten that it’s a zombie book, right? Well, it’s not. Oh, it’s got zombies, but it’s not about them.
Part of the reason I say that is because for a good portion of the book, it was really about the characters. Sparrow’s quirkiness was endearing, Meg’s growth from her painful past made me sympathize with her, and the way they were getting to know each other, depending on each other, and caring about each other was fantastic.
The other part of the reason is because the zombies ended up being a footnote among a much bigger scope of supernatural-ness that was revealed in a big twist. (In case you do want to know want to know what you’re getting into, the main supernatural creatures were actually *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*.)
But that was the main issue I had with the book and the reason this review is so hard to write—it almost felt like I read two different books.
See, for the first half, the cover and blurb actually do a great job of portraying how the book felt, the offbeat nature of it. The best way I can describe it is that the perfect playlist to go with it would be one with alternative, subdued, chill, folksie kinda music. There were sweet moments, there were funny moments, there were beautiful moments, there were heavy moments, and then there was this one moment that was like the Wilson scene from Castaway. I swear I literally gasped, said, “Oh no!” out loud, and felt devastated for the character. It always marvels me when an author can make me that emotional over inanimate objects. And the “snowy owl words”… I don’t know why I loved that so much, but I did.
The second half, however, wasn’t quirky and beautiful the way the first half was, and it changed focus. Don’t get me wrong, the twist was completely unexpected and possibly the most unique, intriguing take I’ve seen on something that’s been done quite a bit in fiction, but the new focus (the thing I mentioned in the spoiler) was just something I personally don’t care to read about.
I also felt that near the end Meg started making some bad decisions and the book started to drag a bit, like it should’ve ended sooner after the climax and saved the rest for the next book.
After all was said and done though, everything did make sense, I enjoyed the character development and offbeat feel, and I thought it was a very unique take on things!
Recommended For:
Anyone looking for a somewhat offbeat supernatural read, especially if you like quirky and/or really developed characters.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Full Review:
This is a hard review to write because this is one of those books that might be best gone into blind. Everything I want to say most is kind of a spoiler because it’ll ruin that mysterious element. But one thing I can say is that I went into this book not knowing what to expect, and still it ended up being something unexpected.
From the blurb you’ve at least gotten that it’s a zombie book, right? Well, it’s not. Oh, it’s got zombies, but it’s not about them.
Part of the reason I say that is because for a good portion of the book, it was really about the characters. Sparrow’s quirkiness was endearing, Meg’s growth from her painful past made me sympathize with her, and the way they were getting to know each other, depending on each other, and caring about each other was fantastic.
“What the hell is wrong with your weapon?” I shout.
“It doesn’t like you,” Sparrow chokes out as he pushes at the dead man’s face.
“What the shit is that supposed to mean? Your machete has feelings?”
The other part of the reason is because the zombies ended up being a footnote among a much bigger scope of supernatural-ness that was revealed in a big twist. (In case you do want to know want to know what you’re getting into, the main supernatural creatures were actually *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*.)
But that was the main issue I had with the book and the reason this review is so hard to write—it almost felt like I read two different books.
See, for the first half, the cover and blurb actually do a great job of portraying how the book felt, the offbeat nature of it. The best way I can describe it is that the perfect playlist to go with it would be one with alternative, subdued, chill, folksie kinda music. There were sweet moments, there were funny moments, there were beautiful moments, there were heavy moments, and then there was this one moment that was like the Wilson scene from Castaway. I swear I literally gasped, said, “Oh no!” out loud, and felt devastated for the character. It always marvels me when an author can make me that emotional over inanimate objects. And the “snowy owl words”… I don’t know why I loved that so much, but I did.
The second half, however, wasn’t quirky and beautiful the way the first half was, and it changed focus. Don’t get me wrong, the twist was completely unexpected and possibly the most unique, intriguing take I’ve seen on something that’s been done quite a bit in fiction, but the new focus (the thing I mentioned in the spoiler) was just something I personally don’t care to read about.
I also felt that near the end Meg started making some bad decisions and the book started to drag a bit, like it should’ve ended sooner after the climax and saved the rest for the next book.
After all was said and done though, everything did make sense, I enjoyed the character development and offbeat feel, and I thought it was a very unique take on things!
Recommended For:
Anyone looking for a somewhat offbeat supernatural read, especially if you like quirky and/or really developed characters.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
May 15, 2016
It's unfortunate that one can't predict or be a part of aiding which books go viral, as Sparrow Man by M.R. Pritchard is certainly worthy of such reward.
I'm not a fan of divulging the plot of a novel in my reviews, but this novel took me by complete surprise. What I thought was a simple zombie story morphed into something wild and completely unforeseen. Yet it fit perfectly within the world Pritchard has created, mysteries unfolding into fantastical developments. The eclectic characters were a joy to follow and the romance unfolded without being forced. The ending did feel a bit rushed to me, moving between realms a little too quickly for my taste, but beyond that this novel is a gem and definitely worth checking out.
Solid 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
I'm not a fan of divulging the plot of a novel in my reviews, but this novel took me by complete surprise. What I thought was a simple zombie story morphed into something wild and completely unforeseen. Yet it fit perfectly within the world Pritchard has created, mysteries unfolding into fantastical developments. The eclectic characters were a joy to follow and the romance unfolded without being forced. The ending did feel a bit rushed to me, moving between realms a little too quickly for my taste, but beyond that this novel is a gem and definitely worth checking out.
Solid 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
own-tbr
April 23, 2018Kindle freebie today @ Amazon US
March 30, 2016
If you loved Sparrow Man, book 2 in the series is up for nomination on KindleScout.
Head on over to the Kindle Scout page, read the first chapter of Nightingale Girl, nominate the book for publication, and spread the word. If the book gets selected for publication, you get a free ebook copy for nominating!
Happy reading,
Meredith
Link to Nightingale Girl: https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/1EZ0...
The Kindle Copy of Sparrow Man will be FREE 4/4-4/8! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M...
Head on over to the Kindle Scout page, read the first chapter of Nightingale Girl, nominate the book for publication, and spread the word. If the book gets selected for publication, you get a free ebook copy for nominating!
Happy reading,
Meredith
Link to Nightingale Girl: https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/1EZ0...
The Kindle Copy of Sparrow Man will be FREE 4/4-4/8! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M...
January 23, 2015
When I originally picked this book from a list of FREE books from some mailing list, I thought I was going to be reading another book about the "Zombie Apocalypse" and I was perfectly okay with that - because Zombies are kickass. I didn't expect this book to blow me away, nor did I expect it to keep me up until 5:30 AM because I just had to finish it
But it did.
I can't tell you much about what happens in the book, really, because that would be giving too much away, which would be a disservice to you because, trust me, you want to be in the dark about this book.
I loved the characters of Meg and Sparrow and was really surprised by who each of the characters really was. I loved the world and character-building just as much as the surprises that came with reading more of the book.
If you don't like reading about rape, you may not like this book - but if you do read this book, you'll realize that M.R.'s description of it isn't really graphic at all; it's just heartbreaking. The inclusion of rape just makes us feel more involved in Meg's story, where we feel more connected to her because of her pain and loss.
If you don't like swearing, just be aware that there is a fare share of that in this book; Meg has a very filthy mouth.
If you aren't too thrilled about sex-scenes, this book doesn't really delve into a lot of details where that is concerned. M.R. Pritchard kind of leaves that part up to the reader (for the most part).
I don't really have anything negative to say about this book, especially because the main things I felt while reading this book were: loss, love, surprise, anger, happiness, sympathy, and this list just kind of goes on.
My thought is that: any book that can deliver such a wide range of emotions within such a short time is well worth the time spent on reading it. The whole point of living is to experience emotions and embrace them.
Well done M.R. Pritchard.
But it did.
I can't tell you much about what happens in the book, really, because that would be giving too much away, which would be a disservice to you because, trust me, you want to be in the dark about this book.
I loved the characters of Meg and Sparrow and was really surprised by who each of the characters really was. I loved the world and character-building just as much as the surprises that came with reading more of the book.
If you don't like reading about rape, you may not like this book - but if you do read this book, you'll realize that M.R.'s description of it isn't really graphic at all; it's just heartbreaking. The inclusion of rape just makes us feel more involved in Meg's story, where we feel more connected to her because of her pain and loss.
If you don't like swearing, just be aware that there is a fare share of that in this book; Meg has a very filthy mouth.
If you aren't too thrilled about sex-scenes, this book doesn't really delve into a lot of details where that is concerned. M.R. Pritchard kind of leaves that part up to the reader (for the most part).
I don't really have anything negative to say about this book, especially because the main things I felt while reading this book were: loss, love, surprise, anger, happiness, sympathy, and this list just kind of goes on.
My thought is that: any book that can deliver such a wide range of emotions within such a short time is well worth the time spent on reading it. The whole point of living is to experience emotions and embrace them.
Well done M.R. Pritchard.
March 30, 2016
The majority of this book was a-freaking-mazing. Tantalizingly suspenseful, sending delicious shivers down the reader's spines! Not only are you engrossed in the story, but you really love both Meg and Sparrow Man. Meg isn't simply an empty vehicle of a main character, a host for the reader's experiences and reactions to everything going on in the book. She is her own person, clearly defined, and we respect her strong will and her grit.
You're probably wondering why I said only most of the book was amazing. It's not to say that the last third or so is bad, by any means. It's only that when certain revelations are made, the thrilling sense of suspense is gone. That fact is likely unavoidable. Now we know what's really going on here, we know all the players in the game and their motives, and our heroes must actually deal with the truths that have been revealed. It's still a fun story being told, it's just that the feel of it is different.
An author's writing matures as they continue in their field, and I am really impressed with the evolution I've seen in Pritchard's work. I am very excited to see where her books take us next
You're probably wondering why I said only most of the book was amazing. It's not to say that the last third or so is bad, by any means. It's only that when certain revelations are made, the thrilling sense of suspense is gone. That fact is likely unavoidable. Now we know what's really going on here, we know all the players in the game and their motives, and our heroes must actually deal with the truths that have been revealed. It's still a fun story being told, it's just that the feel of it is different.
An author's writing matures as they continue in their field, and I am really impressed with the evolution I've seen in Pritchard's work. I am very excited to see where her books take us next
August 29, 2015
This was a fantastic read. An emotional roller coaster that keeps you on your toes. You may think you have the story pegged and then the author throws something else at you, another twist, another turn. It's not a genre I normally read, this was my first zombie type read. However, if you do like to be thrilled and surprised, this is the story for you. Zombies are called various things in this book, but my favorite term has to be "meat sacks". Haven't heard it put like that before and it had me laughing out loud when I first read it.
Poor Meg, has been through a lot in her life and I found myself connecting with her. She has been labeled and left wanting. She meets Sparrow Man, who seems "bat shit crazy" and she can't help but be allies with him. They make quite a pair.
Be prepared for a lot of swearing, if that bothers you. It didn't really detract from the story. There are sex scenes as well, but not too explicit and really not that many.
Even though this story does not end in a cliffhanger, I feel like there will be more in store for Meg and Sparrow Man. I wouldn't go as far to say HEA yet. But no matter, I want to read more from this series.
Poor Meg, has been through a lot in her life and I found myself connecting with her. She has been labeled and left wanting. She meets Sparrow Man, who seems "bat shit crazy" and she can't help but be allies with him. They make quite a pair.
Be prepared for a lot of swearing, if that bothers you. It didn't really detract from the story. There are sex scenes as well, but not too explicit and really not that many.
Even though this story does not end in a cliffhanger, I feel like there will be more in store for Meg and Sparrow Man. I wouldn't go as far to say HEA yet. But no matter, I want to read more from this series.
December 9, 2014
I like how the book started out with action, I am not a fan of "zombies" but the book just touched on them, and explained them near the end. I fell in love with Sparrow Man! I want a T-shirt! I am also not a religious person but this book had me riveted to the end. Very easy to get lost inside the covers. I am wanting more! I will be reading all of the Phoenix series now, and any books by M. R. Pritchard I can get my eyes on. Parts of Meg's trials took me back to my days in foster homes...I felt like she was me. A fantastic Good Read. Julie
August 26, 2014
Wow! This was a very well developed story with lots of twists and turns. It takes real talent to come up with such a creative storyline.
There was a lot of depth and great character building. The verbiage was descriptive, and the flow flawless.
A great book.
There was a lot of depth and great character building. The verbiage was descriptive, and the flow flawless.
A great book.
April 24, 2016
The writing was so poor that I didn't make it past the first page.
November 24, 2023
The last few days have been lost devouring this incredible omnibus and as such, it is one to keep for a re-read where it can be savoured
The three books within complement each other beautifully and reflect the growth of not just the protagonist, Meg, but also the skill of the author.
The story is woven back and forth between the books and in a similar fashion to LOTR, each book raises questions, answers them and elaborates further. I am very glad this is an omnibus as I would have been on tenterhooks waiting for each book!
In the beginning, I saw glimmers of The Walking Dead amd I was thrilled as, lets be real, zombies! However, the omnibus twists and turns and grows into so much more than just another post-apocalyptic zombie tale. I am not going to elaborate on how, I will just say they are a factor of the saga, not the main performance
Meg is a fantastic protagonist, multi-dimensional and certainly not perfect and that is what adds something special to this book for me. She's relatable and I found my heart breaking for her one minute and being as frustrated as anything with her the next. That is a great character for me. She is interesting and her personal journey is wholly unexpected
Book 1: The Sparrow Man and Book 3: ScareCrow are certainly my favourites,but Book 2, Nightingale Girl had me intrigued at how everything could come together
On finishing the omnibus, I was both exhilerated and exhausted. Absolutely wonderful
This omnibus is absolutely brilliant and I am looking forward to reading more from this author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The three books within complement each other beautifully and reflect the growth of not just the protagonist, Meg, but also the skill of the author.
The story is woven back and forth between the books and in a similar fashion to LOTR, each book raises questions, answers them and elaborates further. I am very glad this is an omnibus as I would have been on tenterhooks waiting for each book!
In the beginning, I saw glimmers of The Walking Dead amd I was thrilled as, lets be real, zombies! However, the omnibus twists and turns and grows into so much more than just another post-apocalyptic zombie tale. I am not going to elaborate on how, I will just say they are a factor of the saga, not the main performance
Meg is a fantastic protagonist, multi-dimensional and certainly not perfect and that is what adds something special to this book for me. She's relatable and I found my heart breaking for her one minute and being as frustrated as anything with her the next. That is a great character for me. She is interesting and her personal journey is wholly unexpected
Book 1: The Sparrow Man and Book 3: ScareCrow are certainly my favourites,but Book 2, Nightingale Girl had me intrigued at how everything could come together
On finishing the omnibus, I was both exhilerated and exhausted. Absolutely wonderful
This omnibus is absolutely brilliant and I am looking forward to reading more from this author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2025
This book had so much potential. The first half of the book was awesome and I was so ready to rate it 5 stars. As it continued I rolled my eyes a couple hundred times and had a hard time finishing it because it was just so bad. This could have been a really meaningful and powerful story but I feel like too much stuff was going on and it took away from the main lesson of the book. Simpler would have been better in my opinion. As soon as hell and heaven and realms were introduced was I was like peace out. I do like the amount of dialogue that occurred between the characters but it often felt disconnected and unrealistic. I didn’t really like that Sparrows whole character shifted either. The ending felt rushed af too. Like she met her mother for a whole 4 pages then said “poof bye mother have fun in hell with Lucifer oh also I’ll promise to never come back here ever again because my mans was stabbed and I gotta get my daddy to heal him. Also I just learned that heaven exists and I’m the princess but apparently I’m totally fine with that and I’m just gonna act normal cause that makes sense”
(also she calls herself white trash every other page) idk the whole second half of the story was so unserious and made me frustrated.
(also she calls herself white trash every other page) idk the whole second half of the story was so unserious and made me frustrated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2024
I enjoyed this read quite a bit! I was confused by a lot of back and forth, and sometimes was confused about the reasoning behind certain things.
For one, Meg is this woman who was born from the King of Heaven and then she was dating the Prince of Hell, but she didn't know. The prince was uber abusive, she suffered through domestic and smexual assualt, and to boot, she ends up fully healed.
The part that really confused me was she was beaten severely and is in a coma in the earthen realm, but he soul wanders in Hell. I was so thrown off by that because if she was the King of Heaven's daughter, it didn't make sense to me why she would've ended up in Hell instead.
Eta: just remembered she is also the granddaughter of the other angel.... he who shall not be named, but it makes me wonder if she has stuff to do... in Hell?
Aside from a few plot holes, I loved Sparrow Man and Meg together. Meg, the morally grey female character, and Sparrow, the crazy but caring book boyfriend.
For one, Meg is this woman who was born from the King of Heaven and then she was dating the Prince of Hell, but she didn't know. The prince was uber abusive, she suffered through domestic and smexual assualt, and to boot, she ends up fully healed.
The part that really confused me was she was beaten severely and is in a coma in the earthen realm, but he soul wanders in Hell. I was so thrown off by that because if she was the King of Heaven's daughter, it didn't make sense to me why she would've ended up in Hell instead.
Eta: just remembered she is also the granddaughter of the other angel.... he who shall not be named, but it makes me wonder if she has stuff to do... in Hell?
Aside from a few plot holes, I loved Sparrow Man and Meg together. Meg, the morally grey female character, and Sparrow, the crazy but caring book boyfriend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2025
Under Gilbert’s Spell, Sparrow Rises
Phil Gilbert’s performance on Sparrow Man by M. R. Pritchard is nothing short of exquisite—his voice alone makes this a four-star listen. Sparrow Man and Meg’s banter keeps you smiling, and that unforgettable “feather orgasm” line had me chuckling well past midnight.
But the plot’s ambitious genre mash-up trips over its own feet: paranormal romance meets zombies, angels, demons, magic and more, all while the heroine’s questions are met with “later,” leaving major world-building gaps. The lead duo shines, but a flat supporting cast and patched-together storytelling hold it back. Overall I rate the audiobook four stars, performance five, and the book three—no more from this author for me, but I ache to lose myself in whatever world Phil Gilbert’s voice unveils next.
Phil Gilbert’s performance on Sparrow Man by M. R. Pritchard is nothing short of exquisite—his voice alone makes this a four-star listen. Sparrow Man and Meg’s banter keeps you smiling, and that unforgettable “feather orgasm” line had me chuckling well past midnight.
But the plot’s ambitious genre mash-up trips over its own feet: paranormal romance meets zombies, angels, demons, magic and more, all while the heroine’s questions are met with “later,” leaving major world-building gaps. The lead duo shines, but a flat supporting cast and patched-together storytelling hold it back. Overall I rate the audiobook four stars, performance five, and the book three—no more from this author for me, but I ache to lose myself in whatever world Phil Gilbert’s voice unveils next.
May 21, 2017
A disgusting book, at the beginning...
But just at the beginning!
You'll see, I wasn't into that zombie thing, so when I read "walking dead", I was like "what the f*". But then I continue reading and the story moves from walking dead to... something more interesting for a person who is into all paranormal but not zombie. I won't tell you anything more. Just go and buy the book, give it a chance, you'll not regret it!
So, here is where I leave this, because I need to start the second book in the series, ASAP. Enjoy reading it!
But just at the beginning!
You'll see, I wasn't into that zombie thing, so when I read "walking dead", I was like "what the f*". But then I continue reading and the story moves from walking dead to... something more interesting for a person who is into all paranormal but not zombie. I won't tell you anything more. Just go and buy the book, give it a chance, you'll not regret it!
So, here is where I leave this, because I need to start the second book in the series, ASAP. Enjoy reading it!
May 28, 2024
While I was mystified that the author chose a male narrator for a female character, he did a great job. (still should have been a female). The story was very interesting, although that female character was mostly unlikeable. Not only that, the story should have stopped midway through chapter 8. That whole last chapter should have been the beginning of the next book. The character, Meg, just got more unlikeable. Not sure I want to continue with the series.
March 30, 2025
I went into the story blind and was startled by the fact within the first chapter I was introduced to the main character by learning of the VERY traumatic backstory of how she came to be imprisoned. Now I'm not new to some trigger warning level stuff but it felt like it came out of nowhere. I should have stopped there.
The writing was not my cup of tea, and I found the main character unlikeable. Sparrow Man was much more interesting as a character but for about half the book I felt like his personality was inconsistent even for an insane man.
Lastly, the plot was convoluted and I felt like they made characters terrible just for the sake of the romantic subplot which I find exceedingly annoying.
The writing was not my cup of tea, and I found the main character unlikeable. Sparrow Man was much more interesting as a character but for about half the book I felt like his personality was inconsistent even for an insane man.
Lastly, the plot was convoluted and I felt like they made characters terrible just for the sake of the romantic subplot which I find exceedingly annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2018
Different
This story starts out pretty good. Then it changes to something totally unexpected. I don't want to say much to give it away but it has a cliffhanger ending. I have to read the next book.
This story starts out pretty good. Then it changes to something totally unexpected. I don't want to say much to give it away but it has a cliffhanger ending. I have to read the next book.
February 25, 2024
Holy Hellion Batman!
What a refreshing new idea for the battles between good and evil. M. R. Pritchard had a wonderful cast of characters in her plot. Unique temperaments Gove the story a wild side.
What a refreshing new idea for the battles between good and evil. M. R. Pritchard had a wonderful cast of characters in her plot. Unique temperaments Gove the story a wild side.
June 23, 2017
Loved this book and just bought 'Nightingale Girl"! Hard to put this book down, well who needs sleep?
October 21, 2017
Oh my goodness!
What a quick read! I love the characters. I can’t wait to start he next book. Meg and Sparrow have an interesting life ahead of them.
What a quick read! I love the characters. I can’t wait to start he next book. Meg and Sparrow have an interesting life ahead of them.
January 19, 2024
It was a nice fairy-tale, relaxing.
April 29, 2025
Loved this, it hooks you from the very beginning and is an absolute page turner. Cannot wait to finish the rest of this series.
April 30, 2025
I was addicted to this story within a few pages. I am looking forward to reading this series and all the "stuff" Meg gets into!
August 11, 2024
I went in not really knowing what to expect from this book. Enjoyed that it kept me on my toes in terms of genre and where the story was going. It's a shame that this series still appears to be relatively unknown / appreciated for how old (2014) and good it is.
June 27, 2017
The first part of this book was so well written- I was scared, I was curious, I couldn't put it down. The reveal was a real surprise- not at all what I was thinking, which I still don't even know if this is a good thing or bad thing. Liked it enough to buy the next book in the series straight away though 😊
August 20, 2017
I feel so guilty because I let this book languish on my Kindle for months, but the moment I picked it up, I devoured it in a single weekend. I greatly enjoyed M.R. Pritchard's refreshing and unexpected take on the zombie genre - a genre that rarely mixes in religion and romance in such a deft and unexpected way. I'm definitely off to devour books two and three now.
January 5, 2015
This is one of the weirdest books I have ever read, but was so freakin good. There were a couple of different story lines going on but they meshed together really well. It was almost like eating two different kind of foods together that when you look at it, it doesn't seem like it will go well together, but when you take a bite and the two flavors match so well together. Like cheddar cheese on apple pie or eating bacon while having a bowl of cheerios. I know this is a weird analogy, but I couldn't think of any way else to describe it.
I also enjoy that I was reading a book written by a fellow New Yorker who is not a down stater. All the places Meg and Sparrow went to, I have been there as well. It almost seemed like I was with them for the ride. I lived in Syracuse and the surrounding areas from 1990-2011 and have traveled up and down Route 81 hundred of times. The scenes that occurred in the Zoo in Syracuse were very well written, but made me a bit sad. The lions scene was heartbreaking as was the one in the aviary.
I don't want to give anything away, but everything in this book is not what it seems. What you think one thing is, isn't. More towards the end everything makes perfect sense, but still gives you that "what a weird book this was" vibe. All I can say is just read it. It's an excellent book and you won't be disappointed.
I also enjoy that I was reading a book written by a fellow New Yorker who is not a down stater. All the places Meg and Sparrow went to, I have been there as well. It almost seemed like I was with them for the ride. I lived in Syracuse and the surrounding areas from 1990-2011 and have traveled up and down Route 81 hundred of times. The scenes that occurred in the Zoo in Syracuse were very well written, but made me a bit sad. The lions scene was heartbreaking as was the one in the aviary.
I don't want to give anything away, but everything in this book is not what it seems. What you think one thing is, isn't. More towards the end everything makes perfect sense, but still gives you that "what a weird book this was" vibe. All I can say is just read it. It's an excellent book and you won't be disappointed.
June 2, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. I was fortunate enough to get it for free during a promotion period, thinking it was something to pass the time with, nothing sounded too amazing in the description, but it sounded unique from all the carbon copy stories out there, involving zombies. Meg is a strong female character, and Sparrow Man was incredible. The character development throughout the entire story was evolved and not jumpy, leaving you wondering how they changed from this to that.
And this part might sound dumb, but I truly hate when an author leaves you in the middle of the story, nothing is resolved and you feel like there should be more. I feel like it's a cheap ploy to push you to buy the next book. THIS BOOK HAS AN ACTUAL ENDING!! That impressed me more than anything.
I highly recommend this book, even if you do have to pay for it. I loved it so much, I will definitely be buying the next book in the series. I cannot wait to read more about Meg and Sparrow.
And this part might sound dumb, but I truly hate when an author leaves you in the middle of the story, nothing is resolved and you feel like there should be more. I feel like it's a cheap ploy to push you to buy the next book. THIS BOOK HAS AN ACTUAL ENDING!! That impressed me more than anything.
I highly recommend this book, even if you do have to pay for it. I loved it so much, I will definitely be buying the next book in the series. I cannot wait to read more about Meg and Sparrow.
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