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The Relics of Ar'Zac #1
Rise of the Sparrows
A cursed omen who dreams of death. A girl who calls fire with a wish. A group of resistance fighters who need the king to die.
Prophecy has brought them together, but will it destroy them too?
As a homeless orphan, shunned for having the gift, Rachael knows how to survive. The visions of people dying are only hers to see. The shadows are her safety. When Cephy comes into her life, having a friend who is as feared by the villagers as Rachael seems too good to be true.
After a fiery incident, the villagers call on the White Guard to execute Rachael and Cephy. Together, they flee into a world they know nothing about. In the unknown await a Mist Woman, a prophecy, and a young rebel who sounds sincere, but in Rachael's experience, no one ever is.
The Sparrows--fighters of the resistance--believe in her because a prophecy names her, but can she be the leader they need when she can't control her own magic?
Rachael knows the struggles the gifted endure all too well. Perhaps it's time she stopped hiding and fought back.
Prophecy has brought them together, but will it destroy them too?
As a homeless orphan, shunned for having the gift, Rachael knows how to survive. The visions of people dying are only hers to see. The shadows are her safety. When Cephy comes into her life, having a friend who is as feared by the villagers as Rachael seems too good to be true.
After a fiery incident, the villagers call on the White Guard to execute Rachael and Cephy. Together, they flee into a world they know nothing about. In the unknown await a Mist Woman, a prophecy, and a young rebel who sounds sincere, but in Rachael's experience, no one ever is.
The Sparrows--fighters of the resistance--believe in her because a prophecy names her, but can she be the leader they need when she can't control her own magic?
Rachael knows the struggles the gifted endure all too well. Perhaps it's time she stopped hiding and fought back.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2016
236 people are currently reading
1459 people want to read
About the author
Sarina Langer
28 books123 followersHello my fellow book-obsessed, erm, bookworms *waves*
I'm a dark epic fantasy author and I read a *lot* (but also slowly, so don't expect big reading goals from me XD).
I love talking about books, stationery, cute things, video games, and witchy stuff, so make a cuppa, get a cookie, and say hi *waves again*
Like free stuff? Join my mailing list and I'll send you free short stories and a free novella *high five* : https://sarinalanger.com/stay-in-touch/
I'm a dark epic fantasy author and I read a *lot* (but also slowly, so don't expect big reading goals from me XD).
I love talking about books, stationery, cute things, video games, and witchy stuff, so make a cuppa, get a cookie, and say hi *waves again*
Like free stuff? Join my mailing list and I'll send you free short stories and a free novella *high five* : https://sarinalanger.com/stay-in-touch/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
June 8, 2016
A confident series opener and debut.
This review was originally published on my book blog.
The author gave me an advanced reader copy of Rise of the Sparrows to read in return for an honest review.
The story in Rise of the Sparrows is told through various character viewpoints using a consistent close third-person voice. The main point of view is that of Rachael, the seventeen-year-old protagonist.
Many of you will be pleased to hear that, Rise of the Sparrows is refreshingly free of the front-and-centre romance (and therefore the dreaded love triangle) which now seems almost obligatory for this genre when the main character is a teenage girl. There are hints at a relationship which could develop further in future installments, but the heroine’s thoughts are mercifully free of worrying about what she looks like and what it would be like to kiss boys. Also, though Rachael has visions which show her the future, that’s the extent of her “special” abilities. It was nice to have a female lead who wasn’t a ready-made, all-conquering bad-ass. Which isn’t to say Rachael isn’t a fighter, but the lethal magic powers and superior fighting skills belong to secondary characters. Meanwhile, Rachael makes use of her instincts and street-smarts to try to stay out of trouble.
The plot is well-handled. You always know you’re in safe hands when a fantasy novel has a map at the front – it shows the author has thought through the mechanics of getting from A to B. And it’s not shy about being sufficiently grim when necessary, as the dark and bloody prologue makes clear from the get-go.
The characters are well-drawn and vivid, although I would have liked more information about the world they lived in. I wanted to know more about Rifarne and its neighbouring countries, its history, its monarchy, its politics and how our characters slotted into this panorama. Of course, I imagine this is my impatience and more will be revealed in the next parts of the series. Also, I understand sometimes you have to sacrifice exposition to keep the story moving forward. But a few times while reading I felt like I was looking at a picture in which the foreground was in sharp focus and filled with wonderful detail while the background was fuzzy.
The highlight of the book for me was its action sequences, perhaps precisely because these require immediacy rather than background info. One extended escape/chase sequence in particular was incredibly gripping (sorry to be vague… trying to avoid spoilers!).
Overall: if you enjoy fantasy fiction and are looking for a good story which bucks many of the recent trends in the genre, I urge you to pick up Rise of the Sparrows.
This review was originally published on my book blog.
The author gave me an advanced reader copy of Rise of the Sparrows to read in return for an honest review.
The story in Rise of the Sparrows is told through various character viewpoints using a consistent close third-person voice. The main point of view is that of Rachael, the seventeen-year-old protagonist.
Many of you will be pleased to hear that, Rise of the Sparrows is refreshingly free of the front-and-centre romance (and therefore the dreaded love triangle) which now seems almost obligatory for this genre when the main character is a teenage girl. There are hints at a relationship which could develop further in future installments, but the heroine’s thoughts are mercifully free of worrying about what she looks like and what it would be like to kiss boys. Also, though Rachael has visions which show her the future, that’s the extent of her “special” abilities. It was nice to have a female lead who wasn’t a ready-made, all-conquering bad-ass. Which isn’t to say Rachael isn’t a fighter, but the lethal magic powers and superior fighting skills belong to secondary characters. Meanwhile, Rachael makes use of her instincts and street-smarts to try to stay out of trouble.
The plot is well-handled. You always know you’re in safe hands when a fantasy novel has a map at the front – it shows the author has thought through the mechanics of getting from A to B. And it’s not shy about being sufficiently grim when necessary, as the dark and bloody prologue makes clear from the get-go.
The characters are well-drawn and vivid, although I would have liked more information about the world they lived in. I wanted to know more about Rifarne and its neighbouring countries, its history, its monarchy, its politics and how our characters slotted into this panorama. Of course, I imagine this is my impatience and more will be revealed in the next parts of the series. Also, I understand sometimes you have to sacrifice exposition to keep the story moving forward. But a few times while reading I felt like I was looking at a picture in which the foreground was in sharp focus and filled with wonderful detail while the background was fuzzy.
The highlight of the book for me was its action sequences, perhaps precisely because these require immediacy rather than background info. One extended escape/chase sequence in particular was incredibly gripping (sorry to be vague… trying to avoid spoilers!).
Overall: if you enjoy fantasy fiction and are looking for a good story which bucks many of the recent trends in the genre, I urge you to pick up Rise of the Sparrows.
August 15, 2017
Rise of the Sparrows by Sarina Langer
I absolutely loved this book. Sarina Langer has masterfully created a new world filled with fantasy, prophecy and magic.
Rachel is a homeless orphan and is shunned for having ‘the gift’ - which in her case is visions of people dying. Cephy, who joins her, has a much more powerful and darker gift. When Cephy burns down her old home, the villagers of Blackrock respond with violence. The two flee and head into the forest, a world alien to them.
They encounter new dangers. The White Guard is chasing them. They meet a Mist Woman, who offers them shelter, but Rachel instinctively feels she can’t be trusted. Then a young rebel tells Rachel she must fulfil a prophecy. He takes her to meet the Sparrows; but can she trust him?
The story moves along at a great pace and the ending is action packed and filled with energy and excitement, with twists and turns.
The characters are well written. The story strongly crafted.
This is a fabulous first novel for Sarina Langer. I look forward to the next book.
I absolutely loved this book. Sarina Langer has masterfully created a new world filled with fantasy, prophecy and magic.
Rachel is a homeless orphan and is shunned for having ‘the gift’ - which in her case is visions of people dying. Cephy, who joins her, has a much more powerful and darker gift. When Cephy burns down her old home, the villagers of Blackrock respond with violence. The two flee and head into the forest, a world alien to them.
They encounter new dangers. The White Guard is chasing them. They meet a Mist Woman, who offers them shelter, but Rachel instinctively feels she can’t be trusted. Then a young rebel tells Rachel she must fulfil a prophecy. He takes her to meet the Sparrows; but can she trust him?
The story moves along at a great pace and the ending is action packed and filled with energy and excitement, with twists and turns.
The characters are well written. The story strongly crafted.
This is a fabulous first novel for Sarina Langer. I look forward to the next book.
November 12, 2022
Wow!! What an excellent read this was! A book I took a gamble on because the cover had been catching my eye for weeks around social media, so once I saw it was free, I added it to my Kindle, without any idea of what to expect. Some covers do that for me, and the title put in my mind reminiscences of Brian Jacques wonderful series of Redwall. I was indeed expecting sparrows of the animal kind. What I got was Rachael, and she is one of the best constructed characters I have ever come across, so well done Sarina Langer on this one. Rachael is so easy to relate, at least for me. She's weak and scared, she's riddled with low self confidence, low self esteem, tons of self doubt. She's wary of others, shields herself from forming bonds and relationships in fear of being hurt and betrayed, refuses to open her heart for the very same reason. She's sounded like my kindred spirit, in all this. But she's also very resilient, and persistent, and loyal. Once her heart is won over, she's loyal to a fault, and throuhg all her fears and weakness, through all her - oh so human - faults, she is one brave individual. As for the story itself, it was a page turner, a world well built without having to resort to constant needless explanations of why this is like this and why this happens, which tends to happen a lot in fantasy. I prefer books where things - like magic and what not - are simply because they are. I would definetely recommend this to anyone who likes a good read, and who tends to root for the underdogs. Well done, what a great book.
November 30, 2017
Rise of the Sparrows - A fantasy, with its feet, set firmly within the realms of a dark medieval land, where magic and sorcery are outlawed through fear and one Kings necessity to keep order. Where the gifted are shunned, discarded and murdered as infants. In shadows they live, in hiding they survive on their gifts and wits. However, there comes an uprising.
Brilliant! Firstly, I have to say, being high fantasy, this is a little out of my normal reading genre. However, it is this simple fact that made it this even more of a fabulous read. I loved it! A triumph as a debut novel and a great accomplishment, and a testament to the author's ability.
As an author, Sarina Langer's style is clear, crisp, to the point, with an individual flair for phrasing and structure. This was perfect within the realms of a story packed with dark peril and excitement. Sarina keeps you travelling at a great pace, with just enough descriptive narrative to give you scenic bearing but it's never overdone, this enables the reader to paint in the rest, leaving the book in your hands, a personal one.
I'm now off to start book two!
Brilliant! Firstly, I have to say, being high fantasy, this is a little out of my normal reading genre. However, it is this simple fact that made it this even more of a fabulous read. I loved it! A triumph as a debut novel and a great accomplishment, and a testament to the author's ability.
As an author, Sarina Langer's style is clear, crisp, to the point, with an individual flair for phrasing and structure. This was perfect within the realms of a story packed with dark peril and excitement. Sarina keeps you travelling at a great pace, with just enough descriptive narrative to give you scenic bearing but it's never overdone, this enables the reader to paint in the rest, leaving the book in your hands, a personal one.
I'm now off to start book two!
June 1, 2021
A well-woven intrigue with fleshed-out character relationships make this fantasy series starter riveting.
June 12, 2018
Enjoyed this fantastic fantasy, dark and captivating!
Life on the streets is difficult and survival impossible - not for Rachael, she’s the strength of five men! Intelligent and resourceful. Painfully she is degraded and shunned; are members in our society treated the same way? Born with a gift, a prophecy-will she rise? Yes, she fulfills the prophecy, the Rise of the Sparrows, she’s made it as Queen of Rifarne!
Langer captures the heart of her reader, immediately you mourn for Rachael, Cephy and turn, page after page. Tumultuous events happen to orphans, and the fighters of the resistance believe. Rachael’s never had such support, it’s no wonder she’s captivated by it!
No more spoilers, read it for yourself!
Life on the streets is difficult and survival impossible - not for Rachael, she’s the strength of five men! Intelligent and resourceful. Painfully she is degraded and shunned; are members in our society treated the same way? Born with a gift, a prophecy-will she rise? Yes, she fulfills the prophecy, the Rise of the Sparrows, she’s made it as Queen of Rifarne!
Langer captures the heart of her reader, immediately you mourn for Rachael, Cephy and turn, page after page. Tumultuous events happen to orphans, and the fighters of the resistance believe. Rachael’s never had such support, it’s no wonder she’s captivated by it!
No more spoilers, read it for yourself!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2017
First of all, let me just say, as a busy working mum and author myself, time to read is very rare, when you add to this how slow a reader I am, it all adds up to me not getting through books very quickly. But, I finished this book in under three days. This is practically unheard of for me, and an indication of just how good it was.
Right from the first page, I was hooked. The story of Rachael, the abandoned orphan living rough on the streets of a small town, is guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings. Despised by the locals for her powers of prophecy, Rachael has led a solitary, hard life until she meets Cephy. Also possessing magical powers, Cephy has been turned out by her bigoted father and, in desperation, turns to Rachael for help and guidance.
When circumstances force the two girls to flee the town, and take their chances in the wild forest, the story really begins to hot up, and, after that, it's action all the way. Cleverly using short chapters to keep the pace snappy and the reader hooked, the author pulls no punches when it comes to putting her characters in danger.
The book is well written, the characters nicely developed, with well rounded, three dimensional personalities. Their motives are always rooted in sound, human logic (and we all know how reliable that is) so, even when a character is considering an action that has us, the reader, howling in disbelief, we can see the reasoning behind it.
Being told she is the much longed for leader of a fabled prophecy, Rachael has difficult choices to make, and the reader suffers along with her, as she finds herself being drawn into the prophecy, almost against her will. I would, maybe, have liked a little more background information about the Sparrows, the resistance group Rachael is supposed to lead, but understand that would have slowed the pace down. Perhaps in a future sequel - because I am confident there will be sequels - flashbacks could fill in some of the gaps.
The last quarter of the book is a roller coaster of a ride, with main characters being sacrificed with an almost George R. Martin disregard, until the final confrontation. I am not going to say anything because of spoilers - if you want to know what happens, read the book. But, maybe a tiny part of me felt the conclusion was just a little too easy and a little too fast, however, this is such a minor point and may only be because I genuinely did not want the book to end.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable, fast paced read. The author is plainly very talented, her use of language is clever and appropriate, with the plot being well thought out and logical. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, and hope to see more from Ms Langer very soon,
Right from the first page, I was hooked. The story of Rachael, the abandoned orphan living rough on the streets of a small town, is guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings. Despised by the locals for her powers of prophecy, Rachael has led a solitary, hard life until she meets Cephy. Also possessing magical powers, Cephy has been turned out by her bigoted father and, in desperation, turns to Rachael for help and guidance.
When circumstances force the two girls to flee the town, and take their chances in the wild forest, the story really begins to hot up, and, after that, it's action all the way. Cleverly using short chapters to keep the pace snappy and the reader hooked, the author pulls no punches when it comes to putting her characters in danger.
The book is well written, the characters nicely developed, with well rounded, three dimensional personalities. Their motives are always rooted in sound, human logic (and we all know how reliable that is) so, even when a character is considering an action that has us, the reader, howling in disbelief, we can see the reasoning behind it.
Being told she is the much longed for leader of a fabled prophecy, Rachael has difficult choices to make, and the reader suffers along with her, as she finds herself being drawn into the prophecy, almost against her will. I would, maybe, have liked a little more background information about the Sparrows, the resistance group Rachael is supposed to lead, but understand that would have slowed the pace down. Perhaps in a future sequel - because I am confident there will be sequels - flashbacks could fill in some of the gaps.
The last quarter of the book is a roller coaster of a ride, with main characters being sacrificed with an almost George R. Martin disregard, until the final confrontation. I am not going to say anything because of spoilers - if you want to know what happens, read the book. But, maybe a tiny part of me felt the conclusion was just a little too easy and a little too fast, however, this is such a minor point and may only be because I genuinely did not want the book to end.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable, fast paced read. The author is plainly very talented, her use of language is clever and appropriate, with the plot being well thought out and logical. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, and hope to see more from Ms Langer very soon,
January 9, 2021
This is a strong and confident first novel from a new name in high fantasy. It's no mean feat to create an alternative world that is believable, but the author does this without the usual bogging down of too much detail. Rifarne seems like a real country, with all the politics and problems that can contain.
The protagonist, Rachael, isn't the usual kind of heroine, and we see her grow as a character throughout the book. She has a gift, but she struggles with it, as she does with trust - I really liked that. The story is told from multi point of views, and I enjoyed the insight from the supporting players as the story unfolded.
The prologue was deliciously dark, and pulled me in right away. Sometimes prologues seem unnecessary, but this one was an enticing hook and introduced one of my favourite characters.
The story ends with a very clever twist, one I didn't see coming and that I loved, and there are questions left unanswered for future sequels. I very much look forward to continuing Rachael's journey.
A debut author to definitely watch!
The protagonist, Rachael, isn't the usual kind of heroine, and we see her grow as a character throughout the book. She has a gift, but she struggles with it, as she does with trust - I really liked that. The story is told from multi point of views, and I enjoyed the insight from the supporting players as the story unfolded.
The prologue was deliciously dark, and pulled me in right away. Sometimes prologues seem unnecessary, but this one was an enticing hook and introduced one of my favourite characters.
The story ends with a very clever twist, one I didn't see coming and that I loved, and there are questions left unanswered for future sequels. I very much look forward to continuing Rachael's journey.
A debut author to definitely watch!
November 22, 2019
Thrown out by her own family for the crime of being born with magic, Rachael grows up on the dangerous, unforgiving streets, alone and unloved. That is until she meets the dangerously gifted Cephy and the head of a rebel faction, and discovers that destiny has been stalking her.
This book was fast paced and an easy read with interesting characters and a premise rooted in prejudice and prophecy. Rachael's street hardness and depth of abandonment came across well and her relationship with both Cephy and possible love interest Cale were well developed.
My only concern was that the latter part of the book felt rushed and the conclusion didn't quite work for me; however, Langer is clearly a talented writer as the wonderful prologue and epilogue particularly illustrate. The final twist is one I never saw coming.
All in all, an entertaining read.
This book was fast paced and an easy read with interesting characters and a premise rooted in prejudice and prophecy. Rachael's street hardness and depth of abandonment came across well and her relationship with both Cephy and possible love interest Cale were well developed.
My only concern was that the latter part of the book felt rushed and the conclusion didn't quite work for me; however, Langer is clearly a talented writer as the wonderful prologue and epilogue particularly illustrate. The final twist is one I never saw coming.
All in all, an entertaining read.
May 23, 2016
I was privileged to be a beta reader for Sarina Langer. My review of this book is based on the beta copy I read.
Fantasy, action, magic, and abilities- this book has it all. The main character, Rachel, was a breath of fresh air- wise for her age, untrusting, and a heroine who wants anything but to stand out. Blending in, being ‘normal’, has always been Rachel’s wish in life, but she has to embrace the fact that normality isn’t hers. She is destined.
Her hard street life and encounters with the intolerant townsfolk and the White Guard have left her wary, tired, and outcast. Her character arc develops perfectly and true to Rachel’s personal growth throughout the narrative. All the characters are believable, and have essence of light and dark in them. Cephy, in particular, was brilliantly written. An impressionable, scared, powerful child- a boiling pot for disaster, right?
Langer masterfully builds a world of magic, prophecies, outlawed organisations, corrupt royalty, and dangerous beings. Rachel has to join the only people who have ever tried to help her, but risk her own life to do so, and fulfil a prophecy she doesn’t fully believe.
Dark twists, heart breaking moments, and a fight for what is right keeps the pages turning. I wholly recommend this book, and can’t wait for the next installment. I need to find out how the ever adapting street girl handles her new role?
Fantasy, action, magic, and abilities- this book has it all. The main character, Rachel, was a breath of fresh air- wise for her age, untrusting, and a heroine who wants anything but to stand out. Blending in, being ‘normal’, has always been Rachel’s wish in life, but she has to embrace the fact that normality isn’t hers. She is destined.
Her hard street life and encounters with the intolerant townsfolk and the White Guard have left her wary, tired, and outcast. Her character arc develops perfectly and true to Rachel’s personal growth throughout the narrative. All the characters are believable, and have essence of light and dark in them. Cephy, in particular, was brilliantly written. An impressionable, scared, powerful child- a boiling pot for disaster, right?
Langer masterfully builds a world of magic, prophecies, outlawed organisations, corrupt royalty, and dangerous beings. Rachel has to join the only people who have ever tried to help her, but risk her own life to do so, and fulfil a prophecy she doesn’t fully believe.
Dark twists, heart breaking moments, and a fight for what is right keeps the pages turning. I wholly recommend this book, and can’t wait for the next installment. I need to find out how the ever adapting street girl handles her new role?
February 5, 2017
Rise of the Sparrows is a great and relaxing read (although the ending was thrilling). A great debut novel! I can't wait for the sequel.
I was very fond of the characters. They easily grew on me. I found myself not wanting to stop reading this book, also when there was no action. There was a small lack of dialogues, but when there was one, it was usually a good one.
The ending was a rush. So many things happened in a very short time! I liked it, but at some points it seemed to easy. I think the author could have taken more time for some events.
The only disturbing thing was the constant repeating of sentences. There were a lot sentences which ment the same, just differently expressed. This happened especially at the beginning.
I was very fond of the characters. They easily grew on me. I found myself not wanting to stop reading this book, also when there was no action. There was a small lack of dialogues, but when there was one, it was usually a good one.
The ending was a rush. So many things happened in a very short time! I liked it, but at some points it seemed to easy. I think the author could have taken more time for some events.
The only disturbing thing was the constant repeating of sentences. There were a lot sentences which ment the same, just differently expressed. This happened especially at the beginning.
February 7, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. Creating a new and fantastical world is no easy task and this author does it with ease. The prologue was dark and sinister and immediately I needed to know so much more. The protagonist is likeable from the get go as she's real, unsure and scared which makes her believable in an alternate reality. She's vulnerable yet instinctively very strong which I loved. This book reads like a seasoned author penned it and I found it hard to put down. In my busy life I was picking it up constantly in all my free moments. I look forward to future stories from Sarina Langer. Thankyou Sarina for a thoroughly fabulous read
August 4, 2016
I am going to go against popular opinion here. This book was solid 'meh' with an exaggerated shoulder shrug. The ironic thing is the writing is good, it drags you along for the story, but doesn't suck you in. I was left wishing for more.
I knew I wasn't sucked in when I put this book down for a few days and came back to it. I then made it to 81% and then skimmed the rest. And unfortunately none of it struck a chord with me. I don't know why, but I wasn't connected to the characters. There is a lot of promise to this author's writing, but this book just wasn't for me.
I knew I wasn't sucked in when I put this book down for a few days and came back to it. I then made it to 81% and then skimmed the rest. And unfortunately none of it struck a chord with me. I don't know why, but I wasn't connected to the characters. There is a lot of promise to this author's writing, but this book just wasn't for me.
July 20, 2017
Had me hooked from the brilliant prologue! Rachel is an understated heroine, but she's not to be messed with!
I'd have liked to have seen more of a developing relationship between her and the other characters, and I do feel there was a little too much telling rather than showing.
More could have been made of the ending too, which wrapped up a little easily, BUT the epilogue hooked me back in! This is a very promising start to a new series, I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next. If you want magic, prophecy and people at war, then give this a go!
I'd have liked to have seen more of a developing relationship between her and the other characters, and I do feel there was a little too much telling rather than showing.
More could have been made of the ending too, which wrapped up a little easily, BUT the epilogue hooked me back in! This is a very promising start to a new series, I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next. If you want magic, prophecy and people at war, then give this a go!
June 18, 2017
This was a very solid read and an impressive debut novel. The writing is terrific with well developed characters and once the action gets going it picks up pace and turns into an exciting read. Looking forward to the next one!
October 29, 2017
Review originally posted on A Keyboard and an Open Mind 30 October 2017:
I’ve had this on my Kindle for so long, probably since it came out! It’s one of those books I wished I got to sooner, because I ended up really enjoying it.
I think one of the bes things about this book was the fact that Rachael, the main character, was no special snowflake when it came to saving the world. Yes, she is a Chosen One, but she struggles to develop her magic and it is acknowledged that prophecies are vague and that things may not work out the way anyone expects.
I also really enjoyed the character development of Cephy, a young girl Rachael befriends after Cephy is kicked out of home due to her magical abilities.
The other characters were also well-developed. I particularly liked Cale, the leader of the group of rebels known as The Sparrows, and Aeron, the witch who seeks to disrupt the rebellion and put a child of her own on the throne, was suitably nasty.
I did feel that there were times when characters judtified the deaths they caused a bit too easily. There are some pretty shocking death scenes, too; not so much from a violence perspective (the level of violence is pretty standard fantasy fare) but the fact that they happen suddenly and caught me by surprise on a few occasions.
The world-building is simple but effective. There is no drowning the reader in unnecessary description. New locations are described as needed, and the history of the world is explained over a few conversations between Rachael and more knowledgable characters.
Overall, this is a strong series opener and I’ve been hearing good things about the sequel. I’m looking forward to continuing this series when I have the chance.
I’ve had this on my Kindle for so long, probably since it came out! It’s one of those books I wished I got to sooner, because I ended up really enjoying it.
I think one of the bes things about this book was the fact that Rachael, the main character, was no special snowflake when it came to saving the world. Yes, she is a Chosen One, but she struggles to develop her magic and it is acknowledged that prophecies are vague and that things may not work out the way anyone expects.
I also really enjoyed the character development of Cephy, a young girl Rachael befriends after Cephy is kicked out of home due to her magical abilities.
The other characters were also well-developed. I particularly liked Cale, the leader of the group of rebels known as The Sparrows, and Aeron, the witch who seeks to disrupt the rebellion and put a child of her own on the throne, was suitably nasty.
I did feel that there were times when characters judtified the deaths they caused a bit too easily. There are some pretty shocking death scenes, too; not so much from a violence perspective (the level of violence is pretty standard fantasy fare) but the fact that they happen suddenly and caught me by surprise on a few occasions.
The world-building is simple but effective. There is no drowning the reader in unnecessary description. New locations are described as needed, and the history of the world is explained over a few conversations between Rachael and more knowledgable characters.
Overall, this is a strong series opener and I’ve been hearing good things about the sequel. I’m looking forward to continuing this series when I have the chance.
January 11, 2022
Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. This deeply harrowing adventure is narrated by Leanne Yau who brings the dark yet beautiful world that Rachel and Cephy reside in to life. Both orphans with complex, unique and troubling abilities the people of their village are afraid of. Surviving hunger is one thing that is a challenge; haunted by the White Guard with the mission to take their lives but it's what the Mist Women want with Rachel is the most haunting, with the dark magic they wield that will cause so much danger. A wondrous and memorable first story of this series that's only just unfolding, highly recommended.
January 15, 2021
I'll be honest, dark fantasy isn't my favorite genre (it's the dark part of that equation), but I have to say Rise of the Sparrows is solid specimen in this genre. Danger, magic, uncertainty--it's all here. Plus tough female baddies and protagonists, which I always love.
March 26, 2021
Starts with dark sacrifice and ends in blazing inferno. The world doomed to burn screaming, vicious Mist Women, a Commander seeking revenge and Rachael and the Sparrows caught in the crossfire.
First book in gifted fantasy series with equal parts magic, swords and heroic hearts.
First book in gifted fantasy series with equal parts magic, swords and heroic hearts.
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February 8, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/8/2020)! 🎁
May 31, 2016
Rise of the Sparrows is a high-fantasy, action, adventure with twists and turns around every corner. I was hooked from the very first page.
The world created is nothing short of mesmerizing. Thanks to stunning vivid descriptions with meticulous details, Rifarne felt like a tangible place. A country with a real history and real problems. When it comes to this magical world, its prophecies and politics, no stone is left unturned.
Just like the world, the characters, too, are well-thought out and developed with clear motivations and goals. Each one perfectly imperfect and human. Wonderfully real and complex. Especially the story’s heroine, Rachael. The journey she takes and the woman she develops into is extraordinary. Rachael’s character arc is unforced and natural, nothing about it feels contrived or cliche. The same can be said for Cephy, a young girl with a powerful gift who’s longing for acceptance and love. Both of these characters are beautifully drawn and honestly written.
But great world building and awesome characters means nothing if you don’t have a strong main plot, interesting subplots, and excellent pacing with the proper amount of ups and downs, highs and lows. This book has ALL of that and then some. It’s a story that sucks you in from the very start and doesn’t let go until the final page. It’s action packed and entertaining while at the same time heartfelt and thought provoking. Not to mention, it makes you feel ALL of the feels.
If you love excellent story telling, intricate world building and wonderfully developed characters, then Rise of the Sparrows is a definitely a book you should check out. You’ll find yourself thinking about this story and its characters well after you’ve finished reading the last page.
The world created is nothing short of mesmerizing. Thanks to stunning vivid descriptions with meticulous details, Rifarne felt like a tangible place. A country with a real history and real problems. When it comes to this magical world, its prophecies and politics, no stone is left unturned.
Just like the world, the characters, too, are well-thought out and developed with clear motivations and goals. Each one perfectly imperfect and human. Wonderfully real and complex. Especially the story’s heroine, Rachael. The journey she takes and the woman she develops into is extraordinary. Rachael’s character arc is unforced and natural, nothing about it feels contrived or cliche. The same can be said for Cephy, a young girl with a powerful gift who’s longing for acceptance and love. Both of these characters are beautifully drawn and honestly written.
But great world building and awesome characters means nothing if you don’t have a strong main plot, interesting subplots, and excellent pacing with the proper amount of ups and downs, highs and lows. This book has ALL of that and then some. It’s a story that sucks you in from the very start and doesn’t let go until the final page. It’s action packed and entertaining while at the same time heartfelt and thought provoking. Not to mention, it makes you feel ALL of the feels.
If you love excellent story telling, intricate world building and wonderfully developed characters, then Rise of the Sparrows is a definitely a book you should check out. You’ll find yourself thinking about this story and its characters well after you’ve finished reading the last page.
March 12, 2025
This was just not my jam
'Rise of the Sparrows' by Sarina Langer is book one in her The Relics of Ar'Zac series. In a world where having magic means death orphan Rachel is happy to just be surviving on the outskirts of her village, ignored by the people and left alone, despite everyone knowing her secret. Rachel has dreams, dreams of things that will come to pass. An uncontrollable power but still able to help her keep safe, until one day she turns away another little girl who is living on the streets because of her own magic. When she first approaches Rachels dream tell her to turn her away but the second time Rachel sense no danger. Unfortunately the White Guard is called on them after a magically started fire kills villagers and the girl are on the run. Unknown to them there is a prophecy of the Sparrow, who is a seer and the Fox, the Sparrow will lead to the liberation of the magical people and the Fox is the only thing that can stop the Sparrow. When people hear of Rachels magic they begin to think that she is the Sparrow they've been waiting for.
spoilers
The idea is fine, the world is fine, the characters were pretty dull but my main problem was there was just something off with the writing that made me lose interest. The pacing wasn't great, the amount of detail given to the reader felt off, even just character descriptions, I don't mean physical, but I felt like I never really got to know anyone. Cale was so confusing, and they way the people acted didnt seem like regular actions, as if they things they did was solely to move the plot along but if you put a rational person in such a circumstance they wouldn't have acted like that. Except the one notable scene when Alis is freed, it made complete sense that, I think her name was Kaida untied her, believed what she said about where Cale and Rachel were and then headed out that way to help only to come back and find her dead. That was believable to well done. But it stood out so much to me because it was so different from the rest of the book. Take the King I have no idea, even though there was a few paragraphs where he gives his villain monologue, why he did anything he did. I hate people with magic im gonna bring the biggest baddest, weirdest magic person I can find on payroll to help out. Oh I really don't like her really bad plan so I talked her into a middle ground and now im surprised that the evil person I want to protect my people from is doing her very evil plan that I told her no to. Like if he's not trying to protect his people from the mist lady then who is he afraid of? Anyways this was not a book for me. Almost def'd it more than once just hoping it would get better, but oh well.
Won't be continuing the series.
'Rise of the Sparrows' by Sarina Langer is book one in her The Relics of Ar'Zac series. In a world where having magic means death orphan Rachel is happy to just be surviving on the outskirts of her village, ignored by the people and left alone, despite everyone knowing her secret. Rachel has dreams, dreams of things that will come to pass. An uncontrollable power but still able to help her keep safe, until one day she turns away another little girl who is living on the streets because of her own magic. When she first approaches Rachels dream tell her to turn her away but the second time Rachel sense no danger. Unfortunately the White Guard is called on them after a magically started fire kills villagers and the girl are on the run. Unknown to them there is a prophecy of the Sparrow, who is a seer and the Fox, the Sparrow will lead to the liberation of the magical people and the Fox is the only thing that can stop the Sparrow. When people hear of Rachels magic they begin to think that she is the Sparrow they've been waiting for.
spoilers
The idea is fine, the world is fine, the characters were pretty dull but my main problem was there was just something off with the writing that made me lose interest. The pacing wasn't great, the amount of detail given to the reader felt off, even just character descriptions, I don't mean physical, but I felt like I never really got to know anyone. Cale was so confusing, and they way the people acted didnt seem like regular actions, as if they things they did was solely to move the plot along but if you put a rational person in such a circumstance they wouldn't have acted like that. Except the one notable scene when Alis is freed, it made complete sense that, I think her name was Kaida untied her, believed what she said about where Cale and Rachel were and then headed out that way to help only to come back and find her dead. That was believable to well done. But it stood out so much to me because it was so different from the rest of the book. Take the King I have no idea, even though there was a few paragraphs where he gives his villain monologue, why he did anything he did. I hate people with magic im gonna bring the biggest baddest, weirdest magic person I can find on payroll to help out. Oh I really don't like her really bad plan so I talked her into a middle ground and now im surprised that the evil person I want to protect my people from is doing her very evil plan that I told her no to. Like if he's not trying to protect his people from the mist lady then who is he afraid of? Anyways this was not a book for me. Almost def'd it more than once just hoping it would get better, but oh well.
Won't be continuing the series.
September 12, 2019
WoW now this is how you write your first novel . Sarina Langer has done an amazing job with this book , you would not think this polished jewel is her first .
The main characters grow on you from the start and as the story moves along at a great pace the story unfolds and draws you completely in and there is no way your stopping mid chapter you have to keep reading to see where this story is going .
Sarina has a way of writing that allows the story to unfold and let's you the reader envision things in the world because she doesn't over do the description and cause the story to big down .
This is an easy 5 star rating I loved everything about this story . Stop reading this and go buy it And enjoy this book in a comfortable place because your good to be there awhile , And when your done reading go leave a review only takes a few minutes .
The main characters grow on you from the start and as the story moves along at a great pace the story unfolds and draws you completely in and there is no way your stopping mid chapter you have to keep reading to see where this story is going .
Sarina has a way of writing that allows the story to unfold and let's you the reader envision things in the world because she doesn't over do the description and cause the story to big down .
This is an easy 5 star rating I loved everything about this story . Stop reading this and go buy it And enjoy this book in a comfortable place because your good to be there awhile , And when your done reading go leave a review only takes a few minutes .
December 14, 2019
Love the world Langer has created. The writing flows, the characters are well drawn, and the world is immaculately created. I found myself looking over the map at the book’s beginning. Well done and look forward to the rest of the series.
November 16, 2021
Visions of death haunt a homeless orphan. Things get darker when she meets the girl of fire. Together the two become entangled in a struggle against dark forces, rebellion, and prophecy. Great adventure!
October 14, 2021
It's a great book.
I commend the author to ose with the girl but i won't tell more.
I apreciate more than i would have thought
I commend the author to ose with the girl but i won't tell more.
I apreciate more than i would have thought
January 18, 2023
It took me a little while to get into but damn what an ending!
I found myself a hidden gem
I found myself a hidden gem
October 15, 2021
This was a really fantastic read and has stuck with me for quite some time, which is always a sign of a good story. The action starts straight away, with the author preferring to include world building as part of the action, and it really worked. The setting is gritty and visceral, and the magic was interesting and kept me guessing. I loved all of the characters and absolutely did not see the end coming. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
December 30, 2021
3.8/5 stars
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of Rise of the Sparrows through Booksprout for free in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Rise of the Sparrows has good bones, setting the foundation for a powerful trilogy. We come to understand each of the characters' motivations and histories, while still leaving plenty of room for discovery in the future.
I was absolutely captivated by the world the book was set in. The Sparrows themselves came from all over the map, so we were given a sense of each country and the different cultures thriving (or not thriving) within them. I'm excited to learn more about Tramura in the sequel!
It can't all be sunshine and sugarplums. Onwards!
Each scene moved the story forward. Nothing dragged on...but I kind of wish it did. When a character had to kill, it was all very clinical. Short altercation, then immediate death. The characters who had done the killing felt nothing and, as a result, neither did I.
Unfortunately, death scenes were not the only instances where I found myself wanting more. Rachael falls in love with a character, but we don't actually get to witness the bulk of it for ourselves. We're told about it casually after a time skip. When they finally did make their relationship official, I again felt nothing.
Overall, the story was interesting, worldbuilding excellent, and the epilogue has me craving the sequel.
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Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of Rise of the Sparrows through Booksprout for free in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Rise of the Sparrows has good bones, setting the foundation for a powerful trilogy. We come to understand each of the characters' motivations and histories, while still leaving plenty of room for discovery in the future.
I was absolutely captivated by the world the book was set in. The Sparrows themselves came from all over the map, so we were given a sense of each country and the different cultures thriving (or not thriving) within them. I'm excited to learn more about Tramura in the sequel!
It can't all be sunshine and sugarplums. Onwards!
Each scene moved the story forward. Nothing dragged on...but I kind of wish it did. When a character had to kill, it was all very clinical. Short altercation, then immediate death. The characters who had done the killing felt nothing and, as a result, neither did I.
Unfortunately, death scenes were not the only instances where I found myself wanting more. Rachael falls in love with a character, but we don't actually get to witness the bulk of it for ourselves. We're told about it casually after a time skip. When they finally did make their relationship official, I again felt nothing.
Overall, the story was interesting, worldbuilding excellent, and the epilogue has me craving the sequel.
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September 17, 2020
Well. Got to say. This kept me on my toes. It took me a few chapters to get into the story and understand the characters. Leanne Yau (new to me) narrated all characters (multi POV), and what a fantastic job she did, keeping up with both the story and the characters. A story set in a dark era, where magic is punishable by death, and prophecy’s rule. Both Rachael and Cephy have been thrown out of their homes by their families, homeless and unloved, they find solace together until they are driven from the only place they’ve ever known. They’re being tracked by both good and evil. The question is, who can they trust? An action packed fantasy adventure that I can guarantee will have you questioning good, bad, right, wrong, truth and lies. I will say one thing. Expect the unexpected. Highly enjoyable. Extremely unpredictable. Definitely lends itself to audio.
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