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THE FIREBIRD’S TRAIL
'Happy are we to live in the Third Age' is the much-repeated refrain of Master Bards across the Six Kingdoms. Yet, for the long-lived and highly evolved Peoples of the Upper Face, the world still presents many unknowns. A King reigns whose arm bears the golden mark of a Living Tale and yet its meaning is a mystery. Why does he refuse to marry and what strange apparition haunts his dreams? What is the Key to ushering in the Fourth Age? And just how old is the Old Man of the Sands? Unaware that she stands at the centre of events that will shape the world to come is Ravar, a woman of remarkable academic gifts, a Master Teacher and a newcomer of unusual heritage. She will win more than the two great hearts who will compete for her affections but can she accept either man when so much more is at stake? As the Forest Kingdom comes under threat, Ravar pursues her own answers, uncovering a great shame and injustice unworthy of the era. The Firebird's Trail is fantasy romantic fiction at its finest – an irresistible love story and a magical adventure superbly woven together – and the first in a spellbinding series.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2018
10 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 25, 2018
The Firebird's Trail is the first book in what promises to be a fascinating and thought provoking trilogy. Beautifully written, the story transports the reader to mystical lands and introduces them to unforgettable characters such as Ravar, a woman of incredible beauty and vision. Then there are her two suitors who compete to win her heart, and of course, not forgetting the intriguing Old Man of the Sands and the mysteries that surround him. This is a romantic fantasy that will stay with you long after you have read the last page. Highly recommended.
June 30, 2018
Intelligent, elegant and entrancing, much like the enigmatic Ravar. Louisa Dwyer weaves an intricate and colourful tapestry with words; she’s created a unique world with a fascinating culture which draws you in gently. The Old Man of the Sands had me hooked before I was half-way through the prologue - I might be a little bit in love with him...
July 18, 2018
Epic Fantasy
There are not many Fantasy novels out there that can transport you to a new world and convey it so convincingly.
This book was superbly written, the attention to detail was perfect and the characters were both relatable and likeable.
Very promising book by a very talented writer.
Looking forward to reading some more from this author.
There are not many Fantasy novels out there that can transport you to a new world and convey it so convincingly.
This book was superbly written, the attention to detail was perfect and the characters were both relatable and likeable.
Very promising book by a very talented writer.
Looking forward to reading some more from this author.
July 30, 2018
This book is so well written, that at times it feels like you are reading poetry. Yet all the while, it maintains a strong narrative. The author obviously has a very extensive vocabulary which she taps into time and time again to describe with aplomb; the world and the cast of characters that you can tell, she has so lovingly created.
The true mark of a book for me is being able to invest in the characters, and invest you do. You will root for one, yet feel sorry for another. You will feel their pain and the choices that they have to make.
I look forward to book two.
The true mark of a book for me is being able to invest in the characters, and invest you do. You will root for one, yet feel sorry for another. You will feel their pain and the choices that they have to make.
I look forward to book two.
July 13, 2018
An enthralling fantasy tale with an exciting conclusion
The Firebird's Trail feels like a curious cross between Tolkien and Downton Abbey, and written in Shakespearean prose. The fantasy world and kingdoms within are richly set with a vast set of traditions and customs baked into the storyline to help guide the reader in knowing what life and relationships are to the characters. The book surprised me at points that really kept my interest and made it frankly hard to put down.
Keeping with a Shakespearean tale, it has comedy, tales of love and fraught romance, and tragedy as well. By the end of the story, I felt I had really connected with the characters and could deeply empathize with Ravar. I am eagerly looking forward to Book 2!
The Firebird's Trail feels like a curious cross between Tolkien and Downton Abbey, and written in Shakespearean prose. The fantasy world and kingdoms within are richly set with a vast set of traditions and customs baked into the storyline to help guide the reader in knowing what life and relationships are to the characters. The book surprised me at points that really kept my interest and made it frankly hard to put down.
Keeping with a Shakespearean tale, it has comedy, tales of love and fraught romance, and tragedy as well. By the end of the story, I felt I had really connected with the characters and could deeply empathize with Ravar. I am eagerly looking forward to Book 2!
June 20, 2018
So much depth
This book has so much in it. Louisa Dwyer hasn't just made a story. She has made a culture, land and legacy. I couldn't put it down and need to read it again to pick up all the intricate dealings characters have with each other. Read this book and be transported to a land you won't want to leave.
This book has so much in it. Louisa Dwyer hasn't just made a story. She has made a culture, land and legacy. I couldn't put it down and need to read it again to pick up all the intricate dealings characters have with each other. Read this book and be transported to a land you won't want to leave.
July 12, 2018
A well-developed world full of interesting characters. The education system was impressive and the ending sets up the next book nicely.
July 9, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next instalment. I highly recommend 'The Firebird's Trail'. What a great debut novel.
July 30, 2018
Dwyer has delivered a poetic masterpiece.
With fantastic world-building, endearing characters, and a wonderful love story, you’ll be singing one happy tune with The Firebird’s Trail. I was personally mesmerized by Dwyer’s attention to all of the little things. She made me a believer that what I was reading about was absolutely real. This story is so well written that you’ll want to tell your Soul Friend all about it.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book!!
With fantastic world-building, endearing characters, and a wonderful love story, you’ll be singing one happy tune with The Firebird’s Trail. I was personally mesmerized by Dwyer’s attention to all of the little things. She made me a believer that what I was reading about was absolutely real. This story is so well written that you’ll want to tell your Soul Friend all about it.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book!!
August 6, 2018
This first installment brings to life a richly drawn and evocative world filled with romance and plenty of intrigue. It's a tremendous talent to not only create a well crafted story with believable characters
(my personal favourite is the wily Old Man of the Sands) but quite another to invent an entire world with its own culture and habits, distinct from our own lives. I am deeply impressed and highly recommend The Firebirds Trail for those with a taste for fantasy and a little romance.
(my personal favourite is the wily Old Man of the Sands) but quite another to invent an entire world with its own culture and habits, distinct from our own lives. I am deeply impressed and highly recommend The Firebirds Trail for those with a taste for fantasy and a little romance.
July 16, 2018
If you're a fan of fantasy or romance, or a fan of both genres, you'll love The Firebird's Trail! I own and have read all published Game of Thrones titles (ASOIAF), and I must say, this story is comparable to them. The drama is juicy and enticing. And Louisa Dwyer's writing is incredibly immersive, with her fantastic descriptions of settings/environments!
July 25, 2018
Fantastic Fantasy
A great tale of romance and of a kings world. The characters are fantastic and following the story is entrancing. I was up late several nights to see what would happen next. It is a fantasy novel that takes you to another life and another world. Ravar is someone to fall in love with.
A great tale of romance and of a kings world. The characters are fantastic and following the story is entrancing. I was up late several nights to see what would happen next. It is a fantasy novel that takes you to another life and another world. Ravar is someone to fall in love with.
July 29, 2018
A beautiful and heart wrenching tail of courtship
What a beautifully written love story! Louise has a wonderful way of writing which takes you on a magical journey of tradition and courtship within a dystopian world which isn’t too fantastical. I will eagerly await the next book to continue Ravar’s journey.
What a beautifully written love story! Louise has a wonderful way of writing which takes you on a magical journey of tradition and courtship within a dystopian world which isn’t too fantastical. I will eagerly await the next book to continue Ravar’s journey.
October 30, 2018
The moment you start reading this book the author grabs you and takes you the fantastical utopian world which she has created in this book. A world waiting to get unraveled, the story can be a bit slow at times but it is just the way the author wants it to be, but then what is better than a slow buildup......can't wait for the sequel!!
August 11, 2018
Love your GOH and need a new fix? This first installment of the Firebird Trilogy promises to keep you engaged and happy in kingdoms and fantasy. The setting is creative and detailed with interesting characters. Add in conflict and romance, and this book will keep avid fantasy readers happy.
September 5, 2018
A different genre for me and one I throughly enjoyed. I found the book very atmospheric with wonderful mystic lands and believable characters that you root for. It was easy to get absorbed into this world that is beautifully written.
August 6, 2018
A delightful book!
Love the intro into this world. The king is so well described that I could almost feel the atmosphere surrounding him. I could immediately feel the humour in some of the writing. The trick that is played on the king had me smiling along with him. There are beautifully written descriptions of the characters, each one drawn gently into their place in the book with their particular skill set and attitude. I enjoyed the pace of this story too. While it keeps you turning the pages, there is a really slow but intriging build as the characters grow to know one another. It's all so unrushed that it makes for an extremely relaxing and pleasant read. Highly recommend and looking forward to the next book in the series.
Love the intro into this world. The king is so well described that I could almost feel the atmosphere surrounding him. I could immediately feel the humour in some of the writing. The trick that is played on the king had me smiling along with him. There are beautifully written descriptions of the characters, each one drawn gently into their place in the book with their particular skill set and attitude. I enjoyed the pace of this story too. While it keeps you turning the pages, there is a really slow but intriging build as the characters grow to know one another. It's all so unrushed that it makes for an extremely relaxing and pleasant read. Highly recommend and looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 11, 2021
I was really disappointed in this book. It was a neat idea, but crazy slow. Nothing happened at all for the first three quarters of the book. Then it got a little more interesting, but not much. The characters felt more like a young girl's fantasy of evolved beings than real people who were actually evolved. And the romance was the least romantic I think I've ever read. I struggled to care about the characters and to finish the book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews