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Records of the Three Realms #1
The Songstress
Spreading her wings wide enough may break the songstress free... unless her captors manage to clip away her very spirit first.Seventeen-year-old Kari, now exiled from her people, spends her days singing in the teahouse and her nights huddled with Suying, a younger girl she has taken under her wing. But when Kari's songs draw the attention of the empire, both girls are abducted and forced to become royal concubines to the Imperial Brothers of Xiang. Their compliance means a life of subjugation, but any form of disobedience is met with brutality and death.After an abated escape attempt where Kari once again sacrifices herself to keep Suying safe, the songstress helplessly watches as the sister of her heart begins to embrace the harem, zealously cleaving to her new life. Determined to find a way to save the brainwashed girl from despair while fending off the desires of the emperors, Kari must dig deep inside herself for the will to keep hope alive while doing whatever she has to break them free from the gilded cage in which they've found themselves.Every song Kari sings stirs emotions, and, with the right magic, she knows she's capable of intensifying those feelings into a weapon without form. With only her wits and the mystic techniques she learned as a child, the songstress will fight to her last breath against the soul-destroying submission her sister willingly surrendered to--even if Kari's resistance ultimately means her own death.The perfect blend of fantasy, adventure, and danger, this new series is ideal for fans of The Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson and The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon.
- GenresFantasy
360 pages, ebook
Published April 14, 2020
1 person is currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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November 14, 2025Kari is alone in a foreign land - se sings in a teahouse and spends her night with her sister-of-a-kind, Suying.
Her fate was sealed the moment she stood...
But then...Kari sings for the wrong person.
...I can infuse my voice with spirit energy...I can influence their emotions and how they feel.Enamored with her voice, Kari is selected to become a royal concubine. And when she protests, Suying is taken with her.
The fates have been cruel to you...You are bound by destiny....Immediately Kari plans her breakout - she has only a few days before the selection ceremony is to begin...but she was by-far not the first captive girl to try to escape.
She needed to play the part of the loyal concubine if her plan were to work.But as the day of escape looms ever closer, the stakes get higher. In a land where the slightest hint of magic leads to death, Kari will need to be very, very careful...
...to lovingly care for him just so he wouldn't rape her. Her rage boiled over inside like a kettle waiting to erupt.Objectively, this was a really well written book. Subjectively, too much of it focused on rape for me to truly enjoy it.
The beginning of it did a great job of setting up the premise and the characters.
I felt transported to Kari's world and the magic system felt fresh and exciting. I really liked puzzling out Kari's past.
There was SO much to explore in that world (loved the world-building) and I was really excited for the adventure.
With the way the book was set up, I thought we were heading out to do things with Kari. So, I kept my patience and waited for the book to begin...and then I waited...and waited some more for "things" to start happening.
Instead, the plot kept circling around how she was trapped as a future-concubine and fighting to keep the clothes on. It was a bit of a letdown in terms of plot progression.
And, objectively (I really want to emphasize this) - the book wasn't bad. The characters were well fleshed out, the songstress's powers were intriguing (and so on).
I did notice that some of the manipulation of the emperors felt a bit unbelievable but considering Kari's magic, I think that can be let slide.
And yet, despite all of the good...I just...don't think it was for me.
I think part of the problem was I really, really do not like rape books in general - and while this one was NOT graphic, so much of the plot revolved around rape that I had a hard time looking past that to enjoy the story.
Overall, that's my take on it. If you are curious about his book - I recommend checking it out and developing your own take on it.
A huge thank you to the author for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review
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January 13, 2020
I don't normally rate a book until I'm finished with it, but this one was the exception.
It's that good.
It started off great, and has consistently maintained that greatness throughout the rest of the book.
Beautiful, descriptive language, intense situations, action and suspense, characters so real you can almost touch them.
Kari, a strong young woman who has the strength, fierceness and courage of a warrior, yet real enough, human enough that you feel her experiences, root for and care for her. Actually, I became invested in all the characters, whether it was hope, sympathy, anger or any other in the range of emotions a great book will cause you to feel.
Mr. Killingsworth has written fascinating, unique trials and experiences for his protagonists, which in turn create an unforgettable, highly enjoyable reading experience.
I'm super impressed with this author's skillful storytelling, and can't wait to see what his future works look like!
I've read this novel 3 times already, and will definitely revisit it in the future.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have.
Highly recommend!
It's that good.
It started off great, and has consistently maintained that greatness throughout the rest of the book.
Beautiful, descriptive language, intense situations, action and suspense, characters so real you can almost touch them.
Kari, a strong young woman who has the strength, fierceness and courage of a warrior, yet real enough, human enough that you feel her experiences, root for and care for her. Actually, I became invested in all the characters, whether it was hope, sympathy, anger or any other in the range of emotions a great book will cause you to feel.
Mr. Killingsworth has written fascinating, unique trials and experiences for his protagonists, which in turn create an unforgettable, highly enjoyable reading experience.
I'm super impressed with this author's skillful storytelling, and can't wait to see what his future works look like!
I've read this novel 3 times already, and will definitely revisit it in the future.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have.
Highly recommend!
January 28, 2020
My rating 4.5
The book "The Songstress (Records of the Three Realms, # 1)" by Joshua Killingsworth is a very beautifully written and designed fantasy novel. The world in which the action takes place is different from the world in most fantasy books and reminds me of the world of the Chinese emperors because most of the action takes place in the ruler's castle. The descriptions are perfect, the characters are balanced, though the main character Kari acts defiantly at some moments, resulting in completely different events than she expected. However, she can be tolerated somehow because she is only seventeen and is not aware of what some of her actions can be reflected. The world in which the story takes place is brutal and the life of all the characters in the book is constantly hanging on the edge of the sword, and no one is sure they will be alive the next morning. Overall, I liked the book because it is different from most fantasy books and I hope that the sequels of this book will just open up to the world and beyond the walls of the ruler's castle. Now a little about the story that begins with the kidnapping of Kari's friend to be taken to the harem of two brutal Brothers of Xiang rulers. Kari wants to save her friend at all costs and wants to exchange herself for her because she is only fourteen. But in the end, she and her friend end up in a harem. The world they entered inside the castle walls is cruel and ruthless. Kari will soon face her darkest fears. It is no longer just about her and her friend's life, but the survival of an entire empire ruled by the cruel Brothers of Xiang.
The book "The Songstress (Records of the Three Realms, # 1)" by Joshua Killingsworth is a very beautifully written and designed fantasy novel. The world in which the action takes place is different from the world in most fantasy books and reminds me of the world of the Chinese emperors because most of the action takes place in the ruler's castle. The descriptions are perfect, the characters are balanced, though the main character Kari acts defiantly at some moments, resulting in completely different events than she expected. However, she can be tolerated somehow because she is only seventeen and is not aware of what some of her actions can be reflected. The world in which the story takes place is brutal and the life of all the characters in the book is constantly hanging on the edge of the sword, and no one is sure they will be alive the next morning. Overall, I liked the book because it is different from most fantasy books and I hope that the sequels of this book will just open up to the world and beyond the walls of the ruler's castle. Now a little about the story that begins with the kidnapping of Kari's friend to be taken to the harem of two brutal Brothers of Xiang rulers. Kari wants to save her friend at all costs and wants to exchange herself for her because she is only fourteen. But in the end, she and her friend end up in a harem. The world they entered inside the castle walls is cruel and ruthless. Kari will soon face her darkest fears. It is no longer just about her and her friend's life, but the survival of an entire empire ruled by the cruel Brothers of Xiang.
April 5, 2020
The Songstress is the first book in the Records of the Three Realms series and the reader travels to a bygone age very similar in nature to China or Japan. It starts in a tearoom where Kari is trying to protect the young girl she sees as a sister from being taken as part of the Emperor's harem. Kari ends up going too and has to learn how to bend but not break as things are thrown at her that she had absolutely no comprehension about.
This is a rich and intricate tale, woven with skill, to make each scene come alive. Each word is used to the best of it's capability. The world-building is outstanding and the characters help to bring this world to life. Although this is a long book, it doesn't feel that way, as I found myself fully invested in the characters and what was happening to them now.
This is book one in a series so don't expect everything to be tied up neatly. It does finish nicely... for now, although if you are like me, you will definitely want the second book as soon as it becomes available.
This was a fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed and was engrossed in from start to finish. With a hint of magic all the way through, this is a book to be savoured. Absolutely recommended by me.
This is a rich and intricate tale, woven with skill, to make each scene come alive. Each word is used to the best of it's capability. The world-building is outstanding and the characters help to bring this world to life. Although this is a long book, it doesn't feel that way, as I found myself fully invested in the characters and what was happening to them now.
This is book one in a series so don't expect everything to be tied up neatly. It does finish nicely... for now, although if you are like me, you will definitely want the second book as soon as it becomes available.
This was a fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed and was engrossed in from start to finish. With a hint of magic all the way through, this is a book to be savoured. Absolutely recommended by me.
January 5, 2020
I don't normally rate a book until I'm finished with it, but this one was the exception.
It's that good.
It started off great, and has consistently maintained that greatness throughout the rest of the book.
Beautiful, descriptive language, intense situations, action and suspense, characters so real you can almost touch them.
A strong young woman who has the strength, fierceness and courage of a warrior, yet real enough, human enough that you feel her experiences and care for her. Actually, I became invested in all the characters, whether it was hope, sympathy or anger.
Mr. Killingsworth has written fascinating, unique trials and experiences for his protagonists, which in turn create an unforgettable, highly enjoyable reading experience.
I'm super impressed with this author's skillful storytelling, and can't wait to see what his future works look like!
I've read this novel 3 times already, and will definitely revisit it in the future.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have.
Highly recommend!
It's that good.
It started off great, and has consistently maintained that greatness throughout the rest of the book.
Beautiful, descriptive language, intense situations, action and suspense, characters so real you can almost touch them.
A strong young woman who has the strength, fierceness and courage of a warrior, yet real enough, human enough that you feel her experiences and care for her. Actually, I became invested in all the characters, whether it was hope, sympathy or anger.
Mr. Killingsworth has written fascinating, unique trials and experiences for his protagonists, which in turn create an unforgettable, highly enjoyable reading experience.
I'm super impressed with this author's skillful storytelling, and can't wait to see what his future works look like!
I've read this novel 3 times already, and will definitely revisit it in the future.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have.
Highly recommend!
March 19, 2020
The songstress is a fantasy story and is the first book written from the Records of the Three Realms series. There is something special about Kari, the protagonist of the story. She tries to save and protect a girl from being taken by the Emperor’s harem. Kari ends up getting caught in the whole fiasco as well. That is when the story takes an interesting turn where you see Kari’s struggle trying to save herself from the power enforced on her. However, Kari can sing, and that may be the one thing that can save her.
I found the literature to be filled with intense action, suspense, thrilling characters and possess an excellent storyline. The descriptive nature of the storytelling of the book really brought out the best of the plot. It enabled the reader to connect with the characters and to bond with the story.
Kari is strong and fearless. I loved this about her. She was unforgettable, and as the book ended, I knew that the rest of the tale was going to be just as fascinating. I recommend this book to fantasy readers and people who like to read about strong female lead characters.
I found the literature to be filled with intense action, suspense, thrilling characters and possess an excellent storyline. The descriptive nature of the storytelling of the book really brought out the best of the plot. It enabled the reader to connect with the characters and to bond with the story.
Kari is strong and fearless. I loved this about her. She was unforgettable, and as the book ended, I knew that the rest of the tale was going to be just as fascinating. I recommend this book to fantasy readers and people who like to read about strong female lead characters.
January 19, 2024
Such a good read! I went through all the emotions in this one. I was so angry I was swearing at various characters, cried for some, laughed for others, so good. And although there are some elements that are really bad they are crucial to the story, it's such a good story. And so much happens! It's a very dramatic book, definitely a read I would recommend.
January 23, 2020
I received a free copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book. I haven’t read many fantasy novels that take place in an Asian inspired world, so I thoroughly enjoyed going to another land that isn’t some version of Western Europe. Not that I have a problem with books that play there, but variety is nice sometimes.
The setting, while refreshing, was a bit lacking. There’s a sense of how the world works, but I wanted more. Eon by Alison Goodman is a prime example of what I mean. From the beginning pages, you’re surrounded by this environment and you feel like you’re a part of it while eager to discover all its secrets. This book didn’t have that. At times, it almost touched on what I was looking for, but it shied away before it could embrace its full potential.
Kari is okay. I don’t mind that she’s hot-tempered or quick to act or rebellious. All that’s great in a main character, but she can be pretty stupid. There were several moments when she needed to shut her mouth, and while she suffered consequences for acting out as she did, I couldn’t fully believe that she’s been on her own for four years without struggling too hard. Someone like her, in an act of righteous anger, would end up getting themselves killed. I just wanted to smack her, which may be a sign of a good character. At least she has flaws and is frustrating because of those intentional flaws.
The villains are well done. I feared they were going to be obnoxiously stereotypical, but they had normal human moments that grounded them. You can easily believe how they became the monsters they are, but why someone like their mother doesn’t see them in that light. There’s a good balance with them, but you never forget that these men have done terrible things and will continue to do so if they’re not stopped.
I don’t mind the supporting cast. They aren’t as developed as I’d like, but they aren’t dull. I was surprised by some of the characters that didn’t make it to the end, though. The fact that no one is safe adds a much-needed element of realness.
I love the magic in this. I’m not a huge fan of fantasy that relies heavily on magic unless that magic system is well thought out. Kari and her people have magic, but it’s rare. Because the story doesn’t rely heavily on magic, the rest of the plot shines through well.
I think some of the problems I have can be hammered out in the next novel, and I can see this series taking off. This start, while not perfect, is good. It’s a quick, exciting read with a few unexpected turns. Don’t pass it up if it sounds interesting.
I liked this book. I haven’t read many fantasy novels that take place in an Asian inspired world, so I thoroughly enjoyed going to another land that isn’t some version of Western Europe. Not that I have a problem with books that play there, but variety is nice sometimes.
The setting, while refreshing, was a bit lacking. There’s a sense of how the world works, but I wanted more. Eon by Alison Goodman is a prime example of what I mean. From the beginning pages, you’re surrounded by this environment and you feel like you’re a part of it while eager to discover all its secrets. This book didn’t have that. At times, it almost touched on what I was looking for, but it shied away before it could embrace its full potential.
Kari is okay. I don’t mind that she’s hot-tempered or quick to act or rebellious. All that’s great in a main character, but she can be pretty stupid. There were several moments when she needed to shut her mouth, and while she suffered consequences for acting out as she did, I couldn’t fully believe that she’s been on her own for four years without struggling too hard. Someone like her, in an act of righteous anger, would end up getting themselves killed. I just wanted to smack her, which may be a sign of a good character. At least she has flaws and is frustrating because of those intentional flaws.
The villains are well done. I feared they were going to be obnoxiously stereotypical, but they had normal human moments that grounded them. You can easily believe how they became the monsters they are, but why someone like their mother doesn’t see them in that light. There’s a good balance with them, but you never forget that these men have done terrible things and will continue to do so if they’re not stopped.
I don’t mind the supporting cast. They aren’t as developed as I’d like, but they aren’t dull. I was surprised by some of the characters that didn’t make it to the end, though. The fact that no one is safe adds a much-needed element of realness.
I love the magic in this. I’m not a huge fan of fantasy that relies heavily on magic unless that magic system is well thought out. Kari and her people have magic, but it’s rare. Because the story doesn’t rely heavily on magic, the rest of the plot shines through well.
I think some of the problems I have can be hammered out in the next novel, and I can see this series taking off. This start, while not perfect, is good. It’s a quick, exciting read with a few unexpected turns. Don’t pass it up if it sounds interesting.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews