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A Song for the Road
An outcast in her tight-knit community, Larkspur endures her poor health with help neither from her family nor her fickle sweetheart. At a yearly moon festival she beseeches the spirits for better luck...but they lead her to a foundling elf child she did not want and a quest she did not ask for.
Yet she and the mute spryte form a bond over their shared struggles. When danger arrives at their cottage, Larkspur sets out with the girl she's named Gentian from the country of her homefolk into the land of songs and tales itself.
Through leagues of treacherous border woods lies miraculous Beledan, where the dwarf chieftains quarrel amongst themselves and, far to the north, the mysterious elves marshal for war...
Yet she and the mute spryte form a bond over their shared struggles. When danger arrives at their cottage, Larkspur sets out with the girl she's named Gentian from the country of her homefolk into the land of songs and tales itself.
Through leagues of treacherous border woods lies miraculous Beledan, where the dwarf chieftains quarrel amongst themselves and, far to the north, the mysterious elves marshal for war...
504 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2020
2 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Labadie
9 books80 followersCatherine Labadie lives near mountains with her husband, her daughter, and her 4 pets. She’s written and published 7 romantic fantasy novels ranging from gothic & luxurious, to dreamy cottagecore, to angsty urban. MERE FLESH is her latest.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 9, 2020
Content warnings: Violence and injury; parental neglect; character death.
I was tempted to read A Song for the Road by a few things; the autumn vibes, the chronically ill heroine, and the promise of a quieter fantasy adventure. I’m a big fan of fantasy that puts its characters and their growth at the forefront of the story, over big action scenes or battles, and this book definitely does that, following asthmatic Larkspur as she takes in a cursed elf child she finds in the woods, and breaks out of the restrictive path her family has set out for her. The two of them will have to travel far and wide to find out how to break Gentian’s curse, while avoiding the elven assassins hellbent on capturing her. It’s a classic fantasy journey given a feminist twist, with its focus on motherhood, healing from neglect, and inner strength.
Larkspur is a very enjoyable heroine. Something of a Cinderella figure, she’s been downtrodden and neglected by her family because of the weakness of her lungs, but what made me instantly like her is that she’s angry about it. You can tell from the off that she isn’t going to lie down and accept the hand she’s been dealt, but it’s not framed as some kind of gentle fairy tale determination to be better, but absolute fury – this felt so realistic to me! It’s expressing this anger to a moon spirit that leads her to Gentian, an injured and mute elf child, and gives Larkspur a way to change her life; one of the most powerful themes of the book is Larkspur refusing to be powerless any more, and looking after Gentian gives her fire a positive direction. She’s a great example of a strong female character: her strength is in her heart and mind, not her body, but it’s no less important for that.
Sometimes I wished Larkspur would chill out a bit and have some awareness of subtlety and intrigue, rather than yelling at everyone until they helped her, but this did feel true to the character! She’s so determined to be independent that it actually gets in her way, which feels just right given her upbringing, and a large part of her journey is learning to accept help and love from others. I really loved Larkspur and Gentian’s relationship – Gentian is, at first, very wary of everyone, but Larkspur doesn’t give up on her, and watching the two of them grow into a mother-daughter relationship was lovely. It’s not saccharine, and doesn’t shy away from the painful ferocity of a mother’s love, which I really appreciated. It’s not just Gentian who she develops a closeness with, though – there’s also a very cute romance with the charming and capable Merrion. Though this is described as a slowburn, it’s fairly clear from the off that they’re meant to be together; the main issues between them are all variations on Larkspur’s hyper-independence making her refuse to be loved, which draws things out rather longer than necessary. That being said, I did like them together, and found him surprisingly swoon-worthy for a dwarf! (I’m not usually a fan of traditional fantasy dwarves, as too often their characters are nothing but bearded men who like drinking, battle, and smithing, but the dwarven society here is as culturally intricate as any other!)
My one issue with the book was its writing style, which is so ornate as to get in the way of the story on many occasions. I haven’t seen so many clauses and asides stacked in each sentence since translating Cicero at university! While the formality of the writing does suit the kind of bardic, fairy tale feel of the story, there were a lot of places where I wanted to get my editing brain on and snip out descriptive phrases that did nothing but bog down the flow of the sentences. The awkwardness of some of the sentences made it hard to get back into the swing of things each time I put the book down – I admit I ended up skimming several paragraphs towards the end of the middle section in order to get to the climax of the book. It definitely feels like a longer read than it is, but if you’re willing to take it slowly, it’s a very rewarding read.
Some pacing issues and stylistic clunkiness aside, this is a fun adventure with a wonderfully fierce female lead. Add some sweet romance, great chronic illness representation, and a surprisingly touching look at motherhood, and this is a read I would recommend to anyone looking for a slightly different take on traditional quest fantasy. Four out of five cats!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was tempted to read A Song for the Road by a few things; the autumn vibes, the chronically ill heroine, and the promise of a quieter fantasy adventure. I’m a big fan of fantasy that puts its characters and their growth at the forefront of the story, over big action scenes or battles, and this book definitely does that, following asthmatic Larkspur as she takes in a cursed elf child she finds in the woods, and breaks out of the restrictive path her family has set out for her. The two of them will have to travel far and wide to find out how to break Gentian’s curse, while avoiding the elven assassins hellbent on capturing her. It’s a classic fantasy journey given a feminist twist, with its focus on motherhood, healing from neglect, and inner strength.
Larkspur is a very enjoyable heroine. Something of a Cinderella figure, she’s been downtrodden and neglected by her family because of the weakness of her lungs, but what made me instantly like her is that she’s angry about it. You can tell from the off that she isn’t going to lie down and accept the hand she’s been dealt, but it’s not framed as some kind of gentle fairy tale determination to be better, but absolute fury – this felt so realistic to me! It’s expressing this anger to a moon spirit that leads her to Gentian, an injured and mute elf child, and gives Larkspur a way to change her life; one of the most powerful themes of the book is Larkspur refusing to be powerless any more, and looking after Gentian gives her fire a positive direction. She’s a great example of a strong female character: her strength is in her heart and mind, not her body, but it’s no less important for that.
Sometimes I wished Larkspur would chill out a bit and have some awareness of subtlety and intrigue, rather than yelling at everyone until they helped her, but this did feel true to the character! She’s so determined to be independent that it actually gets in her way, which feels just right given her upbringing, and a large part of her journey is learning to accept help and love from others. I really loved Larkspur and Gentian’s relationship – Gentian is, at first, very wary of everyone, but Larkspur doesn’t give up on her, and watching the two of them grow into a mother-daughter relationship was lovely. It’s not saccharine, and doesn’t shy away from the painful ferocity of a mother’s love, which I really appreciated. It’s not just Gentian who she develops a closeness with, though – there’s also a very cute romance with the charming and capable Merrion. Though this is described as a slowburn, it’s fairly clear from the off that they’re meant to be together; the main issues between them are all variations on Larkspur’s hyper-independence making her refuse to be loved, which draws things out rather longer than necessary. That being said, I did like them together, and found him surprisingly swoon-worthy for a dwarf! (I’m not usually a fan of traditional fantasy dwarves, as too often their characters are nothing but bearded men who like drinking, battle, and smithing, but the dwarven society here is as culturally intricate as any other!)
My one issue with the book was its writing style, which is so ornate as to get in the way of the story on many occasions. I haven’t seen so many clauses and asides stacked in each sentence since translating Cicero at university! While the formality of the writing does suit the kind of bardic, fairy tale feel of the story, there were a lot of places where I wanted to get my editing brain on and snip out descriptive phrases that did nothing but bog down the flow of the sentences. The awkwardness of some of the sentences made it hard to get back into the swing of things each time I put the book down – I admit I ended up skimming several paragraphs towards the end of the middle section in order to get to the climax of the book. It definitely feels like a longer read than it is, but if you’re willing to take it slowly, it’s a very rewarding read.
Some pacing issues and stylistic clunkiness aside, this is a fun adventure with a wonderfully fierce female lead. Add some sweet romance, great chronic illness representation, and a surprisingly touching look at motherhood, and this is a read I would recommend to anyone looking for a slightly different take on traditional quest fantasy. Four out of five cats!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2024
This is the only book I've read,so far, by Catherine Labadie.
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
Our main character, Larkspur, is strong and stubborn. She refuses to give up even when so many things, including her own lungs, are against her. At a yearly moon festival she begs the spirits for better luck, but instead they lead her towards an elf/faery kind child. She decides to take in the child as her own. Quickly the two of them bond.
When danger arrives at their cottage, Larkspur sets out with the girl she's named Gentian from the country of her home into the land of dwarves and elves. On a quest to help the young child. On their travels the meet many different people, and learn myth from truth of stories Larkspur has been told her entire life. All the while mysterious elves marshal for a war to control territory.
“I’m every bit a lady no matter what words I use”
Larkspur
What a character.
She is strong, stubborn and not very well liked by anyone in her community. Plagued by a sickness that acts up constantly, forcing her to cough until she is dizzy. Even though she has never wanted to be a mother, she quickly decides to listen to the spirits and take care of the elvin child. Not many people would take up that kind of burden so easily. Not in our reality or hers. But it does not stop her from trying to prove that she can do anything anyone else can and I find that so inspiring. That she pushes through all the hardships life has thrown at her.
No matter what danger follows the two of them, she protects that child, and for someone who never wanted children that is impressive to say the very least.
Watching her grow into herself. The person she was always meant to be.
Gentian
The small possibly elvin child cannot speak, so everything she wants to say has to be communicated through gestures. Gestures that somehow Larkspur has learned.
Gentian quickly grew to trust Larkspur, and worry when her coughing fits lasted too long. Similar to what a child would do in our reality. Except this child has magic, enough to help slightly.
I loved the way that this story progressed. As they moved closer towards there destination, we met more and more characters. From many different backgrounds. We learned so much about the world they were living in. How it was set up. With different people dwarves, elves mortals and other not specified people. We learned all the problems between all the people and how they came to be. Even the things that they shared, such as music.
Watching the relationship between Gentian and Larkspur grow stronger with every passing day.
The romance that was sprinkled throughout the entire book in small spurts, was enthralling. I found myself routing for the characters to get together. By the end, I needed them together. For them all to find the happiness that they deserved.
The only things that I didn't love about this book was the excessive world building. The world building is just a little too much for me. I feel like the story would be able to progress just the same if the author was to cut out roughly 70% of it. I found myself having trouble continuing reading through some of the world building chapters. It was all told through our main characters' eyes. So we learned about this world as she did, either through the various questions to the group she is with. It wasn’t so much the way we were told about the world, it was more how much was told in one go. It felt like pages were dedicated to just one scene. And although that might truly be an overstatement, that didn’t change how long the scene felt while reading it.
That being said I still really enjoyed reading this. It had a little bit of everything that I enjoy. Adventure, romance, fantasy, and friendships. I can easily recommend this book to other who enjoy those things and know that they too, would enjoy it.
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
Our main character, Larkspur, is strong and stubborn. She refuses to give up even when so many things, including her own lungs, are against her. At a yearly moon festival she begs the spirits for better luck, but instead they lead her towards an elf/faery kind child. She decides to take in the child as her own. Quickly the two of them bond.
When danger arrives at their cottage, Larkspur sets out with the girl she's named Gentian from the country of her home into the land of dwarves and elves. On a quest to help the young child. On their travels the meet many different people, and learn myth from truth of stories Larkspur has been told her entire life. All the while mysterious elves marshal for a war to control territory.
“I’m every bit a lady no matter what words I use”
Larkspur
What a character.
She is strong, stubborn and not very well liked by anyone in her community. Plagued by a sickness that acts up constantly, forcing her to cough until she is dizzy. Even though she has never wanted to be a mother, she quickly decides to listen to the spirits and take care of the elvin child. Not many people would take up that kind of burden so easily. Not in our reality or hers. But it does not stop her from trying to prove that she can do anything anyone else can and I find that so inspiring. That she pushes through all the hardships life has thrown at her.
No matter what danger follows the two of them, she protects that child, and for someone who never wanted children that is impressive to say the very least.
Watching her grow into herself. The person she was always meant to be.
Gentian
The small possibly elvin child cannot speak, so everything she wants to say has to be communicated through gestures. Gestures that somehow Larkspur has learned.
Gentian quickly grew to trust Larkspur, and worry when her coughing fits lasted too long. Similar to what a child would do in our reality. Except this child has magic, enough to help slightly.
I loved the way that this story progressed. As they moved closer towards there destination, we met more and more characters. From many different backgrounds. We learned so much about the world they were living in. How it was set up. With different people dwarves, elves mortals and other not specified people. We learned all the problems between all the people and how they came to be. Even the things that they shared, such as music.
“May the sun always shine to awake you from bed
Or the moon to give blessing wherever you’re led
If you’re sore tempted to glance back or behind
Remember the road for which all wanderers pine…”
Watching the relationship between Gentian and Larkspur grow stronger with every passing day.
The romance that was sprinkled throughout the entire book in small spurts, was enthralling. I found myself routing for the characters to get together. By the end, I needed them together. For them all to find the happiness that they deserved.
The only things that I didn't love about this book was the excessive world building. The world building is just a little too much for me. I feel like the story would be able to progress just the same if the author was to cut out roughly 70% of it. I found myself having trouble continuing reading through some of the world building chapters. It was all told through our main characters' eyes. So we learned about this world as she did, either through the various questions to the group she is with. It wasn’t so much the way we were told about the world, it was more how much was told in one go. It felt like pages were dedicated to just one scene. And although that might truly be an overstatement, that didn’t change how long the scene felt while reading it.
That being said I still really enjoyed reading this. It had a little bit of everything that I enjoy. Adventure, romance, fantasy, and friendships. I can easily recommend this book to other who enjoy those things and know that they too, would enjoy it.
October 20, 2020
Completely unexpected! The journey trope in books can be boring but this one made traveling in an autumn forest sound fun.
November 20, 2020
Finally get to review this book!!
I got to beta read this and, as with all of her other books, I loved it! The characters are so well thought out and there are more of them to get to know and love! I loved getting to explore the world more and see the different races and peoples! The world felt so much bigger and far more diverse since A Turn of the Wheel. You could picture so well where you were in each scene and the descriptions helped display everything in your minds eye perfectly. I don’t even want to talk about the food. Every time they had a meal I had to go get a snack, it made me so hungry. And best of all, I loved all the characters. Larkspur and Merrion’s relationship was so sweet to read, Hedd is such a fabulous wingman who I loved so much, and as a person who has worked most of their life with children, Gentian was spot on! There were so many scenes where she made me cackle and I was about to pop in the book and adopt her myself. I won’t mention every other character, but they were all interesting and fun to see their lives unfold. The story was captivating and made you feel with the characters. You celebrated their highs and you cried with the lows. Overall I loved it! And I hope you do too!
I got to beta read this and, as with all of her other books, I loved it! The characters are so well thought out and there are more of them to get to know and love! I loved getting to explore the world more and see the different races and peoples! The world felt so much bigger and far more diverse since A Turn of the Wheel. You could picture so well where you were in each scene and the descriptions helped display everything in your minds eye perfectly. I don’t even want to talk about the food. Every time they had a meal I had to go get a snack, it made me so hungry. And best of all, I loved all the characters. Larkspur and Merrion’s relationship was so sweet to read, Hedd is such a fabulous wingman who I loved so much, and as a person who has worked most of their life with children, Gentian was spot on! There were so many scenes where she made me cackle and I was about to pop in the book and adopt her myself. I won’t mention every other character, but they were all interesting and fun to see their lives unfold. The story was captivating and made you feel with the characters. You celebrated their highs and you cried with the lows. Overall I loved it! And I hope you do too!
December 22, 2020
What I Did Like:
-Larkspur herself. I like her attitude and her strength, I like her willingness to complete this journey, and I like her dedication to the kid.
-Lyrical feel. This book is fantasy but not in the way you’ve come to expect from fantasy. Yes, there are elves and dwarves. But this one takes it time and revels in the beauty of the world and the language in a cool way. It’s a quiet fantasy.
Who Should Read This One:
-Think fantasy should take time and be more character focused? You’ll love this one.
-Readers who enjoy stories with beautiful language will appreciate this as well.
My Rating: 3 Stars. Fans of quiet fantasy with big language will adore this one.
For Full Review (including what I didn’t love): https://youtu.be/-5TT-piZS7Y
-Larkspur herself. I like her attitude and her strength, I like her willingness to complete this journey, and I like her dedication to the kid.
-Lyrical feel. This book is fantasy but not in the way you’ve come to expect from fantasy. Yes, there are elves and dwarves. But this one takes it time and revels in the beauty of the world and the language in a cool way. It’s a quiet fantasy.
Who Should Read This One:
-Think fantasy should take time and be more character focused? You’ll love this one.
-Readers who enjoy stories with beautiful language will appreciate this as well.
My Rating: 3 Stars. Fans of quiet fantasy with big language will adore this one.
For Full Review (including what I didn’t love): https://youtu.be/-5TT-piZS7Y
December 10, 2020
You gotta always appreciate a story where the main character veers off the beaten path and takes charge of their own destiny. This story does that with lots of beautiful descriptions, twists and turns, and some romance dashed in. Do yourself a favor, and give yourself the treat of reading this off the beaten path book with its unique perspective and story.
August 1, 2025
Starting things out ✨positively✨
October 15, 2020
Very different from the first stand alone book in this world (A Turn of the Wheel) but in a good way. More characters, more conflict, but it's just as fun.
November 2, 2024
standalone but it's an even bigger treat if you've read "a turn of the wheel" so you can learn and see different parts of the same fantasy world. plus, there are mentions of people and events from ATOTW which if you know what's behind said events can make you giggle with delight. at first it doesn't feel like it but the worldbuilding is so massive and everything feels unique and in its right place. the way the different races are presented fit into already well known and familiar epic high fantasy tropes on how you'd expect dwarves and elves to be like, but it's not an imitation or repetition of these tropes. they're well fleshed out and it makes me curious if when labadie returns to this series which race or nation she's explore next, and expand this already vast fantasy world.
the only downside for me was the pacing and how i wish there were more clues or reflections about gentian's curse, spread out the story as the journey progressed.
the resolution was satisfying, and the banter and jokes got me laughing irl. ASFTR also made me care for bards lol
i'd recommend this to anyone who likes tolkien, george r.r. martin, brandon sanderson and samantha shannon. if you like dwarf centric stories or a high fantasy that doesn't require a commitment to 10+ novels, this one's for you.
the only downside for me was the pacing and how i wish there were more clues or reflections about gentian's curse, spread out the story as the journey progressed.
the resolution was satisfying, and the banter and jokes got me laughing irl. ASFTR also made me care for bards lol
i'd recommend this to anyone who likes tolkien, george r.r. martin, brandon sanderson and samantha shannon. if you like dwarf centric stories or a high fantasy that doesn't require a commitment to 10+ novels, this one's for you.
November 17, 2020
This novel is perfect for anyone who loves magic, elves, dwarves and a perfectly twisted romance that will have you on the edge of your seat with the suspense. We follow Lark and her little elf child as she journeys to the land of the Fae, only to come across a travelling small group of dwarves. It’s wonderfully written and has you unable to put the down the book once you’ve started. I can’t recommend this book enough ❤️
January 8, 2021
A Song for the Road
(Tales from Lyrassan)
by Catherine Labadie
@authrcatlabadie.
Published 12/18/2020
Author of the Fate's Fall duet, A Turn of the Wheel, &
A SONG FOR THE ROAD by Catherine Labadie.
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers
A SONG FOR THE ROAD by Catherine Labadie, is a delightful tale.
This book is for those who enjoy, and appreciate precision narration.
You are thrown right into a beautiful, vivid and established world with fully fleshed out characters, courtly drama and magical realism
This book was so entertaining and extremely hard for me to put down. I raced through this one! The writing was mesmerising and poetic, Catherine Labadie has a real way with words that had me spellbound!
Character development and complex relationships, and the setting and world building are brought to life with unique details highly compulsive. Labadie is an exceptional author, her writing is seamless and her prose is wonderful..
The writing was mesmerising and poetic, Catherine Labadie has a real way with words that had me spellbound!
Character development and complex relationships, and the setting and world building are brought to life with unique details highly compulsive. Labadie is an exceptional author, her writing is seamless and her prose is wonderful
The fantasy world is something to behold, it’s creative and detailed, with stunning atmospheric imagery. This book had some wonderful fantasy elements and creatures, that satisfied my little heart. Catherine Labadie, has created an engaging and courageous heroine and her highly accomplished writing ensures that the reader is swept along in compelling adventure. The pace was brisk and storyline is vividly rendered. The wording was perfect for the storyline, reminiscent of some of the well known classical tales.
Catherine Labadie is one of the best indie writers I have come across. A book that will stay on my library bookshelf.
I highly recommend this book to my family and friends
The moon is a lonely goddess. Perhaps she might look on me with favor tonight...if I am brave enough to search for her on my own.
(Tales from Lyrassan)
by Catherine Labadie
@authrcatlabadie.
Published 12/18/2020
Author of the Fate's Fall duet, A Turn of the Wheel, &
A SONG FOR THE ROAD by Catherine Labadie.
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers
A SONG FOR THE ROAD by Catherine Labadie, is a delightful tale.
This book is for those who enjoy, and appreciate precision narration.
You are thrown right into a beautiful, vivid and established world with fully fleshed out characters, courtly drama and magical realism
This book was so entertaining and extremely hard for me to put down. I raced through this one! The writing was mesmerising and poetic, Catherine Labadie has a real way with words that had me spellbound!
Character development and complex relationships, and the setting and world building are brought to life with unique details highly compulsive. Labadie is an exceptional author, her writing is seamless and her prose is wonderful..
The writing was mesmerising and poetic, Catherine Labadie has a real way with words that had me spellbound!
Character development and complex relationships, and the setting and world building are brought to life with unique details highly compulsive. Labadie is an exceptional author, her writing is seamless and her prose is wonderful
The fantasy world is something to behold, it’s creative and detailed, with stunning atmospheric imagery. This book had some wonderful fantasy elements and creatures, that satisfied my little heart. Catherine Labadie, has created an engaging and courageous heroine and her highly accomplished writing ensures that the reader is swept along in compelling adventure. The pace was brisk and storyline is vividly rendered. The wording was perfect for the storyline, reminiscent of some of the well known classical tales.
Catherine Labadie is one of the best indie writers I have come across. A book that will stay on my library bookshelf.
I highly recommend this book to my family and friends
The moon is a lonely goddess. Perhaps she might look on me with favor tonight...if I am brave enough to search for her on my own.
November 27, 2020
A SONG FOR THE ROAD was beautiful and lyrical and so lush and atmospheric.
This was such an incredible book and I’m so grateful to have read it early. It was filled with spectacular scenery and such brave and powerful characters. Larkspur and Merrion are some of the best characters Catherine has written and I adored them both.
Larkspur had so much strength despite everyone’s opinion, and she was so powerful to overcome her condition. Merrion was gentle and thoughtful but a force to be reckoned with.
These characters and relationships were so dynamic, goals and wants and fears were so realized that you felt even more pulled into the story. You knew what they were working for and you wanted it for them too.
It was dark and thrilling and bright and serene. It was everything you could want in an adventure. I loved this book so much and you need to get your hands on it.
This was such an incredible book and I’m so grateful to have read it early. It was filled with spectacular scenery and such brave and powerful characters. Larkspur and Merrion are some of the best characters Catherine has written and I adored them both.
Larkspur had so much strength despite everyone’s opinion, and she was so powerful to overcome her condition. Merrion was gentle and thoughtful but a force to be reckoned with.
These characters and relationships were so dynamic, goals and wants and fears were so realized that you felt even more pulled into the story. You knew what they were working for and you wanted it for them too.
It was dark and thrilling and bright and serene. It was everything you could want in an adventure. I loved this book so much and you need to get your hands on it.
June 25, 2024
I purchased this book because I ADORE fantasy novels - ones that take you to another world while reading them and give you bright illustrations by words alone. Can I say, I did NOT want to put this book down!!
First of all, the author uses intricate and beautiful adjectives to describe this world she so amazingly concocted. I love books that paint pictures as you read them, and that is exactly what this book did. It gives books life and beauty when author's know how to cleverly string together words to form sentences like these. Bravo!
Secondly, the characters. OH MY WORD the characters, I literally love them all. If you asked me who my favorite is, I would probably say all! Ha! The author has created beautiful, relatable, realistic, and adoring characters. The character development is also very well written and mapped out wonderfully throughout the whole book. I mayyyy have gotten emotionally attached to all of them.
Lastly, as a whole this book is just saturated and dripping with magnetic charm. The chemistry with the characters friendships/romantic relationships, the vivid and life-giving chapters, and the beautiful lands/people this book possesses just makes it hard to put this book down. It has action, romance, long journeys in wild woods, elves and dwarves, mankind, mystery and fortunes, everything I typically love into one book!
I will be looking to purchase another book from this author and I highly encourage you to nab this book!!
First of all, the author uses intricate and beautiful adjectives to describe this world she so amazingly concocted. I love books that paint pictures as you read them, and that is exactly what this book did. It gives books life and beauty when author's know how to cleverly string together words to form sentences like these. Bravo!
Secondly, the characters. OH MY WORD the characters, I literally love them all. If you asked me who my favorite is, I would probably say all! Ha! The author has created beautiful, relatable, realistic, and adoring characters. The character development is also very well written and mapped out wonderfully throughout the whole book. I mayyyy have gotten emotionally attached to all of them.
Lastly, as a whole this book is just saturated and dripping with magnetic charm. The chemistry with the characters friendships/romantic relationships, the vivid and life-giving chapters, and the beautiful lands/people this book possesses just makes it hard to put this book down. It has action, romance, long journeys in wild woods, elves and dwarves, mankind, mystery and fortunes, everything I typically love into one book!
I will be looking to purchase another book from this author and I highly encourage you to nab this book!!
October 27, 2025
There's not much I can say except I love this book so dang much!!!! I'm already weak for bards and quests that pull in unexpected travelers. And man, this one delivered! This story was so epic and yet so very cozy and comforting at the same time. Each character stole my heart in some way or another. I will go to war for Larkspur and Merrion's love. The same goes for the foundling Gentian. I liked all of the interesting ways that the author played with tropes like age gap, found family, and fated mates. There were a lot of recognizable tropes, but the author made this story feel so special and unique.
September 30, 2025
I really wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this one, but it turned out to be a delight! I loved Larkspur's character and how she interacted with the others, and it was so impressive watching her just beat her fists against the gates of unfairness. I loved the balance between cozy and action, and the longing just made the ending all the sweeter.
August 31, 2021
I would give 0 stars if I could
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