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The Chronicles of Saylok #2
The Second Blind Son
An insidious curse is weakening the Norse kingdom of Saylok, where no daughters have been born in years. Washing up on these plagued shores is Ghisla, an orphaned stowaway nursed back to health by a blind cave dweller. Named for a mysterious god, the boy, Hod, is surrounded by prophecy. To Ghisla, he’s a cherished new friend. To Hod, the girl is even more so. For when Ghisla sings, Hod can see.
Unable to offer safe shelter, Hod urges Ghisla onward to become a daughter of the temple, where all the kingdom’s girl children have been gathered. But because of a magical rune, the two cannot be separated, no matter the time or the distance.
Now, subject to a ruthless king, Ghisla enters a desperate world of warring clan chieftains and catastrophic power struggles. Who among them can be trusted is unknowable. So are the sacrifices Ghisla and Hod must make to defeat the cursed forces that could destroy a kingdom and the fated bond between two souls.
A lost girl and a blind boy discover their greatest strength is their bond with each other in a beguiling fantasy by the New York Times bestselling author of The First Girl Child.
Unable to offer safe shelter, Hod urges Ghisla onward to become a daughter of the temple, where all the kingdom’s girl children have been gathered. But because of a magical rune, the two cannot be separated, no matter the time or the distance.
Now, subject to a ruthless king, Ghisla enters a desperate world of warring clan chieftains and catastrophic power struggles. Who among them can be trusted is unknowable. So are the sacrifices Ghisla and Hod must make to defeat the cursed forces that could destroy a kingdom and the fated bond between two souls.
A lost girl and a blind boy discover their greatest strength is their bond with each other in a beguiling fantasy by the New York Times bestselling author of The First Girl Child.
447 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2021
1047 people are currently reading
8661 people want to read
About the author
Amy Harmon
26 books20.5k followersAmy Harmon is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Her books are now being published in two dozen languages, truly a dream come true for a little country girl.
Amy Harmon has written eighteen novels including the USA Today Bestsellers, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as The Law of Moses, Infinity + One and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue. Her fantasy novel, The Bird and the Sword, was a Goodreads Book of the Year finalist. Her newest release, What the Wind Knows, is an Amazon charts and Wall Street Journal bestseller. For updates on upcoming book releases, author posts and more, join Amy at www.authoramyharmon.com.
Amy Harmon has written eighteen novels including the USA Today Bestsellers, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as The Law of Moses, Infinity + One and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue. Her fantasy novel, The Bird and the Sword, was a Goodreads Book of the Year finalist. Her newest release, What the Wind Knows, is an Amazon charts and Wall Street Journal bestseller. For updates on upcoming book releases, author posts and more, join Amy at www.authoramyharmon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 743 reviews
June 21, 2021
i fell head over heels in love with AHs
‘the first girl child.’
its such a unique take on norse mythology, with really compelling characters and such a heartfelt slow-burn romance. so i was ecstatic to hear AH wrote a sequel novel set in that world. and this is everything i loved about the first book.
contrary to the title, this novel seems to focus primarily on ghisla. it was so rewarding to get to know her story and background. similar to the first book, this story spans over a decade, so the romance is once again the slowest of slow burns. but its sooo sweet to see how ghisla and hod try to stay connected over the years and distance. i found them and their goals easy to root for.
i also like that this technically can be read as a standalone without hindering comprehension. it takes place during the same time and events as ‘the first girl child,’ just with different characters, showing a new perspective of the world. the thing is, i cannot for the life of me remember hod from the first book. ghisla yes, hod no. lol. i will have to go back and check to see if thats my own failing memory or if he truly wasnt mentioned. regardless, i do think it would be worth reading the first book first, just to get a better sense of the world and bigger picture, but its not necessary.
overall, this is an excellent addition to a stunning series. i have my fingers crossed that AH decides another book set in this world is worth writing.
a massive thanks to 47north for the ARC!!
↠ 4.5 stars
contrary to the title, this novel seems to focus primarily on ghisla. it was so rewarding to get to know her story and background. similar to the first book, this story spans over a decade, so the romance is once again the slowest of slow burns. but its sooo sweet to see how ghisla and hod try to stay connected over the years and distance. i found them and their goals easy to root for.
i also like that this technically can be read as a standalone without hindering comprehension. it takes place during the same time and events as ‘the first girl child,’ just with different characters, showing a new perspective of the world. the thing is, i cannot for the life of me remember hod from the first book. ghisla yes, hod no. lol. i will have to go back and check to see if thats my own failing memory or if he truly wasnt mentioned. regardless, i do think it would be worth reading the first book first, just to get a better sense of the world and bigger picture, but its not necessary.
overall, this is an excellent addition to a stunning series. i have my fingers crossed that AH decides another book set in this world is worth writing.
a massive thanks to 47north for the ARC!!
↠ 4.5 stars
March 22, 2021
I read an ARC of this book (... a few months ago) and have been sitting on my excitement, unable to tell the world about it. THAT ALL ENDS NOW!!!!!!
SECOND BLIND SON is just as epic and masterfully told as FIRST GIRL CHILD. It's a beautiful story, yes. Obviously. Amy Harmon only writes beautiful stories. And it's engrossing, of course. Amy Harmon only writes engrossing stories. And the characters are real, flawed, layered, and so forth, because those are the only kinds of characters Amy Harmon writes.
But what makes SECOND BLIND SON stand out for me is its focus on the central romance between the two main characters and the longing between them. The love story takes front and center stage and, my people, you are going to feel so wrapped up in this tale of longing. Oh, the longing. All varieties of longing are represented! All your longing bases will be covered, all your longing boxes shall be checked!
Youthful, fumbling, innocent longing between two kindred souls, unrequited longing, hopeful longing, dashed longing, up-close longing, longing from afar, hungry longing, greedy longing, breathless, fulfilled, dejected, and so forth. Your lungs are going to ache so much from holding your breath, you'll consider consulting your physician about chest pains.
SECOND BLIND SON is decidedly more romantic than FIRST GIRL CHILD, but that (for me) was a glorious surprise. I loved (absolutely loved) both books, but they are different in tone, pacing, and plot. This is a new story in a world I adore, and I hope it's not the last. I hope (PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLEASE) it's just the beginning.
SECOND BLIND SON is just as epic and masterfully told as FIRST GIRL CHILD. It's a beautiful story, yes. Obviously. Amy Harmon only writes beautiful stories. And it's engrossing, of course. Amy Harmon only writes engrossing stories. And the characters are real, flawed, layered, and so forth, because those are the only kinds of characters Amy Harmon writes.
But what makes SECOND BLIND SON stand out for me is its focus on the central romance between the two main characters and the longing between them. The love story takes front and center stage and, my people, you are going to feel so wrapped up in this tale of longing. Oh, the longing. All varieties of longing are represented! All your longing bases will be covered, all your longing boxes shall be checked!
Youthful, fumbling, innocent longing between two kindred souls, unrequited longing, hopeful longing, dashed longing, up-close longing, longing from afar, hungry longing, greedy longing, breathless, fulfilled, dejected, and so forth. Your lungs are going to ache so much from holding your breath, you'll consider consulting your physician about chest pains.
SECOND BLIND SON is decidedly more romantic than FIRST GIRL CHILD, but that (for me) was a glorious surprise. I loved (absolutely loved) both books, but they are different in tone, pacing, and plot. This is a new story in a world I adore, and I hope it's not the last. I hope (PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLEASE) it's just the beginning.
July 19, 2021
6+ soul rune stars!!
This book is more than a story, but an experience. It felt so good to be back in Saylok, and meeting Hod, and Ghisla. This book takes place inside the same setting of TFGC, but is a totally different story in the midst of the same characters. How Amy did this is magic, and I am in awe of her gift.
I have never read about a blind hero before Hod, and I’m so glad he was my first. He captivated me from the moment he came on the scene, and my soul became attracted to him in an intense way. He checked all the boxes for me, and is so H-O-T. I love strong men of character, heart and out of this comes their fierce bravery—especially towards their women.
I loved how being blind, he could not only hear the hearts of people, and could tell many things by the beats, but that he also knew intentions. His other senses were heightened causing him to be able to do extraordinary things.
Ghisla is one of my new favorite heroines. Her strength is astounding even though she is small in stature. She is a Songyr, and has special abilities while she sings. The things Hod is able to see while holding her hands as she sings will just take your breath away.
“I blind you” ..Yes. And yet . . . you are the only one who makes me see.”
Hod and Ghisla are a powerhouse of a team. They are passionately in love with each other’s souls, and the things they are able to accomplish...wow.
I love Vikings, Norse mythology, tales of Odin, Loki and Thor. Amy used these stellar characters and spun her own historical fantasy and created her own magic. She does this with every story she writes, but each time the experience is more intense. More soul shaking. Amy’s words are an elixir to the soul, and so much of what the world needs now. This book will stay with me for a while.
This book is more than a story, but an experience. It felt so good to be back in Saylok, and meeting Hod, and Ghisla. This book takes place inside the same setting of TFGC, but is a totally different story in the midst of the same characters. How Amy did this is magic, and I am in awe of her gift.
I have never read about a blind hero before Hod, and I’m so glad he was my first. He captivated me from the moment he came on the scene, and my soul became attracted to him in an intense way. He checked all the boxes for me, and is so H-O-T. I love strong men of character, heart and out of this comes their fierce bravery—especially towards their women.
I loved how being blind, he could not only hear the hearts of people, and could tell many things by the beats, but that he also knew intentions. His other senses were heightened causing him to be able to do extraordinary things.
Ghisla is one of my new favorite heroines. Her strength is astounding even though she is small in stature. She is a Songyr, and has special abilities while she sings. The things Hod is able to see while holding her hands as she sings will just take your breath away.
“I blind you” ..Yes. And yet . . . you are the only one who makes me see.”
Hod and Ghisla are a powerhouse of a team. They are passionately in love with each other’s souls, and the things they are able to accomplish...wow.
I love Vikings, Norse mythology, tales of Odin, Loki and Thor. Amy used these stellar characters and spun her own historical fantasy and created her own magic. She does this with every story she writes, but each time the experience is more intense. More soul shaking. Amy’s words are an elixir to the soul, and so much of what the world needs now. This book will stay with me for a while.
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July 19, 2021From the bestselling author of The First Girl Child comes a new beguiling romantic fantasy where a blind boy and a lost girl discover their greatest strength is their bond with each other.
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Copyright © Amy Harmon
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July 17, 2022
This was an intriguing fantasy that centers on Norse mythology and is about power, love, faith and friendship. This book follows Ghisla, an orphan who washes up on the shores of the Norse kingdom of Saylok is brought back to health by Hod, a blind boy who is named after a blind god. Ghisla is a Songr and when she sings Hod can see. Hod advises that Ghisla go to the temple where all the girls in the kingdom are protected since he can't offer her a safe place to stay. Ghisla and Hod can't be be separated because of a magical rune that lets them communicate with each other.
I really liked this book! The world building in this book was amazing, I loved that this book centered on Norse mythology and I really liked the magical runes. The pacing was a little inconsistent, in the beginning the pacing was slow and in the end the pacing was fast. This book is told from the point of view of Ghisla and Hod. I loved Ghisla, she is brave, strong, kind and smart. I also liked Hod, he is brave, protective, strong, and will do anything for Ghisla. I really liked the side characters especially Ghost, Alba, Bayr and Dagmar. I did not like the King, he is selfish, mean and not a good person. I loved Ghisla and Hod's relationship, they were there for each other and they didn't give up on each other. I loved that this book showed that an event changes depending on who tells the story. The ending was so good! I'm so glad that it ends on a relatively happy note.
I really liked this book! The world building in this book was amazing, I loved that this book centered on Norse mythology and I really liked the magical runes. The pacing was a little inconsistent, in the beginning the pacing was slow and in the end the pacing was fast. This book is told from the point of view of Ghisla and Hod. I loved Ghisla, she is brave, strong, kind and smart. I also liked Hod, he is brave, protective, strong, and will do anything for Ghisla. I really liked the side characters especially Ghost, Alba, Bayr and Dagmar. I did not like the King, he is selfish, mean and not a good person. I loved Ghisla and Hod's relationship, they were there for each other and they didn't give up on each other. I loved that this book showed that an event changes depending on who tells the story. The ending was so good! I'm so glad that it ends on a relatively happy note.
April 15, 2022
Norse mythology has begun to grate on my nerves and this story could have existed on its own merits or at most have it referenced in an oblique manner.
Notwithstanding, It was interesting once you get past the long-distance romance between Liis and Hod, and the singing, and let's not forget those blasted runes that are supposedly powerful but still not powerful enough.
I just want to know if Desdemona's curse was eventually broken. 😩😩
May 29, 2024
May 28, 2024
Still extraordinary!
June 27, 2021
5+++ Extraordinary, "Blind, but I see." Stars!!!
First off, let me say this book was phenomenal! You know how you read a book. You enjoy the book. It could be really fun and entertaining or gripping while you're with it, but when you turn the last page and close the book, it's done. You're ready to move on to your next reading adventure.?? Well, for me, this was not that kind of book. It's been days and I just cannot stop thinking about this story. I do not have the words or writing skills to adequately express how much I loved thus story, or to give it a proper review. It played like a movie in my mind from page one to the very last. When I finished I just wanted to turn back to the beginning and start again. I will do just that very soon. This type of take me away to another time, place, land is my true reader heart's desire.
If you enjoyed The First Girl Child you will absolutely love The Second Blind Son. For me, it was just more. More romance. More yearning more angst. Oh did my heart hurt so bad at times. There's more magic and myth! More peril. The stakes just all seem higher this time. Hod was a hero like no other I have read. He was extraordinary in every way. Passionate, protective, strong, tender, smart. Everything! Ghisla was absolutely a woman I want on my side. I loved her to pieces. She was so very, very strong. And protective. And smart. She was so misunderstood. I just wanted to take some of her burdens away.
Even though this was the second book in The Chronicles of Saylok, it can be read as a standalone. It took place during the same time line as The First Girl Child. These characters were present in that book, but this was Hod's and Ghisla's perspective of the events. Both books stand as complete stories on their own, however they both make the other book richer. I'm absolutely going to reread The First Girl Child (again) now that I've read this one.
If you enjoy fantasy, Norse Mythology, magic, and angsty romance combined with a power hungry, corrupt king that has the country just about ready to implode and on the brink of war, plus truly exceptional writing/storytelling; thus book is for you. Happy reading!!
**I was gifted an ARC copy of this book from the author and voluntary posted my review.**
Still extraordinary!
June 27, 2021
5+++ Extraordinary, "Blind, but I see." Stars!!!
First off, let me say this book was phenomenal! You know how you read a book. You enjoy the book. It could be really fun and entertaining or gripping while you're with it, but when you turn the last page and close the book, it's done. You're ready to move on to your next reading adventure.?? Well, for me, this was not that kind of book. It's been days and I just cannot stop thinking about this story. I do not have the words or writing skills to adequately express how much I loved thus story, or to give it a proper review. It played like a movie in my mind from page one to the very last. When I finished I just wanted to turn back to the beginning and start again. I will do just that very soon. This type of take me away to another time, place, land is my true reader heart's desire.
If you enjoyed The First Girl Child you will absolutely love The Second Blind Son. For me, it was just more. More romance. More yearning more angst. Oh did my heart hurt so bad at times. There's more magic and myth! More peril. The stakes just all seem higher this time. Hod was a hero like no other I have read. He was extraordinary in every way. Passionate, protective, strong, tender, smart. Everything! Ghisla was absolutely a woman I want on my side. I loved her to pieces. She was so very, very strong. And protective. And smart. She was so misunderstood. I just wanted to take some of her burdens away.
Even though this was the second book in The Chronicles of Saylok, it can be read as a standalone. It took place during the same time line as The First Girl Child. These characters were present in that book, but this was Hod's and Ghisla's perspective of the events. Both books stand as complete stories on their own, however they both make the other book richer. I'm absolutely going to reread The First Girl Child (again) now that I've read this one.
If you enjoy fantasy, Norse Mythology, magic, and angsty romance combined with a power hungry, corrupt king that has the country just about ready to implode and on the brink of war, plus truly exceptional writing/storytelling; thus book is for you. Happy reading!!
**I was gifted an ARC copy of this book from the author and voluntary posted my review.**
July 16, 2021
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Type: Standalone book from The Chronicles of Saylok series
POV: Third Person
Rating:
After a devastating loss, Ghisla had a hard time clinging on to hope. Along came Hod, though sightless, helped her see what the world could offer. But the kingdom was dying, and the sacrifices it required might be more than what they’re willing to pay.
I loved book 1 so I was excited to read this. The timeline of this one ran concurrently with the previous book with the scenes from both books were tightly weaved together. While I enjoyed seeing certain scenes from a different perspective, at times it made the story feel repetitive. The book was also quite slow in the first 60%. Thankfully, it picked up from that point on.
I adored the background story of both Hod and Ghisla, and how it brought them together. He was gentle and sweet, but not without flaws. What I loved the most about the story and the world is the runes and the magic/powers it carries.
The Second Blind Son is a story of hope and fulfilling destiny. It would appeal to readers looking for a slow-burn Romantic Fantasy inspired by Norse Mythology.
Books in th series:
⚔🛡⚔. . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . ⚔🛡⚔
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
Type: Standalone book from The Chronicles of Saylok series
POV: Third Person
Rating:
After a devastating loss, Ghisla had a hard time clinging on to hope. Along came Hod, though sightless, helped her see what the world could offer. But the kingdom was dying, and the sacrifices it required might be more than what they’re willing to pay.
I loved book 1 so I was excited to read this. The timeline of this one ran concurrently with the previous book with the scenes from both books were tightly weaved together. While I enjoyed seeing certain scenes from a different perspective, at times it made the story feel repetitive. The book was also quite slow in the first 60%. Thankfully, it picked up from that point on.
“There will come a time when you will need it, and if you do not use it, if you bury it inside you, it will grow weak and small. There is power in your songs.”
I adored the background story of both Hod and Ghisla, and how it brought them together. He was gentle and sweet, but not without flaws. What I loved the most about the story and the world is the runes and the magic/powers it carries.
The Second Blind Son is a story of hope and fulfilling destiny. It would appeal to readers looking for a slow-burn Romantic Fantasy inspired by Norse Mythology.
Books in th series:
⚔🛡⚔. . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . ⚔🛡⚔
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
July 21, 2021
All the stars. Not enough stars. A new favorite. ♥️
Every time I step into one of Amy’s book I am completely transported. She has this ability to transfix you with her words and completely envelope you in the story at hand.
I took my time traveling through Saylok. This dark land full of North Mythology and Viking-esque lore. Stepping back into the same world from The First Girl Child was highly satisfying and while this second book can be read as a stand-alone...I highly recommend reading the first to get a more fully fleshed out experience for The Second Blind Son.
The characters? Completely on point. Hod is the blind hero we have desperately been looking for in stories. His kindness and bravery and gentle nature stole my heart. A new favorite character of all time...seriously though. And Ghisla? She is tough and unafraid and loves fiercely. The coupling of these two souls was the heart of this book and I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH.
“Don’t worry Ghisla, I am just a blind man. Everyone looks past me”
“I didn’t”
“No...I felt the moment you saw me”
“You put your hand on your heart”
I loved it. The gritty, raw and dark nature of this story...and honestly I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I was swept up in all the magical and political elements that just kept adding layer upon layer of depth to this story.
I’m so sad it’s over but I sincerely hope Amy writes a third book for this series. There is a certain couple id love to see more of in the future.
Thank you Amy and the publisher for this gifted book. I am so very grateful.
**violence and mature romantic content
Every time I step into one of Amy’s book I am completely transported. She has this ability to transfix you with her words and completely envelope you in the story at hand.
I took my time traveling through Saylok. This dark land full of North Mythology and Viking-esque lore. Stepping back into the same world from The First Girl Child was highly satisfying and while this second book can be read as a stand-alone...I highly recommend reading the first to get a more fully fleshed out experience for The Second Blind Son.
The characters? Completely on point. Hod is the blind hero we have desperately been looking for in stories. His kindness and bravery and gentle nature stole my heart. A new favorite character of all time...seriously though. And Ghisla? She is tough and unafraid and loves fiercely. The coupling of these two souls was the heart of this book and I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH.
“Don’t worry Ghisla, I am just a blind man. Everyone looks past me”
“I didn’t”
“No...I felt the moment you saw me”
“You put your hand on your heart”
I loved it. The gritty, raw and dark nature of this story...and honestly I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I was swept up in all the magical and political elements that just kept adding layer upon layer of depth to this story.
I’m so sad it’s over but I sincerely hope Amy writes a third book for this series. There is a certain couple id love to see more of in the future.
Thank you Amy and the publisher for this gifted book. I am so very grateful.
**violence and mature romantic content
May 6, 2022
Not as good as The First Girl Child but it’s still a good read.
The Second Blind Son is set in the same world as The First Girl Child, the events in this book happened at the same timeline as tFGC but the story is told from the perspective of other characters, in this case Liis of Leok (one of the temple girls) and Hod.
I was happy that Amy Harmon wrote another book in Saylok, as much as I’m glad for another perspective, I wish I knew whether or not Desdemona’s curse has been broken or not. Just like the previous book, this is a fantasy romance, I like the love story of Liis and Hod, it was more of a long distance relationship though.
I love the world of Saylok, I like the representation and page space that other part of the world got here. The author did a great job describing the world and adding the Norse gods. The book is fast paced and written in dual POV of Hod and Liis. The magic system is rune magic, the people with rune blood can draw runes of power for what they want, be it healing, fire, cold etc.
The characters in this book are so well written, I thought Alba and Bayr had it bad with king Banrud, but this book will throw more light to the villainy of Banrud.
The temple girls aren’t as favoured as I thought, they were basically properties of the king which is terrible. I like the friendship between the girls, they are each other’s family and they’ll do anything for themselves.
The attack on temple hill by the Northmen also has more backstory, I like that.
So basically this book is almost the same as the other but with more insight to the world and politics and a new love story.
The Second Blind Son is set in the same world as The First Girl Child, the events in this book happened at the same timeline as tFGC but the story is told from the perspective of other characters, in this case Liis of Leok (one of the temple girls) and Hod.
I was happy that Amy Harmon wrote another book in Saylok, as much as I’m glad for another perspective, I wish I knew whether or not Desdemona’s curse has been broken or not. Just like the previous book, this is a fantasy romance, I like the love story of Liis and Hod, it was more of a long distance relationship though.
I love the world of Saylok, I like the representation and page space that other part of the world got here. The author did a great job describing the world and adding the Norse gods. The book is fast paced and written in dual POV of Hod and Liis. The magic system is rune magic, the people with rune blood can draw runes of power for what they want, be it healing, fire, cold etc.
The characters in this book are so well written, I thought Alba and Bayr had it bad with king Banrud, but this book will throw more light to the villainy of Banrud.
The temple girls aren’t as favoured as I thought, they were basically properties of the king which is terrible. I like the friendship between the girls, they are each other’s family and they’ll do anything for themselves.
The attack on temple hill by the Northmen also has more backstory, I like that.
So basically this book is almost the same as the other but with more insight to the world and politics and a new love story.
July 1, 2021
Set in a Norse kingdom, Saylok, the book takes us through the lives of a blind boy, Hod, named after the mysterious blind God, and Ghisla, a young Songr girl. Hod takes care of her after she washes ashore near the caves he’s living in.
They form an unlikely bond that deepens over the years. Ghisla’s songs can make Hod see even if it means his other senses weaken.
Burdened by a curse, the kingdom of Saylok is trying to gather and save girls for the next generation. How long can a kingdom exist if there’s no girl child?
Ghisla is sent to the temple for protection along with four other girls from different regions of Saylok. The relationship between the king and the chieftains is strained, and the power struggle leads to turmoil in several lives. Ghisla and Hod are apart, trying to hold onto each other only by hope.
Can the two find peace among betrayals and power games? How can they save the kingdom from being destroyed forever?
The Second Blind Son is the second book of the series, The Chronicles of Saylok. I wasn’t aware of the first book until I got this one. However, it did not affect my reading experience. Maybe I would have understood a couple of characters better if I read it first, but there’s enough character development in the second book to work as a standalone.
This book also happens to be my first by the author, and I’ve already added most of her other works to my TBR.
The beginning is slow, but that’s expected with a fantasy. The world-building is essential, and the author took care to provide the right amount of information without dumping everything at once on the readers.
The story picks up the pace to match the plotline. It progresses over a decade. The first half of the book is YA, while the second half is more in the adult category. The romance is quite a slow burn, with the couple being apart more than they can be together.
As with every other historical, the story has betrayals, treachery, lies, power politics, greed, lust, and more. The elements of fantasy are just right, enough to give the story that extra kick without making it too absurd or weird. I love the magic of the runes, irrespective of the uncertainty they bring.
What made the book stand out was the author's writing. Her imagery is strong and vivid. She has control over the setting, the atmosphere, and her characters. The characters are flawed yet real in a strange way. Imagine understanding characters from a historical fantasy when some of the contemporary ones don’t even make sense.
A friend, who recommended the book, mentioned that I would enjoy the author’s writing style, and I sure did. In fact, I didn’t even notice if there were too many adverbs (and that’s proof enough). I’ll, of course, be going back to read book one and am already looking forward to the next in the series.
To sum up, The Second Blind Son is a beautiful book with all elements in the right proportion. Take your time to read it, and you’ll enjoy it more (or so I feel). A breather makes this book even better.
It’s been a long time since a book inspired me to write a poem. That alone makes me rate it full five stars.
On the palm of our hands
Among the lines of fate
Deciding our destiny
Daring us to find a new path
Bound by the threads unseen
We stumble this way and that
Wondering what would happen
If the lines could be altered; erased
A question, a speculation
With no answer in sight
Or so it seems until one day
Comes the one challenging us to act
Take the knife out, break the skin
Let scarlet drops fall to the earth
The wound will sting, mixed with sweat and spit;
Let it burn as desire flares in your soul
Find your mate, and draw the rune
Let the words of the ancient times
Bind you, test you, bless you
Forced by the fresh lines you draw
The lines of a new fate
You carve on the palms… for love.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and 47North and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#TheSecondBlindSon #NetGalley
They form an unlikely bond that deepens over the years. Ghisla’s songs can make Hod see even if it means his other senses weaken.
Burdened by a curse, the kingdom of Saylok is trying to gather and save girls for the next generation. How long can a kingdom exist if there’s no girl child?
Ghisla is sent to the temple for protection along with four other girls from different regions of Saylok. The relationship between the king and the chieftains is strained, and the power struggle leads to turmoil in several lives. Ghisla and Hod are apart, trying to hold onto each other only by hope.
Can the two find peace among betrayals and power games? How can they save the kingdom from being destroyed forever?
The Second Blind Son is the second book of the series, The Chronicles of Saylok. I wasn’t aware of the first book until I got this one. However, it did not affect my reading experience. Maybe I would have understood a couple of characters better if I read it first, but there’s enough character development in the second book to work as a standalone.
This book also happens to be my first by the author, and I’ve already added most of her other works to my TBR.
The beginning is slow, but that’s expected with a fantasy. The world-building is essential, and the author took care to provide the right amount of information without dumping everything at once on the readers.
The story picks up the pace to match the plotline. It progresses over a decade. The first half of the book is YA, while the second half is more in the adult category. The romance is quite a slow burn, with the couple being apart more than they can be together.
As with every other historical, the story has betrayals, treachery, lies, power politics, greed, lust, and more. The elements of fantasy are just right, enough to give the story that extra kick without making it too absurd or weird. I love the magic of the runes, irrespective of the uncertainty they bring.
What made the book stand out was the author's writing. Her imagery is strong and vivid. She has control over the setting, the atmosphere, and her characters. The characters are flawed yet real in a strange way. Imagine understanding characters from a historical fantasy when some of the contemporary ones don’t even make sense.
A friend, who recommended the book, mentioned that I would enjoy the author’s writing style, and I sure did. In fact, I didn’t even notice if there were too many adverbs (and that’s proof enough). I’ll, of course, be going back to read book one and am already looking forward to the next in the series.
To sum up, The Second Blind Son is a beautiful book with all elements in the right proportion. Take your time to read it, and you’ll enjoy it more (or so I feel). A breather makes this book even better.
It’s been a long time since a book inspired me to write a poem. That alone makes me rate it full five stars.
On the palm of our hands
Among the lines of fate
Deciding our destiny
Daring us to find a new path
Bound by the threads unseen
We stumble this way and that
Wondering what would happen
If the lines could be altered; erased
A question, a speculation
With no answer in sight
Or so it seems until one day
Comes the one challenging us to act
Take the knife out, break the skin
Let scarlet drops fall to the earth
The wound will sting, mixed with sweat and spit;
Let it burn as desire flares in your soul
Find your mate, and draw the rune
Let the words of the ancient times
Bind you, test you, bless you
Forced by the fresh lines you draw
The lines of a new fate
You carve on the palms… for love.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and 47North and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#TheSecondBlindSon #NetGalley
July 21, 2021
Title: The Second Blind Son
Series: The Chronicles of Saylok #2
Author: Amy Harmon
Release date: July 20, 2021
Cliffhanger: no
Genre: fantasy romance
"You are color. You are sound. You are the song on the wind and the hope in my heart."
The Second Blind Son's predecessor, The First Girl Child, is one of my favorite Amy Harmon books to date. So to say that I was excited to read another book in the same world is a huge understatement. I couldn't download it fast enough when I spotted it on Netgalley. It saddens me to say that the follow up didn't quite meet my high expectations. I wanted to love this one so bad but the honest truth is that I became bored about halfway in. It felt like I was endlessly waiting for something to happen that would trigger me to get fully immersed in what was going on.
This book is told on the same timeline as TFGC, and focuses heavily on the main female protagonist Ghisla's experiences getting acclimated to life inside the temple. We learn more about the Daughters of Freya: how they meet, their relationships with one another, and how they grow and mature together. While this does delve much deeper into these things than book one, strangely I never felt a close attachment to any of these characters. There was no urgency or emotion over the friendships, and perhaps an even deeper detachment for the couple in the book, Ghisla and Hod. I remember feeling such an overwhelming rush of tenderness while watching Bayr and Dragmar's relationship unfold in TFGC. I teared up at Ghost and Dragmar's forbidden love. And I yearned so acutely for Bayr and Alba to be together, feeling the love that they had for one another down to my bones. I wanted that back. Instead, I left the book feeling somewhat indifferent and moderately relieved.
Ghisla washes up on Hod's shoreline broken in spirit and body. She has traveled far after a devastating plague destroyed everyone and everything she once knew. Bitter over being the sole surviver and left to fend for herself, she seems almost indifferent over where her life will take her next. Then she meets a blind boy who nurses her back to health and shows her the care and compassion she desperately needs. Hod is an orphan who is being raised in a cave by a keeper named Arwin. Unlike the touching relationship between Dragmar and Bayr, Arwin and Hod's felt irritating. Arwin treats Hod horribly, especially when it came to his instant attachment to Ghisla. He's insensitive, harsh, and shrewish towards Ghisla when he discovered what her singing did to Hod. I honestly didn't understand Hod's loyalty to him all those years, and it annoyed me a little that he didn't rebel and find a way to seek freedom from his situation sooner.
I guess you could say that this book verged on depressing a lot of the time as well as very slow moving-which is not the best combination. Both Ghisla and Hod spend years upon years (over a decade) feeling lonely, unhappy, and completely powerless over their own lives.
It was better not to let them—any of them—see her react at all. Her feelings were the only thing that were hers, and she vowed that she would not share them with strangers. And everyone present was a stranger.
Ghisla becomes increasingly more sad as the years go by and as her separation from Hod stretches on, that sadness eventually turns into anger. She isolates herself at the temple as a form of self preservation, but that gives her a coldness that I could never really warm up to. Yes, there were times where her vulnerable side peeked out, but she never fully reached my heart. Some of the early reviewers are saying that the romance was stronger here than in the previous book, but I felt the complete opposite. They spent too much of the book apart from each other and their communication was few and far in between. That was frustrating. I knew how the political conflict would end, so there was no suspense from that aspect, and the romance felt so incredibly slow moving.
I still loved seeing my favorite characters from TFGC from a different perspective, and spending a little more time with them could never be wasted time. So in the end, I'm glad that I finished the book. The writing is as lyrical and exquisite as I've come to expect from this author as a long time reader of her work, so for that alone this is worth the read.
“I have thought many times that the gods had forsaken me . . . or never cared to begin with. But I cannot think thus when I am with you.”
I wasn't able to fall in love with this story as I had hoped, but I'm okay with that. Hopefully the next time around I will feel that special Amy Harmon magic once again.
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
November 27, 2021
Just fantastic!!!!
Read it in one sitting, or I should say in one day, with breaks. But what a fantastic fantasy romance, although a thick book, I read it all day long and loved it.
THE SECOND BLIND SON was everything that makes a great fantasy romance. An epic love story. Yearning and deep love. A great supporting cast. Wonderful world building and background stories. And most of all, fabulous writing.
The book has the all the feels that come with epic love stories. Raw, even a bit dark, but also all consuming and hopeful. The feels were palpable. And then there is good vs evil, a reckoning, and a new start. It’s a hefty novel with over 400 pages, but I finished it in a day, read it from morning to evening and loved it all. And I’m really interested in reading more about this world.
The story transported me! It sucked me in, and I had no problem dedicating my entire Saturday to this book. It never got boring. The love story and the overall plot was original, fascinating and wonderfully executed.
Here are some of my other favorite fantasy romance books - would recommend every single one of them.
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the author.
You can find me on my blog and on Bookstagram
Read it in one sitting, or I should say in one day, with breaks. But what a fantastic fantasy romance, although a thick book, I read it all day long and loved it.
THE SECOND BLIND SON was everything that makes a great fantasy romance. An epic love story. Yearning and deep love. A great supporting cast. Wonderful world building and background stories. And most of all, fabulous writing.
The book has the all the feels that come with epic love stories. Raw, even a bit dark, but also all consuming and hopeful. The feels were palpable. And then there is good vs evil, a reckoning, and a new start. It’s a hefty novel with over 400 pages, but I finished it in a day, read it from morning to evening and loved it all. And I’m really interested in reading more about this world.
The story transported me! It sucked me in, and I had no problem dedicating my entire Saturday to this book. It never got boring. The love story and the overall plot was original, fascinating and wonderfully executed.
Here are some of my other favorite fantasy romance books - would recommend every single one of them.
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the author.
You can find me on my blog and on Bookstagram
July 20, 2021
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
- 4.5 stars -
The Second Blind Son is a phenomenally plotted fantasy novel. The world that Amy Harmon has created is intricate and original. The characters are all so very different and intriguing. If you have read The First Girl Child then many characters will be familiar. I enjoyed seeing what they were all up to. I highly recommend you read that book first because I think you’ll enjoy this book even more if you do.
This book focuses on Hod and Ghisla. They first meet when Ghisla washes up on shore and is found by the blind Hod. They develop a strong bond but are forced to separate. They both grow up and live their lives in different places but they never forget one another. There is also turmoil in the Saylok Kingdom and prophecies that have been written a very long time ago.
This was a long book and I loved every page. It was action-packed, emotional, funny and also had the right romantic elements. The Second Blind Son was another engaging and amazing fantasy novel and I really hope Amy Harmon will continue to write books in this genre.
- 4.5 stars -
The Second Blind Son is a phenomenally plotted fantasy novel. The world that Amy Harmon has created is intricate and original. The characters are all so very different and intriguing. If you have read The First Girl Child then many characters will be familiar. I enjoyed seeing what they were all up to. I highly recommend you read that book first because I think you’ll enjoy this book even more if you do.
This book focuses on Hod and Ghisla. They first meet when Ghisla washes up on shore and is found by the blind Hod. They develop a strong bond but are forced to separate. They both grow up and live their lives in different places but they never forget one another. There is also turmoil in the Saylok Kingdom and prophecies that have been written a very long time ago.
This was a long book and I loved every page. It was action-packed, emotional, funny and also had the right romantic elements. The Second Blind Son was another engaging and amazing fantasy novel and I really hope Amy Harmon will continue to write books in this genre.
August 13, 2021
I am enjoying this fantasy world
I just don't like that so much of this book has been recycled from the first book
I just don't like that so much of this book has been recycled from the first book
September 2, 2021
4¼⭐ | NARRATION 😁 = Very Good | Narrated by 📣 Rob Shapiro
🔦FEATURING
❐ Viking/Norse Inspired Fantasy
❐ Romance
❐ A cursed land
❐ Same time frame & story as The First Girl Child
❐ With POV’s from different characters
Who knew we were going to get a second book in the Chronicles of Saylok? If you were wondering if this can be read as a standalone? I would have to say no. I think you’ll understand the curse that has been set upon the lands of Saylok much better if you read The First Girl Child, beforehand, especially since this curse plays an integral part in both stories.
This story ran along the same timeline as TFGC, but instead of following Behr and Alba, it follows Ghisla and Hod. I absolutely loved TFGC, it is one of my all-time favorites, and I wanted to feel that same love for this book...but I didn’t. I think I was put off by the fact that it followed the same path as the previous book and I was never fully invested in Ghisla and Hod’s story or their romance, overall. They just didn’t hold that kind of power with me. I liked them...but I didn’t love them.
Although getting to see more from my favorite characters from book one was amazing and that alone made this a worthwhile listen, that and the additional answers/resolutions that this book had for the Kingdom of Saylok and its resilient characters. I feel like we left them in a good place.
🅒🅐🅦🅟🅘🅛🅔 8.50/❿
🅒haracters ￫ 8
🅐tmosphere ￫ 8.5
🅦riting ￫ 9
🅟lot ￫ 8
🅘ntrigue ￫ 8.5
🅛ogic ￫ 9.5
🅔njoyment ￫ 8
🔦FEATURING
❐ Viking/Norse Inspired Fantasy
❐ Romance
❐ A cursed land
❐ Same time frame & story as The First Girl Child
❐ With POV’s from different characters
Who knew we were going to get a second book in the Chronicles of Saylok? If you were wondering if this can be read as a standalone? I would have to say no. I think you’ll understand the curse that has been set upon the lands of Saylok much better if you read The First Girl Child, beforehand, especially since this curse plays an integral part in both stories.
This story ran along the same timeline as TFGC, but instead of following Behr and Alba, it follows Ghisla and Hod. I absolutely loved TFGC, it is one of my all-time favorites, and I wanted to feel that same love for this book...but I didn’t. I think I was put off by the fact that it followed the same path as the previous book and I was never fully invested in Ghisla and Hod’s story or their romance, overall. They just didn’t hold that kind of power with me. I liked them...but I didn’t love them.
Although getting to see more from my favorite characters from book one was amazing and that alone made this a worthwhile listen, that and the additional answers/resolutions that this book had for the Kingdom of Saylok and its resilient characters. I feel like we left them in a good place.
🅒🅐🅦🅟🅘🅛🅔 8.50/❿
🅒haracters ￫ 8
🅐tmosphere ￫ 8.5
🅦riting ￫ 9
🅟lot ￫ 8
🅘ntrigue ￫ 8.5
🅛ogic ￫ 9.5
🅔njoyment ￫ 8
July 14, 2021
Wow!! As a rule, I don’t read fantasy, but Amy Harmon makes it so delectable time and time again. Her words completely transported me to the world of Saylok. I loved being able to head back to this world, with the concurrent storyline to The First Girl Child. We were able to visit the characters we grew to love from a different perspective and meet and get to know other characters on a deeper level!
This book offered swoon-worthy romance and adventure! I think my favorite aspect of this book was how unpredictable the plot was able to be, though I had already read The First Girl Child. Somehow I didn't know the characters in this story would be woven into the story I already knew. Regardless of how things might play out, I was constantly rooting for Hod and Ghisla, savoring every moment they were together.
This is a book I won't soon forget and will be recommending to everyone I know!
This book offered swoon-worthy romance and adventure! I think my favorite aspect of this book was how unpredictable the plot was able to be, though I had already read The First Girl Child. Somehow I didn't know the characters in this story would be woven into the story I already knew. Regardless of how things might play out, I was constantly rooting for Hod and Ghisla, savoring every moment they were together.
This is a book I won't soon forget and will be recommending to everyone I know!
August 9, 2021
I should have reread the previous book. The timeline on this was too long and it starts back to the beginning where the previous book started. This dragged for me. It’s a weird story but in the end I feel I read a good one. I just didn’t love it.
November 3, 2022
It is unusual for the second book in a series to surpass the original, but The Second Blind Son does with flying colours. I enjoyed the first very much and this one built on that, most of it in parallel, following Ghisla and Hod mostly versus Alba and Bayr in the first, but all still present and involved. Amy Harmon has done an amazing job in writing an epic based on Norse mythology that satisfies, while never being predictible in any way.
Five stars
Five stars
July 22, 2021
Loved Hod and Ghisla
Bravo! This book definitely met the standard set by book 1 of the Chronicles of Saylork in all areas! The world building, the character development and the unique plot based on Norse mythology made this book such a treat to listen to!
I disagree with the comments that this book could be or should be read as a stand-alone. This sequel would be better enjoyed after one read book 1 and have been exposed to universe.
Hod and Ghisela were captivating as they tried to find their purpose despite being “hidden” secrets. It must have been so freeing to be themselves and answer to their true name when they were in each other’s presence. The support, encouragement, acceptance and love made this book so touching and hopeful as they navigated the political terrain of their time. The author really weaved this story as both a fantasy, suspense thriller and romance. There was a little of everything and it was really enjoyable.
Some threads left a bit open in the last book were finally resolved and I won’t give them away but I am happy with the new state of the palace. There is finally peace, love and hopefully new blessings on the way now that curse has been exposed. What a ride through Hod and Ghisela’s eyes and hearts. I can’t wait for the next book.
Bravo! This book definitely met the standard set by book 1 of the Chronicles of Saylork in all areas! The world building, the character development and the unique plot based on Norse mythology made this book such a treat to listen to!
I disagree with the comments that this book could be or should be read as a stand-alone. This sequel would be better enjoyed after one read book 1 and have been exposed to universe.
Hod and Ghisela were captivating as they tried to find their purpose despite being “hidden” secrets. It must have been so freeing to be themselves and answer to their true name when they were in each other’s presence. The support, encouragement, acceptance and love made this book so touching and hopeful as they navigated the political terrain of their time. The author really weaved this story as both a fantasy, suspense thriller and romance. There was a little of everything and it was really enjoyable.
Some threads left a bit open in the last book were finally resolved and I won’t give them away but I am happy with the new state of the palace. There is finally peace, love and hopefully new blessings on the way now that curse has been exposed. What a ride through Hod and Ghisela’s eyes and hearts. I can’t wait for the next book.
July 29, 2021
4.5 stars. This was so good! I enjoyed The First Girl Child very much but this second book of the Saylok Chronicles turned up the edge on everything for me.
I loved both Hod and Ghisla, they were both tremendously interesting in their own right, multidimensional characters whose evolution through the story was so well done. Meeting when they're both very young, after a traumatic experience for Ghisla, their connection is strong and immediate. Ghisla is sent to the Temple at Saylok for her own *dubious* protection, while Hod remains with his teacher, training to be a Temple Keeper. Though separated by distance, they have their own way of communicating and grow ever closer, always planning to be together in some way eventually. Then those plans are shattered, and along with those plans, so are both Ghisla and Hod.
Separation of the MCs is one of the things I dislike most in my stories. Though Ghisla and Hod are apart for most of the book, they also...aren't. I liked how AH worked that, and it kept it from being unbearable *for the reader*, and also letting the relationship between them grow.
The ending is a merge of the end of the first book, from the perspective of Ghisla and Hod and I really liked that, also getting some answers for a couple of the questions I didn't know I had before and I appreciated the epilogue, seeing where they all were after the dust settled, so to speak.
The writing and plot was all of the magic I expect from Amy Harmon, the pacing was damn well done and kept me hooked throughout whatever was happening. And my favorite, wonderful characters I can love and live with in the story. Loved it! 🥰
I loved both Hod and Ghisla, they were both tremendously interesting in their own right, multidimensional characters whose evolution through the story was so well done. Meeting when they're both very young, after a traumatic experience for Ghisla, their connection is strong and immediate. Ghisla is sent to the Temple at Saylok for her own *dubious* protection, while Hod remains with his teacher, training to be a Temple Keeper. Though separated by distance, they have their own way of communicating and grow ever closer, always planning to be together in some way eventually. Then those plans are shattered, and along with those plans, so are both Ghisla and Hod.
Separation of the MCs is one of the things I dislike most in my stories. Though Ghisla and Hod are apart for most of the book, they also...aren't. I liked how AH worked that, and it kept it from being unbearable *for the reader*, and also letting the relationship between them grow.
The ending is a merge of the end of the first book, from the perspective of Ghisla and Hod and I really liked that, also getting some answers for a couple of the questions I didn't know I had before and I appreciated the epilogue, seeing where they all were after the dust settled, so to speak.
The writing and plot was all of the magic I expect from Amy Harmon, the pacing was damn well done and kept me hooked throughout whatever was happening. And my favorite, wonderful characters I can love and live with in the story. Loved it! 🥰
July 23, 2021
5 Stars
Another amazing story from Ms Harmon that had my heart pounding and breaking at the same time. It was awesome to go through the same timeline again but from Hod's and Lis' perspective. Loved that all of the characters were back together again!
Another amazing story from Ms Harmon that had my heart pounding and breaking at the same time. It was awesome to go through the same timeline again but from Hod's and Lis' perspective. Loved that all of the characters were back together again!
July 20, 2021
3.75 ★
In this concurrent timeline, a curse preventing the birth of daughters continues to plague the island of Saylok. As many citizens become desperate and regional factions are fighting, the fate of these people rests with destiny.
Spanning over twenty years, this story is wonderfully crafted with distinct characters and intriguing mythological elements. Focusing on Hod and Ghisla, their connection is quite unique. Though Hod seems as though he is at a disadvantage, he uses his strengths to overcome. I liked how Ghisla trusted Hod and also followed her instincts during difficult times.
The Second Blind Son is an epic mythological journey with themes of sacrifice, integrity, friendship, and ultimately love.
*An ARC was provided for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey and Loyda*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
In this concurrent timeline, a curse preventing the birth of daughters continues to plague the island of Saylok. As many citizens become desperate and regional factions are fighting, the fate of these people rests with destiny.
"We can only see what can be seen.”
Spanning over twenty years, this story is wonderfully crafted with distinct characters and intriguing mythological elements. Focusing on Hod and Ghisla, their connection is quite unique. Though Hod seems as though he is at a disadvantage, he uses his strengths to overcome. I liked how Ghisla trusted Hod and also followed her instincts during difficult times.
The Second Blind Son is an epic mythological journey with themes of sacrifice, integrity, friendship, and ultimately love.
*An ARC was provided for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey and Loyda*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
January 20, 2022
4 Stars!
There are songs in this world that have rhythmic beats with catchy lyrics and are fun to dance to. Then there are ballads that you feel reverberating in your chest, slowly building to a crescendo that provokes a release of all your pent-up tension, leaving you warm, relaxed, and breathless. That is what this story felt like as with many other Harmon books.
The First Girl Child, book one in The Chronicles of Saylock series, was one of my favorite reads from 2019. And like that book, there was an eye for detail and a meticulous development of the plot in this second book. I’m always impressed with this author’s ability to introduce different characters, moments, and/or objects throughout the story, seemingly inconsequential, but then connect them in a powerful way when it matters most. The Second Blind Son was a beautiful love story woven within and around a larger plot involving the Kingdom of Saylock, its Keepers, and the unpredictable surrounding tribes.
The only reason I didn’t give this story 5 stars as I had book 1, was due to the overlapping timeline of the two books. The frequent re-telling of material from The First Girl Child felt arduous and redundant at times. While I enjoyed the overall story, I would have loved to have read a book set in the same world, but maybe at a point in the future rather than coinciding.
NOTES ABOUT THE AUDIO: The Second Blind Son audio was performed by one of my all-time favorite narrators, Rob Shapiro. He has narrated a few of Harmon’s books and I’ve yet to be disappointed. Amy harmon is one of my favorite authors, but Rob Shapiro brings her books to life like no other.
July 27, 2021
Spoilers
I was caught off gaurd that this was not a new story. It was just the First Girl Child retold from a different perspective. There was no true suspense or intrigue.
Ghisla and Hod knew every secret from the first book, but they didn't affect or interact with the plot at all.They followed main characters around but didn't really do or change anything. Their presence felt unnatutally forced into the story.
I love Amy as a writer, but this book was disappointing and actually kind of boring. To me, it was missing that Amy Harmon charm.
I didn't really love the two main characters much, either. And they spent most of the book apart... a decade.
It turned out to be one of those books I was anxious to be done with instead of a book I never wanted to end.
I was caught off gaurd that this was not a new story. It was just the First Girl Child retold from a different perspective. There was no true suspense or intrigue.
Ghisla and Hod knew every secret from the first book, but they didn't affect or interact with the plot at all.They followed main characters around but didn't really do or change anything. Their presence felt unnatutally forced into the story.
I love Amy as a writer, but this book was disappointing and actually kind of boring. To me, it was missing that Amy Harmon charm.
I didn't really love the two main characters much, either. And they spent most of the book apart... a decade.
It turned out to be one of those books I was anxious to be done with instead of a book I never wanted to end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2023
"You're not cold. Not to me. You are color. You are sound. You are the song on the wind and the hope in my heart."
I feel like that quote right there is just a little dose of how powerful and beautiful this story was. Amy once again does such an amazing job writing such a heart gripping, emotion packed story and a deep love story you feel in your bones.
Hod (Hody) stole my heart and was the SWOONIEST! The love between him and Ghisla was so overwhelming (in the BEST way)! 🙌 The way he sees through her and how they work together brings tears to my eyes. It's POWERFUL!!!!! This was a rollercoaster of emotions and I tried to savor every minute! The beginning was my fav!! So darn precious!!!! I loved every minute of them together especially the super intense moments of them showing their love.
You can read this as a standalone but characters from book 1 are mentioned. I had just read the first book so some of the events in this one felt repetitive because I read about them in book 1 but different characters POV. However, I did like how she connected the books. Because book 1 and book 2 are happening around the same time! I loved seeing the characters from book 1 in this too and it made it so special. But you can definitely jump to this book and not feel lost!
This was absolutely amazing and every time I dove into this story I was MOVED!!! Amy's writing is truly one of a kind which I feel like I say in every review of hers. But it's true!!!! I can't wait for more in this series!
I feel like that quote right there is just a little dose of how powerful and beautiful this story was. Amy once again does such an amazing job writing such a heart gripping, emotion packed story and a deep love story you feel in your bones.
Hod (Hody) stole my heart and was the SWOONIEST! The love between him and Ghisla was so overwhelming (in the BEST way)! 🙌 The way he sees through her and how they work together brings tears to my eyes. It's POWERFUL!!!!! This was a rollercoaster of emotions and I tried to savor every minute! The beginning was my fav!! So darn precious!!!! I loved every minute of them together especially the super intense moments of them showing their love.
You can read this as a standalone but characters from book 1 are mentioned. I had just read the first book so some of the events in this one felt repetitive because I read about them in book 1 but different characters POV. However, I did like how she connected the books. Because book 1 and book 2 are happening around the same time! I loved seeing the characters from book 1 in this too and it made it so special. But you can definitely jump to this book and not feel lost!
This was absolutely amazing and every time I dove into this story I was MOVED!!! Amy's writing is truly one of a kind which I feel like I say in every review of hers. But it's true!!!! I can't wait for more in this series!
August 16, 2021
Guuuyss!! You have to read anything ever written by Amy Harmon sensei. She's the best writer ever!
September 11, 2021
I love Amy Harmon’s book “The First Girl Child”
so when i knew there will be spinoff of it from different POVS, i was thrilled with anticipation and Harmon didn’t disappointed me
We followed Hod a blind boy and Ghisla a singer (Songr) and their love journey, it was a long journey for both of them full with struggle and longging (yes it’s slow burn).. it almost feel like, they will never be happy 😌😵 but fear not… Harmon definetly know how to woven a story with her beautiful writing style and loveable main characters
I love this is a Norse mythology inspired mixed with it’s own legend and world… there are magic, warriors, kings and RUNES!!
However in my opinion the story can be trimmed a bit it felt a bit too long even tho i don’t mind to read Harmon’s beautiful and lyrical writing style more
so when i knew there will be spinoff of it from different POVS, i was thrilled with anticipation and Harmon didn’t disappointed me
We followed Hod a blind boy and Ghisla a singer (Songr) and their love journey, it was a long journey for both of them full with struggle and longging (yes it’s slow burn).. it almost feel like, they will never be happy 😌😵 but fear not… Harmon definetly know how to woven a story with her beautiful writing style and loveable main characters
I love this is a Norse mythology inspired mixed with it’s own legend and world… there are magic, warriors, kings and RUNES!!
However in my opinion the story can be trimmed a bit it felt a bit too long even tho i don’t mind to read Harmon’s beautiful and lyrical writing style more
July 15, 2021
Any book from the House of Harmon is Much awaited in eager anticipation by me. I know for sure I'm opening pages to the world of magic akin to Narnia, where I'll get to feel all the sentiments known to mankind, just by diving in those pages.
Only for Amy did I venture out of my comfort zone and dipped my toe in fantasy world.
The magic of her words lingers and clings to your soul long after you've closed the book. This story proves beyond logic that love doesn't need to see, it needs to feel. Soul mates sense each other with heart eyes and remain forever entwined
"You are color. You are sound. You are the song on the wind and the hope in my heart."
I saw Ghisla in The First Girl Child and in the same setting of Runes and Myths and Norse Kingdom Saylok, Amy places a Songyr - Ghisla who has magical ability in her voice.. She washes ashore after a devastating plague destroys everything and everyone she has. Dejected, broken, hurt and alone, she is found by a Blind cave dweller - HOD.
Her soul sings so he can see, and that relationship is the crux of the story.
“I blind you” ..Yes. And yet . . . you are the only one who makes me see.”
Together or apart, they belong to each other. The two halves of the hearts cry and pine and my heart bled for them too.
The setting is a kingdom so naturally political intrigue, betrayals and plots pockmark the story, but the eternal pining love remains at the center of it all. Years apart don't dim it's intensity, sadness and depression creeps in where fragrance of love should've covered the walls like tendrils.
Amy is a versatile writer, writes straight from her heart and it touched mine straightaway. Her artistic imagery is vibrant and vivid, the story building takes time because you're seeing a new fictional world and you need to run your hands over all the corners, feel the despair and angst, so take your time to read every word slowly.
It'll make your head spin and heart soar..high over the rocky shore and crashing waves. Listen carefully cause a Songyr sings forlornly for her love lost in the blind fog.
5 stars for Ballad of Love
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Only for Amy did I venture out of my comfort zone and dipped my toe in fantasy world.
The magic of her words lingers and clings to your soul long after you've closed the book. This story proves beyond logic that love doesn't need to see, it needs to feel. Soul mates sense each other with heart eyes and remain forever entwined
"You are color. You are sound. You are the song on the wind and the hope in my heart."
I saw Ghisla in The First Girl Child and in the same setting of Runes and Myths and Norse Kingdom Saylok, Amy places a Songyr - Ghisla who has magical ability in her voice.. She washes ashore after a devastating plague destroys everything and everyone she has. Dejected, broken, hurt and alone, she is found by a Blind cave dweller - HOD.
Her soul sings so he can see, and that relationship is the crux of the story.
“I blind you” ..Yes. And yet . . . you are the only one who makes me see.”
Together or apart, they belong to each other. The two halves of the hearts cry and pine and my heart bled for them too.
The setting is a kingdom so naturally political intrigue, betrayals and plots pockmark the story, but the eternal pining love remains at the center of it all. Years apart don't dim it's intensity, sadness and depression creeps in where fragrance of love should've covered the walls like tendrils.
Amy is a versatile writer, writes straight from her heart and it touched mine straightaway. Her artistic imagery is vibrant and vivid, the story building takes time because you're seeing a new fictional world and you need to run your hands over all the corners, feel the despair and angst, so take your time to read every word slowly.
It'll make your head spin and heart soar..high over the rocky shore and crashing waves. Listen carefully cause a Songyr sings forlornly for her love lost in the blind fog.
5 stars for Ballad of Love
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
August 7, 2021
Why all the 5-star ratings? Half of this book has been copy and pasted from the previous one. I'm not exaggerating that; I checked. It really is line-for-line, word-for-word IDENTICAL. Reading them back to back was tedious and painful. I am *SO* disappointed because I really adored The First Girl Child and was terribly hungry for more. The first chunk of the book was different, but I feel like it was only there to tease me because of how repetitive it became after Ghisla and Hod became separated. You couldn't even just skip all of the corresponding parts because there would be a random new, short but crucial chapter plonked right in the middle of the repetition and you'd be missing out if you didn't read it.
I know writing a book that takes place in the same timeline but from a different perspective can be challenging, but surely there was a far better way to execute this without copying and pasting huge slabs from the previous book. Authors do it all of the time. At least paraphrase the conversations. Just something. Anything but what was done.
It hurts me to give this a 1 star rating. Again, I loved the first book and liked the new content in this one. I just couldn't enjoy it because it was like watching the same movie back to back with different commercials.
Let's not make this a thing that is acceptable in writing.
I know writing a book that takes place in the same timeline but from a different perspective can be challenging, but surely there was a far better way to execute this without copying and pasting huge slabs from the previous book. Authors do it all of the time. At least paraphrase the conversations. Just something. Anything but what was done.
It hurts me to give this a 1 star rating. Again, I loved the first book and liked the new content in this one. I just couldn't enjoy it because it was like watching the same movie back to back with different commercials.
Let's not make this a thing that is acceptable in writing.
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