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The Song Giver #1
Songs in the Night
From the author of The Slave Series...
Book one in a series of short novels...
What would they do if I screamed…if the force of my voice ripped these walls to shreds?
Thirteen years have passed since five-year-old Eris crossed the border into Omaria, finding shelter among a wary band of drifters. But Sithian slaves are branded like cattle, and the scars across her palms serve only to alienate her from the people she once trusted for protection.
After word reaches the forest of a violent Sithian attack in the northern regions, and fearful rumors of sorcery hum on the air, Eris is blamed when a night of violent sickness sweeps through camp.
Forced to flee for her life into unfamiliar land, Eris once again finds herself at the mercy of cruel men. Captured by traders and imprisoned in a cage, she determines to do whatever it takes to protect a fragile, sick woman chained to the bars.
But as they draw close to the border and hope of escape fades, a frightening power rises within Eris, fueled by the bitter grief warring in her heart. The scars across her palms burn, and Eris fears she may be becoming the very thing the king’s knights vow to destroy: a diavok cursed for evil.
Book one in a series of short novels...
What would they do if I screamed…if the force of my voice ripped these walls to shreds?
Thirteen years have passed since five-year-old Eris crossed the border into Omaria, finding shelter among a wary band of drifters. But Sithian slaves are branded like cattle, and the scars across her palms serve only to alienate her from the people she once trusted for protection.
After word reaches the forest of a violent Sithian attack in the northern regions, and fearful rumors of sorcery hum on the air, Eris is blamed when a night of violent sickness sweeps through camp.
Forced to flee for her life into unfamiliar land, Eris once again finds herself at the mercy of cruel men. Captured by traders and imprisoned in a cage, she determines to do whatever it takes to protect a fragile, sick woman chained to the bars.
But as they draw close to the border and hope of escape fades, a frightening power rises within Eris, fueled by the bitter grief warring in her heart. The scars across her palms burn, and Eris fears she may be becoming the very thing the king’s knights vow to destroy: a diavok cursed for evil.
- GenresFantasyChristian Fiction
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2021
12 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Laura Frances
9 books82 followersThough she grew up in the "Queen City of the Ozarks", Laura always yearns for the craggy rocks and gull cries around lobster boats off the coast of Maine. Her earliest childhood memories are painted in Red Sox blue and red and the briny fragrance of the sea. Fast forward into adulthood, Laura spent four years with her family immersed in Japan's rich culture, absorbing an entirely new scope for her imagination.
In all the changes and experiences, stories have been the mainstay. Inspired by the sweeping grasslands of Rohan to the sparkling waters at Cair Paravel, Laura writes from a place of deep love for the power and impact of a well told tale.
In all the changes and experiences, stories have been the mainstay. Inspired by the sweeping grasslands of Rohan to the sparkling waters at Cair Paravel, Laura writes from a place of deep love for the power and impact of a well told tale.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 27, 2021
5 Stars!
"When one has battled darkness long enough, he becomes familiar with its fingerprints.”
Eris, a Sithian slave at only 5 years - old knows she's different. She has the marks on her hands from her master to prove it. After an attack on her village she crosses over the Omaria border and seeks shelter with a band of drifters and lives with them for 13 years. One night the drifters have a violent sickness hit their camp the same night they hear rumors of a Sithian attack in the north. Since Eris is Sithian, they automatically blame her for the sickness.
Once again Eris finds herself running for her life but on her way to freedom- gets caught in the trap of another group of cruel men. Imprisoned in a cage, she is determined to do whatever it takes to save another woman from death in the cage with her. As they draw closer to the border, Eris feels a stirring inside of her that she has never felt before fueling from the grief within her. She tries to hold back but its just too powerful, and she fears she may be becoming the very thing the king’s knights vow to destroy: a diavok cursed for evil.
This was beautifully written with lovable characters. I had never read a book by this author before but I am definitely a fan after this. Frances has a unique way of drawing her readers in with lush world building and characters with depth. I felt so many things reading this and appreciated the way she wove an allegory within the story. I cant wait to see where this is headed. I did not want it to end, it was getting so good and then I realized the book was over. Totally looking forward to reading the next in the series.
"When one has battled darkness long enough, he becomes familiar with its fingerprints.”
Eris, a Sithian slave at only 5 years - old knows she's different. She has the marks on her hands from her master to prove it. After an attack on her village she crosses over the Omaria border and seeks shelter with a band of drifters and lives with them for 13 years. One night the drifters have a violent sickness hit their camp the same night they hear rumors of a Sithian attack in the north. Since Eris is Sithian, they automatically blame her for the sickness.
Once again Eris finds herself running for her life but on her way to freedom- gets caught in the trap of another group of cruel men. Imprisoned in a cage, she is determined to do whatever it takes to save another woman from death in the cage with her. As they draw closer to the border, Eris feels a stirring inside of her that she has never felt before fueling from the grief within her. She tries to hold back but its just too powerful, and she fears she may be becoming the very thing the king’s knights vow to destroy: a diavok cursed for evil.
This was beautifully written with lovable characters. I had never read a book by this author before but I am definitely a fan after this. Frances has a unique way of drawing her readers in with lush world building and characters with depth. I felt so many things reading this and appreciated the way she wove an allegory within the story. I cant wait to see where this is headed. I did not want it to end, it was getting so good and then I realized the book was over. Totally looking forward to reading the next in the series.
October 29, 2021
I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book, and I was not disappointed! With lush writing and loveable characters, Frances draws readers into this fantastic world of drifters, knights, and strange magic. I loved the main character, Eris, and her journey battling inner demons and the complex outside world with a stubborn heart that refuses to let beauty die. I can't wait to follow Eris and Etan into the next book! SO very well done!
April 22, 2023
This was unique.
At first I didn’t think I was going to like it from the synopsis but there’s such good writing here and the development was great! There were a few unclear things sometimes… otherwise clean, though a tad violent in places, and I want to read more!
At first I didn’t think I was going to like it from the synopsis but there’s such good writing here and the development was great! There were a few unclear things sometimes… otherwise clean, though a tad violent in places, and I want to read more!
April 15, 2021
A quick read with tightly balanced pacing and memorable characters.
I've been wanting to read something from Laura Frances, but I had planned to buy the dystopian trilogy when my wallet allowed. This little sword-and-sorcery style fantasy was an unexpected gift.
I really enjoyed the author's narrative style, generally deep first person, but occasionally tossing in an allusive line that hinted at future events and lent a more reflective, distant quality to the prose. Not up everyone's alley, I imagine, but I personally enjoy a dip into omniscient now and again.
Frances writes with quite keen psychological insight, and I think anyone having an interest in human behavior will appreciate her characters. They are portrayed in a straightforward way, without *intense* nuance, but distinct and pleasing individuality nonetheless. Some I suspect are allegorical, or at least typological, of Biblical figures, which I imagine we'll see more on as the series progresses. The interpersonal conflict was stellarly constructed, perhaps my favorite part of the story, and, being only partially resolved by the conclusion, created an amazing premise for the subsequent books.
Excited to follow Eris and Etan's story further in the sequels to Songs in the Night. Recommend to those seeking a noblebright, quick-paced fantasy read.
Content discernment: intense/painful scenes of death and physical abuse. Woman experiences objectifying/suggestive touch from men, largely implied (if you don't know what it means, you'll miss it)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Thoughts are my own.
I've been wanting to read something from Laura Frances, but I had planned to buy the dystopian trilogy when my wallet allowed. This little sword-and-sorcery style fantasy was an unexpected gift.
I really enjoyed the author's narrative style, generally deep first person, but occasionally tossing in an allusive line that hinted at future events and lent a more reflective, distant quality to the prose. Not up everyone's alley, I imagine, but I personally enjoy a dip into omniscient now and again.
Frances writes with quite keen psychological insight, and I think anyone having an interest in human behavior will appreciate her characters. They are portrayed in a straightforward way, without *intense* nuance, but distinct and pleasing individuality nonetheless. Some I suspect are allegorical, or at least typological, of Biblical figures, which I imagine we'll see more on as the series progresses. The interpersonal conflict was stellarly constructed, perhaps my favorite part of the story, and, being only partially resolved by the conclusion, created an amazing premise for the subsequent books.
Excited to follow Eris and Etan's story further in the sequels to Songs in the Night. Recommend to those seeking a noblebright, quick-paced fantasy read.
Content discernment: intense/painful scenes of death and physical abuse. Woman experiences objectifying/suggestive touch from men, largely implied (if you don't know what it means, you'll miss it)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Thoughts are my own.
May 1, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! The writing was so beautiful and descriptive. The story came to life. I was right there with these characters, not just an observer, but feeling everything they did. I love it when an author can completely submerse me in a story like that. It's a rare talent, and this author has it.
Eris was such an endearing character. I really felt for her. She'd been through so much hardship. Always an outsider, she never fit in and was always looked down upon. It was truly heartbreaking, the horrendous way she was treated. She had a ton of fight, and a lot of spirit, though. She never gave up, and I admired her so much for that.
This was set in a brutal world full of many evils. It touched upon some heavy subjects with grace, shining a light on the brutality of these atrocities without being graphic.
I'm curious to see where things go in the next installment. I'm eager to continue this journey with Eris and Etan. The next book can't come out soon enough. I'll definitely be checking out this author's previous work in the meantime.
Eris was such an endearing character. I really felt for her. She'd been through so much hardship. Always an outsider, she never fit in and was always looked down upon. It was truly heartbreaking, the horrendous way she was treated. She had a ton of fight, and a lot of spirit, though. She never gave up, and I admired her so much for that.
This was set in a brutal world full of many evils. It touched upon some heavy subjects with grace, shining a light on the brutality of these atrocities without being graphic.
I'm curious to see where things go in the next installment. I'm eager to continue this journey with Eris and Etan. The next book can't come out soon enough. I'll definitely be checking out this author's previous work in the meantime.
April 7, 2021
Very Unique
This was a very interesting book. I wasn’t sure where we were headed and was praying it wouldn’t end in a cliffhanger, but with that being said, I am looking forward to learning more about Eris and Etan. The story unfolds with glimpses and pieces of a full saga but leaves both you and the characters to decipher and learn more about what is at work in this realm. As the book draws to a close, more and more of the picture has come into view and the future is what we are waiting to see. I love that it is told as though the characters are recounting something from the past but then telling the story as if in the present. It fills me with hope of how this adventure will turn out. I love the beautiful character of the King. He doesn’t react to events in brash ways, but is very thoughtful and merciful. The plot is interesting and the characters are portrayed so well that I am looking forward to knowing more about them. This will make a good series of books!
This was a very interesting book. I wasn’t sure where we were headed and was praying it wouldn’t end in a cliffhanger, but with that being said, I am looking forward to learning more about Eris and Etan. The story unfolds with glimpses and pieces of a full saga but leaves both you and the characters to decipher and learn more about what is at work in this realm. As the book draws to a close, more and more of the picture has come into view and the future is what we are waiting to see. I love that it is told as though the characters are recounting something from the past but then telling the story as if in the present. It fills me with hope of how this adventure will turn out. I love the beautiful character of the King. He doesn’t react to events in brash ways, but is very thoughtful and merciful. The plot is interesting and the characters are portrayed so well that I am looking forward to knowing more about them. This will make a good series of books!
July 24, 2023
I picked this up because I kinda liked Slave, which is a totally different series I haven't finished. (Maybe I should finish that one.)
There is Eris, the unwanted child from the evil land, marked with a darkness she doesn't know of yet. And then there is Etan, the servant boy from the good land, who rises to be a knight. They meet once, twice. They never forget each other. Then war comes.
The story switches between both of their perspectives. Which is fine, but they don't actually meet each other again until about the 70% mark. I don't know why this irks me. Maybe it's the parallel storylines that don't quite meet. Maybe I just found Etan annoying. (Maybe I am in an irritable mood, I have been finding many characters and books annoying.) Then they have all sorts of assumptions about each other (or he does about her).
Or maybe it's the frequent use of foreshadowing lines that pull you out of the story.
Whatever it was, it was an interesting story, but it didn't quite pull me in.
There is Eris, the unwanted child from the evil land, marked with a darkness she doesn't know of yet. And then there is Etan, the servant boy from the good land, who rises to be a knight. They meet once, twice. They never forget each other. Then war comes.
The story switches between both of their perspectives. Which is fine, but they don't actually meet each other again until about the 70% mark. I don't know why this irks me. Maybe it's the parallel storylines that don't quite meet. Maybe I just found Etan annoying. (Maybe I am in an irritable mood, I have been finding many characters and books annoying.) Then they have all sorts of assumptions about each other (or he does about her).
Or maybe it's the frequent use of foreshadowing lines that pull you out of the story.
Whatever it was, it was an interesting story, but it didn't quite pull me in.
November 15, 2021
Leaves You Wanting More!
This is the first novel I've read by Laura Frances. Her protagonists are engaging and make you root for them in all the troubles that follow. The shadow of war hangs over the kingdom of Omaria, and much wrong exists on both sides of the border. Will Eris and Etan overcome the trials they are sure to face? And can they ever forgive each other?
You'll have to read it and find out!
And then get the second in the series!
This is the first novel I've read by Laura Frances. Her protagonists are engaging and make you root for them in all the troubles that follow. The shadow of war hangs over the kingdom of Omaria, and much wrong exists on both sides of the border. Will Eris and Etan overcome the trials they are sure to face? And can they ever forgive each other?
You'll have to read it and find out!
And then get the second in the series!
April 17, 2022
Good book!
This book held my attention. You'll get to know the people - the questions, the heartache, the injustice, and the kindness of the King and a few others.
There's suspicion and rejection in this young girl's life which she can't understand. Unknown to her, she's been cursed.
The young knight is brave in battle, but has a lot of questions regarding the girl
It's clean and written well, and it's to be continued in another book that I hope to read.
This book held my attention. You'll get to know the people - the questions, the heartache, the injustice, and the kindness of the King and a few others.
There's suspicion and rejection in this young girl's life which she can't understand. Unknown to her, she's been cursed.
The young knight is brave in battle, but has a lot of questions regarding the girl
It's clean and written well, and it's to be continued in another book that I hope to read.
February 25, 2024
Couldn't stop reading
I have thoroughly enjoyed Songs in the Night and am pacing to find out what happens next.
The pain that Eris has endured all her life is heartbreaking. I just want to take her in and show her the love of Jesus. This book shows us to look deeper into the people around us. That circumstances of life can mold a person, but kindness and love can heal a broken heart.
I read this story in less than 24 hrs. Highly recommend.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Songs in the Night and am pacing to find out what happens next.
The pain that Eris has endured all her life is heartbreaking. I just want to take her in and show her the love of Jesus. This book shows us to look deeper into the people around us. That circumstances of life can mold a person, but kindness and love can heal a broken heart.
I read this story in less than 24 hrs. Highly recommend.
April 6, 2021
very different from her dystopian trilogy, but engrossing, beautifully written, and intriguing. I'm looking forward to seeing Eris and Etan's story play out in future books.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews