The King's Nightingale

by Sherryl Jordan

An epic fantasy set in a land of sultans and kings, sumptuous palaces... and slave markets. When Elowen and her brother are seized by pirates and sold, separately, in the slave market of a distant land, Elowens enduring resolve is to escape, rescue her brother and return home. Sold to a desert ruler who admires her sublime voice, Elowen is given the title of the Kings Nightingale. Honoured by the king, and loved by his scribe, Elowen lives a life of luxury, until she makes a fateful mistake and finds herself sold to a less charitable master.

Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Historical, Family, Young Adult

470 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2021

About the author

Award-winning New Zealand author Sherryl Rose Jordan (née Brogden) (1949-2023) began her writing career with picture books, but soon moved on to novels for older readers. Her breakthrough came with Rocco, published in the United States as A Time of Darkness, and since that time she has gone on to pen many more titles for young adult and juvenile readers that have been published both in her native New Zealand and throughout the world.

The recipient of a 1993 fellowship to the prestigious writing program at the University of Iowa, Jordan used her time in the United States to speak widely at schools and conferences about her books, which blend fantasy with bits of science fiction and romantic realism. "All my young adult novels have been gifts," she noted in the St. James Guide to Children's Writers. "I don't think them up. They hit me over the head when I least expect them; overwhelm me with impressions, sights, and sounds of their new worlds; enchant me with their characters; and dare me to write them."

Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel reminds me of the many historical or fantasy novels I read in my youth. The fantasy world is based on the Ottoman Empire, and the white slave trade to Muslim countries which happened over centuries alongside the trade in African people across the world.

Elowen is ripped from her simple coastal village life by pirates, and survives a harrowing journey to a country far away where she is sold at a slave market. She becomes slave to a king who keeps her as his personal songstress; his nightingale. Despite the luxurious surroundings and benefits Elowen receives, she longs for her home and to find her brother, who was separated from her at the slave market.

Jordan gives great detail to Elowen's world so the reader gets a real sense of both the beauty and harshness of the land, and the great wealth and poverty of the people. Elowen is a strong, feisty character, who must balance her sense of justice with her impulsivity and emotions, and make some tough decisions to fulfill her destiny, and find happiness.

Recommended if you like imaginary worlds, or historical novels, with strong female characters and plenty of action.

[Barnaby Haszard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novel about a white woman sold into slavery in a nation modelled on Islamic northern Africa, so finishing it on the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks was a trip. I'm pleased to report that however awkward and out-of-step with the times that setup may be, Jordan, a favourite of my childhood, spares no culture or religion the rod, nor does she fail to see beauty and light in their various corners. This is a tale that acknowledges complexity and the value of good principles in a society full of iniquities. And it's admirable and worthwhile to pave a graceful path for those who dedicate themselves to those principles, and their own inner strength, however little power they wield -- even if the real-life events on which Jordan bases her tale would see such characters lose their heads very quickly. Aspirational, hopeful literature for young teens, with enough of the sharp edges of life left in.

[Denika Mead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sherryl Jordan's books and the King’s Nightingale was no exception. Elowen is a strong, driven character who I fell in love with from the first page. I would definitely recommend it.

[Jess M.E · Rating 5 out of 5]

10000000000000/5 stars. When I say this book is incredible and you have to read it right now, you have to go to your nearest bookshop and get it right now.
The King's Nightingale is a beautiful, haunting and emotional story in essence about the perseverance of the human spirit. Elowen and all the other characters are deep and beautifully written and character introductions were incorporated so seamlessly into the story. I am very much a YA fan with romance, lots of dialogue and action, but I loved this though its not that style. The fantasy world that Sherryl Jordan creates is immaculate. The Penhallow Isles, Kingdom of Rabakesh and warlord owned lands of Ismenia felt so real. It was so easy to picture these places based on real countries and regions. The parallels between the fantasy religions and cultures and real world beliefs were fascinating and having a knowledge of different religions such as Christianity, Islam and multi-deity beliefs gave really interesting insight into the kinds of practices discussed in the book.
I'm not usually one to cry in books or stay up hours reading when I have to be up early for school the next day but this book was the EXCEPTION. I cried within the first 100 pages. I found myself saying one more chapter, one more chapter, time after time.
READ THIS BOOK!!!! You will not regret it.

[Coral Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elowen is taken from her home by pirates and sold as a slave in a distant far off land. Her brother was also captured but sold to a different owner, the only thing that keeps her going is the belief that she will escape or free her self to reunite with her brother and take him home. She is sold to the king and due to her amazing singing voice finds herself the king's nightingale. Will she be able to escape? Will she see her brother again?

[Anne-Marie Amende · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story, based loosely on truth, of families stolen from their homes and sold as slaves with little hope of every returning to the life they knew or the ones they loved.

Elowen is a fierce, talented songstress who wins a better place than most through the gift of her voice. She learns that the heart can be melded despite harsh treatment and loss.

I loved the richness of the setting, and the customs of the court Elowen finds herself enslaved in.

A wonderful read. I'd wish for more!!

[Mia (Taylor’s Version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. I'd never read any books by Sherryl Jordan, so I was excited to try this one. The plot was well thought out and the characters were well developed. The very last sentence in this book was a slight letdown, but I'll let it slide because the rest of the book was impressive. 4/5 stars.

[ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok it made me cry a little, the world building the pretty good and the story was intriguing? like the writing isnt absolutely amazing but the story and message is quite sweet.

reading my review back making me realize how bad my reviews are :)

[Belle Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book at least 4 times and I absolutely love it every time. It is filled with love, hate and I love the message that sometimes you do have to let go of your past. Over all a 5 star book, I highly recommend reading it.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for students who enjoy strong female characters with fantasy theme

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book at 12, and I've reread it twice since. While I wouldn't recommend reading it at 12, it's an amazing read. 10/10 would totally recommend.

[Riri_baker010 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very different to what I would read, but would recommend it 👌

[Anneliese Priest · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is amazing. I started reading and it got off to a slow start so I thought I'll put it off but then I got to a really good part and could not put it down. When Elownen found her brother I had to read it and the ending when she asked her love to marry her was sending me close to tears If you love emotional rides,adventures and brave female characters this book is for you.

Hope you enjoy.

[Molly R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally enjoyed this book. Elowens character development in this book is fascinating. I'm sad that Heath died so early on however, I feel it was necessary for Elowens growth. Overall, was a good read.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

How would I even begin to review the masterpiece that is the king's nightingale?