What do you think?
Rate this book
Song and Wind
The Sirens taste our weakness.
They crept in through the cracks of our broken desert nation. While we shed our blood warring against foreign men, the Sirens hunt with talons sharp, snaring us with their song, feasting on our flesh. They are the hawks among doves…
My name is Medlar, and I am a true Desert Son. I sacrificed everything to free my people and save our way of life, but it came to nothing.
The war took everything from me. Everything, except my brother.
Now, the foreigners rule my homeland with a cruel fist. My own people betrayed me and I am little more than a dishonored soldier, destined to the executioner’s axe for my crimes.
I have but one chance to redeem myself – defend my enemies against the Sirens. Can I bring myself to protect the very people that murdered my father and burned my home to ash? Or do I let the monstrous creatures devour them as the war did my soul…
They crept in through the cracks of our broken desert nation. While we shed our blood warring against foreign men, the Sirens hunt with talons sharp, snaring us with their song, feasting on our flesh. They are the hawks among doves…
My name is Medlar, and I am a true Desert Son. I sacrificed everything to free my people and save our way of life, but it came to nothing.
The war took everything from me. Everything, except my brother.
Now, the foreigners rule my homeland with a cruel fist. My own people betrayed me and I am little more than a dishonored soldier, destined to the executioner’s axe for my crimes.
I have but one chance to redeem myself – defend my enemies against the Sirens. Can I bring myself to protect the very people that murdered my father and burned my home to ash? Or do I let the monstrous creatures devour them as the war did my soul…
429 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2022
3 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Johnson
1 book1 followerB. A. Johnson loves to explore ancient worlds full of nooks and crannies. His favorite stories are the ones that prove bigger than their protagonists, where joy is made poignant by grief, and grief sweetened with hope.
He lives with his wife in the dusty, sun-beaten desert—a land of restless winds, bottomless caverns, and long forgotten artifacts which fashion the soul of his work.
For updates about new releases and to gain access to VIP special opportunities, sign up for his mailing list at www.bajohnsonauthor.com.
He lives with his wife in the dusty, sun-beaten desert—a land of restless winds, bottomless caverns, and long forgotten artifacts which fashion the soul of his work.
For updates about new releases and to gain access to VIP special opportunities, sign up for his mailing list at www.bajohnsonauthor.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 3, 2022
A really brilliant dark fantasy read. One of my favorite aspects was the little worldbuilding details, from customs to greetings to meals. You really got the sense that this was a real place. It felt lived in and alive.
The writing is gorgeous. Richly textured, with lots of little details that help draw readers in. Description, action, dialogue, all very well done. (The description is a particular strength). The training scenes were especially absorbing and horrifying, in a good way. I think Medlar’s first big punishment might legit give me nightmares. It’s described so viscerally I could almost feel it.
I wouldn’t call this a character-centered book, but I liked the characters a great deal. They’re very flawed and grey, and they have distinctive, strong voices.
The sirens are terrifically compelling enemies. Seductive, fascinating. I wanted to learn more about them throughout the book, and was glad when I got to.
My only critique is that occasionally things feel a tiny bit info-dumpy, because this book is just so big. There’s so much information and so many ideas packed in! But that’s a minor thing. Overall, a brilliant start to a new series. Can’t wait for more.
See my full review here: https://anyajosephs.wordpress.com/202...
The writing is gorgeous. Richly textured, with lots of little details that help draw readers in. Description, action, dialogue, all very well done. (The description is a particular strength). The training scenes were especially absorbing and horrifying, in a good way. I think Medlar’s first big punishment might legit give me nightmares. It’s described so viscerally I could almost feel it.
I wouldn’t call this a character-centered book, but I liked the characters a great deal. They’re very flawed and grey, and they have distinctive, strong voices.
The sirens are terrifically compelling enemies. Seductive, fascinating. I wanted to learn more about them throughout the book, and was glad when I got to.
My only critique is that occasionally things feel a tiny bit info-dumpy, because this book is just so big. There’s so much information and so many ideas packed in! But that’s a minor thing. Overall, a brilliant start to a new series. Can’t wait for more.
See my full review here: https://anyajosephs.wordpress.com/202...
May 18, 2022
I was super interested in this book from the start, and I was not disappointed!
Dark fantasy Novels are so intriguing to me, the twists and characters can have you questioning your own morals.
The plot moved very well, I never felt bored or confused, there were plenty of well rounded characters, but not too many to make you have to keep track with a notepad. The characters were so well thought out and you could feel the depth in them and with their relationships to each other. The dialogue felt natural and the author’s description was so vivid.
There’s definitely some fun twists and turns along the way, including the ending which made me wish the next book was available!
Overall, I would highly recommend, so happy to have had the chance to get the ARC and hopefully I can help stir up some exciting for this new series!
Dark fantasy Novels are so intriguing to me, the twists and characters can have you questioning your own morals.
The plot moved very well, I never felt bored or confused, there were plenty of well rounded characters, but not too many to make you have to keep track with a notepad. The characters were so well thought out and you could feel the depth in them and with their relationships to each other. The dialogue felt natural and the author’s description was so vivid.
There’s definitely some fun twists and turns along the way, including the ending which made me wish the next book was available!
Overall, I would highly recommend, so happy to have had the chance to get the ARC and hopefully I can help stir up some exciting for this new series!
May 18, 2022
Simply amazing. Captured my attention from the first page and kept me guessing and turning the page longing for more. Is it time for book two yet??
May 21, 2022
There is so many interesting aspects of this book! This is definitely not what I expected from this book, but it surprised me in the best ways. What a wild ride!
The culture, religions and history of the world they live in was fun to read about. I loved how Medlar is motivated by many things at once; with war, executions and family at the center I never knew what Medlar was going to do next or how he would accomplish it. I admired Medlar’s stubbornness and resilience.
I loved Medlar’s relationship with his brother Reynir. They felt like real siblings with all their quips and their fights, but you can tell they care deeply for each other and even time and a war can’t tear them apart. I loved how they motivated each other and brought out the best in each other, pushing themselves to have patience but not to watch while injustice is enacted in front of you.
Despite all that, Medlar isn’t by definition a hero or morally good. I hated most of his decisions and got annoyed with him a lot, but knowing his triggers and what he had to do for war, it all made sense. I still rooted for him and wanted better for him and saw the good in him just like Reynir did.
I really appreciated the ptsd, anger issues, the politics of their world, and the horrors of war portrayed in this book. This is exactly the kind of morally gray stories I want more of!
I was taken aback by the ending. I’m in shock and want to know what happens next! I can’t wait for the sequel but I need time to process everything! I loved it!
The culture, religions and history of the world they live in was fun to read about. I loved how Medlar is motivated by many things at once; with war, executions and family at the center I never knew what Medlar was going to do next or how he would accomplish it. I admired Medlar’s stubbornness and resilience.
I loved Medlar’s relationship with his brother Reynir. They felt like real siblings with all their quips and their fights, but you can tell they care deeply for each other and even time and a war can’t tear them apart. I loved how they motivated each other and brought out the best in each other, pushing themselves to have patience but not to watch while injustice is enacted in front of you.
Despite all that, Medlar isn’t by definition a hero or morally good. I hated most of his decisions and got annoyed with him a lot, but knowing his triggers and what he had to do for war, it all made sense. I still rooted for him and wanted better for him and saw the good in him just like Reynir did.
I really appreciated the ptsd, anger issues, the politics of their world, and the horrors of war portrayed in this book. This is exactly the kind of morally gray stories I want more of!
I was taken aback by the ending. I’m in shock and want to know what happens next! I can’t wait for the sequel but I need time to process everything! I loved it!
Read
May 8, 2022Not just a book, this tale is a movie in the reader’s mind. The images evoked capture the authors’ intent like a camera in the hands of a master. You, the reader, experience the prose in your own visual way. The emotions are yours. The descriptions flow and you ride the literary rapids. Even imbedded in a new world of fantasy, the characters seem real, three dimensional, not contrived. This book is worth the read. It is not often that a book comes along to bend the genre. Don’t miss the chance to experience the ride.
May 28, 2022
ARC so some changes could have been made in the final version. Overall, I’d give this book a 3-4 star review. The environment was really well described and the sirens definitely piqued my interest. I would recommend this to readers who like desert fantasy and political fantasy. I do wish the characters had a bit more development, but this is the start to a series and not a standalone so time will tell.
April 27, 2022
Song and Wind brings Sirens and other complex characters to life in a dark fantasy that grabs readers by the throat and compels them to dig deep into their own thoughts and motivations. The challenges faced by this unique cast are startling yet oh-so-relevant in a time of global unrest and the human propensity for mistrust that vies with a longing for home, love, and community. Authors B.A. and Alexis D Johnson introduce readers to a beautiful, savage world not so very different from our own and raise deep questions about compassion, justice, brokenness, and healing. I was profoundly moved by the interactions between the characters, especially the relationship between the primary character, Medlar, and his brother. Another unforgettable character, Omen, will stay with me forever. Medlar’s conflicted mind and heart as he intervenes in the heart-pounding situations around him will keep you up late turning pages.
April 18, 2022
This book is a little different than most books that I read. Going into this, I wasn't quite sure what Dark Fantasy was. I've read some books that claim to be Dark but seem to just be fantasy to me. This book, I believe, is what Dark Fantasy is meant to be.
The main character, Medlar, is not a good man. Maybe at some point in his life he was, but war has made him into a heartless killer. Despite that, I found myself rooting for him throughout the story, hoping he would overcome his past and decide to live for his future.
B.A. & Alexis D. Johnson do a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. The characters are realistic, flawed, human. The descriptions throughout the book are fantastic and do a fabulous job of painting images in your mind, making it feel like you are there, living in Neer with the Silents and Sirens. This was one of my favorite descriptions: "A faint grey light stretched its hand out to brush the dark underbellies of clouds thickening overhead."
The book ends with a bit of shock that made me wish the next one was available right now.
The main character, Medlar, is not a good man. Maybe at some point in his life he was, but war has made him into a heartless killer. Despite that, I found myself rooting for him throughout the story, hoping he would overcome his past and decide to live for his future.
B.A. & Alexis D. Johnson do a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. The characters are realistic, flawed, human. The descriptions throughout the book are fantastic and do a fabulous job of painting images in your mind, making it feel like you are there, living in Neer with the Silents and Sirens. This was one of my favorite descriptions: "A faint grey light stretched its hand out to brush the dark underbellies of clouds thickening overhead."
The book ends with a bit of shock that made me wish the next one was available right now.
September 6, 2024
I've been meaning to get around to this one for a while now and I wasn't disappointed. It's got a very different feel to the Tainted Scales series that I've enjoyed by one of the same authors, but is still a well written story with an interesting world, flawed characters who leap off the page and a world which largely so seems normal yet has the haunting mythological edges of the sirens lurking not so unobtrusively in the background.
This is an action packed, tautly written novel with well rounded characters who are flawed and sometimes just bloody stupid. Particularly Medlar. Dear Lord, on occasion I wanted to bash his head into a wall. It's well written though as you can see why he's making these choices, even as you want to howl at him that he is going to bring ruin and disaster upon his head. He is not a character who makes all the right choices. And sometimes his choices lead to disaster for everyone around him. Much of the novel revolves around the story of him and his brother, both raised together but now living in polarised extremes. They still share a bond, but is it enough to overcome the new differences?
The secondary characters are well drawn as well, many of them truly coming off the page. I particularly liked the old Raver, although it was a shame he was only utilised in the first half of the novel and then seemingly forgotten about in the wake of yet another of Medlar's epic mistakes.
The world is well drawn. It's got a kind of medieval-esque feel to it with the weapons being used being lance, axe, sword or bow. It's not truly historical, but it's got the edge of something familiar to our own world, just a different time and place. Where it excels though is the depictions of the Sirens; the Siren wars are generations over, many now think of them as myth and legend. But as Medlar is about to find out, the Sirens are in no way, shape or form willing to be consigned to mere legend. They are deadly, they are hunters and Medlar finds himself escaping the headsmans block only to be thrust into an Order he has had no chance to prepare for.
All in all, this is a dark and well drawn novel that builds up a compelling world and narrative, whilst being populated with flawed and humanised characters. I'll be interested in seeing where it goes next when the following book comes out.
This is an action packed, tautly written novel with well rounded characters who are flawed and sometimes just bloody stupid. Particularly Medlar. Dear Lord, on occasion I wanted to bash his head into a wall. It's well written though as you can see why he's making these choices, even as you want to howl at him that he is going to bring ruin and disaster upon his head. He is not a character who makes all the right choices. And sometimes his choices lead to disaster for everyone around him. Much of the novel revolves around the story of him and his brother, both raised together but now living in polarised extremes. They still share a bond, but is it enough to overcome the new differences?
The secondary characters are well drawn as well, many of them truly coming off the page. I particularly liked the old Raver, although it was a shame he was only utilised in the first half of the novel and then seemingly forgotten about in the wake of yet another of Medlar's epic mistakes.
The world is well drawn. It's got a kind of medieval-esque feel to it with the weapons being used being lance, axe, sword or bow. It's not truly historical, but it's got the edge of something familiar to our own world, just a different time and place. Where it excels though is the depictions of the Sirens; the Siren wars are generations over, many now think of them as myth and legend. But as Medlar is about to find out, the Sirens are in no way, shape or form willing to be consigned to mere legend. They are deadly, they are hunters and Medlar finds himself escaping the headsmans block only to be thrust into an Order he has had no chance to prepare for.
All in all, this is a dark and well drawn novel that builds up a compelling world and narrative, whilst being populated with flawed and humanised characters. I'll be interested in seeing where it goes next when the following book comes out.
May 31, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. An exciting storyline, well-written with lots of descriptive metaphors to help the reader easily visualise in their mind’s eye what’s happening.
A well-thought-out fantasy world. Really enjoyed learning different aspects about the Desert Sons and Daughters’ interesting culture, beliefs and history. Impressive descriptions of combat weapons and fighting techniques at different points in the story.
I particularly like a book with a map, and this one has a beautifully-illustrated one. I referred to it regularly to check the location of lands, towns and seas mentioned as the story progressed.
Lots of different personalities and good development of relationships between characters. The human characters are relatable, but also flawed, as all humans are. The main protagonist, Medlar, struggles to do what he thinks is right in difficult circumstances, even if it often goes against the seemingly-sensible advice from other characters (and the reader). Sometimes I wanted to shake Medlar by the shoulders and yell, “What do you think you’re doing?!”.
This is a dark fantasy story so is a bit gruesome at times. But then this is in keeping with the cruelty of war, post-war enemy rule, and a bunch of blood-thirsty Sirens infiltrating the land. And despite darkness and despair, there is always hope!
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
A well-thought-out fantasy world. Really enjoyed learning different aspects about the Desert Sons and Daughters’ interesting culture, beliefs and history. Impressive descriptions of combat weapons and fighting techniques at different points in the story.
I particularly like a book with a map, and this one has a beautifully-illustrated one. I referred to it regularly to check the location of lands, towns and seas mentioned as the story progressed.
Lots of different personalities and good development of relationships between characters. The human characters are relatable, but also flawed, as all humans are. The main protagonist, Medlar, struggles to do what he thinks is right in difficult circumstances, even if it often goes against the seemingly-sensible advice from other characters (and the reader). Sometimes I wanted to shake Medlar by the shoulders and yell, “What do you think you’re doing?!”.
This is a dark fantasy story so is a bit gruesome at times. But then this is in keeping with the cruelty of war, post-war enemy rule, and a bunch of blood-thirsty Sirens infiltrating the land. And despite darkness and despair, there is always hope!
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
May 30, 2022
I was entranced by this story from page 1, and it only got more intense as I got further in! One of the first things that grabbed me was how poetic and visual the descriptions of people and places are, it reads beautifully and helps me really feel like I'm walking through the world with these characters.
The main character, Medlar, is the definition of an anti-hero, so complex and morally grey, I can't help but want him to succeed and see him grow as a person and conquer his inner demons but I'm still not sure if he will, it's part of what keeps me coming back! And his relationship with his brother Reynir hits me right in my heart, I love them so much.
I was really struck by how fleshed out the world and its people are, it feels like they'll exist and go through their lives regardless of whether I'm reading the story or not. I'm really intrigued by some of the hints about the past that have been dropped, love me some good world lore!
In conclusion, I can't WAIT to read more from this author team, they are masters at weaving together the environment and culture of this world, I felt so deeply for the people living in it, their daily struggles and past trauma, and I'm fully invested now in seeing what becomes of them!
The main character, Medlar, is the definition of an anti-hero, so complex and morally grey, I can't help but want him to succeed and see him grow as a person and conquer his inner demons but I'm still not sure if he will, it's part of what keeps me coming back! And his relationship with his brother Reynir hits me right in my heart, I love them so much.
I was really struck by how fleshed out the world and its people are, it feels like they'll exist and go through their lives regardless of whether I'm reading the story or not. I'm really intrigued by some of the hints about the past that have been dropped, love me some good world lore!
In conclusion, I can't WAIT to read more from this author team, they are masters at weaving together the environment and culture of this world, I felt so deeply for the people living in it, their daily struggles and past trauma, and I'm fully invested now in seeing what becomes of them!
June 6, 2022
Well folks, she did it again! This time it’s “they” did it again, and WOWZA did they ever!!
As with her first set of books, The Tainted Scales series, still in the making, the Johnsons took on an extremely unique subject and made the story completely unlike anything you see or have read before!
The details, descriptions, and life breathed into the characters make them fly off the page into reality and you just can’t get enough! The only downside is that you have to wait for the next one to be released because it’s torture, but judging by the story that’s exactly where the Johnsons want us and when the plot and characters are this amazing you sign up to be a masochist!
I would recommend this to anyone, whether they love fantasy, or are like I used to be and always steered away from it, Song and Wind along with the Tainted Scales series have made me change my tune………or should I say song?
As with her first set of books, The Tainted Scales series, still in the making, the Johnsons took on an extremely unique subject and made the story completely unlike anything you see or have read before!
The details, descriptions, and life breathed into the characters make them fly off the page into reality and you just can’t get enough! The only downside is that you have to wait for the next one to be released because it’s torture, but judging by the story that’s exactly where the Johnsons want us and when the plot and characters are this amazing you sign up to be a masochist!
I would recommend this to anyone, whether they love fantasy, or are like I used to be and always steered away from it, Song and Wind along with the Tainted Scales series have made me change my tune………or should I say song?
June 9, 2022
Medlar has sacrificed everything to save his people, but it did no good. His enemies destroyed his home and killed his father, leaving him with only his brother. As a disgraced soldier, he only has one chance at redemption and that is to protect the very people that destroyed his life from the Sirens. But is willing to protect them or let the Sirens have them?
It's very rare to find a high fantasy book that doesn't falter on pacing. Typically they are on the slower side, because they require a lot of detail for the worldbuilding. This book wasn't slow at all. Everything was fast paced, and the worldbuilding didn't suffer because of it. We had the perfect amount of detail to action so that there were no lulls in the story.
The characters were also developed really well and even though I didn't connect with them, that didn't deter me from enjoying the story. Medlar has motives that are highly understandable and I feel like anyone would be willing to pursue if in the same situation.
It's very rare to find a high fantasy book that doesn't falter on pacing. Typically they are on the slower side, because they require a lot of detail for the worldbuilding. This book wasn't slow at all. Everything was fast paced, and the worldbuilding didn't suffer because of it. We had the perfect amount of detail to action so that there were no lulls in the story.
The characters were also developed really well and even though I didn't connect with them, that didn't deter me from enjoying the story. Medlar has motives that are highly understandable and I feel like anyone would be willing to pursue if in the same situation.
October 31, 2022
Wow, Song and Wind by B. A. Johnson and Alexis D. Johnson took me by surprise. When I originally purchased the book, I was intrigued by the cover and the premise of the enigmatic Sirens. This book delivered so much more.
The world-building in Song and Wind is incredible!! Every sentence is rich in detail and conveys the mood and the world of the story perfectly. The vivid imagery, the skilful use of senses, and the complex characters bring the story to life on every page. I loved the desert setting and the wind that seemed to possess a soul of its own.
In the story, we follow two brothers, Medlar and Reynir. Reynir is more grounded and sure of his purpose, but Medlar battles his internal demons alongside the external threat posed by the monstrous Sirens.
The ending was brilliant and left me with my mouth hanging open. I would love to see Song and Wind made into a movie. Highly recommended!
The world-building in Song and Wind is incredible!! Every sentence is rich in detail and conveys the mood and the world of the story perfectly. The vivid imagery, the skilful use of senses, and the complex characters bring the story to life on every page. I loved the desert setting and the wind that seemed to possess a soul of its own.
In the story, we follow two brothers, Medlar and Reynir. Reynir is more grounded and sure of his purpose, but Medlar battles his internal demons alongside the external threat posed by the monstrous Sirens.
The ending was brilliant and left me with my mouth hanging open. I would love to see Song and Wind made into a movie. Highly recommended!
May 29, 2022
Song and Wind is a very intricate woven tale in a land torn by war. The MC, Medlar, is an ex-soldier that has been imprisoned five years. The enemy has won and a traitor king rules with an iron fist. Medlar gets a chance of a new chapter in life, but it's not easy for him to leave the war behind. He faces difficult and demanding challenges that will determine his fate.
It is an epic dark fantasy with well written characters and lots of world building. Medlar as the main protagonist and often antagonist is, despite all his faults and flaws, an easily likeable character and easy to connect with.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of (dark) fantasy and am eager for the second book.
It is an epic dark fantasy with well written characters and lots of world building. Medlar as the main protagonist and often antagonist is, despite all his faults and flaws, an easily likeable character and easy to connect with.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of (dark) fantasy and am eager for the second book.
June 10, 2022
Perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson, Song and Wind invokes a richly imagined world full of grit. At its a heart, it’s a story of two brothers, grappling to find their way in war-torn world. Vivid in its detail, this dark fantasy had me rooting for its morally gray characters. The writing brings the characters and setting to life on every page. Amazing job to the Alexis D. Johnson and B.A Johnson for their accomplishment! If you love dark epic fantasy, then you have to read this book!
May 31, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book's ARC. Dark fantasy novels intrigue me. I love the depth the authors put into the characters themselves and the relationships of the people they interact with. The twists in this novel kept me turning the pages wanting to know more about what was going to help. The authors did awesome incorporating religion and culture. I can't wait for the second book!
June 29, 2022
The story is very original and gets you caught from the very beginning.
The ability to describe the environment in such a way that you feel inside the book, is just mesmerizing. I really enjoyed the elegant writing, the inviting story-line, and complex characters who make this a great dark fantasy book.
I am very much looking forward to read the next adventure of this series!
The ability to describe the environment in such a way that you feel inside the book, is just mesmerizing. I really enjoyed the elegant writing, the inviting story-line, and complex characters who make this a great dark fantasy book.
I am very much looking forward to read the next adventure of this series!
August 2, 2022
Great book by a great author! Have you read her other book as well? They're so much fun with fantasy and deep character progression.
For this book: Sirens. SIRENS! Super cool and fascinating.
I encourage any and everyone to read this book and be sure to check out her others as well, such as "The Seventh Year Trials" & "The Dragon Snatchers", part of the Tainted Scales Series.
For this book: Sirens. SIRENS! Super cool and fascinating.
I encourage any and everyone to read this book and be sure to check out her others as well, such as "The Seventh Year Trials" & "The Dragon Snatchers", part of the Tainted Scales Series.
February 8, 2024
A fantastically crafted novel that blends the monster vibes of Witcher with the more subtle threads of desperate heroic quests found in tales like Lord of the Rings and the Green Rider. It is it's own book; a tale of striving, heartbreak, heroes, monsters, war, last chances and revenge.
Song & Wind is a suspenseful page turned that kept me up well past my bedtime.
Song & Wind is a suspenseful page turned that kept me up well past my bedtime.
May 22, 2022
Song and Wind is the first in an upcoming series. It's unique and twisty, and the ending leaves you stunned. Very excited for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews