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A Charade of Magic #2
Nightingale
All across Scotland, the resistance movement is growing in both strength and numbers. For the first time in five generations, the Mages are afraid—and it's all because of one woman.
But Mairi knows where the real power lies and that it is the Mages who maintain control of the country. She has become the poster girl for the resistance and her magic is growing stronger by the day. That doesn't mean, however, that she has any real chance of succeeding against the might of the Mages.
And yet strange things are afoot. Crude runes are appearing all over the country while the Afflicted seem to be changing—and not for the better. The very soul of Scotland may soon be up for grabs.
If ever there is a time for a true hero to step forward, this is it.
But Mairi knows where the real power lies and that it is the Mages who maintain control of the country. She has become the poster girl for the resistance and her magic is growing stronger by the day. That doesn't mean, however, that she has any real chance of succeeding against the might of the Mages.
And yet strange things are afoot. Crude runes are appearing all over the country while the Afflicted seem to be changing—and not for the better. The very soul of Scotland may soon be up for grabs.
If ever there is a time for a true hero to step forward, this is it.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2022
279 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 4, 2023
I LOVE this series!! This is only the second book, yet both it and its predecessor, “The Hummingbird” have rated 5 stars for me. That is a total unicorn in my world! I’m not sure just how it hits all the right notes, whether it is the tight writing, the amazing and nuanced characters, the creative and unique world or just the sum total of all those parts. Whatever it is, this series is (so far) one of my all-time favorites, ever!
August 20, 2023
I read Hummingbird a while ago and didn't realise how quickly this and the final book had been released. I was most pleased to see them available on KU. I had missed Mairi, Laoch, Angus and the other motley revolutionaries so couldn't wait to jump back into this series. I loved how the author gave an excellent reminder of the main events from HB at the start of this book.
I loved this book, some elements of the plot were expected but many took me completely by surprise. Mairi really came into her own, realising that she needed to take on the mantel handed to her by the disgruntled populace. There were some wonderful scenes between her and Laoch, not quite enough for my hopeless romantic heart but those we did get were very welcome. I hated what the author did to Laoch later on in the book - 😠😠😠😂 - and that cliff-hanger!!!! Thank goodness Red Hawk is already out because that is not one I wanted to be left on.
This is a wonderful magical realism tale and a series I highly recommend to those who enjoy fantasy with a good plot and great characters.
I loved this book, some elements of the plot were expected but many took me completely by surprise. Mairi really came into her own, realising that she needed to take on the mantel handed to her by the disgruntled populace. There were some wonderful scenes between her and Laoch, not quite enough for my hopeless romantic heart but those we did get were very welcome. I hated what the author did to Laoch later on in the book - 😠😠😠😂 - and that cliff-hanger!!!! Thank goodness Red Hawk is already out because that is not one I wanted to be left on.
This is a wonderful magical realism tale and a series I highly recommend to those who enjoy fantasy with a good plot and great characters.
April 20, 2023
Nightingale
by Helen Harper
Fantasy YA Paranormal Urban
Scribd Audio
In book 2 the resistance is growing. They are tired of being controlled by the mages. Mairi's show of magic has made the mages afraid for the first time in generations because she is a woman who has magic, something they have told the people can not happen. But Mairi knows that is a lie, the mages do not allow females with magic to live.
But now the resistance follows Mairi, and in order to put an end to her and to the resistance, the Mages invite Mairi to compete against other mages to become the Mage leader of Glasgow.
The Mages' deception isn't the only trouble brewing in Scotland, the Afflicted are changing, walking in the daylight.
Picking right up from the first book, the reader finds Mairi and her friends waiting for the Mages' retaliation, and they threaten violence if Mairi isn't brought to them. But after realizing that would make matters only worse, they invite her to a competition, which my first thought was the 'Hunger Games', but thankfully it's not. There are only four(?) challenges.
I did have a little trouble getting into the story for the first few chapters, due to the narrator's heavy accent, and the lacking of a 'recap' of the first book, but then everything fell into place and the story took off. The plot and characters were all well developed, most with some good descriptions, though the settings, and a few of the characters, need some more details, especially the MC's boyfriend, he needs a lot more descriptions! Even though he's a daemon with horns, the vague descriptions blended him in with the other males.
The story stayed with the plot, the subplots were a part of the main plot. Thankfully the romance part of the story was not described. It was talked about enough for the reader to know how the couple felt about each other.
Of course there is violence but it's not overly graphic, though I think readers under twelve should not read this.
A great continuation of a great series. Highly recommend it.
4 Stars
by Helen Harper
Fantasy YA Paranormal Urban
Scribd Audio
In book 2 the resistance is growing. They are tired of being controlled by the mages. Mairi's show of magic has made the mages afraid for the first time in generations because she is a woman who has magic, something they have told the people can not happen. But Mairi knows that is a lie, the mages do not allow females with magic to live.
But now the resistance follows Mairi, and in order to put an end to her and to the resistance, the Mages invite Mairi to compete against other mages to become the Mage leader of Glasgow.
The Mages' deception isn't the only trouble brewing in Scotland, the Afflicted are changing, walking in the daylight.
Picking right up from the first book, the reader finds Mairi and her friends waiting for the Mages' retaliation, and they threaten violence if Mairi isn't brought to them. But after realizing that would make matters only worse, they invite her to a competition, which my first thought was the 'Hunger Games', but thankfully it's not. There are only four(?) challenges.
I did have a little trouble getting into the story for the first few chapters, due to the narrator's heavy accent, and the lacking of a 'recap' of the first book, but then everything fell into place and the story took off. The plot and characters were all well developed, most with some good descriptions, though the settings, and a few of the characters, need some more details, especially the MC's boyfriend, he needs a lot more descriptions! Even though he's a daemon with horns, the vague descriptions blended him in with the other males.
The story stayed with the plot, the subplots were a part of the main plot. Thankfully the romance part of the story was not described. It was talked about enough for the reader to know how the couple felt about each other.
Of course there is violence but it's not overly graphic, though I think readers under twelve should not read this.
A great continuation of a great series. Highly recommend it.
4 Stars
April 30, 2023
Audio book date March 21!
August 23, 2023
Rereading to get ready for book three 😁
April 23, 2023
Favorite quote - Belle burst out laughing. ‘A cock? You think a cock is necessary to lead a city? The ability to piss while standing is what makes a difference?’ She raised her hand and crooked her pinky. ‘I can tell you ain’t got much down there. Does size matter, then? Should we raise the man with the largest dick to be the Ascendant, and weed out anyone who’s no’ big enough to pass muster?’
Continuing with Mairi's story with the second book to Helen Harper's Hummingbird series, it was another quick read with super exciting parts. Due to certain events in the first book, Mairi is encouraged to run for the Ascendant of her town. Throughout magical trials, Mairi finds clues that there's something else, something bigger that's going on. The story ends in a major cliffhanger that has ALL the dramatics.
I liked the fast paced writing style that Helen Harper incorporated into this series. Mairi is becoming a strong character who's just trying to help her town and stop the rain of the Mages. Her and Locke's relationship still isn't giving me the ooey gooey feelings I like to see in YA relationships though both their characters are enjoyable to read. I like their back and forth banter a lot.
Something I didn't like about it was not knowing what I was supposed to be concentrating on. The revolution against the Mages, the hidden symbols around the city and secrets waiting to be discovered (while nothing was revealed) or the Ascendancy Challenges where a lot of people enter, but not many actually return from. Eventually I will get the the third one so hopefully that one will give some much needed answers especially for the major cliffhanger at the end.
Continuing with Mairi's story with the second book to Helen Harper's Hummingbird series, it was another quick read with super exciting parts. Due to certain events in the first book, Mairi is encouraged to run for the Ascendant of her town. Throughout magical trials, Mairi finds clues that there's something else, something bigger that's going on. The story ends in a major cliffhanger that has ALL the dramatics.
I liked the fast paced writing style that Helen Harper incorporated into this series. Mairi is becoming a strong character who's just trying to help her town and stop the rain of the Mages. Her and Locke's relationship still isn't giving me the ooey gooey feelings I like to see in YA relationships though both their characters are enjoyable to read. I like their back and forth banter a lot.
Something I didn't like about it was not knowing what I was supposed to be concentrating on. The revolution against the Mages, the hidden symbols around the city and secrets waiting to be discovered (while nothing was revealed) or the Ascendancy Challenges where a lot of people enter, but not many actually return from. Eventually I will get the the third one so hopefully that one will give some much needed answers especially for the major cliffhanger at the end.
May 30, 2023
Mairi now become the symbol (and face) of resistance. It's pretty much like The Hunger Games with her going against the Mages in series of "challenges". The twist is that there's more threat to Scotland than everyone currently know.
Wish there are nuances in the villains, because apart from a couple of characters (Angus, Andy) every Mages are bad, bad, and well, BAD.
Wish there are nuances in the villains, because apart from a couple of characters (Angus, Andy) every Mages are bad, bad, and well, BAD.
December 1, 2025
An unlikely group of heroes are off to a competition where a series of trials is to ensue to find out who will rule next. Friendships forming and heartbreaks later, a new bad guy is in town. How will this turn out?? Oh I have high hopes for this series as I’ve really been enjoying it so far
December 6, 2022
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Nightingale, by author Helen Harper, is the second installment in the authors A Charade of Magic series. Mairi Wallace, once a nobody who is now caught up in a rebellion, finds herself in Scotland where the land is ruled by Mages and Ascendants, and run over by the Afflicted. Mairi who has found her voice, literally, as well as her own magic after the events of Hummingbird, now stands as the face of the rebellion against the Mages.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Nightingale, by author Helen Harper, is the second installment in the authors A Charade of Magic series. Mairi Wallace, once a nobody who is now caught up in a rebellion, finds herself in Scotland where the land is ruled by Mages and Ascendants, and run over by the Afflicted. Mairi who has found her voice, literally, as well as her own magic after the events of Hummingbird, now stands as the face of the rebellion against the Mages.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
November 27, 2022
This second book in this series was fantastic! It picks up pretty much where Book 1, Hummingbird, left off with Mairi in hiding from the mages. It's very obvious now that she has magic and can wield it with pretty good results, although she still has lots of learn! Her actions from the previous book have definitely stirred up the residents of Glasgow and she is finding herself with more and more support. The Mages know that they must do something about her to get rid of her and the rest of the insurgents once and for all.
When the Ascendency Challenge is announced, Mairi receives a very public invitation to participate, one she cannot refuse! However, she knows it is the Mages' way of humiliating her and killing her off for good! With the help of a few friends and a surprising ally, she enter the challenge the best she knows how! If only everything was a simple as winning a challenge though! With the Afflicted changing and attacking more often, things are getting a lot scarier in Edinburgh now!
I loved this book! The tension throughout definitely kept me on my toes and you could never really tell what was going to happen, other than hope that Mairi would get through every challenge with minimal injury! What happened with Laoch was a complete surprise and I just hope that Mairi is able to do something about him now!
I was very surprised with what happened to Noah, but wasn't sad about it - in fact, it was probably his just desserts! Aspen was a nasty character, but I loved how Mairi got one up on him a lot - he definitely underestimated her!
I love Helen's writing style - the pace is fast enough without leaving you feeling you have missed something. The world building is fantastic. I have never been to either Glasgow or Edinburgh and although this is an alternative reality, I can still picture how beautiful it will look up there! And the characters are great, each one developed really well with great relationships that are believable.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author but this review is my own, honest one.
When the Ascendency Challenge is announced, Mairi receives a very public invitation to participate, one she cannot refuse! However, she knows it is the Mages' way of humiliating her and killing her off for good! With the help of a few friends and a surprising ally, she enter the challenge the best she knows how! If only everything was a simple as winning a challenge though! With the Afflicted changing and attacking more often, things are getting a lot scarier in Edinburgh now!
I loved this book! The tension throughout definitely kept me on my toes and you could never really tell what was going to happen, other than hope that Mairi would get through every challenge with minimal injury! What happened with Laoch was a complete surprise and I just hope that Mairi is able to do something about him now!
I was very surprised with what happened to Noah, but wasn't sad about it - in fact, it was probably his just desserts! Aspen was a nasty character, but I loved how Mairi got one up on him a lot - he definitely underestimated her!
I love Helen's writing style - the pace is fast enough without leaving you feeling you have missed something. The world building is fantastic. I have never been to either Glasgow or Edinburgh and although this is an alternative reality, I can still picture how beautiful it will look up there! And the characters are great, each one developed really well with great relationships that are believable.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author but this review is my own, honest one.
December 26, 2022
Disappointing. The first one was really interesting, this one was a mad scramble from start to finish that really went nowhere. First it was the revolution, then it was focusing on the tournament, then it became finding secrets.. but nothing was revealed and I just felt like I’d wasted my time reading this. Mairi is in the exact same spot as she finished the first book in.
February 21, 2023
3.75 stars.
The Mages are really not happy with Mairi now...
The ordinary humans are being stirred into action, and they're starting to riot/revolt publicly against the Mages. At first the Mages meet their actions with violence.. when that only fans the flames of dissension though, they decide to offer up a "fair" solution - they will let Mairi participate in the event (read: trials) which will determine the next leader of the Glasgow Mages. Of course they won't be fair at all - they'll try to kill Mairi at every turn - but she feels she has no choice but to try anyway, and hope that if/when she dies, the revolution rages on, until actual positive change can come about.
Mairi does her best in the Trials and she surprises all of the Mages with her abilities. She also maintains a lot of the public's support even though they're being persecuted for offering that support.
At the end: the Trials were 3/4 of the way done but they get interrupted by the Afflicted (aka zombies) who have appeared en masse with their apparent leader (?) Cabal Righ - who was a powerful and vengeful Mage that had been thought of as long-dead... What now? idk... There's a 3rd book that hasn't been published yet lol.
The Mages are really not happy with Mairi now...
The ordinary humans are being stirred into action, and they're starting to riot/revolt publicly against the Mages. At first the Mages meet their actions with violence.. when that only fans the flames of dissension though, they decide to offer up a "fair" solution - they will let Mairi participate in the event (read: trials) which will determine the next leader of the Glasgow Mages. Of course they won't be fair at all - they'll try to kill Mairi at every turn - but she feels she has no choice but to try anyway, and hope that if/when she dies, the revolution rages on, until actual positive change can come about.
Mairi does her best in the Trials and she surprises all of the Mages with her abilities. She also maintains a lot of the public's support even though they're being persecuted for offering that support.
At the end: the Trials were 3/4 of the way done but they get interrupted by the Afflicted (aka zombies) who have appeared en masse with their apparent leader (?) Cabal Righ - who was a powerful and vengeful Mage that had been thought of as long-dead... What now? idk... There's a 3rd book that hasn't been published yet lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
"Nightingale," the second installment in Helen Harper's series, picks up seamlessly from where "Hummingbird" left off. I was relieved to find that the pace didn't seem as fast this time around—or perhaps I've just gotten used to Harper's brisk storytelling style. Either way, it made for a more balanced and enjoyable experience.
The spice level in this book is virtually non-existent, which might disappoint those looking for more romantic tension or steamy scenes, which was me. I love me a steamy sexy book.
However, the focus remains firmly on the plot, which continues to be engaging and full of twists. While character development is somewhat present, it still takes a backseat to the unfolding narrative. but the compelling plot kept me invested in the story.
Ruth Urquhart once again delivers a delightful narration, and her Scottish accent adds a unique charm that enhances the listening experience. Her performance helps bring the characters and setting to life, making the audiobook a pleasure to listen to.
"Nightingale" is a strong continuation of the series for those who enjoy plot-driven stories with a touch of humor and action. I'm eager to see where the series goes next and see where the series ends
"Nightingale," the second installment in Helen Harper's series, picks up seamlessly from where "Hummingbird" left off. I was relieved to find that the pace didn't seem as fast this time around—or perhaps I've just gotten used to Harper's brisk storytelling style. Either way, it made for a more balanced and enjoyable experience.
The spice level in this book is virtually non-existent, which might disappoint those looking for more romantic tension or steamy scenes, which was me. I love me a steamy sexy book.
However, the focus remains firmly on the plot, which continues to be engaging and full of twists. While character development is somewhat present, it still takes a backseat to the unfolding narrative. but the compelling plot kept me invested in the story.
Ruth Urquhart once again delivers a delightful narration, and her Scottish accent adds a unique charm that enhances the listening experience. Her performance helps bring the characters and setting to life, making the audiobook a pleasure to listen to.
"Nightingale" is a strong continuation of the series for those who enjoy plot-driven stories with a touch of humor and action. I'm eager to see where the series goes next and see where the series ends
December 13, 2022
March 2023 can NOT get here soon enough - and I have to grumble just a smidge... a date for the third and FINAL book - but no TITLE - no matter author of A Charade of Magic - I'll see you in the Spring💐 Nightingale is the second book of a trilogy, and admittedly, I wasn't as entranced as I was with Hummingbird until about a quarter of the way through - that's ONE-FOURTH of my time that I was seriously questioning my life choices - hang in there people, the great HH has a reason for every season and Nightingale, as it turns out, is extraordinary. Mairi, for all her previously silent motivations, has managed to spark a commoner's resistance that even the top mage d!@k-echelons find threatening! I must not, dare not, WILL not, mention a certain daemon's whereabouts, but rest assured, Laoch -or- he whom I will not spoiler-alert, is... proper invested in a certain female mageling's welfare.
Kris
Whiskey & Wit Book Reviews
Kris
Whiskey & Wit Book Reviews
January 21, 2023
At the beginning Mairi is hiding with the growing resistance after a fight they have to give her a chance at the Ascendancy Challenge to prevent the resistance from growing. But they did not expect a woman to stand against their own. Mairi has to solve the three challenge on her own and a little bit of help from her daemon boyfriend. While she has growing support from the humans, there are also some mages that are wary of the ongoing system of the mages. Mairi learns from a guard that the symbol occurring everywhere on the streets means "he is coming"- but who is he? We learn at the end of the book that "he" is another powerful mage, who wants Scotland under his control. He kills the Ascendant of Scotland. So the questions is what do they do now? Mairi, Angus and Belle alone in Edinburgh and Laoch under Lord Aspens control? And who created the Afflicted.
A lot of unanswered questions and action in this book. Great character development on Mairis, Belle's and Angus part.
A lot of unanswered questions and action in this book. Great character development on Mairis, Belle's and Angus part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4 stars!
After reading and loving the eARC for "Hummingbird", reading the rest of the series was a no-brainer.
This book is kind of like the hunger games but in Scotland and with Mages and creatures that resemble zombies. I swear it sounds weird but it's not.
Mairi, having discovered her power and her voice, is now ready to lead the revolution against the Mages. But she'll have to beat them at their own game first: winning the Ascendancy challenge. And while she does so, she'll discover that there's something even more sinister than the Mages.
This book is fast-paces with lots of action, a sprinkle of love and a whole lot of girl power. And after that cliffhanger, on my way to read the third book!
Side note: I absolutely LOVE that there's a recap of the first book at the beginning. I found it super useful, easy to follow and a great way to dive into the second book without feeling lost.
After reading and loving the eARC for "Hummingbird", reading the rest of the series was a no-brainer.
This book is kind of like the hunger games but in Scotland and with Mages and creatures that resemble zombies. I swear it sounds weird but it's not.
Mairi, having discovered her power and her voice, is now ready to lead the revolution against the Mages. But she'll have to beat them at their own game first: winning the Ascendancy challenge. And while she does so, she'll discover that there's something even more sinister than the Mages.
This book is fast-paces with lots of action, a sprinkle of love and a whole lot of girl power. And after that cliffhanger, on my way to read the third book!
Side note: I absolutely LOVE that there's a recap of the first book at the beginning. I found it super useful, easy to follow and a great way to dive into the second book without feeling lost.
April 24, 2023
I have loved your books
But I dislike/hate these books. They are ugly. When you go cruel. I'm not a fan. No hope no kindness. Your inner kindness and humor has been what drew me to your books. The wonderful story telling. I'm do not need fluffy books. I can handle stories with truth and the harder side of what humans are capable of, but what I do not like is just cruelty for crualiity itself without hope of redemtion. Your readers want to be lead out of the darkness. To see humor and love and validation of our innate goodness of the people who have heart faith in our human spirit. Not to give in to the corruption of the false and greedy spirits who do live here too.
But I dislike/hate these books. They are ugly. When you go cruel. I'm not a fan. No hope no kindness. Your inner kindness and humor has been what drew me to your books. The wonderful story telling. I'm do not need fluffy books. I can handle stories with truth and the harder side of what humans are capable of, but what I do not like is just cruelty for crualiity itself without hope of redemtion. Your readers want to be lead out of the darkness. To see humor and love and validation of our innate goodness of the people who have heart faith in our human spirit. Not to give in to the corruption of the false and greedy spirits who do live here too.
December 11, 2022
Thrilling and complex five-star read. This is number two in A Charade of Magic series, and I am so excited for number three, I am counting down the weeks until March next year. What a dramatic and complex story this is, Mairi just seems to have flourished in these two stories, she has pushed and pushed and striven on and proved just how strong she is but is she strong enough to face what is coming next. What started as one phrase mentioned by one afflicted becomes so much more, much like how one mute little girl has changed so much. Power to the people of Scotland there is change coming.
December 19, 2022
A rip roarer!
Helen Harper’s second in the Charade of Magic series continues on the story of Mairi and her friends as they challenge the Mage aristocracy after the events of book 1. The world of the mages is a bleak one filled with fear of both the Mages and the Afflicted and Mairi is determined to do her best for the people against the Mages. She travels from Glasgow to Edinburgh with the hopes of the people on her shoulders. Along the way she finds more Allie’s and unfortunately more enemies including one no one foresaw. Great book and can’t wait for the next one.
Helen Harper’s second in the Charade of Magic series continues on the story of Mairi and her friends as they challenge the Mage aristocracy after the events of book 1. The world of the mages is a bleak one filled with fear of both the Mages and the Afflicted and Mairi is determined to do her best for the people against the Mages. She travels from Glasgow to Edinburgh with the hopes of the people on her shoulders. Along the way she finds more Allie’s and unfortunately more enemies including one no one foresaw. Great book and can’t wait for the next one.
March 25, 2023
I really like Helen Harper books and this one did not disappoint. I actually reread the first book again before this one as I couldn’t fully remember and I enjoyed both. Mairi was a mute girl who found out she had magic, although in that world only men are allowed to have magic. She finds her voice and is starting a rebellion at the end of book 1. This book is about the next phase in the rebellion and has a sort of hunger games like event in there as well. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next and final book in the series.
December 1, 2022
I Loved It
Considering this is just a standard trilogy, I’m ecstatic about the path this book has taken in this series. Mairi has to battle in her biggest challenges yet, and we see not only a martyr rise up but a victor in her fight for change! We become acquainted with new friends and we see the return of Laoch 😍😍😍!
I really loved this one, and I can’t wait for the last book! It will be months of counting down until March!
Bravo on another stellar read, Helen!
Considering this is just a standard trilogy, I’m ecstatic about the path this book has taken in this series. Mairi has to battle in her biggest challenges yet, and we see not only a martyr rise up but a victor in her fight for change! We become acquainted with new friends and we see the return of Laoch 😍😍😍!
I really loved this one, and I can’t wait for the last book! It will be months of counting down until March!
Bravo on another stellar read, Helen!
January 3, 2023
Riveting sequel to Hummingbird, which I loved. It's a refreshing change to have a dystopian fantasy adventure set in Scotland and Harper does it very well. I love the progression of Mairi's character as she grapples with being the figurehead of the protest movement and the villains are really horrible - people we love to hate. I tore through this one, staying up far too late to finish it. What a lovely way to begin 2023:)).
March 14, 2023
H.H. continues to write stories that grab me and hold on tight from beginning to end. I usually don't like cliffhangers, because I'm too impatient for them. However, I'm always up to read one of Helen Haprer's books. The magic and suspense and romance found in each one are all so well balanced that the story never gets boring. This book continues Mairi's story and that of the resistance. I loved this book and I can not waqit to read what happens next.
April 21, 2023
Very good but not as enjoyable
Usually I love Helen Harper's work. This series is just as well written as her others.
However, the bad guys are so overwhelmingly evil, it is hard to stomach. I read as an escape, so I don't enjoy books that are as dark as reality. If you are ok with that, you will enjoy the action and the drama. I will read the third book, but first I need a palate cleanser of several fluffy, escapism books.
Usually I love Helen Harper's work. This series is just as well written as her others.
However, the bad guys are so overwhelmingly evil, it is hard to stomach. I read as an escape, so I don't enjoy books that are as dark as reality. If you are ok with that, you will enjoy the action and the drama. I will read the third book, but first I need a palate cleanser of several fluffy, escapism books.
August 23, 2023
I didn't expect the ending. It was an interesting journey through challenges and how Mairi undertook them but the finale was out of the blues. We have learn more about the world, not so much about her background and throughout the whole book it felt a bit feministic, with oppressive men, presumably weak women and the main heroine proving them wrong. But it can be see as a counterpart to many fantasy books with main male characters as heroes. It really draws you in and is well written.
January 7, 2023
Urban rebels meets medieval fantasy meets the TriWizard Tournament/Hunger Games meets I Am Legend.
Can’t help but root for Mairi and the revolution against the mages with all that happens in this book, and she finds her way with help from others, but things always manage to get worse… Note there’s a cliffhanger for book 3!
Can’t help but root for Mairi and the revolution against the mages with all that happens in this book, and she finds her way with help from others, but things always manage to get worse… Note there’s a cliffhanger for book 3!
February 27, 2023
Nightingale, the second book of the A Charade of Magic series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). The writer maintained her momentum from Hummingbird, and brought us another great read. Plenty of tension and plot twists to satisfy. I'm looking forward to the release of book three.
March 28, 2023
This book was so entertaining. It pulled me in right away and moved quickly throughout. It gave me Hunger Games vibes and was a lot of fun to read. It’s a quick read, and I’m looking forward to the next book! I liked the characters more in this book compared to the last. I think I enjoyed continuing to get to know them more.
December 1, 2022
Brilliant!
I love how the story continues. I have a weakness for stories that have a set of trials included. Very interesting plot that ends with a cliffhanger. Now I just have to survive till next book.
I love how the story continues. I have a weakness for stories that have a set of trials included. Very interesting plot that ends with a cliffhanger. Now I just have to survive till next book.
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