The Bird and the Sword

Strong start but didn’t enjoy the protagonist’s transformation into simpering , lovestruck queen. Mediocre.

Hands down, one of the best books I’ve ever read/listened too. One of the best. Highly recommend!

It was ok. The author created a unique world. I just didn't really like either of the lead characters - of course, character should be flawed, and have their own personal struggles to go through, but the girl was just so wimpy and whiny all the time, and the guy was pretty controlling and didn't really listen to her - and instead of actually doing something about it, she would throw tantrums (literally just breaking and destroying stuff with her powers without any intention behind it) - I did listen to the whole book, because I've liked other stories by this author, and I didn't wanna take the time to search for another book while cleaning my house. I kept thinking I was going to grow to like them more, but it really didn't happen.

A beautiful take of magic, love, hope and destiny. A kingdom of loyal citizens intermingled with “The Gifted”- the ones descending from the Gods of ancient times. Forced to hide their talents and live in fear under the rule of a vengeful king, the gifted live among the people. Years later the king’s son and the daughter of a gifted mother embark on a journey when their paths once again cross many years after the day in the past that bound them together in ways neither yet understood. In this story of love conquering all, the reader follows their journey through danger and betrayal as the strength of their love is tested and they fight to protect their kingdom, their lives and the future.

Another incredibly creative and well written book by Amy Harmon. She creates another world and weaves a wonderful tale. I wish she would write sequels to her novels.

Outstanding romantic fantasy! I’m writing this review after rereading The Bird and The Sword. Amy Harmon’s writing is superb…I was drawn in from the beginning! Narration is stellar!

Es ist mal wieder ein tolles Buch von Amy Harmon. Sie hat eine unerschöpfliche Fantasie und eine tolle Art zu schreiben. Das Buch ist wie ein Märchen für Erwachsene. Allerdings habe ich die Vorleserin nicht gut gefunden. 2,5 Sterne. Was mich Anfang an gestört hat, war ihre komische Art zu atmen. An den passendsten Stellen. Das hat sich angehört als hätte sie Astma. außerdem hat sie für meinen Geschmack zu übertrieben gelesen. Vor allem im letzten Kapitel. Nervig.

Mystical. I've just started reading this author and think that I will enjoy her work.

Loved it! Very well written and well narrated. Cleverly crafted plot but the plot is subtle so there’s lots of space for character moments and relationship development.

The plot is alright. However, the performance is cheesy, especially in the more dramatic scenes.

Also, the character development is not great. And, I find the girl's personality to be quite annoying. She is very insecure and immature, especially when she is "standing up for herself" (a.k.a. throwing tantrums). She definitely shouldn't put up with some things, but her idea of how to conduct herself with dignity is pretty far off the mark.

The guy, on the other hand, is pretty selfish, inconsiderate, and even rude at times, but suddenly transforms into a decent guy without any apparent reason.

I am not thrilled by this story. It was certainly entertaining, but also a bit ridiculous, and it's shortcomings are pretty hard to ignore.

Over all cute story. A little predictable, but worth reading for it's entertainment value

Amazing! The world building was so vivid and the characters held such depth easily portrayed by both the writer and the voice actor.

An engrossing and sweet fantasy story. Just enough world building, so it's enjoyable rather than confusing. The romance is good, and tasteful enough to be suitable for younger readers. Also, this voice actor is great!

My first audiobook! I’m hooked. Amy Harmon is a jewel. More of her books I must have. Audiobooks are so much better than the old way. Thank you!

Rich and captivating plot, ruined by constant whimpering and sentimentalities. There is no depth in the characters, not expected - normal reactions to the simplest of things, everything seems to be a rainbow fairytale with no gravity keeping it realistic. The beginning started really well with so much potential, but sadly it didn't continue this way. Deep anger and resentment don't simply resolve with a forced kiss or sexual acts, it takes personal work, maturing and constant realizations to change one's view of sb over time. And insults/ beratings can't inspire love/ admiration, or change a person for the better. I grew tired and cringed of the constant swooning of the main character, always fragile, always weak - even in the end. It had so much potential but unfortunately didn't work out that way.

The writing and authorship was wonderful. The world building and character development was excellent and I really felt myself rooting for Lark. Some say that she’s just a chaos agent standing by as bad things happen, however- those people probably haven’t experienced much trauma, or conditioning (a result of trauma for those sitting in the back row). She felt authentic to me for her age, experience, and world. There were other minor other characters I would have loved to see more of and know more about to lend context to the relationships- but I did enjoy. It was also a very simple idea that branched into a semi robust worldview. People may be different- outwardly- by belief- but if we share common goals and abilities to provide and support those who are vulnerable- we should; Most ignore this in concern of their own goals- but we need to also consider others in our choices. Easy-?

Romance and fantasy without being sexually graphic. Thank you!

The story was intriguing, despite taking a ride on the “poor weak woman needs to be rescued by the big strong man” train.

Beautiful use of language by Amy Harmon brought vividly and spectacularly to life by Trina Nishimura. Both are incredibly talented, and I will be seeking more of their works in the future.

I loved it ??♥️♥️♥️♥️? it was good 4.5 or 4.8 haven't diceded yet

The Bird and the Sword
by Amy Harmon
YA High Fantasy
Scribd Audio

A young girl witnessed the king kill her mother, because he blamed her for being gifted, which, under his reign was punishable by death, though it was the child's mistake that the king witnessed. Upon dying, the mother told her child to swallow her words, and not to speak again until the hour, she also told her husband, the girl's father to protect her, for his life is tied to the child's.

Fast forward. That king is now dead and his son is king. The girl's father is next in line if the young king dies, and the father does want the throne. His refusal to send men to the king's side to fight a war against monsters brings the king to his door, and he takes the girl, now a young lady, and will keep her until her father obeys and the war is won.

When the audio first started, I was questioning how good the story was going to be, but OMG, it picked up and drew me right into this world. It's a slow-burn type romance, but it's not graphic and it's blended within the other plots smoothly. There is language and the battles are a little bloody, but it's still suitable for readers fourteen and older.

The characters and the world are well thought out. I did notice some rhyming with the story that had nothing to do with the 'spells', just general conversation. The rhyming for the spells was perfect, but the other times, I didn't care for it, it should've been left only for the spells. I feel it took some of the 'magic' away.

It's a great story, so don't judge the book by the cover, I almost did. I don't care for this cover at all! The alternative covers are better.

4 Stars

Both book and narrator were amazing. So good. Magical. Fantastical. Engaging.

I don’t usually like audiobooks, prefer to read them, but this one is not only beautifully written but is also beautifully narrated. Definitely recommend……..

LOVED this book and the narrator made the story even better!!

One of my goals for this year was to read more books, but I am falling behind my one a month target. I belatedly realized, after finishing 2 novels in 2.5days, the power of fiction to beguile.

This novel is one of them, and the narrator did great in animating this amazing, inspiring story. A testament that you do not need wings to fly...

This book, full of such lush, beautiful words, will break your heart...then make it whole again.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m going to start the next in the series now…so excited!