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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
Re-read April 2023: 2.5 ⭑ - Average
First read April 2017: 5 ⭑
I think the initial idea and the magic system were really intriguing, which is what I remember I originally enjoyed when I first read this novel; I liked how it was shown and written, particularly in the first chapter. But now that I have read it again, as the story went along, it felt like it wasn't used to its full potential. Lark could have used her power for anything, and she barely got to scratch the surface when.
Also, I kind of knew from the start that Lark Maybe some people were satisfied with her role and the duties given to her, but she could have done so much more in my opinion, and I would have liked for her to stray from the meek person she was presented as.
Finally, I don't know why my memory was distorted like this but I remembered that I had enjoyed reading the relationship between Lark and the King, but now that I've re-read it the romance was alright, but nothing special. Some scenes I just didn't like.
First read April 2017: 5 ⭑
I think the initial idea and the magic system were really intriguing, which is what I remember I originally enjoyed when I first read this novel; I liked how it was shown and written, particularly in the first chapter. But now that I have read it again, as the story went along, it felt like it wasn't used to its full potential. Lark could have used her power for anything, and she barely got to scratch the surface when
Spoiler
helping in the attacks or when she tried to escapeAlso, I kind of knew from the start that Lark
Spoiler
was the cause of whatever issue the now King had after she whispered something to him, so the entire novel I was just waiting for her to solve it. However this just further proves my point that if she was capable of casting these life-threatening curses at the mere age of five, imagine what she could do now.Finally, I don't know why my memory was distorted like this but I remembered that I had enjoyed reading the relationship between Lark and the King, but now that I've re-read it the romance was alright, but nothing special. Some scenes I just didn't like.
I like the original concept of this book. Those gifted with magic are hated and hunted. They are divided into four types of gifts. Lark's words are literally saturated with magic to the point that speaking can be dangerous. Trauma and a spell take her voice but not her magic. You follow her as she discovers what happened to her and why. If you're looking for a love story this book didn't satisfy that for me at all. I didn't find the love story compelling nor did I particularly like the King. While Lark isn't weak she also is dominated and bullied by the King in ways that didn't always sit well with me. However I felt a choice in those actions from her knowing she had a great deal of power. The writing is simple and reminiscent of a fairytale. Overall I enjoyed the magic system, liked Lark and liked the happy ending. It definitely made me want to read book two.
I am in absolute awe of this book. I am having such a hard time coming up with the words to the describe the place this took me to. It was entirely unexpected and surreal, pure magic on every page.
I have no words so i'm probably going to have to come back to give this the proper review it deserves.
I have no words so i'm probably going to have to come back to give this the proper review it deserves.
I really liked this! I found myself thinking about it often while I was reading.
The ending was bleh and while I didn’t predict it, I am not amused. I also don’t understand the motivations and everything seemed to happen rather fast compared to the rest of the book. I was really enjoying the slow unfurling and was hoping it would end on a cliff hanger and book 2 would contain the answers. Well that doesn’t seem to be the case
The magic was cool and unique. There were a few spots that were genuinely funny. I liked the rhymes!
I’m going to read on
The ending was bleh and while I didn’t predict it, I am not amused. I also don’t understand the motivations and everything seemed to happen rather fast compared to the rest of the book. I was really enjoying the slow unfurling and was hoping it would end on a cliff hanger and book 2 would contain the answers. Well that doesn’t seem to be the case
The magic was cool and unique. There were a few spots that were genuinely funny. I liked the rhymes!
I’m going to read on
5 stars! Audio book review
For me, this book had two strikes against it from the get go:
1) I’ve only read one other Amy Harmon book, and I wasn’t impressed. *runs and hides*
2) I don’t read fantasy very often.
I wanted a change of genre, though, and the glowing comments about The Bird and the Sword made me decide to give it a chance. My only regret is that I didn’t read it sooner. It is magical in every sense. This book swept me away from the very first chapter, and I was completely enraptured.
Hatred and fear are allowed to flourish in a land where it is a crime to be gifted with magical abilities. The main characters are fascinating. You have Lark, a young Lady of noble birth who is mute. She is small, plain, and undermined; She is also intuitive, smart, and stubborn. Then there is King Tiras, a perplexing, magnetic warrior who is protecting his country against a formidable enemy. At the same time he is fending off attempts to overthrow him.
Amy Harmon painstakingly paints a picture of this new world that is obviously fantasy, but it draws out genuine emotions. It is easy to forget that the people and the circumstances are not real. All you lovers of love stories should be happy to know that even in the midst of battles and suspense, romance is very much incorporated into the plot.
I listed to the audio book version, and it is phenomenal! Trina Nishimura nailed it. She is more than just a narrator. She is a vocal performer who infuses emotion, intention, and character distinction with every sentence. Between her narration and the engrossing plot, I found myself sitting in my driveway for long periods of time, just listening to the audio book, unwilling to go inside. I’m sure my neighbors thought I was nuts. I didn’t even care.
Amy Harmon’s creativity is clearly reflected in her spectacular, suspenseful writing. Color me impressed! The Sword and the Stone has earned a spot on my Favorites shelf.
Recommended for fans of:
Fantasy
New Adult
Romance
Suspense
For me, this book had two strikes against it from the get go:
1) I’ve only read one other Amy Harmon book, and I wasn’t impressed. *runs and hides*
2) I don’t read fantasy very often.
I wanted a change of genre, though, and the glowing comments about The Bird and the Sword made me decide to give it a chance. My only regret is that I didn’t read it sooner. It is magical in every sense. This book swept me away from the very first chapter, and I was completely enraptured.
Hatred and fear are allowed to flourish in a land where it is a crime to be gifted with magical abilities. The main characters are fascinating. You have Lark, a young Lady of noble birth who is mute. She is small, plain, and undermined; She is also intuitive, smart, and stubborn. Then there is King Tiras, a perplexing, magnetic warrior who is protecting his country against a formidable enemy. At the same time he is fending off attempts to overthrow him.
Amy Harmon painstakingly paints a picture of this new world that is obviously fantasy, but it draws out genuine emotions. It is easy to forget that the people and the circumstances are not real. All you lovers of love stories should be happy to know that even in the midst of battles and suspense, romance is very much incorporated into the plot.
I listed to the audio book version, and it is phenomenal! Trina Nishimura nailed it. She is more than just a narrator. She is a vocal performer who infuses emotion, intention, and character distinction with every sentence. Between her narration and the engrossing plot, I found myself sitting in my driveway for long periods of time, just listening to the audio book, unwilling to go inside. I’m sure my neighbors thought I was nuts. I didn’t even care.
Amy Harmon’s creativity is clearly reflected in her spectacular, suspenseful writing. Color me impressed! The Sword and the Stone has earned a spot on my Favorites shelf.
Recommended for fans of:
Fantasy
New Adult
Romance
Suspense
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Lovely, absolutely lovely.
Harmon weaves a beautiful tale in the Bird and the Sword. Captivating and honest, you can't help but fall in love with Lark and Taris.
Harmon weaves a beautiful tale in the Bird and the Sword. Captivating and honest, you can't help but fall in love with Lark and Taris.
