I’ve read all of Amy Harmon’s novels, several of them more than once. Someone asked recently which was my favorite, and until now I would have said Making Faces. However, now I think The Bird and The Sword may actually be my new favorite.
I read a lot of books. If I’m not reading, I’m listening to them on Audible. I enjoy so many different genres. My favorites are historical fiction, modern, YA, and fantasy. I have my favorite authors and I enjoy discovering new ones. That being said, it’s sometimes hard to find a “new” story. I can honestly say that every single one of this author’s stories are completely unique, with depth and originality that can be hard to find.
The Bird and The Sword is her first fantasy novel, and it hit the bullseye. I mean, really hit it. I could not stop reading, to the point that my family was probably getting annoyed with me telling them how good it is, and “just a few more minutes and I’ll get dinner going”.
Oh, you all know how it is when you find a story like that.
Set in the Land of Jeru, the love story weaved for Lark and Tiras is one for the ages. Honestly, minstrels would sing of it to kings and peasants both, and it would be passed down from generation to generation.
Lark, has a dangerous Gift of words yet cannot speak, and Tiras, is so masculine and the epitome of a King, yet unbelievably complex with secrets of his own.
But they aren’t the only ones who capture your heart- Lark’s best friend the troll Boojohni and the king’s confidant and only friend Kjell hold their own in the story, and aren’t to be forgotten.
The images the story-telling paints in your mind as they travel this journey are so vivid you could close your eyes and be there with them. You’re in the midst of battle with the Volgar, in the castle with Lark as she embraces her Gift. You’re with her as her feelings turn from despair, and feel her heartbreak and loneliness as Tiras leaves for days upon days without her knowing when or if he’ll return. You’re with them as the battle peaks and the ultimate sacrifices are made in effort to save a kingdom and all of it’s inhabitants, and to save love.
There is an underlying spiritual message if you look to find it. I read a paragraph towards the end of the novel and thought to myself “Oh wow, that’s it. That’s the message we should all take away”. I won’t tell you what that is, because I think you should read it to find out. But it’s timely and wise.
It’s been a long time since I’ve given a novel 5 stars, and I would give it six if I could. Yes, it’s that good. While this is currently a stand alone novel, I’m hoping with fingers crossed that one day there may be a second in the series, because I’m not quite ready to let Jeru and it’s people go just yet.
