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The Bird and the Sword Chronicles #2
The Queen and the Cure
There will be a battle, and you will need to protect your heart.
Kjell of Jeru had always known who he was. He'd never envied his brother or wanted to be king. He was the bastard son of the late King Zoltev and a servant girl, and the ignominy of his birth had never bothered him.
But there is more to a man than his parentage. More to a man than his blade, his size, or his skills, and all that Kjell once knew has shifted and changed. He is no longer simply Kjell of Jeru, a warrior defending the crown. Now he is a healer, one of the Gifted, and a man completely at odds with his power.
Called upon to rid the country of the last vestiges of the Volgar, Kjell stumbles upon a woman who has troubling glimpses of the future and no memory of the past. Armed with his unwanted gift and haunted by regret, Kjell becomes a reluctant savior, beset by old enemies and new expectations. With the woman by his side, Kjell embarks upon a journey where the greatest test may be finding the man she believes him to be.
Kjell of Jeru had always known who he was. He'd never envied his brother or wanted to be king. He was the bastard son of the late King Zoltev and a servant girl, and the ignominy of his birth had never bothered him.
But there is more to a man than his parentage. More to a man than his blade, his size, or his skills, and all that Kjell once knew has shifted and changed. He is no longer simply Kjell of Jeru, a warrior defending the crown. Now he is a healer, one of the Gifted, and a man completely at odds with his power.
Called upon to rid the country of the last vestiges of the Volgar, Kjell stumbles upon a woman who has troubling glimpses of the future and no memory of the past. Armed with his unwanted gift and haunted by regret, Kjell becomes a reluctant savior, beset by old enemies and new expectations. With the woman by his side, Kjell embarks upon a journey where the greatest test may be finding the man she believes him to be.
342 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2017
1699 people are currently reading
11211 people want to read
About the author
Amy Harmon
27 books20k followersAmy Harmon is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Her books are now being published in two dozen languages, truly a dream come true for a little country girl.
Amy Harmon has written eighteen novels including the USA Today Bestsellers, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as The Law of Moses, Infinity + One and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue. Her fantasy novel, The Bird and the Sword, was a Goodreads Book of the Year finalist. Her newest release, What the Wind Knows, is an Amazon charts and Wall Street Journal bestseller. For updates on upcoming book releases, author posts and more, join Amy at www.authoramyharmon.com.
Amy Harmon has written eighteen novels including the USA Today Bestsellers, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as The Law of Moses, Infinity + One and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue. Her fantasy novel, The Bird and the Sword, was a Goodreads Book of the Year finalist. Her newest release, What the Wind Knows, is an Amazon charts and Wall Street Journal bestseller. For updates on upcoming book releases, author posts and more, join Amy at www.authoramyharmon.com.
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May 9, 2017THE QUEEN AND THE CURE is now LIVE!
BUY NOW: AMAZON KINDLE | AMAZON PAPERBACK | BARNES & NOBLE | iTUNES | KOBO | SMASHWORDS
Click here to read the blog post with a short Q&A.
BUY NOW: AMAZON KINDLE | AMAZON PAPERBACK | BARNES & NOBLE | iTUNES | KOBO | SMASHWORDS
Copyright © Amy Harmon
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM
BUY NOW: AMAZON KINDLE | AMAZON PAPERBACK | BARNES & NOBLE | iTUNES | KOBO | SMASHWORDS
Click here to read the blog post with a short Q&A.
"The castle was holding her breath. She’d been holding her breath for so long."
"There were no secrets, no sorrows, nothing hidden, nothing lost. They saw not what would be or what had been, but only what was. She saw him. He saw her. And they saw nothing else."
"Kjell looked like a soldier, but he also looked like his father, and his father was a king. The king never claimed him. But it never mattered. When people saw Kjell, they always knew."
"You don’t belong to me. The people I healed don’t belong to me either. That’s not the way it works. I don’t want a servant, and I don’t need a woman."
"He was not loved like his brother and had never inspired a similar loyalty. But he was feared like his father, and that suited him well enough."
BUY NOW: AMAZON KINDLE | AMAZON PAPERBACK | BARNES & NOBLE | iTUNES | KOBO | SMASHWORDS
Copyright © Amy Harmon
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM
October 31, 2017
If you've read 'The Bird and the Sword', then you absolutely must read 'The Queen and the Cure'. If you haven't gotten around to reading 'The Bird and the Sword', then what are you waiting for? This series is phenomenal!
Every time that I read an Amy Harmon book, I lose myself. I know that everything else is going to take a back seat and I am going to check entirely out of real life and into the fictional world that she's crafted. For that reason, I often put off her books for a time when I know I can afford to be so utterly consumed. I do not pick up her books during the work week or I'd end up playing sick and shirking my responsibilities.
This book tells the story of Kjell of Jeru, the half-brother of Tiras, and Sasha, a healer/slave. Surprisingly, Tiras and Lark play only a minor background role in this story. While that was a bit disappointing to me initially, in no time at all I couldn't have cared less. I was so lost in this story that I was like "Tiras and Lark who?".
Kjell is sent out on a mission to track down and destroy the remaining Volgar. He's a fierce warrior and not prone to emotional reactions. Yet, he is admirable in so many ways. He has a strong sense of right and wrong and lives by his own code of honor.
When Kjell first encounters Sasha, she is in dire danger. She has been sentenced to die a cruel death, being cast off a cliff by the village she tried to help. A slave, she was valuable for her special abilities until her visions of what was to come led the villagers to turn on her.
After saving Sasha, Kjell has no interest in having anything to do with her. However, the slave girl is persistent. She believes that she now belongs to him and is determined to repay his kindness. Ultimately, Kjell reluctantly agrees to allow her to accompany him and his men on their journey.
The relationship between Kjell and Sasha evolves slowly. They form a tentative friendship, which gradually becomes more. Amidst a backdrop of war and suffering, their romance blooms in stark contrast.
Meanwhile, it is becoming apparent that there is more to Sasha than either her or Kjell ever realized. Memories long oppressed, begin to resurface for Sasha. The cryptic commentary of supporting characters further steels the feeling that a big twist awaits.
Just as Kjell and Sasha find blissful happiness, the other shoe drops. Sasha's past is revealed to her, as is her larger purpose. It changes everything. It was like a swift kick in the gut. I was absolutely wrecked.
This book was everything that I have come to expect from an Amy Harmon book. The writing was exquisite. The listening experience was completely immersive and the characters were beautifully flawed. I ran the full gamut of emotions while listening to this book. I was thrilled, overjoyed, heartbroken and then healed.
I don't want to give too much away, because it is a story that deserves to be experienced. I will just say that it was absolutely wonderful! I highly recommend this series to readers that like a little romance mixed in with their paranormal/fantasy picks. It was exactly what I needed!
Every time that I read an Amy Harmon book, I lose myself. I know that everything else is going to take a back seat and I am going to check entirely out of real life and into the fictional world that she's crafted. For that reason, I often put off her books for a time when I know I can afford to be so utterly consumed. I do not pick up her books during the work week or I'd end up playing sick and shirking my responsibilities.
This book tells the story of Kjell of Jeru, the half-brother of Tiras, and Sasha, a healer/slave. Surprisingly, Tiras and Lark play only a minor background role in this story. While that was a bit disappointing to me initially, in no time at all I couldn't have cared less. I was so lost in this story that I was like "Tiras and Lark who?".
Kjell is sent out on a mission to track down and destroy the remaining Volgar. He's a fierce warrior and not prone to emotional reactions. Yet, he is admirable in so many ways. He has a strong sense of right and wrong and lives by his own code of honor.
When Kjell first encounters Sasha, she is in dire danger. She has been sentenced to die a cruel death, being cast off a cliff by the village she tried to help. A slave, she was valuable for her special abilities until her visions of what was to come led the villagers to turn on her.
After saving Sasha, Kjell has no interest in having anything to do with her. However, the slave girl is persistent. She believes that she now belongs to him and is determined to repay his kindness. Ultimately, Kjell reluctantly agrees to allow her to accompany him and his men on their journey.
The relationship between Kjell and Sasha evolves slowly. They form a tentative friendship, which gradually becomes more. Amidst a backdrop of war and suffering, their romance blooms in stark contrast.
Meanwhile, it is becoming apparent that there is more to Sasha than either her or Kjell ever realized. Memories long oppressed, begin to resurface for Sasha. The cryptic commentary of supporting characters further steels the feeling that a big twist awaits.
Just as Kjell and Sasha find blissful happiness, the other shoe drops. Sasha's past is revealed to her, as is her larger purpose. It changes everything. It was like a swift kick in the gut. I was absolutely wrecked.
This book was everything that I have come to expect from an Amy Harmon book. The writing was exquisite. The listening experience was completely immersive and the characters were beautifully flawed. I ran the full gamut of emotions while listening to this book. I was thrilled, overjoyed, heartbroken and then healed.
I don't want to give too much away, because it is a story that deserves to be experienced. I will just say that it was absolutely wonderful! I highly recommend this series to readers that like a little romance mixed in with their paranormal/fantasy picks. It was exactly what I needed!
May 28, 2017
There once was a man named Kjell of Jeru who was not easy to love.
He had slayed monsters and men, he had bathed his hands in blood and he protected his heart with a shield of stone, afraid to feel, afraid to dream. When he learned he was a Healer, blessed by the Gods, it was not easy for him to find the balance between his sword and the cure he could offer, he could not understand how to care for anyone other than his brother. But one night, under sharp rocks and with sand in his clothes, he met his Fate.
There was once a woman named Sasha with hair like fire and a heart full of compassion.
She did not know who she was, where she came from and what was her place in the world. But she did know Kjell of Jeru. She came to love and cherish him, she saw beneath his cold mask and removed it. But love was denied. Oaths unraveled. Stars fell from the sky and ancient trees came to life, harbingers of sorrow, heartache, and truth. And Kjell of Jeru faced a destiny he was sure it was never meant to be his.
Kjell and Sasha's story was divine. Sacred. It was made of strands of light interwined with the deepest color of the darkest night. And this story needed to be told. To be given to mankind. For this mission, they chose a mortal woman with her soul in her hands. She was a Teller named Amy Harmon. Her Gift was bestowed by the Muses. She could infuse words with a storm of emotions. She could paint green landscapes and tumultuous waters and nightmarish monsters and imposing castles with mere sentences. She could create beauty so devasting, so overwhelming, that the heart could not contain it, but releashed it in the form of tears. She breathed life into her pages, and her pages breathed life into her readers' lungs, until every vein and every shell and every pore was full of Kjell and Sasha.
She did their story justice.
In The Queen and the Cure duty battled with longing. Kjell, the soldier and the healer, was a man special. Devoted. Firm. And when he loved, he did not hold back. Sasha was the epitome of kindness. She was unaware of the concept of lies, her Gift was mostly a burden, but she never lost faith. She was regal in every way. She was the haven to Kjell's tempest, and no one, not spiteful and power-thirsty Changers, no Spinners and visions could take that away. The only danger to their love, was herself. Their journey was not easy. Their road was not paved with flower petals. Their song was both gleeful and mournful, a ray of sunlight and a lamentation that broke you piece by piece. But it was beguiling, and once you were caught in the nets Amy Harmon intricately wove, you belonged to her. To them.
In the land of Jeru, magic can be found in trees and animals, even stars. In our world, it can be found in stories. And Amy Harmon's stories are the most solid proof that magic exists.
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He had slayed monsters and men, he had bathed his hands in blood and he protected his heart with a shield of stone, afraid to feel, afraid to dream. When he learned he was a Healer, blessed by the Gods, it was not easy for him to find the balance between his sword and the cure he could offer, he could not understand how to care for anyone other than his brother. But one night, under sharp rocks and with sand in his clothes, he met his Fate.
“She saw him.
He saw her.
And they saw nothing else.”
There was once a woman named Sasha with hair like fire and a heart full of compassion.
She did not know who she was, where she came from and what was her place in the world. But she did know Kjell of Jeru. She came to love and cherish him, she saw beneath his cold mask and removed it. But love was denied. Oaths unraveled. Stars fell from the sky and ancient trees came to life, harbingers of sorrow, heartache, and truth. And Kjell of Jeru faced a destiny he was sure it was never meant to be his.
“In the lands we cannot see,
In the hearts we do not know,
In the kingdom of the trees,
Where my brother now must go.”
Kjell and Sasha's story was divine. Sacred. It was made of strands of light interwined with the deepest color of the darkest night. And this story needed to be told. To be given to mankind. For this mission, they chose a mortal woman with her soul in her hands. She was a Teller named Amy Harmon. Her Gift was bestowed by the Muses. She could infuse words with a storm of emotions. She could paint green landscapes and tumultuous waters and nightmarish monsters and imposing castles with mere sentences. She could create beauty so devasting, so overwhelming, that the heart could not contain it, but releashed it in the form of tears. She breathed life into her pages, and her pages breathed life into her readers' lungs, until every vein and every shell and every pore was full of Kjell and Sasha.
She did their story justice.
“He was not good. He was not generous. He was not courageous or compassionate. He simply loved her. And love made him a better man. That was all.”
In The Queen and the Cure duty battled with longing. Kjell, the soldier and the healer, was a man special. Devoted. Firm. And when he loved, he did not hold back. Sasha was the epitome of kindness. She was unaware of the concept of lies, her Gift was mostly a burden, but she never lost faith. She was regal in every way. She was the haven to Kjell's tempest, and no one, not spiteful and power-thirsty Changers, no Spinners and visions could take that away. The only danger to their love, was herself. Their journey was not easy. Their road was not paved with flower petals. Their song was both gleeful and mournful, a ray of sunlight and a lamentation that broke you piece by piece. But it was beguiling, and once you were caught in the nets Amy Harmon intricately wove, you belonged to her. To them.
“Come to me, and I will try to love you. I will try to love you, if you but come back.”
In the land of Jeru, magic can be found in trees and animals, even stars. In our world, it can be found in stories. And Amy Harmon's stories are the most solid proof that magic exists.
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | BookNest
August 8, 2017
At 75%, yet, I'm conflicted, queasy, and not at all happy with my thoughts on this book. *curls into a ball*
I'm either going to love it to bits or .......
Full review, with a TON of spoilers
To answer the riddle: I neither loved nor hated The Queen and the Cure, which makes this review all the more difficult to write.
When I started, I anticipated a love story with a dash of fantasy, what I got, however, was a fantastical story with a dash of love so minuscule, I despaired. Kjell's and Saoirse's story was not what I hoped it would be. Not in the least.
I'll assume anyone reading this book (and review) has read, The Bird and the Sword, the first book of the series. Tiras and Lark were the protagonists in the first book. Their love story was absolutely riveting with enough action and magic to sate the most demanding appetite.
With TBATS, I never felt the love story was sacrificed or overwhelmed by the magic/fantasy; moreover, that story felt entirely organic what with Tiras and Lark having met as children. Their love was believable, almost fated. This book, on the other hand, had one too many coincidences.
If you are the sort that believes in providence, then this book is for you. If you don't object to your FMC being married (sort of) for the majority of the story, then, by all means, don't let my review deter you. If you can bear the fact that the FMC's husband conveniently dies at around 90% of the book, you will absolutely love this.
And oh, if you don't object that, at 70%, our MMC suddenly learns he's the progeny of a princess, making him a bona fide first in line to the throne which is presently being held by the FMC's husband, then, who am I to cry DEUS EX MACHINA.
While not denying that the writing was nearly perfect, it somehow made the plot contrivances all the more obvious. Furthermore, I never quite fell in love with Kjell or Saoirse (Seer-sha) and I felt completely distanced from them, not really understanding what made either one love the other. Yes, their first meeting could be deemed as being reason enough for Kjell to fall in love with Saoirse, still, I struggled.
To say I am disappointed is an understatement, even the magic and fantastical elements proved underwhelming. And although I read this in one sitting, it was not as captivating as I'd hoped.
p.s. I might come back to edit/tweak this review because I feel my emotions haven't really given my head enough time to fully process all the elements of this story. So, please, take this as one person's very emotional review.
May 8, 2017
4.5 stars!!!
When I read the first book in this series last year, I was intrigued by Kjell of Jeru. He is a brave man. A warrior and a healer, which is quite the contradiction. Kjell is coming to terms with being one of the ‘Gifted’. It’s not something he’s sure he’ll ever get used to. Kjell is out with his men fighting the good fight to get rid of the Volgar, when he stumbles upon a scarlet haired woman who is in need of help. She is in need of the kind of help only a healer can give. After Kjell helps her, he comes to find she is one of the Gifted as well. She can see things in the future, things that have yet to be.
Kjell finds himself on a journey with this woman who can see bits of the future, but remembers none of her past. Sasha moves along with Kjell back to Jeru, and as their journey goes on, feelings start to develop between the two. This book gave me so many feels. There was angst, heartbreak, and so much beauty and emotion. I want to say so much, but I loved the surprises thrown in.
The Queen and the Cure is a book I’d recommend to everyone. I don’t care if you love fantasy, or you’re like me and just love a good story period, read this book. It was a stunning tale that was brilliantly written and I can’t wait to read more from this world!
“Come to me, and I will try to love you. I will try to love you, if you but come back.”Amy Harmon’s unique stories and beautiful writing always blows me away. There is something so special and different about her The Bird and the Sword Chronicles. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not much of a fantasy reader. I’ll dabble in it occasionally, but it’s not my genre of choice. Amy is one of those authors- I’ll read anything she writes. I’m glad I took a chance on something different once again. The Queen and the Cure is an exceptional book.
When I read the first book in this series last year, I was intrigued by Kjell of Jeru. He is a brave man. A warrior and a healer, which is quite the contradiction. Kjell is coming to terms with being one of the ‘Gifted’. It’s not something he’s sure he’ll ever get used to. Kjell is out with his men fighting the good fight to get rid of the Volgar, when he stumbles upon a scarlet haired woman who is in need of help. She is in need of the kind of help only a healer can give. After Kjell helps her, he comes to find she is one of the Gifted as well. She can see things in the future, things that have yet to be.
Kjell finds himself on a journey with this woman who can see bits of the future, but remembers none of her past. Sasha moves along with Kjell back to Jeru, and as their journey goes on, feelings start to develop between the two. This book gave me so many feels. There was angst, heartbreak, and so much beauty and emotion. I want to say so much, but I loved the surprises thrown in.
“I remember. I remember everything. And everything has changed. But I have not forgotten how I feel about you.”
The Queen and the Cure is a book I’d recommend to everyone. I don’t care if you love fantasy, or you’re like me and just love a good story period, read this book. It was a stunning tale that was brilliantly written and I can’t wait to read more from this world!
May 9, 2017
NOW LIVE!!!! http://amzn.to/2q2luPj
Before reading The Queen and The Cure: There is no way this will top The Bird and The Sword
While re-reading The Bird and The Sword: Nope. No way anything will be better.
Begin reading The Queen and The Cure: Ok, ok. Maybe this will be just as good as The Bird and The Sword.
In the middle of reading The Queen and The Cure: WHY CAN'T I STOP SOBBING.
After reading The Queen and The Cure: HOLY JERU, HOW IN THE WORLD DID SHE MANAGE TO TOP THE BIRD AND THE SWORD?!?!? THAT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!
This, my friends, this is slow burning bliss. This is a tale where every word has a purpose. Ever story has a meaning. And it all intricately entwines to become one of the most beautiful stories I have read.
Just like with book one, I find it hard to speak on anything regarding the plot for fear of saying something that might be considered a spoiler. So I am just going to ramble on what I loved and post my favorite quotes. Because really, my words will not do this book justice. So how do you review a book you loved so much it made you feel like your heart would burst? You can't. You just blabber on like a fool. So:
Kjell
Kjell
Kjell.
*Be still my heart*
One of my most favorite things to read about is a hard, cold hero whose walls crumble at the hands of someone he can't help but love. His character was absolute perfection. And he is SO much more than what he first seems. He was such a strong yet cold warrior, but underneath that all was a man who loves more fiercely than anyone.
*******
EVERYTHING in this was magical, poignant, and just exquisite. Amy has created such a romantic, enchanting tale. Such an interesting, unique world. Along with the beautiful romance, there was suspense, action, and an intricate plot that pulled me in from page one and did not let go until the last. I held my breath from the gut-wrenching tension and my heart ached from the all-consuming emotions. This destroyed me in the BEST possible way.
*I have goosebumps as I type these quotes. The emotions from this book are palpable.*
There are so many memorable moments and such engaging characters. So many times I had to go back and re-read a passage because it was just THAT beautiful. I TRULY hope Amy does not stop writing about this world!
This has easily become one of my most favorite fantasy books and a series I will turn to read again and again and again.
The Queen and The Cure is out May 9th! And I promise you, you want to read it. | http://amzn.to/2pL6eIC
Find Me On:
Instagram ❤ FB Page ❤ FB Blog ❤ Blog ❤ Twitter
“Come to me, and I will try to love you. I will try to love you, if you but come back.”
Before reading The Queen and The Cure: There is no way this will top The Bird and The Sword
While re-reading The Bird and The Sword: Nope. No way anything will be better.
Begin reading The Queen and The Cure: Ok, ok. Maybe this will be just as good as The Bird and The Sword.
In the middle of reading The Queen and The Cure: WHY CAN'T I STOP SOBBING.
After reading The Queen and The Cure: HOLY JERU, HOW IN THE WORLD DID SHE MANAGE TO TOP THE BIRD AND THE SWORD?!?!? THAT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!
This, my friends, this is slow burning bliss. This is a tale where every word has a purpose. Ever story has a meaning. And it all intricately entwines to become one of the most beautiful stories I have read.
Just like with book one, I find it hard to speak on anything regarding the plot for fear of saying something that might be considered a spoiler. So I am just going to ramble on what I loved and post my favorite quotes. Because really, my words will not do this book justice. So how do you review a book you loved so much it made you feel like your heart would burst? You can't. You just blabber on like a fool. So:
Kjell
Kjell
Kjell.
*Be still my heart*
One of my most favorite things to read about is a hard, cold hero whose walls crumble at the hands of someone he can't help but love. His character was absolute perfection. And he is SO much more than what he first seems. He was such a strong yet cold warrior, but underneath that all was a man who loves more fiercely than anyone.
“You said if I came back . . . you would try to love me.”
He turned his head, caught in the familiarity of the words. “What?”
“Come to me and I will try to love you, I will try to love you, if you but come back,” she chanted softly. “I heard you . . . and I came back.”
“I lied,” he said, breathless. He made himself look at her again, so she would believe him. She was covered from head to toe, and yet he could still see her unclothed.
“Who were you lying to?” she asked.
“To you,” he whispered, lying again. He looked for his anger. Where was his bloody anger? Come to me and I will try to love you. I will try to love you, if you but come back.
She made him want to try.
She made him want to lie again.
*******
He loved her then. He loved her now. He’d loved her from the moment she’d opened her eyes beneath a moonlit sky in Quondoon and greeted him like she’d been waiting forever.
EVERYTHING in this was magical, poignant, and just exquisite. Amy has created such a romantic, enchanting tale. Such an interesting, unique world. Along with the beautiful romance, there was suspense, action, and an intricate plot that pulled me in from page one and did not let go until the last. I held my breath from the gut-wrenching tension and my heart ached from the all-consuming emotions. This destroyed me in the BEST possible way.
“You are kind,” she whispered.
“I’m not kind.”
“And you are good,” she said, repeating the lines they’d exchanged once before.
“I am not good.” He felt like weeping. He was not good. He was not generous. He was not courageous or compassionate.
He simply loved her.
And love made him a better man.
That was all.
*I have goosebumps as I type these quotes. The emotions from this book are palpable.*
There are so many memorable moments and such engaging characters. So many times I had to go back and re-read a passage because it was just THAT beautiful. I TRULY hope Amy does not stop writing about this world!
This has easily become one of my most favorite fantasy books and a series I will turn to read again and again and again.
The Queen and The Cure is out May 9th! And I promise you, you want to read it. | http://amzn.to/2pL6eIC
Find Me On:
Instagram ❤ FB Page ❤ FB Blog ❤ Blog ❤ Twitter
May 11, 2017
THIS BOOK IS NOW LIVE!!!
Go get it. Read it. Love it. And then come back here and talk to me about it so we can fangirl together!!
On Amazon USA: http://amzn.to/2qZn47z
----------------------------
5 stars are not enough.
There is nothing quite like finishing a great book. I don't even know where to start, so I'll start with Kjell...
"He'd always known who he was. He hadn't been especially proud of it, but he'd known."
"It was as if he'd battled the sea all his life only to discover he had scales and gills and belonged beneath the depths instead of casting nets."
"He was not loved like his brother... but he was feared like his father, and that suited him well enough."
"I don't trust you. I don't want to feel anything for you. And you are determined to make me your fool."
Such a flawed, compelling, wonderful, unforgettable character. I already miss him.
Actually, I don't want to give too much away with a lengthy review, but I will say I loved this story just as much (if not more than) 'The Bird and the Sword' (which was my favorite book of 2016). I am in love with this universe Amy Harmon has created. I am addicted to the richness of the world, the mythology. Pair that with her beautifully drawn characters, an achingly tender and heartbreaking love story, and you have a breathtaking tale of epic proportions, one which I will be re-reading over and over and over.
I received an ARC of this book, but I will be buying 100 copies of it for giveaways BECAUSE EVERYONE MUST READ IT!!!
Go get it. Read it. Love it. And then come back here and talk to me about it so we can fangirl together!!
On Amazon USA: http://amzn.to/2qZn47z
----------------------------
5 stars are not enough.
There is nothing quite like finishing a great book. I don't even know where to start, so I'll start with Kjell...
"He'd always known who he was. He hadn't been especially proud of it, but he'd known."
"It was as if he'd battled the sea all his life only to discover he had scales and gills and belonged beneath the depths instead of casting nets."
"He was not loved like his brother... but he was feared like his father, and that suited him well enough."
"I don't trust you. I don't want to feel anything for you. And you are determined to make me your fool."
Such a flawed, compelling, wonderful, unforgettable character. I already miss him.
Actually, I don't want to give too much away with a lengthy review, but I will say I loved this story just as much (if not more than) 'The Bird and the Sword' (which was my favorite book of 2016). I am in love with this universe Amy Harmon has created. I am addicted to the richness of the world, the mythology. Pair that with her beautifully drawn characters, an achingly tender and heartbreaking love story, and you have a breathtaking tale of epic proportions, one which I will be re-reading over and over and over.
I received an ARC of this book, but I will be buying 100 copies of it for giveaways BECAUSE EVERYONE MUST READ IT!!!
May 9, 2017
4 STARS
"She saw him. He saw her. And they saw nothing else."
Amy Harmon delivers a sequel that rivals her previous book of this series. She skillfully brings readers back to the land of queens and kings with a population of gifted inhabitants and a heroine and a hero who are so much more they either had thought.
”What is your origin story....”
The story is beautifully written while packing a ton of adventure and being vividly rich in text that all scenes were easy for my mind’s eye to see.
All isn’t at all what it seems when our heroine is healed by Kjell of Jeru. They are bonded and the love connection is a slow burn to the point where a reader may think that things are meant to go in a totally different direction.
This story is not only well written but holds many twists and turns that will keep a reader on their toes. I felt like I had completed a true fantasy adventure once finished. Very well done Amy Harmon!
“Come to me, and I will try to love you. I will try to love you, if you but come back.”
**Can be read as a standalone**
**ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
"She saw him. He saw her. And they saw nothing else."
Amy Harmon delivers a sequel that rivals her previous book of this series. She skillfully brings readers back to the land of queens and kings with a population of gifted inhabitants and a heroine and a hero who are so much more they either had thought.
”What is your origin story....”
The story is beautifully written while packing a ton of adventure and being vividly rich in text that all scenes were easy for my mind’s eye to see.
All isn’t at all what it seems when our heroine is healed by Kjell of Jeru. They are bonded and the love connection is a slow burn to the point where a reader may think that things are meant to go in a totally different direction.
This story is not only well written but holds many twists and turns that will keep a reader on their toes. I felt like I had completed a true fantasy adventure once finished. Very well done Amy Harmon!
“Come to me, and I will try to love you. I will try to love you, if you but come back.”
**Can be read as a standalone**
**ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
August 1, 2020
#1 The Bird and the Sword — 4 Stars
#2 The Queen and the Cure — 3 Stars
It’s as beautifully written and magical as The Bird and the Sword, but everything else don’t measure up. I hadn’t been enthusiastic about starting this but ultimately enjoyed both equally. I thought of giving it the same rating as well but decided against it.
I feel like this book just kinda go with the flow. There’s not a set up aim/mission/plot with high enough stakes. It relies heavily on happenstances. On top of that, the romance is an insta love—which I honestly didn’t mind but also couldn’t help craving for some tension.
That being said, I wasn’t attached to any of the characters nor did I particularly care for any of the stuff that happened. My only saving grace was probably Tiras and Lark making a cameo. In short, this story didn’t work for me even though I adored the heck out ot the writing.
(Read as an Audiobook)
#2 The Queen and the Cure — 3 Stars
It’s as beautifully written and magical as The Bird and the Sword, but everything else don’t measure up. I hadn’t been enthusiastic about starting this but ultimately enjoyed both equally. I thought of giving it the same rating as well but decided against it.
I feel like this book just kinda go with the flow. There’s not a set up aim/mission/plot with high enough stakes. It relies heavily on happenstances. On top of that, the romance is an insta love—which I honestly didn’t mind but also couldn’t help craving for some tension.
That being said, I wasn’t attached to any of the characters nor did I particularly care for any of the stuff that happened. My only saving grace was probably Tiras and Lark making a cameo. In short, this story didn’t work for me even though I adored the heck out ot the writing.
(Read as an Audiobook)
May 15, 2017
5 stars!
“Come to me, and I will try to love you. I will try to love you, if you but come back.”
The Queen and the Cure is the story of Kjell, brother of King Tiras, bastard son and soldier. He and his men have been traveling the lands hoping to hunt and kill the last of the Volgar, a bird creature hybrid that is dwindling in size. During his journey, they come upon a young woman named Sasha, who has the Sight and can see the future. Locals deemed her a witch and pushed her off of a cliff, leaving her bloodied and broken. Kjell, heals her and in return Sasha thinks she belongs to him.
As much as Kjell tries, he cannot keep Sasha away from him as she is determined to remain by her side. He decides to bring her back to his home city, and along the way Sasha begins to creep under his skin. But Kjell has lost his heart to the wrong woman before, and he has no wish to let anyone else in.
“He would not be able to let her go, he thought. He would never be free of her.”
Amy Harmon has such a beautiful way with words, she weaves them to what she wills, and spins beautiful tales and descriptive stories that will remain with you for a long time to come. The Bird and the Sword was one of my favorite books from last year, and to get a sequel set in the same verse was an unexpected and very welcome surprise.
For someone who is mostly successful for her contemporary works, I always find myself blown away at the depth and intricate world building Harmon has to deliver, as if she has always been writing fantasy and not anything else. Her fantasy rivals the greats, current and deceased.
I love the world created in this book, it’s one I want to get lost in. In my mind, this world is real and I don’t want to leave. The characters so tangible and genuine they could be real instead of fiction. I felt for them, my heart stretched for them and their love and their pain.
Basically I loved this book, and I hope you give it a chance and read it too. You won’t be disappointed. By the end, this book had me like:
“I fell in love with you in pieces. Layer by layer, day by day, inch by inch.”
Follow me on ♥ Facebook ♥ Blog ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥
“Come to me, and I will try to love you. I will try to love you, if you but come back.”
The Queen and the Cure is the story of Kjell, brother of King Tiras, bastard son and soldier. He and his men have been traveling the lands hoping to hunt and kill the last of the Volgar, a bird creature hybrid that is dwindling in size. During his journey, they come upon a young woman named Sasha, who has the Sight and can see the future. Locals deemed her a witch and pushed her off of a cliff, leaving her bloodied and broken. Kjell, heals her and in return Sasha thinks she belongs to him.
As much as Kjell tries, he cannot keep Sasha away from him as she is determined to remain by her side. He decides to bring her back to his home city, and along the way Sasha begins to creep under his skin. But Kjell has lost his heart to the wrong woman before, and he has no wish to let anyone else in.
“He would not be able to let her go, he thought. He would never be free of her.”
Amy Harmon has such a beautiful way with words, she weaves them to what she wills, and spins beautiful tales and descriptive stories that will remain with you for a long time to come. The Bird and the Sword was one of my favorite books from last year, and to get a sequel set in the same verse was an unexpected and very welcome surprise.
For someone who is mostly successful for her contemporary works, I always find myself blown away at the depth and intricate world building Harmon has to deliver, as if she has always been writing fantasy and not anything else. Her fantasy rivals the greats, current and deceased.
I love the world created in this book, it’s one I want to get lost in. In my mind, this world is real and I don’t want to leave. The characters so tangible and genuine they could be real instead of fiction. I felt for them, my heart stretched for them and their love and their pain.
Basically I loved this book, and I hope you give it a chance and read it too. You won’t be disappointed. By the end, this book had me like:
“I fell in love with you in pieces. Layer by layer, day by day, inch by inch.”
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May 9, 2017
Live : https://www.amazon.com/Queen-Cure-Bir...
5 STARS This book is everything!!!!!
There is no words to express how perfect this story was.If you have read Amy Harmon's books then you know what I mean!!!The Queen and The Cure was a beautiful,captivating and unique story!
The world that Amy creates is addictive and once you starting reading this story you feel like you are a part of it!The Queen and The Cure is one of these stories that you never want to end!
Kjell and Sasha stole my heart,I love them hard and I couldn't get enough of them!
The story is brilliant,the writing flawless and there is a twist that I didn't see it coming which was fantastic!The Queen and the cure is an unforgettable story, and I'm sure I'll read it again and again!
5 STARS This book is everything!!!!!
There is no words to express how perfect this story was.If you have read Amy Harmon's books then you know what I mean!!!The Queen and The Cure was a beautiful,captivating and unique story!
The world that Amy creates is addictive and once you starting reading this story you feel like you are a part of it!The Queen and The Cure is one of these stories that you never want to end!
Kjell and Sasha stole my heart,I love them hard and I couldn't get enough of them!
The story is brilliant,the writing flawless and there is a twist that I didn't see it coming which was fantastic!The Queen and the cure is an unforgettable story, and I'm sure I'll read it again and again!
May 17, 2017
😌3.5 stars😌
First of all I wanna thank to my gorgeous friend Lučka for our BR. 😘😘😘 You can read her review from this link. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Overall I liked this book but I didn't love it too much... 1st book was sooooooo much better than this. Well, at least for me but still please don't mind my rating, go and give a chance this book. Who knows, maybe you love it. ;)
First of all I wanna thank to my gorgeous friend Lučka for our BR. 😘😘😘 You can read her review from this link. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Overall I liked this book but I didn't love it too much... 1st book was sooooooo much better than this. Well, at least for me but still please don't mind my rating, go and give a chance this book. Who knows, maybe you love it. ;)
May 14, 2017
A compelling tale of honour, courage and love wrapped in a world of fantasy with enemies, expectations, duty and gifts that are inherent in ordinary people giving them the power to do extraordinary things in a world created by the very talented Amy Harmon. Penned as a fantasy romance this story captured my imagination and made me believe in the magical extraordinary story arc that is so eloquently depicted by this author. Even though I know the world is fantastical, even though I know people can’t change into animals or heal a broken body with their hands, I believed in the context of the narrative and was totally invested in the characters' journey, their adventure, special gifts, survival, and ultimate happiness. Their journey is not smooth, there are conflicts of emotion, battles that have to be won and ethics to consider.
The vivid writing depicts a story that swept me away to a vivid rich setting with characters who easily show their heart and soul and made me care about their quest and love. The male protagonist at the heart of this vivid story is Kjell of Jeru, a warrior, brother to a king with no aspirations other than to serve his king. Harmon's world has another plan for Kjell, one that sees him protect an empire against old enemies, develop self-awareness, desires and realise the potential of his gift. Most importantly he finds a woman he is compelled to help. A woman who has integrity, strength and beauty both inside and out, making her the perfect heroine for our hero.
THE QUEEN AND THE CURE is the second STANDALONE story in THE BIRD AND THE SWORD CHRONICALS by Amy Harmon. As a fan of this series and someone who appreciates the talent of vivid, rich writing, I wholeheartedly recommend reading the first book but equally believe readers can easily experience them in any order. No doubt, those who read this story first will circle back to book one to ensure they experience the entire picture of this epic fantasy world created with the amazing words of an author who never fails to deliver a story I want to read and characters I fall in love with.
Advance copy provided for my honest review thoughts *
★ Graphics created by me with stock photos I purchased from deposit photos ★
November 6, 2017
Amy Harmon writes so beautifully! This book just had way too much fantasy and not enough romance for me...
I absolutely adored the first book in this series, but it was romance heavy and fantasy light.... so I started this book with the expectation of the same, and then I waited, and waited, and waited, for this amazing love story.... and I have finished the book, and I am still waiting!
As we all know when things do not live up to expectations, there is a bit of a letdown, this is what I felt with this book let down.... even the characters in this book did not capture my heart, halfway through I really didn’t care anymore about Kjell and Sasha; even Lark who I loved so much from the previous book seemed to have a bit of a personality transplant.... wow! That all sounds a bit harsh, and it wasn’t a bad book it is just the previous three books I have read from Amy Harmon have been strong five stars and this just wasn’t for me....
narration: the narrator did a very good job, I just wasn’t expecting Kjell to have a British accent, I need to go check the narration on the previous book, because I am 98% certain that Lark did not💛
I absolutely adored the first book in this series, but it was romance heavy and fantasy light.... so I started this book with the expectation of the same, and then I waited, and waited, and waited, for this amazing love story.... and I have finished the book, and I am still waiting!
As we all know when things do not live up to expectations, there is a bit of a letdown, this is what I felt with this book let down.... even the characters in this book did not capture my heart, halfway through I really didn’t care anymore about Kjell and Sasha; even Lark who I loved so much from the previous book seemed to have a bit of a personality transplant.... wow! That all sounds a bit harsh, and it wasn’t a bad book it is just the previous three books I have read from Amy Harmon have been strong five stars and this just wasn’t for me....
narration: the narrator did a very good job, I just wasn’t expecting Kjell to have a British accent, I need to go check the narration on the previous book, because I am 98% certain that Lark did not💛
January 12, 2022
Every once in awhile a book comes along that knocks you off your feet and I found that with The Queen and the Cure. It’s an absolutely brilliant story between two conflicted souls.
“It isn’t about me. It’s about responsibility. The Gifts we are given are not given for our benefit but for the benefit of mankind.”
Kjell just wants to simply be a captain in his brother’s army. Yet, his gift pushes him to help others even when he’d rather not. Sasha has the ability to intensify a gift. She never waivers in wanting to help others even those who have wronged her.
“I fell in love with you in pieces. Layer by layer, day by day, inch by inch.”
Their love story was one filled with longing, heartache and a deeper connection. Each trial they faced strengthened their bond and created an intense undeniable attachment. I was 100% shipping this couple. Even though it's been a week since I've read this story I'm still suffering from a book hangover. My heart is still with Sasha & Kjell. I loved this book.
The Queen and the Cure can be read as a standalone but is interconnected with The Bird and the Sword. Both books are part of the series for The Bird and the Sword Chronicles . These books are a fantasy lovers dream. A romance filled journey that transports you to a different world; one where the gifted (spinners, tellers, seers, changers & healer) live among ordinary people.
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: May 9, 2017
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
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“It isn’t about me. It’s about responsibility. The Gifts we are given are not given for our benefit but for the benefit of mankind.”
Kjell just wants to simply be a captain in his brother’s army. Yet, his gift pushes him to help others even when he’d rather not. Sasha has the ability to intensify a gift. She never waivers in wanting to help others even those who have wronged her.
“I fell in love with you in pieces. Layer by layer, day by day, inch by inch.”
Their love story was one filled with longing, heartache and a deeper connection. Each trial they faced strengthened their bond and created an intense undeniable attachment. I was 100% shipping this couple. Even though it's been a week since I've read this story I'm still suffering from a book hangover. My heart is still with Sasha & Kjell. I loved this book.
The Queen and the Cure can be read as a standalone but is interconnected with The Bird and the Sword. Both books are part of the series for The Bird and the Sword Chronicles . These books are a fantasy lovers dream. A romance filled journey that transports you to a different world; one where the gifted (spinners, tellers, seers, changers & healer) live among ordinary people.
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: May 9, 2017
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
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June 12, 2018
This book put me in a reading slump.
I GIVE UP.
I GIVE UP.
July 28, 2017
7/28/17:
I picked up The Queen and the Cure again to finish it after some encouragement and the convenience of using it for a challenge in my favorite goodreads group. The writing and the romance/romantic longing were beautiful but the fantasy element unfortunately has yet to capture me as a reader. It's still a dropped series but at least no longer a DNF and never a dropped author ♥
7/20/17:
Sadly and regretfully, I just can't follow the amazing Amy Harmon into the fantasy world of Jeru anymore. I didn't love The Bird and the Sword and I'm not finding any connection or love for The Queen and the Cure either. It's a DNF and a dropped series for me. Definitely not a dropped author though! Amy Harmon is one of my forever favorites! If you've never read her, you must check her out!!!
The following is a list of Amy Harmon's publications as of July 2017. The ones with asterisks are my favorites!!
Running Barefoot**
Slow Dance in Purgatory
Prom Night in Purgatory
A Different Blue**
Making Faces**
Infinity + One
The Law of Moses
The Song of David
From Sand and Ash**
The Bird and the Sword
The Queen and the Cure
I picked up The Queen and the Cure again to finish it after some encouragement and the convenience of using it for a challenge in my favorite goodreads group. The writing and the romance/romantic longing were beautiful but the fantasy element unfortunately has yet to capture me as a reader. It's still a dropped series but at least no longer a DNF and never a dropped author ♥
7/20/17:
Sadly and regretfully, I just can't follow the amazing Amy Harmon into the fantasy world of Jeru anymore. I didn't love The Bird and the Sword and I'm not finding any connection or love for The Queen and the Cure either. It's a DNF and a dropped series for me. Definitely not a dropped author though! Amy Harmon is one of my forever favorites! If you've never read her, you must check her out!!!
The following is a list of Amy Harmon's publications as of July 2017. The ones with asterisks are my favorites!!
Running Barefoot**
Slow Dance in Purgatory
Prom Night in Purgatory
A Different Blue**
Making Faces**
Infinity + One
The Law of Moses
The Song of David
From Sand and Ash**
The Bird and the Sword
The Queen and the Cure
May 16, 2017
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Type: Standalone Book 2 of The Bird and the Sword Chronicles
POV: Third Person
Rating:
Kjell of Jeru was the King's bastard older brother. As a warrior he was feared and respected, and never desired for the throne. A few years after the attack on Jeru, the Volgars were dwindling and Kjell was determined to eradicate them completely. During one of his mission, he stumbled upon a strange woman.
Sasha came from a small village in trouble. Even though she could see glimpses of the future, her position in the society rendered her useless. While she could foresee the future, she couldn't recall anything from the past. Feeling indebted to Kjell, she bound herself to him, unknowingly altering the course of their lives.
I love Kjell in book 1 and was excited when I found out he's getting his own book so I had a high expectation for this one. It isn't what I hoped but I still enjoyed it at the end.
What I love the most about Kjell in previous book was his loyalty and valiance. I also like his brusqueness. However, in this book I feel like his personality was much more muted. I like that he tried to fight his heart, but I rather he not succumbed to it too quickly.
I'm so glad I end up loving Sasha. She was fearless, stubborn and loyal. I love how she tirelessly strived to be her best no matter which situation she was thrown into.
The book started a little too slow for my liking. Earlier in the book the fantasy element was minimal and took almost 60% before it started to pick up. But once it kicked in, it came alive and helped propelled the book to the end.
Personally, I feel the storyline was predictable, but I don't mind much after the change of pace. Everything that happened after that point was exciting. My favorite scene was the tree scene outside Caarn because I got back the bits of Kjell personality that I previously love.
The Queen and the Cure follows the lives of two people bound by fate and the life they must learn to accept. It would appeal to readers looking for an adult fantasy romance.
👑 ⚔️ 👑 . . . (F)BR With Queen Loyda . . . 👑 ⚔️ 👑
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone Book 2 of The Bird and the Sword Chronicles
POV: Third Person
Rating:
Kjell of Jeru was the King's bastard older brother. As a warrior he was feared and respected, and never desired for the throne. A few years after the attack on Jeru, the Volgars were dwindling and Kjell was determined to eradicate them completely. During one of his mission, he stumbled upon a strange woman.
Sasha came from a small village in trouble. Even though she could see glimpses of the future, her position in the society rendered her useless. While she could foresee the future, she couldn't recall anything from the past. Feeling indebted to Kjell, she bound herself to him, unknowingly altering the course of their lives.
I love Kjell in book 1 and was excited when I found out he's getting his own book so I had a high expectation for this one. It isn't what I hoped but I still enjoyed it at the end.
He understood duty and hopelessness. He understood trying to hold a kingdom together when it was falling apart.
What I love the most about Kjell in previous book was his loyalty and valiance. I also like his brusqueness. However, in this book I feel like his personality was much more muted. I like that he tried to fight his heart, but I rather he not succumbed to it too quickly.
“My conscience demands that I acknowledge you. My duty demands that I deny you,”
I'm so glad I end up loving Sasha. She was fearless, stubborn and loyal. I love how she tirelessly strived to be her best no matter which situation she was thrown into.
The book started a little too slow for my liking. Earlier in the book the fantasy element was minimal and took almost 60% before it started to pick up. But once it kicked in, it came alive and helped propelled the book to the end.
A volley of arrows whistled from the ramparts into the writhing swarm, and the shrieking of the Volgar swelled to screams.
Personally, I feel the storyline was predictable, but I don't mind much after the change of pace. Everything that happened after that point was exciting. My favorite scene was the tree scene outside Caarn because I got back the bits of Kjell personality that I previously love.
“I remember, but I have not forgotten.”
The Queen and the Cure follows the lives of two people bound by fate and the life they must learn to accept. It would appeal to readers looking for an adult fantasy romance.
👑 ⚔️ 👑 . . . (F)BR With Queen Loyda . . . 👑 ⚔️ 👑
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
May 21, 2017
The Queen and The Cure by Amy Harmon
4,5 “swept of my feet” stars.
Amy did it again. Take me hostage in her world and kept me captive till the very last word.
I think Amy could write the telephone book (or is it repertory?) and it would still be gracious and beautiful!
This woman knows how to weave a tale. I suspect Amy’s Gift is telling wonderful and fascinating stories. Maybe Sasha is Amy’s imaginary twin?
Anyway it all began like this:
"Once upon a time a castle was asleep waiting someone to awaken her inhabitants. "Does it remind you of a Sleeping Beauty?
Well the original opening was:
“Light glanced off of the empty throne and streaked across the wide room, peeking around corners and climbing the walls. Silence was the only occupant. Something fluttered overhead, breaking the stillness. Vines with leaves so emerald they appeared black in the shadows, wrapped their way around the rocks and past the windows, filtering the light and casting the interior in a wash of green. The castle was holding her breath. She’s been holding her breath for so long”.
So much more beautiful than what I wrote but it’s been a long time since I realized I would never reach Amy’s ankle with my writing.
This story takes place after The Bird and The Sword, years after exactly.
Kjell is king Tiras’s brother. He is the Captain of the Guards and has been scouring Jeru looking for Volgars to exterminate.
Kjell is a complex character. He is very strong and imposing, a warrior and he has conflicted feelings about his Gift. He is a healer and it’s so at odds with how he sees himself.
“He yanked his hands away. He was not equipped to wield his gift. His heart began to pound and his anger –at himself, at Sasha, at his father, at the Creator, at the very world he was born into- bubbled inside him. Ha was a warrior. Ha was not a man who loved or nurtured. He’d been given a gift that was so at odds with who he was that he wanted to howl in frustration and sink his sword into something lethal.”
He will save Sasha’s life healing someone he does not love for the first time in his life.
Sasha has no recollection of her past. She is a Seer . She has been chased away and pushed from a cliff by the villagers she tried to help warning them about soiled water.
She may be a seer but she had no clues about her identity. She just knew that she was a slave.
“I don’t see what has already been. I can only see what is to come, and even then it’s like the breeze. I don’t call the breeze it finds me. The things I see are like that. I don’t call them to me. They come. Or they don’t.”
Sasha was an admirable heroine. She was patient, caring, open and brave. That woman always forgave others. She had one of the most difficult Gifts, being the bearer of usually bad news and yet she was so prompt to forgive others for hurting her.
Because she knew. She knew what purpose Gifts served.
“It isn’t about me. It’s about responsibility. The Gifts we are given are not given for our benefit but for the benefit of mankind.”
She was not a sparling and buoyant heroine. She was humble and sweet. And she endured, God did she endure! She shined like a star dazzling Kjell with her bravery and kindness.
This is one of the things I adore about Amy’s books : her characters.
She builds strong, gorgeous and touching characters. I fall in love with them every time. I suffer alongside them, I rejoice with them, I’m immersed in their lives.
Kjell and Sasha were both humble even if the bore formidably Gifts.
Kjell could have been ambitious. He had every right to. But he wanted nothing else than to serve Tiras.
He did not want to be powerful.
He did not want to be king.
He did not want to be gifted.
And he was embarrassed each time someone thanked him for healing. He just wanted a simple life not to be pushed into the light.
Sasha and Kjell have extraordinary powers but remain simple and ordinary. They never abuse their powers. They serve others.
This is once again a big lesson: whatever your worth, be kind and help others. I’m intimately convinced the more you have power the more you owe others. Power is not made to be abused but to be used wisely. To help the community. With power always comes duty. That’s something others often forget unfortunately.
When Kjell saves Sasha he will form a special bond with her. He’ll always need to protect her, care for her.
Even if in the beginning he did not want to admit it and tried to leave her behind.
It gave some of the best parts of the book. Stubborn Sasha determined she was Kjell’s. Following him everywhere.
Kjell was as determined to ignore his want. It was like a subtle dance of wills.
Soon enough Kjell will surrender and he’ll never cease protecting Sasha. I loved his dedication. There wasn’t indecisiveness. He decided to protect her and never faltered in his will.
I loved their love story. They were meant for each other. That’s why my heart broke when the truth about Sasha’s past and identity was uncovered.
Poor Kjell and poor Sasha!
And yet they remained so loyal and dignified. It was truly admirable.
It was beautiful, it was touching, it was heart breaking and the end was just perfect!
I’ll stop here and just say : read it!
4,5 “swept of my feet” stars.
Amy did it again. Take me hostage in her world and kept me captive till the very last word.
I think Amy could write the telephone book (or is it repertory?) and it would still be gracious and beautiful!
This woman knows how to weave a tale. I suspect Amy’s Gift is telling wonderful and fascinating stories. Maybe Sasha is Amy’s imaginary twin?
Anyway it all began like this:
"Once upon a time a castle was asleep waiting someone to awaken her inhabitants. "Does it remind you of a Sleeping Beauty?
Well the original opening was:
“Light glanced off of the empty throne and streaked across the wide room, peeking around corners and climbing the walls. Silence was the only occupant. Something fluttered overhead, breaking the stillness. Vines with leaves so emerald they appeared black in the shadows, wrapped their way around the rocks and past the windows, filtering the light and casting the interior in a wash of green. The castle was holding her breath. She’s been holding her breath for so long”.
So much more beautiful than what I wrote but it’s been a long time since I realized I would never reach Amy’s ankle with my writing.
This story takes place after The Bird and The Sword, years after exactly.
Kjell is king Tiras’s brother. He is the Captain of the Guards and has been scouring Jeru looking for Volgars to exterminate.
Kjell is a complex character. He is very strong and imposing, a warrior and he has conflicted feelings about his Gift. He is a healer and it’s so at odds with how he sees himself.
“He yanked his hands away. He was not equipped to wield his gift. His heart began to pound and his anger –at himself, at Sasha, at his father, at the Creator, at the very world he was born into- bubbled inside him. Ha was a warrior. Ha was not a man who loved or nurtured. He’d been given a gift that was so at odds with who he was that he wanted to howl in frustration and sink his sword into something lethal.”
He will save Sasha’s life healing someone he does not love for the first time in his life.
Sasha has no recollection of her past. She is a Seer . She has been chased away and pushed from a cliff by the villagers she tried to help warning them about soiled water.
She may be a seer but she had no clues about her identity. She just knew that she was a slave.
“I don’t see what has already been. I can only see what is to come, and even then it’s like the breeze. I don’t call the breeze it finds me. The things I see are like that. I don’t call them to me. They come. Or they don’t.”
Sasha was an admirable heroine. She was patient, caring, open and brave. That woman always forgave others. She had one of the most difficult Gifts, being the bearer of usually bad news and yet she was so prompt to forgive others for hurting her.
Because she knew. She knew what purpose Gifts served.
“It isn’t about me. It’s about responsibility. The Gifts we are given are not given for our benefit but for the benefit of mankind.”
She was not a sparling and buoyant heroine. She was humble and sweet. And she endured, God did she endure! She shined like a star dazzling Kjell with her bravery and kindness.
This is one of the things I adore about Amy’s books : her characters.
She builds strong, gorgeous and touching characters. I fall in love with them every time. I suffer alongside them, I rejoice with them, I’m immersed in their lives.
Kjell and Sasha were both humble even if the bore formidably Gifts.
Kjell could have been ambitious. He had every right to. But he wanted nothing else than to serve Tiras.
He did not want to be powerful.
He did not want to be king.
He did not want to be gifted.
And he was embarrassed each time someone thanked him for healing. He just wanted a simple life not to be pushed into the light.
Sasha and Kjell have extraordinary powers but remain simple and ordinary. They never abuse their powers. They serve others.
This is once again a big lesson: whatever your worth, be kind and help others. I’m intimately convinced the more you have power the more you owe others. Power is not made to be abused but to be used wisely. To help the community. With power always comes duty. That’s something others often forget unfortunately.
When Kjell saves Sasha he will form a special bond with her. He’ll always need to protect her, care for her.
Even if in the beginning he did not want to admit it and tried to leave her behind.
It gave some of the best parts of the book. Stubborn Sasha determined she was Kjell’s. Following him everywhere.
Kjell was as determined to ignore his want. It was like a subtle dance of wills.
Soon enough Kjell will surrender and he’ll never cease protecting Sasha. I loved his dedication. There wasn’t indecisiveness. He decided to protect her and never faltered in his will.
I loved their love story. They were meant for each other. That’s why my heart broke when the truth about Sasha’s past and identity was uncovered.
Poor Kjell and poor Sasha!
And yet they remained so loyal and dignified. It was truly admirable.
It was beautiful, it was touching, it was heart breaking and the end was just perfect!
I’ll stop here and just say : read it!
May 9, 2017
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
"I fell in love with you in pieces. Layer by layer, day by day, inch by inch."
I don't really know where to start with this review. I kind of forgot how The Bird and the Sword made me feel while I was reading it. This book brought back all the feelings. The Queen and the Cure was a very magical and emotional roller coaster. It was so beautiful and unique, I was hooked from start til finish. I am blown away with Amy's creative mind and amazing story-telling. Nothing was rushed and the author really took her time to tell the story in the best way possible. There is nothing I would change about this book, it was perfection. It was like I was under a spell.
If you read The Bird and the Sword then you've met the main character of this book Kjell as well. He was a very important character in that book and I was happy he got his own book. I was intrigued and fascinated with him and I couldn't wait to learn more about him. There were many secrets uncovered in this book. The main female character Sasha was perfect and a mystery. Kjell healed her when he found her lying in a lifeless heap. I loved how Kjell and Sasha met, and the loyalty she showed him was just incredible. The chemistry between them was there from the start but the author really took her time with their relationship. The growth both of them went through as individuals and as a couple was very beautiful to read. There was so much going on but it all fit perfectly together. Every little thing that was revealed played an important role to the overall story. I didn't want their story to end. It was romantic, emotional, and very sad at times. It was mythical and action-packed as well. It was the perfect Fantasy Romance book. I seriously don't want this series to end! AMY, I NEED MORE!!
"I fell in love with you in pieces. Layer by layer, day by day, inch by inch."
I don't really know where to start with this review. I kind of forgot how The Bird and the Sword made me feel while I was reading it. This book brought back all the feelings. The Queen and the Cure was a very magical and emotional roller coaster. It was so beautiful and unique, I was hooked from start til finish. I am blown away with Amy's creative mind and amazing story-telling. Nothing was rushed and the author really took her time to tell the story in the best way possible. There is nothing I would change about this book, it was perfection. It was like I was under a spell.
If you read The Bird and the Sword then you've met the main character of this book Kjell as well. He was a very important character in that book and I was happy he got his own book. I was intrigued and fascinated with him and I couldn't wait to learn more about him. There were many secrets uncovered in this book. The main female character Sasha was perfect and a mystery. Kjell healed her when he found her lying in a lifeless heap. I loved how Kjell and Sasha met, and the loyalty she showed him was just incredible. The chemistry between them was there from the start but the author really took her time with their relationship. The growth both of them went through as individuals and as a couple was very beautiful to read. There was so much going on but it all fit perfectly together. Every little thing that was revealed played an important role to the overall story. I didn't want their story to end. It was romantic, emotional, and very sad at times. It was mythical and action-packed as well. It was the perfect Fantasy Romance book. I seriously don't want this series to end! AMY, I NEED MORE!!
August 12, 2018
'I am Kjell of Jeru. Bloody move so we can pass.'
This was my most anticipated release of May 2017. I read The Bird And The Sword about a year ago, and it absolutely blew me away with its beauty. I adored every page of it, so I was expecting something just as epic from the second installment (side note, they are both standalone's, it's not really a series, but more of an expansion of the world with some old and new characters). Maybe my expectations were too high? Because sadly I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would (or at all to be honest).
The writing was beyond beautiful as always. Amy Harmon has such a way with words. I also enjoyed the pacing, and the occasional humor - it was great. But at times this book was honestly painful to get through. Painful because go mostly one reason - the main "heroine".
!Very minor spoilers ahead!
Sasha. I could not get into liking her. It might be partly my fault, because I kept comparing her to Lark. Because for me, Lark is as perfect a heroine as you can get. I adored Lark and everything about her. And Sasha, well Sasha was a complete opposite of Lark. Where Lark was stubborn and strong willed, Sasha was complacent and bland. Lark was a leader, and Sasha was very much a follower. I just couldn't get on board with a female lead who was so submissive, so clingy and so eager to serve a man.
'She reminds me of our Lady Queen,' Jerick mused, ignoring him.
'She looks nothing like the Queen.' Queen Lark was diminutive, a waif of a woman with silver eyes, soft brown hair, and an iron will.'
Sasha looked fierce and her hair burned with fire, while Lark was barely noticeable, but power flown out of her. I thought it was quite clever to have them contradict each other so strongly in looks and in their character.
Then I told myself that I should just let Lark go, and just try to give Sasha a chance. And I did, but by that time Sasha got her memories back, and became somebody completely different, somebody distant. So I never got into Sasha's character after all. Even though she had dimension to her, while being humble and submissive she was still royal and proud. But her mild demeanor and bendable nature were way too prominent.
Kjell remained his old stubborn and angry self.
'He didn't know what to say. Words had never been his weapons or his way. He tripped over them and spoke in anger, when he spoke at all. Anger was comfortable to him.'
Which was a relief. I enjoyed all of his struggles - it was very sad, but in some moments it was also pretty funny. I also appreciated that Kjell's love for his brother and the queen never wavered, and was constantly brought up to attention. It made for nice reminiscing of the first book.
'Her name was Koorah. She was a servant in my father's castle. She died at my birth. ' In three simple sentences he'd told her everything he knew about his mother.Name, occupation, death. nothing more. '
His ancestry was a nice twist, although at the end of it all I felt like it got kind of discarded. At one moment he was so into finding about his past and who he was - and then he got the diaries. But in the next moment the diaries were forgotten and all Kjell cared about was his lady-love.
'You look good, brother,' Lark said to Kjell, her eyes affectionate, her voice kind.' We've missed you.'
'He looks like great, dusty, bristling bear,' Tiras laughed. 'And yes, we've missed you. Now tell us about the girl.'
I literally fan-girled when my favorite couple made a cameo appearance. Granted they were barely shells of their former selves (there was no passion between them, no chemistry) - so disappointing!
I also wish that there was more of Lark's daughter.
I liked the city of Caarn and their gifts too.
'We are not warriors in Caarn,' Sasha said diplomatically, covering the awkward question with a calm reply. 'The people of Caarn are growers. Planters. Their gifts are of the earth, not of the body.'
But the king of Caarn, was basically a freaking joke. Like really??
Here is my most favorite passage in the whole book.
'No trees were cut down in Caarn. The tree had to die naturally before the wood was gathered. The people believed the trees gave freely of their branches and their leaves, their nuts and their needles in exchange for a long life.'
Romance was beautifully written as usual, but I wasn't into it at all. Their love-story seemed too forced - they met, traveled together, and then somehow they were so in love. As oppose to Lark and Tiras whose love formed and grew eventually, and it was beautiful. Here I go comparing the two again, I guess I just can't help it.
But I think it was the way everything played out that bugged me the most. Everything was way too easy. They defeated the Volgar, and lady Firi wasn't a scary treat. Not to me at least (she had the potential though, it just didn't play out). And then the king dies so conveniently. And then - happy ending. Maybe I wanted something tragic, something sad and different. I don't know. But it felt very much like the ending of The Bird and The Sword - everything turned out good in the end, happy couple and a child. Which reminds me, what is up with naming children the same names as other characters. I think it's the most ridiculous thing. It's the Albus-Severus crap all over again.
There was also not enough evil in this book. And by evil I mean an enemy.
Volgar were a distant treat that was always talked about but they never actually showed up till about 90 percent into the book. And these Volgar weren't the mind controlled beasts as they were in the first book. They were just starved remains of dying monsters. I didn't feel like they were enough of a treat.
And lady of Firi was a looming treat. Following them, always watching, always there but never actually doing much damage.
The whole time I kept waiting for something to happen, but it felt like nothing really did. Nothing big at least.
This was my fourth book by Amy Harmon, and while I love all the ones I read dearly (well except this one) I see the same pattern of plot in all of the books. There's always a journey of some sorts, a hardship, a heartbreak, then a happy ending and an offspring.
I love happy endings, I do, but they don't all have to be that happy.
I think I hyped this book a little too much for myself. And I couldn't stop comparing it to the Bird and the Sword, which was a big mistake - because this is a completely different book. I am very happy that Kjell got a happy ending though. Even if it wasn't in Jeru. Even if maybe this wasn't the way I hoped it would be.
If you never read anything by Amy Harmon I would recommend The Book and The Sword (then do yourself a favor and skip on "book 2" which is this one) and From Sand and Ash (a historical-fiction romance).
________________________________________________________________________________
And we have a cover!!!
Definitely not what I imagined it would be. I expected Kjell on the cover, but oh well :)
May 9th can't come soon enough!!!
My WEBSITE
My INSTAGRAM
My WORDPRESS BLOG
This was my most anticipated release of May 2017. I read The Bird And The Sword about a year ago, and it absolutely blew me away with its beauty. I adored every page of it, so I was expecting something just as epic from the second installment (side note, they are both standalone's, it's not really a series, but more of an expansion of the world with some old and new characters). Maybe my expectations were too high? Because sadly I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would (or at all to be honest).
The writing was beyond beautiful as always. Amy Harmon has such a way with words. I also enjoyed the pacing, and the occasional humor - it was great. But at times this book was honestly painful to get through. Painful because go mostly one reason - the main "heroine".
!Very minor spoilers ahead!
Sasha. I could not get into liking her. It might be partly my fault, because I kept comparing her to Lark. Because for me, Lark is as perfect a heroine as you can get. I adored Lark and everything about her. And Sasha, well Sasha was a complete opposite of Lark. Where Lark was stubborn and strong willed, Sasha was complacent and bland. Lark was a leader, and Sasha was very much a follower. I just couldn't get on board with a female lead who was so submissive, so clingy and so eager to serve a man.
'She reminds me of our Lady Queen,' Jerick mused, ignoring him.
'She looks nothing like the Queen.' Queen Lark was diminutive, a waif of a woman with silver eyes, soft brown hair, and an iron will.'
Sasha looked fierce and her hair burned with fire, while Lark was barely noticeable, but power flown out of her. I thought it was quite clever to have them contradict each other so strongly in looks and in their character.
Then I told myself that I should just let Lark go, and just try to give Sasha a chance. And I did, but by that time Sasha got her memories back, and became somebody completely different, somebody distant. So I never got into Sasha's character after all. Even though she had dimension to her, while being humble and submissive she was still royal and proud. But her mild demeanor and bendable nature were way too prominent.
Kjell remained his old stubborn and angry self.
'He didn't know what to say. Words had never been his weapons or his way. He tripped over them and spoke in anger, when he spoke at all. Anger was comfortable to him.'
Which was a relief. I enjoyed all of his struggles - it was very sad, but in some moments it was also pretty funny. I also appreciated that Kjell's love for his brother and the queen never wavered, and was constantly brought up to attention. It made for nice reminiscing of the first book.
'Her name was Koorah. She was a servant in my father's castle. She died at my birth. ' In three simple sentences he'd told her everything he knew about his mother.Name, occupation, death. nothing more. '
His ancestry was a nice twist, although at the end of it all I felt like it got kind of discarded. At one moment he was so into finding about his past and who he was - and then he got the diaries. But in the next moment the diaries were forgotten and all Kjell cared about was his lady-love.
'You look good, brother,' Lark said to Kjell, her eyes affectionate, her voice kind.' We've missed you.'
'He looks like great, dusty, bristling bear,' Tiras laughed. 'And yes, we've missed you. Now tell us about the girl.'
I literally fan-girled when my favorite couple made a cameo appearance. Granted they were barely shells of their former selves (there was no passion between them, no chemistry) - so disappointing!
I also wish that there was more of Lark's daughter.
I liked the city of Caarn and their gifts too.
'We are not warriors in Caarn,' Sasha said diplomatically, covering the awkward question with a calm reply. 'The people of Caarn are growers. Planters. Their gifts are of the earth, not of the body.'
But the king of Caarn, was basically a freaking joke. Like really??
Here is my most favorite passage in the whole book.
'No trees were cut down in Caarn. The tree had to die naturally before the wood was gathered. The people believed the trees gave freely of their branches and their leaves, their nuts and their needles in exchange for a long life.'
Romance was beautifully written as usual, but I wasn't into it at all. Their love-story seemed too forced - they met, traveled together, and then somehow they were so in love. As oppose to Lark and Tiras whose love formed and grew eventually, and it was beautiful. Here I go comparing the two again, I guess I just can't help it.
But I think it was the way everything played out that bugged me the most. Everything was way too easy. They defeated the Volgar, and lady Firi wasn't a scary treat. Not to me at least (she had the potential though, it just didn't play out). And then the king dies so conveniently. And then - happy ending. Maybe I wanted something tragic, something sad and different. I don't know. But it felt very much like the ending of The Bird and The Sword - everything turned out good in the end, happy couple and a child. Which reminds me, what is up with naming children the same names as other characters. I think it's the most ridiculous thing. It's the Albus-Severus crap all over again.
There was also not enough evil in this book. And by evil I mean an enemy.
Volgar were a distant treat that was always talked about but they never actually showed up till about 90 percent into the book. And these Volgar weren't the mind controlled beasts as they were in the first book. They were just starved remains of dying monsters. I didn't feel like they were enough of a treat.
And lady of Firi was a looming treat. Following them, always watching, always there but never actually doing much damage.
The whole time I kept waiting for something to happen, but it felt like nothing really did. Nothing big at least.
This was my fourth book by Amy Harmon, and while I love all the ones I read dearly (well except this one) I see the same pattern of plot in all of the books. There's always a journey of some sorts, a hardship, a heartbreak, then a happy ending and an offspring.
I love happy endings, I do, but they don't all have to be that happy.
I think I hyped this book a little too much for myself. And I couldn't stop comparing it to the Bird and the Sword, which was a big mistake - because this is a completely different book. I am very happy that Kjell got a happy ending though. Even if it wasn't in Jeru. Even if maybe this wasn't the way I hoped it would be.
If you never read anything by Amy Harmon I would recommend The Book and The Sword (then do yourself a favor and skip on "book 2" which is this one) and From Sand and Ash (a historical-fiction romance).
________________________________________________________________________________
And we have a cover!!!
Definitely not what I imagined it would be. I expected Kjell on the cover, but oh well :)
May 9th can't come soon enough!!!
My WEBSITE
My INSTAGRAM
My WORDPRESS BLOG
July 17, 2017
4.5/5 stars
I LOVE THIS SERIES! I actually just want to gush forever about why everyone should read this series and furthermore, why everyone should read Amy Harmon. The writing, as always with Amy Harmon, was stunningly breathtaking and enchanting. But the writing wasn't the only amazing thing, the world was richly imaginative, the magic was well developed and the story was so intriguing! I am in love! These characters went through one heck of a journey full of discovery, love and perseverance. What a beautiful tale.
This is Amy Harmon's second book set in this world, but it can be read as a standalone novel. Of course, I loved the first book so I would also recommend that you read The Bird and the Sword for more character and world information.
Kjell is the King of Jeru's bastard brother and the commander of Jeru's army. Kjell is happy with his position in the world, until he discovers his gift as a saviour. He thinks it must be a cruel joke that a warrior also has the power of healing. He thinks that he's not a hero, not a righteous person and yet he is a Healer. He doesn't know where to balance his warrior side and his gift of life, can he really kill as well as save?
When he saves a mysterious girl with flaming hair and ebony eyes, Kjell can't help but not what her gratitude. But Sasha sees Kjell differently, and despite his objections, she is devoted to him. But, Sasha also carries confusion about who she is and what she should become. She is a girl without history, and all she knows is the visions that are planted in her mind and the stories that she can tell. Maybe the only reason that she is drawn to Kjell is for her lack of history, but Sasha can't deny her heart.
I'm sorry for my crappy attempt at giving a synopsis of this book. I become hyper aware when I'm trying to write about a book that I love and I'm just not doing it justice. This book is so much more than a romance or a fantasy, this is a truly beautiful and emotional story. There's something about Amy Harmon and her ability to write such deeply moving stories, it just leaves me speechless. Every moment in the book, every word and every character is significant. I will never be able to describe how much I love her writing style, but I can try. I really just want to gush about this to anyone who will listen.
It's been so long since I've been so invested in a world of a story. Normally, I don't really care much about the world and instead focus on the characters. But this world and magic system is absolutely phenomenal and just captured my attention. Every new piece of information was like gold to me, I couldn't get enough. This is one of my all time favourite magic systems that I've ever read. It's gentle and subtle but it's also really powerful; the magic really comes from within and complements the person. I also love how the magic wasn't the solution to everything. The gifts were helpful but without intelligence, acceptance and love, they couldn't do much. In this book particularly, I loved how Kjell used his gift. He had to be in tune with some bodies inner music, like their soul, in order to heal them. It was a unique and beautiful way to heal somebody and I was in awe every time Kjell used his gift.
I loved this book, but I'm finding it really hard to give it a rating. Initially, I gave this a five star rating, but now I'm not so sure. It's too good for a four star rating, but I don't know if I'm prepared to give it five stars. I was so caught up in my love for the ending when I initially rested it and I wasn't thinking about the start of the book. I remember that it took me quite a while to become emotionally invested in the story. It was also very hard to love Sasha as a character, she was developed much less than Kjell, especially at the beginning of the book. I grew to like her at the end, but I didn't love her the whole way through. Still, this book rendered me speechless and stole my heart...doesn't that make it worth five stars? Can you see my confusion here? At the moment I've given it a four star rating, but this could change in the future. In reality it is more of a 4.5 stars because I don't quite like it as much as the first book.
I loved the complexity of Kjell more than anything. He had so many different layers to his character that were slowly revealed as he began to accept more parts of himself. I loved his gift and the way he used it, but I also love how it was somewhat of an oxymoron. Somebody that can kill any beast or person was also gifted with giving life. I think his gift suited his complex personality of deep compassion but also ruthless fighting. He was such a sacrificial character, who was so loyal and unbelievably caring. On the outside, he was quite blunt and cold but we saw his inner personality shine throughout the book. I am so in love with Kjell and I would rank him as one of my all time favourite characters. His development throughout the book was also awe inspiring. He came to fully accept himself and his gift, I had no choice but to fall in love with him more and more as the book progressed.
The romance basically ripped my heart right out of my chest and held it captive. It was a deeply emotional and absolutely breathtaking romance. It was subtle but also powerful and both characters really complemented each other. It was also quite unpredictable with I found refreshing. This book took the romance in directions that I never would have imagined. My heart was breaking in so many times, but there were also many moments that just made everything better. It was painful, it was beautiful and I loved every minute of it. I liked that it was a slow burn, but the intensity of their love was felt throughout the novel, even when they weren't actually together.
“Come to me, and I will try to love you. I will try to love you, if you but come back.”
I LOVE THIS SERIES! I actually just want to gush forever about why everyone should read this series and furthermore, why everyone should read Amy Harmon. The writing, as always with Amy Harmon, was stunningly breathtaking and enchanting. But the writing wasn't the only amazing thing, the world was richly imaginative, the magic was well developed and the story was so intriguing! I am in love! These characters went through one heck of a journey full of discovery, love and perseverance. What a beautiful tale.
This is Amy Harmon's second book set in this world, but it can be read as a standalone novel. Of course, I loved the first book so I would also recommend that you read The Bird and the Sword for more character and world information.
“He was not good. He was not generous. He was not courageous or compassionate. He simply loved her. And love made him a better man. That was all.”
Kjell is the King of Jeru's bastard brother and the commander of Jeru's army. Kjell is happy with his position in the world, until he discovers his gift as a saviour. He thinks it must be a cruel joke that a warrior also has the power of healing. He thinks that he's not a hero, not a righteous person and yet he is a Healer. He doesn't know where to balance his warrior side and his gift of life, can he really kill as well as save?
When he saves a mysterious girl with flaming hair and ebony eyes, Kjell can't help but not what her gratitude. But Sasha sees Kjell differently, and despite his objections, she is devoted to him. But, Sasha also carries confusion about who she is and what she should become. She is a girl without history, and all she knows is the visions that are planted in her mind and the stories that she can tell. Maybe the only reason that she is drawn to Kjell is for her lack of history, but Sasha can't deny her heart.
"There were no secrets, no sorrows, nothing hidden, nothing lost. They saw not what would be or what had been, but only what was. She saw him. He saw her. And they saw nothing else."
I'm sorry for my crappy attempt at giving a synopsis of this book. I become hyper aware when I'm trying to write about a book that I love and I'm just not doing it justice. This book is so much more than a romance or a fantasy, this is a truly beautiful and emotional story. There's something about Amy Harmon and her ability to write such deeply moving stories, it just leaves me speechless. Every moment in the book, every word and every character is significant. I will never be able to describe how much I love her writing style, but I can try. I really just want to gush about this to anyone who will listen.
It's been so long since I've been so invested in a world of a story. Normally, I don't really care much about the world and instead focus on the characters. But this world and magic system is absolutely phenomenal and just captured my attention. Every new piece of information was like gold to me, I couldn't get enough. This is one of my all time favourite magic systems that I've ever read. It's gentle and subtle but it's also really powerful; the magic really comes from within and complements the person. I also love how the magic wasn't the solution to everything. The gifts were helpful but without intelligence, acceptance and love, they couldn't do much. In this book particularly, I loved how Kjell used his gift. He had to be in tune with some bodies inner music, like their soul, in order to heal them. It was a unique and beautiful way to heal somebody and I was in awe every time Kjell used his gift.
"The very best things in life are born of difficulty. Whatever comes too easily is easily abandoned."
I loved this book, but I'm finding it really hard to give it a rating. Initially, I gave this a five star rating, but now I'm not so sure. It's too good for a four star rating, but I don't know if I'm prepared to give it five stars. I was so caught up in my love for the ending when I initially rested it and I wasn't thinking about the start of the book. I remember that it took me quite a while to become emotionally invested in the story. It was also very hard to love Sasha as a character, she was developed much less than Kjell, especially at the beginning of the book. I grew to like her at the end, but I didn't love her the whole way through. Still, this book rendered me speechless and stole my heart...doesn't that make it worth five stars? Can you see my confusion here? At the moment I've given it a four star rating, but this could change in the future. In reality it is more of a 4.5 stars because I don't quite like it as much as the first book.
I loved the complexity of Kjell more than anything. He had so many different layers to his character that were slowly revealed as he began to accept more parts of himself. I loved his gift and the way he used it, but I also love how it was somewhat of an oxymoron. Somebody that can kill any beast or person was also gifted with giving life. I think his gift suited his complex personality of deep compassion but also ruthless fighting. He was such a sacrificial character, who was so loyal and unbelievably caring. On the outside, he was quite blunt and cold but we saw his inner personality shine throughout the book. I am so in love with Kjell and I would rank him as one of my all time favourite characters. His development throughout the book was also awe inspiring. He came to fully accept himself and his gift, I had no choice but to fall in love with him more and more as the book progressed.
“Some things cannot be healed. They must simply be endured.”
The romance basically ripped my heart right out of my chest and held it captive. It was a deeply emotional and absolutely breathtaking romance. It was subtle but also powerful and both characters really complemented each other. It was also quite unpredictable with I found refreshing. This book took the romance in directions that I never would have imagined. My heart was breaking in so many times, but there were also many moments that just made everything better. It was painful, it was beautiful and I loved every minute of it. I liked that it was a slow burn, but the intensity of their love was felt throughout the novel, even when they weren't actually together.
May 19, 2017
➦Amy Harmon always manages to hypnotize me with her writing! Being a big fan of fantasy romance I can't express how happy I am to have discovered this series. It was amazing to be submerged in this magical world if only for a couple of hours. But I felt like I was living in it and my hands are itching for more stories!
➦Kjell is a warrior and a brother of the king. He protects the lands and travels with his men in hopes of killing off the rest of the Valg - the beastly flying creatures preying on all things living.
➦Not only is Kjell a warrior, but also a healer. His gift is put to work one night when he stumbles upon a woman who fell off a cliff. By some miracle he manages to heal her and returns her to her village, where she has been a slave. But when he tries to leave, she follows.
"I will stay with you."
"You will not."
She didn't protest further, but he felt her resistance, and he quietly reveled in it.
➦And so begins their journey. I loved the times they were on the road, encountering all kinds of obstacles in forms of different creatures. Absolutely fantastic. And while I might not completely fall in love with the heroes in Amy Harmon's stories, her imaginative writing always sucks me in with its unpredictability. The story is revolved around romance but doesn't lack in the the action - some awesome battles commenced and left this reader very happy. Definitely recommend!
January 4, 2019
*5 LYRICAL STARS*
“The very best things in life are born of difficulty. Whatever comes too easily is easily abandoned.”
Yay, my first book of 2019 is a fact, and what a great one it was!
I thought Tiras would forever be my favorite male character in this series but oh boy I couldn’t have been more wrong, because Kjell absolutely stole my heart.
Amy Harmon’s writing is just so beautiful and lyrical and I need to read all her other books asap!
“The very best things in life are born of difficulty. Whatever comes too easily is easily abandoned.”
Yay, my first book of 2019 is a fact, and what a great one it was!
I thought Tiras would forever be my favorite male character in this series but oh boy I couldn’t have been more wrong, because Kjell absolutely stole my heart.
Amy Harmon’s writing is just so beautiful and lyrical and I need to read all her other books asap!
Read
November 10, 2021Dnf Seite 190
Auch nach fast 200 Seiten finde ich es leider doch recht langweilig, es passiert auch kaum was und ich kann mich nicht zwingen es zu lesen.
Sehr schade, den ersten Band hatte ich innerhalb eines Tages gelesen🤷♀️
Da halt bisher fast nichts passiert ist kann ich sicher irgendwann einfach wieder einsteigen, falls es mich mal reizt😁😁
Auch nach fast 200 Seiten finde ich es leider doch recht langweilig, es passiert auch kaum was und ich kann mich nicht zwingen es zu lesen.
Sehr schade, den ersten Band hatte ich innerhalb eines Tages gelesen🤷♀️
Da halt bisher fast nichts passiert ist kann ich sicher irgendwann einfach wieder einsteigen, falls es mich mal reizt😁😁
May 9, 2017
"I fell in love with you in pieces. Layer by layer, day by day, inch by inch."
I have struggled to write this review for days. What do you say to a book like that? WHAT DO YOU EVEN SAY? There's nothing, just nothing. Amy Harmon has left me speechless. Truly. I'm in awe of the magnificence that is The Queen and The Cure, taken by the writing which is poetic and lyrical, splendid in a way that I felt like I had died and gone to heaven! I'm awestruck by the riveting, breath stealing journey that this story, these characters, and this series takes you on. Honestly, I can't get over it. I don't even know how you begin to get over it, because books like this are rare, they don't come around very often. The quality, the imagery, the depth of heart, the power behind the soul searing emotion it stirs, it's all perfection. The kind of perfection that destroys you and leaves you ruined as a reader. The kind of perfection that sears a brand on your heart. It's unforgettable in ways you can't imagine, and I am hopelessly in love with every single thing about it.
"The very best things in life are born of difficulty. Whatever comes too easily is easily abandoned."
Most people I know shy away from this series because of the genre. As a romance blogger, who mostly reviews contemporary romance, I get it. You're not sure you'll be able to feel it and love it. It's different. My first love is PNR/Fantasy novels. That's where I started reading and it's those books that make me feel alive as a reader. It's those books that feed my heart and renew my passion for reading. The thing that sets this series apart from other Fantasy novels is the INTENSE romance aspect. The Bird and The Sword and The Queen and The Cure are two of the best romance novels I've ever had the pleasure of reading. The love story between Tiras and Lark, and Kjell and Sasha, ripped my heart out and stole it. It made me gasp and ache. I felt everything. There were moments where I was bruised and battered, others where I was euphoric and bursting with happiness. Both stories made me yearn all the way to my bones. They stirred the deep parts of my heart and took them over. I honestly think this is the BEST OF THE BEST when it comes to romance and that is why I think that this series is for EVERYONE. No matter what kind of reader you are, you'll LOVE The Bird and The Sword Chronicles because it's romance perfection. The stuff dreams are made of. It lights a fire in you and leaves it's permanent mark on your heart.
"He loved her then. He loved her now. He’d loved her from the moment she’d opened her eyes beneath a moonlit sky in Quondoon and greeted him like she’d been waiting forever."
Kjell is King Tiras's brother. He's the Captain of the King's guard. A healer who struggles with his gift. He's moody and harsh, yet under that brash exterior lies a heart so pure it'll bring you to your knees. Kjell's a warrior. It's all he knows, and all he's ever wanted. He's honorable and loyal, brave and intelligent, and when you read about this man he steals the breath from your lungs. There is something magical about him. I can't describe it. Just thinking of him now, as I write this review, makes goosebumps rise all along my skin. The man is a gift to readers like me. He's GOOD, so PURE HEARTED, and easy to love.
When Kjell meets Sasha, and Sasha meets him, I felt like I was going to come undone. It's intense. Sasha is a slave girl who has the gift of being able to see in the future. When Kjell comes to her aid, she is bound and determined to pay him back and serve him. The loyalty she showed that man, makes me want to cry. It honest to God does. I FELT the connection between these two. It sparked, sizzled and made this book come alive. On top of the EPIC romance factor, is the journey these two characters take to find out who they truly are. The backdrop, the world that Amy Harmon creates is so vivid you feel as though you've been transplanted in another world, at another time. It's feels like you're LIVING this adventure, that you're in the thick of the action when it takes places. The twist and turns will have you on the edge of your seat and the story will light up every one of your senses. I'm telling you, there will be nothing but these characters in your heart and mind as you read. All consuming, this is the kind of book that overtakes you until the very end and even then, you can't stop thinking about it.
Overall, it's everything. I don't even know what else to say, except READ. THESE. BOOKS. They are stand-alones, but I truly think you should read them in order. The Bird and the Sword first and then The Queen and The Cure. Both novels are heavily interconnected and the world building from book 1 to book 2 grows and flourishes. I hope we get more from Amy and these characters. I NEVER wanted to leave this world. It's beautiful, so full of soul. Five stars isn't enough. It's just not. The Queen and The Cure can't be rated. It's most certainly a gift to readers, one that fuels and fills every open space in your heart, leaving you feeling as though you are bursting with pure delight. Truly one of the most breathtaking rides I've ever been on. An ULTIMATE favorite of mine and one I will come back to over and over and over again.
I have struggled to write this review for days. What do you say to a book like that? WHAT DO YOU EVEN SAY? There's nothing, just nothing. Amy Harmon has left me speechless. Truly. I'm in awe of the magnificence that is The Queen and The Cure, taken by the writing which is poetic and lyrical, splendid in a way that I felt like I had died and gone to heaven! I'm awestruck by the riveting, breath stealing journey that this story, these characters, and this series takes you on. Honestly, I can't get over it. I don't even know how you begin to get over it, because books like this are rare, they don't come around very often. The quality, the imagery, the depth of heart, the power behind the soul searing emotion it stirs, it's all perfection. The kind of perfection that destroys you and leaves you ruined as a reader. The kind of perfection that sears a brand on your heart. It's unforgettable in ways you can't imagine, and I am hopelessly in love with every single thing about it.
"The very best things in life are born of difficulty. Whatever comes too easily is easily abandoned."
Most people I know shy away from this series because of the genre. As a romance blogger, who mostly reviews contemporary romance, I get it. You're not sure you'll be able to feel it and love it. It's different. My first love is PNR/Fantasy novels. That's where I started reading and it's those books that make me feel alive as a reader. It's those books that feed my heart and renew my passion for reading. The thing that sets this series apart from other Fantasy novels is the INTENSE romance aspect. The Bird and The Sword and The Queen and The Cure are two of the best romance novels I've ever had the pleasure of reading. The love story between Tiras and Lark, and Kjell and Sasha, ripped my heart out and stole it. It made me gasp and ache. I felt everything. There were moments where I was bruised and battered, others where I was euphoric and bursting with happiness. Both stories made me yearn all the way to my bones. They stirred the deep parts of my heart and took them over. I honestly think this is the BEST OF THE BEST when it comes to romance and that is why I think that this series is for EVERYONE. No matter what kind of reader you are, you'll LOVE The Bird and The Sword Chronicles because it's romance perfection. The stuff dreams are made of. It lights a fire in you and leaves it's permanent mark on your heart.
"He loved her then. He loved her now. He’d loved her from the moment she’d opened her eyes beneath a moonlit sky in Quondoon and greeted him like she’d been waiting forever."
Kjell is King Tiras's brother. He's the Captain of the King's guard. A healer who struggles with his gift. He's moody and harsh, yet under that brash exterior lies a heart so pure it'll bring you to your knees. Kjell's a warrior. It's all he knows, and all he's ever wanted. He's honorable and loyal, brave and intelligent, and when you read about this man he steals the breath from your lungs. There is something magical about him. I can't describe it. Just thinking of him now, as I write this review, makes goosebumps rise all along my skin. The man is a gift to readers like me. He's GOOD, so PURE HEARTED, and easy to love.
When Kjell meets Sasha, and Sasha meets him, I felt like I was going to come undone. It's intense. Sasha is a slave girl who has the gift of being able to see in the future. When Kjell comes to her aid, she is bound and determined to pay him back and serve him. The loyalty she showed that man, makes me want to cry. It honest to God does. I FELT the connection between these two. It sparked, sizzled and made this book come alive. On top of the EPIC romance factor, is the journey these two characters take to find out who they truly are. The backdrop, the world that Amy Harmon creates is so vivid you feel as though you've been transplanted in another world, at another time. It's feels like you're LIVING this adventure, that you're in the thick of the action when it takes places. The twist and turns will have you on the edge of your seat and the story will light up every one of your senses. I'm telling you, there will be nothing but these characters in your heart and mind as you read. All consuming, this is the kind of book that overtakes you until the very end and even then, you can't stop thinking about it.
Overall, it's everything. I don't even know what else to say, except READ. THESE. BOOKS. They are stand-alones, but I truly think you should read them in order. The Bird and the Sword first and then The Queen and The Cure. Both novels are heavily interconnected and the world building from book 1 to book 2 grows and flourishes. I hope we get more from Amy and these characters. I NEVER wanted to leave this world. It's beautiful, so full of soul. Five stars isn't enough. It's just not. The Queen and The Cure can't be rated. It's most certainly a gift to readers, one that fuels and fills every open space in your heart, leaving you feeling as though you are bursting with pure delight. Truly one of the most breathtaking rides I've ever been on. An ULTIMATE favorite of mine and one I will come back to over and over and over again.
November 8, 2020
The Queen and the Cure is an interesting fantasy romance. This is the second book of The Bird and the Sword Chronicles. This could be read as a standalone. The characters from The Bird and the Sword appear briefly, so you will know how the first book ends but will not be confused with the storyline. I loved how unique this book was. It was the perfect mix of fantasy and romance. The story is very interesting. I love Amy Harmon's writing and will read anything she writes.
August 12, 2018
As much as I loved the Bird and the Sword, its sequel kept disappointing me from start to finish. UGH! It should have been a standalone! The worst cliches, a ton of plot holes and the dumbest heroine. There will probably be spoilers here. I don't care.
What do we have here? Let's take a look:
- a slave girl scorned and shunned, who for no apparent reason doesn't remember her past
- she, also for no apparent reason, has 'regal posture' and is super graceful. You know, hauling buckets of water and scrubbing floors allows and induces lots of graceful movement.
- there's a mention of a long-lost queen of a nearby realm. Hmmmmmm..... Is there any person on Earth who doesn't know where this is going?
- she gets badly hurt and is dying. A healer shows up and brings her to life by promising to try to love her. WTF dude? Creepy much? She's never even once have seen him before. How is this promise a good thing at all? Worst of all, it works!
- the slave girl remembers his words and starts following him and his band of soldiers, insisting on now becoming his slave. He sends her away multiple times, but she continues to scrub his shoes, even comes to him naked and offers to screw her. He refuses.
It doesn't occur to the heroine that following soldiers around is not a gift but a burden. Their supplies and equipment were not ready for an extra person, they have to protect her in battle and adjust their pace to accommodate her etc. She's a burden, not a help!
Again and again, she comes to her knees before him and begs not to send her away. It was disgusting to read. What does Amy Harmon have against dignity? She puts her heroines into situations like this in every one of her book. Though it's never been as bad as this. And what effect does it have? Of course, the healer falls in love with her madly.
They arrive at the palace. Why does no one recognize her? She is the queen of the neighboring country and has a very prominent feature (a hair of a very unusual color, as everyone repeats). Has no one in the palace ever met her before and never even saw a portrait?
She comes back to her country. It has been completely empty for years. The population turned into trees for protection (magic) and hasn't yet turned back. Ok. Why have no people moved here in all these years from other countries around? The population has left their houses, food, supplies and treasures in the open. Anyone could come and live here or at least steal stuff, and no one's ever even tried?
The heroine turns out to have a husband, the King, so we are subjected to the worst, most stupid and long-winded love triangle ever. Conveniently, the husband promptly dies but has enough time to tell the heroine it's okay to fuck this dude. So her widowhood is short.
The heroine was the most stupid, holier-than-thou, moralistic, spineless character ever. The whole book she kept looking for people to cling to and serve. And when she got abused and scorned, she 'forgave' and kept clinging and serving.
This book was so stupid and awful it might cost you brain cells to read. You've been warned.
What do we have here? Let's take a look:
- a slave girl scorned and shunned, who for no apparent reason doesn't remember her past
- she, also for no apparent reason, has 'regal posture' and is super graceful. You know, hauling buckets of water and scrubbing floors allows and induces lots of graceful movement.
- there's a mention of a long-lost queen of a nearby realm. Hmmmmmm..... Is there any person on Earth who doesn't know where this is going?
- she gets badly hurt and is dying. A healer shows up and brings her to life by promising to try to love her. WTF dude? Creepy much? She's never even once have seen him before. How is this promise a good thing at all? Worst of all, it works!
- the slave girl remembers his words and starts following him and his band of soldiers, insisting on now becoming his slave. He sends her away multiple times, but she continues to scrub his shoes, even comes to him naked and offers to screw her. He refuses.
It doesn't occur to the heroine that following soldiers around is not a gift but a burden. Their supplies and equipment were not ready for an extra person, they have to protect her in battle and adjust their pace to accommodate her etc. She's a burden, not a help!
Again and again, she comes to her knees before him and begs not to send her away. It was disgusting to read. What does Amy Harmon have against dignity? She puts her heroines into situations like this in every one of her book. Though it's never been as bad as this. And what effect does it have? Of course, the healer falls in love with her madly.
They arrive at the palace. Why does no one recognize her? She is the queen of the neighboring country and has a very prominent feature (a hair of a very unusual color, as everyone repeats). Has no one in the palace ever met her before and never even saw a portrait?
She comes back to her country. It has been completely empty for years. The population turned into trees for protection (magic) and hasn't yet turned back. Ok. Why have no people moved here in all these years from other countries around? The population has left their houses, food, supplies and treasures in the open. Anyone could come and live here or at least steal stuff, and no one's ever even tried?
The heroine turns out to have a husband, the King, so we are subjected to the worst, most stupid and long-winded love triangle ever. Conveniently, the husband promptly dies but has enough time to tell the heroine it's okay to fuck this dude. So her widowhood is short.
The heroine was the most stupid, holier-than-thou, moralistic, spineless character ever. The whole book she kept looking for people to cling to and serve. And when she got abused and scorned, she 'forgave' and kept clinging and serving.
This book was so stupid and awful it might cost you brain cells to read. You've been warned.
June 16, 2017
Finally done with this beautiful series and I really enjoyed it. I would say I prefer this book to the first. Kjell was kinda hard to like in book one cos of his getting angry all the time and stressing out my darling lark but this book really drew me into his character...I love that it was told from his point of view and I could relate and understand his decisions and all. I love the way the love overtook him and jst rearranged everything he knew about everything. Sasha Sasha...very meek and understated. She is like lark but with less sass and wields her gift like it's not special when she is actually super special and strong...she was so sweet...always giving herself to others and doing what is right...exactly the kind of person that will melt the heart of kjell. I love that this book was more about the connection between the characters...I felt their chemistry more than that of the first book. I could feel Kjells pain and longing for Sasha and how torn Sasha was between her duty and her heart. It had less action but the big battle was really interesting because it was a collective fight...it was well crafted because u could understand all the different roles they all played to conquer...not jst using words now but careful planning and execution. As for the Firi chick....she was jst crazy. Tiras and Kjells brotherly love was jst so sweet...always looking out for each other...not being jealous jst encouraging and supporting. I loved hw everything played out. All the numerous plot twists came together nicely to bring a fantastic end. The two books gave what the other didn't in all the right ways merging into a very wonderful series. Definitely 5 stars!
May 28, 2017
2.5 stars
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