malglories's review against another edition
2.0
Sadly disappointed by this one. Everyone seems to love it, but truthfully? I don't understand why.
The plot is too simple, moves too quickly, when it could have been so much more complex. It skips over weeks and months that could have been used to build world, subplots, and characters. Which really needed to be built. There is absolutely no worldbuilding. I have no sense of era, no sense of culture, no sense of the castle, no sense of what these people wear...
Lark is just boring and nondescript - no personality whatsoever. What personality she does have, it's the classic "good girl" set, with no character flaws. Similarly, Tiras is molded to fit whatever scene Harmon wanted to write, and honestly, he's kind of a possessive, self-righteous dick.
The concept is so cool, but it was executed with little skill.
The plot is too simple, moves too quickly, when it could have been so much more complex. It skips over weeks and months that could have been used to build world, subplots, and characters. Which really needed to be built. There is absolutely no worldbuilding. I have no sense of era, no sense of culture, no sense of the castle, no sense of what these people wear...
Lark is just boring and nondescript - no personality whatsoever. What personality she does have, it's the classic "good girl" set, with no character flaws. Similarly, Tiras is molded to fit whatever scene Harmon wanted to write, and honestly, he's kind of a possessive, self-righteous dick.
The concept is so cool, but it was executed with little skill.
mayawildgoose's review against another edition
4.0
Gorgeous writing and totally enchanting story. The passion and pain and badass ladies and some witchiness. I loved the leading lady, and the supporting prince is definitely a powerful foil to her. Amazing writing, engrossing tale, and satisfying read.
Full review here:
http://www.booksmithing.com/blog/2017/6/24/the-bird-and-the-sword-by-amy-harmon
Full review here:
http://www.booksmithing.com/blog/2017/6/24/the-bird-and-the-sword-by-amy-harmon
rgrigsby80's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely writing and an interesting story. However, my enjoyment was definitely tempered by some of the "romantic" scenes between Trias and Lark (any scene where a man forcefully tells a woman he's going to put a "babe in her belly" immediately makes my skin crawl and my shoulders creep up to my ears). Overall, I found it enjoyable enough to look past a couple of the more cringe-worthy scenes.
minnielikesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely fabulous!! Captivating prose and story with great characters.
kylaslittlelibrary's review against another edition
5.0
The Bird and The Sword by Amy Harmon
I am obsessed with the way Harmon wove this story together. I have always loved the notion that words have power and this story takes that statement and runs away with it.
Lark is an easy to love main character and portrays herself well without the ability to vocally communicate. She stands up for herself and know her worth all the while keeping her dangerous secret.
The romance takes a back seat in this story as the plot is more than enough to keep you engrossed.
Content: closed door romance with mentions of nakedness, war, kissing, death of a parent
I am obsessed with the way Harmon wove this story together. I have always loved the notion that words have power and this story takes that statement and runs away with it.
Lark is an easy to love main character and portrays herself well without the ability to vocally communicate. She stands up for herself and know her worth all the while keeping her dangerous secret.
The romance takes a back seat in this story as the plot is more than enough to keep you engrossed.
Content: closed door romance with mentions of nakedness, war, kissing, death of a parent
mandy_pandy's review against another edition
5.0
I am so angry at myself for waiting so long to read this book. I have enjoyed other books by this author but was a bit unsure if I would like this one since I've never read a fantasy or paranormal book before (except Twilight). I was not expecting to love this one as much as I did. Of course, as usual with a Amy Harmon book, the writing was fantastic and poetic but the story itself was incredible. I was hooked from the prologue and didn't want this book to end. Such a gorgeous, thoughtful, romantic, emotional book! I can't say enough about how much I loved this book and I'm so happy to see one of the side characters is getting their own story - I can't wait to read it! This is going on my all time favorites list! If you're a romance fan who has never read a paranormal or fantasy book - I highly recommend giving this one a try!
lindsey_reads_books's review against another edition
5.0
This book has become one of my favorites. It's a beautiful, enchanting and poetic story. I cannot wait to read the second book!
krista6320's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely stunning. This book is a breath of fresh air. The writing is lovely and the characters are enchanting. I cried, I smiled, this is the first time in awhile a book has made me feel an escape. Full of love and strong females and magical action no absolutely can't wait to read the next one. Get off your ass and read this book!
aj_luci's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5