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Warrior Bards #3
A Song of Flight
A young warrior who wields both the power of her music and the strength of her sword faces a grave threat in this enthralling historical fantasy.
Bard and fighter Liobhan is always ready for a challenge. So when news arrives at Swan Island that the prince of Dalriada has gone missing after an assault by both masked men and the sinister Crow Folk, she's eager to act.
While Liobhan and her fellow Swan Island warriors seek answers to the prince's disappearance, the bard Brocc, Liobhan's brother, finds himself in dire trouble. His attempts to communicate with the Crow Folk have led him down a perilous path. When Liobhan and her comrades are sent to the rescue, it becomes clear the two missions are connected--and a great mystery unfolds.
What brought the Crow Folk to Erin? And who seeks to use them in an unscrupulous bid for power? As Liobhan and Brocc investigate, it will take all their strength and will to continue pursuing the truth. With the safety of their loved ones in the balance, the risks they must take may cost them everything.
Bard and fighter Liobhan is always ready for a challenge. So when news arrives at Swan Island that the prince of Dalriada has gone missing after an assault by both masked men and the sinister Crow Folk, she's eager to act.
While Liobhan and her fellow Swan Island warriors seek answers to the prince's disappearance, the bard Brocc, Liobhan's brother, finds himself in dire trouble. His attempts to communicate with the Crow Folk have led him down a perilous path. When Liobhan and her comrades are sent to the rescue, it becomes clear the two missions are connected--and a great mystery unfolds.
What brought the Crow Folk to Erin? And who seeks to use them in an unscrupulous bid for power? As Liobhan and Brocc investigate, it will take all their strength and will to continue pursuing the truth. With the safety of their loved ones in the balance, the risks they must take may cost them everything.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2021
About the author
Juliet Marillier
92 books10.9k followersJuliet Marillier was born in Dunedin, New Zealand and grew up surrounded by Celtic music and stories. Her own Celtic-Gaelic roots inspired her to write her first series, the Sevenwaters Trilogy. Juliet was educated at the University of Otago, where she majored in music and languages, graduating BA and Bachelor of Music (Hons). Her lifelong interest in history, folklore and mythology has had a major influence on her writing.
Juliet is the author of twenty-one historical fantasy novels for adults and young adults, as well as a book of short fiction. Juliet's novels and short stories have won many awards.
Juliet lives in a 110 year old cottage in a riverside suburb of Perth, Western Australia. When not writing, she tends to her small pack of rescue dogs. She also has four adult children and eight grandchildren. Juliet is a member of the druid order OBOD (the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.)
Juliet is the author of twenty-one historical fantasy novels for adults and young adults, as well as a book of short fiction. Juliet's novels and short stories have won many awards.
Juliet lives in a 110 year old cottage in a riverside suburb of Perth, Western Australia. When not writing, she tends to her small pack of rescue dogs. She also has four adult children and eight grandchildren. Juliet is a member of the druid order OBOD (the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
August 22, 2021
A very satisfying conclusion!
WARNING: This review will contain spoilers for the previous two books in the series.
Here we go: A prince has gone missing after an attack from strange masked men and the dreaded Crow Folk, and the Swan Island warriors are tasked to investigate. Liobhan's brother, Galen, is involved, so for her it's personal. However her new relationship with Dau means they're being forced to split up for this one. Meanwhile Brocc, in the Otherworld, seeks a truce with the brutal Crow Folk that not everyone thinks is a good idea.
Honestly, this is such a PG series. It's all music and singing and dancing and frolicking about with people and beings that are just misunderstood. But in spite of all that, the lore really fascinates me. I love the Otherworld with all its strange, adorable creatures. I love the deadly, mysterious Crow Folk. I love the portals and forests and strange legends. There is so much detail and yes, it does slow down the story a tad, but it never feels like you're getting bogged down in it. I am all about action but I still never found it dull - there is just so much richness to the story.
I like that the kids are split up. Not that they're really kids - this is definitely an adult fantasy, with adult themes as opposed to YA insta-love with its magical sparks and stroking each other randomly. This shows the depths of true love quite well in the separation of Dau and Liobhan. Their feelings are profound, but they have jobs to do that come first. I really appreciated that. It was nice to see them playing to their own strengths without needing to depend on one another. Then of course we have Brocc, who is the most wholesome character I've encountered in a long time. Not a single bad bone in this guy's body - even when things are going really terribly for him. It was nice to see him challenged a bit.
The story has a lot of ground to cover but it does this well without seeming too long a tale. The variety of viewpoints helps keep things interesting, and with the constantly changing surroundings there's always something new to experience. The benefit of the author's love for detail is that you get a clear mental picture of these beautiful, magical lands with their dense forests, sparkling lakes and rocky terrain. I'd love to go exploring in a place like this!
This is the last book of the trilogy and it brings everything together really nicely. It wraps everything up neatly, but it still leaves a door to this world open.
All in all, this trilogy ended up winning my heart. This is a brilliant final instalment, and readers should be just as satisfied as I was with the way it all concludes.
With thanks to Macmillan for a copy
WARNING: This review will contain spoilers for the previous two books in the series.
Here we go: A prince has gone missing after an attack from strange masked men and the dreaded Crow Folk, and the Swan Island warriors are tasked to investigate. Liobhan's brother, Galen, is involved, so for her it's personal. However her new relationship with Dau means they're being forced to split up for this one. Meanwhile Brocc, in the Otherworld, seeks a truce with the brutal Crow Folk that not everyone thinks is a good idea.
Honestly, this is such a PG series. It's all music and singing and dancing and frolicking about with people and beings that are just misunderstood. But in spite of all that, the lore really fascinates me. I love the Otherworld with all its strange, adorable creatures. I love the deadly, mysterious Crow Folk. I love the portals and forests and strange legends. There is so much detail and yes, it does slow down the story a tad, but it never feels like you're getting bogged down in it. I am all about action but I still never found it dull - there is just so much richness to the story.
I like that the kids are split up. Not that they're really kids - this is definitely an adult fantasy, with adult themes as opposed to YA insta-love with its magical sparks and stroking each other randomly. This shows the depths of true love quite well in the separation of Dau and Liobhan. Their feelings are profound, but they have jobs to do that come first. I really appreciated that. It was nice to see them playing to their own strengths without needing to depend on one another. Then of course we have Brocc, who is the most wholesome character I've encountered in a long time. Not a single bad bone in this guy's body - even when things are going really terribly for him. It was nice to see him challenged a bit.
The story has a lot of ground to cover but it does this well without seeming too long a tale. The variety of viewpoints helps keep things interesting, and with the constantly changing surroundings there's always something new to experience. The benefit of the author's love for detail is that you get a clear mental picture of these beautiful, magical lands with their dense forests, sparkling lakes and rocky terrain. I'd love to go exploring in a place like this!
This is the last book of the trilogy and it brings everything together really nicely. It wraps everything up neatly, but it still leaves a door to this world open.
All in all, this trilogy ended up winning my heart. This is a brilliant final instalment, and readers should be just as satisfied as I was with the way it all concludes.
With thanks to Macmillan for a copy
October 28, 2021
Definitely not my favorite Marillier series, though it is still Marillier, so I'll enjoy it for that. I wish she'd stop alternating perspectives, it really negatively affects pacing, character development, story, etc. Aolu's sections felt unnecessary, especially when you get to the end and realize his whole storyline was basically just a way to get all the players onto the stage for the final act. Kind of a letdown. It could easily just have been a mission of "hey, something weird is going on at Darkwater, we're going to investigate," and then we could have skipped 50% of Liobhan twiddling her thumbs at Swan Island and a bunch of traveling. Marillier usually does deep-dive-into-menacing-household-mystery so well, and we barely spent any time with the villain or her "lair." Not to mention good ol' Seanan, back again to be mentioned and feared a bunch and then barely do anything. Again. And I guess good riddance to Eirne, written out very abruptly. We never got to know her, nobody liked her, and now she's gone after a lot of screaming that contained no words.
The ending was nice, and feel-good and all, but didn't really feel earned. So basically, the Crow Folk got banished for one single murder, spent a hundred-odd years doing a ton more murder and violence, and then they get blanket absolution and sent home after not doing more violence for at most two weeks (or whatever the book's internal timeline is)? Yay?
The ending was nice, and feel-good and all, but didn't really feel earned. So basically, the Crow Folk got banished for one single murder, spent a hundred-odd years doing a ton more murder and violence, and then they get blanket absolution and sent home after not doing more violence for at most two weeks (or whatever the book's internal timeline is)? Yay?
April 13, 2023
I enjoyed the whole Warrior Bards series tremendously. This final book closes various plot lines that were woven through the first two books, in particular, the nature and ultimate fate of the Crow Folk. I keep thinking what an excellent TV series this would make. I love the whole idea of Swan Island, its people, and the various missions that come up.
My only critique is that there were quite a few different people to focus on, and although the stories of Brocc and Aolu are ultimately connected, Aolu didn't get very much page time. Overall though, an entertaining series with lots of interesting details and intersecting plotlines. I'm such a fan of Marillier's work that even though this wasn't my favourite book of hers, I still loved reading it.
My only critique is that there were quite a few different people to focus on, and although the stories of Brocc and Aolu are ultimately connected, Aolu didn't get very much page time. Overall though, an entertaining series with lots of interesting details and intersecting plotlines. I'm such a fan of Marillier's work that even though this wasn't my favourite book of hers, I still loved reading it.
August 22, 2022
4.25 ⭐️ Non è un libro da 5 stelline su Goodreads, ma è un libro da 5 stelline in my heart 😩
Sincera, sarebbe da 5 stelline nel mio cuore anche un capitolo di questi personaggi che osservano la pittura che si asciuga.
Se nel secondo libro di questa trilogia ci si concentrava molto di più sullo sviluppo dei personaggi, e il primo era un giusto mix tra mistero e crescita dei protagonisti, quest’ultimo libro è costituito da molta più azione. È quasi esclusivamente avventura, indagine, mischiata ai soliti elementi delle leggende dell’Irlanda medievale.
Nelle altre recensioni ho scritto che secondo me la Marillier brilla quando si concentra sui personaggi, e rimango di questa opinione. Infatti quest’ultimo libro non è tra i miei preferiti. Però, ragazzi, per quanto il loro sviluppo abbia meno spazio, i protagonisti di questa serie sono fenomenali, anche qui. L’autrice ha un modo incredibile di sviluppare relazioni, che siano romantiche che platoniche, relazioni di amicizia, di parentela…qui abbiamo davvero alcuni dei miei personaggi preferiti in assoluto.
Le tematiche dell’ascolto, del dialogo, del trovare la propria strada…ognuno qui potrebbe trovare da riflettere, o comunque un elemento che parli al suo cuore. Io di certo ne ho trovati. Io spero vivamente che con la ripubblicazione della Figlia della Foresta in Italia ci aspetti una Marillier Italian Renaissance. È necessario all’umanità.
Sincera, sarebbe da 5 stelline nel mio cuore anche un capitolo di questi personaggi che osservano la pittura che si asciuga.
Se nel secondo libro di questa trilogia ci si concentrava molto di più sullo sviluppo dei personaggi, e il primo era un giusto mix tra mistero e crescita dei protagonisti, quest’ultimo libro è costituito da molta più azione. È quasi esclusivamente avventura, indagine, mischiata ai soliti elementi delle leggende dell’Irlanda medievale.
Nelle altre recensioni ho scritto che secondo me la Marillier brilla quando si concentra sui personaggi, e rimango di questa opinione. Infatti quest’ultimo libro non è tra i miei preferiti. Però, ragazzi, per quanto il loro sviluppo abbia meno spazio, i protagonisti di questa serie sono fenomenali, anche qui. L’autrice ha un modo incredibile di sviluppare relazioni, che siano romantiche che platoniche, relazioni di amicizia, di parentela…qui abbiamo davvero alcuni dei miei personaggi preferiti in assoluto.
Le tematiche dell’ascolto, del dialogo, del trovare la propria strada…ognuno qui potrebbe trovare da riflettere, o comunque un elemento che parli al suo cuore. Io di certo ne ho trovati. Io spero vivamente che con la ripubblicazione della Figlia della Foresta in Italia ci aspetti una Marillier Italian Renaissance. È necessario all’umanità.
January 3, 2023
4,25
Avis Lecture 🧐 📖 "A Song of Flight", A Warrior Bards Trilogy, tome final, Juliet Marillier 🇮🇪
Toutes les bonnes choses ont une fin et... Cette jolie trilogie se conclue ici.
Je suis très heureux d'avoir découvert la plume de Juliet Marillier et plongé dans cette Irlande mystérieuse et magique. Je remercie @rapeltout.culturel encore une fois pour m'avoir poussé à sortir l'autrice de ma PAL 😀
Bien que ce ne soit pas mon tome favoris, j'ai tout de même adoré ma lecture.
La boucle est enfin bouclée ici, Marillier ajoutant quelques points de vue qui vont permettre de conclure la série. J'ai adoré les clins d'œil à la trilogie précédente "Blackthorn and Grim" et bien que je n'ai pas lu celle ci (pas encore 😂) il reste assez aisé de voir ces références, notamment grâce au personnage de "Blackthorn" que j'ai trouvé très charismatique ! 🤩 J'ai tellement envie d'en savoir plus sur elle et découvrir ses aventures !🤩🤩🤩
Au final, ma préférence en terme de personnage est à nouveau revenu à Brocc dans ce dernier volume. Son arc est vraiment magnifique et très touchant ! Je me suis senti connecté à ce personnage au tome 1 et j'ai pu retrouver ce feeling.
A contrario, Dau qui avait été une jolie révélation, m'a quelque peu déçu... Enfin pas le personnage en lui même, mais l'audiobook - le narrateur de Dau ayant été changé, j'ai trouvé que le personnage avait perdu sa voix et son impact.
Enfin resté Liobhan, un véritable bonheur à suivre. Notre héroïne reste le cœur de la série 💕
Au final, Marillier est une très jolie surprise. Sa plume élégante, raffinée et très orientée vers ses personnages, en fait une autrice facile à suivre et merveilleuse à découvrir. Sans être forcément les romans de l'année, cette trilogie va vraiment me marquer par la force insufflée dans son univers et nos héros.
Avis Lecture 🧐 📖 "A Song of Flight", A Warrior Bards Trilogy, tome final, Juliet Marillier 🇮🇪
Toutes les bonnes choses ont une fin et... Cette jolie trilogie se conclue ici.
Je suis très heureux d'avoir découvert la plume de Juliet Marillier et plongé dans cette Irlande mystérieuse et magique. Je remercie @rapeltout.culturel encore une fois pour m'avoir poussé à sortir l'autrice de ma PAL 😀
Bien que ce ne soit pas mon tome favoris, j'ai tout de même adoré ma lecture.
La boucle est enfin bouclée ici, Marillier ajoutant quelques points de vue qui vont permettre de conclure la série. J'ai adoré les clins d'œil à la trilogie précédente "Blackthorn and Grim" et bien que je n'ai pas lu celle ci (pas encore 😂) il reste assez aisé de voir ces références, notamment grâce au personnage de "Blackthorn" que j'ai trouvé très charismatique ! 🤩 J'ai tellement envie d'en savoir plus sur elle et découvrir ses aventures !🤩🤩🤩
Au final, ma préférence en terme de personnage est à nouveau revenu à Brocc dans ce dernier volume. Son arc est vraiment magnifique et très touchant ! Je me suis senti connecté à ce personnage au tome 1 et j'ai pu retrouver ce feeling.
A contrario, Dau qui avait été une jolie révélation, m'a quelque peu déçu... Enfin pas le personnage en lui même, mais l'audiobook - le narrateur de Dau ayant été changé, j'ai trouvé que le personnage avait perdu sa voix et son impact.
Enfin resté Liobhan, un véritable bonheur à suivre. Notre héroïne reste le cœur de la série 💕
Au final, Marillier est une très jolie surprise. Sa plume élégante, raffinée et très orientée vers ses personnages, en fait une autrice facile à suivre et merveilleuse à découvrir. Sans être forcément les romans de l'année, cette trilogie va vraiment me marquer par la force insufflée dans son univers et nos héros.
October 5, 2021
I don’t know if this is the final book in the Warrior Bards series (Sevenwaters) I see at least one more book because too much was left out and unfinished. Regardless, I felt this was an excellent book, reminding me of the first three Sevenwater Books. I loved the mix of Otherworldly and family, good vs evil, just a wonderful story
July 26, 2021
I read it too fast that I'm totally having a mind blank trying to write this review. Truly, I could NOT put the book down until I finished and err... it wasn't 11pm as I felt it should've been but 1 AM 😲 I guess this most of all would tell just just how good, how immersive, and just how brilliant A Song of Flight is.
One thing I really loved about this instalment in the series is that all of the family was here. Granted the main protagonists remain Liobhan, Dau, & Brocc with a few secondary POVs but we get to see a little of Blackthorn & Grim too and I guess if you're just as in love with this universe, you'd swoon just as I have done. There was also something about Brocc this time around. I never felt drawn to him previously but he's really shown himself in this book that I think he even outshone Liobhan and that's not an easy thing to do.
There was still a mystery to be solved by Liobhan and her Swan Island warrior counterparts but finally, the overriding mystery of the Crow Folk (and therefore, Brocc's story) has reached the pinnacle and it's make or break time. And at the end, there were no strands left hanging with all questions and futures more or less tidied up. I hope that this is not a goodbye to this universe, though, and that we'll see a bit more of this family in the future.
I don't re-read many books even as I pick up a sequel, I don't usually re-read the previous book but for this trilogy I did. Not because I felt that I have but because I really wanted to dive into this world again and again. And even now as I just finished A Song of Flight mere hours ago, I feel the need to either reread this book again or maybe go right back to the beginning with Dreamer's Pool. If you haven't read Marillier before, I strongly recommend you begin immediately!
My thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for this paperback copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
One thing I really loved about this instalment in the series is that all of the family was here. Granted the main protagonists remain Liobhan, Dau, & Brocc with a few secondary POVs but we get to see a little of Blackthorn & Grim too and I guess if you're just as in love with this universe, you'd swoon just as I have done. There was also something about Brocc this time around. I never felt drawn to him previously but he's really shown himself in this book that I think he even outshone Liobhan and that's not an easy thing to do.
There was still a mystery to be solved by Liobhan and her Swan Island warrior counterparts but finally, the overriding mystery of the Crow Folk (and therefore, Brocc's story) has reached the pinnacle and it's make or break time. And at the end, there were no strands left hanging with all questions and futures more or less tidied up. I hope that this is not a goodbye to this universe, though, and that we'll see a bit more of this family in the future.
I don't re-read many books even as I pick up a sequel, I don't usually re-read the previous book but for this trilogy I did. Not because I felt that I have but because I really wanted to dive into this world again and again. And even now as I just finished A Song of Flight mere hours ago, I feel the need to either reread this book again or maybe go right back to the beginning with Dreamer's Pool. If you haven't read Marillier before, I strongly recommend you begin immediately!
My thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for this paperback copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
January 28, 2022
This is Young Adult/Fantasy and it was a rosy ending to the Warrior Bards trilogy. My favorite of the three was book #2, but I did enjoy the whole series. I liked the way the characters came to life. The world building was important (and it was nicely done), but for me the characters were the real stars. I loved that the plot was detailed and intriguing. I was always completely in with each book. So 4 stars.
September 15, 2021
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
The Warrior Bards trilogy comes to a stunning conclusion with A Song of Flight . I was swept away from the very first page by Juliet Marillier’s writing and hated every interruption that pulled me away from Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau’s final adventure.
The threat of the Crow Folk continues to grow both in the human realm and in the Otherworld. When Alou, the prince of Dalriada, disappears after an attack by masked humans and the Crow Folk, the Swan Island warriors are called in to find out what happened. Though the incident occurred in Winterfalls, Liobhan's home, she is prevented from going on the mission as it’s too close to home. Her brother, Galen, is Alou’s bodyguard and was injured in the fight. Forced to remain on Swan Island, Liobhan continues her work training a new warrior. Liobhan being forced to stay behind (before she is inevitably drawn into the search as the plot threads tie together) is interesting as it shows new sides to her. Training someone else, having to work to create a bond with someone, brings out the mature and understanding side of Liobhan and it was interesting to see her settle in and find her place on Swan Island when she’s not in action. Liobhan’s partner, Dau, is sent on the mission to find out what happened to Alou and it takes him to interesting new places. I adore Liobhan and Dau together but seeing them apart actually showed the strength of their bond.
Brocc, whom we last left in the Otherworld, faces the most challenging journey in this book. He’s at a crossroads with one foot in each world, not knowing what to do when it comes to his life, his family, the Crow Folk, and more. Brocc is a good man who always tries to do what’s right, even if it costs him. And it does cost him in this book. He has to make some hard choices and they may not always be the right ones. His tumultuous journey over the course of the story had me questioning what would happen next and though I won’t spoil anything I will say that Marillier gave him a satisfying ending.
A Song of Flight is the third book in the Warrior Bards trilogy and you should definitely read The Harp of Kings and A Dance with Fate before jumping into this book. Marillier brings everything together in this story and I loved the entire journey. I can’t give away anything other than the basics of the plot because it would spoil the journey for readers. This book is a puzzle and I enjoyed watching the various characters collect the pieces and ultimately see the whole picture. In addition to Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau, we get to see events from other points of view such as Galen and Alou, two characters I wish I had cause to see more of in this series. Characters big and small all have something to contribute to the overarching plot and the mystery of the Crow Folk, which was a delight. And speaking of delights, fans of the Blackthorn & Grim trilogy are sure to be thrilled to revisit their favorite characters. Blackthorn and Grim are Liobhan, Brocc, and Galen’s parents, so getting to see not only them but a few other characters from their trilogy pop up was such a treat (though you don’t have to have read that series to enjoy this one).
A Song of Flight is a spellbinding fantasy from start to finish. There’s action, mystery, character growth, and love, both romantic and familial. Add that to Marillier’s gorgeous prose and it’s easy to see why I found this book so compelling.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Warrior Bards trilogy comes to a stunning conclusion with A Song of Flight . I was swept away from the very first page by Juliet Marillier’s writing and hated every interruption that pulled me away from Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau’s final adventure.
The threat of the Crow Folk continues to grow both in the human realm and in the Otherworld. When Alou, the prince of Dalriada, disappears after an attack by masked humans and the Crow Folk, the Swan Island warriors are called in to find out what happened. Though the incident occurred in Winterfalls, Liobhan's home, she is prevented from going on the mission as it’s too close to home. Her brother, Galen, is Alou’s bodyguard and was injured in the fight. Forced to remain on Swan Island, Liobhan continues her work training a new warrior. Liobhan being forced to stay behind (before she is inevitably drawn into the search as the plot threads tie together) is interesting as it shows new sides to her. Training someone else, having to work to create a bond with someone, brings out the mature and understanding side of Liobhan and it was interesting to see her settle in and find her place on Swan Island when she’s not in action. Liobhan’s partner, Dau, is sent on the mission to find out what happened to Alou and it takes him to interesting new places. I adore Liobhan and Dau together but seeing them apart actually showed the strength of their bond.
Brocc, whom we last left in the Otherworld, faces the most challenging journey in this book. He’s at a crossroads with one foot in each world, not knowing what to do when it comes to his life, his family, the Crow Folk, and more. Brocc is a good man who always tries to do what’s right, even if it costs him. And it does cost him in this book. He has to make some hard choices and they may not always be the right ones. His tumultuous journey over the course of the story had me questioning what would happen next and though I won’t spoil anything I will say that Marillier gave him a satisfying ending.
A Song of Flight is the third book in the Warrior Bards trilogy and you should definitely read The Harp of Kings and A Dance with Fate before jumping into this book. Marillier brings everything together in this story and I loved the entire journey. I can’t give away anything other than the basics of the plot because it would spoil the journey for readers. This book is a puzzle and I enjoyed watching the various characters collect the pieces and ultimately see the whole picture. In addition to Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau, we get to see events from other points of view such as Galen and Alou, two characters I wish I had cause to see more of in this series. Characters big and small all have something to contribute to the overarching plot and the mystery of the Crow Folk, which was a delight. And speaking of delights, fans of the Blackthorn & Grim trilogy are sure to be thrilled to revisit their favorite characters. Blackthorn and Grim are Liobhan, Brocc, and Galen’s parents, so getting to see not only them but a few other characters from their trilogy pop up was such a treat (though you don’t have to have read that series to enjoy this one).
A Song of Flight is a spellbinding fantasy from start to finish. There’s action, mystery, character growth, and love, both romantic and familial. Add that to Marillier’s gorgeous prose and it’s easy to see why I found this book so compelling.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
August 4, 2022
4.25/5
Que bom foi voltar a estes personagens! Uma belíssima conclusão.
Neste livro voltamos à Ilha do Cisne e revemos Liobhan e Dau. Gostei muito. Rever a sincronia destes personagens, a forma como as missões deles evoluem e a forma como se relacionam com o mundo mágico.
Mais uma vez, este livro caracteriza-se pela desenrolar lento, mas a descrição do mundo e a qualidade da escrita fez me apreciar este último livro da trilogia de uma maneira especial.
Gostei muito! Sem dúvida, ler mais Juliet Marillier está no meus planos.
! Leiam os livros por ordem, estão sujeitos a spoilers dos livros anteriores.
Que bom foi voltar a estes personagens! Uma belíssima conclusão.
Neste livro voltamos à Ilha do Cisne e revemos Liobhan e Dau. Gostei muito. Rever a sincronia destes personagens, a forma como as missões deles evoluem e a forma como se relacionam com o mundo mágico.
Mais uma vez, este livro caracteriza-se pela desenrolar lento, mas a descrição do mundo e a qualidade da escrita fez me apreciar este último livro da trilogia de uma maneira especial.
Gostei muito! Sem dúvida, ler mais Juliet Marillier está no meus planos.
! Leiam os livros por ordem, estão sujeitos a spoilers dos livros anteriores.
October 10, 2021
Is just me, or does anyone else think about Moira Rose’s (Schitt’s Creek) Crow movie when you read this series?
I know I could get in a serious debate about Juliet Marillier’s common formula /pacing, but overall she’s easy escapism with a warm hug. Just expect a dance where only slow songs are played.
Though my excitement tends to lessen as her series progress, I like the strong female characters she builds.
I know I could get in a serious debate about Juliet Marillier’s common formula /pacing, but overall she’s easy escapism with a warm hug. Just expect a dance where only slow songs are played.
Though my excitement tends to lessen as her series progress, I like the strong female characters she builds.
October 20, 2022
*3,8
Acho que o ritmo do livro foi um pouco lento até bem depois do meio e muito rápido perto do fim. E há uma questão que não me parece finalizada.
Mesmo assim, os livros de Juliet são sempre um conforto.
Acho que o ritmo do livro foi um pouco lento até bem depois do meio e muito rápido perto do fim. E há uma questão que não me parece finalizada.
Mesmo assim, os livros de Juliet são sempre um conforto.
October 19, 2021
A great conclusion to The Warrior Bards trilogy!
In this final book we continue to follow our three main POVs of Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau as they search for a missing prince, try to figure out the mystery of the Crow Folk, and discover a more sinister plot than they expected.
********************
A prince has disappeared under mysterious circumstances involving the Crow Folk and a group of unknown men. Galen, Liobhan and Brocc’s older brother and the prince’s guard, was injured in the attack and is determined to find the prince.
The Swan Island warriors are brought in to find the prince. As they follow a lead which forces Dau to go undercover, he becomes more convinced that the uncanny may be involved in the disappearance. Meanwhile, Liobhan is tasked with training a new member of Swan Island, and Brocc is struggling to balance his family in the Fae world with his mission to understand and connect with the Crow Folk.
As always Marillier’s writing is beautiful, atmospheric, and magical as she draws both characters and settings with care. I loved getting to catch up Blackthorn and Grim and learning more about their lives and family since their series. And we get to meet Galen! I wish that Galen had been in the story more (the prince too) because, although the prince’s disappearance and their search for him is the catalyst for the story, it ends up taking a backseat to the Crow Folk plot and feels a little disconnected. That being said, I almost wish the Galen/prince plot had been its own book because I think there was enough there and likable enough characters to have their own story.
In this book the three main characters are split up for the majority of the book which meant we didn’t get as much interaction between those main characters which I missed. However, it did mean we got to see the various pieces, plots, mysteries, and motives slowly come together as we discover how everything is connected. Which is always satisfying!
We also got more of a focus on Dau and Brocc’s POVs and I’m glad we did! In the previous books I found Brocc a little boring, but his character really came alive in this one as we got to see him struggling with his conflicting priorities. We also get to learn more about the Crow Folk who have been very mysterious up until this point.
In comparison to the other books in the series, the second book is still my favorite as it is the darkest and most emotional of the trilogy, but A Song of Flight is a great conclusion the trilogy! I gave it four stars.
I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley (although I bought and read my own physical copy). All opinions are my own.
In this final book we continue to follow our three main POVs of Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau as they search for a missing prince, try to figure out the mystery of the Crow Folk, and discover a more sinister plot than they expected.
********************
A prince has disappeared under mysterious circumstances involving the Crow Folk and a group of unknown men. Galen, Liobhan and Brocc’s older brother and the prince’s guard, was injured in the attack and is determined to find the prince.
The Swan Island warriors are brought in to find the prince. As they follow a lead which forces Dau to go undercover, he becomes more convinced that the uncanny may be involved in the disappearance. Meanwhile, Liobhan is tasked with training a new member of Swan Island, and Brocc is struggling to balance his family in the Fae world with his mission to understand and connect with the Crow Folk.
As always Marillier’s writing is beautiful, atmospheric, and magical as she draws both characters and settings with care. I loved getting to catch up Blackthorn and Grim and learning more about their lives and family since their series. And we get to meet Galen! I wish that Galen had been in the story more (the prince too) because, although the prince’s disappearance and their search for him is the catalyst for the story, it ends up taking a backseat to the Crow Folk plot and feels a little disconnected. That being said, I almost wish the Galen/prince plot had been its own book because I think there was enough there and likable enough characters to have their own story.
In this book the three main characters are split up for the majority of the book which meant we didn’t get as much interaction between those main characters which I missed. However, it did mean we got to see the various pieces, plots, mysteries, and motives slowly come together as we discover how everything is connected. Which is always satisfying!
We also got more of a focus on Dau and Brocc’s POVs and I’m glad we did! In the previous books I found Brocc a little boring, but his character really came alive in this one as we got to see him struggling with his conflicting priorities. We also get to learn more about the Crow Folk who have been very mysterious up until this point.
In comparison to the other books in the series, the second book is still my favorite as it is the darkest and most emotional of the trilogy, but A Song of Flight is a great conclusion the trilogy! I gave it four stars.
I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley (although I bought and read my own physical copy). All opinions are my own.
August 15, 2021
For the first time in this series, I felt lost not having read the first trilogy. I recommend reading the first trilogy (Blackthorn & Grim) because it makes the world's politics and magic folk clear and is a fantastic series, so you should read it anyway.
Brocc has been trying to figure out the Crow Folk since the first book. He slowly figures out how to communicate with them. This knowledge comes at a high cost. Meanwhile, the prince of Dalriada is missing, and Dau, later Liobhan, is sent to look for him.
When I first started reading this book, it didn't click for me. Then when I read the other series, I realized that this is about finding happiness in your life with the cards that life has dealt you. For the first time, Brocc is a compelling character trying to be true to himself no matter the cost. People might be disappointed with how quickly some bad people are dealt with, but the point wasn't to defeat evil. It was to help as many creatures as possible.
Still wish that I had another series of Blackthorn and Grim going around solving fairy tale mysteries while they work through being a married couple.
Review based on an advanced reader copy provided through Netgalley for an honest review.
Brocc has been trying to figure out the Crow Folk since the first book. He slowly figures out how to communicate with them. This knowledge comes at a high cost. Meanwhile, the prince of Dalriada is missing, and Dau, later Liobhan, is sent to look for him.
When I first started reading this book, it didn't click for me. Then when I read the other series, I realized that this is about finding happiness in your life with the cards that life has dealt you. For the first time, Brocc is a compelling character trying to be true to himself no matter the cost. People might be disappointed with how quickly some bad people are dealt with, but the point wasn't to defeat evil. It was to help as many creatures as possible.
Still wish that I had another series of Blackthorn and Grim going around solving fairy tale mysteries while they work through being a married couple.
Review based on an advanced reader copy provided through Netgalley for an honest review.
September 25, 2021
This was by far the weakest book in the series. The villain barely felt like a threat and was defeated way too quickly. 3/4 of the book was just the main characters figuring out the same information, a problem that arises when you have multiple perspectives that aren’t traveling together. Certain phrases and episodes were repeated ad nauseam (variations of ‘I am a Swan Island Warrior’, the story of the Crow Folk). I kept reading this series for the magic/world of the fae and unfortunately, it always felt like it was taking a backseat, even when it was a major part or location of the plot. The series as a whole felt disconnected and most of this book felt like set up for a series, leading the last 1/4 to feel rushed. All the problems were solved rapidly once the plot actually started moving forward. I’ll probably try at least one more book by Marillier because her prose is excellent and I do like the world building. The characters and plot just fell flat with this one.
October 1, 2021
3.5 Stars
I feel this trilogy peaks with the second book, but I still like this better than the first. All in all the series is good if you are a fan of the author but there are better places to start if new to her.
Happily, Eirne the Debbie-Downer-fairy-queen is barely in this one, so bonus points there. 👍
I feel this trilogy peaks with the second book, but I still like this better than the first. All in all the series is good if you are a fan of the author but there are better places to start if new to her.
Happily, Eirne the Debbie-Downer-fairy-queen is barely in this one, so bonus points there. 👍
August 26, 2022
Sabem quando vão a um concerto e no final anseiam por um encore…só mais uma música.. foi o que senti quando acabei este livro…só mais um, só mais uma história…
Não me sinto preparada para me despedir destas personagens e espero que a autora me surpreenda com uma continuação.
É um livro um pouco mais sinistro, com mais mistérios e mais ênfase no Outro Mundo, do que os anteriores. Mostra o poder da música, do respeito e da amizade.
Adorei rever Blackthorn e Grim, protagonistas da trilogia anterior, que também aconselho muito.
Tem um desfecho maravilhoso, a Juliet Marrilier é uma talentosa contadora de histórias, com uma forma calma e tranquilizante de as passar para o papel.
É uma autora de quem eu gosto muito e espero que ainda nos brinde com muitos mais livros.
Ficaram curiosos? Podem ler as reviews dos outros dois volumes no meu perfil.
Boas leituras!
MJ♥︎
Não me sinto preparada para me despedir destas personagens e espero que a autora me surpreenda com uma continuação.
É um livro um pouco mais sinistro, com mais mistérios e mais ênfase no Outro Mundo, do que os anteriores. Mostra o poder da música, do respeito e da amizade.
Adorei rever Blackthorn e Grim, protagonistas da trilogia anterior, que também aconselho muito.
Tem um desfecho maravilhoso, a Juliet Marrilier é uma talentosa contadora de histórias, com uma forma calma e tranquilizante de as passar para o papel.
É uma autora de quem eu gosto muito e espero que ainda nos brinde com muitos mais livros.
Ficaram curiosos? Podem ler as reviews dos outros dois volumes no meu perfil.
Boas leituras!
MJ♥︎
September 10, 2021
True Rating 4.5 stars
What a lovely conclusion to a beautiful trilogy from Marillier! I don't want to spoil things, but I hope you have read the Sevenwaters series first, as there are some tie ins. Her beautiful writing does a lovely job of weaving everything together.
What a lovely conclusion to a beautiful trilogy from Marillier! I don't want to spoil things, but I hope you have read the Sevenwaters series first, as there are some tie ins. Her beautiful writing does a lovely job of weaving everything together.
August 5, 2022
Um livro de Juliet é sempre um livro muito bom e este fecha a trilogia de forma maravilhosa porém sem as aventuras que talvez esperássemos, é mais suave e ao mesmo tempo, bonito. É um belo fecho porém os dois anteriores chamaram-me ainda mais.
E acredito que poderemos vir a ter uma nova trilogia com Brocc no centro ou mais à frente mais aventuras destes 3, não sinto que é um fecho para sempre com tanto ainda a ser explorado. A ver vamos se a autora concorda comigo ;)
E acredito que poderemos vir a ter uma nova trilogia com Brocc no centro ou mais à frente mais aventuras destes 3, não sinto que é um fecho para sempre com tanto ainda a ser explorado. A ver vamos se a autora concorda comigo ;)
March 6, 2022
I’m really sad to rate this 1.5 stars. Marillier is my favorite author, but this was just not it.
We follow a few different perspectives, who are all in different locations and have to learn the same information to get them to the climax of the book. Half of them are supposed to be fearsome warrior spies, but they do nothing impressive the whole time except wander around and kind of solve a mystery, that didn’t make a whole lot of sense to begin with. The Crow Folk conundrum which we’ve learned a bit more about in each book made no sense. They were banished and punished for killing one man, and then were exiled for 200 years, where they killed many more people and one song forgave them? A random prince said one thing about forgiveness and it’s over? What???
Additionally, the other two baddies, literally died in half a page. We spent 350+ pages worried about one of them for him to have one line and then he’s killed off, while the other is killed off just as easily. The whole climax of their evil doings was literally over in like 3 paragraphs. It was a whole lot of build up for nothing.
Aolu didn’t need to be in there, he was just a plot device to kind of get things going, and then it was like Marillier didn’t know what to do with him, so she just put him off to the side with a minor quest, that didn’t make sense that he would be able to solve, until the main characters got where she wanted them to be.
Also the whole Eirne plot line…what?? I’m guessing, according to the Acknowledgments at the end of the book that this isn’t the book she originally planned on writing. I get that, the pandemic changed a lot of things. But it made no sense how Eirne just kicked her kid out, and wouldn’t even talk to Brocc again after something she caused? Like yeah the Crow Folk killed some of her people, but they killed some of everyone’s people! She really didn’t make any sense to me, and then she’s never seen again? Ok…. Also Brocc just made stupid decision after stupid decision.
All in all, this was 400 pages of nothing and I’m really really sad about it. Also the Swan Island warriors are nothing like they were during the Sevenwaters series, it felt like a whole different society. If I read the phrase ‘Swan Island man’ again, and then them not doing literally anything impressive again, I would have screamed.
I’m very disappointed, but obviously I’m going to read anything she puts out. I hope the next thing is better!
We follow a few different perspectives, who are all in different locations and have to learn the same information to get them to the climax of the book. Half of them are supposed to be fearsome warrior spies, but they do nothing impressive the whole time except wander around and kind of solve a mystery, that didn’t make a whole lot of sense to begin with. The Crow Folk conundrum which we’ve learned a bit more about in each book made no sense. They were banished and punished for killing one man, and then were exiled for 200 years, where they killed many more people and one song forgave them? A random prince said one thing about forgiveness and it’s over? What???
Additionally, the other two baddies, literally died in half a page. We spent 350+ pages worried about one of them for him to have one line and then he’s killed off, while the other is killed off just as easily. The whole climax of their evil doings was literally over in like 3 paragraphs. It was a whole lot of build up for nothing.
Aolu didn’t need to be in there, he was just a plot device to kind of get things going, and then it was like Marillier didn’t know what to do with him, so she just put him off to the side with a minor quest, that didn’t make sense that he would be able to solve, until the main characters got where she wanted them to be.
Also the whole Eirne plot line…what?? I’m guessing, according to the Acknowledgments at the end of the book that this isn’t the book she originally planned on writing. I get that, the pandemic changed a lot of things. But it made no sense how Eirne just kicked her kid out, and wouldn’t even talk to Brocc again after something she caused? Like yeah the Crow Folk killed some of her people, but they killed some of everyone’s people! She really didn’t make any sense to me, and then she’s never seen again? Ok…. Also Brocc just made stupid decision after stupid decision.
All in all, this was 400 pages of nothing and I’m really really sad about it. Also the Swan Island warriors are nothing like they were during the Sevenwaters series, it felt like a whole different society. If I read the phrase ‘Swan Island man’ again, and then them not doing literally anything impressive again, I would have screamed.
I’m very disappointed, but obviously I’m going to read anything she puts out. I hope the next thing is better!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2022
I am struggling a little with my review for this book. If you liked the first two, as I did for the most part, I think you'll probably like this one too. But I had some issues that kept me from loving it.
The story here basically follows Brocc as he tries to send the Crow people back home and Liobhan and Dau's attempts to find a missing prince --and later, to save Brocc from an Evil Lady who wants to use his musical abilities for a military advantage.
I still like Liobhan and Dau. Unfortunately, they are apart for the lion's share of the book. And their romance is very...sweet. There is a lot of perspective jumping, which was ok, I guess. I think my biggest issue was with the deus ex machina feel of solving the crow problem and the evolution of... well... Brocc's whole story, really, where everything happened for Convenient Reasons.
For instance, what was his wife's underlying issue? His exile from Fairy felt built on such flimsy ground. I mean, the final straw was legit, but I never really understood her damage--about Brocc and their kid and pretty much everything. It was like she was only there to give him his daughter so the child could play her role in the story. Even worse--the means of communication with the crow folk and the storyteller... and everyone else who did not speak with words. The clicking of rocks or moving them around to tell stories that everyone just seemed to understand for no good reason. I had a very hard time with my suspension of disbelief there.
It didn't feel real. And yes, I know it's fantasy, but there are plenty of books with worldbuilding and magic that manage to convey an underlying true feeling within the scope of the story.
The ending was good and the main characters got the HEAs I wanted for them, but I found it all a little... beige.
Of course, your mileage may vary.
*ARC provided by publisher
The story here basically follows Brocc as he tries to send the Crow people back home and Liobhan and Dau's attempts to find a missing prince --and later, to save Brocc from an Evil Lady who wants to use his musical abilities for a military advantage.
I still like Liobhan and Dau. Unfortunately, they are apart for the lion's share of the book. And their romance is very...sweet. There is a lot of perspective jumping, which was ok, I guess. I think my biggest issue was with the deus ex machina feel of solving the crow problem and the evolution of... well... Brocc's whole story, really, where everything happened for Convenient Reasons.
For instance, what was his wife's underlying issue? His exile from Fairy felt built on such flimsy ground. I mean, the final straw was legit, but I never really understood her damage--about Brocc and their kid and pretty much everything. It was like she was only there to give him his daughter so the child could play her role in the story. Even worse--the means of communication with the crow folk and the storyteller... and everyone else who did not speak with words. The clicking of rocks or moving them around to tell stories that everyone just seemed to understand for no good reason. I had a very hard time with my suspension of disbelief there.
It didn't feel real. And yes, I know it's fantasy, but there are plenty of books with worldbuilding and magic that manage to convey an underlying true feeling within the scope of the story.
The ending was good and the main characters got the HEAs I wanted for them, but I found it all a little... beige.
Of course, your mileage may vary.
*ARC provided by publisher
August 2, 2022
What a wonderful high fantasy tale full of adventure, music, love, loss, courage, tests of strength, and fights for justice. This book marks the end of this series, which made an excellent ending and yet I am sad to be done with this world. This is only my first series of Marillier’s though so I do look forward to reading more from her.
I adore Liobhan, Dau, Brocc, and a whole cast of side characters that must work both together and apart throughout the series, carving their own paths towards what is right and where they are needed. Liobhan is such a strong female lead. I also love all the inclusion of music throughout and traveling between this world and that of the fae. The writing truly draws you in and is both evocatively descriptive and full of action at the same time. There is a feel throughout of such epic, high fantasy storylines as you would encounter in a D&D campaign or a world like The Lord of the Rings. There are also great themes of love, overcoming, acceptance, perseverance, and more.
Honestly, if you love fantasy, I see no reason why you wouldn’t love this series. The character building, world building, pacing, tone, plot, and storyline are all exceptionally developed. There are some dark places the characters must journey through, but my overall feel for this series is that it’s just fun and immersive. I love how the storyline of the crow folk developed as well, I was not at all expecting the story to take the turns it did.
I adore Liobhan, Dau, Brocc, and a whole cast of side characters that must work both together and apart throughout the series, carving their own paths towards what is right and where they are needed. Liobhan is such a strong female lead. I also love all the inclusion of music throughout and traveling between this world and that of the fae. The writing truly draws you in and is both evocatively descriptive and full of action at the same time. There is a feel throughout of such epic, high fantasy storylines as you would encounter in a D&D campaign or a world like The Lord of the Rings. There are also great themes of love, overcoming, acceptance, perseverance, and more.
Honestly, if you love fantasy, I see no reason why you wouldn’t love this series. The character building, world building, pacing, tone, plot, and storyline are all exceptionally developed. There are some dark places the characters must journey through, but my overall feel for this series is that it’s just fun and immersive. I love how the storyline of the crow folk developed as well, I was not at all expecting the story to take the turns it did.
January 2, 2022
Livro #1 de 2022 e livro # 1 de Janeiro:
Que dizer senão mais um excelente trabalho da minha querida Juliet. Este livro chegou me às mãos pela minha amiga Raquel que vive nos Estados Unidos da América, porque quando em Agosto acabei de ler o segundo volume desta trilogia não podia esperar mais um ou dois anos para quando saísse a edição portuguesa, e quando agora no Natal ela veio visitar a família, deu me o livro e foi a leitura mais prazerosa deste Natal, como de costume os livros da Juliet são por mim devorados em poucos dias, de 24 de Dezembro á madrugada de dia 1. Não quero dar spoilers mas para fans da Juliet Marillier posso dizer que este livro não vai desiludir, e que gostei especialmente do regresso da voz de personagens queridas que nos outros livros se limitaram a ser mencionadas, e aqui regressam ao nosso encontro e a sensação que fica é esta que nos transmite a pandemia, as saudades que temos de abraçar quem amamos e o bem que sabe quando o fazemos. Claro que recomendo, chorei no final e quase em outras partes como há muito não chorava com um livro, e foi tão bom.
Que dizer senão mais um excelente trabalho da minha querida Juliet. Este livro chegou me às mãos pela minha amiga Raquel que vive nos Estados Unidos da América, porque quando em Agosto acabei de ler o segundo volume desta trilogia não podia esperar mais um ou dois anos para quando saísse a edição portuguesa, e quando agora no Natal ela veio visitar a família, deu me o livro e foi a leitura mais prazerosa deste Natal, como de costume os livros da Juliet são por mim devorados em poucos dias, de 24 de Dezembro á madrugada de dia 1. Não quero dar spoilers mas para fans da Juliet Marillier posso dizer que este livro não vai desiludir, e que gostei especialmente do regresso da voz de personagens queridas que nos outros livros se limitaram a ser mencionadas, e aqui regressam ao nosso encontro e a sensação que fica é esta que nos transmite a pandemia, as saudades que temos de abraçar quem amamos e o bem que sabe quando o fazemos. Claro que recomendo, chorei no final e quase em outras partes como há muito não chorava com um livro, e foi tão bom.
January 10, 2023
I enjoyed the story, but this was probably the weakest of the series. There were a lot of POVs and the story was fragmented. While our characters were working towards the same goal, they were all doing it by themselves. It was less fun than it could have been if they were working together. I also never cared about the crow folk as a plot point.
October 20, 2021
Marvelous conclusion to Marillier's Warrior Bards trilogy.
September 5, 2022
Mais um excelente livro de Juliet. A melhor na fantasia, sem dúvida.
September 21, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I am always a bit worried these days when starting a new book with rich world-building and character development, because I may feel overwhelmed with the details. It also can be hard when one read the last book a year ago and may not remember details. Happily, I started A Song of Flight and it was easy!
Juliet Marillier is an author I always enjoy. Now we have the complete Warrier Bards trilogy. I would not read these alone or out of order. I do feel I enjoyed these books more because I read the Blackthorn & Grim series first, which I LOVED, but you wouldn't have to read it first, only because it is amazing.
The trilogy encompasses all three of the Blackthorn & Grim children, but I would say we get more from Liobahn's perspective than the others. Brocc and Dau get nearly as many chapters as Liobahn. But, we only get one chapter from Galen's viewpoint. A new point of view is Aolu, the prince of Dalraida. Galen is a lifelong friend and guard to Aolu. They now have a more personal relationship it seems.
Without being spoilery, Liobahn and Dau are settling in to their new situations. Liobahn is training Elka which I enjoyed. Brocc loves his daughter, Niamh, who is almost two. His wife is violently against the Crow Folk, but he is trying hard to communicate with them. Our story begins with the prince going missing and Galen being injured and left for dead. Dau is sent as part of the mission to find him
Liobahn continues her training, wishing she could go but she is too close to the people involved. Eventually, when they believe Aolu must be in the Otherworld, she is brought into the search since she has the most experience because of Brocc. She learns Brocc is having his own struggles. As usual, Liobahn doesn't do what she was told, but her instincts are solid gold.
We see some villains from previous books, and there are new evils. But there are also new friends. I was happy to see Brocc make a real connection with the Crow Folk and try to improve their lot. There was more time at Winterfalls with Blackthorn & Grim which is always a pleasure.
I felt on edge with the suspense over finding Aolu, helping Brocc and the Crow Folk, Dau was in some tight spots, and Liobahn seems to always in the thick of the worst of things. I would happily read more in this world with its beloved characters, rich magic systems and political maneuvering. A Song of Flight was a joy to read and a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
Review copy was received from . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I am always a bit worried these days when starting a new book with rich world-building and character development, because I may feel overwhelmed with the details. It also can be hard when one read the last book a year ago and may not remember details. Happily, I started A Song of Flight and it was easy!
Juliet Marillier is an author I always enjoy. Now we have the complete Warrier Bards trilogy. I would not read these alone or out of order. I do feel I enjoyed these books more because I read the Blackthorn & Grim series first, which I LOVED, but you wouldn't have to read it first, only because it is amazing.
The trilogy encompasses all three of the Blackthorn & Grim children, but I would say we get more from Liobahn's perspective than the others. Brocc and Dau get nearly as many chapters as Liobahn. But, we only get one chapter from Galen's viewpoint. A new point of view is Aolu, the prince of Dalraida. Galen is a lifelong friend and guard to Aolu. They now have a more personal relationship it seems.
Without being spoilery, Liobahn and Dau are settling in to their new situations. Liobahn is training Elka which I enjoyed. Brocc loves his daughter, Niamh, who is almost two. His wife is violently against the Crow Folk, but he is trying hard to communicate with them. Our story begins with the prince going missing and Galen being injured and left for dead. Dau is sent as part of the mission to find him
Liobahn continues her training, wishing she could go but she is too close to the people involved. Eventually, when they believe Aolu must be in the Otherworld, she is brought into the search since she has the most experience because of Brocc. She learns Brocc is having his own struggles. As usual, Liobahn doesn't do what she was told, but her instincts are solid gold.
We see some villains from previous books, and there are new evils. But there are also new friends. I was happy to see Brocc make a real connection with the Crow Folk and try to improve their lot. There was more time at Winterfalls with Blackthorn & Grim which is always a pleasure.
I felt on edge with the suspense over finding Aolu, helping Brocc and the Crow Folk, Dau was in some tight spots, and Liobahn seems to always in the thick of the worst of things. I would happily read more in this world with its beloved characters, rich magic systems and political maneuvering. A Song of Flight was a joy to read and a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
September 28, 2021
In what feels like a conclusion to a series, Marillier brings back not only the protagonists from the first two books, but also Liobhan's family from the Blackthorn and Grim series.
Prince Aolu is kidnapped and his bodyguard Galen, Liobhan's brother, badly hurt. Swan Island sends Dau with a team to help find the prince, but Liobhan can't be a part of it because of their relationship. Meanwhile, Brocc has his own troubles when he and his daughter are banished from the fey realm, and he falls foul of a band of renegades with an agenda. The two story arcs combine in a thrilling climax at the end. This feels like the end of a trilogy as well, which is sad because there is so much material here to make this an ongoing series. I love these characters and wish for more, especially as Brocc's circumstances hint at the potential for a spinoff series of his own.
Prince Aolu is kidnapped and his bodyguard Galen, Liobhan's brother, badly hurt. Swan Island sends Dau with a team to help find the prince, but Liobhan can't be a part of it because of their relationship. Meanwhile, Brocc has his own troubles when he and his daughter are banished from the fey realm, and he falls foul of a band of renegades with an agenda. The two story arcs combine in a thrilling climax at the end. This feels like the end of a trilogy as well, which is sad because there is so much material here to make this an ongoing series. I love these characters and wish for more, especially as Brocc's circumstances hint at the potential for a spinoff series of his own.
September 24, 2021
A very sastifying conclusion to this trilogy.
February 16, 2022
An average ending for a series that started out great. I think that if the 3 books were condensed into 1 it would have been better. This one felt disconnected from the others. But I will always look forward to reading Juliets books.
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