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Bluebeard's Secret #3
Give Your Heart to the Barrow
GIVE YOUR HEART TO THE BARROW is the third book in the Bluebeard's Secret series following the eerie and romantic story of DANCE WITH THE SWORD.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2022
237 people are currently reading
800 people want to read
About the author
Sarah K.L. Wilson
159 books1,094 followersSarah K. L. Wilson is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes fantasy stories featuring practical heroes & heroines in the most impractical circumstances. She loves writing because it is the only way to make a living and give back to the world when your primary skill is an overactive imagination and a tendency toward violent daydreams.
Sarah can be found in the outdoors of Northern Ontario with her young boys and beloved husband, reading a book, or fending off her husband's pet turkeys with a straw broom.
You can find Sarah's books in paperback, hardcover, ebook and audiobook and they have also been translated into Italian, German, and (very soon) Turkish.
Please, do, enjoy the read!
*USA Today bestseller list, November 2, 2017
www.sarahklwilson.com
sarah@sarahklwilson.com
Instagram @sarahklwilson
Facebook @sarahklwilson
TikTok @sarahklwilson
Sarah can be found in the outdoors of Northern Ontario with her young boys and beloved husband, reading a book, or fending off her husband's pet turkeys with a straw broom.
You can find Sarah's books in paperback, hardcover, ebook and audiobook and they have also been translated into Italian, German, and (very soon) Turkish.
Please, do, enjoy the read!
*USA Today bestseller list, November 2, 2017
www.sarahklwilson.com
sarah@sarahklwilson.com
Instagram @sarahklwilson
Facebook @sarahklwilson
TikTok @sarahklwilson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
April 28, 2022
This series started so well. I loved the first book and I stand by that rating (4.5, rounded down for the cliffhanger ending.)
BUT THEN
It got weird. How, you ask? Well, Bluebeard stopped being an eccentric yet attractive remade fae and started to become... Jesus. Trust me, I spent 3 decades in church and there are so many Jesus references in books 2 and 3 they're making my head spin.
They don't offend me, but they just don't work. At all. They worked in Narnia because Aslan the lion actually made sense as a Christlike character. The work of MCA Hogarth is pretty good, if you're looking for subtle religious themes in a fantasy setting that are well done. This is not subtle and IMO not well done. And it's super weird that the Jesus figure is also the main romantic/sexual interest. That's kind of squeegy, but whatever makes people happy.
They also don't work because that whole setup totally ruins Izolda as a kick*ss character. She was great in the first book and then devolves into this whining, cringe echo of her former self. She keeps being tripped up by the other characters, her own massive guilt, Bluebeard himself, and the author's insistence on making the whole thing an allegory for Christianity.
*Why* exactly is she supposed to feel dirty, guilty and stained for attempting to rescue Bluebeard in this book? So she had to kill a guy - okay, she didn't want to, but it was either her or them. The way it reads to me, she did everything in her power to do a hard core rescue of her spouse/partner (who btw also killed people whenever it was convenient for him and his agenda) and then she's all 'I can't look upon his face, I'm soiled because of my guilt' etc. And why is she made to feel guilty for even considering escape from an understandably bad situation throughout the whole second book and into the third? Any sane person would at least consider escaping.
And why exactly is she suddenly okay with the whole dead wives thing, which is never resolved fully, other than the 'I had to do it, I felt bad, but one day I'll fix them' excuse? He could easily just not have done it (and obviously it would have been a short, boring story) but let's not pretend he's suddenly a Jesus figure. Come on.
And can we talk about the gazillion year vow of celibacy? I just.. I can't. Dude.
Anyone who's familiar with the evangelical narrative can recognize these themes, as well as the numerous Biblical references (beauty vs ashes, serpents striking the heel, the rib taken from Bluebeard, the whole 3 days coming out from under the sea thing, hands pierced, all of it.) Which again, don't work with the story and make it feel clunky and weird.
Don't get me wrong, people can write whatever they want in their stories. There's nothing wrong with this theme although it personally annoys me, but usually they just label it 'Christian fiction' and move on.
BUT THEN
It got weird. How, you ask? Well, Bluebeard stopped being an eccentric yet attractive remade fae and started to become... Jesus. Trust me, I spent 3 decades in church and there are so many Jesus references in books 2 and 3 they're making my head spin.
They don't offend me, but they just don't work. At all. They worked in Narnia because Aslan the lion actually made sense as a Christlike character. The work of MCA Hogarth is pretty good, if you're looking for subtle religious themes in a fantasy setting that are well done. This is not subtle and IMO not well done. And it's super weird that the Jesus figure is also the main romantic/sexual interest. That's kind of squeegy, but whatever makes people happy.
They also don't work because that whole setup totally ruins Izolda as a kick*ss character. She was great in the first book and then devolves into this whining, cringe echo of her former self. She keeps being tripped up by the other characters, her own massive guilt, Bluebeard himself, and the author's insistence on making the whole thing an allegory for Christianity.
*Why* exactly is she supposed to feel dirty, guilty and stained for attempting to rescue Bluebeard in this book? So she had to kill a guy - okay, she didn't want to, but it was either her or them. The way it reads to me, she did everything in her power to do a hard core rescue of her spouse/partner (who btw also killed people whenever it was convenient for him and his agenda) and then she's all 'I can't look upon his face, I'm soiled because of my guilt' etc. And why is she made to feel guilty for even considering escape from an understandably bad situation throughout the whole second book and into the third? Any sane person would at least consider escaping.
And why exactly is she suddenly okay with the whole dead wives thing, which is never resolved fully, other than the 'I had to do it, I felt bad, but one day I'll fix them' excuse? He could easily just not have done it (and obviously it would have been a short, boring story) but let's not pretend he's suddenly a Jesus figure. Come on.
And can we talk about the gazillion year vow of celibacy? I just.. I can't. Dude.
Anyone who's familiar with the evangelical narrative can recognize these themes, as well as the numerous Biblical references (beauty vs ashes, serpents striking the heel, the rib taken from Bluebeard, the whole 3 days coming out from under the sea thing, hands pierced, all of it.) Which again, don't work with the story and make it feel clunky and weird.
Don't get me wrong, people can write whatever they want in their stories. There's nothing wrong with this theme although it personally annoys me, but usually they just label it 'Christian fiction' and move on.
March 23, 2022
I'm DEAD. This book is epically romantic, wild and unpredictable, and heartbreakingly tragic (in the best way possible). Now don't mind me counting down the days until the last book . . .
April 4, 2022
In all the best and worst ways, I am not okay.
*que sounds of mind blown*
*que sounds of mind blown*
April 2, 2022
The impossible has nearly happened... a unicorn sighting!
I gave Fly With the Arrow, Dance With the Sword and now Give Your Heart to the Barrow ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I can hardly believe it, either: I've given 3 books out of a 4-novel series perfect ratings. When Die With Your Lord comes out in October 2022, will I finally have found a unicorn?
God, I hope so.
It's hard to describe how much I love this series. A lot of reviewers write stuff like that, but I don't. Bluebeard's Secret has the perfect blend of magic, action, romance, snark, gore, fish-out-of-wateriness, all smothered in a heavy dose of darkness. I don't know what's up with the grandma's sampler covers, but I don't think they're a good reflection of what's between the covers. This is not a soft, cozy story - although it is plenty romantic, imho. Bluebeard's steadfast loyalty and love for Izolda is breathtaking.
It's going to be a very long 7 months until the final book comes out, but I'll be online getting it the moment it's available.
I gave Fly With the Arrow, Dance With the Sword and now Give Your Heart to the Barrow ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I can hardly believe it, either: I've given 3 books out of a 4-novel series perfect ratings. When Die With Your Lord comes out in October 2022, will I finally have found a unicorn?
God, I hope so.
It's hard to describe how much I love this series. A lot of reviewers write stuff like that, but I don't. Bluebeard's Secret has the perfect blend of magic, action, romance, snark, gore, fish-out-of-wateriness, all smothered in a heavy dose of darkness. I don't know what's up with the grandma's sampler covers, but I don't think they're a good reflection of what's between the covers. This is not a soft, cozy story - although it is plenty romantic, imho. Bluebeard's steadfast loyalty and love for Izolda is breathtaking.
It's going to be a very long 7 months until the final book comes out, but I'll be online getting it the moment it's available.
March 16, 2024
I'M DYING BECAUSE OF THAT ENDING
THIS KILLED ME. I'm dying until the finale book's release in Sep-Oct.
Don't worry, it's the most blissful yet heartbreaking sort of pain a reader may experience.
Check back later once I can gather myself together for a proper reread and Actual Review. ;) <3
THIS KILLED ME. I'm dying until the finale book's release in Sep-Oct.
Don't worry, it's the most blissful yet heartbreaking sort of pain a reader may experience.
Check back later once I can gather myself together for a proper reread and Actual Review. ;) <3
Read
January 5, 2023This book is not bad. I sort of enjoyed it and I don't *not* recommend it. I just have more qualms with this and the second book than with the first. There was quite the gap in between when I read books one and two (and I listened to the first while I'm reading the rest). So I probably remember it more fondly than I'd actually think of it if I reread it now. But most reviews of this are pretty positive, so I'm not going to be highlighting the parts I liked in this review, just sort of ranting about what went wrong. In my opinion.
The more of this series I read, the more skeptical I am. It started out so strong, and the first book was fantastic. But as I carry on reading, the more dramatic the story gets, the more intense and crazy it gets, the less I like Izolda's personality. She is getting less and less practical, strong, and zesty, and becoming more... not exactly wimpy, but not as strong as she was in the first. Which would be fine, but I also am not a huge fan of Bluebeard. I never was, but now he's supposed to be this Jesus figure and I can't buy it. He's so dramatic and poetic, and not perfect enough to be a Christlike character.
Plus these books are not "Christian fiction" and they're not marketed as allegory, so I'm confused about all the Biblical references and themes, . Are we supposed to see Bluebeard *the love interest!* as Jesus? If so, is Izolda Israel/Judah or the church? OT or NT?
Why can't fairy tale retellings just be fairy tale retellings anymore?
I think I'll read the last one, because who knows when I'll get Kindle Unlimited again.
But... another reason I am getting tired of this series is it's so long. The only successful really long fantasy series that I have read (with one main arc/plot/journey) is Lord of the Rings, in my *humble* opinion. LOTR is really long and I don't want to analyze it right here, now, but for some reason it works - and series like this are just dragged out way too far. Bring back standalone novels and duologies! Bring back the Regency era three-part volumes with no sequels or anything!
The more of this series I read, the more skeptical I am. It started out so strong, and the first book was fantastic. But as I carry on reading, the more dramatic the story gets, the more intense and crazy it gets, the less I like Izolda's personality. She is getting less and less practical, strong, and zesty, and becoming more... not exactly wimpy, but not as strong as she was in the first. Which would be fine, but I also am not a huge fan of Bluebeard. I never was, but now he's supposed to be this Jesus figure and I can't buy it. He's so dramatic and poetic, and not perfect enough to be a Christlike character.
Plus these books are not "Christian fiction" and they're not marketed as allegory, so I'm confused about all the Biblical references and themes, . Are we supposed to see Bluebeard *the love interest!* as Jesus? If so, is Izolda Israel/Judah or the church? OT or NT?
Why can't fairy tale retellings just be fairy tale retellings anymore?
I think I'll read the last one, because who knows when I'll get Kindle Unlimited again.
But... another reason I am getting tired of this series is it's so long. The only successful really long fantasy series that I have read (with one main arc/plot/journey) is Lord of the Rings, in my *humble* opinion. LOTR is really long and I don't want to analyze it right here, now, but for some reason it works - and series like this are just dragged out way too far. Bring back standalone novels and duologies! Bring back the Regency era three-part volumes with no sequels or anything!
May 2, 2022
I knew this book was going to have a major cliffhanger at the end. But I picked it up anyway.
I normally wait for the audiobook to release. But in this case, I picked it up and read the ebook because I simply couldn't wait. Even knowing this was going to rip my heart out at the end.
Still it was worth it. No one writes fae fantasy with all the rich twistiness, cruelty, and wonder of the old fairy tales the way Sarah K.L. Wilson does. And this Bluebeard's Secret series is one of this author's finest work!
I normally wait for the audiobook to release. But in this case, I picked it up and read the ebook because I simply couldn't wait. Even knowing this was going to rip my heart out at the end.
Still it was worth it. No one writes fae fantasy with all the rich twistiness, cruelty, and wonder of the old fairy tales the way Sarah K.L. Wilson does. And this Bluebeard's Secret series is one of this author's finest work!
Read
March 22, 2022received an ARC LETS GOOOOO
April 4, 2022
Why is our MC such an idiot? Why?
This is the question I keep asking myself. We are now 3 books into the series, and she is no more wised up to the idea of a fairy bargain than she was when she started her whole adventure. Clever turns of phrase to make the most of a fairy promise? Not really. Careful consideration before accepting a fairy bargain? Now whyever would she do that?
She makes terrible, terrible choices ALL THE TIME, and even finds out that what she does is useless and doesn't even bring anything about that she wants to bring about.
There's some strange symbolism going on with Bluebeard I'm kind of interested to see how it plays out, and if the whole thing really is just one big allegory , but I'm so annoyed by the writing and the main character being so.....unsensible, despite telling us literally all the time how practical she is.
The writing is still purple prose-y, and we now have years having passed in mortal world, and still no real descriptions of anywhere. Well, there's a preponderance of descriptions, but very few that actually give a grounded view of the scene. Action scenes are hectic as anything and it's very hard to figure out who is where when.
This is the question I keep asking myself. We are now 3 books into the series, and she is no more wised up to the idea of a fairy bargain than she was when she started her whole adventure. Clever turns of phrase to make the most of a fairy promise? Not really. Careful consideration before accepting a fairy bargain? Now whyever would she do that?
She makes terrible, terrible choices ALL THE TIME, and even finds out that what she does is useless and doesn't even bring anything about that she wants to bring about.
There's some strange symbolism going on with Bluebeard I'm kind of interested to see how it plays out, and if the whole thing really is just one big allegory , but I'm so annoyed by the writing and the main character being so.....unsensible, despite telling us literally all the time how practical she is.
The writing is still purple prose-y, and we now have years having passed in mortal world, and still no real descriptions of anywhere. Well, there's a preponderance of descriptions, but very few that actually give a grounded view of the scene. Action scenes are hectic as anything and it's very hard to figure out who is where when.
March 26, 2022
Sarah K L Wilson is totally insane, in the absolute best, most amazing way! Her incredible creativity and ability to build heart-stopping, wonderful feelings in the craziest, most unexpected circumstances is so much fun!!!
Per the Encyclopedia Britannica, ”Jousting is when two knights, fully decked out in very heavy armor, charge at each other on horseback with big sticks called lances. And they do it all while trying to hit each other as hard as possible.”
I absolutely loved this addition to the series!!!! There are a few scenes here that hit me as hard as the cliffhanger from book 2 (Thank goodness for Patreon btw!!), which I didn’t think was ever possible.
I never know what will happen next, and, while I feel safe in the happily ever after to come, I gotta say getting there is one wild ride!!!
Per the Encyclopedia Britannica, ”Jousting is when two knights, fully decked out in very heavy armor, charge at each other on horseback with big sticks called lances. And they do it all while trying to hit each other as hard as possible.”
I absolutely loved this addition to the series!!!! There are a few scenes here that hit me as hard as the cliffhanger from book 2 (Thank goodness for Patreon btw!!), which I didn’t think was ever possible.
I never know what will happen next, and, while I feel safe in the happily ever after to come, I gotta say getting there is one wild ride!!!
April 17, 2022
I really loved the first two books. This one felt like it was just dragging it’s feet to the climax of the story. It’s going round in circles but not on a way that moves the plot forward. Time is too much on the forefront and it just feels like a gimmick.
October 11, 2022
I have a love - hate relationship with this book.
WHAT I LOVED:
Izolda has finally become the character I wanted in book one and two. I understand that she needed the character development, but I've been waiting for it, and it was so satisfying to finally have her arrive within herself and know who she is, what she wants and fight for it.
Bluebeard is just everything. Every scene with Izolda and him together is near perfection and I loved those moments.
Grosbeak is still one of my favorites. Flawed as he is.
This author is great with the plot twists. Sometimes one after another and it was so exciting to be on the edge, not really knowing what would happen. The story is so original and exciting, It's difficult to put it down.
The romance was turned up a notch and thank goodness! Don't worry, it's still closed door, but it was given more screen time and was so much more satisfying.
The humor is fantastic. It's surprising, harsh, twisted and unexpected. I was beyond entertained by the comedic moments.
Give Your Heart to the Barrow did a much better job at some closure than previous books and I'm leaning on the hope that everything will be answered in the last book coming out in October 2022.
HATE/DID NOT LIKE:
THE EDITING or lack of it.
Her editor is either blind or not doing his/her job. I know that's harsh but sadly true. After reading three of Sarah Wilsons books within a month, I've realized she has writing hobbits that bring down her work and could be easily fixed if her editor cared. Sadly, these mistakes were the most prominent in this book....
1. She has a bit too many metaphors and a chunk of them sound pretty but make no sense. They distract from the story. I was annoyed each time I was engrossed in the plot and then she hit with one of these.... "When the dawn finally lit the sky, creeping in like an embarrassed friend..." What does that even mean.?? Maybe my imagination is lacking but how does a sunset resemble an embarrassed friend???? I felt more confused than inspired.
2. Phrases or words were repeated in the same paragraph.
"I would lose my own flesh before I agreed to lose his...I would lose my own spirit before I agreed to lose his."
Again, the editing should have refined these sentences to give the same message but not seem so redundant.
This one was probably the worst one. Combining my complaint of an unclear metaphor AND Repetitive words...
"We had looked out over the slumbering hills where the herds of horses slept, silent before the great silence of a sleeping world. Now, I stood overlooking sleeping Pensmoore, its shops and smithies, warehouses and taverns, and inns and homes spread out all around me like a rumpled blanket after sleep."
Again, a metaphor that doesn't make sense, is unnecessary AND I know there are more words to describe the word "silence" and "sleep."
3. WHY does everyone have to "gasp" all the time!? In the last 8 chapters, Izolda "Gasps" 6 times. That doesn't include the other characters as well. This was a huge complaint of mine in the previous book, Dance with the Sword and it apparently just got worse. Not to be repetitive myself but the editor should have caught this. Maybe I'm being nitpicky and need to let it go.
4. Is it just me or is Bluebeard's story reminding me of Jesus and the crucifixion.??
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
I still love these books. The characters, and original story are what kept me going and wanting more. The issues I have are small in comparison with what I liked but took away from the story and I really wanted this to be an easy 5 stars, but it has to be a decent 4 stars.
WHAT I LOVED:
Izolda has finally become the character I wanted in book one and two. I understand that she needed the character development, but I've been waiting for it, and it was so satisfying to finally have her arrive within herself and know who she is, what she wants and fight for it.
Bluebeard is just everything. Every scene with Izolda and him together is near perfection and I loved those moments.
Grosbeak is still one of my favorites. Flawed as he is.
This author is great with the plot twists. Sometimes one after another and it was so exciting to be on the edge, not really knowing what would happen. The story is so original and exciting, It's difficult to put it down.
The romance was turned up a notch and thank goodness! Don't worry, it's still closed door, but it was given more screen time and was so much more satisfying.
The humor is fantastic. It's surprising, harsh, twisted and unexpected. I was beyond entertained by the comedic moments.
Give Your Heart to the Barrow did a much better job at some closure than previous books and I'm leaning on the hope that everything will be answered in the last book coming out in October 2022.
HATE/DID NOT LIKE:
THE EDITING or lack of it.
Her editor is either blind or not doing his/her job. I know that's harsh but sadly true. After reading three of Sarah Wilsons books within a month, I've realized she has writing hobbits that bring down her work and could be easily fixed if her editor cared. Sadly, these mistakes were the most prominent in this book....
1. She has a bit too many metaphors and a chunk of them sound pretty but make no sense. They distract from the story. I was annoyed each time I was engrossed in the plot and then she hit with one of these.... "When the dawn finally lit the sky, creeping in like an embarrassed friend..." What does that even mean.?? Maybe my imagination is lacking but how does a sunset resemble an embarrassed friend???? I felt more confused than inspired.
2. Phrases or words were repeated in the same paragraph.
"I would lose my own flesh before I agreed to lose his...I would lose my own spirit before I agreed to lose his."
Again, the editing should have refined these sentences to give the same message but not seem so redundant.
This one was probably the worst one. Combining my complaint of an unclear metaphor AND Repetitive words...
"We had looked out over the slumbering hills where the herds of horses slept, silent before the great silence of a sleeping world. Now, I stood overlooking sleeping Pensmoore, its shops and smithies, warehouses and taverns, and inns and homes spread out all around me like a rumpled blanket after sleep."
Again, a metaphor that doesn't make sense, is unnecessary AND I know there are more words to describe the word "silence" and "sleep."
3. WHY does everyone have to "gasp" all the time!? In the last 8 chapters, Izolda "Gasps" 6 times. That doesn't include the other characters as well. This was a huge complaint of mine in the previous book, Dance with the Sword and it apparently just got worse. Not to be repetitive myself but the editor should have caught this. Maybe I'm being nitpicky and need to let it go.
4. Is it just me or is Bluebeard's story reminding me of Jesus and the crucifixion.??
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
I still love these books. The characters, and original story are what kept me going and wanting more. The issues I have are small in comparison with what I liked but took away from the story and I really wanted this to be an easy 5 stars, but it has to be a decent 4 stars.
October 18, 2022
the Bluebeard-as-Christ-figure parallels are more obvious (/pos) than ever (if you could GET more obvious than ) and i'm both in awe of how smoothly it's being done but also a little curious if he gets to have any personal flaws now or if the allegorical elements have overridden that completely. excellently gripping story either way though and i NEED book 4 to come faster than ten days from now asdflkjasdl;k (reviewed on second reading, October 2022)
November 3, 2022
I don't think I can finish this one. This series started out so strong, but wow. It started dragging. This book has been such a slog and the Jesus symbolism is just way too much for me. To the point of eye rolling. I have nothing against Christian fiction books, but that's not what I was expecting in this series and it was seriously off-putting for some reason. The MC is super frustrating, and I just don't think I can handle reading the rest of this book let alone the 4th in the series. Maybe I'll come back to them one day and reevaluate? But for now, I feel like I have wasted so much time trying to push through when I could be reading something else. :-/
June 2, 2022
Wow, what a ride. This tale is so deeply romantic and I’m dying to know the end of Bluebeard and Izolda’s story. Grosbeak continues to be a show stealer at times and his banter is so funny to me. The riddles and poetry in this book are so well done. It takes some attention to keep up with all the magic of the Whittenhame but is also a well-paced read. The character development from the first book to this point is fantastic. I can’t wait for the conclusion in Book 4!
I received an ARC of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
May 2, 2022
yo why so dramatic ugh
the senseless metaphors, flowery language, and weird plot lines just overwhelmed me.
the senseless metaphors, flowery language, and weird plot lines just overwhelmed me.
December 13, 2023
This series started out with so much promise. Unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations. I don't even care what happens anymore. I will not be continuing.
August 22, 2023
I waited a long time to read this. I knew it was gonna be brutal and I had to be in the right frame of mind to handle the tragedy that is Izolda's remaining days.
This book was love and war on every page. A bleeding heart that keeps the world alive with every drop of fading life. It was hope and despair, pain and agony, futility...
Futility.
If you love books that hurt and then hurt even more then this is 100% for you. As always Wilson has breathed life into a world of death, and painted it with such vibrancy you'll feel like you're there. The characters are real, they live, and breathe, and rot right into your heart - leaving a piece of themselves in your very soul.
The language is flawless, the editing perfection, there is nothing about this series I don't adore, except perhaps, the pain it puts me through. 😅
I withhold full judgement until I read the fourth and final book in the series. Wilson would somehow have to spin an impossible happily ever after for me to think any of this was worth a reread. But if she does- I think this belongs on the shelf next to all the greats.
This book was love and war on every page. A bleeding heart that keeps the world alive with every drop of fading life. It was hope and despair, pain and agony, futility...
Futility.
If you love books that hurt and then hurt even more then this is 100% for you. As always Wilson has breathed life into a world of death, and painted it with such vibrancy you'll feel like you're there. The characters are real, they live, and breathe, and rot right into your heart - leaving a piece of themselves in your very soul.
The language is flawless, the editing perfection, there is nothing about this series I don't adore, except perhaps, the pain it puts me through. 😅
I withhold full judgement until I read the fourth and final book in the series. Wilson would somehow have to spin an impossible happily ever after for me to think any of this was worth a reread. But if she does- I think this belongs on the shelf next to all the greats.
March 30, 2022
These cliffhangers are going to absolutely destroy me. I despair of this having a happy ending but.. I also think I see how the riddles are going to play out in the end. We'll see. Perhaps I'll just sob at the end of the series instead.
Was worried it'd be hard to get back into this world after so long, but it was easy. I'd forgotten a few key details but there were more than enough clues in context to jog my sieve-like memory. Am anxious for the next book!
Was worried it'd be hard to get back into this world after so long, but it was easy. I'd forgotten a few key details but there were more than enough clues in context to jog my sieve-like memory. Am anxious for the next book!
December 21, 2022
Full of action but still I think the character decisions make the plot drag a bit.
In any case, it is entertaining and it is certainly very nice to see the way in which the relationship of the protagonists has grown little by little until it became established in feelings.
What I regret most of all is that I still don't have the fourth book at my fingertips, the good thing is that I can start reading other series by the author.
Oh, by the way, all these books are so beautifully written.
In any case, it is entertaining and it is certainly very nice to see the way in which the relationship of the protagonists has grown little by little until it became established in feelings.
What I regret most of all is that I still don't have the fourth book at my fingertips, the good thing is that I can start reading other series by the author.
Oh, by the way, all these books are so beautifully written.
April 11, 2023
I swear every time I read one of these books I’m even more broken then I was last time
March 25, 2022
These characters are so epic and relatable, all in one. Izolda shows true courage and endurance and Bluebeard is so wonderfully devoted to her. I can't wait for the next story and to see how their (I hope) happily ever after comes to be! <3
April 22, 2025
Whoa. That was intense!
April 20, 2022
I’m kind of confused and frustrated. Maybe I didn’t give this book the amount of attention it required. I read the first half incredibly slowly but I enjoyed that more. I read the last half incredibly quickly and was where I was frustrated. There’s also no recap of the previous books at all, which I sorely needed. I had no idea who majority of the characters were by name.
I liked the dialogue from Grosbeak and Bluebeard.
But I was frustrated how
This book felt more like a first book? It seems like there’s so much left for the final book to accomplish, and in most cases fix about this book.
I liked the dialogue from Grosbeak and Bluebeard.
But I was frustrated how
This book felt more like a first book? It seems like there’s so much left for the final book to accomplish, and in most cases fix about this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
January 20, 2024DNF
wow thats a first.... i wanted to finish the series but it just got worse and my conscience wasnt gonna let me anyway lol Ok so first of all the romance was... way to much (nothing explicit but much more than my comfort zone). dont get me wrong i LOVE romance... just sweet innocent romance... not a romance where the guy is a tall dark "hot" love interest... he reminds me of popular worldy YA and thats part of the reason i dont read it-The romance. It was just giving off too many secular YA vibes. and she was just obsessed with him and im like "...for once i have not fallen for a character... i dont see it sorry lady" BUT TO MAKE THINGS WORSE. and this is just a me issue soooooo.... it feels like a secular YA BUT APPARENTLY HE'S A CHRIST FIGURE. and me being a Christian and having convictions.. this was too much. Like yeah there was something about holding off on sleeping together (not the innocent kind) until yada yada and stuff so yeah go you but it was too present in the book. and like i REALLY dont feel comfy with a LOVE INTEREST as a christ figure... like Alsan is perfect. A tall dark "hot" guy who she keeps kissing and all that *shudders* i couldnt finish it... it made me sick. The story was good... but the romance went past my comfort zone. maybe i could've finished it if he wasn't supposed to be a christ figure (and trust me he is because there are way too many similarities... scars on his hands and side... three days etc etc). anywayyyyy theres my grammatically incorrect rant and all that but... yeah :)
wow thats a first.... i wanted to finish the series but it just got worse and my conscience wasnt gonna let me anyway lol Ok so first of all the romance was... way to much (nothing explicit but much more than my comfort zone). dont get me wrong i LOVE romance... just sweet innocent romance... not a romance where the guy is a tall dark "hot" love interest... he reminds me of popular worldy YA and thats part of the reason i dont read it-The romance. It was just giving off too many secular YA vibes. and she was just obsessed with him and im like "...for once i have not fallen for a character... i dont see it sorry lady" BUT TO MAKE THINGS WORSE. and this is just a me issue soooooo.... it feels like a secular YA BUT APPARENTLY HE'S A CHRIST FIGURE. and me being a Christian and having convictions.. this was too much. Like yeah there was something about holding off on sleeping together (not the innocent kind) until yada yada and stuff so yeah go you but it was too present in the book. and like i REALLY dont feel comfy with a LOVE INTEREST as a christ figure... like Alsan is perfect. A tall dark "hot" guy who she keeps kissing and all that *shudders* i couldnt finish it... it made me sick. The story was good... but the romance went past my comfort zone. maybe i could've finished it if he wasn't supposed to be a christ figure (and trust me he is because there are way too many similarities... scars on his hands and side... three days etc etc). anywayyyyy theres my grammatically incorrect rant and all that but... yeah :)
March 29, 2022
In all the Sarah K. L. Wilson books that I’ve yet read, I’ve both seen and greatly appreciated the themes of unconditional and unfailing love, sacrifice, forgiveness and restoration.
However, none of the other books I’ve read had these in such abundance that I was taken aback and forced to see the parallels between this story and another story that I know so well.
Since a review seems inadequate, I’ll just share a few of the quotes I found to be my favorite.
***
“Would you be healed, wife?”
“Healed? I am not wounded. I am the one who made wounds.”
“Would you be washed of guilt?”
“Yes,” I said, my voice so small it was barely there at all. “But such things cannot be.”
“You say this to me who has bought you with blood? You say to me that you cannot be whole again? I will show you otherwise.”
***
“. . . He was planning all along to carve out his own heart and place it here on the root of the ancient arrow, were you not, Lord Riverbarrow? And with that sacrifice, he planned to buy for his people a future. For as Bramble King – made so by winning the game – the worth of his life’s blood given freely would be enough to work any wonder he chose.”
This has been such a spectacular series thus far and I greatly look forward to the final book in October.
However, none of the other books I’ve read had these in such abundance that I was taken aback and forced to see the parallels between this story and another story that I know so well.
Since a review seems inadequate, I’ll just share a few of the quotes I found to be my favorite.
***
“Would you be healed, wife?”
“Healed? I am not wounded. I am the one who made wounds.”
“Would you be washed of guilt?”
“Yes,” I said, my voice so small it was barely there at all. “But such things cannot be.”
“You say this to me who has bought you with blood? You say to me that you cannot be whole again? I will show you otherwise.”
***
“. . . He was planning all along to carve out his own heart and place it here on the root of the ancient arrow, were you not, Lord Riverbarrow? And with that sacrifice, he planned to buy for his people a future. For as Bramble King – made so by winning the game – the worth of his life’s blood given freely would be enough to work any wonder he chose.”
This has been such a spectacular series thus far and I greatly look forward to the final book in October.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2022
I am scratching my head.....I'm not sure what is happening with this series. Are we mocking Christianity or trying to teach it in the weirdest way possible. This book took a huge turn into the main male hero as a type of Christ. It alluded to things in the other books. This one is just flat out in your face with it. I just figured she pulled things from her life based in a Christians world. The Matrix did it and that was interesting so I am holding out hope. The book takes an interesting turn and I wish our heroine would see herself better, see her goodness and potential. Maybe we will get more of that. You get more of the love story with this one. Lots of beautiful words.
This also has LOTS of violence. Torture, death by torture. Lots of blood and gore and a Joust:} It's still the cray world of Winterbrand but I thought this one had more normalcy to it.
One to the next. I am glad I didn't start this series before the last one was out. Cliffhangers at the end of each book.
The writing is still my favorite part.
This also has LOTS of violence. Torture, death by torture. Lots of blood and gore and a Joust:} It's still the cray world of Winterbrand but I thought this one had more normalcy to it.
One to the next. I am glad I didn't start this series before the last one was out. Cliffhangers at the end of each book.
The writing is still my favorite part.
May 22, 2025
Yeah… no. Dnf at 94%. I don’t usually dnf, and I’ve never dnfed this far along but… I can’t. The Christ/Christian parallels are weird. Why is the MMC so obviously representing Christ? Idk. Where was the analogy going? Idk that either but I don’t care to see a sinful character ‘represent’ the Christ who lived and died for me, by also dying ✌️ It feels a little disrespectful, almost… maybe I’m just not understanding the analogy correctly, but if the author does have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ she could have done a whole lot better with representing that in a fantasy world.
March 28, 2022
I am so engrossed in this series. It is an epic love story with so many twists and turns, but it keeps you wanting more.
Izolda pined for her husband trapped under the sea and presumably dead for seven long years. She longs to get back to Whittenhame , as she no longer feels a part of the human world. To get back she would need to bargain with one of the other lords or ladies of Whittenhame, but would she be smart enough to make such a bargain without losing everything?
Izolda pined for her husband trapped under the sea and presumably dead for seven long years. She longs to get back to Whittenhame , as she no longer feels a part of the human world. To get back she would need to bargain with one of the other lords or ladies of Whittenhame, but would she be smart enough to make such a bargain without losing everything?
March 30, 2022
READ THIS SERIES!!
This book! Gaaaahhhhhh! This story, these characters and this author are all amazing! Each book gets better and better! I can not wait to see how this story ends.
This book! Gaaaahhhhhh! This story, these characters and this author are all amazing! Each book gets better and better! I can not wait to see how this story ends.
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