Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Song of Flight by Juliet Marillier Series: Warrior Bards #3
Published by Ace on September 21, 2021
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 464
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
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.
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.
About Juliet Marillier
Juliet Marillier was born July 27, 1948 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 a B Mus (Hons). Her lifelong interest in history, folklore and mythology has had a major influence on her writing.
Juliet is the author of twenty 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 is active in animal rescue and has her own small pack of needy dogs. She also has four adult children and seven grandchildren. Juliet is a member of the druid order OBOD (the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.)
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- 🎧 Lightning in Her Hands by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland @poet_raquelvgil #MarcellaBlack @AceRocBooks@BerkleyPub@PRHAudio#LoveAudiobooks - October 10, 2024
- Gathering Mist by Margaret Mizushima @margmizu @crookedlanebks - October 8, 2024
- Sunday Series: Joe Pickett by CJ Box @cjboxauthor #DavidChandler @RecordedBooks#SundaySeries #LoveAudiobooks - October 6, 2024
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Summer
Yea! I agree reading big, heavy fantasies (and even some UFs) can be a thoughtful process made harder when books are spaced out. Glad this one worked and was a satisfying conclusion for you.
It was amazing! I usually enjoy all of her books.
Oh I know how you feel Anne. I’m reading an epic fantasy first in a trilogy right now that I’m loving but it’s 900 pages and when will book two be out, I remember reading The Passage and waiting more than what two years for book 2. gaaaaa 🙂
Yes it can be tough. When it gets to be awhile I really would like to reread from the beginning to not miss details. With a trilogy, that might be easy enough. With 15 books, it becomes a read-along.
thanks for sharing that first paragraph. i have trouble with series, keeping order, crossovers, finishing them…. 🙂
Well it could just be my emotional rollercoaster. 🙂
I have to admit I’m a little intimidated by her writing. I have it in my mind this is complicated fantasy but maybe I’m wrong? She’s an author I’ve always wanted to try. Nice to hear the conclusion was satisfying.
Well I’d start with Grim & Blackthorn trilogy before this trilogy. It may be a bit slow to start depending on your mood, they tend to be long books. There are very gritty, dark moments but both trilogies are amazing!
I’m glad this series ended so strong! It’s on my list to read at some point?
I really loved each book, including the middle one I had trouble starting. That’s a COVID problem rather than the book itself I think. I hope you do get the chance because they are spectacular. Did you read Blackthorn & Grim? That was amazing too.
Oh this is on my up next list. So excited to finish it out.
It’s awesome! I enjoyed the whole series.
Great review, Anne. I am so behind on this trilogy! I loved book 1, and need to try book 2 again. I picked up the latter in altogether the wrong mood last year. I also need to go back and read the Blackthorn and Grim books. I agree that Marillier’s worldbuilding is wonderful, with its blend of historical and fantasy elements.
I am curious, though: is this definitely the end of the Warrior Bard series?
yes it’s the last book and the whole trilogy is amazing.