Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

This thread is open to discuss The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon.



Synopsis
Swallow, Daughter, pull them in, those words that sit upon your lips. Lock them deep inside your soul, hide them ‘til they’ve time to grow. Close your mouth upon the power, curse not, cure not, ‘til the hour. You won’t speak and you won’t tell, you won’t call on heav’n or hell. You will learn and you will thrive. Silence, Daughter. Stay alive.

The day my mother was killed, she told my father I wouldn’t speak again, and she told him if I died, he would die too. Then she predicted the king would trade his soul and lose his son to the sky.

My father has a claim to the throne, and he is waiting in the shadows for all of my mother’s words to come to pass. He wants desperately to be king, and I just want to be free.

But freedom will require escape, and I’m a prisoner of my mother’s curse and my father’s greed. I can’t speak or make a sound, and I can’t wield a sword or beguile a king. In a land purged of enchantment, love might be the only magic left, and who could ever love . . . a bird?

reserved

I'll join for this one too! (Team Gilderoy Lockhart) When are we starting?

Welcome MelanieJoy! I asked Kathleen if May 21 is good. Does that work for you?

I’m in for Team Draco! I’ve had this on my TBR for a long time.

Oh my gosh!!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Amy Harmon!!!

I'm in for Team Hermione Granger. :)

May 21 sounds good.

I'm hoping to squeeze this one in!

Kathleen wrote: "May 21 sounds good."

Great! I’ll start then. Glad there is interest. I have heard good things about the book.

That works for me!

I'm actually looking forward to this. Sounds dreamy! Haha

I think I’ll be joining this one too :)

(Team Hermione Granger)

Am about to start chaapter two amd so far so good!

(view spoiler)[Maaybe the bird she helped is the Prince? He could be a Changer! (hide spoiler)]

I'm sorry if Im going to be reading ahead but I jist couldn't put it down. I am about to start chapter 11. I

(view spoiler)[Now Im sure the King is tje eagle Lark rescued in chapter 1. He's also gifted. The curse about him being lost to the sky, in my opinion, describes his predicament of being able to fly. Not a bad thing if he was a normaal citizrn but he is King afyerall and not only a king but a king whos supposed to be getting rid of the Gifteds. (hide spoiler)]

I'm at chapter 29 now and I now think (view spoiler)[that Tiras‘ predicament is because of Lark, of maybe whatever she whispered to him when they were young. (hide spoiler)]

I started last night ( early this morning) and read the prologue! It was very interesting.

I won't be able to start this one until tomorrow because I have 2 books I have to finish today for a challenge that I have to post tonight before midnight, but I love this author so much so I'm really excited to read it!

I'm 5 chapters away from the end and recent happenings makes me want to chuck tje book across the room! Can't wait to talk about it with you all.

Kathleen, did you start early? It's just now the 21st where I live. Well, it's 6:38 AM so it's been the 21st a few hours.

Have you read Amy Harmon before? Has anyone read her books? Making Faces From Sand and Ash The Law of Moses are three of my favorites that she wrote.

This is my first Amy Harmon. It's 10:23 pm May 21st my side of the world, we're about 14 hrs ahead of you :)

Chapter 1& 2
(view spoiler)[
I understand why Lark doesn't speak but oh boy that would be very difficult! She's intelligent; listening and learning despite not being able to read and write. Its sad that her mother was killed and she has a boor of a father. Looking forward to reading more (hide spoiler)]

Kathleen wrote: "Am about to start chaapter two amd so far so good!

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Good thinking Kathleen, I think you are right. I 'll have to read more to see! (hide spoiler)]

Up to chapter 11
(view spoiler)[ I also agree that the king is the eagle that Lark helped in chapter 1.
Lark's ability to speak in people's minds is very cool but doesn't bode well for her.
I agree with Boojohni that Lark is much better off in Jeru than at her father's keep. (hide spoiler)]

Up to chapter 26
(view spoiler)[
I am enjoying this story. I love Lark's character. She has overcome so much and is very strong. Lark showed great patience and strength in waiting for Tiras on their wedding day not knowing if he was captured or just not going to show up. I haven't figured out who else knows Tiras' secret but I think its the lady lord.

I am happy to hear that there are other "Gifted". I wonder if Lark and Tiras' child will also be gifted.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 26
(view spoiler)[ This is my first book by Amy Harmon. I am loving her writing. She is able to draw you into her world.
Lark and Tiras' goodbye scene was sadness and beauty all rolled into one! (hide spoiler)]

mid chapter 31
(view spoiler)[
Should have seen that coming. Hashim is also a gifted (hide spoiler)]

Vicki - This is my first Amy Harmon. I have heard of Making Faces and From Sand and Ash. I like her writing and will definitely read more.

Kathleen and Laura, you are devouring the book! It is a quick read. It’s going to take me a few days to finish since I am juggling several books right now.

Chapter 1-3

(view spoiler)[ I am liking the writing. And enjoying the humor too. Lark’s troll protector worried about losing his beard and then never marrying was funny! Very sad, though, that a father could treat his daughter so coldly. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4-6

(view spoiler)[ The attack and healing by Lark was exciting. Such a simple thing like letters in the alphabet meant so much to Lark. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7-9

(view spoiler)[ Very emotional when Lark is able to communicate with Tyres. (hide spoiler)]

Kathleen wrote: "I'm sorry if Im going to be reading ahead but I jist couldn't put it down. I am about to start chapter 11. I

[spoilers removed]"

Good catch about the King. I never thought of this.

Finished
(view spoiler)[
I knew something wasn't quite right with Lady Firi. I suspect maybe we will see more of her in book 2.

I don't always need a happy ending but I loved how this ended. Beautifully written. 5 stars for me. Looking forward to reading book 2! (hide spoiler)]

Geri wrote: "Kathleen and Laura, you are devouring the book! It is a quick read. It’s going to take me a few days to finish since I am juggling several books right now.

Chapter 1-3

[spoilers removed]

Chapte..."

Beautiful read !Easy to devour.
(view spoiler)[
Agreed, it was sad to see how cold her father was to her. There are a lot of very humorous conversations throughout the book! (hide spoiler)]

Laura wrote: "Up to chapter 26

I am enjoying this story. I love Lark's character. She has overcome so much and is very strong. Lark showed great patience and strength in waiting for Tiras on their wedding day n..."

(view spoiler)[Now that youve mentioned it, I sort of hoped for a spin off with their daughter as MC. (hide spoiler)]

Boohjoni is a lovely character. Too bad we didn't get to see a whole lot of him after they 'moved'!

Laura wrote: "Finished

[spoiler]..."

I’m glad you loved it. I read this one just before TT started (well, a reread that I listened too this time) and I enjoyed it immensely both times.

Laura wrote: "Finished

I don't always need a happy ending but I loved how this ended. Beautifully written..."

I know. The way the author ended the book was just so beautiful. I loved this love story.

✼Danielle✼ wrote: "Laura wrote: "Finished

[spoiler]..."

I’m glad you loved it. I read this one just before TT started (well, a reread that I listened too this time) and I enjoyed it immensely both times."

Thanks Danielle! Makes me really want to start From Sand and Ash. I will before Towers is over ( or I hope!)

@Kathleen,
I was a little worried when you said you wanted to throw your book across the room!
(view spoiler)[Was that Lady Firi or Zoltev?
I read someone 's review and they said the book read like a fairytale. Nice description, I thought! (hide spoiler)]

@Laura: It was emotion taking over because of all that's happening to our MCs. The goodbyes being said and all...

Kathleen wrote: "Boohjoni is a lovely character. Too bad we didn't get to see a whole lot of him after they 'moved'!"

I really enjoyed the character too. I am enjoying the fantasy and emotion in the story as well.

I stopped at chapter 25 for the day. I agree, Laura, beautiful writing. Romantic and emotional.

Anyone interested in Kjell’s story The Queen and the Cure? I will read it probably late June.

Chapter 14

(view spoiler)[ very emotional story with Lark feeling used by her father and the king. Lark’s power is neat. Funny when she made a hole in the stingy man’s pocket!

Chapter 19

(view spoiler)[ Kel being related to Tyres wasn’t a surprise. The romance between Lark and Tyres is sweet. Not being able to turn back is going to be a problem. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22

(view spoiler)[ what a wedding ceremony. I don’t believe either that Kel had anything to do with his abduction. The king is definitely in danger. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 25

(view spoiler)[ What a conundrum! The king is not I’ll so the healer cannot heal him. (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 19

(view spoiler)[ Kel being related to Tyres wasn’t a surprise. The romance between Lark and Tyres is sweet. Not being able to turn back is going to be a problem. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22

(view spoiler)[ what a wedding ceremony. I don’t believe either that Kel had anything to do with his abduction. The king is definitely in danger. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 25

(view spoiler)[ What a conundrum! The king is not ill so the healer cannot heal him. (hide spoiler)]

Sigh, earlier in the week I wouldn't have hesitated to say yes to a BR of the 2nd book. I have committed to way too much BRs already *cry*

Geri wrote: "I stopped at chapter 25 for the day. I agree, Laura, beautiful writing. Romantic and emotional.

Anyone interested in Kjell’s story The Queen and the Cure? I will read it probably ..."

Yes, I 'll read it with you. I think we can persuade Kathleen; or she can always join us a little later;-)

Geri wrote: "Kathleen wrote: "Boohjoni is a lovely character. Too bad we didn't get to see a whole lot of him after they 'moved'!"

I really enjoyed the character too. I am enjoying the fantasy and emotion in t..."

I loved this fantasy world. It will be interesting to see if book 2 is as magical, romantic and emotional!

Kathleen wrote: "Sigh, earlier in the week I wouldn't have hesitated to say yes to a BR of the 2nd book. I have committed to way too much BRs already *cry*"

LOL I understand completely. But as Laura said, you can join us if you change your mind!

Laura wrote: ".Yes, I 'll read it with you. I think we can persuade Kathleen; or she can always join us a little later;-)
"

Great! Does June 25 work?

Done! Wow, exciting and emotional to the end! I feel wrung out! LOL

(view spoiler)[ Heartbreaking story! Really vivid descriptions. I knew Lady Furi, could not be trusted. LOL Surprised the King’s Father is a volgar. What a good ending! Very exciting. (hide spoiler)]

Laura- I agree with the reviewer that it did read a bit like a fairytale. I was worried too when Kathleen wanted to throw the book. I thought the ending might leave us hanging, which I HATE!

Geri wrote: "Laura wrote: ".Yes, I 'll read it with you. I think we can persuade Kathleen; or she can always join us a little later;-)
"

Great! Does June 25 work?

Done! Wow, exciting and emotional to the end..."

Yes, sure ; June 25 works.
(view spoiler)[ I think the vivid descriptions definitely contributed to the magical feeling. (hide spoiler)]

Tje trowing compulsion was when Tiras (view spoiler)[“died” I was upset of the thought of what if the author really killed his character off. (hide spoiler)]

Sorry for starting so late with this book, but being on two back-to-back one week vacations makes the reading time difficult. Starting now.

Chapters 1-10

Lark (view spoiler)[I feel for her being imprisoned without ability to communicate orally. I'm upset that her father wouldn't have done everything in his power to give her ways to communicate. (hide spoiler)]

Tiras (view spoiler)[is nicer to Lark than her own father. I was so happy and glad to see him care enough about her predicament to take time to understand what she wanted and then to take the time to teach her letters and how to read. I'm glad he can understand her words in her mind and communicate with her that way. (hide spoiler)]

Jeru (view spoiler)[ definitely seems like a better place for Lark to be. (hide spoiler)]