Author: Megan Bannen
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Balzer + Bray (June 5, 2018)
Genre: Fantasy/Retelling
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
My Rating: 5 Stars!
Book Description:
As a slave in the Kipchak Khanate, Jinghua has lost everything: her home, her family, her freedom … until she finds herself an unlikely conspirator in the escape of Prince Khalaf and his irascible father as they flee from their enemies across the vast Mongol Empire. On the run, with adversaries on all sides and an endless journey ahead, Jinghua hatches a scheme to use the Kipchaks’ exile to return home, a plan that becomes increasingly fraught as her feelings for Khalaf evolve into a hopeless love.
Jinghua’s already dicey prospects take a downward turn when Khalaf seeks to restore his kingdom by forging a marriage alliance with Turandokht, the daughter of the Great Khan. As beautiful as she is cunning, Turandokht requires all potential suitors to solve three impossible riddles to win her hand—and if they fail, they die.
Jinghua has kept her own counsel well, but with Khalaf’s kingdom—and his very life—on the line, she must reconcile the hard truth of her past with her love for a boy who has no idea what she’s capable of ... even if it means losing him to the girl who’d sooner take his life than his heart.
THE BIRD AND THE BLADE is a lush, powerful story of life and death, battles and riddles, lies and secrets from debut author Megan Bannen.
I honestly can't remember the last time a book tore my heart out and stomped on it as hard as this one did.
I can't remember the last time I cried, truly cried and didn't want to stop because of the emotions that I felt not only all through this story, but especially at the end.
Oh my poor heart and soul. I may never be the same again.
Filled with beautifully rich history and a strange friendship that blooms and grows, this truly was a wonderfully heartfelt , wonderfully written story that should be experienced by everyone.
Magnificently done and presented, this will be one that I won't soon be forgetting. I adored absolutely everything about it, even the agonizing and heartbreaking ending.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review*
I love when a stories that speaks to our hearts in such away that makes it unforgettable in a good way. I am glad this story dis that for you. Great review.
ReplyDeleteMe too. I will remember this story and these characters for a really long time.
DeleteSounds like a really well-written book. I do adore books that can make me FEEL.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I really do too even if I do have to have them in small doses. ;)
DeleteThis sounds like it really pulled you in. Great review Ali. Looks like truffles are required before starting this one!
ReplyDeleteYes! Chocolate and tissues are a must or any sweet for that matter.
Deletewow that's great!
ReplyDeleteIt really was!
DeleteAwesome review I love books that can leave a real emotional impact.
ReplyDeleteTori @ In Tori Lex
I really do too and this was definitely one of those.
DeleteOh what a lovely review Kindlemom, but wow seems like it was pretty heart wrenching too.
ReplyDeleteIt was but in such a good way even though it was sad. Hard to explain but sometimes you just need reads like this one.
DeleteI thought of you while I was reading this one! Seriously, I think you would like it.
ReplyDeleteThe older I get, the less I can do heartbreaking reads. It sounds wonderful though and I am glad you had all the"feels." Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI can understand that. ;)
Deleteoh I heard good things about this already, I did not know that this is also an emotional read
ReplyDeleteIt really was! I wasn't expecting it either so it surprised me.
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