Epic historical adventure at its best! “Complex, absorbing, and dramatic”—Kirkus Reviews Sent away for their own protection when they were very young, Azemar and Azalaïs become separated when they flee from the band of outlaws who served as their supposed protectors. Armed only with fleeting memories, their names, and the wits and intelligence that have helped them survive brutal conditions, they … helped them survive brutal conditions, they struggle to find each other again and discover the mysterious past that links them across distance and time.
Who are they? And do they hold the secret of the legendary Cathar treasure?
All they know is that knights and priests spell danger, and they must survive at all costs if they are to fulfill their destiny.
more
I do enjoy historical fiction, but usually not from France or the 13th Century. But it was well worth a jaunt into a world I knew little about (until now!) and to enjoy a story that moves along with a lot of action. At the beginning of the book I was worried it was really a YA book because of the age of the main characters at the start, but it didn’t take long for it to move well into adult territory. I always love learning something new in a book and there was lots to learn by the context of the events in this book without even realizing it. The characters stayed with me and I’m glad the sequel is coming out in a few months.
I picked up this wonderful novel because it shares an unusual setting with one of my own books, THE CAPTIVE KNIGHT. So wonderful to visit Langue d’Oc again… and now I’ll have a chance to stay: It’s the first in a series!
I was captivated by Susanne Dunlap’s latest historical fiction from page one. Strong characters, vivid scenes of southern France in the 13th century, castles, intrigue and a plot with more twists than a pretzel, is just the beginning of the enjoyment of Listen to the Wind.
The story is full of hidden treasures. One of many was a subliminal message that penetrated into my inner being without my awareness that it was happening. To simply get a message to someone in the 13th century, a person had to go to great lengths and often expose themselves to significant danger. The contrast with today’s ease and rapidity of communication made me realize how fortunate we all are when it comes to our freedom of speech.
This book is the first in a series. I can’t wait to read book two!
Traci Medford-Rosow
USAToday bestelling author of Unblinded
I stayed up way too late last night and Susanne Dunlap is entirely to blame! It was just to hard to put down Listen to the Wind and I have no will power but I sure slept soundly after finishing this incredible novel.
Listen to the Wind features Azalais and Azemar who are living in an Orphanage in Tolosa at the beginning of the novel. The two friends spent their days playing fantasy games of knights and damsels, until one day their Orphanage gets raided. A recent illness in the town is being blamed on the Orphanage so they run away and soon get separated, with plans to meet up later.
As Azalais and Azemar embark on their own path they meet people who help them along the way. It actually reminded me a bit about Game of Thrones. It could be because I binged the whole series for the past month! Ha! But really, the way we follow Azemar and Azalais and see who they meet and how they learn from everyone along the way, right to the fateful moment with the two friends finally meet again years later (great scene!) reminded me of Arya’s storyline, which was my absolute favorite.
So, take the two amazing main characters, add in a third and equally fascinating character, throw in some knights, a few battles, secret identities, court intrigue, and you have one hell of a read!
Susanne’s writing really brought this book to life. She has an amazing way with words. It’s a book that will grab you from the start and keep you hooked til the end. I loved it and will be counting the days until the next book in the trilogy, The Spirit of Fire, releases!
Highly recommended!