A cursed omen who dreams of death. A girl who calls fire with a wish. A group of resistance fighters who need the king to die.Prophecy has brought them together, but will it destroy them too?As a homeless orphan, shunned for having the gift, Rachael knows how to survive. The visions of people dying are only hers to see. The shadows are her safety. When Cephy comes into her life, having a friend … comes into her life, having a friend who is as feared by the villagers as Rachael seems too good to be true.
After a fiery incident, the villagers call on the White Guard to execute Rachael and Cephy. Together, they flee into a world they know nothing about. In the unknown await a Mist Woman, a prophecy, and a young rebel who sounds sincere, but in Rachael’s experience, no one ever is.
The Sparrows–fighters of the resistance–believe in her because a prophecy names her, but can she be the leader they need when she can’t control her own magic?
Rachael knows the struggles the gifted endure all too well. Perhaps it’s time she stopped hiding and fought back.
If you like plot twists, kickass heroines, and dark destructive magic, then you’ll love the first instalment in this page-turning epic fantasy trilogy.
Author’s Note: Rise of the Sparrows contains content some readers may find upsetting such as, but not limited to, suicide, mentions of rape, and violence. Please proceed with caution if this might cause distress.
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This was my first experience with Sarina Langer’s work, and I totally enjoyed it. The opening pages of the story kept me up unto the early hours of the morning. I didn’t want to stop the audiobook in order to get any sleep, but eventually I had to shut off the light. As soon as I was free the next day, I was listening to the rest of the story. The world building was extensive. The characters were complex. The plot was convoluted and action-packed. I recommend this tale to others who enjoy this genre, but there are some dark themes presented. Leanne Yau’s narration was great and kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.
I really enjoyed the multiple points of view the author showed in this story, and the differences you can see in each person’s experiences. I loved how the characters had many trials and how the author wove in some very serious issues with sensitive and class. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. This deeply harrowing adventure is narrated by Leanne Yau who brings the dark yet beautiful world that Rachel and Cephy reside in to life. Both orphans with complex, unique and troubling abilities the people of their village are afraid of. Surviving hunger is one thing that is a challenge; haunted by the White Guard with the mission to take their lives but it’s what the Mist Women want with Rachel is the most haunting, with the dark magic they wield that will cause so much danger. A wondrous and memorable first story of this series that’s only just unfolding, highly recommended.
** spoiler alert ** Enjoyed this fantastic fantasy, dark and captivating!
Life on the streets is difficult and survival impossible – not for Rachael, she’s the strength of five men! Intelligent and resourceful. Painfully she is degraded and shunned; are members in our society treated the same way? Born with a gift, a prophecy-will she rise? Yes, she fulfills the prophecy, the Rise of the Sparrows, she’s made it as Queen of Rifarne!
Langer captures the heart of her reader, immediately you mourn for Rachael, Cephy and turn, page after page. Tumultuous events happen to orphans, and the fighters of the resistance believe. Rachael’s never had such support, it’s no wonder she’s captivated by it!
No more spoilers, read it for yourself!
Phewee, this book is not an easy read – as in, it tackles tough topics such as homeless orphans fighting to stay safe, and suicide. However, it is totally worth it if these aren’t triggers for you.
The story slowly builds from Rachael’s challenging life on the streets through to learning whom to trust. Once it reaches its peak, the pace picks up to a thrilling level. A rollercoaster through a fantasy world.
Like all good books of this genre, there is a prophecy, goodies, baddies, magick and peril aplenty.
How on Earth is this prophecy ever to come to fruition? The odds are stacked against them and success seems highly unlikely. Especially with a reluctant heroine.
There are some terrific, rounded characters in this well-written book. I stuck with them every step of the way, and may even have held my breath in places. Set in a medieval-feely land, we are treated to sights and smells which enhance this tale. There is definitely depth here.
If you love fantasy, you will want to read this!
I’ll be honest, dark fantasy isn’t my favorite genre (it’s the dark part of that equation), but I have to say Rise of the Sparrows is solid specimen in this genre. Danger, magic, uncertainty–it’s all here. Plus tough female baddies and protagonists, which I always love.
Well. Got to say. This kept me on my toes. It took me a few chapters to get into the story and understand the characters. Leanne Yau (new to me) narrated all characters (multi POV), and what a fantastic job she did, keeping up with both the story and the characters. A story set in a dark era, where magic is punishable by death, and prophecy’s rule. Both Rachael and Cephy have been thrown out of their homes by their families, homeless and unloved, they find solace together until they are driven from the only place they’ve ever known. They’re being tracked by both good and evil. The question is, who can they trust? An action packed fantasy adventure that I can guarantee will have you questioning good, bad, right, wrong, truth and lies. I will say one thing. Expect the unexpected. Highly enjoyable. Extremely unpredictable. Definitely lends itself to audio.
Riveting Fantasy Adventure!
A great beginning to the series. I really enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to reading the next book. The wonderful combination of believable complex characters and unique fantasy world kept me enthralled from beginning to end. Plenty of action, emotions, suspense, and drama. Enjoy!
I received an advanced copy and am happy to leave my honest review.
An epic adventure. I was a little put off by the opening scene, but the story quickly changed from the evil sorceress to the gifted and homeless children, trying to eke out enough food to survive. An interesting read, though not exactly a happy story.
they met and have somethings in common are chased out of the town. each have a different gift or are they a curse. They meet others who believe they are there for a reason. What is that reason? Follow them through their adventures
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow this is a Fantastic read. It fast paced amd actiin packed. She is Orphaned and shuned for having a gift. When a young girl cephy comes into her life. Will things change. This read will grab you right from the first page, until the last page. It has twists and turns. This is definitely a must read.
Shauna Joesten
Wow!! What an excellent read this was! A book I took a gamble on because the cover had been catching my eye for weeks around social media, so once I saw it was free, I added it to my Kindle, without any idea of what to expect. Some covers do that for me, and the title put in my mind reminiscences of Brian Jacques wonderful series of Redwall. I was indeed expecting sparrows of the animal kind. What I got was Rachael, and she is one of the best constructed characters I have ever come across, so well done Sarina Langer on this one. Rachael is so easy to relate, at least for me. She’s weak and scared, she’s riddled with low self confidence, low self esteem, tons of self doubt. She’s wary of others, shields herself from forming bonds and relationships in fear of being hurt and betrayed, refuses to open her heart for the very same reason. She’s sounded like my kindred spirit, in all this. But she’s also very resilient, and persistent, and loyal. Once her heart is won over, she’s loyal to a fault, and throuhg all her fears and weakness, through all her – oh so human – faults, she is one brave individual. As for the story itself, it was a page turner, a world well built without having to resort to constant needless explanations of why this is like this and why this happens, which tends to happen a lot in fantasy. I prefer books where things – like magic and what not – are simply because they are. I would definetely recommend this to anyone who likes a good read, and who tends to root for the underdogs. Well done, what a great book.
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