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Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen Series: The Malediction Trilogy #1
Published by Strange Chemistry
Pub Date: April 1st 2014
Pages: 480
Format: Paperback | Source: Purchased
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
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For those who have loved Seraphina and Graceling comes another truly fabulous fantasy...
For five centuries, a witch’s curse has bound the trolls to their city beneath the ruins of Forsaken Mountain. Time enough for their dark and nefarious magic to fade from human memory and into myth. But a prophesy has been spoken of a union with the power to set the trolls free, and when Cécile de Troyes is kidnapped and taken beneath the mountain, she learns there is far more to the myth of the trolls than she could have imagined.
Cécile has only one thing on her mind after she is brought to Trollus: escape. Only the trolls are clever, fast, and inhumanly strong. She will have to bide her time, wait for the perfect opportunity.
But something unexpected happens while she’s waiting – she begins to fall for the enigmatic troll prince to whom she has been bonded and married. She begins to make friends. And she begins to see that she may be the only hope for the half-bloods – part troll, part human creatures who are slaves to the full-blooded trolls. There is a rebellion brewing. And her prince, Tristan, the future king, is its secret leader.
As Cécile becomes involved in the intricate political games of Trollus, she becomes more than a farmer’s daughter. She becomes a princess, the hope of a people, and a witch with magic powerful enough to change Trollus forever.
Let’s start with a confession: I was totally drawn to Stolen Songbird because of the gorgeous cover. Look at that glass rose! I’m happy to report that the inside is just as lovely. I loved every second of this book, can’t say I expected that! I’ve never read about trolls before but thought they could be a refreshing and intriguing concept. The world building and intricate mythology of Stolen Songbird was fantastic and I really loved the characters. Cecile and Tristan’s alternating POV chapters worked well; they each had a distinct voice and it helped paint a full picture of Trollus, as well as their prejudices, their motives, and their feelings. The romance was awesome, total bickering and getting-to-know each other, forced together, etc. The friendships that Cecile makes were wonderful too, especially with Vincent and Victoria, and even though the evil characters were less three dimensional I’m desperate to know what they’re up to.
You’re thrown immediately into the action from page 1 and even though it was a hefty book (close to 500 pages!) there was never a dull moment. There was, however, political intrigue, treachery, romance, and secrets. I’m really really eager to read the sequel Hidden Huntress (next June! Boo…) and thought the last line was wicked. Plus there are still so many secrets to unravel! Highly recommend for fantasy fans, even if you don’t think trolls sound like your cup of tea. Trust me, they are!
About Morgan @ Gone with the Words
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Morgan lives in the Bay Area with her husband and her beagle. When she's not snuggling or taking care of Andy, she is reading, watching Disney movies, or drinking tea. Sometimes all at once! Her twitter tends to be bookish by day, sporty by night, and active all. the. time. Her TBR pile is out of control, as I'm sure you can sympathize. She is a big fan of caps locks, OMGs, movies, Chris Hemsworth, and anything British. Tweet her!
Alexa S.
Even though I did technically have this book in my possession for a while, I just never got around to reading it and gave it away. Your thoughts on it make me want to reconsider! I think it was the trolls aspect that kind of threw me off. But in terms of story, this sounds pretty darn great to me!
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
The trolls were throwing me off too but you come around really fast! The story is super great, I hope you give it a try sometime! I think Throne of Glass fans would especially enjoy it ;)
Anatea
When I started reading Stolen Songbird, it was purely because of the cover. Up until then, I haven’t read any review about it, but I wanted to read it asap just because of the cover. But this book was amazing in every way possible. From the amazing and unique storyline to great developed characters and lovely romance. I’m glad to see you liked it!
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
Yes I completely agree with you! I went in mostly blind review-wise but I’ve been book pushing like crazy since I read it! The characters were so fantastic and the romance is pitch perfect. Can’t wait for the sequel :D Thanks for commenting!
Becky V.
You make this one so tempting!! I’ve had one experience with a book about trolls and it was dud for me, but this sounds really amazing! Wow, that is a hefty book, but that just gives the story more time to get good! :D Ah, the romance sounds like one of my favorite dynamics—love when it starts out with a little tense! Great review, Morgan!
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
Soooo good!! I know it sounds long but it makes you want to read fast! :D There’s definitely a lot of romantic tension, it’s great. I hope you give it a chance sometime!! Thanks for commenting :)
Annette
Just wanted to say I love your reviews. You tell me about the book without telling me the whole story. That’s just what I need. This sounds like a good one (although I’m an “iffy” fantasy reader) and I may check it out. Thanks!
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
Thank you so much!! That means a lot to me :) I hate being spoiled in reviews so I try reeeeally hard not to do the same. I honestly think it would be good even for iffy fantasy readers, the world building is immersive but not complex if that makes sense. Easy to follow the details :) Enjoy! And thanks for the lovely comment.
Amber Elise
It’s a REALLY pretty cover! I’m surprised I hadn’t heard of this one, actually, it sounds like something I would like (although I’m always intimidated by long books).
Thanks for the heads up, gonna find this one soon!
Thanks for keeping it short and sweet as well! :)
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
Soooo pretty! I can’t wait to see what Book 2 looks like :D I swear it goes fast for a long book! Yay I hope you enjoy it, thanks for the nice comment :)
Quinn's Book Nook
I love the cover, too! And I’m glad to hear that you loved the book, too. I can’t wait to read this one. I’m excited to read about trolls, and I’m also glad to hear that you were drawn in quickly. I admit to being a little intimidated by the hefty page count.
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
I promise you’ll stop thinking about the number of pages once you start reading :D I really hope you like the book!! The trolls were very cool.
Jessica @ a GREAT read
OOooh great review! Heard lots of good things about this one! It’s currently in my TBR Mountain of Doom, but I do hope to get to it soon! Sounds like it will be quite the read!
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
Thank you!! Oh yes, my Mountain of Doom never seems to shrink… but I hope this one makes it to the top soon! And that you like it :)
Ashlea
MORGAN, OMG I CAN’T WAIT TO READ THIS. I didn’t think I would be into trolls but it sounds FABULOUS. <3
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
ASHLEA I REALLY HOPE YOU LOVE IT! It’s super fabulous :D Tell me when you start it, whenever that may be!
Danielle @ Love at First Page
I liked this one a lot too! Such a unique idea and thankfully the author doesn’t waste the potential. Tristan is a real sweetheart, too.
After that evil cliffy I am DYING for book 2!
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
Totally agree, it was executed really well! I’m glad you liked it, I don’t know many others who have read it! OMGGGG the evil cliffy is super evil! Couldn’t even believe it haha.