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07/05/2023 Re-read in 2023 and still had a blast. :)

Want to read this fabulous book? Open internationally!



Read in February 2014 | 4.5 stars

"They aren't ugly. More like beautiful things that have had the misfortune of being broken."

Stolen Songbird just might be my favorite novel of the year so far (but it's only February--too early to tell), with its magical setting, beautiful writing, truthful characters and engaging story. This one definitely had some irritating moments, but I guess my overall excitement and enjoyment lessened whatever bad things I felt toward the novel.

We begin the story with our heroine Cécile--fierce, accepting and compassionate. She showed a great sense of bravery (physically, emotionally and mentally) by accepting her fate. At the same time, she still fought for freedom, but not at the cost of hurting anyone (whether it be people she loves or doesn't even know). She also cared for the citizens of Trollus who were abused/not given what they deserved, despite them being trolls and not humans.

At the mention of Trollus and its inhabitants, I immediately think about how much I loved the setting and how authentic it was.  We are introduced to Trollus, the home of supposedly monstrous and dangerous trolls--but let me assure you, they are quite kind and accepting. That aside, I am a huge fan of high fantasy novels since they bring us to new, beautiful worlds that we didn't think could exist. Stolen Songbird was no exception. I loved everything from the markets, to the mining shafts, to the palace and everything in between.

The side characters were very interesting as well! We have Marc, the kind one who's always helpful, Anaïs, who was initially a bitch but turned out to be helpful and a bit broken, and many, many others. It was nice that each character had a personality and all contributed to the overall story.

“Watch your tongue, Tristan,� the Duchesse snapped. “Ridiculous expression, that,� Tristan said. “I can't very well observe my own tongue unless I am to sit in front of a mirror, and I can't tolerate such vanity.�

And then, of course, we have our (swoon-worthy) hero, Tristan. At first, he may come off as rude and indifferent, but once we are really introduced to his character, it'll be hard not to fall for him. Being next in line for the throne, you'd think that Tristan would want to follow his father's footsteps and sort of abuse his power. But no! Tristan is gentle (and hilarious) and he really cares about his people, whether or not they are poor or even if they're human.

“I haven't given you a reason to believe I have a single romantic bone in my body.�

But oh, you have, Tristan dearest. The romance (*cough* and angst *cough*) in the novel was exquisite. There was development between both characters and it was really lovely. From victim and captor, to friends, to lovers. I couldn't help but melt a little every time Tristan showed concern or did sweet things--it's making me feel bad that I'm spending Valentine's all alone, lol!

 Truly, I would recommend this one to anyone looking for a good high fantasy that'll give you all. The. Feels.