Review: Rise of the Sparrows by Sarina Langer

Rise of the Sparrows (The Relics of Ar’Zac Book One ) by Sarina Langer 5/5

Blurb:

Growing up homeless and orphaned in a town that hates her, Rachael must assassinate the king of Rifarne to become queen to a people who once wanted her dead. Rifarne is a country opposed to magic. When its people demand harsh action, King Aeric sees himself with no other choice but to outlaw those with the gift. Rachael, who possesses the rare gift of a Seer, soon finds herself with visions of her own violent death. When her escape goes wrong and she ends up in the clutches of a vicious Mist Woman lusting for her blood, she finds she is the only person who can stop the war against people like her – and assassinating the king to take his throne may well be the only way to do just that.

 

Review:

I was privileged to be a beta reader for Sarina Langer. My review of this book is based on the beta copy I read.

Fantasy, action, magic, and abilities- this book has it all. The main character, Rachel, was a breath of fresh air- wise for her age, untrusting, and a heroine who wants anything but to stand out. Blending in, being ‘normal’, has always been Rachel’s wish in life, but she has to embrace the fact that normality isn’t hers. She is destined.

Her hard street life and encounters with the intolerant townsfolk and the White Guard have left her wary, tired, and outcast. Her character arc develops perfectly and true to Rachel’s personal growth throughout the narrative. All the characters are believable, and have essence of light and dark in them. Cephy, in particular, was brilliantly written. An impressionable, scared, powerful child- a boiling pot for disaster, right?

Langer masterfully builds a world of magic, prophecies, outlawed organisations, corrupt royalty, and dangerous beings. Rachel has to join the only people who have ever tried to help her, but risk her own life to do so, and fulfil a prophecy she doesn’t fully believe.

Dark twists, heart breaking moments, and a fight for what is right keeps the pages turning. I wholly recommend this book, and can’t wait for the next installment. I need to find out how the ever adapting street girl handles her new role?

---

 

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J.Chapman and no other parties.

All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman

K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review.

Save