“My mother was careful with her words, so careful that she made them soundless when she died. Now they swarm silently all around me, like quiet watchers waiting for someone to speak them into being” (12).

This is a story about two birds, Lark and Tiras—one bird finding her voice and another bird finding freedom from his cage. Both birds are given gifts—a Teller whose words are power and a Changer whose power is uncontrollable—and both are bound to one another at an intersection of duty and desire. As they struggle to protect their threatened kingdom of Jeru, they learn that their gifts are not the most important thing; it’s the choices they make with those gifts that matter, that determine what kind of persons they are. And in that knowledge, they let go of the past that’s been gripping tightly to them, like the talons of an eagle, because you cannot heal if you harbor hate. In both letting go and holding tightly, Lark and Tiras find freedom from their cages and peace in the home they’ve created with their words.

This was a nice little fantasy novel with a strong romance element. It was a more intimate type of book not a big sprawling epic. I liked the world building. The set up made sense and was interesting. It was told in first person from the POV of a girl who had magic in a land where magic was outlawed. ( )

I read this as a recommendation of a fellow reader. And I can't say enough about this book. I borrowed a copy from the local library to read it and promptly bought my own copy so that it is ready for a re-read at any moment. It is one that I will keep ( )

This book is brilliant and beautiful. I suspect it will be my top read of 2016. No need to say more. Just go read it. ( )

wow. one of the best stories i have read in awhile! ( )