Title: The Bird and the Blade
Author: Megan Bannen
First published June 5, 2018
416 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062674159 (ISBN10: 0062674153)
Rating: 4.06
Overview
Amidst the Amur river, Jin Zhou, a young girl, has lost everything: her family, her identity and her freedom. When Prince Khalaf finds himself stranded on the Amur river, Jin Zhou sees an opportunity to escape her enslavement and help the prince.
As they journey across the vast Mongol Empire, Jin Zhou and Prince Khalaf find themselves falling hopelessly in love. But their love becomes complicated when Prince Khalaf seeks to restore his kingdom by marrying Turandokht, the daughter of the Great Khan.
Turandokht is as beautiful as she is cunning and requires all potential suitors to solve three impossible riddles to win her hand. Jin Zhou must reconcile the hard truth of her past with her love for Prince Khalaf, even if it means losing him to the girl who’d sooner take his life than his heart.
The Bird and the Blade by Megan Bannen is a powerful story of love, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to protect those they love.
About the Author
Meet Megan Bannen, an author of both adult and young adult fantasy novels. Her most recent book, The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, is just one example of her captivating writing.
Megan’s career has been diverse, including working as a public librarian, selling luggage, writing grants, and teaching English at home and abroad. She has even earned multiple graduate degrees from various universities in Kansas.
Despite her varied experiences, Megan remains passionate about writing and continues to captivate readers with her unique storytelling. She currently resides in the Kansas City area with her husband and two sons.
To keep up with Megan, visit her website or follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @meganbannen.
Editoral Review
“The Bird and the Blade” by Megan Bannen is a stunning historical fiction novel that will capture the hearts and minds of readers. Bannen’s writing style is expertly crafted, and her attention to detail and vivid descriptions of setting and character create a fully immersive experience for the reader.
The novel is set in 13th-century Mongolia and features the story of Jinghua, a slave girl who becomes entangled in the political intrigue of the Khanate. Jinghua is a complex and multifaceted character, and Bannen does an excellent job of exploring her motivations, emotions, and relationships with other characters in the novel.
The main conflict of the story revolves around Jinghua’s relationship with the Khan’s son, Khalaf, and their quest to find the legendary bird that will secure the Khan’s rule. Bannen weaves a complex web of political alliances, betrayals, and secrets that keep the reader engaged and invested in the story.
One of the strengths of “The Bird and the Blade” is its historical and cultural significance. Bannen’s portrayal of 13th-century Mongolia is rich and detailed, and the novel provides insight into a culture that is often overlooked in Western literature.
Bannen also explores themes of power, identity, and love in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, and Bannen’s use of alternating timelines adds an additional layer of complexity to the story. The plot is well-structured, and the twists and turns keep the reader on their toes.
However, there are some limitations to the novel. Some readers may find the ending to be unsatisfying or abrupt, and there are moments where the pacing slows down too much.
Additionally, some of the secondary characters could have been developed more fully.
Overall, “The Bird and the Blade” is a beautifully written and engaging novel that is sure to captivate readers. Bannen’s masterful storytelling and attention to historical detail make this a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction.
I highly recommend this book to fans of “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller or “The Poppy War” by R.F. Kuang.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
