The Wolf and the Sparrow

<b>If you liked 'Captive Prince' by C S Pacat, but wanted more politics, fantasy and romance, and less problematic and slightly questionable themes and scenes- this book is for you!</b><br /><br />It features an enemies to lovers male/male romance, but it is super wholesome and cute. <br /><br /><b>"sometimes we leave because we care too much to stay"</b><br /><br />Derek and Callen, our two main characters are forced into an arranged marriage to try and mend the bad blood between their families. In this world, relationships are not exclusively M/F, as many of these historical fantasies tend to be. While Callen had previously been in a relationship with a woman, no one considers it strange that he is marrying a male. <b>I loved that this story didn't have the typical struggling about your sexuality, and constantly being defied because of who you love. Don't get me wrong, that is such an important and topical issue- but it is nice to escape to a fantasy world where LGBTI+ relationships are just a part of life, nothing out of the ordinary. </b><br /><br />My only issues with this book is the pacing and instalove. Despite this being enemies to lovers, the two characters went from hating each other to saving each others' lives in a very short period of time. I wish the romance was a little bit more developed. <br /><br />This book came out on the 25th of November, so overall I would definitely recommend checking it out! <br /><br /><b>"he was sixteen- the age when everything was painted black and white, right and wrong, with nothing in between. Both Derek and their mother knew all too well how washed-out those colours became in time"</b>

<u> <b>3.5 gay Stars ★★★✬✩</b> </u><br><i> <blockquote> <b>This book is for you if… </b>you value representative reads. The gay love is all over the place but it still seems to be a very white book. TW: violence, physical injuries, mention of domestic abuse.</blockquote> </i><br><b>⤐ <i>Overall.</i></b><br>Let's face it, gay romance is e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. Yes, the plot could have been a lot more thrilling, and yes, this wasn't the most original story. I was bored sometimes even. But I won't let anybody take away the joy I felt while reading this. Soft bois are da best.<br><br><b>Characters, special in their unobtrusiveness.</b> The MCs could be described as utterly mundane. What makes them so lovely and captivating is their strong moral compass and the character development they go through, with each other and personally. The relationship between them is realistic and tender and my heart couldn't have asked for more.<br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1579606074ra/28815795.gif" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><b>World(-building).</b> I loved that there is no explanation to the whole "straight ain't the norm in this one". It shouldn't need an explanation of why in this universe, political marriages can between two men. It shouldn't need an explanation of why the charismatic leader of the guard, Rema, has they/them pronouns. You just listen, accept and adapt.<br><br><b>The arch of suspense.</b> This is where the praise stops because it really wasn't that great. The plot was mildly thrilling at best.<br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1579606382ra/28815816.gif" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><b>⤐ <i>What’s happening.</i></b><br><blockquote> <b> <i>‘Unless you end up falling in love with your arranged husband.’<br>‘You know,’ Derek said, ‘I think there’s a better chance of him murdering me in my sleep.’</i> </b> </blockquote><br>Derek just became the young duke of Camria. To save it, political marriage to Callan of Mulberny is arranged/forced, an icy but beautiful man whose hostile exterior is as chilling as his blue eyes, surrounded by dangerous rumours.<br><blockquote> <b> <i>‘Wouldn’t it be fund if he only fell in love with people he was forced to marry against his will? Hilarious.’</i> </b> </blockquote><br>Or maybe it isn't that hilarious because Callan has lost all light in life. He bends to his father's will, only his kingdom in mind. But what happens when his mind is suddenly occupied by a certain soft boi that's got more courage and love in him than one person should legally be able to carry?<br>_____________________<br><b> <i> writing quality + easy of reading</i> </b> = 4*<br><br><b> <i>pace</i> </b> = 3*<br><br><b> <i>plot/story in general</i> </b> = 3*<br><br><b> <i>plot development</i> </b> = 3*<br><br><b> <i>characters</i> </b> = 4*<br><br><b> <i>enjoyability</i> </b> = 3*<br><br><b> <i>insightfulness</i> </b> = 4*<br>_____________________<br><i>Many thanks to the author Isabelle Adler and NineStar Press LLC, who provided me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review.</i>

<b>4 Stars</b><br /><br />This seriously brought back those nostalgic feels from when I read historical MF romance many years ago, blending an arranged marriage amongst enemies, rife with all the wrong preconceived notions but an irresistible attraction nonetheless. Adler brings her personal touch by setting this in an <b>alternate universe imbued with mysterious forbidden magic, a medieval flare, and where sexuality and identity are not an issue</b>.<br /><br />So yes, Derek and Callan don’t get off to a great start. Their fathers fought each other in an unnecessary skirmish and unfortunately, it was one where Derek’s lost his life. To make peace, they’re being forced to marry each other, and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that neither are none too happy about it. Toss in a bitter angry history with another race of people and you’ve got revenge, kidnapping, near executions, and a country on the brink of another war.<br /><br />I quite enjoyed the slow burn romance. I loved the insecurity and doubt and the pleasant unraveling of wrong assumptions, where intense life threatening situations either make or break a person. Both these men stand up to the task, and both impress each other and push the other to be better. These two have an unbreakable sense of honor and responsibility, where Derek shows an impressive inner resolve, and Callan deeply hides a tragic past under a solid stoic strength. <br /><br />Despite some very minor niggles in the decisions the MC’s make and with some of the plot threads, I loved the relationship progression and thought it was very romantic and nicely smexy as Derek and Callan fight enemies and unseen adversaries. Apparently, I reveled being back in this historical setting and not surprisingly, would not say no should Adler choose to further explore these two men or the unique world they live in. More please!

I really enjoyed reading <i> The Wolf and the Sparrow, </i> a lovely historical novel set in the fictional kingdom of Ivicia and populated by a cast of interesting and engaging characters.<br /><br />Callan and Derek, heirs to two belligerent fiefdoms, find unexpected support and affection in each other after being forced into a political marriage.<br /><br />The plotline is rich in intrigue and changes of scenery and the worldbuilding, mixing Northern lore and magic, provides the story with a nice sense of timelessness.<br /><br />I really like Isabelle Adler's writing style - always solid and elegant without being either excessive or redundant. <br /><br />Very nice!

<b>4 Stars</b><br /><br />Set in a fantasy land with warring kingdoms and forbidden magics, <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/48668316.The_Wolf_and_the_Sparrow" title="The Wolf and the Sparrow by Isabelle Adler" rel="noopener">The Wolf and the Sparrow</a> begins with an arranged marriage that is anything but desired by two young nobles who are willing to do their duties, at their heart's expense, to ensure the safety of their family's and the greater good of their people. <br /><br />The story follows Derek and Callen as they somewhat rapidly, but believably, go from strangers and enemies, to allies, friends and lovers, all while battling forces known and unknown, together, in order to keep their kingdoms safe from an impending war. <br /><br />Told in dual POV, it wasn’t long before I found myself completely sucked in to Callen and Derek’s world. Both characters were easy to respect and admire due to their shared sense of honour and duty and an overwhelming drive to do what was right for the people of their neighboring kingdoms. It also helped that they shared a strong chemistry, even when they were mere strangers, so it wasn't hard to root for their combined happiness before long either.<br /><br />Full of political intrigue, kidnappings, assassination attempts and hidden magic, this enemies-to-lovers romance was a captivating and effortless read from the start. Thankfully, the world-building and narrative never got too complex, as is sometimes the case with high fantasy themed stories—this one set the scene simply but vividly, supplying just enough detail to spark and spur-on my imagination and interest.<br /><br />Needless to say, I enjoyed Derek and Callen’s story a great deal. <br /><br />I’m becoming increasingly impressed by Adler with each subsequent read, and I now look forward to exploring her back-list and her future releases with gusto!

The writing style is really enjoyable. It fits the medieval era perfectly. I enjoyed the story at first. The main characters' dislike for each other slowly turned into adoration and respect. It did feel like slow-burn, even though the whole story spanned over 2-3 weeks by my estimation. And I loved all of that. <br /><br /> But later I find a few things annoying. Mostly minor, but I find one thing really annoying in books: when there is death (secondary character), and it's shoved under the rug. I hate when the author deems it an insignificant event, especially when it's a relative (who the main character is in close contact with).  I'm not getting into the details, so as not to spoil it. <br /><br />I feel the magic side of the story could have been explored deeper, and overall I'm not satisfied with the worldbuilding.<br /><br />The cast of diverse characters is phenomenal. Especially because it wasn't made an issue in the book. It wasn't even acknowledged "oh you're gay, cool" or "should I address you as they/them". It just simply was. Also women in power! I see this more and more often in fantasy/paranormal books, which is awesome.<br /><br />All in all I enjoyed it, but now I'm stuck between 3 and 4 stars.Hmm... gonna round it down, but since I truly liked the writing, I'm sure this won't be the last book I read from the author.

I was so excited to receive an ARC of Isabelle Adler’s new book, <i>The Wolf and The Sparrow</i>. The plot of an "arranged marriage" is relatively new to me and kind of falls in line with the “fake boyfriend” trope that I’ve been reading a lot of lately so I couldn't wait to get started on this book.<br /><br />There is a rather sweet romance and there is no denying the pull these guys have with each other. As Derek and Callan learn the depth of their connection and explore their growing affection for each other, the danger looms closer and closer. The plot is filled with pirates, kidnapping, danger, betrayal, and lots of action. This is faced paced and well-written story.<br /><br />My only complaint is that there was not enough world-building for me, but it didn’t pull me out of the story…just wished there was more info about their world and the magic. I felt like I didn’t have enough time to truly get into the story.<br /><br />Overall, I’d say this was a really good story with compelling characters. I hope there are more adventures to happen in this universe. <br /><br /><b>Note:</b> I was given a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.<br />

And what could have broken my mood? An arranged marriage OF COURSE!!!! ??❤<br /><br />This book had promise, it had cities ruled by Duques, not the Duque of Hastings but close enough, and other lands ruled by a more primitive people. The story starts at the end of a war where the winner asked/forced the loser to an arranged marriage to keep the peace. And the guys involved in the marriage itself didn't want it, but they did it for duty.<br /><br />I liked that the characters were mature, they accepted their destiny and just tried to be civil about it, close proximity made them friends and then lovers, wich was lovely to see. The political aspect didn't bother me and there was a twist I didn't see coming. Kudos to that. <br /><br />There were things that I thought made no sense, like how can an arranged marriage be between a ruling Duque and a prince that is next to rule his own stuff? There were also things that I thought were necessary, like a good epilogue, we met our characters almost at the wedding, I would have liked a little background and more development at the middle.<br /><br />I still enjoyed it and I believe the author has potential. Good little read. ?❤

<i>A <a href="http:joyfullyjay.com" rel="nofollow noopener">Joyfully Jay</a> review. <br /><br /><b>4 stars</b></i><br /><br />The Wolf and the Sparrow is an engaging fantasy story, with some enemies to lovers elements and a bit of a road trip vibe. We join the story in the aftermath of the war between Camria and Mulberny, and Adler does a nice job setting the stage for the politics and the social climate. We are given enough background that I had no problem jumping in where the story begins and we get right into the action with the wedding and Derek and Callan’s journey to the coastal villages. As I said, we get a little bit of a road trip element here, as the journey gives the men a chance to get to know one another and begin to appreciate each other’s merits. The pair make a fairly fast transition from enemies and begrudging husbands to recognizing their appreciation for and attraction to the other. I would have liked to see more development on this end of things to really feel the commitment and love they ultimately have for one another. Things felt a little fast for me to really get that full feeling of connection I wanted.<br /><br /><b>Read Jay’s review in its entirety <a href="https://joyfullyjay.com/2019/12/review-the-wolf-and-the-sparrow-by-isabelle-adler/" rel="nofollow noopener">here</a>.</b>

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow<br />Category: Romance<br />Genre: Fantasy<br />Word Count: 72000<br />Book Length: Novel<br />Sex Content: Explicit, medium heat<br />Pairing: MM<br />Orientation: Gay, Pansexual<br />Identity: Cisgender<br />Warning: Depictions of violence, battle scenes, physical injuries, mentions of torture, allusions to domestic abuse, dealing with grief, death of secondary characters, death of a parent.<br /><br />Available for purchase:<br />NSP: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://ninestarpress.com/product/the-wolf-and-the-sparrow/">https://ninestarpress.com/product/the...</a><br />Amazon: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081FWY859">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081FWY859</a><br />Smashwords: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://smashwords.com/books/view/990787">https://smashwords.com/books/view/990787</a><br />Kobo: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/the-wolf-and-the-sparrow">https://kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/the-wolf...</a><br />B&amp;N: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-wolf-and-the-sparrow-isabelle-adler/1134897360">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...</a><br /><br />Paperback:<br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1951057910/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/1951057910/</a>