Teya is desperate. Kidnapped by the king and held for her magical singing abilities, she is ready to do anything to escape, or die trying. When her own plans fail, an ambassador from another country unexpectedly offers her a chance at freedom. All she must do is take him to her homeland. It sounds too good to be true, and she realizes she might only be exchanging one prison for another.
When she challenges the ambassador, Bran, to remove her kundar, the hated collar that keeps her magic in check, he hesitates. She is a beautiful, exotic creature, but from the rumors he’s heard, the collar is the only thing that will keep her from turning on him, and he needs her help to find the elixir sym, that threatens to destroy his country.
A precarious alliance forms between them, and their journey begins. But it quickly becomes filled with treachery and deceit. Teya must learn who she really is, for if she fails, her people and the magic they hold are lost forever. Now, as she nears the completion of her journey, she realizes the path she is destined to take will also tear her from the man she loves. Can she give up everything she is for him?
Songbird
"Hauntingly beautiful, SONGBIRD is an entrancing fantasy romance. Beautifully enhanced with an originally creative plot, complex and compelling characters, surprising plot twists, as well as, plenty of danger, intrigue, fantasy, adventure, romance and magic, this story is unforgettable. Readers will find it hard to put this book down, as each page draws them further into the story as they root for the main characters, Bran and Teya, who have a wonderful chemistry together. This story should be interesting to readers of various genres. I highly recommend SONGBIRD to readers looking for a great read." By Dottie from Romance Junkies
Songbird offers a Magical Journey
"Songbird" is a deceptively thin but powerful book.
Written by local author Colleen Helme, this riveting story starts with a tale of woe as 10-year-old Teya is taken from her people and imprisoned in the palace of the ruthless king. There she is forced to sing on demand because her songs are incredibly beautiful and magical. When she refuses or displeases the king, she is brutally punished.
Her future looks bleak until Bran of Braemar comes to rescue her. At that point, the story becomes one of love, courage and matching wits against raw evil and greed. It quickly becomes apparent the survival of Teya's people depends upon her while her well-being depends on this kind man who literally becomes her soulmate.
She is prevented from doing all she can by a golden collar that stops her efforts with pain and dark magic. Teya must outwit greedy hunters and the King's soldiers and traitorous men if she is to return to her home and save the source of pure magic and power. Being held captive for many years doesn't make it easy for her to know what to expect and how to access and control her abilities.
Her gifts of song and healing are remarkable but she's also courageous and selfless, an interesting heroine. Teya's hero is interesting as well given he doesn't start his journey intending to love the dark-haired and dangerous Songbird.
This is an intriguing story, one that's easy to read and not so easy to put down.
It's an ongoing struggle not only for Teya — the Songbird of the alien Kaloriahns— and Bran, but for the reader to figure out who can be trusted and who cannot.
Helme has created a world and a story that is unique with all the elements of a beautiful tale, a tale that escapes being predictable and ordinary.
Here's a book that ought to be published by a major house and made into a movie.
By Sharon Haddock, Deseret News
Songbird
Kidnapped at an early age, Teya knows she weaves magic when she sings. She has no idea how strong her magic is as the kundar around her neck prevents her from using it to its full extent.
Teya is a wonderful young woman. Her upbringing has made her naive and her unexpected escape leads her into silly mistakes. Exactly what you’d expect from someone who’d been in captivity for most of her adolescence.
Bran is the Braemar ambassador to the Old Country. Braemar society runs on technology whereas the Old Country relies on non-technology methods. His mission to find sym, the artificial substance which allows the user to manipulate magic. Bran, a strong warrior, helps Teya escape and removes the kundar. They set out to find the Kaloriahns, Teya’s people, but are chased by the King’s men. His instant attraction leads him into more action that he anticipates, especially as he feels the need to protect and try to keep up with Teya.
I loved being able to get inside Teya and Bran’s heads and hear their thoughts. It gave the story depth and made the action scenes more meaningful. The scenery and history of the world also came to life as their journey progressed. Their enemies, both known and unknown, were dogging them at every step which added urgency and thrilling moments. At times it seemed they would never succeed in their quest to find Teya’s people and the source of sym.
Ms Helme has truly written a wonderful story. It will appeal to readers of romance, fantasy and mystery. Strong characters and a way with words make this a must read book.
By Orchid, Long and Short Reviews
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