ARC Review: The Noble and the Nightingale

THE NOBLE AND THE NIGHTINGALES

BARBARA ANN WRIGHT

SERIES: The Sisters of Sarras #1

REPRESENTATION: FF romance, genderfluid side character

GENRES/ SUBJECTS: Fantasy

GOODREADS

I really loved the characters in THE NOBLE AND THE NIGHTINGALE and the dynamic they have with one another. Adella is an idealistic junior ambassador, caught up in some tricky political negotiations, while Bridget is an ex-spy for the neighbouring country who has fled and is revamping her life as an entertainer (a Nightingale), a street musician. Adella also has two younger sisters that play a strong role in the story, one is a soldier, the other a mage.

THE NOBLE AND THE NIGHTINGALE grabbed me right from the start and had a very fast-pace. I really liked the world-building and the city of Sarras. I wish we could have seen a little more of it (especially the upper class and the political mechanizations), but as there will be sequels starting Adella’s sisters, I’m happy to wait to find out more. I really appreciated that Wright gave us a historical (esque) setting, but without any of the restrictions that might be put on women or the discrimination that might face queer people. Adella and Bridget have a lot of bumps in their relationship, but no-one raises an eyebrow at queer people or relationships.

The romance was perhaps a tad too rushed from meeting to crush to undying love, but it was an enjoyable ride. It has a bit of a regency feel here too, in that there’s lots of longing glances and chaste reflection.

THE NOBLE AND THE NIGHTINGALE is a light, enjoyable fantasy read, with spies, pirates and politicians.

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Adella del Amanecer is from a noble family whose pride comes from dedication to the kingdom of Sarras. She works long hours as a diplomat and barely has time for her sisters, let alone romance, a fact that makes her nights feel longer than her days, especially when she thinks about the lovely bard on the corner.

As an ex-spy for the Firellian Empire, Bridget Leir has fled from crises and corruption until settling in Sarras, where she can hide as a bard. When a chance meeting with a beautiful diplomat leads to romance, Bridget’s new life feels filled with promise, until Sarras investigates Firellian rumblings of war. If the truth comes out, the Sarrasians—and Adella—will never believe Bridget’s spying days are done, and worse—Adella will be accused of sleeping with the enemy. It’ll be the gallows for them both.

A copy of this was provided free of charge from the publisher in return for an honest review.