Marillier's followup to The Harp of Kings continues the story of the warrior bard brother and sister Brocc and Liobhan. Marillier's many fans will eagerly await this new installment!

I was excited to jump into this one after reading the first book last year. It was a good beginning and I really enjoyed the characters. Although that one started off slow, the character development was on point. The second book the other hand also felt very slow, little action, and the character development just wasn't there.

Just like the first book, this one had multiple point-of-views. Most of the book comes from Dau and Liobhan since they are the reason behind the plot and the beginning of their endeavor.

I do like these two characters. Dau has quite the background and it is not a happy one. In the first book we see him come out of his shell by the end and in this one he must rely on others which is a hard thing to do. He definitely struggles but I enjoy that Liobhan is there encouraging him to continue, taking care of his needs, and just be a light in his dark world.

It was nice to see Brocc come back even if it wasn't for much time. I was sad to see him go in the last book. He has a bit of development in his personal life which wasn't really shocking, besides one bit. I am curious to see what will come from it all in the next book.

The plot for this one is much different than the first book. Instead of being sent out on a mission, Dau and Liobhan must take on Dau's family. His family is not the best and I wanted to slap his brother. What a dillweed! The author did a great job with his character and making him unlikable from beginning to end. There is no redemption for him and I love it! I have a small feeling that he will come back with vengeance but maybe I will be wrong.

As with the first book, the romance is very, very small. So small that you might miss it if you blink. The relationship between Dau and Liobhan is a slow-burn but that's okay. It makes it realistic and doesn't feel forced.

I do wish there was more from the Crow Folk but maybe they will have more going on in the next book.

Overall, I think it was a good sequel but to me, it wasn't as great as the first. Hopefully book three will be even better.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.

I had never read anything by Juliet Marillier until I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of The Harp of Kings. I was enthralled – so much so that I wound up buying all of the books in two other series by her. When I saw that there was a second volume in the Warrior Bards series, I rushed to request it – and was lucky enough to receive a copy.

I was completely engaged in this book. Normally, I have at least 3 books going at a time – not with this one. I couldn’t stop reading.

We have the key characters from The Harp of Kings back again, with events more directly involving them (rather than being sent off to solve someone else’s problems). The description of the book tells you that Dau lost his sight during a bout with Liobhan, and that he is forced to go back to his father’s home. As we know from The Harp of Kings, that is not a good thing. After his family insists that Liobhan must serve them as a bond servant to make up for being in the bout with him, she surprises everyone by volunteering to accept this service. She realizes that this is the only way to be sure that Dau doesn’t kill himself, and that someone will be there to look out for him. And, things back at the old homestead are even worse than they imagined.

Meanwhile, we have a storyline involving Brocc, who stayed in the Otherworld at the end of The Harp of Kings. While this storyline is not as compelling, it’s interesting enough to keep me engaged.

This was a wonderful, engrossing book, even better than its predecessor. It does end – not one of those annoying books requiring you to get to the next one before you find out what happens. But, you can clearly see some potential plot points for the third book in the series, and I can’t wait to read it!

There's a certain kind of magic in Juliet Marillier's writing that draws me in and keeps me turning the pages every single time I read one of her books. This one was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to The Harp of Kings. I actually think I liked this one a little bit more.

I enjoyed the chapters from Liobhan and Dau the most. The way their relationship grew and changed was wonderful read. I have to admit that although I enjoyed Brocc's chapters, I mostly just wanted to get back to Liobhan and Dau! I did feel bad for Brocc with what he was going through with his wife and their differences, and it did not endear her to me at all. He needs to find his voice. I also liked that he begins to explore why the crowfolk are the way the are.

This was a rather emotional book with the subject of abuse, both human and animal. There were a couple of times that this book brought me to tears. In particular the part where the words of a song remind Dau of his beloved dog that was killed. I lost it thinking of my own pets that have passed on.

I'm not sure how many books will be in this series, but so far I love it and I'm looking forward to reading more

Electronic ARC provided by publisher.

I always enjoy a new Juliet Marillier book, and "A Dance with Fate" is another solid installment in the Warrior Bards series. Marillier's books always have a feeling of myth to them, as if we're getting a fleshed out version of an actual ancient ballad or tale. The stories also tend to share certain similarities in theme and characters; being familiar with the previous books gives the reader a decent idea of what shape the story is likely to take. One of the themes that shows up again and again in Marillier's work is that of an abused character facing their past and allowing new relationships to help them find healing, and that's a theme that is once again evident here.

Liobhan has now reached the end of her training on Swan Island and is ready to take her place as a full warrior. However, her final test unintentionally results in an injury to her friend and fellow trainee Dau, and she agrees to serve his family as a bond servant for one year in order to pay the perceived debt. Unfortunately Dau's family is somewhat horrific, especially his sadistic older brother. Being back under the control of his family is Dau's nightmare, and being forced to contend with this as well as his lost sight is more difficult then anything he had to face on Swan Island.

Like many of Marillier's villains, Dau's brother is almost cartoonishly evil. There are no dimensions to him, no shades of grey or sympathetic backstory presented. In some ways this is refreshing, since it allows the story to focus on the emotions and healing of the victim (in this case, Dau). Liobhan and Dau quickly discover that the situation at Oakhill is even worse then they expected, and they'll need all of their training and cunning to deal with what they find.

I admit that it took me a little extra time to get through this book. Some of the emotional situations are tough to read about, especially since the past few months have been...a bit generally difficult. However, once you push through you are rewarded with the sense of catharsis and healing that tends to come at the end of Marillier's stories. There is also plenty of material left for the next book, where I'm sure we'll find out what's in store for Liobhan, Dau, and Brocc as they struggle to protect themselves and their loved ones.

The second novel in the Warrior Bards series, A Dance with Fate, is an incredible sequel.

This novel picks up a few months after The Harp of Kings left off, with Dau and Liobhan returning to Swan Island and Brocc living in the Otherworld with the Fae.

Incredible Storytelling & Characters

Admittedly, at first, it seems like two separate stories are going on here. One plotline follows Dau and Liobhan while the other follows Brocc. However, they meld together so wonderfully, giving the plot a deeper meaning, and developing it into something beautiful. That is what is so great about Marillier‘s writing, how she tells a story, and involves the reader.

At first, I was worried the novel would not include Brocc since he went off, but Marillier found a way to give meaning to his side of the story, to offer the reader a thoughtful and compelling narrative.

Brocc is an excellent character because while he is a warrior, he is also a bard and he uses both sides of himself to look at the world. The Crow Folk continues to attack his new home, but instead of violence, Brocc seeks to understand the enemy so that he can find peace without bloodshed. He is wise, but not without fault. Marillier balanced him to make him relatable and compelling while ensuring that his side of the story makes sense to the overall plot.

The same goes for Liobhan and Dau. These two characters have come so far from the last novel, and they continue to grow. They went through so much in the previous novel and how, when an accident forces Dau home to his abusive brother and negligent father, they only have each other. The new challenges bring about more issues, allowing them to bond and grow together. There is a substantial shift in their relationship, something hinted at in the previous novel, and the way Marillier builds up to is incredible.

Final Thoughts

A Dance with Fate is a thoughtful story. Marillier uses the story to grow the characters, even more, to build the dynamics and strengthen their personalities. Dau faces his dark past and comes out stronger for it, and he makes incredible strides to undo the evil that has left him scarred. Of all the characters, he goes through the most changes.

What is more, is the story reflects it. The story is so different from the previous novel, but it is still as thoughtful. It addresses abuse, violence, and peace, making it incredibly impactful on the reader and no less enjoyable.

Overall, A Dance with Fate is an incredible read that moves so quickly, engaging the reader with every word.

A Dance with Fate , book 2 in the Warrior Bards series, was a success for me.

From description: The young warrior and bard Liobhan has lost her brother to the Otherworld. Even more determined to gain a place as an elite fighter, she returns to Swan Island to continue her training. But Liobhan is devastated when her comrade Dau is injured and loses his sight in their final display bout. Blamed by Dau's family for the accident, she agrees to go to Dau's home as a bond servant for the span of one year.

There, she soon learns that Oakhill is a place of dark secrets. The vicious Crow Folk still threaten both worlds. And Dau, battling the demon of despair, is not an easy man to help.

Darker than the first novel as Liobhan is treated ill as a bond servant and Dau is denied adequate care. Dau's older brother Seanan is a nasty piece of work.

Now waiting for the third book!

Read in June; blog review scheduled for Aug. 16.

NetGalley/Berkley Publishing
Fantasy. Sept. 1, 2020.

4.5 stars

This second book was sooo good!! I mean I generally love Juliet Marillier books anyway so there’s that. There were a few animals things as y’all know I don’t condone, hence the 4.5 stars.

The story is told in the three POV’s of Liobhan, Dau and Brocc and a few chapters with the POV of Eirne.

One day during a practice, Dau gets hurt and loses his eyesight. The powers that be on the island had no idea not to contact Dau’s father. Poor Dau had a horrific childhood and ran away. BUT, his family is coming for him and ultimately bring him back home. Liobhan goes with him for reasons. Turns out it’s still horrific because of a certain family member. That person is beyond cruel and I so wanted this persons slow death, but I digress.

Liobhan and Dau find out things are worse then they thought and with the help of Brocc and the crow people, justice will be done or they will die trying!

I love these characters so much and I felt the book didn’t suffer from second book syndrome. If you enjoyed the first book then you should enjoy this book as well!

**Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for a digital copy of this book.

Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾

Wasn't the biggest fan of the first book so I was a bit cautious when I started A DANCE WITH FATE. I shouldn't have worried. Juliet Marillier knows how to spin an engrossing yarn and the romantic relationship in this book was excellent.

It’s the relaxed atmosphere and mood that draws me to this series. High octane action/adventure novels are great, but the energy those give off often makes me feel a need to rush to the finish. Instead, A Dance with Fate is a simple story. Without trying to spoil anything if you haven’t read the first book in the series, set a medieval world with close connections to the Other World of the fey. An ancient harp has gone missing; a harp that is essential for the coronation of the new king of Breifne. Our young protagonists (Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau) are part of the team who is tasked with retrieving the Harp of Kings before the Midsummer's Day ceremony.

Marillier is a storyteller, I have no other way of describing the way she writes, or the magic she manages to imbue her words with. If I’m being honest, The Harp of Kings was not my favourite of her books but THIS SEQUEL. The world is a familiar one, especially if you’ve read any of her other novels – a historical fantasy world set alongside the mystic of the Otherworld, the fae world that borders the human one.

Everything about this story was great. The characters were realistic, the world building was believable and the magic was interesting and fun. I really enjoyed this story and am glad to have found this author. I really enjoyed the way the world was expanded upon and I loved the introduction of new characters as well as appearances from characters in the first book. I can’t wait to keep reading this series.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

When I requested this, I didn't see that it was book #2, so I had to go back and read the first one. My rating should really be 4 stars, but I dislike Liobhan so much.

Juliet Marillier is a pleasure to read. I have loved all of her books and her effortless writing style. However, this series is not going to be my favorite of hers. I just can't get on board with Liobhan. A tall red-head who excels in combat and music, fiercely independent...sounds great, but she came across as bossy, all-knowing and self-centered. I'm not sure I understand her relationship with her brother. They seem overly loyal for some reason...

Her brother was, eh....

Dau's chapters and his storyline in this book was fantastic. It was everything I expect of Marillier. I liked the challenges that he faced. The struggles were real.

I really enjoyed the second installment of the Warrior Bards series. Like all Juliet Marillier’s books, A Dance with Fate is very well written, and I quickly became engrossed. I enjoyed the plot in this one much more than it’s predecessor. It was far more engaging, and I loved that it finally delved deeper into Dau’s dark past. Dau really shined in this novel, and I enjoyed his and Lionhan’s chapters most. They’re relationship also grows over the course of the novel in a really wonderful way. I did not particularly care much about Brocc’s chapters. His was a bit boring in comparison to the other two lead’s perspectives. Overall, this was an excellent addition, and I can’t wait to see where Marillier will take this story next.