This was a fantastic book. I really enjoyed every second I spent reading it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Thank you to the publisher for a digital ARC!
With her father dead and her mom kidnapped, Arizona must solve increasingly difficult ciphers to gain her mother's release. Arizona is brilliant, a bit of a savant. So while the ciphers are challenging, they are definitely not impossible. What Arizona uncovers along the way, however, is truly unbelievable. Fortunately she has Mojo, her dog, to help ground her. And she makes a new friend, Lily - like the flower - who brings a surprisingly wonderful new dimension to her life.

I really enjoyed this book - I enjoyed meeting Arizona and her dog Mojo. Does Arizona accomplish seemingly impossible tasks? You betcha! But it's still a whirlwind of an adventure/mystery tale. I hope there are other puzzles and mysteries for her to solve!

This is a solidly written and exciting book! The protagonist, although never being specifically labeled, is obviously neurodivergent and I could really relate to many of the issues that she deals with. I was able to be almost step in step with her puzzle solving and it sent me down several research rabbit holes, since most of the accompanying information actually had a pretty good basis in fact. I look forward to seeing more from this author!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5 rounded up

Overall, this was a super fun read. It was recommended as the perfect read for fans of the National Treasure series, and I do believe it falls into that genre. The use of Western United States history and historical figures create a really wonderful adventure story. I did find the tone to be a little hard to read at times but when a character like Arizona is very much coded to be neurodivergent, it makes sense that the tone is meant to replicate that. While I loved the use of codes and ciphers within the story, at times the multiple pages of explanation as to how Arizona was decoded felt overwhelming. Some chapters had more cipher decoding than plot progression. The ending also felt lack luster given how action packed the story was. It felt as if Arizona and the other characters struggled for nothing. I think that this book could be a 5 star read for the right audience and I did have fun reading it.

This was a bit out of the ordinary for me, but overall enjoyable. One thing I really liked was all of the images included in the Kindle version of this book. There were drawings and maps and other fun things to make the story come to life more.

Arizona's skills for deciphering codes and messages was amazing, well beyond anything usual. I also enjoyed Arizona's navigation of relationships.

Overall, this was a fun read.

Thank you to NetGalley, K.A. Merson, and Ballantine Books for this ARC!

Thanks for the review copy. This is an intriguing debut. I liked how accessible the book is and the cover.

This was fantastic! I saw my neurodivergent self reflected back at me by Arizona, the main character. I was pleasantly sucked into the story from the beginning. This was an experience I will never forget!

I certainly don’t have the Mensa qualifications of the protagonist, Arizona, but I am very impressed by the author’s crafting of this story. It is an amazing detective story. I was worried that Arizona’s new friend might prove to be more of a bad connection, which added more suspense to her work of discovery. Her dad’s death, her mom’s disappearance, the ranger maybe not a ranger…problem after problem! By accepting that Arizona’s work in solving the puzzle was beyond my knowledge bank, I appreciated a well crafted work. Well worth the read!

Arizona, a brilliant and unique teenager, must use all her wits to save her mother and solve an ancient mystery regarding alchemy. There are numerous codes, puzzles, and associations that she must unravel if she's ever going to see her mother again. This is a young adult book that will grab people like Arizona as they stay with her throughout this puzzle-solving and head-scratching story.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Overall I think this was unique but I felt like I was too old for this book. I believe this book was targeted for young adults. It was nice seeing how a young adult solves puzzles to find ancient hidden things. I would highly recommend this for a teenage girl (plus if they are introverts). I would say 3 stars for me but if I read this book 20 years ago, I’d give 5 stars

K.A. Merson’s debut, The Language of the Birds, is a fascinating blend of mystery, emotion, and intellect. The story centers on Arizona, a brilliant yet unconventional teenager, navigating the pain of losing her father while unraveling a trail of intricate clues he left behind to locate her missing mother.

The book is a delight for puzzle enthusiasts, offering a clever mix of codes, riddles, and a plot that intertwines fact with fiction. Arizona’s thought process is a highlight of the narrative, reflecting traits of neurodivergence in a way that feels authentic and relatable. This representation adds a thoughtful layer to the story and serves as a valuable example for readers seeking more diverse characters.

Merson masterfully captures Arizona’s emotional journey and her sharp intellect, creating a character-driven mystery that keeps readers engaged. The challenges Arizona faces are as compelling as her resilience, and the narrative’s unique premise makes it a standout.

For readers who appreciate stories packed with intellectual intrigue and heartfelt moments, The Language of the Birds offers a unique and rewarding reading experience. It's a brilliant debut that captures the magic of problem-solving and personal growth.

(3.5 stars) Adventurous and complex; vibes of a Nancy Drew or a YA National Treasure/Da Vinci Code; a kickass, neuro-divergent FMC; a ton of intricate riddles and puzzles that were cool to see the breakdown of the solution but also became repetitive/excessive, causing me to skim a lot; the execution of the ending sadly fell flat but a fun ride and a quick read.

Special thank you to Random House Publishing/Ballantine Books, K.A. Merson, and Netgalley for a DRC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

An interesting journey that uses the mind and common sense. Arizona is a master at what she does and nothing short of amazing

The Language of the Birds is like the teenage version of National Treasure. There were ciphers, riddles, codes, and puzzles based on history that had to be solved in order for 17 year old Arizona to rescue her mom from kidnappers. Arizona is autistic and does not do well with people. She is homeschooled and really only relates to her dog. Her father has recently passed away from a tragic accident and she is trying to deal with her grief by finishing their family trip. Arizona is supposed to meet her mom but she never shows. After finding their camper ransacked, Arizona discovers that she has to solve puzzles and other clues in order to get her mother back because the kidnappers believe her father knew a secret that they want to find. The novel delves into a lot of history and puzzle solving but it is also a story of Arizona growing and learning how to deal with the outside world.

There were parts of this story that I enjoyed such as the literature and history elements. The author also included an author's note which let the reader know some of the true elements in the story. However much of this story was focused on solving the puzzles and riddles which just didn't interest me. Unfortunately, I was not invested in the characters. I found myself just wanting the book to be over. I do think a younger audience would enjoy this book especially if they have their own obstacles to overcome and enjoy figuring out riddles and puzzles.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

It was overall a passable book. 3.5 stars, so I'll be generous and round up to 4.

I read a lit of good reviews on this on, but not a five stars book for me

I would pass on it if looking for a great read.

Precise language - heaven. Can relate to this girl. There is beauty in precise language. I love novels in which I learn new things, especially if I need a dictionary. (which I did both for words and local features, goegraphical, arboreal etc) Easy for me to visualise the landscape. Well paced and written. As usual for NetGallery novels. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you, K. A. Merson and NetGalley for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!

This was definitely a favorite read of moine for this year. I just wish I was able to see the pictures better. So I'll definitely be buying the book so I can have a physical copy later on once it's out in print. The mystery, the tension, the Riddles, and all the quotes throughout the book were definitely a big part of what drew me into this book. I loved the main character and her dog so much and how much she goes through to get to the end of all of this. The character building and just everything I absolutely loved it all!

Arizona mother is taken, her father has recently died, and the only way to get her mother back is to figure out some hidden secret her father took to the grave with him. What is it that was so important that he didn't tell his family that pur them in danger even after his death? Will she be able to solve the riddles and all that the kidnappers throw at her to save her mother? Read and find out.

This was a fantastic book. Like I said, reading through the book and trying to solve these riddles, ciphers, and puzzles is so much fun. I'm not in any way as smart as the main character, but still, it's fun to think I am. But the story is worth the read and a great mystery.

If I’m being totally honest, I’m a massive fan of the National Treasure films. That's exactly why The Language of the Birds by K.A. Merson was an absolute must-read for me—a book brimming with puzzles, mystery, and thrilling adventures.

A brilliant but solitary teenager must unlock ciphers, unearth buried clues, and reckon with the outside world as she pursues an ancient secret in this brainteasing, puzzle-filled mystery that will leave readers wondering where the truth ends and fiction begins.

The Language of the Birds isn't just another young adult mystery; it’s a puzzle-filled mystery tale that invites you to partake in the mystery and adventure alongside the book's characters. The story features a smart yet solitary teenage protagonist on her quest to find her mother and unearth ancient secrets.

Merson ingeniously weaves real historical facts into this fictional tapestry, crafting a treasure hunt that feels both authentic and fantastical. The Language of the Birds' plot unfolds like a chess game—every move calculated yet surprising—left me constantly guessing what awaits on the next page. Those familiar with stories like National Treasure will find themselves reminiscing about similar adventures as they delve into this book's brainteasing, puzzle-filled mystery.

The author including images, puzzles, and ciphers throughout the novel added a depth to the tale that most novels don't have. These elements aren't mere decorations—they are integral parts of the narrative that calls for interaction from those who wish to solve them alongside our heroine. These additional items elevates the reading experience to included active participation, encouraging me to become sleuths in our own right.

Despite The Language of the Birds' complexity, the novel remains surprisingly easy to follow thanks to the author's adept handling of pacing and plot development. Merson ensures that every puzzle piece fits together without overwhelming or confusing me along the away.

The Language of the Birds by K.A. Merson stands out in the young adult genre with its ability to blur reality with fiction seamlessly. Merson crafted a novel that invites us to journey alongside the protagonist solving puzzles and mysteries while enjoying the story at hand. For a debut novel, The Language of the Birds really couldn't improve on much—a true blend of mystery and adventure.

A brilliant teen girl with sensory issues must solve a complex series of cryptic clues and conspiracy theories to free her mother from kidnappers.

I’m not even sure how to classify this book—some have called it The DaVinci Code on steroids—but I really liked it and definitely recommend it to puzzle enthusiasts.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I tried really hard to read this book but I got so frustrated with the main character that I couldn't finish. Even with the understanding of YA, her actions didn't match with any form of reality, and her interactions with her mom's captor was infuriating. The puzzle solving aspect is fun, but it still felt like no suspended disbelief could make the story relatable or even fun. It was just a bit too disconnected.