The Singer and Her Song is the second book in the Empire at Twilight Series. It is a historical fiction That centers around the character of Uqnitum and is set in the Kingdom of Mittani. Uqnitum comes from a long line of famous singers who must find her way in the world after she finds herself a pregnant widow. When her husband and youngest child lose their lives after Mittani falls to the Assyrians the stress becomes unbearable for Uqnitum. As the pressure of life escalates for her, she becomes a danger to those around her and she must find a way to find who she is without her husband and child. Uqnitum was someone that I instantly felt a connection to and felt great empathy for. Losing her husband and child was devastating and heartbreaking. This book was beautifully written, haunting, and full of rich historical details. It has sorrow, heartbreak, loss, love, tragedy, drama, anguish, family drama, and the horrors of war.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-10-18 01:38:192023-10-19 14:11:22The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This is the second book in the Empire at Twilight series by N.L. Holmes. This book is a historical fiction novel set in the 14th century B.C. N.L. Holmes does a fantastic job of giving detailed descriptions of the setting and time period that it is not hard to imagine as you are reading. This book tells about refugees from a Mesopotamian land. This is a nation that was wiped you by the Assirians. These people are musicians. This is a fantastic story about a nation of people that I had no idea about prior to reading this. This is an absolutely fascinating culture and I definitely want to learn more now. I definitely recommend reading this story!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-10-08 19:01:132023-10-10 08:58:59The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Christine Baranek
This book was awesome. I love how the writer adds in the PTSD and anger problems which indicated mental health problems which are not at all easy to manage. This causes Uqnitum’s sons to run away as her mental health and anger takes a major toll on the family. I don’t want to get into it too much and give away spoilers but I think the author Holmes is really able to tune into history and studies up on a subject and culture before trying to write a novel which is really commendable. The novel is extremely well written with high vocabulary usage, and heart wrenching stories all intertwined in one. This isn’t a standalone novel, as it is the second in the series. I love the history in this novel and I think people can misinterpret it to be boring if they don’t allow the scene to be set up for them so you get a glance at what the 13th/14th century looked like, and can actually see the book happening while you read it. Don’t lead others mislead you before you try and read the book with an open mind and a willingness to be taught as it is historical fiction, but not taught forcibly.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlene Yateshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlene Yates2021-08-06 00:37:432021-08-06 07:33:41The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Charlene Yates
The Singer and Her Song is a very different read and much easier read than The Lightning Horse. It is a story that brings to light the current plight of refugees needing to forge a new identity in a new land while overcoming the trauma of the past. I felt great empathy for all the characters and felt invested in their lives. N.L. Holmes does an excellent job of world-building and making the reader feel like they are in ancient Egypt without needing to spell it out for them. I recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Penelope Taylorhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPenelope Taylor2021-08-05 00:07:112021-08-05 08:00:19The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Penelope Taylor
The Singer and Her Song by N. L. Holmes is the second book in the Empire at Twilight series. This is a story that quickly transports you back in time. When your world is turned upside down, what can you do but survive? Uqnitum is in that very position and has very little to start out with. Trying to survive after your village has been destroyed is one thing, doing it with children is a completely different struggle.
There were plenty of times throughout the tale that I struggled with Uqnitum’s controlling behavior and temper, but there are also some points that I completely aligned with. We are not always perfect parents. At the end of the day, we still try to do what is best for our families.
This is definitely a story that will tug at your heart strings.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carly Voglerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarly Vogler2021-07-31 22:36:032021-08-03 11:19:13The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Carly Vogler
Book 2 of the Empire of the Twilight Series was enjoyable. This book can easily be read as a stand alone. I find the attention to detail, especially the historical nature, that Author N.L. Holmes puts into this book is fantastic. Uqnitum flees from Mittani when she loses family. Parts of the story I really felt to for Uqnitum, the guilt and darkness. Definitely read the book to find out if Uqnitum overcomes the danger she has become and find strength to overcome. Overall a very good story with great attention to details. Well Done Author N.L. Holmes
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2021-07-31 21:44:512021-08-03 11:15:02The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
This is the second book in the series and I have to say it is better then the first. Holmes brings the world to you and she has done some major research in order to bring it to you. The book is about love and loss and what hardships a family goes through. The family loses not only a father but a brother an son. The mother is so overbearing that her two sons leave home to make something of themselves. She realizes that her affair that she had 15 years ago could have produced the son she lost. Holmes makes you feel very invested in the characters and makes you want to just keep turning the pages.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda DelFeminehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda DelFemine2021-07-31 21:14:352021-08-03 11:12:47The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Amanda DelFemine
The Singer and Her Song is a very intriguing story of survival, with a main character that is hard to love but she does what she has to protect her child. NL Holmes does such a good job of writing that you will feel like your transported back in time, you’ll really get a feel for what it was like to live in the time period. Not only do feel like you’ve been transported in time by NL Holmes gives us such fantastic characters that you will feel every emotion that they feel. So if you want a gut wrenching test of survival read then you will love The Singer and Her Song.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Corbinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Corbin2021-07-31 20:08:562021-08-03 11:06:06The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Stephanie Nicole
A uniquely beautiful piece of writing. The author’s talent in creating this world continues in book 2 of the Empire at Twilight series. I was absorbed into Uqnitum’s life and had all the feels. I wanted to throttle her for being so stubborn and prideful. The skilful presentation of the era bled of the pages and I greedily soaked up every word. Highly recommend this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2021-07-30 19:41:542021-08-03 08:53:05The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Rayne East
A very well-written haunting tale. Like her other books, Holmes has extensive knowledge of the historical era in which this is set, which makes for great realism. Unlike some of her other works, I found this one more accessible and easier to fall into without a background in ancient times. The characters are full and complex, their emotions and motivations varied and interesting. I deeply felt some of the horrors that Uqnitum endured on her journey. It is quite an emotional work, and I connected with it immediately.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Shoebridgehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Shoebridge2021-07-30 15:46:072021-07-31 07:31:58The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by NL Holmes – Review by Erica Shoebridge
The Singer and Her Song is the second book in the Empire at Twilight series. This book easily stands alone. To be completely honest, I did not like this book. You may be thinking wait, didn’t you give it 4 stars? I did not like it, but I could not put it down. I stayed up most of the night once I started reading this story. It was so good and such a challenging book. Uqnitum was so frustrating, and I wanted to shake her! Her story was tragic and hard. My heart was broken for her over and over again. She became a person that even she didn’t like to be able to survive the horrors in her life. This story was gut wrenching but thought provoking. What would you sacrifice for your kids? Don’t read this book to be entertained; read this mother’s story to be changed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecca Hillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebecca Hill2021-07-29 12:42:462021-07-30 20:31:04The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Rebecca Hill
This is a sweeping tale of survival. I feel like Holmes did a fantastic job of describing what it would have been like to live during that time and to be conquered by the Assyrians. I couldn’t help but feel like I was transported back in time, watching everything happen. The cities, the characters, the palaces simply came alive in my mind as I read.
Uqnitum is a hard character to love. But you have to give her mad respect because she is able to keep herself and her pregnant daughter alive after their lives are turned upside down. She acts rashly and doesn’t always make the wisest choices because she is trying to make up for a where she has failed in the past and the present. While her choices were not always helpful, it does work out in the end for the better. I appreciated how in the end, she was finally able to move beyond herself to reflect on the choices that she had made. She was able to recognize what needed to change, and then made that difficult choice to fix it.
I really enjoyed this read. If you want a heart wrenching tale of historical survival, this is your book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Desiree Ottingerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDesiree Ottinger2021-07-28 20:12:222021-07-29 07:40:37The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Desiree Ottinger
The Singer and Her Song tells the story of Uqnitum, a singer from Mitanni and her daughter, Tatasshe. When their village is destroyed by the Assyrians and the men of the family are killed, Uqnitum and Tatasshe seek refuge in the court of Ugarit. With the deaths of her family, the loss of her home, and the guilt she feels for her part in it, Uqnitum struggles to adjust to her new life. Facing challenges, hardship, and heartache, Tatasshe and Uqnitum must learn what strength truly is.
I loved this novel. The characters are so well developed and likeable, I felt their pain, their joy, their relief, their heartache. The setting of the story is phenomenal and transports the reader to another land, in another time. I was hooked on the story from the minute the first chapter opened. N.L. Holmes has written a novel that I can give nothing but praise for. I will be reading the rest of the novels in the Empire of Twilight Series soon!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kayla Bullockhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKayla Bullock2021-07-28 09:28:272021-07-29 06:37:44The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Kayla Bullock
The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes is definitely a 5 star book. This author has once again taken historical fiction and combined it with intense character details, and it is amazing. Much like the first installment of the Empire at Twilight Series, The Lightning Horse, I found myself immersed in the lives of Uqnitum, a singer from the kingdom of Mitanni, and her family. When she loses part of her family when the Assyrians attack, she and her daughter must set out on a journey that will test their wills and characters. I love the fact that the author is an actual archaeologist! It’s an amazing thing when someone who is well-educated in the history they are writing about can mingle the past with the modern to create wonderfully relatable characters. Despite taking place so far in the past, the characters display facets of the human condition that transcends time and touches on those details that we all have experienced during one time or another. I highly recommend reading what this author has to offer, if you haven’t yet.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine J. Spulakhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine J. Spulak2021-07-27 12:13:012021-07-28 07:47:09The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Chrissy Spulak
This is Book #2 in the “Empire at Twilight” series, but other than the name of one king, there is no discernible overlap between Book #1 and Book #2, so you don’t have to read the first to follow the plot of the second. Uqnitum is a court musician for a king in Mittani, the daughter of the great court musician Tapishili (akin to Handel at the court of George II, my closest comparison). Mittani is being conquered by the Assyrians piece by piece. Sure enough, Uqnitum’s city is invaded on one life-changing night, so she and her family – husband Ar-Tesshub, simple-minded son Wullu, and pregnant daughter Tatasshe – flee for their lives. The refugees are overtaken by the invading Assyrians and captured. The experiences this family suffers are really beyond imagining and so very difficult to read. The invasion and capture all occur in the first 20% of the book. What we find out is that Uqnitum is a difficult person at the best of times. In fact, her older two sons have already fled their home city for life elsewhere – Uqnitum knows not where. Uqnitum is apparently a difficult-to-please mother, and my heart goes out to Tatasshe as she tries to deal with flight, capture, and pregnancy in the company of this difficult mother. Tatasshe and Uqnitum become court musicians in their new city, and are treated relatively well, considering that they are captive refugees, b/c the music master is a great fan of Tapishili. There is a grand celebration for the New Year plus the marriage of the king to celebrate, and Uqnitum’s fantastic voice is required, but Tatasshe is willing to give up her life as a musician – unthinkable! – to escape her mother, especially after their horrific captive march, which has left Uqnitum w/ PTSD on top of her anger issues. Uqnitum’s anger and PTSD cause simply devastating consequences to her and her family. I have to say that Uqnitum is the least-likeable protagonist in a book that I have read since Jay Gatsby. I understand that she goes through great losses and terrible experiences, but she is honestly less capable at handling them than her pregnant daughter is – who had already lost her husband to the Assyrians before the story even starts! But again, as in Book #1, there is great world-building and the descriptions of the invasion, captive march, and the coup attempt are all well-written and gripping. 3 stars.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sherry Sharpnackhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSherry Sharpnack2021-07-26 12:50:192021-07-26 13:03:35The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Sherry Sharpnack
N.L. Holmes has written another fascinating story that tugs at your heart. Strength and courage are two themes that stand out in this book. From page 1, Uqnitum starts strong with her strength as the Assyrians overtake her city and she has to collect her family and try to escape. She fears for her life and her family. Raised without a mother, she grew up headstrong and doesn’t back down from a fight. In today’s world, we might call her “filter” broken. She and her family are taken by the the enemy. The loss of her son and husband chip away a bit at her strength and she seems to just lose it a little. Tatasshe, her daughter is pregnant. It comes down to the two of them. Uqnitum just thinks she is being helpful (control freak anyone?). Tatasshe wants to break free for her sanity and has to learn how to do that. With the help of new friends and unfortunately, a near tragedy, she is able to make that leap. Tatasshe makes strides to grown in her strength by speaking up and telling her mom what she wants. Supporting characters in the story are also written very well. The descriptions and characteristics made it so easy to have your own little movie running in your head. The plot line was so good. I felt every emotion. When Uqnitum’s husband was blinded, my heart stopped. I felt every emotion. This book is fantastic. Highly recommended.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2021-07-22 14:22:412021-07-23 09:20:05The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Shelly Kittell
I really enjoyed this book! It was different from the other N.L. Holmes books I’ve read in the sense that it wasn’t a mystery, but it was great! As a mother, I understand many of the things Uqnitum did as she tried to hold her family together, from being strong and unrelenting to being ready and able to tear apart anyone who tries to hurt my kids. I feel the setup of the journey Uqnitum and Tatasshe endured at the beginning helped to strengthen their reactions throughout the book. I believe it also does a great job setting an example of how we sometimes go through life with certain memories and “baggage” that we don’t realize are affecting those around us. This book had me nodding my head in understanding, pulled me in to see what would happen next, and even had me in tears a couple of times. Overall, it was a great read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jana Lewishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJana Lewis2021-07-21 04:05:412021-07-22 19:31:56The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jana Lewis
Uqnitum is a singer from a famous musical lineage in the kingdom of Mitanni. When the fall of their city to the Assyrians costs her the life of her husband and her youngest child, she and her pregnant, widowed daughter flee to the court of Ugarit. Haunted by guilt over her part in her husband’s death, Uqnitum’s increasingly unhinged personality becomes dangerous to the peace of her remaining family. Only by succumbing to her weakness does she learn the real nature of strength.
N.L. Holmes is the pen name of a professional archaeologist who received her doctorate from Bryn Mawr College. She has excavated in Greece and in Israel, and taught ancient history and humanities at the university level for many years. She has always had a passion for books, and in childhood, she and her cousin (also a writer today) used to write stories for fun.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/The-Singer-and-Her-Song_1600-Barnes-and-Noble.jpg1200750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2021-07-07 00:02:512021-10-30 05:28:09The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes
The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes. This author continues to impress me with each book I pick up. This author knows how to write a unique story that will have readers intrigued and hoping for more. The storyline was definitely one that drew me in from the beginning and I liked getting lost in the pages. Characters are complex and relatable. Uqnitum is as unique as her name and I really liked following her story it was a great way to spend my time in a book world. Storyline was well written and paced nicely, the attention to even the smallest details are something I appreciate about this author. I’m really looking forward to more from this author. I’m usually more for a more here and no type of read but this author definitely knows how to pull me in to her older times type stories. Four stars and highly recommended!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Kearney2021-01-14 22:16:212021-01-15 05:31:39The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Katie Kearney
This is the second book in the Empire of the twilight series, a fascinating tale of historic fiction set in Syria in the early 13th century BC. The story is centered around Uqnitum , a singer from the musical lineage, who had to flee from Mittani, which was wiped by the Assyrians, when she looses her husband and her youngest child. She flees along with her pregnant widowed daughter and her guilt makes her an abusive dangerous mother. She has to fight and get back her strength from sinking into the darkness. This is my third book from this author and I enjoy reading her books. To start with, I loved the title of the book, it is quite lyrical. Rich, vibrant in history and vivid descriptions, this book is both informative and entertaining at the same time. The book delves deep into a range of human emotions, from anger, pity, betrayal, fear all the way to self-realization and discovery. This was a very compelling read and I hope to read more from N.L.Holmes.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anantha Rusumhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnantha Rusum2021-01-13 09:28:502021-01-13 09:28:50The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Anantha Rusum
This is the story of Uqnitum, she is the daughter of a musician and has a family with her husband who plays the lyre, she lives with her son and pregnant daughter in Kahat, a city in the Mitannian Empire and they are under siege from the Assyrians and have been for months, they are running out of food and water and the relentless pounding of the battering ram against the city gates has become the norm, they toil away in the daytime moving rocks to the gate, everyone plays their part, the women and children moving the rocks and the men breaking the buildings down and piling the rocks behind the gate. At night, she thinks about the past, how she met her husband, defied her father and ran away to start a family, also the differences in their personalities and how they can sometimes work against the other and resentment creeps in, but she knows she has to be string in the circumstances for them all regardless of whether they can be strong in return.
The daily routine has been the same until one night when the gate is breached and all hell breaks loose in the small city, it turns out that the Assyrians have been undermining the city walls and now they are collapsing along with their houses, as Uqnitum wakes in the middle of the night, she realises what is happening and herds her family out of the house in an attempt to escape the soldiers, they however become surrounded by the soldiers as well as the fires their arrows have ignited in their neighbours homes and after declaring that they are musicians and singers, hoping for leniency, they are moved and grouped with the other residents of the city, where they are all bound together and led through the city gates, all the while stepping on the bodies of their neighbours and outside to the army camp where they are separated from her husband.
A water flask is passed round, she manages to get her son to drink despite his fear, they then begin to march in a long line as the day heats up, they are exhausted, thirsty and hungry, but they have to keep moving onwards, the soldiers seeing that they do by hitting them with their swords flat edge if they fall behind and those who do fall are left where they fall for the vultures. Eventually they come to a river and are forced to cross, Uqnitum and her daughter carry her son across, he can’t swim and has a fear of water, fortunately, he keeps his eyes shut and they make it across, but as he becomes more tired, she is worried that he may start to cry and scream, he prays that he won’t. Later on they all stop marching and the men are brought back, only for them to be blinded by the soldiers using hot pokers,Uqnitum’s husband is spared when she repeats that he is a musician, but nobody else is as lucky, after this horrendous event, they are allowed to rest, the water flask is passed round again, as is some dry bread, her sons still struggles understanding what is going on and this all comes to a head when the worst happens and he attacks one of the soldiers for taking the water away, all too quickly it is over, her son is dead and Uqnitum flies into a rage over it and because of this her husband is blinded, as the march continues, he loses hope and as the pain and despair overtake him, he goes mad and shouts at a soldier with all the insults and curses he can think of, the soldiers retaliate, he is beaten to death and left at the side of the road as well.
This is just the beginning of their journey when an escape is made and another long journey begins when the rains arrive and a deluge starts, they manage to avoid soldiers, hunters and dogs by crossing rivers, bridges and rolling hills, but they are weak from lack of food, water, shelter and are thankful, but wary when they find the Hittite army and are taken in and taken to the court of Ugarit, however safety is not yet theirs as Uqnitum feels the guilt in her part in the deaths of her family and is struggling to come to terms with it, but will her mind shatter from the grief, or will it make her a stronger person who is able to deal with whatever the future holds? This is a story of tragedy, determination, grief and love, it will leave you heartbroken and yet hopeful at the same time and you will want to read until the end to see what happens to the family on this hard road they take.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2021-01-12 18:07:002021-01-12 20:48:20The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Reviewed by Roxsanne Lesieur.
The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes. I love these books so much. The author writes so vividly that I feel as if I’ve been to these places. Its is book 2 but it can be read as a standalone easily but I recommend reading both. This book is set in 14th Century BC and the book tells the story of refugees from the ancient land of Mittani in Mesopotamian. This little known nation has been wiped out by the Assyrians and the refugees of this fine land are all musicians. They are known to have amazing musical skills. Uqnitu is a singer that is not liked at all because of her temper and controlling ways. These things also help her in her field. Of course dysfunctional families are nothing new and Uqnitu comes from a very dysfunctional one. This book shows us horrible conditions these families are living under and building new lives from the ground up. I loved this book and I didn’t want it to end.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2021-01-12 12:05:302021-01-12 12:05:30The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Tausha Treadway
There is little praise I could give N.L. Holmes that she hasn’t received already. The Singer and Her Song is the third book I’ve read by this author and it reads well as a stand alone novel. It follows the story of a musician, Uqnitum, in the midst of war. Her kingdom of Mitanni falls to the Assyrians and she must flee for her life with what’s left of her family. Ancient history is such a delight to learn about, but N.L. Holmes’ rich world-building and strong characters gives special life to people and events from thousands of years ago.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Wolbeckhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Wolbeck2021-01-10 19:59:272021-01-10 21:34:59The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck
The Singer and Her Song is an immersive historical novel by N.L. Holmes. It is the second book in the Empire at Twilight series and can be read on its own. I adore Holmes’ vivid descriptions of historical settings. She combines in depth historical research with a rich imagination and attention to detail to bring to life worlds that are millennia old. The characters feel so alive and their experiences and emotions are so moving and engaging. The Singer and Her Song is a dark, heart-breaking story. Uqnitum, the singer, is not a likeable character. She has a temper and a need to be in control that drives people away from her and makes her difficult to work with. But it is also the strength and conviction that she needs to survive in a world that seems determined to take everything from her. The narrative alternates between different perspectives and whilst from other perspectives we see the damage Uqnitum wrecks on those around her, from her own perspective we see her processing immense grief and loss and fighting to protect what she has left. For me, the real strength of this novel is how it addresses issues and struggles that are just as real today, with the writing style bringing them to life and drawing the reader in. We see refugees living through terrible experiences and then struggling to build a new life in a strange place. We see tensions in families who love each other but can’t spend time together without getting into fights. We see people in power thinking they can get away with hurting others. It all feels very relevant This story contains graphic descriptions of violence and death, as well as scenes of sexual abuse. As such, it’s not suitable for younger readers but would make a great read for adults who loved historical fiction in their youth. For me, this is a five-star book. It totally drew me in and transported me to an unfamiliar place and time. It’s not a cheerful read, but there is hope and strength in the characters and their stories. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and stories about messy family life.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2021-01-10 14:14:122021-01-10 17:16:30The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes is a historical fiction story. This time we are transported to Mesopotamian land of Mittani. As usual NL is passionate and well researched in the genre that each story is written and shows in the storyline. She also has the ability to paint a vivid picture. The narrative is original and engaging and NL does a great job of bringing it all together. This is not just a story it is also a lesson on life in Syria in 1235 BCE.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2021-01-09 19:47:142021-01-09 20:53:44The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jenni Bishop
The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight #2) by N.L. Holmes
Another great read by Holmes. I’ve read many of her other books and to say this one tops my favorite list is an understatement.
Uqnitum comes from a long lineage of musical performance. There is bad things going on outside of the town’s gates and it’s not looking promising. Having lost a son-in-law and now worrying about losing her husband and youngest son. The quote I chose for Uqnitum is: “You’re expecting humanity from those people? Gods protect us all. I’ll collect the dishes. Tatasshe may or may not snap out of her snit…”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2021-01-09 17:22:542021-01-11 07:47:19The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Amanda Kimble
I’ve read many new authors this year. Above them all stands N. L. Holmes. She really is my newest favorite. I know when I pick her book up it will be a good read. They don’t always end the way I wish but isn’t that just like life. The Singer and Her Song delivers in the same way that all her books do. A world rich with the tapestry of everyday living, characters so real you feel you know them or at least someone like them. She doesn’t pull any punches with the raw emotion involved with the mundane affairs of everyday living or the inevitable crisis. Who hasn’t had a family or a family member that’s so dysfunctional it’s a poison to everyone around them? Even people that came unaware to the party. Once again this is a story set in an ancient land in an ancient time but with characters that reflect the same flaws that so many of us have in this time and place. The stage may change but the actors remain the same. Congratulations N. L. Holmes another excellent read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jonell Collinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJonell Collins2021-01-09 15:25:152021-01-09 15:25:15The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jonell Collins
This is the second book in the Empire At Twilight Series. It is a really captivating and great story. The author does such a good job with the characters and also with the historical aspect as well that it feels like you have actually stepped back in time.
Uqnitum and her family are giftesld musicians. They have lived a happy life until their village is invaded and their life’s are destroyed.
After Uqnitum loses her family and one of her children, she and her pregnant daughter are forced to flee to try and find safety. However the guilt of losing her husband and her child is becoming harder for Uqnitum to bear and when she starts to become a danger things need to change. Can Uqnitum and her daughter reach safety? Can Uqnitum regain herself before she hurts someone or herself? Is she strong enough to get over the loss of her family and the guilt its brought?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2021-01-08 11:19:222021-01-08 20:28:38The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Kerry Carr
This is the 2nd book in the series. I’d highly recommend reading the first book before this one. The author has done a great attention to detail. Uqnitum has delt with alot of challanges in her life and is trying to find santracy. There is a great balance between history action and drama. A amazing read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Piperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPiper2021-01-07 07:28:452021-01-07 17:31:58The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Piper Foster
Holmes continues to beautifully blend story with history and make an ancient culture come to life, jumping off the pages. As a history buff, I truly appreciate the detail Holmes includes and certainly this book was no exception. I was immediately transported to a time very different from present and still was able to immediately connect to the main character. The raw emotion that was present from page one just jumped into my heart. I loved this book and cannot recommend it highly enough.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2021-01-05 22:33:332021-01-05 22:33:33The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Heather Lovelace
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