Fly with the Arrow: A Bluebeard Inspired Fantasy (Bluebeard's Secret)

Sarah K.L. Wilson writes compelling characters, rich worlds, and poetic prose. This book is no different. It takes place in a harsh world with a properly dark & evil fae race (the Wittenbrand), and a properly unhinged realm for them: the Wittenhame.I love Izolda. She is unflappable and practical, all while being a reluctant dreamer. She does what needs doing with little beating around the bush or unnecessary despairing, and I respect that in a heroine.So does Bluebeard, as it turns out. Be warned that Book 1 is not the best representation of Bluebeard's true character. Like he does to Izolda (who is a kidnapped bride, so some bitterness is to be expected), he appears to us as violent and unpredictable and quite possibly stark raving mad. Here, however, I remind you that this series is called <i>Bluebeard's Secret</i>; so, if Book 1 Bluebeard freaks you out, absolutely fair enough. If he disgusts you, I get it. I mean, it is an adaptation of "Bluebeard," who's pretty up there for "worst fairytale husbands ever." But I would encourage you to forge ahead, because each subsequent book reveals more of his secret and more of his true character, and there is much more to him (and much more to like).

Rating a four due to feeling I am in circles in our heroine 's headAnd not flowing forward. Extremely creative in description but the unusual magic source and contradicting mind changes left me stuck at times. I have to go on and hope for some satisfactory answers. It is entertaining and I love the honesty of Izzy.

I never leave reviews, preferring to dive right in to my next great book find; but, I would feel unworthy to read the next book in this series without leaving some words of praise for this story.The characters are vivid and layered, the setting deadly unique, the riddles enticing and the pacing perfection. There wasn’t a moment from the first page that I wasn’t enthralled and frankly, just having the best time adventuring with these characters. My absolute favorite part of this book however, would have to be the unique tone and cadence of the authors word craft. At times, I felt like I was reading a Jane Austen novel with all its wit and charm and at other moments I felt as if I had been thrown into a Tim Burton film. Who would think to put such story tellers together into such a unique world? Apparently, Sarah K. L. Wilson, that’s who. I can’t wait to read the next book and frankly anything else she writes.

Kind of slow at the beginning, but I was fully invested by the end. Weird but fun and fast read. Clean too!

I randomly came across this book while looking at other titles here on Amazon. I'm so glad I decided to give this story a chance. It was so fun to read. I devoured it in a matter of a couple of days and immediately ordered the remaining books in the series. This is definitely a series I plan to reread more than once.

At first the writing seemed very choppy. But as I continued to read I was able to get into the rhythm. It draws you in and you become part of the story. I

But so disappointed that the story did not end, but was abruptly cut off to make me buy the next book. This is not a stand-alone. A gripping telling of the Bluebeard myth.

These are my thoughts: First of all, our heroine Izolda. Her compassionate and practical nature are a sharp contrast to the untamed, magical, and bizarre world of the Wittenhame, so seeing her interact with this new world is fascinating. It's such a pleasure to read about a main character who is able to adapt her worldview and remain the same person at heart.Second, our hero Bluebeard. His motivations are murky. His reputation is violent. He's definitely not safe, but can he be trusted? Oh, what I wouldn't give to read some of this from his perspective!Thirdly, everyone's favorite sidekick: Grosbeak! He's certainly not a good person, but he is entertaining and his relationship with Izolda is just as convoluted as one would expect in the wild world of the Wittenhame.There is a substantial cliffhanger at the end of this, but you don't need to dangle in agony- the rest of the books are already out! Now is the perfect time to dive into this world. If you like fantasy with fairytale undertones, a strong heroine, a sweet romance (no steam), and plenty of mind-bending riddles, this is a perfect place to start.

When I read the first chapter I was hooked. A strong female protagonist, a mysterious, beautiful and wicked fae and a kingdom or two to save - what's not to love about this?The only downside for me was that it was very similar to the author's Tangled Fae series (which I loved) but I was missing originality, instead I had a bit of déjà vu.4.5 stars

I read this in one night! Lovely writing, endearing characters, incredible world building. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

This is a short, non-spoiler series review:Firstly, Wilson writes passive-aggressive pet names like an absolute master –"sensible monster" "sombre visage" "solemn monstrosity" "practical horror", I loved it in Fae Hunter, and I can't get enough in this series. When your MCs are locked in a love-hate relationship that's to be expected I suppose.This series is beautifully dark and haunting with superb prose and clever poetry. The four-book series reads like one continuous story.Izolda is driven almost to madness in her struggle to survive the wicked world of the Wittenbrand (similar to fae). Her pragmatic approach to each situation mostly serves her well, but the goalposts keep moving and bad situations just keep getting worse before they get even worse still.Bluebeard is severely misunderstood. Sure, he's made a habit of collecting brides and chopping off heads, but there's a greater good he's trying to serve, and his now-dead 15 brides weren't much help. He throws caution to the wind with his newest bride, but perhaps he was a little hasty in that decision – making enemies in Wittenhame is never a good idea (not that making friends is much help, they're all traitorous and self-serving, and just as likely to stab you in the back).I adore this series. There's so much deception, betrayal, twists and turns I was kept on my toes and on the edge of my seat. Wilson deftly juggles secrets, lies and trickery with so much nuance and fantastic detail that I couldn't help but become swept up and away by this clever tale.

I'm not really familiar with the story of Bluebeard, so I went into this re-telling not really knowing what I should expect nor which parts were as per canon and which had been twisted about and made into something new. I can't say if more familiarity with the source material would have improved upon or detracted from this read, but from my position of ignorance it was highly enjoyable. Izolde is a strong but above all sensible heroine who faces the situations in which she finds herself with a good dose of common sense wherever possible. The story is fast paced and whisks along quickly with lots of intrigue, adventure and romance.As is usual for the author, the end of the book isn't exactly a cliffhanger, but it doesn't exactly tidy up enough points to make it feel complete or at least not complete enough that waiting for the next book is acceptable. We can only hope book two won't be too far away.I was given an ARC in return that favour by giving an honest review.

Sarah K. L. Wilson's, Fly With The Arrow, is a thoroughly enjoyable read and well worth any reader's time. She take great care establishing a culture steeped in formality, customs and superstition. Yet, as the main character Izolde Savatz discovers it is to one's peril to dismiss all those superstitions outright. Practical and with a level-head on her shoulders, Izolde comes to court with her father and brothers to attend the presentation of the Princess Crissada. Also, though she's not thrilled with the idea, Izolde's father is on the lookout for an appropriate husband for his only daughter. He finds an acceptable suitor that his daughter acknowledges as adequate but fate has other plans for the young woman with an abundance of common sense. Enter the Wittenbrand, a band of magical, powerful and dangerous warriors. Having ignored instructions on the Law of First Greeting, Izolde finds herself unfortunately married to their leader and whisked away against the objections of her family but for the sake of her country. Izolde's adventures with her menacing husband and companions as they travel to his enchanted home in Wittenhame make up the rest of the book.I have to say, I warmed up to Izolde instantly. No screaming, crying and faint-heartedness for her. She shrewdly and carefully uses her intelligence to guide her through the many challenges being married to a Wittenbrand prince entails. Blue being a colour that the Wittenbrand claim as their own, the Arrow is nicknamed Bluebeard by his new wife and like the fairy tale has left 15 wives in his wake. Yet, there is some secret to the compulsion that has forced Bluebeard along this path and Izolde finds herself seeking answers in the hopes of surviving the intrigues and threats that surround them.With hints of Germanic and Nordic folklore to the story and the writer's style the flavour of an old fashioned Grimm's fairytale is invoked throughout. From the lovely embroidered clothes of Izolde's people to the riddles and magic that make up the Wittenbrand, the entire story is captivating and entertaining. The only reason I took away one star is the abruptness of the ending. I don't object to cliffhanger endings but this one felt as though Books One and Two were originally one until they were severed to make two volumes. Again, no objection per se it's only that I would have appreciated a little more of a bridge into the second book of the series. Which I will be getting, so my "gripe" is actually a small one. If you don't think it would bother you than no problems await you and in the end I'll be getting the next one so the author's mission of keeping a reader hooked is accomplished.