I enjoyed reading the book. The characters were most entertaining. Finn was my favorite character. His confidence and strong will to protect Eva was the sweetest thing a man could do for the woman he loves. I liked that the writer introduced the characters and their family relations in short detail. The number of characters in the book were to many give a detailed bio about. The introduction of the families and their Kingdoms discussing their place over clashing for land was explained in detail that was so easy to follow by. The romance was a sweet story told in a romantic way.

This is the first of a new series, Warriors of the Fianna. Fianna is an elite force of medieval Irish warriors. In order to become a member, one must pass many tests and go through rigorous trials. As Finn is trying to become one of these warriors he falls in love with Eva, who has been taken as a hostage of war and is also the sister of his best friend, Dallon. As Finn is working to complete his trials to become a member of the Fianna, he keeps his eye on Eva and makes sure she is well and communicates messages between Eva and Dallon. Finn eventually falls in love with her and despite her own feelings, Eva has already loved and lost too many times and vows never to marry again. Not to mention the fact that Dallen considers Finn falling in love with Eva a betrayal. There are obviously many challenges for them to overcome, but ultimately the story comes to a happy conclusion.
I think this is a captivating and exciting start to a new series and I am anxious to read more!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I loved this story! It captured my attention from page one and kept me totally hooked until the end! I am very eager for the next book!!!

Thank you for the opportunity to review!!

Ancient Irish Historical Romance

Eva is held hostage by an Irish king. Her life is filled with treachery. A cousin of hers killed two of the men to whom she is betrothed, so she decides not to marry since those who become involved with her are in deadly peril. What happens when she falls in love?

Eva’s brother and his best friend go to court to compete in trials to become members of an elite group called the Fianna. Finn is just supposed to teach her to play the harp, but their hearts get involved. Eva and Finn take us on a journey of love, conflict, and treachery. He is her brother's best friend, so when he falls in love with her, he keeps it secret. What happens when Eva’s brother finds out the truth? Finn is a bard, but there is a war brewing. He is a fighter, too. No one will be unscathed. Can Eva and Finn find a way to unite in that time of conflict, cementing alliances, treachery, and intrigue? I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book in this series.

A romance born out of the ravages of war and greed for power, I found myself invested in this novel. When his best friend persuades him to join King Brian in a bid to complete the trials that need to be accomplished to become a Fianna warrior, Finn is also tasked with being the go-between between Dallan and Eva and ensuring that Eva feels protected. Finn never expected to fall in love with the beautiful hostage and with the threat of a powerful warlord looming over her, Eva tries to keep her heart intact, but the more time she spends with Finn, the harder it gets. As the men go through their grueling tasks, Finn and Dallen discover that they are stronger than they thought, although Dallen considers Finn's love for Eva to be a betrayal of trust. Fortunately, the reason for Eva's hesitation is resolved and the novel comes to a sweet and happy conclusion. The book is well-written, emotional, and fast-paced, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Life is hard. Romance novels should be an escape of sweet proportions. Sophia writes them exactly that way.

No, I’m won’t say how or what happens.., but this book is a hug that lasts as long as you read/remember it.

Song of the Fianna by Sophia Nye is the first in a new series, the Warriors of the Fianna. The Fianna is a group of elite soldiers who must pass seven trials in order to become a member. It is an ancient brotherhood brought to life by the aging king, Brian Boru. At this time, Ireland is split into nine kingdoms and many small fiefdoms in which the leader is called a king. Brian has spent his life trying to unite all of Ireland. Some see him as a genius, others as a traitor. One of the smaller kingdoms is led by a man named Morda whose niece, Eva Nic Murrough, Princess of Laigen, has been taken hostage by Brian in a probably useless attempt to avoid another war. Her brother, Dallan, is bound and determined to free her and so, along with his friend, Finn, has journeyed to Brian’s stronghold to complete in the trials to become a member of the Fianna. He is not allowed to speak with her but he can at least see her and make sure she is well. He uses his friend, Finn, to communicate with her. Finn eventually falls in love despite the fact that Eva swears she will never marry, her two previous fiances having been killed by yet another cousin. She refuses to change it.

Eva is a strong character, as needs must for a princess. She is stubborn, creative, and hard-working. In order to keep from boredom she has taken over the running the of castle and is doing a good job with it. Finn is a musician at heart but because of his immigrant status at this point, has not been allowed to further his musical education. He agrees to teach her to play the harp, a skill that has been denied her based on her gender. The reader can guess where this is leading. What they cannot guess is the twists and turns the journey will take, greater than those already traveled. Good story, excellent characters, just enough history, it was a terrific read. It is a true middle ages novel taking place in Ireland. Kudos!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Song of the Fianna by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #SophiaNye #SongOfTheFianna

Truly interesting Irish history. I'm a huge fan of historical romance and have consumed a plethora of books on Scottish and English history. This is my first on Irish history and this author, neither disappointed me in the least. Eva is a hostage to a powerful king. Finn is one of the men trying to gain access to the exclusive fighting team but at heart he's a poet and harpist. The author takes us through a series of trails each man must secure in order to be part of the elite. Brilliantly written with great depth to the characters. I walked away with mixed feelings about both sides who battled as they each had honorable and merit. This is the first in the series and I will be following it with great interest.

This historical romance was very good. I loved the setting and the romance was perfectly done. I read this book in a day. Would highly recommend this book.