Thank you for the opportunity to preview The Language of the Birds.
This book is more of a YA book in my opinion. That does not diminish the novel but does influence my review to some degree.
The novel centers on a young woman who knows her share of tragedy. She lost her father in an accident and then her mother is held hostage.
This young woman is gifted and has certain skills which make her very unique. And for her natural talents she must consider using them to help her mother.
This book is good but in all fairness not my favorite type of novel.
3 stars

This is an impressive debut by an author who cites the following influences: Andy Weir for showing that science and math writing can be accessible, Blake Crouch for demonstrating how genres can be blended and bent seamlessly, Steig Larsson for writing an inspirational heroine, and Stephen King for inspiring others to make a serious effort with writing.

Arizona is a neurodivergent seventeen year old who travels with her mother to spread her recently-deceased father’s ashes in some of the places he loved. After her mother goes missing at Bodie State Historic Park in California, Arizona receives a phone call from a stranger - he is part of a group that has her mother, is familiar with Arizona’s strengths, and demands that she help them solve a cryptic puzzle if she wants to see her mother returned safely. But how do they know this about her abilities, and how is the group that kidnapped her mother tied to her late father?

There were flavors of The Davinci Code in this story, as Arizona works her way through multiple puzzles using ciphers and all sorts of logic exercises with which I can’t pretend to be familiar. There are a lot of diagrams and maps in this book, as we follow Arizona and her dog Mojo along on this high-stakes adventure. Did I skim over many of the parts trying to explain how she figured out what the encrypted messages and riddles meant (fractals, Euclidean space, monoalphabetic substitution ciphers, frequency analyses)? You bet. Did I get a kick out of the story featuring the history of alchemy and Hebert Hoover anyway? Heck yeah!

This books tells a smart puzzle-filled adventure of a story while also showing us personal growth in Arizona as she learns a bit more about learning to trust people enough to form relationships, and that emotions can’t be dealt with in the same way as mathematical equations. On display is the author’s own love of historical mysteries, literature, and even topography/U.S. geography and an outdoor/nomadic lifestyle. Well done!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books of Penguin Random House publishing for the eARC in exchange for my unbiased review. I plan to post my review on my blog at jessicacrawfordwrites.com on May 13, 2025, and will share it on my Instagram account @shelfesteem101 around the same time.

🔉Thank you to K.A. Merson, Random House Publishing-Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for this arc of The Language of the Birds, out May 13, 2025!

📜Quick Summary: Arizona is a 17 year old neurodivergent only child who loses her father in a tragic motorcycle accident. As her and her mom learn to cope with the loss, they head to nature to find some solace. After exploring the campsite for awhile, Arizona heads back to meet her mom at their meeting place. When her mom doesn’t show, she asks a ranger for help. Two hours later, and her mother still has not yet appeared. It takes a lot of courage for her to ask yet another ranger about her missing mother. Only a few moments later, after returning to her airstream, she finds it trashed and with a note; her mom has been kidnapped. Arizona has to help the kidnappers solve cipher messages in order to get her mom back safely. Was her dad’s death really an accident? Or did these kidnappers have something to do with that as well?

❣️Initial Feels: I can picture some of my past students who would love this book, especially the ones who are always trying to solve every kind of problem there is!

👀Trigger Warnings: death of parent, kidnapped parent

🌶️Spice Level: not what this one’s about

📖Read if you want: puzzles/ciphers, mythology, history, YA focused novel, neurodivergent main character, mystery, Nevada City backdrop

🙋🏼‍♀️Moving Character: Arizona is a brilliant young woman who stayed calm in the face of a terribly scary situation. Her mind worked through scenarios like mine never would…and I admired her tenacity.

🗨️Touching Words: “We can’t build our dreams on suspicious minds.”

💡Final Sentiments: Although this wasn’t my jam,I did enjoy some parts, but I don’t think I’m the intended audience. For someone else, this will hit all the spots, so I’m going to keep it objective. Good writing, great main character, loved finding out about ciphers and solving them. I was grateful for the pictures and charts too; that’s a great aspect for a young reader trying to follow along. A young adult audience, especially one that would enjoy a movie like National Treasure, would probably love this book! As an adult now, who still enjoys a well written YA book, I think this was well put together, but the mom in me thinks this young girl would have asked for help…not tried to solve the kidnapper’s riddles on her own. There was not a ton of character development or depth, but again, I’m not sure I would be the best audience for this type of novel. Make sure to read the author’s note; great insight to the reality of some of this novel!

🌟Overall Rating: 3.5 stars

This novel was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

DNF @ 60%. I initially requested this book because I thought the puzzles would be intriguing, but I found myself overwhelmed by them, which prevented me from enjoying the rest of the mystery. I didn't connect with the characters and ultimately couldn’t motivate myself to finish reading.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the digital ARC of ”The Language of the Birds ” in exchange for my honest opinion. This book does a nice job telling the story of Arizona and how she navigated the sudden and tragic loss of her father. When her mother goes missing, she is forced to solve several ciphers in order to get her safely back. The characters are well developed and I enjoyed the relationships she makes along the way. I will admit that I had to skim through several parts of the book as she was trying to solve the puzzles because they were very confusing and I lost interest. I believe this book is intended for young adult audiences and is great for those with an analytic mind, having worked with young adult students, I think many would end up putting it down. If it lands in the hands of someone who enjoys complex puzzles, they will love it.

Arizona is still coming to terms with her father’s death and roadtripping with her mom and her dog, Mojo, to spread his ashes in his favorite places. However, when her mom goes missing, the abductors want Arizona to solve a set of clues to find a secret that may be better off hidden. Can Arizona use her smarts to get ahead of the kidnappers?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love that Arizona is on the spectrum and I think the author does a great job of showcasing the different ways her brain works, both the connections she is able to make in puzzles and books and her struggles to make connections with people and social norms. This was an interesting read filled with tidbits from history.

The only reason I gave it four stars is because I feel like her explanations and the detail got into the weeds sometimes. I’m not sure if that was on purpose to fit with the character but there were large chunks that were over my head and I just skimmed the explanations. Maybe that says more about me than the book but for the average reader, I think it might have got a little too in depth on some sections.

If anyone’s a fan of DaVinci Code, this is a similar feel. Definitely give it a try! Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the ARC.

I have some students who would really enjoy this book. The combination of neurodivergence, road trips, and mysteries will be a hit with them.

I have mixed feelings about this one. I cared for the main character, Arizona and her challenges being different in a world that values sameness. Parts of the book were well written and emotional but the puzzles were not interesting to me and I found myself wanting to skip over each section . The storylines involves her dealing with both her father's recent death and her mother is missing and she needs to solve these puzzles to find her mother who in fact has been kidnapped.

Arizona is just seventeen and lost of father a few weeks before. It is hard enough to deal with the world around her without having to deal with her own grief. On a small trip to spread her father's ashes, her mother is taken hostage and Arizona has to save her with her love of numbers, science, riddles, and puzzles. She'll have to step way outside her comfort zone to save her mom and discover what secrets her father took to his grave.
What did I think of this story? Let me start by saying that wherever the author had their notes to keep the story straight had to be a sight. This was not a story to write for those who don't want a challenge. The entire plot is comprised of history, legend, science, math, and cryptography. In fact, my brain was spinning most of the time trying to follow it all. For some of you, that might cause you to rush out to buy it. For others, you might decide to take a pass, but maybe you shouldn't. 
I really did enjoy this book as it took me around areas I mostly have never been and were based on real places and people. A few things I looked up to test the validity of the factual parts only to find that the author had done the intense research needed. I found all of that interesting. Just some of the clues had me baffled as my brain doesn't work that way, but it was still fun to try to follow along with the extremely smart Arizona. 
In the story, Arizona is challenged with social interactions. The situation with her mother forces her to interact with people when she'd rather hide and bury herself in a book. She finds that she can do things she didn't think she was capable. The development of the main character was very interesting. I'm not sure if it is realistic, but it is very probable. 
Want a good read that could challenge you? This is a book you should check out. Now I have to look about going to the Hoover Dam.

"The Language of the Birds" was a very creative story. I liked the puzzles and cryptograms, especially the explanations of the common types of cryptograms and how to solve them. I also liked all the historical and literary references, and how the author melds history, literature, geography, alchemy and other subjects. The inclusion of Herbert Hoover was clever, especially as his varied background and his presidency would have given him the opportunity to discover and then later protect the great secrets around which the story revolves. Arizona was a well-developed character. I enjoyed seeing/reading about her puzzling out the clues; her frustrations and doubts; her difficulties with social interaction and the problems that causes but yet the connections she is able to make with Lily and Marty; her fortitude and determination. The author does a good job of keeping the reader guessing, and there are some questions that are intentionally left unresolved when the story ends.

If there is one glaring hole in the plot, it is how/why the federal government is trying to catch the Adept -- Arizona's unknown nemesis -- as until the kidnapping of Arizona's mother (which happens early in the story), there is no indication that the Adept has done anything illegal, and the kidnapping is not something that was reported to the authorities. Even if there are elements in the government trying to keep the "great secrets" a secret, there is no indication as to how the government (or elements within the government) would be aware of the Adept's efforts.

An interesting book about using cryptography to find treasure. The Last few chapters were very good.

This book is well targeted to mathematical, historical and geographical buffs, probably in Middle or High School. It sounds like there will be a sequel.

The Language of the Birds is a delightful mystery. The story follows Arizona, a remarkably gifted 17-year-old, who finds herself plunged into a labyrinthine mystery surrounding her late father. To save her abducted mother, she has to crack a series of increasingly complex codes and riddles, diving deep into American history and the legacy of President Hoover. It reminded me of a young adult version of "National Treasure."

I was especially charmed by Arizona's loyal dog, Mojo, who is by her side every step of the way. It was also heartwarming to watch Arizona step out of her isolated life and form a meaningful connection with Lily. If you enjoy historical intrigue and love solving ciphers, this novel is an absolute gem. The action is perfectly paced, and while the suspense is subtle, the story presents a delightful mystery that kept me entertained.

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the advanced reader copy.

Rounded up from 2.5.

The Language of Birds seemed like a great fit for me. The author is obviously very smart and put a lot of time into the cyphers and puzzles. There are some nice passages about Arizona’s relationship with her mother and later with her new friends Lily and Marty. Her love for her dog is a shiny spot in the story (and it’s cool that the dog is a boxer).

I’m sure there are people who love puzzles who will love this book. I am sure there are readers who will appreciate the depiction of Arizona and her coping mechanisms. But I found so much of this book incredibly boring. I admit I sped read a lot of the super detailed chapters on Arizona’s thought process in deciphering puzzles. Like her friend Lily, “it’s obviously just not my thing.” (ch. 34)

I like poetry and love Lewis Carroll, but even those references did not interest me. In the acknowledgements, the author includes a thank you to Andy Weir “for demonstrating how science and math writing can be eminently accessible.” I do find Weir’s writing accessible; I did not find The Language of Birds accessible. Maybe the author will tone down the math and science in the next book. The author also did not stick the landing; the ending was a disappointment.

I read an advance reader copy of The Language of Birds from NetGalley. I hope some readers out there love this book, but I did not. The book seems to be considered general adult, but it might appeal more to a teenager.

The Language of the Birds is a fun, fast-paced adventure with big National Treasure energy. The puzzles and twists kept me hooked, and the mix of history and fantasy was super cool.

That said, the characters could’ve had more depth—especially the side ones. The main character’s journey was kinda predictable, but the story still had its moments.

Overall, it’s not mind-blowing, but if you’re into treasure hunts, ancient mysteries, and a quick, entertaining read, it’s worth checking out.

The Language of the Birds is a beautifully poetic story that blends love, loss, and the power of language. Merson’s lyrical prose creates a mesmerizing, emotional journey.

Title: The Language of the Birds
Author: K.A. Merson (Debut Author)
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine / Ballantine Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: May 13, 2025
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages 368

Seventeen-year-old Arizona is very bright but doesn’t do well in social situations so has been homeschooled. She is clever in solving puzzles apparently something she learned from her beloved father, who recently died.
She and her mother travel via their Mom and dog, Mojo, travel in their airstream to her dad’s favorite places to spread his ashes. When they reach a ghost town in Bodie State Park near the CA/NV border and Mom has been kidnapped. There is a note with a strange ransom request. The kidnappers believe Arizona’s dad took a secret to his grave—and to get her mother back, Arizona must find the solution to the secret via a series of puzzles.

Arizona is a different teenager, her brain is filled with mathematical equations, pattern recognition- she is different enough to have been bullied at school thus was home-schooled.


One reader got my attention when she wrote - anyone who loved the excitement of [author: Dan Brown]’s [book: The Da Vinci Code] will
enjoy this. ~ With that-I was “in’ for the ride!

Well not actually the story I was expecting but it was very well done. There are illustrations in the book that help with the clues.

I enjoyed Merson’s ‘Author’s Note’ No doubt he is passionate about this story!!!
About the Author ~ K.A. Merson is a vaguely reclusive writer who lives in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, along with his wife
Kristi, and his malevolent boxer dog, in an Airstream trailer.

Want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group ~ Ballantine/Ballantine Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 13, 2025.

K.A. Merson's *The Language of the Birds* is an engaging adventure that flits between the enchanting and the mysterious, drawing readers into a world of hidden messages, ancient symbols, and the tantalizing thrill of discovery. While I found the book to have its flaws, it ultimately delivered an enjoyable experience reminiscent of the adrenaline-fueled escapades of *The Da Vinci Code* and *National Treasure*, making it a solid read for a young adult audience.

The story follows a young protagonist on a quest to decipher a cryptic language that bridges the gap between history and myth. Merson’s narrative is rife with puzzles, as our hero navigates a series of clues that lead to breathtaking discoveries. The pacing is brisk, and there are moments of genuine intrigue that kept me turning the pages, eager to uncover the next twist or secret.

However, as enjoyable as the adventure was, I found that the writing didn’t quite reach the heights of the inspirations it seemed to emulate. At times, it felt as though the plot relied too heavily on coincidences that strained credulity, and the character development could have benefited from greater depth. The protagonist, while relatable, seemed to follow a somewhat predictable arc, and some secondary characters lacked the richness that could have made them more memorable.

That said, Merson has a knack for crafting vivid settings and embedding fascinating historical references, which add layers of allure to the adventure. The incorporation of real-world lore alongside imaginative elements is where the book shines, providing a backdrop that feels both familiar and exotic.

Overall, *The Language of the Birds* might not have soared to the heights of its genre giants, but it offers an entertaining escape into a world of mystery that will surely resonate with younger readers seeking adventure and intrigue. It’s a book that invites you to unlock its secrets, and while it may have its shortcomings, it ultimately left me with a sense of wonder and the joy of exploring the unknown. If you enjoy treasure hunts filled with puzzles and history, this book may just captivate your imagination.

The story line focuses on 17 year old, Arizona, (a loner and introvert) who just recently lost her dad. While attempting to spread his ashes, her mom is kidnapped and won’t be returned until Arizona can decipher and crack codes to reveal a secret that her father, a cartographer, took to his grave. Arizona travels across state with her loyal dog, Mojo, as she finds clues and solves puzzles to revel the secret and to get her mom back. Arizona makes friends along the way and learns to trust others on this adventures journey. She eventually finds out who she can really trust and that making friends isn’t so bad. Arizona is whip-smart. I was impressed with her knowledge and her tenacity.

This was an adventurous read! It was well written, well researched and informative. The graphics, references and illustrations are great for visual leaners, they gave clarity and understanding, and helped me to enhance my imagination. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I would have never chose to read this on my own. Thank you Net Galley for the recommendation and for the ARC!

This book will sharpen your puzzling brain as you try alongside Arizona to solve the puzzles that will lead her to find her mother. I enjoyed her journey and how she developed along the way meeting new friends and gaining confidence.

What a fascinating debut! My head is spinning from the math, graphs, and maps (I’d love to see a physical copy of this book when it’s published), but this story is a gripping adventure in skillful deduction, love of literature and poetry, and the winding path to finding people who love and understand you. I would definitely read another book from K. A. Merson!