The Bard's Blade

November 15, 2019
Vylari, an idyllic place with no war nor knowledge of hate, is protected by a magical barrier that keeps outsiders out and helps to preserve the Vylarian way of life. Mariyah and Lem grew up in Vylari, fell in love, and are engaged to be married when the story starts. Lem is a gifted musician, whose skill has made him extremely popular; but he is not what he seems. A stranger from across the barrier appears with a message for Lem: an evil person is coming to get him and will destroy his home in the process. This person will be drawn to Lem, so Lem quickly decides that the best way to save his country and the people he loves is to cross the barrier. He does not think that anyone will follow him, but he underestimates his fianc�. This meandering fantasy tale with magic, music, and a looming evil starts a new series that fans of Patrick Rothfuss' The Name of the Wind (2007) will enjoy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)