Book Review: Sparrow in the Sun by Danielle Bullen

2 days ago
3 min read

About Book

Genre: Adult Noblebright Fantasy (No spice or glorified gore!)

Series: Book 1 of the Bloodsong Trilogy

Note: Recommended for 16+

How far are you willing to go to protect what you love?

Eness has lived her life in a land that hunts for her heritage for a crime committed by a few of her people. She’s tried to block the sign, to find a way to save them through the herbs she works with.

But when there are soldiers at her door, wounded and demanding help, the choice to hide may no longer be hers.

To refuse will mean an end to all that she has worked to.

But to help may bring down upon her all that she has fought to hide from.

Learn More Here!

My thoughts

Guys… this book! It’s become my new favorite of 2026!

I first discovered Danielle Bullen through her winter, Gentle Fantasy novel, Frostlight. (Check out my review on Goodreads!). I love how she writes!

I was eagerly excited to get my hands on Sparrow in The Sun, especially by the premise. A High Fantasy world that feels like Middle Earth meets the Appalachia’s, Colorado, and Montana? A gentle, quiet woman protagonist who’s a healer? Noble, upright-standing men fighting for freedom, justice, and all that’s good (like Aragon, Sam, and Faramir)?

Yes, yes, and yes!

Oh… this book was too beautiful for words! I just love how this story takes it’s time, encouraging you to slow down, take one chapter at a time (or two), and savor every page that it lingers with you at the end of the day! I had savored this book chapter by chapter, day by day.

Do not be fooled. This is no “cozy fantasy”. There’s tension and danger woven throughout… especially from the moment when Eness encounters the very soldiers she’s hiding from. There's even a death scene that will break your heart!

Oh, my poor Eness! My heart broke for her as she is thrust into a journey not of her own making, but finds herself time after time facing a difficult choice between hiding away or helping others—even those who could be enemies. But I just love her precious heart, and how she’s learns to grow and trust little by little, especially as she learns that there is kindness and goodness, even when all she knows is hate and fear.

And the many cast of men and women Eness encounters! Here are the ones that stood out. Captain Enion Flint was a definite surprise I did not see coming! Cirian… sigh. Lord Fitzcastle and his dear wife Tejan, such a lovely couple! Ragnar, a soldier and a healer who also surprised me! Then there’s Sradfaang… a goblin I found… sort of frightening, but kind of cool with a dry sense of humor.

And I just LOVE the settings! How the author describes her Appalachia-inspired world was so vivid! The mountains, the forests…

Then there's the unforgettable messages throughout this book: the value of friendships, courage to fight for a better future, learning to trust when all you’ve known is hatred, and finding Light, hope, and good in a world of chaos.

Where bookstores dominated by “YA/Young Adult”, it’s SUCH a relief to finally find wholesome fantasy books aimed at adults without any smut/spice or glorified gore!

This book has officially claimed one of my TOP FAVORITES! And now… I’m eagerly awaiting Calling of the Corvus!

My personal rating: 10 STARS!

Meet the Author

Danielle Bullen Bullen is the author of high fantasy books about life in the darkness of a broken world and the Light therein.

If you have ever thought to yourself, 'I want fantasy books that feels like the classics’ you might be in the right place. If you have ever thought to yourself, 'I want low magic fantasy, with true to life characters, lyrical writing and prose with a hint of home,' then you probably are in the right place.

She writes to the glory of the Only God and has one book published to date, with many more on their way, Lord willing.

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