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Argren Blue: A Spirit Song Story (Spirit Song: Rebels Rising Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Ross Hightower (Author), Deb Heim (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.9 out of 5 stars 20 ratings

Winner of the Firebird Book Award in Coming of Age

In the throes of rebellion, Alar's fervent desire to overthrow the imperial regime propels him into the resistance movement. But as setbacks mount and doubts assail him, he questions whether their struggle registers with the Empire at all.

His world shifts when he uncovers latent powers reminiscent of legendary heroes. When an imperial witch proposes a daring mission to free prisoners from an Inquisition stronghold, Alar and his comrades seize the opportunity, their success reigniting hope. However, their triumph draws the Empire's scrutiny, and they face the sobering realization that they may have underestimated the consequences of their actions.

In a narrative entwined with themes of heroism and consequence, Alar's journey of self-discovery unfolds against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of change.

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  1. Book 1 of 2
    Spirit Song: Rebels Rising
  2. Print length
    437 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    May 18, 2023
  6. File size
    2.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Epic fantasy, Fantasy coming of age, Fantasy new adult, Fantasy adventure magic, Fantasy YA
Epic fantasy, Fantasy coming of age, Fantasy new adult, Fantasy adventure magic, Fantasy YA
Epic fantasy, Fantasy coming of age, Fantasy new adult, Fantasy adventure magic, Fantasy YA

Editorial Reviews

Review

Winner in Coming of Age Firebird Book Awards 2023
OZMA Book Awards 2023 Finalist
Runner-Up in General Fiction Beach Books Festival 2023
Honorable Mention in Coming of Age San Francisco Book Festival 2023
Literary Titans Silver Award

In Argren Blue: A Spirit Song Story by Ross Hightower & Deb Heim, readers are immersed in a gripping fantasy tale filled with resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of freedom. — Literary Titan

The authors have created a vivid and compelling world.... I was immediately invested in the fate of Alar and his friends, aided by the skillfully described settings and circumstances. The writing is outstanding, fully immersing the reader in the emotions and the adventures of the many characters. Told from multiple points of view, I was easily able to distinguish and keep track of the numerous groups and relationships. It is somewhat lengthy, but it's a fast read simply because it was difficult to put down. ... The novel can certainly be read as a standalone, but judging by the quality of the writing, it would be worthwhile to snap up a copy of Spirit Sight, the first in the series.

A fast-paced, five-star fantasy adventure that will remain in your thoughts long after the last page is turned. 5-Stars! — Sublime Book Review

The authors' prose is often painterly, appropriate given that Argren's primary export to the rest of the Empire is its rare paint pigments: "It was the vibrant colors that attracted the artists to the valley. The surrounding hills were rich in the plants and minerals required to produce the vivid hues the Alle'oss loved. The inhabitants of the valley grew rich on pigments coveted throughout the Empire and beyond." The world is vast and meticulously crafted, but it doesn't take itself too seriously to have fun. The plot moves swiftly, and the characters, if familiar in type, play their roles well. Readers should find their appetites sufficiently whetted to seek out the other novels in the Spirit Song series.

An expertly spun fantasy adventure featuring magic, combat, and art appreciation. — Kirkus Reviews

Argren Blue was a really fun read for me. It is reminiscent of epic fantasy such as Shannara or the Dragonlance saga...Argren Blue is definitely worth a read for lovers of fantasy! — Reedsy Discover

ARGREN BLUE by Ross Hightower and Deb Heim was the perfect story for me to read over a week and pore over every aspect of it... There were plenty of characters to keep track of, and the pace helped with that. The imagery was perfect, the dialogue was fantastic, and the overall feel of the story was incredible. The action was relentless, and the plot was excellent. The ending made me feel as if the authors are planning a sequel, and if so I, cannot wait for what comes next. — Readers' Favorite

There are so many things to love about this book. I love adventure and magic-themed books, and this didn't fail to impress. — OnlineBookClub

About the Author

Ross Hightower and DL Heim have been partners in crime for more than 36 years. While Ross built a career as a professor and Deb worked on four advanced degrees, they managed to raise two wonderful people and launch them into the world. When Ross started writing his first novel, Spirit Sight, they never dreamed they would work together, but after a rocky beginning, they discovered they loved writing together. It took a few beers, many intense conversations, and a few arguments to produce Argren Blue, the second Spirit Song novel. There will be many more to come.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BXB3MV5Z
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Black Rose Writing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 18, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 437 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Spirit Song: Rebels Rising
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 out of 5 stars 20 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Ross Hightower

    Ross Hightower

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    Somehow, after spending most of his life in the south, Ross found himself living in Milwaukee and loving it. One cold, snowy morning, not too long ago, he woke with a story stuck in his head. That wasn’t unusual, but what happened next was unprecedented. He wrote it down. That small story grew into his first novel, Spirit Sight. He is now three books into the six book Spirit Song Series. Meanwhile, Deb, his partner of over 38 years, is co-author with him on the Spirit Song prequel series, Rebels Rising. Some might wonder why it took him so long to find his calling in life, but he's just grateful he has. You can contact the author @rosshightower and sign up for the World of Argren newsletter and Rebels Rising review team at his website.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Deb Heim

    Deb Heim

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Deb Heim has found a life in Milwaukee after a vagabond existence in various suburbs across the South and Northeast. Despite an undergraduate degree in English Literature, the urge to write fiction did not take hold until their partner Ross Hightower tapped out the first draft of Spirit Sight one fateful snowy morning. With the Spirit Song Prequel series, Rebels Rising, they have served as a sounding board, researcher and fellow plot wrangler. The journey as a partner in this unexpected adventure writing epic fantasy with strong female characters has been more than worth it. You can contact the author on all the socials @quizzicalllc, and sign up for the World of Argren newsletter and Rebels Rising review team at our website.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
20 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's characters and find it a terrific read. The storytelling receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as a riveting tale of rebellion with complex machinations that are tremendously entertaining.

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3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"With its memorable characters and smart, layered storytelling, Argren Blue: A Spirit Song Story is a novel that makes me happy there are more tales..." Read more

"...The characters are engaging in a way make you empathize with their situation and tug on your heart strings as you lear more about them and their..." Read more

"Great characters. Totally immersed. Fun to read a prequel. I want to reread the first 2 books again. Can’t wait for the next book! Love these stories." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one mentioning it's fun to read as a prequel.

"...Authors Hightower and Heim are talented writers and truly crafted a world unlike any I have read...." Read more

"Great characters. Totally immersed. Fun to read a prequel. I want to reread the first 2 books again. Can’t wait for the next book! Love these stories." Read more

"A Terrific Read … This Most Wonderfully Grounded Fantasy..." Read more

3 customers mention "Storytelling"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storytelling of the book, with one review highlighting its complex and entertaining machinations in Argren, while another describes it as a riveting tale of rebellion that lingers in the imagination.

"With its memorable characters and smart, layered storytelling, Argren Blue: A Spirit Song Story is a novel that makes me happy there are more tales..." Read more

"...in a way make you empathize with their situation and tug on your heart strings as you lear more about them and their relationships with each other..." Read more

"Great characters. Totally immersed. Fun to read a prequel. I want to reread the first 2 books again. Can’t wait for the next book! Love these stories." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Michael P. Hartnett
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Terrific Read … This Most Wonderfully Grounded Fantasy
    Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    With its memorable characters and smart, layered storytelling, Argren Blue: A Spirit Song Story is a novel that makes me happy there are more tales in this series. True to the title color, Ross Hightower and Deb Heim created a marvelously rich and deep vision here, one filled with humor and clever banter throughout.
    The novel centers around Alar, a young rebel known for both his recklessness and his good heart. While the rebel group of oss’stera (our struggle) is early on guided by the elder Sten, Alar becomes more assured and determined as a leader, his burgeoning powers growing with each journey, mission, and raid. One of the pleasures of the novel is how Alar – with both his adolescent insecurities and haunting memories – gropes his way forward socially, strategically, and even romantically (the scenes with Scilla are disarming and charming). While I want to avoid spoilers, Alar’s discovery and emerging mastery of his gifts become an increasingly urgent and powerful element of the story. Furthermore, Alar’s relationship with Tove, who must overcome scars both physical and emotional, serves as the moral locus of this tale – one that is palpably aware of the horrible necessities of rebellion.
    Hightower and Heim possess their own special gifts as the reader becomes deeply engaged in the plights of so many characters, even the initially less sympathetic witch Regan, the Dusulti assassin Brie, and the novice inquisitor Harold. Plus, the deftly integrated ruminations of the Alle’oss artistic tradition imbues the novel with a worldly gravitas. In the end, the intense and complex machinations in Argren are tremendously entertaining as the threads of the novel join in a satisfying climax. The inspirations behind the last-minute alliances have as much elegance as they do expediency. I can’t wait to continue this series.
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  • Julianna Manske
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Riveting Tale of Rebellion and Emerging Powers
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This is a riveting novel that you cannot put down! I really enjoyed the unique blend of adventure, witchy magic & special powers, and the complexities of resistance. The characters are engaging in a way make you empathize with their situation and tug on your heart strings as you lear more about them and their relationships with each other develop.

    Authors Hightower and Heim are talented writers and truly crafted a world unlike any I have read. They skillfully navigate the delicate balance between triumph and tragedy, and kept me continuously turning the page!

    I would highly recommend this immersive story that lingers in your imagination and has left me anticipating the next book in the series!
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  • BookGyrl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Swept away
    Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great characters. Totally immersed. Fun to read a prequel. I want to reread the first 2 books again. Can’t wait for the next book! Love these stories.
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  • Carolina Schmidt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great world-building
    Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2024
    Alar’s discovery of his own powers adds an interesting twist, bringing a mythical element to his struggle that gives a spark of hope. But what I appreciated most was how the authors don't make this newfound strength a quick fix for his problems. Instead, Alar’s journey feels grounded and real, even with the mystical powers at play. The mission to free prisoners from the Inquisition turns out to be a turning point—not just for Alar but for the resistance as a whole—and the fallout from this act feels tangible, looming over each character with a reminder of the Empire’s ever-watchful eye.

    The world-building in Argren Blue is rich and detailed, giving a sense of history that makes the setting come alive. It’s the kind of story where the environment feels as much a character as Alar himself.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Patricia Jack
    4.0 out of 5 stars This was a fun story!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2023
    This story was a lot of fun reading. It got dry in a couple spots but if you can stick it out, it’s more than worth it. Lord of the Rings meets Robin Hood, only they’re rescuing people rather than stealing to feed the poor but they’re on an adventure that takes them through a magical land.

    I received a copy of this book from the authors via Voracious Readers.
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  • Chris Roy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly entertaining
    Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2024
    "Argren Blue" stands out as a meticulously constructed fantasy novel, well-paced, balancing action with character development. The writing is both engaging and polished, a high standard of writing. The author has succeeded in creating a compelling story. Finely edited, too.
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  • Betsy MacDougal
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2024
    I'm old - yes, really old - so fantasy is not my go to genre, but these two authors have hooked me with Spirit Song and Argren Blue. They hit on everything from social ills to friendships and with their rag tag group of do-gooders they do their best to make a difference in a world that's hurting. Does that sound familiar? The book is delightful, magical, and humorous and I can hardly wait for the next round of adventures in their quest for a more equal and fair society.
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  • Daniel Burke
    5.0 out of 5 stars A complex and thoughtful tale that is both exciting and smart
    Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2023
    Argren Blue is a complex and thoughtful story with interesting well-developed characters, a twisting plot line, great world-building, and an uplifting message about being true to oneself and finding allies where they are least expected. It has a Star Wars like feel of rebels with heart, attitude, and special abilities fighting a seemingly hopeless war against a powerful empire. Add in, witches, an inquisition, ninja-like assassins, a hero that has the ability to stop time while he moves in an out of another dimension, and several themes including the importance of art to cultural identity, and you got quite a tale.
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