Songspinners

ISBN: 0-75280-582-7 Order from: Amazon.co.uk

A conventional plot, with a fresh world, and engaging adolescent heroine make this fantasy a pleasant, if unremarkable, book.

Reviewed by David on December 30, 1999

Genre: Fantasy (Music, Intrigue, Coming of Age, Religion)

Synopsis: Orial Magelonne is a girl growing up in the shadow of her mother Iridial. A talented musician, Iridial mother has died under mysterious circumstances when Orial was a small child. The grief-stricken father, Dr. Magelonne has fobidden any mention of music or Iridial's death.

However, the turbulent politics of a nearby country, as well as Orial's own craving for music, drive her toward the magic and madness that the music carries in the ancient city of Sulien.

Full Review: A fairly conventional plot is redeemed and made fresh in this lightweight fantasy by a sympathetic heroine, plausible if overly dramatic supporting characters, a fresh and somewhat unconventional setting, and occasional flashes of humor.

The resolution is predictable, but getting there is pleasant, and the volatile combination of music, politics and religion is deftly handled.

Note: this book is currently available only in the UK publishing region.

Art:

Overall: 6; Plot: 5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5.5; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 5.5;

ISBN: 0-75280-582-7 Order from: Amazon.co.uk