Songs of the Earth

December 19, 2011
Century after century, the Eadorian faith abjured those who heard the song of the Earth, labeled them as witches, and burned them at the stake. Only a few Guardians of the Veil remain in a remote island enclave. The novice Gair spent years training to be a church knight, so when he is condemned for his magical abilities, he’s spared a death sentence for the sake of his past devotion, and instead is branded and exiled. He joins the Guardians and slowly begins to believe that the phenomenal power inside him might have some value. Though Cooper employs some of the most well-worn tropes of epic fantasy, the story flows effortlessly with strong characterization and authorial voice. Fantasy fans will enjoy this debut and look forward to seeing Cooper develop her skills. Agent: Ian Drury, Sheil Land Associates.

January 15, 2012
Epic fantasy debut, and first of a series, concocted from standard fantasy elements. For 1,000 years following a great victory against overwhelming odds, the warrior-scholar Knights of the goddess-worshipping Eadorian Church have kept the peace--and condemned as a witch anybody who can work magic. For 10 years, orphan and novice Gair concealed his magic talents but then was discovered, tortured to reveal secrets he did not possess and condemned by the Elders to burn. At his trial, however, Preceptor Ansel, old and in failing health, commutes his sentence to branding and exile--to the outrage of an opposing faction within the church. With the help of wise old Alderan, who's secretive but clearly magical himself, Gair escapes the persistent attentions of a witchfinder sent by Ansel's opposition. Eventually they arrive on Penglas, an island in the distant west where Alderan and the Guardians of the Veil run a school for gifted individuals like Gair. Meanwhile, roving Gatekeeper Masen has learned that the Veil separating the world from the Hidden Kingdom is weakening, and hurries back to Penglas to warn Alderan. Gair, now that he no longer fears his own capabilities, embraces his exceptional powers and abilities. While a dying Ansel tries to hold on to his authority within the church, Gair and Alderan ponder the dwindling Veil and the approach of one of Alderan's former students, Savin, a renegade of unrivaled might and malevolence. Odd that a goddess-worshipping cult has an all-male priesthood or even much of a congregation. Still, the characters are believable and grow with their roles, the plot unfolds steadily and the writing conveys scenes and dialogue with impressive clarity, even to the rousing finale. Cooper makes no great claim to originality, but the absorbing narrative and sheer quality of the production will keep readers impatiently awaiting the next installment.

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Starred review from February 15, 2012

A former Knight of the Church now under sentence of death for heresy and witchcraft, Gair finds deliverance in the form of the mysterious Alderan, who spirits him away to the island location of the Chapterhouse of the Guardians of the Veil. There, he meets others like himself, who can hear the Songs of the Earth and use the songs' power to change the world around them. Even as the Church continues its search for Gair and its opposition to the Guardians, word spreads that the Veil between worlds is breaking down, and soon dangerous monsters will cross over from the other side. Cooper's first novel begins as a coming-of-age tale but develops into the saga of a world in peril and the few people who can serve as its protectors. VERDICT In scope, this series has the potential to rival George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" and should enjoy a wide readership of young adult as well as adult fans of epic fantasy.

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