The Singer of All Songs

March 1, 2004
Constable's debut novel, the first of a planned trilogy, takes place in a world where the song of the human voice is the carrier of strong magic. In the secluded kingdom of Antaris, hidden from the rest of the world by an enormous ice Wall, 16-year-old Calwyn keeps bees and prepares to become a full priestess, learning the power of song-spell "chantments." She finds an injured Outlander inside the Wall, and although the women of Antaris are suspicious (could he be a sorcerer, chanting spells used by the desert-dwelling Merithurans? Or perhaps a worker of the winds from Firthana?), Calwyn befriends Darrow and learns that he is being pursued by the sorcerer Samis, who seeks to be emperor of all Tremaris and, indeed, to be the fabled Singer of all Songs, "as powerful as the gods themselves." Moving outside the Wall, the story turns to a fast-paced nautical adventure, leading up to an unexpectedly philosophical finale. Constable has imagined a rich, satisfying universe, but the sheer level of detail is overwhelming at first; readers might find themselves wishing for a map or glossary to sort out the magic systems, place names and social structures. Happily, those who press on will find their efforts rewarded. Ending with an intriguing set-up for the next installment, this book should generate interest in a promising newcomer to children's fantasy. Ages 12-up.

October 1, 2004
Gr 5 Up -In the first book of Kate Constable's fantasy trilogy (Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks., 2004), 16-year-old Calwyn lives in a world called Tremaris where chants have magical power so The Singer of All Songs will rule everything. Although the young woman will soon take her vows as a priestess in her ice-protected homeland, her life changes when she rescues an injured sorcerer named Darrow. He is being pursued by Samis, his former friend but now a power-hungry sorcerer who seeks to learn all nine of the magical chants. Calwyn and Darrow combine forces and, along the way, the pair is joined by two ship-owning brothers, an inventive teenage boy, a young woman with wind-making skills, and a being who communicates by telepathy. There are close escapes, dangerous encounters, and disasters at sea that include being taken over by pirates. A brief, blissful respite in a land of flame trees prepares the comrades for the harrowing final confrontation with Samis. Karen Ziemba's narration is softly commanding with distinctive voices for each of the main characters. The recording has good sound quality and is enhanced by subtle sound effects and ethereal singing. With a touch of romance, some secrets left untold, and moments that feel mythical, this audiobook will appeal to fantasy fans of many ages. Since this is the first installment of three, it's a wise middle school, high school, and public librarian who introduces listeners to the series.-Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

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