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chosen to keep the memory of the Song alive. And in every generation,
there are those who seek to destroy the chosen one. When Birdie’s song
draws the attention of a dangerous Khelari soldier, she is kidnapped and
thrust into a world of ancient secrets and betrayals. Rescued by her
old friend, traveling peddler Amos McElhenny, Birdie flees the clutches
of her enemies in pursuit of the truth behind the Song’s power. Ky is a
street–wise thief and a member of the Underground—a group of orphans
banded together to survive . . . and to fight the Khelari. Haunted by a
tragic raid, Ky joins Birdie and Amos in hopes of a new life beyond the
reach of the soldiers. But the enemy is closing in, and when Amos’
shadowed past threatens to undo them all, Birdie is forced to face the
destiny that awaits her as the Songkeeper of Leira. Book one of the
Songkeeper Chronicles.
Series: The Songkeeper Chronicles (Book 1)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: ENCLAVE PUBLISHING (October 1, 2014)
Page Count: 304 pages
The Characters: Birdie is the youngest of the band. She’s only twelve, kind, timid, and deprived because of her time growing up with the mean madame of the Sylvan Inn. I like her inner strength though. She may not be kick butt, but she’s brave in other ways.
Amos is a retired soldier with a checkered past that haunts him. He also has a Scottish accent which is really fun. His insults and swears remind me a bit of Trumpkin.
Other characters include dwarves named Jirkar and Nisus, a talking cat named George, a griffin named Gundrhold, a harsh thief named Dizzier, and an evil knight named Carthartan. All of the characters were varied and I especially enjoyed the animal characters. I love those, especially griffins yessssssssss. There’s also Kurt and Miles the mean little boys Birdie lives with. Basically I want to hit them with a switch on their little backsides.
The Setting: The book is set in a different world. I love how Gillian reminds us of that by not having standard vegetation but making up her own like zoar trees. I haven’t seen too much of the world yet, but I know there are a lot of Scottish people, magic, and griffins. Any world with those three things is a place I’d like to visit.
Epic Things: Griffinnnnnssssss! I love griffins so much. XD Birdie’s song power is really cool. I don’t full understand it yet, but I can imagine how cool it will get. I also like that Nisus taught Birdie how to use a crossbow. Crossbows don’t get much love.
The Theme: The most resonating theme had to be breaking through one’s past. Birdie grew up being told she was a worthless crazy girl. She learns that she has worth. Amos has a bloody past. He learned he can be a good man. Ky was taught to only think of himself. He learns to sacrifice for others.
Content Cautions: Like most fantasies there is magic. There are several fantasy battle sequences. Characters stab and shoot one another. One character falls and breaks some bones.
What We Can Take Away For Our Writing:
How this can be applied to writing: It’s more work to create new fauna and flora for your fantasy world, but it can pay off in the effect of making your readers feel more like they’ve been transported to another world.
Conclusion: Orphan’s Song is an interesting tale sat in an interesting world. The plot is intriguing and I love the inclusion of griffins. Four stars!
About the Author:
Gillian Bronte Adams was born with a pen in her hand, a sword at her
side, and a saddle beneath her feet. As a speculative fiction writer
from the great state of Texas, she delights in combining epic adventure
and fantasy with themes that point to the greatest story of all—or, as
she refers to it, writing to the echoes of eternity. During the day, she
works as the Equine Director at a Christian youth camp, while at night,
she kicks off her boots and spurs and transforms into a novelist. You
can find out more at her on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
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