Book Review: The Singing

The Singing: The Fourth Book of Pellinor by Alison Croggon

Click on the book to see which libraries own it.

SUMMARY: In an increasingly battle-ravaged land, Maerad and Cadvan, Hem and Saliman desperately search for one another as they make their separate journeys. The Black Army is advancing north, and even as Maerad faces a mighty confrontation with the Landrost to save Innail, all of the Seven Kingdoms are threatened with bitter and devastating defeat. Yet in Maerad and Hem lives the secret to the mysterious Singing, and legend holds that if they release the music of Elidhu together, they have the power to defeat the Nameless One. Can brother and sister find each other in time to fight this all-powerful enemy, and are they strong enough—even reunited—to defeat him before all is lost?

OPINION: First, I have to thank Marissa for getting a lot of us hooked on this series when the first book came out. This long-awaited conclusion to the Pellinor series does not disappoint, remaining both engaging and satisfying. You will want to curl up with this book and see the characters through to the end without stopping! The story picks back up with Maerad and Cadvan, even though the previous book followed Hem. However, a significant portion of the plot is also devoted to Hem and Saliman, as they desperately make their way toward Maerad in a last-ditch attempt to stop the advancing forces (literally) of the Dark. This story has all the trappings of questing fantasy, but Maerad is surprisingly introspective as well. She wrestles extensively with the ramifications of her powers, knowing that she has the capability to be just as evil as the Nameless One. Fighting, even for a good cause, can corrode the will and the spirit, and Maerad has to find the Balance even as she is coming into her full power for the first time. I don't want to spoil anything for you, but I think you will be happy with the ending, though probably wishing for more details that are not included. I hope Alison Croggon writes more books set in the Seven Kingdoms in the future!

THE SERIES: If you have not read the other books in this series, they are The Naming, The Riddle, and The Crow. We own them all, so come check them out. If you are a reader of epic fantasy, they are definitely worth your time.

Book Review: The Crow

The Crow: The Third Book of Pellinor by Alison Croggon

Click on the book cover to see which libraries own it.

SUMMARY: Hem is a weary orphan whose struggle for survival ends when he is reunited with his lost sister, Maerad. But Maerad has a destiny to fulfill, and Hem is sent to the golden city of Turbansk where he learns the ways of the Bards and befriends a mysterious white crow. When the forces of the Dark threaten, Hem flees with his protector, Saliman, and an orphan girl named Zelika to join the Light’s resistance forces. It is there that Hem has a vision and learns that he, too, has a part to play in Maerad’s quest to solve the Riddle of the Treesong. As The Crow continues the epic tale begun with The Naming and The Riddle, Alison Croggon creates a world of astounding beauty overshadowed by a terrifying darkness, a world where Maerad and Hem must prepare to wage their final battle for the Light. (adapted from the back cover)

OPINION: A lot of people at our library started reading this series because of Marissa, and now we're hooked! This book is different from the first two, in that it focuses on Maerad's brother rather than Maerad herself. Despite that, it is a heart-wrenching adventure story that will keep you engrossed until the end. Hem (aka Cai) finds out the strength of his bardic powers on an epic journey to find out exactly what the Dark is up to. As he joins the ranks of child soldiers directed by Hulls, Hem has to hide his powers and curb his attitude...two things that are very difficult for him! Find out how Hem infiltrates the Dark and tries to remain part of the Light, even as older Bards are losing their lives for the same deception.

WEBSITES: Check out the new Books of Pellinor website! It has an excerpt from the final book, The Singing, which is scheduled to be published next summer! Also, check out Alison Croggon's personal website for lots more info on the series.