The Power of Music to Finish a Story
Music... what does the word bring to mind for you?
Maybe the top 40 hits? Maybe some memories of momentous occasion?
So many people tie melodies to their memories because the notes somehow penetrate our brains and souls leaving a mark deeper than an image alone. I am pretty sure I read somewhere how this is possible, some official study... but I'm pretty sure it was boring and that's why I forgot (or it didn't have a melody and it didn't penetrate...).
So the concept of how music fills Liesl and her brother... how that music takes them on a journey they never could have imagined, it captured my curiousity.
And I mentioned in my review of Wintersong, I wasn't even a labyrinth fan... didn't even know the movie and story existed before these books, so I was a blank mind to be entertained.
Shadowsong
S Jae-Jones
Story Overview
Liesl is back to helping around the family's inn, dealing with her crazy grandmother, and her overly stressed mother all while trying to reassure her sister her brother will be fine as he is away with his apprenticeship. But there is a longing deep within her after she left behind her Goblin King, a fear that something is very, very wrong with the world now.
Personal Likes
I love all the imagery of the musin in these books. Sure there is the technical side of music that is easy to define, but the feel music gives people - that is harder to define. And these stories do a good job of bringing some of those emotions into the focus.
I also enjoyed the change in scenery of this book compared to the last one... granted by the middle of the book I was wondering if we would ever return to the Goblin's layer... but I won't spoil that...
I also enjoyed the change in scenery of this book compared to the last one... granted by the middle of the book I was wondering if we would ever return to the Goblin's layer... but I won't spoil that...
Personal Dislikes
More than I would have liked...
This book was full of details and purple prose to the point of ridiculousness. I love for a setting to be described, and for the world to be built, but there needs to be action happening too. Too much of the story is Liesl's thoughts, and worries. Not much actually ever happens. This could have been a short novella and accomplished the same goal.
And while the action was almost non-existant, the character development stalled out as well... and that surprised me greatly. After the first book, where we got details about Leisl and the Goblin King, I kkept expecting to see new layers. Or to finally get more of a full background on her brother and sister. But there was barely anything. So I never got attached tho these characters, and therefore didn't care much about all their inner demons.
This book was full of details and purple prose to the point of ridiculousness. I love for a setting to be described, and for the world to be built, but there needs to be action happening too. Too much of the story is Liesl's thoughts, and worries. Not much actually ever happens. This could have been a short novella and accomplished the same goal.
And while the action was almost non-existant, the character development stalled out as well... and that surprised me greatly. After the first book, where we got details about Leisl and the Goblin King, I kkept expecting to see new layers. Or to finally get more of a full background on her brother and sister. But there was barely anything. So I never got attached tho these characters, and therefore didn't care much about all their inner demons.
Reading List Rating
I'm giving this book a three-heart rating. I enjoyed the idea of this series, and I love to see new authors share their own style, but I wasn't in love with this story.
My Suggested Audience
If you loved Wintersong, you're gonna want to read this one. While it isn't the direction I wanted the author to go with this story, it does further their tale, and lets be honest, that's always nice!
It's a fairly clean story, no real violence that would cause problems, the love stories are minor. There are different types of relationships mentioned, and the focus is on the lengths peopel go to take care of their family, biological and choosen. It would be perfect for teenagers or all ages, and fans of YA stories.
It's a fairly clean story, no real violence that would cause problems, the love stories are minor. There are different types of relationships mentioned, and the focus is on the lengths peopel go to take care of their family, biological and choosen. It would be perfect for teenagers or all ages, and fans of YA stories.
Wondering Questions to Consider
This book does bring up the idea of when we need to step up and care for our family. When do they need our help, and when do they need only our support - the knowledge that if they ask we are there. There is a difference, and knowing which to use is often a challenge.
This book also bring sup the sterotypical issues of history over sam-esex relationships, and how society often doesn't know how to deal with. So that could be an interesting conversation...
Are you a fan of stories that focus on the family dynamic of the characters? Would you rather fantasy stories be centered on an adventure outside of the main characters own mind?
I'd love to hear from you, please leave me a little note!
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**** Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, BethanyHouse
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