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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
This book is really only worthy of 3 stars, but I rounded up for the sake of the entire story. The ending was no great surprise (well, I suppose I was surprised that, after pulling no punches for the last three books, Croggon actually let Maerad live); it was clear from the end of book 3 what had to happen, and this book really took its time getting there. And in the end, everything felt anticlimactic. I felt the wind go out of my sails about two thirds of the way through.
I will say that a large part of this was because (spoiler alert for this whole paragraph) I'm tired of reading about 16 year old YA fantasy characters who end up with their much older teachers. It was refreshing to see in books 1 and 2 how Croggon deliberately called out that Maerad loved Cadvan as a father and friend... how much more disappointing, then, to have her renege on that beautiful and complex exploration of the many kinds of love (which spanned two and a half books) with only 30 pages of story left to go.
But to the good--I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you like epic stories that will remind you of the things you liked about Tolkien (or Lloyd Alexander, or even, in some ways, Garth Nix), you'll like this series. I liked it. I just didn't end up loving it, and I sort of blame the last book for that.
I will say that a large part of this was because (spoiler alert for this whole paragraph) I'm tired of reading about 16 year old YA fantasy characters who end up with their much older teachers. It was refreshing to see in books 1 and 2 how Croggon deliberately called out that Maerad loved Cadvan as a father and friend... how much more disappointing, then, to have her renege on that beautiful and complex exploration of the many kinds of love (which spanned two and a half books) with only 30 pages of story left to go.
But to the good--I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you like epic stories that will remind you of the things you liked about Tolkien (or Lloyd Alexander, or even, in some ways, Garth Nix), you'll like this series. I liked it. I just didn't end up loving it, and I sort of blame the last book for that.
A fantastic way to finish the book! I couldn't stop reading it, and I finished it within 2 days! The ending was incredible and not at all what I expected to happen.
This was a beautiful series! My only regret was not reading it before, when my mother had bought the first book for me such a long time ago.
This was a beautiful series! My only regret was not reading it before, when my mother had bought the first book for me such a long time ago.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I definitely will not be re-reading this series in the future or reading any more of this author's work. Too much long-winded journeys for my taste. Overall, it wasn't bad. I didn't mind the less than stellar, unconventional "battle" at the end, it was different. Losing her powers was absolute bullshit, though.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
In this fourth book, the book alternates between Maerad and her brother Hem as they each prepare for the final confrontation with the Nameless One. The sense of impending doom was palpable but expected.
What makes The Singing stand out is Croggon’s ability to combine adventure with introspection. The action is well-paced and gripping, but it’s the emotional development of the characters, especially Maerad, that resonates most deeply. Her journey is not just about saving the world but also about self-discovery, courage, and the acceptance of her own power. Hem’s storyline is equally compelling, showing his growth from a boy into a young man who plays a pivotal role in the fate of their world.
The resolution, while satisfying, wraps up a little too neatly, leaving certain threads untangled in a way that might leave readers wanting more exploration of the aftermath.
My Cosmic weather report -
Started 22 July 2024
What makes The Singing stand out is Croggon’s ability to combine adventure with introspection. The action is well-paced and gripping, but it’s the emotional development of the characters, especially Maerad, that resonates most deeply. Her journey is not just about saving the world but also about self-discovery, courage, and the acceptance of her own power. Hem’s storyline is equally compelling, showing his growth from a boy into a young man who plays a pivotal role in the fate of their world.
The resolution, while satisfying, wraps up a little too neatly, leaving certain threads untangled in a way that might leave readers wanting more exploration of the aftermath.
My Cosmic weather report -
Started 22 July 2024
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I loved pretty much every bit of this story. It tied up every thread and brought the storylines of Hem and Maerad back together. As with every good YA story, good triumphs in the end. You couldn't ask for more than that. At least, I couldn't. :)
I simply adore this series and this last book flies by. If you love fantasy and enjoy learning the lore of a fictional time and place these books are a great choice and I highly recommend them. This is my second time through and they do not disappoint!
adventurous
medium-paced