Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781548937935 |
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| Publisher: | CreateSpace Publishing |
| Publication date: | 09/23/2017 |
| Pages: | 320 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.67(d) |
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Song
5 out of 5
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0 ratings.
3 reviews.
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Years of Rayph Ivoryfist's work has just been undone. A black magician has attacked the prison he built and released his captives, some of the most deadly people in the kingdom. One of them has sworn to kill the king, who has already barred Rayph from his court. How can Rayph save a man who won't even allow him nearby?
One of the first things I noticed about Song is that it doesn't feel like it's the first book in a series. Right from the first few pages, it's obvious that the author has created a world with a lot of history to it, far more than the book itself has room for. The advantage is that it makes everything feel richer and more real. The downside is that it can get confusing from time to time, especially when characters who have history meet and the reader is left to work out how this will affect the plot.
There are two primary POV characters; Rayph Ivoryfist and Konnon Crillian. Both are fighters, warriors, widowers. Rayph is both a swordsman and a mage, centuries old and potentially one of the most dangerous men in the world. In the book, there are only three other characters that might be a match for his skills. Even so, he is wise enough to know when he needs help; gathering a band of self-styled Manhunters to assist him in his dual tasks of capturing the escaped prisoners & safeguarding the king.
Konnon, by comparison, is more of a brawler and sometime bounty hunter. He's gruff, short-tempered and vicious when needed. But at the same time, he mourns his dead wife and is desperate to earn enough money to find treatment for their daughter who is suffering from an unspecified paralysing disease. It isn't immediately apparent when or if their paths will cross and watching as this plays out is one of the delights of the novel.
There is a great deal to enjoy about this book; the characterization, the action sequences and, of course, the worldbuilding. There are also one or two nitpicks; the occasional confusion mentioned before as well as what feels like the relatively brief nature of the novel. Both the world and the plot could have supported a slightly longer book. But since there are two direct sequels plus a few stand-alone novels, this is less of a drawback than it could have been. Overall, it's a satisfying and worthwhile read, but one that still leaves you wanting more.
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Song is the first book in the Manhunters series. It is a dark fantasy novel. Situated in Perilisc, the prison of Mending Keep has been breached, releasing all evil. Rayph Ivoryfist then comes to save the day with his joined forces to protect and serve the king and to create some kind of calmness to the city.
I have read previous books from Jesse Teller, and so I was expecting the same standard and quality of literature to have applied in this book as well. I was not disappointed. I think the storyline or the concept of the idea for the plot may not be such a novel one; however, when Jesse Teller, cites it, you enter a whole other experience.
The story has many side plots alongside the main plot and so when you begin to read this book, you enter a multi-dimensional storyline and that in itself, displays talent and was much appreciated.
The imagination and growth of visual descriptiveness are one of the strongest aspects of this story. I recommend this author and his entire series to people who enjoy dark fantasy and have a particular regard towards strong literature.
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Set in the world of Perilisc, Jesse Teller returns to this world with another series sure to captivate readers. The Manhunters series starts off with Song, and tells two story lines that intertwine. Rayph Ivoryfist is an immortal magician that has his own personal demons to fight, but is bound by honor to protect the land and the boy he believes to be the next great ruler. When the prison he built is destroyed and all the evil had brought to justice is released he knew he needed help. Rayph than builds his own army of powerful beings, with his old friend Smear at his side. Parallel to the story of Ivoryfist preparing for battle is the story of Konnon, the father that wants a cure for his daughter’s paralysis. To help his daughter Bree, Konnon must work with his partner Glyss. Together the two of them have a reputation for being unstoppable and deadly. They live up to this reputation, knowing each other inside and out. The two pair’s separate missions will unavoidably end them up together in the town of Song, the question is, who is alive in the end?
Jesse Teller has a way with describing the setting that really makes you feel like you are there. The swamps that Rayph visits, you can almost feel the mud clinging to you, smell the decaying woods and animals used for sacrifices, and feel the tension that the people around the main characters create. The level of detail that goes into settings, also goes into the action. While this is great for really getting into things, those with a weak stomach for gore might not be pleased. Teller describes in detail the torture of some characters, and details the death of many. This level of detail may not appeal to all, but Teller can also detail the compassion and love between two characters just as well. The example of Konnon and his daughter Bree. There is no question about the devotion and love he feels for his daughter, it is relatable and pulls at the heart strings. A father’s undying love and willingness to do whatever he must to save her, no matter what the cost is to himself.
One of Teller’s greatest skills is relationships. Not romantic quest love relationships, but bonds between people and spirits. These bonds draw the readers in sometimes more than the story lines do because they are so powerful and relatable. As I read Song, I felt the bonds that form between Rayph and his army. The magic that makes it so they can all be connected is just a piece of the puzzle, they genuinely build a brotherhood and work as one. Konnon and Glyss while not blood brothers move as one unit together, they are bound and know each other so well there is no need for words. It is a great read for the relationship factor alone. If you enjoy studying and reading about human (or in this case non human) relationship Teller will not disappoint. Through his use of many magical creatures from humans, to fairies, to demons, all working together for a common goal the passion for survival and willingness to put all differences aside for is apparent. Perhaps it is a good lesson for modern society, put our differences aside and work together to defeat the evil looking to rip our world apart.
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