Audio of the Week: The Singer of All Songs (The Chanters of Tremaris Triology, Book 1)
RSSFrom SLJ October 2004
Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT -- School Library Journal, 10/04/2004
(unabr.). 5 cassettes. approx. 9 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape (www.library.booksontape.com). 2004. ISBN 1-4000-8515-2 $36.
Gr 5 Up–In the first book of Kate Constable’s fantasy trilogy (Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks., 2004), 16-year-old Calwyn lives in a world called Tremaris where chants have magical power so The Singer of All Songs will rule everything. Although the young woman will soon take her vows as a priestess in her ice-protected homeland, her life changes when she rescues an injured sorcerer named Darrow. He is being pursued by Samis, his former friend but now a power-hungry sorcerer who seeks to learn all nine of the magical chants. Calwyn and Darrow combine forces and, along the way, the pair is joined by two ship-owning brothers, an inventive teenage boy, a young woman with wind-making skills, and a being who communicates by telepathy. There are close escapes, dangerous encounters, and disasters at sea that include being taken over by pirates. A brief, blissful respite in a land of flame trees prepares the comrades for the harrowing final confrontation with Samis. Karen Ziemba’s narration is softly commanding with distinctive voices for each of the main characters. The recording has good sound quality and is enhanced by subtle sound effects and ethereal singing. With a touch of romance, some secrets left untold, and moments that feel mythical, this audiobook will appeal to fantasy fans of many ages. Since this is the first installment of three, it’s a wise middle school, high school, and public librarian who introduces listeners to the series.
