 "Flawed, but still had me satisfied" | 2009-10-17 |
| - Reviewed By orbmagnet |
As the first book in the series (more like a trio of trilogies) called The Symphony of Ages, Rhapsody: Child of Blood tell the story of a woman named Rhapsody, a courtesan who has a special gift with music. Just as she tries to escape her seemingly cold-hearted lover, she finds herself a captive among two males of a mixed race, Achmed and Grunthor. The kidnapping, however, eventually turns into a quest as the three of them form a bond, and this leads to a destiny that cannot be stopped.
I was really hoping I would love Rhapsody: Child of Blood. But when I finished the novel just last night, I ended up only liking parts of it. Not to say that the entire book was incredibly bad; it was really good. There were some great moments, but there were some bad moments as well. I'll start with the bad. First, the chemistry between our four protagonists (Rhapsody, Achmed, Grunthor, and later, Jo) seemed very simple. When I say 'simple,' I mean the conflicts that they have with each other (whether big or small) aren't very intimidating, and they sometimes end very quickly. That really kills some of the suspense in the story. A larger grudge against each other would have been more intriguing. That way we would have a slightly better reason for reading the next chapter. Second, located in the middle of the book, there are historical information about the world in which these characters live in. This would have been fascinating if it was actually handled correctly. What you get here are a couple of supporting characters who give our heroes extended narrations about what happened centuries ago, and they go on for about fifty pages. This really slows the story down. I found myself wanting to skip a few pages because of it. The history is interesting enough, but maybe some appendices would have helped, or maybe some brief discussions about history that are scattered throughout the story instead of it crammed together in the middle of the second act.
Third, the religious overtones in this novel are blatantly obvious: the All-God, priests, etc. I don't condemn religion or anything, but this is horribly uninteresting, and adds nothing to the actual plot. Speaking of uninteresting, the character Grunthor has become the fourth reason why I didn't like this book very much. Here is a protagonist that is tall, round, has a kind heart, has a dwarfish dialect, and has a fairly wicked sense of humor. So why is he so dull? It's because we've seen this sort of character before. Whether its his personality or his appearance, we've seen fragments and complete bodies of him in other books in fantasy fiction. There is nothing about him that makes him unique; a failed opportunity indeed. The fifth reason is another protagonist named Jo. She is annoying! She's a teenager, but she's like one of those modern teenagers from High School. She complains, whines, gets pissed off, makes silly jokes, gets excited whenever there's action, and that's pretty much it about her. She hardly ever develops here, and I'd be a bit surprised if she changed in the next two novels in this series. There are some miscellaneous things about Rhapsody: Child of Blood that I also didn't find enjoyable, such as the Firbolg also being dull and cliched. But one that should be mentioned is something that starts on the bottom half of Page 449, where a character named Ashe is awed by the appearance of Rhapsody and forms some dirty thoughts in his mind. And these descriptions last for four-and-a-half pages! Why is it so long?! It could have been done in just a few paragraphs. I mean, I know that Rhapsody would look very attractive, but four-and-a-half pages would have been more useful than this like, say, an action sequence.
With all of these flaws, does that necessarily mean this is Grade C material? By all means, no. I would give this a B-, mainly because there are still some wonderful things about Child of Blood. For instance, the storyline is pretty unique. Even though there are a few elements in the story that have obviously been borrowed from other sources, this is Elizabeth Haydon's own work. It's fascinating, and it grabs the attention once it starts. Same goes for the writing. I can see why Haydon is being compared to Robert Jordan and Terry Goodkind. She has developed a compelling writing style to which can be equal to Jordan's own writing style. The way she handles the dialogue, and the way she describes the different environments is pretty much at the top of the highest level. Then, we have the characters Rhapsody and Achmed. Rhapsody is not your typical damsel in distress: she's tough in spirit and kind in heart. She's smarter than most female characters in fantasy fiction, and she has a personality of her own. Achmed is more of an anti-hero rather than a typical hero. His appearance is fairly ghastly, but that doesn't make him a villain. He is one of the more realistic protagonists that I have seen since The Wheel of Time and The Farseer Trilogy. One thing I should note: Rhapsody and Achmed form a complex relationship, and there was one point in which I thought this would somehow turn into a romance. I guess it was the writing that made me believe that this would happen. And finally, to top it all off, you have some fascinating politics throughout the story and a mesmerizing sequence in which Rhapsody, Achmed, and Grunthor find themselves in the center of the earth (it's really worth reading).
In the end, I still enjoyed Rhapsody: Child of Blood despite its flaws, and it left me wanting to know what's going to happen next in the second installment. I hope it's even better than the original.
Grade: B- |
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 "A Favorite Keeper!" | 2009-09-10 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2UIAPDZ8TTSNP |
I read this trilogy a few years ago and decided to re-read the first book, Rhapsody, since my mom is reading it now. And again, I am amazed and blown away with the imagination that is weaved into this book. It baffles my mind how these authors come up with these fantastical fantasy worlds. This is another trilogy that the characters have remained with me.
Rhapsody is the first book in a larger than life epic fantasy trilogy, with other books that follow. The book opens rather nicely for the romance lover when an unknown person dabbles with time and plucks a young boy named Gwydion out of his time and places him on the island of Serendair to cross paths with Emily, his soul-mate, his true love, or so he feels in the very depths of his heart. Innocently they pledge themselves to each other and sweetly consummate their promises of a future. But sadly that future never comes to pass when Gwydion, who Emily knows as Sam is plucked back out of her time and placed back in his own. But Emily isn't aware of this, only Gwydion. Tragic indeed.
Years later, Emily is now known as Rhapsody. Once a prostitute, now a Singer, and a powerful one at that, having reached the level of Namer, she finds herself on the run from a former client, Michael. Rhapsody stumbles across two odd travelers, the Brother and Grunther, in a back alley, and without realizing the extent of her gift, Rhapsody renames the one called the Brother. He is now known as Achmed, which in turn breaks the bond that an evil demon had over him. There is much power in knowing the true name of something or someone if you hold the magic.
The three companions begin their journey to the great tree, Sagia. Little does Rhapsody know that she is being carted along against her will, thinking she can leave at any time, but remaining with them under their protection. It's only when Achmed opens the great tree and she is forced inside does she realize her error.
The three journey through the root system of the great tree Sagia, that spans the underground world, seeking refuge from that which stalks Achmed and Grunther. Unlikely friendships form between her and her companions. But that is bound to happen considering they find themselves traveling this amazing root system for many years. And an amazing journey it is.
Now on the other side of the world, Achmed, Grunther and Rhapsody find that not only are they on different soil, but fourteen centuries have passed as they traveled in the roots of Sagia! Learning what they can of the past, how it was the people of Serendair that settled and claimed the land, the three discover that the land is in turmoil. Something evil is at work and they find themselves smack in the middle of this evil.
Elizabeth Haydon did such a tremendous job blending in all the history with the flow of the story that it never seemed boring, even if it is a lot to take in. I guess mostly because looking at it from Rhapsody's, Achmed's and Grunther's points of view, I wanted to learn it for their sakes. Here they are thinking they are journeying to the other side of the world, not expecting to find that several centuries have passed as well.
This book sets the stage with several loose ends left open as to the fate of the three and the land and the people for the next two books, Prophecy and Destiny. However, everything does come together without any major cliffhangers, except the fate of the relationship between Rhapsody and Gwydion, otherwise known as Ashe.
Books like this are the reason I love fantasy so much, and have to have it, whether it be in a more simplified fashion that you find in romances or the more complex that you find in high fantasy, like this one. It's necessary. It's a craving and I must have it!
I still need to read Elegy for a Lost Star and The Assassin's King in this series. I have to reread three more before I can do that. It's been so long, I feel like I have forgotten too much, but I'm sure that's not the case. You always remember once you get into the story, events and details start flooding your mind and it all comes back to you. But I still plan on rereading at least Prophecy. The romance between Rhapsody and Ashe is so good in that one!
If you're looking for a really grand fantasy, then I'd highly recommend you journeying with Rhapsody, Achmed, Grunther and Ashe in the Symphony of the Ages series. They may be some hefty books, but they are amazing!
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| "Fantasy for Chicks!" | 2009-05-11 |
| - Reviewed By User: AG76QHIGWJT8O |
I am on my second reading of the "Symphony of the Ages" saga of which this is the first book. I absolutely LOVE it. As a long-time reader of fantasy, I am so excited to read a book with such a strong female voice. Not an "I'm better than a man" voice but a truly feminine voice which embraces all that is stereotypically feminine and shows the strength that can be found there.
Yes, these books have been accused of being the "Harlequin Romances" of fantasy and that accusation is not without merit. There is much more romance and sex (a little too much explicit sex, actually)in these books than there is in most fantasy series, but that is where the resemblance to pulp romance ends. These books are intelligent and have a refreshing and exciting new take on many of the old worn out themes of the fantasy genre. This is the smart but girly chick's fantasy series! It has all the action and magic, guts and glory that you expect from a fantasy novel PLUS it has a strong and sexy main character who is ALL WOMAN. She can open up a can of whoop-@$$ when necessary but spends the majority of her time worrying over the fate of her friends, her "grandchildren" and the man she loves.
This book will introduce you to Rhapsody's rich and fascinating world. The writing is brilliant, the storytelling enthralling and the usual complicated lore and geography of a fantasy novel is unfolded seamlessly and understandably. You will be captivated. I must warn you, if you read this book you'd better clear your schedule because you will not be able to put it down! You'll be haunting the bookstore or library for the next book in the series and you'll be sad, even six books and thousands of pages later, that it was over too soon.
If you have read these book and loved them, I recommend Stephen R. Donaldson's books "The Mirror of Her Dreams" and "A Man Rides Through". They have the same type of feminine main character, romance and engaging plot as the "Symphony of the Ages" series while telling a different, but equally innovative, story. |
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 "An interesting read but some things about it just don't make sense" | 2009-02-04 |
| - Reviewed By twroth |
I was over 150 pages into the book and I told my wife "I like the book but I can't tell what it's about" since there was no clear story line. Who are these people and where are they going and why? The author beats you over the head with the history of the peoples time and time again; is there going to be a test afterward? The idea that crossing the "International date line" would cause a breakdown of the idea of Time is just plain silly. So, if I travel to Australia I no longer will age? Amazing, but this is what much of the story hinges on. The constant conflict between Achmed and Rhaps gets very tiresome and considering they have both saved each others lives, it becomes asinine and childish. Rhapsody is supposed to be a street-wise woman who took on the role of Michael's whore to save an unknown child yet acts like someone who never became a mature adult. When the group takes on Jo, only Achmed has the sense to think that maybe this lying stealing kid is nothing but a liability. Nonsense. Likewise her blind acceptance of Ashe and trust of Lauron. Nobody is PURE and GOOD like he comes across. What's he hiding? We aren't told.
The last quarter of the book which has the group conquering an entire nation in a matter of weeks is silly, too, and what is the goal anyhow? What is the goal of the group? We're never told. Doesn't Achmed want to find and destroy the Demon who made him a killing slave? He doesn't tell Rhaps his "story" until 400 pages into the book? That ridiculous!
What does Grunthor want out of this quest? He's nothing more than a big cuddly teddy bear who's nearly indestructible in times of fighting. Rhaps is the one who seems to have the power, and her power is whatever the author needs it to be whether traveling through the fiery, molten core of the world or bringing a dead tree back to life, yet the other members of the 3 always fear for her safety when she's alone. Make sense? Not to anyone with a brain.
I hope the sequel is better and more logical, and that Rhaps will give Achmed some of the respect he's due. |
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 "Seinfeldian: A Book About Nothing" | 2009-01-09 |
| - Reviewed By User: AZYL84LBX1GOO |
Elizabeth Haydon is a good writer, unfortunately she doesn't have much of a story to tell. I just finished reading this book and for the life of me I couldn't figure out why I should care about any of it. The characters were thin, the plot thinner. The only reason I finished reading it was because I had a morbid curiosity if any of this was going anywhere. At the end of the last page I found out: Nope.
I am somewhat stunned that this book was reviewed so well. Apparently not enough people out there reading Jordan and George R.R. Martin. Again, Haydon writes competently, but with little inspiration and without any target. I have no idea who would want to read the next book in the series or why. While other fantasy writers have taken to keeping multiple plot lines going, Haydon seems to have trouble keeping just one afloat. I expected at some point for more than her main 3 characters to be introduced ... but then we have no reason to care about these characters so why should she introduce others?
I will hand it to Haydon that the Preface presents an interesting concept and plot element, but the action happens so slowly that it's difficult to care about any of it by the time the end of the book rolls around. Do yourself a favor and read Robert Jordan, George R.R. Martin or re-read your favorite author rather than bother with this book. Truly disappointing. |
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| "Lacks a plot" | 2008-12-31 |
| - Reviewed By idrilcelebrindal |
Sure, Elizabeth Haydon demonstrates potential here - but she squanders it in a number of unlikeable ways. First and foremost being the complete lack of plot. Honestly, I'm reading the positive responses and questioning at what point these people encountered a story. I gave up about 100 pages before the end because I had given up all hope of encountering some coherency that tied everything together beyond the incessant need to throw more history at me.
The first third of the book is a travel-log. Rhapsody, Achmed and Grunthor spend a long, long, long, long, long, long, long time traveling across the Root. And then pass through the Fire that re-virginizes Rhapsody. Worst of all, it makes her the most amazingly beautiful woman on the planet, which just got annoying to read. Yeah, Rhapsody's so stunningly beautiful that every male she encounters at her feet literally drops in shock at how incredibly attractive she is; that is not an exaggeration. What started out as an above-average female protagonist - who demonstrated she was intelligent, competent and could take care of herself - devolved into someone who was nothing more than so incredibly beautiful that I couldn't stand to read about her anymore.
The second third of the book is about history. You know, I get it; having a huge long history is great - especially in what is trying to be a high fantasy novel akin to Tolkien or Jordan. I think reading an epic fantasy series where I have to understand that world's history to appreciate everything that's going on is fantastic. But Jordan doesn't give it to you all at once. It comes out bits at a time, logically, over the first few books. Whereas in this novel, it became a repeat of: travel to meet this person - cue long paragraphs of exposition explaining this part of the history...and repeat. I mean, I get that she's in love with her world; I even commend her for her creativity in its conception. But that doesn't mean I want it all thrown at me so often that every time someone (including the narrator) drops around for another history lesson, all I can think is "Again??"
The last third is a combination of the two: they travel to meet more people...so they can get more history. And in all this, she somehow forgot to include a plot. I mean, what is it that ties this all together? She at least gives Rhapsody motivation - albeit a touch contrived - for why she goes with the others down to the Root and across the world and everything. But Achmed and Grunthor are a complete mystery to me; I have no idea in the world why they wanted to travel across the Root, I have no idea why they wanted to move forward in time - or if they even knew their actions were going to move them forward in time - or pretty much anything else. What is their motivation? It speaks to a severe lack of characterization, and despite a few glimmers, I found the three main characters a bit bland.
It also didn't help that, for so much of the book, it's just them. Especially as they will meet more people, who instantly fall for Rhapsody, inexplicably all pledge lifelong relationships, and then three protagonists separate from them for the next entry in the travel-log and such characters are never heard from again. It gets really, really boring.
Like I said, she's created a great world here. I even rather enjoyed it at moments just for it's general atmosphere; and it's hard not to admire the fundamentals of her creativity here. I also commend her for her use of magic - there's some cool and interesting things here, both done with Rhapsody's powers, and also throughout the history of the world, and so forth.
But, seriously - this is one of the most uninteresting books I've found to have encountered in a long while; I can't get in anyway involved when the book is so involved in its own history that it fails to even produce a plot. I just couldn't force myself through the last hundred pages, let alone continuing with the series. Particularly as I'm afraid that they'll likely just be repeats of the notion - more history lessons. I don't read a book for the history of its world; I read it for its characters and plot. Of which this book barely has either. |
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