Tarinel's Song
Yes
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Ron Glick, ASIN B008VNWA0G
2012
E-Book
~652
Review copy from author
"The world will end with the sounding of Tarinel's Song - or so the prophecy claims. Yet when the prophecy is fulfilled and the world continues on, it becomes clear that there is more to the prophecy than is commonly known.
The fate of the world rests upon the shoulders of mismatched individuals drawn towards what seems to be the center of the crisis - a city at the heart of an empire, sealed off by magic beyond even the power of the Gods to control. But even if they are able to overthrow an unknown power within the city walls, will they be able to put an end to the chaos this harbringer portends?
Tarinel's Song is set in the world of Na'Ril, the epic setting for The Godslayer Cycle. This first in a three book series explores how deities have evolved in another part of the world, and sets the foundation for events that will effect the world as a whole."
The author, Ron Glick, kindly provided me with a copy of his second novel, Tarinel’s Song. I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing his first novel, One, the first in a series about two sets of gods fighting against each other.
Tarinel’s Song is the first in a series that involves elves, mages, and gods. In this book, a particular “song” spells the potential end of the world, and it is up to a hodgepodge group of fighters, elves, and mages to stop it.
Ron Glick is a gifted storyteller, and in Tarinel’s Song he successfully manages the suspense of multiple plotlines, while leaving room for at least a sequel. Glick is also great at weaving together elements and ultimately connecting characters and their motivations.
For example, one of the main characters is an elf named Katze, who has a secret history that is not completely revealed. He sets out on the quest searching for the source of Tarinel’s song, and along the way he adds adventurers to his group. Some are friends from long ago, while others have been seeking him out, to help play out visions and prophecies.
This fantasy novel has many twists and quests. And overall all the characters are well-rounded. Even the characters who could be categorized as the “bad guys” have strong motivations and there’s a lot of play between acting in the right and the wrong. And sometimes even the “good guys” have some shady dealings.
The one problem I found with this story was the ending felt too abrupt. After many chapters of fleshing out characters and their relationships with one another, the ending of this book felt too quick. The group on the quest for Tarinel’s song spend a lot of time traveling and fighting together, which I would imagine bonds them together in some way. Yet after the final fight, there was a brief explanation of why things ended the way they did, and then all of sudden the group goes their separate ways, without even saying goodbye. It felt a little dissatisfying to me.
That said, I do look forward to the next installment. There are plenty of unanswered questions, and many storylines that I can see being easily expanded. Katze and his friend Amber, in particular, have an interesting history, and I’d like to see what happens to them next.
I’d also be interested in reading about the tensions and inevitable battle between the gods. Their role seems important in the series, though they are mostly just being introduced in this book. But though their scenes are limited, it’s clear that a storm is brewing that will affect Katze and the rest of the characters.
Overall, if you’re in the mood for an epic story, I’d recommend reading Tarinel’s Song. It’s a solid story, and is a great introduction into a new, fantasy world.
