Orlion reviewed Song of the beast by Carol Berg
Review of 'Song of the beast' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Almost three years ago, I was able to meet Carol Berg at a World Fantasy Convention. During the meeting, I had asked her which book of hers she would recommend I read first. She give me several suggestions and finally, after almost three years, I have decided to ignore those suggestions and read Song of the Beast.
Song of the Beast is a standalone fantasy novel. It centers on the character of Aidan MacAllister who has been imprisoned and tortured for seventeen years. He does not know why, but will learn as he flees the relentless Dragonriders of Not-Pern and seeks his gods with the help of an asexual race of humanoid bureaucrats.
The pacing is fairly quick, and the twists are enjoyable if mostly predictable. The antagonists are brutal and are constant sources of suspense due to their competency. Often times, I wished that their flesh would be flayed …
Almost three years ago, I was able to meet Carol Berg at a World Fantasy Convention. During the meeting, I had asked her which book of hers she would recommend I read first. She give me several suggestions and finally, after almost three years, I have decided to ignore those suggestions and read Song of the Beast.
Song of the Beast is a standalone fantasy novel. It centers on the character of Aidan MacAllister who has been imprisoned and tortured for seventeen years. He does not know why, but will learn as he flees the relentless Dragonriders of Not-Pern and seeks his gods with the help of an asexual race of humanoid bureaucrats.
The pacing is fairly quick, and the twists are enjoyable if mostly predictable. The antagonists are brutal and are constant sources of suspense due to their competency. Often times, I wished that their flesh would be flayed from their bones... but Aidan is much too noble a character to seek vengeance on those responsible for his seventeen year imprisonment.
Which is an interesting aspect of the book. The main character, despite accusations of naivete and experience to the contrary does not stoop to the level of an Edmund Dantes during the course of the entire novel. In fact, one could describe the Song of the Beast as The Count of Monte Cristo if Dantes decided to use his wealth to improve the French nation and atone for its past sins instead of on sweet, delicious revenge. Aside from not being common in the fantasy genre anymore, Berg also told it in a convincing manner. Aidan pays dearly for continuing in his noble ways and he has to forgo any concept of justice for crimes committed against him to achieve a higher, moral goal. A goal which ultimately may have dire consequences for many more innocents then himself.
Carol Berg manages to tell a satisfying and interesting story in one volume of fantasy literature, an epic feat in of itself. She also manages to not overstay her welcome in the world she created, leaving it behind while the reader still has an interest in it. This means the world will live on after the last page is read and, so long as no sequels are forthcoming, will be a source of wonder.