For those who read the previous book “Allaigna’s Song: Aria” , (and the other one before that, ” “Allaigna’s Song: Overture“), you will know that this is a Fantasy series that will make you sit and pay attention from the first paragraph to the last. J M Landels is an author that knows her stuff, has the patience and the skill to write not only a great, engaging, multi-layered, consistent plot, but also infuse nuances of dialogue, events, memories and feelings into the book in such a way that you will be delighted, and immersed in what you are reading; no wonder we like her books so much, and she didn’t disappoint in this chapter of the series, at all.
In “Allaigna’s Song: Chorale” we get to read the continuation of events of the previous book, “Allaignas’s Song: Aria” , where our MC has fled her home and was in search of her father, and ended up joining a little army, and now, she is in the crossroads of going back to her place of birth, to her mother, carrying, not so good news, given that the balance of all kingdoms is hanging by a tiny thread, as you will see.
New adventures, old companions making surprise appearances, and mists of romance, danger and fate in the air as this story continues not only with our favourite characters, Lauressa, Irdaign, but also with fundamental ones in this story since the beginning, such as Rhiadne. If you have read any of the previous books, you will feel at home with this one, as it is just as good, if not better in many ways, as you can feel the clear evolution of J M Landels as an author.
As you read “Allaigna’s Song : Chorale“, you will not only understand the style of prose of J M Landels, but feel it, in a sense that makes perfect conjugation with the genre of Fantasy in the medieval sense. It’s musical, epic even in style sometimes and it creates an atmosphere of old times in simple conditions and with lots of toi . One only has to get lost in J M Landels words to fully enjoy them and that, is as easy as breathing. There are passages, and descriptions, both of scenery and feeling that feel like poetry and it’s beautiful to say the least. Very well done by J M Landels.
“Allaigna is gone, her destiny beyond all but the most distant touch of my influence. My hands will be required again on the tiller of Fate, but for now any action of mine would only serve to steer it off course.”
As it’s know, this family, is full of secrets, and many times, conflicts arise because of them, and this is one of the most intriguing tings about this part of the series. There are so many lines of lies, hidden truths and tight corners when it comes to maneuvers that it will built an ever-present shadow of suspense over this book, because of the consequences of even one of them getting out of hand, by ANY of the main characters. Half-brothers, lovers, names and objects all carry a story that, if revealed at the wrong time, to the wrong person would mean death and even collapse of a kingdom, and there are many close calls in the chapters of this book, making it gripping and exciting.
The web of secrets is so big, and so deep that some characters, don’t even know who they are and what their real post in the kingdom is, and they think that they are but peasants serving the royal family. Oh the drama, is real on this one. Excellent!
As layers are added to previous books, culminating on the events of this one, we start to see and understand better how and why things happened, since the proposed marriage of our MC’s mother and the kidnapping, the wars in between and the disputes between kingdoms that are doomed to erupt. Thrilling indeed!
Ok, you WILL have some “WHAT IN THE BLOODY HELL!?” moments while reading Allaigna’s Song: Chorale , not only for the absurdity of the actions of some characters in terms of drama, but the why they went to those incredible lengths just to satisfy their own ego. Oh my, oh my.
Sacrifice, destinies, mysteries and lies fill this book as J M Landels weaves an unpredictable, jaw-droppingly complex storyline, and a revealing ending to this chapter that will make you wonder: When will there be more?
Pros:
- Excellent Narrative, fit to the style and story
- Multi-layered plot with excellent control of the timeline
- Unpredictable, suspenseful, gripping
- A perfect continuation of the series tha leaves you wanting more
- Consistent and mysterious characters
- Immersive experience all the way
Cons:
- None.
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