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Rating: 
Summary: Acceptable sequel
Review: "Crystal Mask" is the second book in the Echorium Sequence, a hit new fantasy series by British author Katherine Roberts. While it doesn't quite measure up to the first book of the series, it manages to be a solid fantasy story that continues from the prior storyline. A strange young girl, Shaiala, wanders in the desert, remembering how a herd of young centaurs -- with whom she has lived her whole life -- was kidnapped by frightening "Two Hoofs." Now Shaiala ends up at the Echorium, home of the Singers who can provide laughter, fear, relaxation, and death with their songs. They believe centaurs to be mere myths, but it proves that the girl's mind has been tampered with. And a young trainee named Renn proves to be the key when he understands her "half speech." The key to Shaiala's experiences is apparently a crystal mask, but she is reluctant to trust any of the "Two Hoofs." And Renn isn't too crazy about Shaiala either -- it's rumored that anyone who understands half-speech will later go insane. He, Shaiala, a desert prince sold into slavery, and two very familiar Singers will venture out -- and confront a vengeful enemy that everyone had thought to be gone. Perhaps the greatest weakness of this book is that to understand its plot, you need to have read the first book. Old friends and enemies crop up, with cameos by the merlee and a few mentions of quetzal. Readers will also enjoy reading about Rialle, Kherron and Frenn -- who all serve unusual roles in Renn's life. But their existance, and that of the villain, won't make much sense unless you have first read "Song Quest." And the pacing seems a little off, especially when it accelerates during the final pages. Renn is a good reluctant hero; he doesn't want to leave his home, where he has never really felt comfortable anyhow. But his quest serves to make him more tolerant and mature, and gives him some new insights into his past. Shaiala provides both some fire to the narrative, and some mild comic turns when she kicks people. Roberts keeps readers in the dark for quite some time as to what is going on with Shaiala, and whether the centaurs are real, or a part of her altered memory. And the low-key desert prince Erihan serves as a good damper on Shaiala's frustration and loneliness. While not quite as good as the first book, "Crystal Mask" is an intriguing fantasy read for kids and adults alike, and offers promise for Roberts' future Echorium books.
Rating: 
Summary: really quite good
Review: i bought this one and the first one just because the covers caught my attention on the back of a shelf...i really didn't expect a great book (or two?)....anyway, this book was perfect as a sequel to song quest....even tho it was like 20 years later...so, yeah? it was just....good?
Rating:
Summary: A Thrilling Tale
Review: This book was amazing! If you liked the Harry Potter series you'll most assuridly like this book too!
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