Symphony of Ages Boxed Set I

Rating:
Summary: An Intolerable Heroine
Review: This series started out with a lot of potential. By about halfway through the second book, I began to have serious reservations. By the third, I found myself skimming over most of the novel in sheer exasperation. The heroine, Rhapsody, becomes so perfect that Mother Theresa looks squalid by comparison.

Therein lies the series' chief problem, of course.

Even if you're not put off by Rhapsody's physical perfection, whatever exactly that means, and the way everyone gapes in wonder every time they look at her, it's very easy to be put off by the extreme self-righteousness that accompanies her supposed moral perfection. As just one example of this moral 'perfection,' Rhapsody blames herself in book three for nearly being raped, and then goes out of her way afterward to make sure her almost-rapist is feeling good about himself. My guess is that this whole episode was meant to be touching, and to show readers what a great person Rhapsody is just in case we hadn't already gotten the message. I found it to be nauseating.

Add to that Rhapsody's extreme sensitivity, which has her blubbering about something on--literally--almost every page, her incessant anguish, and her nearly constant urge to vomit in dismay about something or other, and you end up with a trilogy that is on the whole rather toxic.

That said, I'm giving the series two stars for two reasons. One, the author does manage to create one interesting supporting character, Achmed. Too bad we see so little of him after the first book. Precisely because he is not perfect, he is a real breath of fresh air. Second, the dialogue is, by and large, pretty good.

If you can tolerate a cloyingly sweet and intensely irritating main character, excessive amounts of description, and a magical system that allows Rhapsody to do pretty much anything she wants to, you may like these books. If you're looking for a novel that's actually worth your time, read something by Carol Berg.

Rating:
Summary: I am so glad I discovered this author!!!
Review: This series was wonderful... eloquent with Characters that tear at our hearts. This series has elements of everything: romance, fantasy, a daring but compassionate heroine, the monstrous but kind-hearted companion, the quiet and mysterious and perhaps more monstrous other companion. I was hooked... and as long as these books are, it is quite a feat to be hooked for thousands of pages!!

Rating:
Summary: An exceptional fantasy series
Review: What a delightful series! It's full of music and laughter and love and unbelievable friendship. The musical slant of these books is extraordinarily unique. The author has completely convinced me of this world, and I was bereft when I reached the end. Can't wait for Elegy for a Lost Star and get reaquainted with these marvelous characters.