Rating: 
Summary: Flash: Fantasy author tells great story in just one book!
Review: I have been reading way too much Robert Jordan, because I was absolutely amazed at the pace Elizabeth Kerner maintains while still telling a detailed and multilayered story. And what a refreshing change this was. I think I would happily dive into another book or two of the adventures of Lanen, Akhor (Varien), the Kantri, the Gedri, and various demon interferences. Most impressive are the lyrical and moving exchanges between Lanen and Akhor as they realize the depth and transcendance of their feelings for each other. Yet, this is not just a love story....it is good vs. evil, old vs. new, "us" vs. "them". And the story is not such a fairy tale that all these conflicts are neatly resolved - just as in "real" life, its complicated and messy. Lanen is a true hero, and thank the Lady Shia she's no supermodel! Kudos to Elizabeth Kerner (and to whatever talented individual did the spectacular and evocative cover art!)
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Summary: A new Fantasy author unveiled
Review: Well, not really new, since I didn't discover this book until recently! The world Kerner builds and describes for her readers is convincingly done - I love the description of the different races and their choices at the beginning (it felt a little abstract at first, but becomes very clear in its importance later in the book, and in the sequel as well). As someone who discovered McCaffrey's dragon books at a young age, and loved them -- it was refreshing to find a new description of the personalities and functions of dragons. Many authors seem to either 'copy' McCaffrey, or else establish dragons as medieval bloodthirsty monsters. This is a new twist on a long-time mythological creature and I applaud it. I would place Kerner on the same level as Anne McCaffrey, LeGuin, McKillip, etc. Very well-written characters and novels. She's going to be a well-recognized author within this field for quite some time (and I say this as someone who was introduced to fantasy by Tolkien's books, and who maintains him on an entirely separate plane because his works are so well done) -- I have consistently been disappointed with many fantasy authors, who often have copycat plotlines, poor characterization, unbelievable worlds and languages, etc. -- but Kerner has managed to break through those barriers with a novel which really was a wonderful read. Some have commented on the love story - yes, there is a love story. I think for some people, that will color their interest in the book and how they assess it, especially if they're used to the 'love story' being an incidental part of the action, only really addressed at the end of the book. But I thought it was well done (and yes, there are people who do have 'love at first sight' type experiences, at the friend level and at the romantic level - I may not be one of them, but I've known couples who've been married 50 years and more who *did* meet that way. Far be it from me to contradict the validity of their experience!).
Rating:
Summary: Blissfully beautiful!
Review: The book and how it is written pulls you into what is happening that you don't ever want to drop the book! Chapter after chapter-- you're willing to keep on reading if it takes all day to figure out what is happen and what will be happening. It is an amazing written book and it just not another dragon book but it is more then that! It has great history before dragons became "dragons" -- they were the Greater Kindered as humans were Gedri! It's a must read if you are a fan of fantasy!
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Summary: The Ultimate Romantic Fantasy!
Review: Song in the Silence is one of the best fantasy books I have ever read, and I have read many! The book is primarily about the relationship between a woman, Lanen Kaelar, and a dragon. The setting is in another world that has an almost medieval feel to it. The author's writing style is superb and the book begs for a sequel. It is hard not to fall in love with the characters. Lanen is very strong willed and goes up against many dangers and terrible odds just to fulfil her dream of meeting real dragons. The book is a must of all who enjoyed Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series. A pure joy to read. Delightful and entertaining. Romance and fantasy are skillfully interwoven in this brilliant book.
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Summary: A truly wonderful and intriguing book
Review: Song in the Silence is one of the best books in the science fiction world. Lanen Kaelar, the main character is a unique persona and has a very noble dream. She is courageous and persistant in reaching the island of the dragons, and does not let anyone stop her from reaching it. She faces the evil demons and her malicious father with calmness and strength, and she is patient and understanding with the strange and unknown dragons. The book is wonderfully written with interesting and thoughtful characters and plot developments. Elizabeth Kerner is a superb author and she needs to write many more books, including a sequel to Song In the Silence.
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Summary: It's different--not in a bad way
Review: As far as dragon fantasy goes, this book was a lot better than say, Anne Maccaffrey. The human/dragon interaction is interesting and (thank god) no telepathic "bonds" are formed. I like the writing style Kerner uses--first person, but switching off with different characters. This is a great method if the writer has several good characters with a strong "voice". However, in "A Song in the Silence", some very weak characters, including the villan, speak in first person, and this is, quite frankly, annoying. In my opinion, it is just as important to have good villans as it is to have good heroes. Another unpleasant thing about this book is the mushy human/dragon romance. However, I must give Kerner at least some points for originality. It isn't often that I run across a love story between a human and a giant silver lizard.
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Summary: If only Dreams Were Real...
Review: This book changes the way a fantasy reader will look at everything. It is up there on my list with Tolkien and C.S. Lewis as a great fantasy. She builds a character you can relate to and doesn't make the plot seem impossible. The reader never really knows who the bad guy is until the end, and a cast of supporting charcters that will make you smile everytime they're mentioned. I have read and re-read this book so many times, and I never get tired of it. If you want a fantasy book with action, mystery, suspense, romance, it's all here. It's all waiting to be opened and to draw you into a world of magic, courage, and choices. The reader will be guessing what will happen to the last battle. Read and Enjoy.
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Summary: At long last!
Review: Elizabeth Kerner, I welcome you into the field of Fantasy. This book is one of the best I have ever read. It's so good that I'm going to do something I've never done before. I'm going to dare to compare this wonderful novel to the works of Tolkien. And with good reason. Kerner has achieved something truly unique in these books. The dragons are amazing, Lanen Kaelar even more so, and the writing better than any of those. Kerner brings a fresh mind to Fantasy, and it shows. Her work is new and bright, like the Soul Gems of her dragons. I had not realized till now how pathetic most of the fantasy I read is. I only hope that Kerner can keep this up through more books. Kerner, I wish you the best of luck, and I'd like to thank you for this fabulous book. May the wind always be at your back, may you always be able to fly.
Rating:
Summary: It's different--not in a bad way
Review: As far as dragon fantasy goes, this book was a lot better than say, Anne Maccaffrey. The human/dragon interaction is interesting and (thank god) no telepathic "bonds" are formed. I like the writing style Kerner uses--first person, but switching off with different characters. This is a great method if the writer has several good characters with a strong "voice". However, in "A Song in the Silence", some very weak characters, including the villan, speak in first person, and this is, quite frankly, annoying. In my opinion, it is just as important to have good villans as it is to have good heroes. Another unpleasant thing about this book is the mushy human/dragon romance. However, I must give Kerner at least some points for originality. It isn't often that I run across a love story between a human and a giant silver lizard.
Rating:
Summary: A Unique Experience!
Review: Elizabeth Kerner has written a novel that is different from nearly all other novels. The typical dragon fantasy novels feature creatures either dangerous and full of rage, or pets to mankind. However, Kerner creates a novel of multiple races equal in intelligence, including dragons and humans. The unique style of writing used by kerner is interesting. The story quickly switches between different first person points of view during exciting parts of the novel, further lending the sense of urgency felt by the characters. The novel begins slow, however it quickly becomes a gripping and exciting piece. This is a great novel that all fantasy lover's can enjoy!
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