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Songs of the Earth

By: Elspeth Cooper
Narrated by: Allan Corduner
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Summary

Songs of the Earth is the most compelling debut fantasy novel since Patrick Rothfuss first hit the shelves four years ago, with the stunning The Name of the Wind. Combining superb characterisation with an epic story, it is beautifully told and engaging from the very first word. Gair is under a death sentence. He can hear music - music with power - and in the Holy City that means only one thing: he's a witch, and he's going to be burnt at the stake. Even if he could escape, the Church Knights and their witch finder would be hot on his heels while his burgeoning power threatens to tear him apart from within. There is no hope… none except a secretive order, themselves persecuted almost to destruction. If Gair can escape, if he can master his own growing, dangerous abilities, if he can find the Guardians of the Veil, then maybe he will be safe. Or maybe he'll discover that his fight has only just begun.

©2011 Elspeth Cooper (P)2012 Orion Publishing Group Ltd
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What listeners say about Songs of the Earth

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Stunning

could not stop listening to this. wonderful characters, scenes leap from the page and could almost be animating before your eyes.

The world is excellent and believable. Full of interesting and well rounded characters. And it's nice to have a character at the beginning of an epic fantasy Saga like this who isn't completely naïve and useless until some magical old bloke comes along. Gair is a wonderful central character, already well rounded at the beginning of the books. It makes me look forward to seeing what he can become.

I will be reading this again

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

very good but had trouble keeping track

really enjoyed the book and loved the story but there were a few things I struggle with remembering all the different names and who they are and what role they play in the story, it want until 2/3 of the way through I have everyone settled in there right places and there roles, but overall really enjoyed the story and the narrator is great, would definitely recommend

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Absolutely, incredibly enthralling story.

I usually find music interludes annoying but this was the opposite of helped to emphasize the drama of the situation Andreessen narrated had me refusing to put the book away. I am going straight on to the next one.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

amazing

great story and an amazing reader.
soothing voice but can also bring about emotion and excitement beuatifully

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Superb!

Missing Patrick Rothfuss? Then listen to this and you won't be disappointed. Great story, superbly performed. You will care about most of the characters and be absorbed right up till the end. Heading straight on to the next book!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Gripping story; great narration

If you liked 'The Name of the Wind' you will also like this book.The author weaves several narratives which will come together by volume 3 I'm sure. There are some interesting ideas about people's extra abilities. There are also strong female characters - although not the central character who is a young man with something in his past that makes him the centre of a lot of unwelcome attention.It would make a nice change to have a woman as the lead. The one disappointing aspect for me is that at the heart of the story (at least so far) is a struggle between a young and older man - so just like Harry Potter and Voldemort - so it could have been more creative.



The narrator is excellent - he manages to give the women credible voices. I have not read a print version of the book and I did wonder if I would have liked it as much - in other words the narrator lifts the book - I looked a couple of blogs with reviews and the reactions were in general positive but not all five star. Still I do recommend it.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The Best Read I Have Had In Years

What made the experience of listening to Songs of the Earth the most enjoyable?

Allan Corduner's voice and a very gripping story by Elspeth Cooper.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Songs of the Earth?

All i can say is Iisha.....................

What does Allan Corduner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Allan Corduner's voice and characters are the most captivating I have ever listened to, each character was brought to life and so individual.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Sat and read all 3 in a week, none stop enjoyment loved every minuet can not wait for the next one

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting

I came to this willing to like it and I did. I got a bit confused in the middle with the names and different places but I think that was me! I was genuinely moved during the grief moments - well written. The narration was spot on and I look forward to the second installment

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Nothing really new but still good

This book takes place in a pretty average world run mainly by overzealous priests. The protagonist is well developed and his "magic" is not particularly unique to the world of fantasy books but the way it is presented as music is a nice way of looking at it. The relationships and romance between the characters is very well developed and there is a nice mix of action, adventure, romance, discovery and despair throughout the book. Narration is good.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Superb

Have all 3 books if this is anything to go by I am in for a real treat. Great story and great naration by Allan Cordunder. He brought the story to life. Can't wait!

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