Darksong Rising: The Third Book of the Spellsong Cycle [Mass Market Paperback]

L. E. Modesitt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2001 | Series: Spellsong Cycle (Book 3)

Darksong Rising is the third Spellsong book , and concludes a trilogy featuring Anna Marshall, the music teacher and soprano from the midwest transported into a fantasy world where magic works according to musical principles--making her a powerful magician. Now Regent of Defalk, Anna must battle men who would destroy her and claim Defalk for their own.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The third volume of Modesitt's popular Spellsong Cycle may be its conclusion, but enough loose ends remain to both create realism and allow another trilogy--a felicitous combination for a saga in which music is a source of magic and a bereaved voice teacher from Iowa becomes a mighty ruler. Anna Marshall is now undisputed regent of the fantastic realm of Defalk. Everyone there seems to want their own way in spite of her authority, however, starting with Jimbob, the youthful heir to Defalk who is now well into his teens and suffering from an excess of male pride and adolescent enthusiasm. Keeping him out of trouble creates numerous diverting episodes, as do the intrigues of various nobles, local and foreign, who cannot deny either Anna's power as a wizard or their own distaste for obeying a woman. The Defalkan musicians, the accompanists to Anna's magic, are loyal--but small-group politics afflict even their ranks. Indeed, the suspense and tension in Anna's situation is created largely by her having more to do than any three people could, even without opposition--and she meets resistance at every turn. Modesitt's knowledge of academic politics is also a fruitful source of plot complications. Despite a somewhat episodic treatment and occasional plot lags, this novel is yet further evidence that Modesitt can tell an entertaining story, with panache. Author tour. (Jan.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Transported from her home in Iowa to a world where her musical talent makes her a powerful sorcerer, Anna Marshall has risen to the position of Regent of Defalk. When rivals for her position threaten to take her land from her, Anna gathers her loyal supporters together to defend her realm. Modesitt's deceptively simple prose and true-to-life characters add a realistic touch to an epic tale of magic, love, and war. Suitable for most fantasy collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Tor Fantasy; 1st edition (January 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812566688
• ISBN-13: 978-0812566680
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #686,863 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

After spending years writing poetry, political speeches and analyses, as well as economic and technical reports on extraordinarily detailed and often boring subjects, I finally got around to writing my first short story, which was published in 1973. I kept submitting and occasionally having published stories until an editor indicated he'd refuse to buy any more until I wrote a novel. So I did, and it was published in 1982, and I've been writing novels -- along with a few short stories -- ever since.

If you want to know more, you can visit my website at www.lemodesittjr.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Currently in Holding Pattern, January 15, 2000

By 

K. N. Nelson (California, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Darksong Rising (Spellsong Cycle) (Hardcover)

I adore 95% of Modesitt's writing, and have read all his books. And, I am very very comfortable with his feminist support vibes in this particular series. This book, however, seemed to be parked on the tarmack awaiting a signal from the tower for lift off. I would prefer that Anna get past the self absorbed, menopausal whining and complaining. She is portrayed as THE most powerful person on that world, yet she has mastered neither her emotions, nor her self pity. Too much self-talk nattering plus the reminders of her gluttonous nutrition are waaaaay boring. I had hoped for a deeper exploration of drum magic and for a more dynamic battle over the magic power struggle between Anna and the sicko, perverted teenage ruler Rabyn. I want to know more about the Matriarch and the Seers in Wei, and where/when they will come alive in this storyline. Anna needs to meet with the aforesaid powerful women, find her inner power, stop her whining, and as much as I have loved the developing flirtation with Lord Jecks she needs to get it on with or marry him. A much richer character development is needed by now on all the principals in this story. I would like greater insight into the use of "music magic" as it still is not concrete enough to be believable. Can Anna get her daughter to send books across the mist on pharmacology/chemistry/herbology so she can develop even rudimentary medicine to help her new people? The best part of this book were the closing 4 or 5 paragraphs. Mr. Modesitt warmed my heart with the exquisite, breathless moment of that long awaited recognition of love between Anna and Jecks. Even with the feminist focus in these novels, the author's message of love provided the true power in this story that, hopefully in future novels in this series may awaken and transform Anna at last.

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Book Three and the series is already dragging., December 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Darksong Rising (Spellsong Cycle) (Hardcover)

This book could have been titled "The Spellsong War, Part 2" due to the lack of any fresh plot direction. Again, the story of Anna and Defalk revolves around subduing rebellious lords and hostile neighbors, restructuring society, Anna's attraction to Jecks, and her inner turmoil over her lethal use of magic. By repeating the plot of the last book without providing a sense of an underlying purpose or direction, Modesitt reduces the series to a list of battles that prompts this reader to ask "so what?" Another disappointing aspect of this book was that after all the build-up about Anna's enemies and their drums, the actual confrontations were anti-climactic. Victory came too easily and quickly, even when Anna was caught off-guard. We did not see any protracted magical struggle or situation where Anna was overwhelmed, forced to retreat, and compelled to devise a new strategy. If Modesitt plans to continue this series, I hope he introduces some fresh elements.

Sorry if this review appears twice, but Netscape crashed when I hit the submit button!

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Anna continues to change the world, February 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Darksong Rising (Spellsong Cycle) (Hardcover)

"Darksong Rising" is a worthy successor to the two earlier books in the series. Anna is a believable (and enjoyable) character, and her attempts to wrestle with a new world are good entertainment. The transformation of Defalk continues, and her efforts make a really enjoyable read. Yes, she does whine a bit much about her exile from her children (although in this one at least a hint that she might be recognising that her new life is better). Yes, her sexual frustration over Jecks is also a bit much, too often. But she is entitled to some complaints, given the calls made upon her for selfless sacrifice to help others. I agree too that we could do with a bit less of the "men are dreadful" line. But her magical conflicts are excellent, and I would recommend the series to any fan of fantasy.