Hero's Song: The First Song of Eirren [Paperback]

Edith Pattou (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2005

Collun has always been happiest working in his garden. But his peaceful life is shattered when his sister, Nessa, mysteriously disappears. He sets off to find her and soon realizes that he and his traveling companions, including the feisty young archer Breo-Saight, have become involved in something much larger and more sinister than he had imagined.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Collun, a timid gardener and herbalist, is forced to leave his safe soil and predictable plants for an epic journey to save his kidnapped sister, Nessa. What begins as a simple quest soon involves the future of an entire kingdom. The reluctant hero is accompanied by three other characters, including a trusted friend, Talisen, who dreams of becoming a true bard--"one who must have the skill for making songs as well as playing them." In her first novel, Pattou successfully knits together the diverse strands of Collun's personal cause and the history of Eirren, her mythic country. The multiplicity of characters and locales, intricate plot details and difficult language may put off younger readers; and, although the basic story is psychologically appropriate for the intended audience, it may lack the emotional depth needed to satisfy older readers. However, the problems are perhaps due to the fact that this novel is the first in a series--one in which Pattou will doubtless extend and explore further her broad canvas. Though the ending here is satisfying, it is loose enough to pique readers' curiosity for the ongoing story. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-8-- There is high adventure in this fantasy set in a mythical kingdom that resembles the British Isles of long ago. Reluctant hero Collun leaves home to find his missing sister; soon after, he is beset by evil birds and other creatures. The wizard Crann explains the full nature of Collun's quest: his country, Eirren, is in great danger of being conquered by neighboring Scathia and its queen Medb, who craves to rule all. She has sent henchmen and magic beasts to take from Collum a powerful stone that he has long possessed (although he is unaware of its secrets). This story hardens Collun's resolve and he continues on his path, joined by a girl disguised as a boy, who is a sharpshooter with a puzzling past; and a would-be bard with a sense of humor. Aided by a little wizardry and other supernatural feats, they overcome life-threatening dangers, and Collun kills the queen's most dangerous monster. He also finds his sister and keeps his stone. For the time being, the queen's power has been destroyed, but she will no doubt surface in the promised sequels. Although the plot moves somewhat slowly, Collun's adventures draw readers along from one crisis to another, while he steadily grows in knowledge and courage. Fantasy fans will find the tale intriguing and look forward to further adventures in this kingdom. It's unfortunate that there is no map of the long journey. --Virginia Golodetz, St. Michael's College, Winooski, VT
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 348 pages
• Publisher: Graphia (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152055428
• ISBN-13: 978-0152055424
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #741,837 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Same ol', same ol', March 12, 2002

By 

E. A Solinas "ea_solinas" (MD USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hero's Song: The First Song of Eirren (Paperback)

Most fantasy runs along the same lines, usually lines set by such people as C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, or Lloyd Alexander. And as good as parts of "Hero's Song" were, somehow it just didn't seem to click into the niche that would make it a classic.

Collun, the hero, is a gentle gardener in a rural village, living with his mother and his very distant father. His sister, however, is a more feisty and adventurous type, but then she vanishes at a party in another city. Collun's mother is devastated and horribly worried -- and even more so when Collun decides to go find her.

Collun ends up bringing along his bard friend Talisen to a nearby inn, where they encounter a warrior woman disguised as a boy, Brie, and a sinister morg that tries to capture Collun and kill Talisen. And as the three of them set out, they also pick up a mysterious wizard named Crann, and an ethereal Ellyl named Silien. They encounter more companions and dangers, as they approach the hideous Firewurme...

This book has definite promise  the usage of Irish myth, language and names are all expert, and some of the descriptions are breathtaking. Unfortunately, when you pare it down to the essentials, it is a pretty ordinary fantasy story with stock characters: we have the naive country hero, the tough warrior girl, the wisecracking sidekick, the wise old wizard, the ethereal elf... all of which we've seen elsewhere, and usually written better. And despite the extensive background for Eirren (Ireland, I presume) it feels very shallow. And the way that Collun and Talisen acquire companions is unimpressive  they run into people, and the people decide to come with them.

Dialogue is a big problem  with the exception of Talisen, at times, the characters all sound alike; their speech patterns are almost identical. The fat, cheerful innkeeper has the same speech pattern as the beautiful, mysterious Silien. And their personalities are very much the same: Collun doesn't really seem to have much emotion or drive, and his quest doesn't feel like there's much behind it. Brie is a typical woman-warrior, with a predictable past, and ends up being irritating rather than interesting. Silien and Crann don't really register either. Talisen is the one bright spot in the characterizations  he's charming, cute, annoying, and possesses the personal quirks that the others lack. And though Gwynned can't be described as a "bright spot," he is more three-dimensional and striking to the reader.

The writing is admittedly very beautiful and well-done. Without being too descriptive, Pattou gives us pictures of the places, things and people that Collun and his friends encounter. So is the "maze riddle," and the menace of the morgs and the strange evil queen.

As a previous reviewer noted, there are some teeth-gritting similarities to Lord of the Rings in places. But this story has no objectionable content, though some kids may be bored by the slower pace. It's a pretty generic story, without the richness of Tolkien's world, the quirky depth of Lloyd Alexander, or the charm of C.S. Lewis. But it's a pretty nice read as well.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT!, July 31, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Hero's Song: The First Song of Eirren (Songs of Eirren) (School & Library Binding)

I actually read the second book, Fire Arrow, first. I love both books. I am very critical about books and i loved this! It shows a strong female role and has a lot of action. It also has magic, animals, and a great plot. I reread the book about a million times and i found something new each time. Every single character plays their part and i like them all, even the bad ones because they're doing what they're supposed to. It's also full of surprises and there are a lot of twists in the story line. I recomend this book to people around 12 and up. It's a must read.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book seriously kicked ..., October 1, 2002

By 

Colin McMillen (New Tripoli, Pa, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hero's Song: The First Song of Eirren (Paperback)

Hey, i'm just sayin that i'm a heavy fantasy reader, and i read this thing and is seriously kicked .... the plot was great, it was very well written, and i even got in trouble more than once in skool for readin it wen i shouldn't have been, kuz i couldn't put it down. I admit it was a bit slow at the beginning, but once you get to the Travelers Rest, it shot off like one of Brie's arrows. There were alot of twists and turns that you didn't expect, and some things that just shocked you all together. It wasn't your typical fantasy, either. Edith made up new races and creatures, and instead of a regular bad..., the guy is a freaking gardener! okay i'm just saying that this book kicked ..., and read it, you won't regret it!