Customer Reviews

Song of the Ovulum (Children of the Bard)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Song of the Ovulum is the first book in Bryan Davis' new series, Children of the Bard, which builds upon two past series, Dragons in our Midst, and Eye of the Oracle. While it is helpful to read the other two series to get the maximum enjoyment out of this, I believe anyone can enjoy it nonetheless.

Description:

Song of the Ovulum follows two main sub-plots that work together to the conclusion. Matt and Lauren are two sixteen-year-olds who begin to realize they have abilities that are unlike those of the normal human as they both find themselves in a strange prison that holds mysterious prisoners. The second plot follows the story of Joran and Selah, the children of Methuselah and grandchildren of Enoch as they travel through fascinating and dangerous lands in hopes to sometime escape the expansive prison they live in.

For more information on the book, visit the book's web page.

If you've read my reviews of previous Davis titles then you know that for some reason, I have had past troubles reading the author's books straight through. Something about them typically just makes it difficult to stay in the story continually. I read this book digitally on the computer straight through. It hooked me that much. I very much enjoyed this novel.

The book starts with a prologue in first person explaining a tragedy that has befallen some of the original anthrozils. It hooks the reader from the very first page and doesn't let up. The tale goes through various points in time and locations. The book references events from past books and can be really rewarding for readers that have read both of the Dragons in our Midst and Oracles of Fire series'. What I thought most interesting is how the world reacts to the dragons, anthrozil's, and Second Eden. The past books have left the world out of what's really going on, but this book engages the rest of the world full on and it was definitely an interesting idea to explore.

The characters were very fleshed out, and while they kept their perfect characteristics that all of the protagonists of Davis books are known to carry with them, they still maintain their realistic nature. Many might complain about this factor-that they don't mess up-but I think Mr. Davis handles it well and doesn't make the characters seem less real at all. The characters are well developed, attachable, and realistic.

The writing in the book was outstanding, showing just how much the author knows his craft. P.O.V.'s, while hard to discern sometimes, never switched mid-scene. Description was wonderful and easy to see while also leaving room to the reader's imagination. The writing was done very well.

The majority of the time is spent in one place, which I found a little irritating. I thought that the location was a little boring at first, but it soon because a set piece for a very nice plot. I look forward to some more varied settings in the future books of the series, but I can definitely see the purpose of the location in this book.

Overall, I really loved the book. It kept me engaged and wanting to return to read it again and again. The themes are really beautiful-mercy, love, forgiveness, sacrifice-and they are displayed wonderfully. I know at least a few people that will complain about the perfect characters, but it really didn't faze me at all. The characters were well done. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to any fan of Mr. Davis' or anyone looking for a nice piece of fiction for the summer. I am highly curious to see what The Children of the Bard series has next.

Review written by 14 year old girl:

"Children of the Bard: Song of the Ovulum" by Bryan Davis is the first book of the amazing continuation of the "Dragons in our Midst" and "Oracles of Fire" series. I really liked the ending to "The Bones of Makaidos" and I thought that it was a perfect way to end the series with a realistic happily-ever-after. When I discovered that Bryan Davis had continued this incredible masterpiece, I was stumped on what he could possibly have to write about. One fascinating story is told through three amazing series and many incredible adventures.

Bonnie, Billy, Ashley, and a few other anthrozils have been separated from their families and been imprisoned for the "safety" of the people. Second Eden has refused to become part of the United Nations and be put under a government other than that of their beloved King and Queen, so they are not on friendly terms with the United Nations. Bonnie and Billy's children were smuggled away and given new backgrounds but before anyone could be informed of their new identities, the messenger was killed. So for fifteen years, Billy, Bonnie, and Ashley are experimented on in a prison with little or no knowledge of their friends and family, while their children grow up in different foster homes without any knowledge of the truth.

This was an awesome book and I love that Bryan Davis continued this series. It was incredibly well told and I was fascinated by how well the multiple stories interlocked so ingeniously. My one and only regret is that I read this book before the other three were written. It ended on a strangely satisfyingly, yet frustrating cliffhanger, but any patience I had for waiting on the next book died most tragically no more than five minutes after I finished reading the last page.

I only use 5 stars on books I buy for my permanent library. This book is part of my "all ages" library.

Would I/Did I buy it? Yes

Would I read it again? Yes

Would I recommend it to friends? Yes

Fifteen years have passed since the happy ending of The Bones of Makaidos. And in those years, the dragons' hopes of peaceful coexistence with humans have vanished. Now, humans who distrust dragons and want to exploit their powers for their own use have captured several anthrozils in the interests of "national security."

But instead of giving us the story through the eyes of familiar characters, Bryan Davis allows us to see the world afresh, through the thoughts and acts of a new generation. While Billy, Bonnie, and the rest do play a part, most of the action is on Lauren, Matt, and two characters from the dateless past: Joran and Selah, son and daughter of Methuselah.

Some might call this a risky move. After all, he has spent the past eight books letting us get to know these characters, so why shift all of a sudden? But there is no fear of alienating the reader. Instead, by having the focus on new characters, Song of the Ovulum reads like something new. This is fitting because this story is something new. Yes, it's in the same story universe, but the world is different. I won't give a whole lot away to those who haven't read the book yet, but the happy ending in The Bones of Makaidos isn't so happy a few years later. The world has changed.

Davis also tries a new model of storytelling that pays off. The story switches back and forth from the near future to events from long ago, told in a way that is both creative and easy to keep track of. I don't want to say what it is, but Bryan Davis does a masterful job of keeping the reader engaged with two distinct story lines that feature the same villain, and without causing any confusion.

The only negative, if I must call it that, is this: the book isn't all that suitable for newcomers to the series. It assumes the readers are familiar with the previous eight books, even though the characters are new, and some of the flashbacks won't be appreciated by those who have not read the previous books. So for a first-time reader, I would say this: Song of the Ovulum is really book nine in a longer series, and it would be best for them to start with Raising Dragons and experience the adventure from there.

SONG OF THE OVULUM

Children of the Bard Book 1

By Bryan Davis

Song of the Ovulum is the first book in a new series (Children of the Bard) by Bryan Davis. Though this is a new series it builds on two previous series Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire. If you have not read the previous two series, read the recap at the end of this book so you will have a basic understanding of preceding events and characters.

Song of the Ovulum covers two timelines. The first is Joran and Selah's story. Their story picks up the day before the Great Flood that will destroy everyone and everything not aboard Noah's Ark.

The second story is Matt and Lauren's, who are two 16 year olds with unique abilities. Matt can sense danger and avert disaster before it happens, he also never gets cold. Lauren can hear voices that no one else can hear as they are so quiet (whispers or talking to one's self). Lauren also glows in the dark. What happens when events bring these two together? Are the rumors true? Are Lauren and Matt anthrozils and have their true identities been hidden from them?

Take a journey through time and other dimensions and learn a lesson in mercy and forgiveness while demons, dragons and humanity battle for Heaven and Earth. Who will be victorious? An exciting page turner you won't want to put down.

Discover the Song of the Ovulum along with Joran, Selah, Matt and Lauren.

This book is just amazing. Masterfully written, engaging! I was saddened when I realized I was already done. I'm looking forward to the next book, as Mr. D. is a great author and a wonderful man. Thanks for being a great friend and writing so many wonderful books, Mr. D.!

Wow. And we thought this series was over. I can't imagine it without "Song of the Ovulum" anymore. It was a perfect addition: filled with the same action, suspense, high stakes, and unshakable faith as the first eight. From "Raising Dragons" through "The Bones of Makaidos", we have been growing to know and love Billy, Bonnie, Walter, Ashley, and all their friends. This book not only brought back nearly all the familiar faces, it introduced still more characters just as captivated and endearing as the originals. The stakes seemed so high, I often found myself thinking that there was no possible way out this time, but I was again proven wrong. Dragons, at least those that serve the Lord, really can take on almost anything. From the days of the flood, all the way to the stormy world relations with Second Eden, Mr. Davis has shown his amazing skill in weaving memorable characters into fantastical worlds where anything and everything might happen: plants may turn to people, voices may be stolen and returned, and songs of mercy have power incomprehensible. For those of you who thought the ride was over with "The Bones of Makaidos": Buckle your seat belts and get ready to dive in even farther, because you ain't seen nothin' yet.

This book is definitely a great read, for Christians with high moral standards for books, this one is great! It doesn't push religon on you, if you aren't a Christian, either. I read it in three days. It was VERY interesting! I am very excited to read more in the series when they come out!

You can't get much better than Bryan Davis' track record. I've given him five stars almost without fail on every single book he's written. This is no exception. You can't get much better than expanding an already deep story world with what is probably one of the better books in the entire nine-book (so far) saga. And he's got three more books planned! Highly recommended.

I just finished Song of the Ovulum, and I cannot wait to read the next installment in the Children of the Bard series! I was fascinated by all the tie-ins to the old books, and I loved experiencing the thrill of recognition as old friends reappeared and unknown stories revealed answers to old questions. Going through a hard time at the moment, the songs of mercy each character sang really helped me move from hatred and bitterness into forgiveness and mercy. I cannot wait to hear my own mercy song and write the words that shine the twofold hues of mercy. Thank you, Mr. Davis, for your spectacular writing and for being obedient to the tunes that God has sown into your soul. I will be keeping an eye out for the next book for a long time!

I loved the array of songs that spanned throughout the book. This book rivals even The Bones of Makaidos. The previous series never shied away from God, and in Oracles of Fire the passion strengthened. This book carries on that passion. It was a wonderful story about God's redeeming love, mercy, and forgiveness. This book will leave you hungry for more.