Customer Reviews

Steward of Song

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I found Adam Stemple's new series at the library. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his smooth prose and storyline. Steward of Song continues the story started in book one, Singer of Souls. It truly is a series, so don't read this one if you haven't read Singer.

The story follows Scott and Bridie Stewart. Scott is a recovering veteran, living quietly in rural Massachusetts. One night, a baby is left at his door and his whole world turns upside down. Meanwhile, his sister Bridie is in Scotland searching for their missing brother Douglas (Singer of Souls) who's been accused of a terrible crime.

Stemple does a nice job of combining modern life with the world of myth and fairy. However, unlike some fantasy authors, his mythical creatures are not always "good." Humanity may interact with their world but other forces motivate it.

Be warned that the book's ending, while not a cliff-hanger, is not a true ending. The action pauses but more adventures are waiting in the wings. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this unique series.

Douglas Stewart went to Scotland and through a series of circumstances (see SINGER OF SOULS) becomes the ruler of Faerie. His magic puts the rightful queen Aine in a magical stasis. The prophecy says his son will kill him so he is prepared to kill the child but his loyal retainer Martes has him taken away and he is left at the door of Douglas' brother Scott.

Scott was injured and now sees visions of the future but he doesn't know the child he takes in is his nephew. He takes care of him and loves him and the brownies and hobs watch over the house because there are two magical beings who want the baby; one to drink his blood and inhale his soul while the other wants to eat his flesh.

The third Stewart sibling Bridie is looking for Douglas who the police believed killed his grandmother and a priest. Bridie is positive he is innocent but when she crosses over into Fairie she finds a cruel Douglas who reigns with an iron fist. When the three siblings meet, the fates of the trio will be decided depending on the choices Douglas makes.

This sequel picks up where SINGER OF SOULS leaves off and concentrates mostly on Scott and Bridie with Douglas making only brief appearances. This fantasy is enchanting, spellbinding and readers will finish it in one sitting to find out what happens to the three siblings and the baby. The audience will admire Scott as he comes to recognize he is a precognitive and his love for his nephew heals his mind and lets him accept what he has became.

Harriet Klausner

I just finished Adam Stemple's The Steward of Song, released by TOR in hardcover in 2008. It looks like all new releases are getting a hardcover treatment nowadays and they are no indication of quality at all. This particular urban fantasy is about three relatives who all have some fey connection of their own, and they embody the blend of modern life and the faery setting that this book is. I found it all rather dainty and girlish, even if two of the main characters are male. I'm sure there is a readership for this book, if you're particularly interested in faery and urban combinations and are interested in singers, flute music and lesbian cops. I wasn't engaged.