Song of the beast - Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror - Book Review

BERG, Carol. Song of the beast. Penguin Putnam, Roc. 467p. c2003. 0-451-45923-7. $6.99.

JSA

If judging this book simply by its cover, it would be easy to categorize it as another dragon fantasy book. Instead, it is a wellcrafted mystery centering on the character of Aidan MacAllister, a musical child prodigy who became a legendary bard, shunning the warrior destiny of his royal ancestry. At the age of 21, he is inexplicably imprisoned and tortured into silence. Released just as suddenly 17 years later, Aidan realizes he must hide his identity as he is still pursued, finding unlikely allies among the Elhim, the androgynous servant caste of his world.

Berg does a wonderful job of creating the harsh, warlike world surrounding Aidan, with its defined social strata of the noble Senai, the merchant class Udema, the sexless, servile Elhim, and, protecting them all, the Ridemark clan comprised of barbaric warriors whose task is to ride the fire-breathing dragons held enslaved to the Ridemark's will through magical gems and spells. Aidan's lifelong fascination with these dragons holds the key to his imprisonment and the fate of his country.

The plot moves well and the vocabulary and cultural references unique to this world are either easily explained within the text or intuitively grasped. This book holds appeal even for readers who traditionally shun fantasy: its open-ended conclusion suggests a sequel. Definitely recommended for libraries looking for high quality fantasy and mystery additions. Courtney Lewis, Libn., Groton Sch., Groton, MA

COPYRIGHT 2003 Kliatt
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group