Book Review--Orphan's Song by Gillian Bronte Adams

Who Will Keep the Song Alive?

Every generation has a Songkeeper - one chosen to keep the memory of the Song alive. And in every generation, there are those who seek to destroy the chosen one.

When Birdie's song draws the attention of a dangerous Khelari soldier, she is kidnapped and thrust into a world of ancient secrets and betrayals. Rescued by her old friend, traveling peddler Amos McElhenny, Birdie flees the clutches of her enemies in pursuit of the truth behind the Song’s power.

Ky is a street-wise thief and a member of the Underground—a group of orphans banded together to survive . . . and to fight the Khelari. Haunted by a tragic raid, Ky joins Birdie and Amos in hopes of a new life beyond the reach of the soldiers. But the enemy is closing in, and when Amos’ shadowed past threatens to undo them all, Birdie is forced to face the destiny that awaits her as the Songkeeper of Leira.

Through My Window

I knew before I opened this up that the story would be good.

After following the author's blog, hearing of her beautiful, busy life, and reading her lovely short stories, I knew that Gillian Bronte Adams would write stories that are special. So I was rather determined to read her first book at once.

I was not disappointed.

First of all--her characters. Her cast is simply delightful. She takes common types--the poor orphan girl, the street scamp, the fun-loving protector with a dark past, and spins them anew. You feel the enchantment of a classic story all over again. Birdie is a doll. Ky is endearing. Amos...well, you're just going to have to read for yourself about Amos. I knew that the lady who wrote such astonishingly insightful (and hilarious) villainy posts would write good villains, and sure enough, I just felt the chilling, powerful, yet human presence of the villain as soon as he stepped onto the page. I was also delighted to encounter the young "evil" soldier who doesn't quite match up to the stereotype of "bad-guy." I hope we will see more of him.

Her writing is sweetly simplistic, elegantly formed. She ties her different plots together with ease, dropping delicious hints here and there. And she surprised me. I should have seen it coming. But she surprised me anyway.

While this is a delightful story, there is also a more serious, mature stamp on it. For the consequences of life and death are clearly portrayed. Not everyone comes out all right in this story, not even innocent children. This is a world with harsh reality.

And a terrible cliff-hanger.

Yes. One of those. Not an evil cliff-hanger, understand. Just one that leaves you ready for the next part of the story, because the first major fault with this book is that it was too short. Or perhaps it is simply because the next book is not here yet. So write quickly, Gillian Bronte Adams. Your audience awaits.