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Songmaster
Songmaster
Author: Orson Scott Card
An SF classic from the author of Ender's Game. — Kidnapped at an early age, the young singer Ansset has been raised in isolation at the mystical retreat called the Songhouse. His life has been filled with music, and having only songs for companions, he develops a voice that is unlike any heard before. Ansset's voice is both a blessing an...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780312876623
ISBN-10: 0312876629
Publication Date: 12/1/2002
Pages: 352
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 23

3.9 stars, based on 23 ratings
Publisher: Orb Books
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Songmaster on
Helpful Score: 4
This little-known book may be my favorite Card novel. The characters are real and the relationships are moving. It is a complete, stand-alone story that hasn't been ruined with terrible sequels. It is about humanity and the impact we have on those around us; the power of music and love; the ease with which power can be corrupted; and the difficulty and intensity of expressing or suppressing true emotions (guilt, love, greed, passion, anger, resentment, etc). It has been said that Card truly understands the human condition. I believe Songmaster is the truest proof of this.
reviewed Songmaster on + 68 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Marvellous book. Typical of Card, in that it is an in-depth exploration of relationships. This one is also about the life of the emotions, controlling the expression of emotions for the sake of releasing them as art, and how that affects the artist's relationships. On top of that, it's just great sci-fi.
reviewed Songmaster on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book is about a boy, Annset, a songbird from the Songhouse, which is a dwelling on a planet where the focus is singing and all that is possible (and even more) with one's voice. We follow Annset from his beginnings as he learns about himself and learns to be himself, and watch how he makes his mark on life (and vice versa).

I have to say, this book moved me to tears. Wonderfully written, very poignant: when i finished it I felt like i'd just listened to a lovely song. I don't want to spoil it so i won't go into details, but it's a really great book! I think that Card is one of very few really talented authors who can draw emotions from you, and do so in a wholesome, beautiful way. A good read.
reviewed Songmaster on + 40 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Ansel is a songbird sent to live with the emperor in order to change the world. This novel deals with the darkness of humankind.

Compelling story and characters. I thought about this one after I finished.

Recommended
reviewed Songmaster on + 171 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Even better than Ender's Game. I couldn't put it down and when I finished I felt emotionally depleted.
Read All 14 Book Reviews of "Songmaster"

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elizabethe avatar reviewed Songmaster on + 15 more book reviews
I cannot say this is my favorite book by OSC beacsue of some of the elements in it that made me uncomfortable. but as always his writing is seamless and the escape to another world is instanteous and complete.
FrequentReader avatar reviewed Songmaster on + 40 more book reviews
Very interesting. New concepts. Good.
tracymar avatar reviewed Songmaster on + 408 more book reviews
A haunting tale of a young singer raised at the mystical Songhouse, whose music magnifies feeling and heals. One of Card's best.
reviewed Songmaster on + 24 more book reviews
A haunting story of power and love--a tale of the man who would destroy everything he loves to preserve humanity's peace, and the boy who might just sing the world away.
jamiG avatar reviewed Songmaster on + 37 more book reviews
Great read with lots of mystery as to who is behind the strategy and where it will lead. Wonderful story of love, sexuality, power and need. By the author of Ender's Game.


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