Song of the Ovulum

Children of the Bard #1

by Bryan Davis

It has been fifteen years since Billy and Bonnie Bannister helped repel the demonic assault on Heaven. Now they and Ashley Foley sit in a maximum security prison where the authorities conduct experiments on them to learn the secrets of long life. Earlier, the world’s acceptance of dragonkind crumbled, and the Enforcers took the infant twins born to Billy and Bonnie and stole Excalibur, hoping to develop a weapon to battle the dragons that are sure to try to rescue their allies. All the while, a great secret from the past is being revealed to Bonnie through a dream. Joran and Selah, teenaged children of Methuselah, have been trapped in a strange world for centuries, yet still able to manipulate certain events in our world during that time.
 
Walter Foley finds the Bannisters’ son and hopes to use his dragon traits to help him rescue the prisoners. In the meantime, an ancient demon locates the Bannisters’ daughter and plans to use her to help him discover the hiding place of the most powerful ovulum in the world and squelch its protective song. With that ovulum in his possession, he will be able to conquer and control both Earth and Second Eden.
 
The fate of two worlds now rests on the Bannisters’ two teenagers who must use their dragon traits and their innate courage to battle demons, a sorceress, and soldiers in a military compound in order to rescue parents they don’t even know.
 

Genres: Fantasy, Christian, Christian Fiction, Dragons, Fiction, Young Adult, Christian Fantasy

482 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Bryan Davis is the author several speculative-fiction series, including Dragons in Our Midst, Oracles of Fire, Children of the Bard, Dragons of Camelot, The Reapers Trilogy, The Time Echoes Trilogy, Tales of Starlight, Dragons of Starlight, the Oculus Gate, Not So Famous Dog Tales, Astral Alliance, and Wanted: Superheroes.

Bryan and his wife, Susie, have homeschooled their four girls and three boys.

Bryan was born in 1958 and grew up in the eastern U.S. From the time he taught himself how to read before school age, through his seminary years and beyond, he has demonstrated a passion for the written word, reading and writing in many disciplines and genres, including fantasy, theology, fiction, devotionals, poetry, and humor.

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I had a huge paragraph typed out explaining how this series works, but then I realized that a list/chart would make this so much easier.  Like it says, it's best to read in the left order.  You can start with the first book in any of the series (though if you start with Eye of the Oracle or Song of the Ovulum, be sure to read the recap at the end), but for the best reading experience, I'd start with Raising Dragons.


Click the chart to see it bigger.

So, anyway, Song of the Ovulum is a continuation of one of my all-time favorite series.  I had no idea that there would be a third quartet until last summer.  I thought it was over with The Bones of Makaidos, but I'm certainly glad it's not.

Let's go back a few years.  I read the first book of this series four, maybe even five years ago; I'm not sure.  For a year or so in early middle school I kept track of what I read in a little notebook, but it seems to have disappeared forever.  Just kidding, I found it.  (And it's soooo incredibly amusing.  I wrote 1-line reviews/comments on each of the books, and also one-line summaries.  More on this below.*)  I read the first book back in 2007.

When you go back to a series you haven't read in a long time, there's always that fear that it's not as good as you remembered.  There's always that fear that your tastes have changed, or that you built it up so much in your mind that you don't remember any of the negatives.  (This is honestly the only reason I've been putting off a massive Pendragon reread that I kind of want to do, but kind of don't.)  I had this same fear with this book.

Fortunately, this book mostly lived up to my old feelings for the series.  Yeah, it wasn't as good as the previous books, but I still liked it.  It just wasn't favorite-book worthy.  Good, but not amazing.

I was so, so happy to read about some of these characters again.  Walter Foley, how I've missed you!  Ashley, and the dragons!  Even Larry!  It was, for me, a massive reunion.  I'm hoping that in the next I get to read more about some of my other favorites that we didn't see much in this one, like Sapphira Adi and Elam.

Also, I love the entire premise of this.  All the stuff with dragons and technology is so cool.  And, there are some awesome re-imaginings of Bible stories.  Bible stories, with dragons!

I now how two issues with this book that I didn't have when I was younger.  The first issue is with the black-and-white morality of these books.  A character is either good or evil.  A good character, even if they do wrong, is still in the right.  An evil character is inherently evil.  Life doesn't work this way.  Nobody is completely good or completely bad; everyone is somewhere in between.  Some shades of gray would add so much complexity and depth to this series, but without it, it almost feels like it's missing something.

My other issue is with all the melodramatic things that go on.  Characters are moved to tears quite often--more often than seems realistic to me.  Just like with the morality, emotions are all at extremes in this series.  There is no level of apathy whatsoever.  A person is not just moderately joyful--they are as far up on the happy spectrum as they can get.  Again, this isn't realistic.

Still, this series is definitely worth a read.  Bryan Davis writes some compelling characters, with awesome worldbuilding and DRAGONS DRAGONS EVERYWHERE.  While I have issues with this series now that I didn't have when I was younger, it will still always have a special place among my books.

Similar Books: It has the undisguised Christian themes of The Door Within, some amount of world-hopping like in House of Dark Shadows (you don't want to know how many times I typed dork shadows before I got that right), has lots of dragons and dragon/human interaction, as well as a mix of sci-fi and fantasy (and is also by the same author) like Starlighter, and is, of course, a continuation of the stories of Raising Dragons (Dragons in Our Midst series), Eye of the Oracle (Oracles of Fire series).

*About my elementary school mini-reviews...LOL.  My summary for every single Warriors book was "Cats battle for clans, fall in love, etc. etc. etc.".  After about the fifth Series of Unfortunate Events book I must've gotten tired of trying to think of actual comments and just wrote "How unfortunate" for each one.  My comment for a book I didn't like was "No.  Just no."  My reviewing history started not in 2011 when the blog started, but in 2007.

[Tracey Dyck · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Read May 2012. Reread September 2018.)

This tale of mercy and sibling love picks up fifteen years after The Bones of Makaidos ended, and the world is a much different place than it used to be—fraught with danger for dragonkind.

A new generation of characters rises up, which I actually enjoyed more the second time around. Matt and Lauren don’t get much time together, but already their bond is stronger than most siblings who grew up in the same home.

Joren’s side of the story is poignant as well. “What color is mercy?” is a question that haunts both him and the reader until he learns at last to sing mercy’s song.

A great start to a new adventure!

[Joseph Brink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dnfing my reread...

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had quite forgotten just how good Bryan Davis writes! It is beautifully crafted and im loving every page of it! I've been on a ride with this series, and this will continue to hold my every attention. 15+ years later, and every bit as good! Let's see what trouble the Bannister family will get into this time.😏

[Christie Hagerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book of the Children of the Bard series. It continues the saga of humans, dragons, demons, and all sorts of other creatures that began with the 4 books of the Dragons in our Midst series and continued with the Oracles of Fire series, also 4 books. Although a summary of those 8 books is provided in an appendix, the story is very, very complicated and almost impossible to follow without having read at least a few of the preceding volumes. I had read four of the eight, began with the summary, and was still confused throughout much of this book.

The confusion is in part due to the fact that there is no one stable element in any of the setting. The story takes place in various worlds and references even more. The beginning chapter opens near the time of the Great Flood, instantly transports the characters forward quite a large span, and ends in current time. Much of the book involves flashbacks and visions that are virtually indistinguishable as past, present, or future. Add to this the fact that most of the characters have died and been resurrected at some point. As a result of this, they sometimes changed state (dragon to human, human to wraith, human to dragon—you get the picture) and often took on new names, too. My head was spinning to keep up.

I gave a quick rundown of the plot in Song of the Ovulum to my teen-aged daughter, and she had no trouble following what I was talking about. She had read one more book in the series than I had, and apparently this was a key book in grasping some of the significant characters.

Apart from that, there is a powerful message of forgiveness and mercy in this story. The characters have to make peace with wrongs they’ve done and wrongs that have been done to them, especially as they understand the consequences of allowing bitterness to take root within them. Love among family members is shown in a very strong light, and God—-referred to as Elohim-—is recognized as the Supreme Being. The main heroes are brave teenagers with special powers, with plenty of help from adults and dragons. All look to Elohim for guidance and strength, and the acknowledge that it’s He who teaches them the all-important mercy song. Their journey is one of discovering who they are, what their purposes are in the grand scheme, and battling the forces that seek to destroy their worlds.

I’m interested in continuing this series, but I think I may go back and fill in the blanks by reading the books I missed. I would recommend Song of the Ovulum to teens who like the fantasy genre, or as a family read-aloud with children (CAUTION: Occasionally dragon fire burns an enemy, sometimes resulting in death.) It’s also a good read for adults, but be aware that you will need to study the appendix and understand the general story before beginning this one.

**I got this book as a free review copy from netGalley.

[KaleAllerion · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me really happy! It’s been a while since I read the previous series so there were a few things that I forgot, but reading this book brought back all the excitement of the previous books. I enjoyed getting to see the old characters and getting to meet some new ones.
That said, I gave it a 3 because there were moments during the story where I got confused and things moved too fast for me to comprehend. I still love the book, I just wish certain scenes went a little smoother
Overall, a really fun, exciting book.
I highly recommend reading the previous series before reading this one. Without that foundation a lot of the awesome stuff in this book will make zero sense.

[Joel Parisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointingly, it seems the author has not grown in style or art since the first two series. This new volume suffers from the same melodrama and wordiness that characterized those previous, in addition to predictable plot developments (a certain female anthrozil is abducted for the... what, fifth time? to lead into the next book).

[Joseph Leskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very good. Highly enjoyable, very amusing, a container of great fun, and altogether a pretty okay story, when it all comes down to it.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterpiece.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but as you read more and you get further into the books the dragons just become useless and their enemies just become indestructible and candlestone bullets, like what's with that. Anyway it's a good book and it has a good story line, it's also a good entertainment book for teens and adults.

[Geneva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two children trapped in a string of ovulums for centuries. Twin brother and sister that have not met since their birth. Evil always lurking close by. Billy and Bonnie Bannister separated for fifteen years in prison, and their children given to other family's.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good fun with lots of action. I did find it a bit overly dialogue driven at times, without much substance to the dialogue. The writing style isn't particularly advanced, and the characters' actions were a bit formulaic. But still a fun read. Doubt I'll continue in the series, however.

[Jered Forte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent continue at of the dragon in our mist story. I love the characters Lauren and mat.

[Sophie Sage · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!! 🌟🌟

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our beloved characters are back! The stakes are raised higher than ever for the Anthrozils. It takes place 15 years after the war on Second Eden. Their use to be peace between Earth and Second Eden, But Earth became fearful and manipulated buy rumors of "war that Second Eden would bring" of course they were lies, but that doesn't stop Earth from becoming consumed by their fears, the government thought the anthrozils living in their midst were spies for Second Eden and turned on them, arresting Billy, Bonnie, and Ashley, and Kid napping the Bannister's twins. All hope seems lost save for God who brought them through countless battles, they kept their faith strong even through years of torture. Only Walter can penetrate and look for ways of saving his friends and wife from the awful prison, since Second Eden is now closely monitored for portal openings he's on his own save for two helpful super computers. But while trying to make plans to spring his wife and friends, he goes in search of the Bannister's twins who are now 16. Only they can save the prisoners, and two ages old teenage children of Methuselah.
Just when you thought the books couldn't get any better they just got better, this new series opens the next chapter in the story world we love so much, and many fans like Song of the Ovulum better than Bones of Makaidos. As always the book is written very well the characters are amazing (the old as well as the new characters). It's an adrenaline laced epic, and way more dangerous for the characters than ever before. My heart stopped numerous times with all the suspense. Song of the Ovulum is Book 1 in the Children of the Bard series, and there will be three more to come. I highly recommend this book. If you've never read these books, I would personally recommend that you start with reading series 1 book 1 which is Dragons in our Midst: Raising Dragons. Because the journey is so much more sweeter when you get to Song of the Ovulum as well as you get to know the characters and their pasts. I've heard you can read Song of the Ovulum without reading any of the other books and still follow the story, but I'm a fan that has read all of the previous books, and it is so much more rewarding. Because their is so much in these stories, and they all deserve to be read, and every story builds leads the characters to the events of Children of the Bard. A must read adventure, and you don't want to miss it.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Madelyn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Song of the Ovulum is a continuation of such a captivating story. The beginning was rough, because of a Biblical issue regarding the Flood in Genesis. While I disagreed with a major plot point from the get-go, the the rest of the story that was not directly surrounding those characters was very enjoyable. I loved seeing the gang back together, even if only for a while. All reunions were well written and so satisfying. It's been a while since I've read the original series, and looking back, I've found another thing that bothers me. I'll be frank here, I can't stand how certain female characters are portrayed as completely sinless. This and the issue about the Flood are contrary to my beliefs about the Bible. They didn't stop me from completely enjoying the book, but they did bring it down a notch. It makes it hard for me to recommend these books to both my Christian and non-Christian friends, unless I can explain to them the problems I find with and tell them to look past them. That being said, I still really enjoy all the series, and I would like to read the rest of Children of the Bard.

[Elizabeth]

When I first started this book, I was a little disappointed. Then when I got to about a quarters of a way in, I started to like it. Then when I got to the halfway point, I was glad I got it.
It has been fifteen years since Bonnie and Billy Bannister saw each other and their twins, Karen and Charles. Now they are kept in a high security prison where the authorities are doing experiments on Bonnie and Billy.
Lauren and Matt (aka. Karen and Charles) are being hunted by the authorities and they don't even know it. They have no idea that they have inherited dragon traits from their birth parents. They don't even know who their birth parents are.
Joran and Selah are sealed in the purity ovulum, where they have been for centuries. The only way they can get out is if Joran can find away to sing again. When he finds that he can finally sing, they are released when Lauren calls out to them in the midst of a battle.
Hope you enjoy!

[Ashli · Rating 5 out of 5]

My best friend and I read both Dragons in the Mist and Oracles of Fire series. We were both saying how we wished Bryan Davis would continue on with the character's story. And what do you know... This book came out in June but didn't find out about it until September. When I got it, I've read Song of the Ovulum in a day n half. It was truly amazing. Action nonstop. I loved the characters. I've missed them Bonnie so much.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Song of the Ovulum takes place 15 years after The Bones of Makaidos, so along with some the original characters from the other books that makes a appearance there is also some new characters who's along for the ride. As other people said I would recommend reading the Dragons in our Midst series and The Oracles of Fire Series to gain a better understanding of a few of the characters past adventures, because it will be worth reading. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Imagination Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great first book in this series. It was definitely Christian related with a lot of great themes in it while still being extremely entertaining. It was a little confusing at first, but it was worth it. Davis has done a great job of tying many characters very intimately together, sometimes in surprising ways. I would recommend it to anyone who likes dragons, adventure, and believes in God.

[R.M. Lutz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't my favorite book in the world of "Dragons in Our Midst", but fans of Mr. Davis will likely enjoy it. I would recommend reading "Dragons in Our Midst" and "Oracles of Fire" before hopping into this book. I would recommend the series to young teens and up who enjoy a blend of fantasy, sci-fi, and time travel. (Like Christian sci-fi and fantasy? Check out thebookhoundchristianspecfic.blogspot.com)

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling tale that continues the story line and characters from DIOM and OOF, this new installment in the series opens with a massive jailbreak of draconic proportions. This excellent book won't disappoint and is impossible to put down. Great job Mr. Davis ! ! ! Keep them coming and I will keep reading !

[Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable book! Once again Mr. Davis has whipped up another amazing book, filled with adventure, thrill, faith in The Maker, mixed up with a little suspense, Song of the Ovulum leaves you hanging on for more! I cannot wait until the next instalment of the Children of the Bard series comes out in stores!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

As always, this next installment of Brian Davis is a thrilling page-turner, combining the characters readers have loved throughout the first two series and the trademark portal-jumping and dragon-fire we've come to expect with new characters and a new challenge. However, the open theism and weak understanding of original sin muddle the otherwise beautiful themes.

[Kezziah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another brilliant book by Bryan Davis. Packed with action and new characters (as well as old favorites), I couldn't put this book down. It's well-written, kept my attention, and the plot itself is gripping. The characters were also likable. Overall, a brilliant book. So glad I read it! =)

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I have to say is this: AMAZING
For all you fans of Brian Davis, this is the next big read for you after the Raising Dragons and Oracles of Fire series.
I LOVED this book and can't wait for the next!!

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling story continuing the storyline and characters from DIOM and OOF. A thrilling tale about a massive jailbreak that is impossible to put down. Great Job Mr. Davis !!!! Keep them coming !

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was beautiful. ...sigh...