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Dangerous Voices
Errik has been a prisoner--and alone--for a long, long time. He lives for the moment each day when the window of his dungeon cell shines a bit of light onto his bearded face.
But everything changes when he gets a new neighbor--a young girl with a voice as beautiful as the springrise.
They both know the rules: No singing. No speaking. Voices are dangerous. But they can't help themselves. And soon enough, Errik begins to remember himself, why he's here in this dark place, and why his captors will stop at nothing to ensure his silence.
But everything changes when he gets a new neighbor--a young girl with a voice as beautiful as the springrise.
They both know the rules: No singing. No speaking. Voices are dangerous. But they can't help themselves. And soon enough, Errik begins to remember himself, why he's here in this dark place, and why his captors will stop at nothing to ensure his silence.
28 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2012
63 people are currently reading
1635 people want to read
About the author
Rae Carson
37 books5,893 followersRae Carson was born in 1973 in California and now lives in Arizona. She developed an enthusiasm for storytelling in her earliest childhood. She studied social sciences and worked in various industries after graduating from university before she realized her dream and became a writer. The Girl of Fire and Thorns is her debut novel.
In her own words, she "write[s] books about teens who must do brave things. [Her] books tend to contain lots of adventure, a little magic and romance, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. [She] especially love[s] to write about questions [she doesn't] know the answers to."
Has also published as Rae Carson Finlay.
In her own words, she "write[s] books about teens who must do brave things. [Her] books tend to contain lots of adventure, a little magic and romance, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. [She] especially love[s] to write about questions [she doesn't] know the answers to."
Has also published as Rae Carson Finlay.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
October 16, 2019
"Her voice is so soft at first, but pure. A free thing with soaring clarity that makes jagged edges of my heart."
Well, that was unexpected. I'm not often tempted by short stories but if I'm familiar with the author's voice I might attempt to read one. I'm glad I read this one.
I would give this story 5 stars if I wasn't so annoyed by the endless questions that were left unanswered at the end but I guess that's the point in short stories. We get only a glimpse on the plot which in this case was intriguing.
Errik, the main character, is in prison for many years, he can't remember how many or what has happened to him. He only gets to count time with summers because that's when a solitary beam of light manages to come to his cell through a skylight. His routine changes when a new captive occupies the cell next to him. By small conversations he starts to remember small things that illuminates his past leading to a dramatic conclusion.
"I wonder if I'm the one who died. Maybe that's why my eyes don't want to stay open. Perhaps this awakening to death is harder."
Well, that was unexpected. I'm not often tempted by short stories but if I'm familiar with the author's voice I might attempt to read one. I'm glad I read this one.
I would give this story 5 stars if I wasn't so annoyed by the endless questions that were left unanswered at the end but I guess that's the point in short stories. We get only a glimpse on the plot which in this case was intriguing.
Errik, the main character, is in prison for many years, he can't remember how many or what has happened to him. He only gets to count time with summers because that's when a solitary beam of light manages to come to his cell through a skylight. His routine changes when a new captive occupies the cell next to him. By small conversations he starts to remember small things that illuminates his past leading to a dramatic conclusion.
"I wonder if I'm the one who died. Maybe that's why my eyes don't want to stay open. Perhaps this awakening to death is harder."
December 20, 2012
First off, this is a short story. And I don't read short stories. I appreciate them -- I once took an entire college course dedicated to short stories, and I learned that there's an awful lot going on in those little snippets. It takes a lot of skill to successfully execute a short story. Often, I feel that only the cleverest of writers can pull it off. Which, I imagine, is part of the reason why I don't read them. Most of the ones I've tried just weren't engaging enough. They couldn't escape the criticism, "this would have been good if it were a full-length story." And have you ever noticed that a lot of shorts are kind of... weird? So I steer clear of the genre despite knowing full and well that there's quality reads out there.
Dangerous Voices is written by Rae Carson, author of the Fire and Thorns series. I picked up Dangerous Voices during one of my downloading binges of free ebooks from Amazon. Most of such books are novella-length, and I didn't catch that Dangerous Voices was a short until I actually started to read it. I figured, what the hell. I would "bust it out", as one of my favorite people likes to say, then move on to a "real" book.
Expectations are funny things, aren't they? I set off with a lofty mentality, like I was doing this story a favor by reading it. And I was enthralled within the first sentences. I poured over the rest of the story, tea going cold at my side, and I remained enthralled. I can't even break out the standby critique, that cop-out statement, "it was so good, it would have better as a novel." No, this story was perfectly written as it was, and I couldn't imagine it otherwise.
The story is about a man, named Errik, who has been imprisoned so long that he's lost track of the years. Alone and broken, his world is only enlivened by the momentary sunlight that comes through his window. Until a new prisoner is brought in and put in the cell next to his. Llyri is gifted with the music that was taken from Errik -- and the magic that he turned his back on. He knows it's dangerous to speak to her, but he's compelled to make that connection. Will Llyri help him remember what it means to be free? Or will the music and magic be taken from them both?
Several things went right with this story. The language is beautiful and poetic, but it isn't so ornate that it overwhelms the plot. Everything flows seamlessly from start to finish, with not a single obstacle or gap to disrupt the reading experience. And the characters are skillfully crafted. The four entities -- Errik, Llyri, Allon, and "the keys" -- come through as fully developed characters despite the brevity of their appearances. They are the real substance of the story, a narrowed but finely focused lens into this fantastical world of magic and music.
This story did not leave me wanting more -- I was perfectly satisfied. Perhaps my view on short stories is turned around. Or maybe Rae Carson is just that good.
Originally posted on my blog: http://strangebf.blogspot.com/2012/12...
Dangerous Voices is written by Rae Carson, author of the Fire and Thorns series. I picked up Dangerous Voices during one of my downloading binges of free ebooks from Amazon. Most of such books are novella-length, and I didn't catch that Dangerous Voices was a short until I actually started to read it. I figured, what the hell. I would "bust it out", as one of my favorite people likes to say, then move on to a "real" book.
Expectations are funny things, aren't they? I set off with a lofty mentality, like I was doing this story a favor by reading it. And I was enthralled within the first sentences. I poured over the rest of the story, tea going cold at my side, and I remained enthralled. I can't even break out the standby critique, that cop-out statement, "it was so good, it would have better as a novel." No, this story was perfectly written as it was, and I couldn't imagine it otherwise.
The story is about a man, named Errik, who has been imprisoned so long that he's lost track of the years. Alone and broken, his world is only enlivened by the momentary sunlight that comes through his window. Until a new prisoner is brought in and put in the cell next to his. Llyri is gifted with the music that was taken from Errik -- and the magic that he turned his back on. He knows it's dangerous to speak to her, but he's compelled to make that connection. Will Llyri help him remember what it means to be free? Or will the music and magic be taken from them both?
Several things went right with this story. The language is beautiful and poetic, but it isn't so ornate that it overwhelms the plot. Everything flows seamlessly from start to finish, with not a single obstacle or gap to disrupt the reading experience. And the characters are skillfully crafted. The four entities -- Errik, Llyri, Allon, and "the keys" -- come through as fully developed characters despite the brevity of their appearances. They are the real substance of the story, a narrowed but finely focused lens into this fantastical world of magic and music.
This story did not leave me wanting more -- I was perfectly satisfied. Perhaps my view on short stories is turned around. Or maybe Rae Carson is just that good.
Originally posted on my blog: http://strangebf.blogspot.com/2012/12...
February 9, 2013
Well...at least no one can mistaken this for being a long story. Dangerous Voices, at under fifteen pages, is too short to make much of a lasting impact. Carson writes beautifully, even that much is evident from this short story, and her imagination runs wild. Quite honestly, I'd love a whole novel centered around this short tale as it has so much potential. Dangerous Voices takes place in a jail cell where Errik is imprisoned for being a music mage. When a new jail mate, a girl whose voice is the most beautiful sound Errik has heard, arrives, Errik slowly begins to realize that living in fear is no life at all.
Unfortunately, though, for this short story, it is simply too short to have the emotional punch that it could have. I was unable to feel much for the characters and was itching for a greater grasp on the world as well. Nevertheless, many readers have loved this and if you're a fan of short stories, then perhaps this will be your cup of tea. Clearly, it isn't mine.
Unfortunately, though, for this short story, it is simply too short to have the emotional punch that it could have. I was unable to feel much for the characters and was itching for a greater grasp on the world as well. Nevertheless, many readers have loved this and if you're a fan of short stories, then perhaps this will be your cup of tea. Clearly, it isn't mine.
January 12, 2013
Short stories and I have a love, hate relationship. I love them cause they’re short and they get right to the point but I hate them cause the authors create a world I want to know more about.
I want to know why this young man is locked up? I want to know how long he has really been locked up as his voice is raw and he has a growing beard? I want to know what are music mage’s? What world they live in where those people have to be locked up?
The wanting is good, makes the read so intriguing and mysterious to the point where you can’t look away from the words. You can’t stop to take a breather cause you just have to know what’s going to happen next. All signs of great story telling and a fabulous plot line!
Even though there is a lot of wanting you still feel satisfy by the way it ended. Answers were given and the big shebang made this feel complete.
Overall, what a great little story that’ll have you craving for more from this author. Perfect for people who are looking for a quick read and are looking for great building of the story line.
I want to know why this young man is locked up? I want to know how long he has really been locked up as his voice is raw and he has a growing beard? I want to know what are music mage’s? What world they live in where those people have to be locked up?
The wanting is good, makes the read so intriguing and mysterious to the point where you can’t look away from the words. You can’t stop to take a breather cause you just have to know what’s going to happen next. All signs of great story telling and a fabulous plot line!
Even though there is a lot of wanting you still feel satisfy by the way it ended. Answers were given and the big shebang made this feel complete.
Overall, what a great little story that’ll have you craving for more from this author. Perfect for people who are looking for a quick read and are looking for great building of the story line.
August 19, 2013
I'd read ANYTHING Rae Carson would write.
ANYTHING.
ANYTHING.
January 7, 2013
In under fifteen pages, Rae Carson, the author of one of my favourite YA series - Fire and Thorns - illustrates that few words are needed to convey what we need to know.
Dangerous Voices is narrated by Errik, who has been imprisoned so long he's lost track of the years. Isolated and broken, he waits every day for the momentary sensations of sunlight filtering through his window onto his cell floor. His appreciation of the sun, his ability to marvel at it's warmth and beauty, helps him to endure. Every day is like the other, except the day they bring a new prisoner to sit in the adjoining cell.
Although prisoners are forbidden from speaking Errik dares to whisper responses to Llyri. momentary sunlight that comes through his window. She makes him remember details about Allon, the man who so long ago used to occupy her cell before 'the keys' came for him.
The language is wonderfully poetic and makes it easy to believe in a world where music and magic are so closely intertwined. My heart went out to Llyri and Errik and made me wonder whether the music could be strong enough to build up hope, and then I wondered what power that hope could have and actively longed for Llyri and Errik's voices to become beautifully dangerous.
The ending is pretty open to interpretation, and I'm still trying to decide on the most likely conclusion to the story.
Some short stories make me think "This would have been better as a full novel", but I didn't feel that way with Dangerous Voices. True, it would work within a novel, but I think it works perfectly in this format.
This review can also be found on my blog
Dangerous Voices is narrated by Errik, who has been imprisoned so long he's lost track of the years. Isolated and broken, he waits every day for the momentary sensations of sunlight filtering through his window onto his cell floor. His appreciation of the sun, his ability to marvel at it's warmth and beauty, helps him to endure. Every day is like the other, except the day they bring a new prisoner to sit in the adjoining cell.
Although prisoners are forbidden from speaking Errik dares to whisper responses to Llyri. momentary sunlight that comes through his window. She makes him remember details about Allon, the man who so long ago used to occupy her cell before 'the keys' came for him.
The language is wonderfully poetic and makes it easy to believe in a world where music and magic are so closely intertwined. My heart went out to Llyri and Errik and made me wonder whether the music could be strong enough to build up hope, and then I wondered what power that hope could have and actively longed for Llyri and Errik's voices to become beautifully dangerous.
The ending is pretty open to interpretation, and I'm still trying to decide on the most likely conclusion to the story.
Some short stories make me think "This would have been better as a full novel", but I didn't feel that way with Dangerous Voices. True, it would work within a novel, but I think it works perfectly in this format.
This review can also be found on my blog
November 30, 2012
I think I would have enjoyed this more if I known about the world. Is this a prequel to a series? If so then I would really enjoy reading it.
July 14, 2013
A devastatingly beautiful story.
It will take about an hour of your time - tops - to read this novella. SO worth it.
It will take about an hour of your time - tops - to read this novella. SO worth it.
October 4, 2019
That was beautiful. Simply, achingly, beautiful.
I was able to read this very short story for free on:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
There may be more active links from here:
http://www.raecarson.com/2012/11/13/f...
I was able to read this very short story for free on:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
There may be more active links from here:
http://www.raecarson.com/2012/11/13/f...
December 3, 2020
That was beautiful, I wasn't expecting something that short to be so moving and give me actual goosebumps.
August 13, 2016
Dangerous Voices is one those short stories that you finish and then cry because it’s over. This was too damn short. Don’t get me wrong, the story is wonderful but I need this as a book….or at least a novella. The imagery alone is perfection. I do think that Carson managed to do things that most people can’t do in 28 pages. She gave us a story worth knowing, worth reading, and full of human depth. In just 28 pages she manages to tap into your emotions and make you vested in each character’s outcome. The great thing about something so short is that it makes your imagination go wild with the possibilities of what could happen.
July 6, 2015
Absolutely amazing! Except for one thing - I wish I had more. Short stories are never enough for me and the details in the story make me want SO MUCH more. I'd love to know how long Errik had really been in that prison, and why he was there - was it simply because he was a musical mage? Or did he do something else to put himself there?
Saddened by the ending and almost brought to tears. Rae Carson writes with such emotion and you just fall in love with the writing and lyrical beauty of it. I sincerely wish she'd do more with this world.
You can find this story for free on Kobo and I highly recommend it to anyone.
Saddened by the ending and almost brought to tears. Rae Carson writes with such emotion and you just fall in love with the writing and lyrical beauty of it. I sincerely wish she'd do more with this world.
You can find this story for free on Kobo and I highly recommend it to anyone.
December 6, 2012
Beautiful, yet sad story.
It's told by Errik who has been in some kind of prison, all locked up-and how when he meets a lady Lyri, he starts to remember his life and who he was before he was locked up.
It is great-and I reckon a prequel to a story, I love the angle Rae has used-because she hasn't told much about their world. Why aren't they allowed to speak, or sing? Why are the voices dangerous and all. It's a way to keep readers guessing- and I like it. Can't wait to read the next book.
It's told by Errik who has been in some kind of prison, all locked up-and how when he meets a lady Lyri, he starts to remember his life and who he was before he was locked up.
It is great-and I reckon a prequel to a story, I love the angle Rae has used-because she hasn't told much about their world. Why aren't they allowed to speak, or sing? Why are the voices dangerous and all. It's a way to keep readers guessing- and I like it. Can't wait to read the next book.
January 13, 2013
I am not a short story fan. I want more of a relationship with the characters I've only begun to know. I am so glad I did not let that bias prevent me from reading this one. Questioning, learning, grieving, enduring, accepting, and finally soaring with the bright spot - don't miss your chance to do all of these through this one story.
February 10, 2014
Very powerful short story! It's less than 20 pages, so instead of writting a review for you to read, you should just go ahead and read the story.
Funny fact: I didn't realise the main character was male until I came back to Goodreads to write this down. From the cover I assumed it was a woman, lol!
Funny fact: I didn't realise the main character was male until I came back to Goodreads to write this down. From the cover I assumed it was a woman, lol!
December 5, 2012
I really enjoyed this short story. I would even have loved to see where it would have gone if it was a novel - the story could have started in so many different places and it could also go in many more places, however for the short story it was it was a nice read.
January 7, 2016
This is the first short story I've ever read and it certainly did not disappoint!
I would love to see this made into a full length book and learn what happened in the outside world that led to the music mages being imprisoned.
Great short story!
I would love to see this made into a full length book and learn what happened in the outside world that led to the music mages being imprisoned.
Great short story!
February 6, 2013
Decent little short story. Evokes feelings of dread.
March 17, 2013
Very quick. Rich and vivid with detail. I got the idea of it, but was still a bit lost.
June 11, 2013
This book wasn't for me, but I gave it a two for how cleanly written it was.
October 19, 2015
I suppose it was a well written short story.
I didn't feel like I could get into this, understand it, or care.
I didn't feel like I could get into this, understand it, or care.
January 29, 2016
This was an awesome little short story.
March 9, 2018
This was a terrific short story that was well written with beautiful prose. I'm not a fan of short stories, but this story about a prisoner named Errik who is imprisoned for using his voice is quite powerful. It's a fantasy tale about a man who has lived in a dark cell for many years, but things change when a young girl with a sweet voice is imprisoned in the cell next to his.
Voices in this world are dangerous, thus no speaking or singing is allowed, but once the young girl starts to sing, Erikk begins to remember who he is and is willing to suffer the consequences to let his voice be heard.
I would read more of this author's work. It's hard to tell a full story with a limited word count, but Rae Carson does an exceptional job with Dangerous Voices.
Voices in this world are dangerous, thus no speaking or singing is allowed, but once the young girl starts to sing, Erikk begins to remember who he is and is willing to suffer the consequences to let his voice be heard.
I would read more of this author's work. It's hard to tell a full story with a limited word count, but Rae Carson does an exceptional job with Dangerous Voices.
September 4, 2020
Bizarre yet powerful
This very short story is heart wrenching and powerful and leaves the reader wanting more. I would like to know what happens next but perhaps that ruins the story.
This very short story is heart wrenching and powerful and leaves the reader wanting more. I would like to know what happens next but perhaps that ruins the story.
June 12, 2017
Very interesting short story. Well written and after reading it I wanted to know more about the world it was set in.
December 26, 2024
nice would love a full book
January 16, 2013
The shiver of warmth starts in my face this time, right where the light shines. I know it's impossible because Llyri's not dead yet. Though she no longer sings, I hear her grunt with each blow. Still, the warmth expands down my neck, filling my chest. Sweet, like honey; comfortable, like an old friend. My hands begin to shake, and I want to dance. This time, I don't resist when the song tumbles from my mouth. My voice is pebbly and scratched, but the power in it rocks the iron door.
"Errik!" she screams. "Take it!"
"Dangerous Voices" is a short story about Errik, who was first introduced as an old fellow locked away in a prison cell for many many years. Mostly, it tells of his internal struggles between preserving his own life (and the life of a fellow prisoner) and revealing his true self—a music mage who cannot and must not stop singing.
Their singing gives so much hope to the hopeless.
Their singing reminds the hopeless how things were like before and how to live, especially when they see the their "painted songs".
Rae Carson has a talent for being picturesque when it comes to her writing. One cannot easily resist getting sucked into Erikk's boxed up world, loving his light spot with him, and sensing the mystery surrounding this interesting character who, we will realize, have grown to believe that "voices are dangerous"—the very essence of his resistance and, actually, self-denial.
Like most of the books I read, I cannot help but put up a mirror in front of me and ask myself the very same question asked to Errik by Llyri, the latest occupant of the cell next to his. "If you could make something happen with your song, anything, what would you do?" The story may have meant this as a literal song, but I see it as a figurative one.
We all have songs in us that need to be sang, let out for the world to hear. We can't dampen it even if we try to, because it is who we are. To not be ourselves is true imprisonment, true death. I think this is what the story is trying to tell us. Sometimes, we're content with our light spot and miss the fact that beyond that small crack on the wall is the source of that light. So we stay where we are and wait for the light to come. Every single day of our lives. We hardly make the choice to follow the light so it won't leave us again, much less stand up from our curled positions and peak outside the crack. This is what comfort can do to us sometimes.
"Dangerous Voices" is a wonderful read. Not only is it entertaining, engaging, and (if you ask me) quite philosophical, but it's also easy to read and love. I guarantee it is worth another second or third reading from me.
"Errik!" she screams. "Take it!"
"Dangerous Voices" is a short story about Errik, who was first introduced as an old fellow locked away in a prison cell for many many years. Mostly, it tells of his internal struggles between preserving his own life (and the life of a fellow prisoner) and revealing his true self—a music mage who cannot and must not stop singing.
Their singing gives so much hope to the hopeless.
Their singing reminds the hopeless how things were like before and how to live, especially when they see the their "painted songs".
Rae Carson has a talent for being picturesque when it comes to her writing. One cannot easily resist getting sucked into Erikk's boxed up world, loving his light spot with him, and sensing the mystery surrounding this interesting character who, we will realize, have grown to believe that "voices are dangerous"—the very essence of his resistance and, actually, self-denial.
Like most of the books I read, I cannot help but put up a mirror in front of me and ask myself the very same question asked to Errik by Llyri, the latest occupant of the cell next to his. "If you could make something happen with your song, anything, what would you do?" The story may have meant this as a literal song, but I see it as a figurative one.
We all have songs in us that need to be sang, let out for the world to hear. We can't dampen it even if we try to, because it is who we are. To not be ourselves is true imprisonment, true death. I think this is what the story is trying to tell us. Sometimes, we're content with our light spot and miss the fact that beyond that small crack on the wall is the source of that light. So we stay where we are and wait for the light to come. Every single day of our lives. We hardly make the choice to follow the light so it won't leave us again, much less stand up from our curled positions and peak outside the crack. This is what comfort can do to us sometimes.
"Dangerous Voices" is a wonderful read. Not only is it entertaining, engaging, and (if you ask me) quite philosophical, but it's also easy to read and love. I guarantee it is worth another second or third reading from me.
March 14, 2016
This story was short, sweet, and to the point. The concept is really interesting - voices are dangerous and the prisoners cannot be heard using them or they will be killed. This leaves room for so many questions though, and we don't get them all answered. Actually, we get very few answered. Why are the voices so dangerous? Where did the muses come from? How do Errik and all of the others get caught in the first place? Who is keeping them in the prison? I was left wanting so much more at the end of this story!
I really enjoyed how Carson builds her world and her characters in just a few pages though. We don't know much, but we do learn things from subtle hints and flashbacks. It made me want a full sized novel based on this story - I feel like there's a whole world just screaming to get out. I didn't want to leave Errik behind. I can totally understand why we're left hanging though - Errik has been locked up for so long that I think we learn and know just about as much as he does anymore. I also feel like, as much as there is a novel that wants to come out of this, it just wouldn't have been as effective as a short story.
Dangerous Voices is beautiful and haunting, albeit short. I love Carson's other works, and this story just made me want to read all of the Girl of Fire and Thorns novellas even more now. I hope she continues to write more short stories like this one, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys her writing. It's free, you have nothing to lose! A 4/5 on this story from me.
I really enjoyed how Carson builds her world and her characters in just a few pages though. We don't know much, but we do learn things from subtle hints and flashbacks. It made me want a full sized novel based on this story - I feel like there's a whole world just screaming to get out. I didn't want to leave Errik behind. I can totally understand why we're left hanging though - Errik has been locked up for so long that I think we learn and know just about as much as he does anymore. I also feel like, as much as there is a novel that wants to come out of this, it just wouldn't have been as effective as a short story.
Dangerous Voices is beautiful and haunting, albeit short. I love Carson's other works, and this story just made me want to read all of the Girl of Fire and Thorns novellas even more now. I hope she continues to write more short stories like this one, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys her writing. It's free, you have nothing to lose! A 4/5 on this story from me.
October 30, 2015
Kat Mandu says…
I’m a big fan of Rae Carson’s A Girl of Fire & Thorns trilogy, so I just knew I had to get this stand-alone short. The author brings to life a beautifully weaved story of magic, imprisonment, and breathtaking need.
Errik has been in prison for longer than he remembers, watching and listening as the captives in the cells around him die slowly. Though it’s never said who imprisons them, it gives you the impression that they’re all jailed for being musical mages. They all have muses inside them, ones that fill them with a nearly unstoppable desire to sing. But Errik knows not to sing and although his magic hasn’t died, his spirit is weakened when we first meet him.
Then he meets another girl, another prisoner, who’s a music mage like him with a spirit inside her that can’t hold her voice back. Every night he listens to her and begs her not to sing. But she can’t help herself and the day she sings, magic comes to life. Errik, who’s been denying his ability, joins in – and though the story ends sadly, it begins a new world.
The only thing I didn’t like about this story is that it wasn’t long enough! I wanted to know more about this world, more about why Errik was there and how long he’d been there, about their captors. Rae Carson really pulls you in and leaves you wanting more, more, more.
A big five for lyrical (pun intended) writing and beloved characters you yearn to have free themselves.
I’m a big fan of Rae Carson’s A Girl of Fire & Thorns trilogy, so I just knew I had to get this stand-alone short. The author brings to life a beautifully weaved story of magic, imprisonment, and breathtaking need.
Errik has been in prison for longer than he remembers, watching and listening as the captives in the cells around him die slowly. Though it’s never said who imprisons them, it gives you the impression that they’re all jailed for being musical mages. They all have muses inside them, ones that fill them with a nearly unstoppable desire to sing. But Errik knows not to sing and although his magic hasn’t died, his spirit is weakened when we first meet him.
Then he meets another girl, another prisoner, who’s a music mage like him with a spirit inside her that can’t hold her voice back. Every night he listens to her and begs her not to sing. But she can’t help herself and the day she sings, magic comes to life. Errik, who’s been denying his ability, joins in – and though the story ends sadly, it begins a new world.
The only thing I didn’t like about this story is that it wasn’t long enough! I wanted to know more about this world, more about why Errik was there and how long he’d been there, about their captors. Rae Carson really pulls you in and leaves you wanting more, more, more.
A big five for lyrical (pun intended) writing and beloved characters you yearn to have free themselves.
April 2, 2016
Full review can also be found on: Paein and Ms4Tune’s Book Blog
Having recently read her Fire and Thorns series, I was desperate to get my hands on something else Rae Carson. This was a free e-book via Smashwords and it was a short novella. Very short in fact. It seems to cut off and I'm not sure if there should have been more or not. Well that's easy, there SHOULD have been more, but whether there actually was is another matter.
It's such a little snippet and we're left with so many questions;
Why were they there?
Who put them there?
Who were they?
What was going on?
that it's almost an introduction to a new series. If Rae ever decides to write it, I'm game! This story was intriguing enough in the tiny bit we're given to hook you right in.
Errik has been a prisoner so long, it's all he remembers. But he slowly starts to recall things as his new neighbour quietly sings each day. Singing isn't allowed, but she doesn't care. It's heartbreakingly beautiful, they way it's told. You flinch away from the keys along with Errik, but in the end you find yourself soaring....until it's cut off. Perhaps it is meant to end that way after all.
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