What do you think?
Rate this book
Songs of Magic #3
A Thundering of Monsters
The spell-slinging, shape-shifting, and epic fantasy adventure concludes in Book Three of the Songs of Magic trilogy!
After confronting the evil Hamelyn Piper, Patch Brightwater, his dracogriff friend Barver, and an army of Pipers have been transported to a mysterious island where they find themselves trapped with monstrous beasts. Meanwhile, their shapeshifting friend, Wren, has been captured by the nefarious villain and is working hard to escape a pair of magic-dampening manacles.
Clad in his suit of impenetrable black armor, with traitorous dragons on his side, the Piper of Hamelyn hunts for a mythical amulet to achieve true immortality. But Erner Whitlock, an apprentice in the Piper’s Custodian Elite, is on the verge of discovering yet another foe with even more sinister plans . . . Can Patch and friends reunite in time to prevent destruction from raining on the world?
S.A. Patrick’s Songs of Magic trilogy is a brilliant retelling of one of the darkest legends of all time, "The Piper of Hamelyn." Combining folklore with the very best of modern storytelling, the books will delight young fantasy fans who are hungry for perilous quests, friendships forged on the road, and an inventive magic system that thrills the imagination.
After confronting the evil Hamelyn Piper, Patch Brightwater, his dracogriff friend Barver, and an army of Pipers have been transported to a mysterious island where they find themselves trapped with monstrous beasts. Meanwhile, their shapeshifting friend, Wren, has been captured by the nefarious villain and is working hard to escape a pair of magic-dampening manacles.
Clad in his suit of impenetrable black armor, with traitorous dragons on his side, the Piper of Hamelyn hunts for a mythical amulet to achieve true immortality. But Erner Whitlock, an apprentice in the Piper’s Custodian Elite, is on the verge of discovering yet another foe with even more sinister plans . . . Can Patch and friends reunite in time to prevent destruction from raining on the world?
S.A. Patrick’s Songs of Magic trilogy is a brilliant retelling of one of the darkest legends of all time, "The Piper of Hamelyn." Combining folklore with the very best of modern storytelling, the books will delight young fantasy fans who are hungry for perilous quests, friendships forged on the road, and an inventive magic system that thrills the imagination.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2021
11 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
S.A. Patrick
6 books105 followersS.A. Patrick was born in Northern Ireland. An Oxford mathematics graduate, he spent thirteen years working as a games programmer on the award-winning Total War series before becoming a full-time author. He lives in Cornwall with his wife and two young children. He is the author of A Darkness of Dragons, and (as Seth Patrick) the horror-thriller Reviver trilogy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 13, 2023
6.71 on CAWPILE.
I think this is a classic case of 'It's me not you'. This should have been just as much fun as the others were for me, but I'm finding myself less and less in the mood for middle-grade reads. I think I need to take a break from them!
I think this is a classic case of 'It's me not you'. This should have been just as much fun as the others were for me, but I'm finding myself less and less in the mood for middle-grade reads. I think I need to take a break from them!
January 17, 2024
Actual rating: 3.5
It's probably not the book, it's me. I was really invested in the story until about halfway through and then it got tiresome. I feel like this trilogy's story became a lot more complicated than it needed to be. It could have been a nice solid standalone and I would have loved it more. Like the previous installment, I did like how the story wrapped up, but I feel like I'm just relieved this series is over more than anything.
It's probably not the book, it's me. I was really invested in the story until about halfway through and then it got tiresome. I feel like this trilogy's story became a lot more complicated than it needed to be. It could have been a nice solid standalone and I would have loved it more. Like the previous installment, I did like how the story wrapped up, but I feel like I'm just relieved this series is over more than anything.
August 9, 2022
WOW! This is definitely a top all time favorite trilogy. This 3rd & final(?)book was just as epically amazing as the 1st two. I can’t even begin to explain how happy I was to be back with these 3 amazing friends-Wren, Barver, & Patch. All of the characters in this series are so incredibly written, even the “bad guys”. These 3 friends though are the biggest part of why they’re a fav for me. Then you add in the incredible writing, plot, story/world building?? Next level good. Can’t say hardly anything, but so many twists & turns in here, & wowza moments..especially how it all came together, & the ending?? So good. Very fast-past, race against the clock, high stakes, dangerous thrilling adventure. So many imaginative, & vivid aspects of this one especially too, with where we go with some characters, & everything we see there. I love how the author had a recap of book 1 in book 2, & then a recap in this one of both previous books. That’s helps so much, just because there’s such a long time between book releases. So very appreciated. I believe this is supposed to be the last one, but the way it ended plus what the author hints in the acknowledgments, I feel like there has to be more in some way, at least connected to these-don’t worry the ending has closure & is very satisfying, it’s just like a little tease/hint kinda thing lol. I definitely wouldn’t complain if more came out related to this world/characters. Barver especially will always have my heart. Phenomenal author, & I just need more. HIGHLY recommend. BEAUTIFUL cover by George Ermos too.💜
January 14, 2022
I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it I love it
February 1, 2022
I loved this series! Full of magic, dragons, sorcerers, and griffins, the story pulled me in from the start and kept me hooked all the way through to the last book. Perfect for older children, the author has created a magical world with wonderful characters that will seem like old friends by the time you finish reading.
This is the eternal fight of good against evil, with battles between humans and dragons, but it is also a story of friendship, of making mistakes, of struggling to be brave when things become difficult. But most of all, it is a story that children, and adults, can lose themselves in, travel to other worlds and have incredible adventures. I hope that Patch, Wren and Barver will be back in the future, I would love to read more of their stories. Highly recommend!
This is the eternal fight of good against evil, with battles between humans and dragons, but it is also a story of friendship, of making mistakes, of struggling to be brave when things become difficult. But most of all, it is a story that children, and adults, can lose themselves in, travel to other worlds and have incredible adventures. I hope that Patch, Wren and Barver will be back in the future, I would love to read more of their stories. Highly recommend!
December 10, 2024
This was amazing! What a plot twist! I never thought this could happen—it was brilliantly executed and written. What I loved about this book is that the story doesn’t focus solely on Patch but also gives attention to the characters who aren’t with him. There are so many unexpected twists, especially toward the end. Just when I thought the story was over, another secret or mystery was revealed
January 9, 2026
I will miss the adventures of Patch. This book lay under my bed for way too long - while it took me about 5 years to finish all the books in this series, we finally made it to the end!
There is a promising cliffhanger at the end of the story, so hopefully the author will continue to write more about this world. 4.5 stars.
There is a promising cliffhanger at the end of the story, so hopefully the author will continue to write more about this world. 4.5 stars.
September 22, 2024
What a great first children’s book series by Patrick. I read these with my 10 yr old son and we both really enjoyed them. I hope he fulfills his promise of further adventures with these characters. Having them woven into other known fairy tales would be amazing. :)
March 1, 2025
The end scene was just amazing. 🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌
January 12, 2022
Sooo good to be back with the gang once more. A truly original story with great characters and settings. The level of adventure and fun is fantastic and to be honest, I’m very sad to have finished it.
Patch, Wren, Erner and Barver will always be with me and the book is being firmly kept on the shelf with its companions so that I may return another day.
S A Patrick’s writing is second to none and I would recommend this to anyone. Just absolutely bloody brilliant!
Patch, Wren, Erner and Barver will always be with me and the book is being firmly kept on the shelf with its companions so that I may return another day.
S A Patrick’s writing is second to none and I would recommend this to anyone. Just absolutely bloody brilliant!
October 13, 2024
Special thanks to the author(s), publisher, Goodreads and/or NetGalley for the review copy. All views and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
An illegal ending! After making me cry too! This chapter closes but another one opens and I need the next book in Patch, Wren and Barver’s life.
This book has much more emotion than the last two. It starts right after the last book ends but interestingly takes a different approach in the first half. As the friends are divided, each chapter takes turns focusing on each character. I liked this approach because the stories were all happening at the same time, yet separate enough to indulge in each one’s intensity, plot, and progress. At the end, they were masterfully intertwined and finally joined to announce the start of the climax.
There is quite a lot of character growth in this story. Wren had a formidable growth throughout this series. She was already an intelligent, confident and fearless character but in this book, she was also a great sorcerer in training. Her perseverance was commendable and encouraging to watch. Barver has always been a wise and kind dracogriff. He’s almost like a parental figure watching over Wren and Patch, always coming to their rescue when things are tough. I liked seeing a more emotional side to Barver in this book because he felt more confident and free.
Patch has always been a character I struggled to understand but loved. He’s basically similar to a side character who’s always there but barely contributing. Unlike Wren and Barber, Patch barely contributed throughout the story until the last third of the book. He was always there for his friends and cared about them but I felt like there was something missing. I felt sad for him and could feel his loneliness through the words. I wish I could give Patch a hug. I feel like the story didn’t give Patch enough chances to play his beloved pipe or talk about his guilt from the Erner mishap or even come to terms with the rushed revelation at the ending.
The ending in this story is a bit rushed, a little anticlimactic and full of surprises. I enjoyed the story’s pacing because it built up the events and intense moments expertly and the sudden surprises were enjoyable. They were unforeseen and added new complexities. However, the ending, although surprising, fell flat and the multiple revelations at the end happened too quickly and too suddenly. The plot that was carried from book one has ended but it leaves room for a new story which intrigues me.
Overall this was an enjoyable read. One that made me attached to the characters enough that I cried when things were rough and looking bleak. My favorite character in this story will always be Patch because he’s very humble and kind. He touches a heart string because I see myself reflected so much in his character. That aside, this is the end of the series and I’m hoping the story with these friends continues soon with more exciting magical adventures.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
An illegal ending! After making me cry too! This chapter closes but another one opens and I need the next book in Patch, Wren and Barver’s life.
This book has much more emotion than the last two. It starts right after the last book ends but interestingly takes a different approach in the first half. As the friends are divided, each chapter takes turns focusing on each character. I liked this approach because the stories were all happening at the same time, yet separate enough to indulge in each one’s intensity, plot, and progress. At the end, they were masterfully intertwined and finally joined to announce the start of the climax.
There is quite a lot of character growth in this story. Wren had a formidable growth throughout this series. She was already an intelligent, confident and fearless character but in this book, she was also a great sorcerer in training. Her perseverance was commendable and encouraging to watch. Barver has always been a wise and kind dracogriff. He’s almost like a parental figure watching over Wren and Patch, always coming to their rescue when things are tough. I liked seeing a more emotional side to Barver in this book because he felt more confident and free.
Patch has always been a character I struggled to understand but loved. He’s basically similar to a side character who’s always there but barely contributing. Unlike Wren and Barber, Patch barely contributed throughout the story until the last third of the book. He was always there for his friends and cared about them but I felt like there was something missing. I felt sad for him and could feel his loneliness through the words. I wish I could give Patch a hug. I feel like the story didn’t give Patch enough chances to play his beloved pipe or talk about his guilt from the Erner mishap or even come to terms with the rushed revelation at the ending.
The ending in this story is a bit rushed, a little anticlimactic and full of surprises. I enjoyed the story’s pacing because it built up the events and intense moments expertly and the sudden surprises were enjoyable. They were unforeseen and added new complexities. However, the ending, although surprising, fell flat and the multiple revelations at the end happened too quickly and too suddenly. The plot that was carried from book one has ended but it leaves room for a new story which intrigues me.
Overall this was an enjoyable read. One that made me attached to the characters enough that I cried when things were rough and looking bleak. My favorite character in this story will always be Patch because he’s very humble and kind. He touches a heart string because I see myself reflected so much in his character. That aside, this is the end of the series and I’m hoping the story with these friends continues soon with more exciting magical adventures.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
July 22, 2025
This is the final installment of the series and surprisingly brings a lot of new concepts and information about the world into the plot. This is not something I would expect from a third book in the series. The last one was A Vanishing of Griffins.
We were left at almost a literal cliff hanger in the previous installment. The band of friends were split into three, each pursuing a different agenda to stay alive. Since the original trio have collected enough people to help in their quest by this time, there are also a lot more voices to focus on.
I would not recommend picking this book up without any prior knowledge because the author does not dwell too much on the complexities of the previous books while mentioning just enough to enable recall for those ( like me) who might have read the previous books a long time before getting to this one.
The thing I appreciate most is that the author does not provide overly simplified conversations or twists since this book definitely targets the lower age groups. I don’t know if the target audience would like to be treated this way, but I certainly was happy.
Since this book won’t make sense without the background, I will mention that the epic battle that takes place has the funniest possible reason for victory, even when the previous scenes showed how dire things were. I am just a little sad at how the author chose to end the book with no further explanations as to what the ‘special’ thing could be!
I recommend this series as a whole to the younger audience looking for a fantasy adventure. It is worth finishing the series.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this and the previous works.
We were left at almost a literal cliff hanger in the previous installment. The band of friends were split into three, each pursuing a different agenda to stay alive. Since the original trio have collected enough people to help in their quest by this time, there are also a lot more voices to focus on.
I would not recommend picking this book up without any prior knowledge because the author does not dwell too much on the complexities of the previous books while mentioning just enough to enable recall for those ( like me) who might have read the previous books a long time before getting to this one.
The thing I appreciate most is that the author does not provide overly simplified conversations or twists since this book definitely targets the lower age groups. I don’t know if the target audience would like to be treated this way, but I certainly was happy.
Since this book won’t make sense without the background, I will mention that the epic battle that takes place has the funniest possible reason for victory, even when the previous scenes showed how dire things were. I am just a little sad at how the author chose to end the book with no further explanations as to what the ‘special’ thing could be!
I recommend this series as a whole to the younger audience looking for a fantasy adventure. It is worth finishing the series.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this and the previous works.
January 20, 2022
I’m really not satisfied with the ending. Considering the first two books and also most of this third book always went against cliches and the author put uniqueness into the story, it’s sad how it ends with a lot of cliches. I won’t spoiler, but the main character once again got the most of the “happy ending”, and these were 3 cliches at once. So disappointing...
But overall the book was really really good. Apart from the last 2-3 chapters (full of cliches), I really love it and its uniqueness. It’s definitely one of my favorite book series, and I hope someday to see the heroes again.
There was also two characters I shipped from the very beginning (no, not the obvious one) and I’m kind of sad they didn’t come canon and even barely interacted, but I’m also really happy that the author didn’t put any romance into it!
After all, this is about war (and the characters are a bit too young anyway) and there really wouldn’t be time for a romance; yet so many fantasy books do that, and I’m so glad it wasn’t the case here. (See? Again he went against cliches!)
So, yes, I did love the trilogy and would recommend it to anyone, really. Fantasy lovers, mostly, but also those who love music. It’s more of a children’s book, I think, but teenagers and adults can read it too. I’m an adult after all and I did cry in each book.
But overall the book was really really good. Apart from the last 2-3 chapters (full of cliches), I really love it and its uniqueness. It’s definitely one of my favorite book series, and I hope someday to see the heroes again.
There was also two characters I shipped from the very beginning (no, not the obvious one) and I’m kind of sad they didn’t come canon and even barely interacted, but I’m also really happy that the author didn’t put any romance into it!
After all, this is about war (and the characters are a bit too young anyway) and there really wouldn’t be time for a romance; yet so many fantasy books do that, and I’m so glad it wasn’t the case here. (See? Again he went against cliches!)
So, yes, I did love the trilogy and would recommend it to anyone, really. Fantasy lovers, mostly, but also those who love music. It’s more of a children’s book, I think, but teenagers and adults can read it too. I’m an adult after all and I did cry in each book.
May 11, 2025
And so this trilogy comes to a close. It's incredible to believe that in the first 50 pages of this series, it was highly likely this would be a DNF. It was so hard to relate and nothing seemed worth sticking by it. And then page 60 came and went, then pretty much the rest of the series flowed by. It became full on addictive.
A Thunder of Monsters is a good final installment, it ties together all the elements we encountered up until now in the series, but even as a standalone book it gels together so well, with every scene significant for something that happens later on.
Patch, Barver and Wren are in top form for this book as well, each growing on their chosen path, learning from their adventures and leaning into the things that make them stronger as a unit.
I'm still impressed by Piping as a way to convey magic, which is a novel approach and it holds such potential. I hope the author does choose to return to the world, even if it were to be with different characters, because there's more to explore with the magic system he set up here. The only other similarly intriguing system I've ever read was around sewing as a way of creating magic.
There's not all that much to say, beyond saying that if you enjoyed the previous books, you'll definitely love this as well.
A Thunder of Monsters is a good final installment, it ties together all the elements we encountered up until now in the series, but even as a standalone book it gels together so well, with every scene significant for something that happens later on.
Patch, Barver and Wren are in top form for this book as well, each growing on their chosen path, learning from their adventures and leaning into the things that make them stronger as a unit.
I'm still impressed by Piping as a way to convey magic, which is a novel approach and it holds such potential. I hope the author does choose to return to the world, even if it were to be with different characters, because there's more to explore with the magic system he set up here. The only other similarly intriguing system I've ever read was around sewing as a way of creating magic.
There's not all that much to say, beyond saying that if you enjoyed the previous books, you'll definitely love this as well.
January 31, 2022
Absolutely loved it: soooo much peril upon peril to keep you reading but each bit was new and interesting. I love the universe S.A. Patrick has created here, and adore the characters, especially the central three. It was fab seeing Wren come into her own. I feel there was quite a bit more humour to the narration too, although maybe I just missed that first time round reading the others - will have to revisit.
Some of the elements of the plot in the overall narrative are a little too scary for my 7 year old *just* yet, but I’m adding it to the list of stories I cannot wait to share with her when she’s a little bit older. It’s on the same shelf as Potter.
There remains one tiny “but” - you can’t end it like that Mr Patrick!!! This can no longer be a trilogy because after wrapping it up so beautifully you mischievously let the edge unravel at the end just in the last paragraph there… we NEED to know what happened!!!!!
Considering picketing the doorstep of Usborne until you promise you are writing the next instalment…
Some of the elements of the plot in the overall narrative are a little too scary for my 7 year old *just* yet, but I’m adding it to the list of stories I cannot wait to share with her when she’s a little bit older. It’s on the same shelf as Potter.
There remains one tiny “but” - you can’t end it like that Mr Patrick!!! This can no longer be a trilogy because after wrapping it up so beautifully you mischievously let the edge unravel at the end just in the last paragraph there… we NEED to know what happened!!!!!
Considering picketing the doorstep of Usborne until you promise you are writing the next instalment…
February 5, 2024
I loved this so much! Patch, Wren, and Barver are always in the middle of chaos. Now they have been separated due to the events of the previous book and they need to figure out how to solve the situation that they have ended up on. The conflict with Black Knight is coming to a head and the stakes are higher then ever. Will our precocious trio find a way to save the day once again.
I truly adored this series. I loved the characters, the setting, the magic system, as well as the conflicts and their resolutions. It was never a situation that seemed completely unbelievable given that the protagonists were children. It was all perfectly in line with their capabilities but also with their own personal flare. I also really started to like Rundel after the second book. He was portrayed so differently after the first novel. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves middle grade and just wants to experience an adventure full of musical magic, wonderfully creative creatures, and lasting friendships. 5 stats! 🌟 🌟
I truly adored this series. I loved the characters, the setting, the magic system, as well as the conflicts and their resolutions. It was never a situation that seemed completely unbelievable given that the protagonists were children. It was all perfectly in line with their capabilities but also with their own personal flare. I also really started to like Rundel after the second book. He was portrayed so differently after the first novel. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves middle grade and just wants to experience an adventure full of musical magic, wonderfully creative creatures, and lasting friendships. 5 stats! 🌟 🌟
April 6, 2022
Ahhh! I am so sad that this trilogy is at its end! I have loved these books and this wonderful world that S.A.Patrick has created! This final book was perfectly balanced with action adventure and intrigue! There wasn't a dull moment and it was a fantastic end to my favourite middle grade series!
.
The writing is so well done and such an ease to read and I have loved reading this trilogy a chapter or two a night to my young boys!
.
I would just like to say Thank you S.A.Patrick, for igniting a love of evening reading to my children and transporting us all to this magical world!!! A true Piper seal of approval! Please keep writing more middle grade for us to enjoy!!!!!
.
The writing is so well done and such an ease to read and I have loved reading this trilogy a chapter or two a night to my young boys!
.
I would just like to say Thank you S.A.Patrick, for igniting a love of evening reading to my children and transporting us all to this magical world!!! A true Piper seal of approval! Please keep writing more middle grade for us to enjoy!!!!!
June 22, 2025
I love this series and everywhere it went, dragging me along with it - if I could fly too, I may have been able to keep up, but the struggle is part of the adventure after all. There were so many struggles in this third book of the trilogy. Each adventure, each step, each struggle helped our threesome of friends (and their friends) learn, develop and become more. I love the camaraderie, the loyalty and especially the humor laced all through this series. Want an example? How do you overcome an evil sorcerer and his dragon army? - with monsters and onions (you'll especially love this part of the story).
February 13, 2022
I have enjoyed this series. I felt this third was the hardest read as there are so many different storylines alternating, which I found made it a bit stilted. Lots of danger, adventure and magic. Good to see the characters develop. The last of the trilogy but perhaps open for future stories?
January 10, 2023
Fantastic finale to this trilogy. This was definitely worth the wait. It was exciting with new surprises, but still managed to wrap up pretty much all my questions. Would love to see more from this world!
Definitely re-reading this trilogy this year
Definitely re-reading this trilogy this year
May 17, 2025
Extremely exciting and adventurous series! Absolutely loved all three books and was hooked throughout - read this book almost in one go! Definitely recommend to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure!
February 27, 2022
such a great conclusion to the trilogy!! it did not disappoint.
loved it!
loved it!
March 22, 2022
This was a solid ending to this adventure filled middle grade trilogy. I love Patch, he's a brilliant character and the character growth is just lovely to see.
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
May 3, 2022
4.5 stars
May 15, 2022
Such a fun series! Perfect for school age 9-12. Great ideas, good story, imaginative and well-written. Looking forward to more of this world!
January 24, 2023
THAT WAS SO GOOD!!!!!!!!! DONT you DARE end the books there! Such a big cliff hangar that I had to read the end like five more times just to stay with the characters more.
March 25, 2023
The whole book was awesome though the plot twist seems a tad bit forced but A STORY FOR ANOTHER DAY???? THERE WILL BE MORE BOOKS?????????
March 31, 2023
A nice end to the story. Some elements at the end felt a bit thrown together and didn't really hit the mark.
April 10, 2023
What a wonderful trilogy full of complex characters and excellent world-building. A true joy worthy of re-reading.
May 11, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this series! Truly magical in all the right ways.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews