Jora Lanseri hopes to marry and bear sons, as her duty to Serocia requires, but she possesses an uncommon skill—the ability to enter the Mindstream to witness any event in the present or past. Her plans are interrupted when two men arrive in her hometown and insist she accompany them to the capitol to serve Serocia with her Mindstreaming skill. After being inducted into the Order of Justice Officials and beginning her training as a Truth Sayer, she witnesses a shocking crime, jeopardizing the lives of everyone she cares about—including her own. But Jora has a secret. With the aid of a friendly dolphin, she's been slowly unraveling the mystery of the Spirit Stones, the ancient, singing sculptures that are at the very heart of the crime. Will the sculptures' unfolding mysteries help her bring justice to the perpetrator, or will they lead Jora down a path of destruction that threatens everything—and everyone—she has worked to protect?
K.C. May grew up in the mid-western USA and in Hawaii, and earned a B.A. in Russian from Florida State University. After a year in Taiwan teaching English and studying Mandarin Chinese, she lived in the Arizona desert where she founded a Rottweiler rescue organization and worked as a computer programmer and technical writer. Her interests include karate, backpacking, motorcycle riding, dog training, and computer gaming. Sign up for her newsletter at http://www.kcmay.com
I'm torn on my rating for this book. On the one hand, I enjoyed the majority of it and planned to give it at least four stars. Then I started nearing the end, and things became very violent.
Though I don't think I'll be reading the sequels, I did enjoy most of the book and thus stuck with original rating of four stars.
The main character Jora is awesome. Strong, brave, and intelligent. She has an ability called Mindstreaming where she can look into the lives of others whose lives she's touched. It's an interesting mental magic system that develops over the course of the story and is probably my favorite part of the book (besides Sundancer...but I can't say anymore about her.)
The world itself is well-developed and hints at greater things to come in the sequels. Lovers of epic fantasy will certainly enjoy it, provided they don't mind things getting significantly darker during the second half of the story.
This was an incredible story with very likable characters and excellent world building. I truly liked Jora, Boden and Sun Dancer. I will definitely be continuing the series as I need to know where things go from here.
This was a truly beautiful novel. The magic system was unique and creative, rivaling the systems that Brandon Sanderson creates. The story and characters really grabbed me, and I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend it to all lovers of the fantasy genre. Having a female protagonist makes it even more compelling. I am not sure I can bear the wait until the next one comes out.
Song of the Sea Spirit (The Mindstream Chronicles #1) by K.C. May
Young Jora is supposed to marry and make sons for her husband. But she has a special gift, she can "Mindstream" (witness things from the past or future). One day she discovers she can communicate with a dolphin. This brings her joy , as she learns to communicate. She now has a reason to enjoy her life.
Then two men show up and take her away from her home. They are training her to become a Truth Sayer. When she witness a crime, she must decide to keep the secret or do something about it. Soon her life and her whole world will be in danger. With the help of her dolphin friend, she begins to unravel the mystery of the Spirit Stones. And with this new knowledge she is putting herself in danger.
I really enjoyed this fantasy story. Jora was very likable, and (I found) her communicating with the dolphin fascinating. The story was very original, not the usual fairies, vampires and werewolves. I truly loved the originality. And who doesn't love dolphins! I look forward to more in this series. I highly recommend to those who love fantasy (and dolphins!)
Summary: Interesting premise, with gods that talk but aren't gods, relived and of course the mindstream. Good plot that brings the whole together with simple highly readable narrative. Much much more to be learnt and I look forward to book 2
Plotline: Simple plot that flows from the complicated premise and one talented novice.
Premise: Best part of this book, much more yet to be learnt. I suspect all is not what it seems
Writing: Simple, good descriptions, interesting characters, highly readable
What a story. I was mesmerised from the first page and it was so hard to put down. The idea of dolphins teaching us magic is an awesome concept, and the use of musical notes made so much sense. I loved the heroine Jara she went from being a young girl who never learnt to say no when asked to do something to a strong lady with amazing talents. I can't wait to see what see does in the next books. Totally worth the read.
This book has a very interesting concept. A girl who can "mindstream" and communicate with dolphins. It also has some interesting elements: a god with a sense of humor, fruit that can bring you back from the dead, creatures from another realm, and a sinister plot. I bought the other book. I'm slightly intrigued to find out what happens next.
What a fantastic story. I love the characters and the world building. The concept is different to anything I have previously read and kept me turning the pages to appease my curiosity as to what would happen next. I look forward to learning of Jora's development. I think she is bound for great things.
Loved it! I haven't been quite so engrossed in a long time... or desperate to continue the story. A very strong female protagonist, without losing her essential femininity. In the current world of fake news, the story is a point in case and shows how much we need to stand up for what is right.
I enjoyed reading this book. There was a young girl who became a woman who changed her life and world. I will have to get the other books to continue the journey! Thank you for the ride!!😃
Very good world building. Young people caught up in big doings. Unanswered questions. Dialogue with a dolphin. First in a series, I am looking forward to the next one.
Do not start reading this series if you value your night's rest, your social life or anything that doesn't involve trying to reach the next chapter as soon as possible! For me it's too late, I'm hooked...
At first I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, but I persevered and got caught up in the story. I'm not usually a fan of "fantasy", but I did enjoy this!
Different. Compelling. A fantasy world in a totally different dimension to any other I've "come across" so far. An amazing start to what is, I am sure, an exceptional series. Ready for the next part of this epic tale!
Jora and Boden live in the fishing village of Kaild. They have grown up together like brother and sister. They both face momentous changes in their lives. Boden must take a wife before he joins the Legion and fights to protect the Tree of the Fallen God. Jora is expected to become a wife and produce sons to send to the Legion, but she has the talent of Mindstreaming. Her talent lets her follow the timeline of anyone see meets and then observe the past as they saw it, so no one in her village wants to marry her and risk her seeing everything about their lives. Boden must decide who to marry and Jora must decide what she wants to do with her life.
Boden decides to marry someone other than Jora and Jora remains a maiden. Boden gives Jora a flute as a present before he leaves for the Legion. She does not know how to play, so she decides to practice by the sea where no one can hear her play. She tries to play her favorite song called song of the sea spirit, but is visited by a friendly dolphin who whistles the song back to her. These are the best moments in the novel. They are Jora’s discovery of the dolphin’s language and her communications with the dolphin called Sundancer. Boden’s travels to the Legion and his experiences there comprise the other half of the novel’s story. The weaker half. He joins the Legion, bonds with his comrades, and discovers a secret that jeopardizes his safety. Someone is stealing the godfruit that is dropped by the Tree of the Fallen God. If the men of the Legion eat one godfruit in the morning and die that day, then they will live again. This can only happen once per person. Who is stealing the godfruit and why they steal it are the questions Boden must answer. Meanwhile, Jora has been discovered by other Mindstreamers. Mindstreamers are recruited and trained by the Order of Justice Officials. The order supports the Legion and novices are trained in Serocia’s capitol of Jolver. Jora is drafted into the order, she is taken to Jolver, her training begins, and she bonds with the other novices. She views Boden through the Mindstream and discovers the mystery of the godfruit. This forbidden knowledge leads to many complications and ultimately the novel’s climax.
My struggles with this book is one of matching expectations. I thought that this book was going to be a sweet playful jaunt about dolphins and flutes. That changed about half way through the novel starting with the fate of Gilon. This book had a much darker message about the nature of death and what Jora would do when her power became unlimited. Did she become that which she fought so hard against? The answer may be in book #2: The Call of the Colossus. This wasn’t the story that I expected, but the story that the author told still intrigues me enough to read the next novel in the series.
Quite positive, but still feels like three stars for me. When the story started out it didn’t feel like high quality reading, however once it unfolded, the fantasy was very captivating. So much so, that I am now starting part 2..
I guess it’s not entirely guilty pleasure, but also not amazing literature.
One thing that impressed me most were the details on communication, language and tones interwoven in the fabric of this stories universe.
Anyway, should be a really good book for someone who loves fantasy, and just wants to be taken away for a while by a story.
Addition for the rest of the series: Story kept me involved and I read the series really fast which I guess means I liked it a lot. So I give the following books 4 stars. In general the review above is still accurate:).
I'm torn on this book. The storyline, of a woman with a power of mindsharing, discovers the secret to criminals in ancient text. This amy lead to truth and justice or the death of many, including herself. Wildly fantastic but enjoyable.
Beautifully written, intriguing and incredibly engaging, this book is most certainly one of the best novels I've read so far this year.
The main character Jora, who has the ability to enter the 'Mindstream' and Observe any event in the past or present, is quite entertaining and awesome. At the beginning you see her as a typical girl in a patriarchy who just wants to marry and have children but as the story progresses you realize how strong, independent and intelligent she actually is. I really liked how her character development was done - she didn't just wake up as an entirely different person but rather her qualities emerged gradually throughout the story.
And of course, I fell in love with the concept of communicating with dolphins through music. This was probably my favourite thing about this book. The magical system is also interesting but I feel like what we see in the first book is only the tip of the iceberg.
Even though this book was so much different from what I expected (it was rather dark and not as a 'light read' as I thought it would be) I still really enjoyed it and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
And did I mention how beautiful this book cover is?!
Song of the Sea Spirit, Book 1 of Mindstream Chronicles by K.C. May is an intriguing book. Jora Lanseri has the uncommon skill to enter the Mindstream to witness any event in the past or present. She is starting her training as a Truth Sayer in the Order of Justice Officials. She is also getting ready to say goodbye to her friend, Boden, who is going to war. I gave it five stars because I found it intriguing.
Nuri had told Jora about a book called The Whispering Sea. Sadly the librarian believed it had been burned in a five-over twenty years ago. "Nuri's eyes widened and brimmed with tears. 'Oh. Oh, that's awful. My favorite book. That saddens me. Books from one's childhood are like dear friends.'
"'I know. I'm particularly fond of a few myself. I'm sorry about your book.'"
I look forward to reading the next Book, Call of the Colossus.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. That did not change my opinion for this review.
*This book was provided by the publisher/author for an honest review.
I was immediately drawn into Song of the Sea Spirit's strange world where all the men leave home to protect a gigantic tree that harbors a fruit that can stave off death and dolphins that can speak through musical notes. At first it started a bit slowly but it didn't take long to draw me in. The world building was just excellent, I was completely enthralled with the godfruit and the Hundred Years War. Jora and Boden were excellent main characters and I enjoyed both of their point of view chapters! This fantasy is so different than any I've read before, from the society to the unique magic system. I would definitely recommend this to any lover of fantasy.
*This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our review process feel free to check out our fanpage www.Facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG
I can honestly say that I really really like this book. One is that you discover more of the world with the main character, you are slowly discovering things with her. Her awe, wonder, and dread are so tangible it becomes your own. The storytelling is great, like the very first time you heard a talented storyteller read you a book out loud. K.C. May does a great job in storytelling ten out of ten would read again, and of course the rest of the series.
There were things that I liked about this story and things I didn't. The dolphins and music I liked but the war and violence was a little gory for my taste. Having read this a second time for bookclub I realized I liked it a lot better the second time. I felt for the main characters and enjoyed where the story went. I'm interested to see where this series goes and hope for Jora's sucess.
It was a great story. Not my usual read. It was fun, exciting, suspenseful, and very full of surprises. It was fun to read. I recommend it. It took me a little to get into it but enjoyed it once I did. I liked all of the surprises it gave you within the story. “I am voluntarily reviewing a book gifted to me by the author with no obligation.”
Love this book, got to tell you the magic is different but you grow with it. A girl growing up different living in a small village where different isn't liked. I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to kick but. If you get the chance to read this book do.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and a "different" magical environment. It almost has a "short-story" feel that could have been a bit more descriptive. But, a solid 4 star book.
Song of the Sea Spirit is one of innumerable books I downloaded for free from Amazon. I regularly read fairly unknown books hoping to find gems. Is SofSS one of them?
No.
Is it entertaining?
Yes, mostly.
The story follows paths of two childhood friends Jora and Boden. They're fonf of each other, Jora mostly in platonic way, Boden, withlut fully admitting it, in romantic way.
We're thrown in well built world in which boys are expected to join Legion and go to war. Girls are expected to produce choldren, preferably boys, who would fuel ongoing war.
the reason for a war is to protect holy tree that bears godfruit that allows people to live through one death. By following Boden plotline we quickly learn that things are much more complicated and darker than they may seem. What if the Legion itself was selling godfruit to the enemy to help fuel the war?
The main character, Jora is a Mindstreamer with penchant for music. Music is used as a way to communicate with dolphins who can be regarded as stewards of long lost magic. Because of who she is, she remains maiden. None of boys wants her for a First Wife. Understandable as she may follow people's life threads and see what they're doing in the present and in the past. As boys leave their families for ten years and are encouraged to whoring and participate in bloody war I can see why they would choose regular girl.
Due to one of few plot twists Justice Bureau - an order of Mindstreamers - learns about Jora and makes her a novice. Seemingly life in the order is not unpleasant but fastly we start to see that not only Legion is not what it seems. What if the Justice Bureau, the institution that is supposes to honor truth and uphold the law was part of the problem?
The plot and.narration felt engaging to me. First few chapters were really good. Magic system and world building feel well engineered. Also there are hints of interesting things that may / will happen in next instalments to the series.
What makes this book 3.25 stars?
Well, the writing, pacing and character development are unequal. Jora,'s stay in the order could be used as great place to expand world building but instead it felt rushed and not really credible. The character development felt rushed as well. There were some bizarre logic gaps in the story. Even though the world is quite unique, the story degenerates a little bit into juvenile something the closer to the end we get. I can see the author didn't want to write a monster of a book, but adding some more place to develop Jora would pay off. This way we get rushed ending, our heroine who almost inexplicably becomes overpowered. All of this feels too rushed, too artificial. Also the book cannot decide if it wants to be YA or adult fantasy. I guess I wouldn't mention this book to you if the concepts weren't rather interesting. I do think the story had a lot of potential but it wasn't fully used.
All in all I think it was decent book. The world has potential and it may happen I'l read a sequel.
I actually really enjoyed the book I'm not gonna go into what it's about you can read that bit for yourselves, it didn't take me long to actually like the two main characters and I really enjoyed the story..................until something happened over half way through and then it just got really weird and unnecessary