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Dragonsong
Rebekah, daughter of Merlin and noblewoman of Albion has been driven to madness by the murder of her lover Vidar. In her torment she bargains with the Prince of Demons to turn her into a dragon. Once transformed, she seeks to take revenge upon her father, Merlin, whom she is fooled into believing is responsible for Vidar’s death.
Behind the subterfuge stands Oberon, Captain-King of Elves, who cannot foresee the devastation his jealousy and unrequited love for Rebekah will unleash upon the world of Gaia. Its salvation depends on the retrieval of the Sleep Stone from the gates of Hell. But if the stone is not returned the demon army will awake and ransack Gia in a war that will destroy its existence. Time is the solution – but only if the gods of Asgard can nd a way of stopping it.
Dragonsong is a unique epic fantasy that explores fundamental themes of good and evil, jealously and revenge. Woven together with a gripping and powerful plot, the pattern of the language, the musicality of the form and the profound emotions invoked carry the reader to extremes of human experience and capability at both its best and worst.
Behind the subterfuge stands Oberon, Captain-King of Elves, who cannot foresee the devastation his jealousy and unrequited love for Rebekah will unleash upon the world of Gaia. Its salvation depends on the retrieval of the Sleep Stone from the gates of Hell. But if the stone is not returned the demon army will awake and ransack Gia in a war that will destroy its existence. Time is the solution – but only if the gods of Asgard can nd a way of stopping it.
Dragonsong is a unique epic fantasy that explores fundamental themes of good and evil, jealously and revenge. Woven together with a gripping and powerful plot, the pattern of the language, the musicality of the form and the profound emotions invoked carry the reader to extremes of human experience and capability at both its best and worst.
176 pages, Paperback
Published April 28, 2016
About the author
Michael Forester
9 books137 followersSome are born with silver spoons in their mouths. Michael Forester was born with a pen in his hand.
Of course, it was immediately pinched by his big brother who put it on a shelf too high for him to reach. He got his own back though. He nicked his brother’s abacus and hid behind the sofa with it. Thus his accountancy and entrepreneurial career was born, but always clouded by a nagging suspicion that his true calling had something to do with writing.
By the time he was 30 he was finally tall enough to reach the shelf, and took down the pen. This induced a bout of split personality disorder in which he oscillated between pillaging the stock market and writing books teaching others how to make incalculably vast sums of money. Unfortunately, they didn’t make incalculably vast sums of money themselves...
The millennium year saw a complete volte-face (millennia can be quite feisty like that, Michael says – still, not to worry, he’s fully prepared for the next one) in which he determined to devote his life to poetry, fiction and life writing. The first result was If It Wasn’t For That Dog, about his first year with his beloved hearing dog, Matt. (Michael has been severely deafened from the age of 30).
In 2009 he won first prize at the Winchester Writer’s Festival in the ‘Writing can be Murder’ category. He has been short/longlisted three times in the Fish Writing Contest.
Eventually Michael felt ready to start his first novel, Vicious, a story of Punk Rock, reincarnation and the second coming of the Messiah. It took six years to complete the manuscript which was showcased by The Literary Consultancy in November 2015.
Now at the venerable age of 63 (deep respect, master, deep respect), Michael writes and promotes his books full time. He numbers angels and dryads amongst his closest friends.
His children look on aghast as he squanders their inheritance on such profligacies as A4 printing paper and laser toner cartridges.
They need have no concern. He plans to leave them the pen.
Of course, it was immediately pinched by his big brother who put it on a shelf too high for him to reach. He got his own back though. He nicked his brother’s abacus and hid behind the sofa with it. Thus his accountancy and entrepreneurial career was born, but always clouded by a nagging suspicion that his true calling had something to do with writing.
By the time he was 30 he was finally tall enough to reach the shelf, and took down the pen. This induced a bout of split personality disorder in which he oscillated between pillaging the stock market and writing books teaching others how to make incalculably vast sums of money. Unfortunately, they didn’t make incalculably vast sums of money themselves...
The millennium year saw a complete volte-face (millennia can be quite feisty like that, Michael says – still, not to worry, he’s fully prepared for the next one) in which he determined to devote his life to poetry, fiction and life writing. The first result was If It Wasn’t For That Dog, about his first year with his beloved hearing dog, Matt. (Michael has been severely deafened from the age of 30).
In 2009 he won first prize at the Winchester Writer’s Festival in the ‘Writing can be Murder’ category. He has been short/longlisted three times in the Fish Writing Contest.
Eventually Michael felt ready to start his first novel, Vicious, a story of Punk Rock, reincarnation and the second coming of the Messiah. It took six years to complete the manuscript which was showcased by The Literary Consultancy in November 2015.
Now at the venerable age of 63 (deep respect, master, deep respect), Michael writes and promotes his books full time. He numbers angels and dryads amongst his closest friends.
His children look on aghast as he squanders their inheritance on such profligacies as A4 printing paper and laser toner cartridges.
They need have no concern. He plans to leave them the pen.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 16, 2016
When I first took this book on my hands I found it a little strange that it was written in rhyme. Page by page I got to understand that this was what made it so unique. It would well could be a medieval ballad. Very well written, it makes your mind travel to another place and time. I'm sure that all fantasy readers, all people fascinating by medieval times will find this book an excellent addition to their readings. Dragons, elves, love and treachery, the good and the evil, all exists here. Definetly a must read!
June 5, 2016
Great!
March 6, 2018
An accidental find in a Glastonbury book shop... with the cover instantly grabbing my full attention... a dragon story? Yes please :)
I was very quick to discover that this story was so, so much more.
When I first started reading, I thought I wouldn't be able to settle into the verse like style of writing but the pace came together quickly. And I thoroughly enjoyed the style and pattern of language.
The story explores love, jealousy, magic and the concepts of good and evil. Who are you rooting for?
Beautifully composed; taking the reader on a journey that is unforgettable. Magic, Merlin, Gods and dragons. The story will stay with me for a long time to come.
I was very quick to discover that this story was so, so much more.
When I first started reading, I thought I wouldn't be able to settle into the verse like style of writing but the pace came together quickly. And I thoroughly enjoyed the style and pattern of language.
The story explores love, jealousy, magic and the concepts of good and evil. Who are you rooting for?
Beautifully composed; taking the reader on a journey that is unforgettable. Magic, Merlin, Gods and dragons. The story will stay with me for a long time to come.
May 15, 2016
Absolutely beautiful book
I loved this book. It is a tale of wizards, demons, dragons, elves, love and treachery set around the Arthurian court but written in rhyme.
I have not read any poetic literature for over 40 years since studying Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight at university so this book intrigued me. I am full of admiration for anyone who can write beautiful poetry but when they can also tell a story at the same time I find that quite remarkable.
It is about the battle between elves and men, love stories ending tragically and deceit and treachery. I would urge people to read this even if they haven’t read poetry in a long time, I just found it so beautiful and the story will entrance you.
The last lines as written by the Scribe are
“Or wilt thou, reader, now persuade
Me once again to take my pen
And make another story come to be?
All I can say is that I really hope so!
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
I loved this book. It is a tale of wizards, demons, dragons, elves, love and treachery set around the Arthurian court but written in rhyme.
I have not read any poetic literature for over 40 years since studying Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight at university so this book intrigued me. I am full of admiration for anyone who can write beautiful poetry but when they can also tell a story at the same time I find that quite remarkable.
It is about the battle between elves and men, love stories ending tragically and deceit and treachery. I would urge people to read this even if they haven’t read poetry in a long time, I just found it so beautiful and the story will entrance you.
The last lines as written by the Scribe are
“Or wilt thou, reader, now persuade
Me once again to take my pen
And make another story come to be?
All I can say is that I really hope so!
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
August 28, 2016
Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Interesting story—but I did not like the format. Although that’s on me and my personal preferences, because in and of itself the story flows beautifully.
This reads like an epic tale, rife with sadness and the shadow of what pain, selfishness and evil can wreak on living beings.
I found interesting the elements of mythology, religion and folklore that were entwined here and how the author expanded and incorporated it with the story. It was done quite seamlessly considering how different it all was (if one is to nitpick, which will just prevent the reader from enjoying the experience).
There’s no happily-ever-after here, there are no damsels in distress, but there’s a story that resonates.
The title is very appropriate.
Interesting story—but I did not like the format. Although that’s on me and my personal preferences, because in and of itself the story flows beautifully.
This reads like an epic tale, rife with sadness and the shadow of what pain, selfishness and evil can wreak on living beings.
I found interesting the elements of mythology, religion and folklore that were entwined here and how the author expanded and incorporated it with the story. It was done quite seamlessly considering how different it all was (if one is to nitpick, which will just prevent the reader from enjoying the experience).
There’s no happily-ever-after here, there are no damsels in distress, but there’s a story that resonates.
The title is very appropriate.
August 30, 2016
Dragonsong
The writer has written a very powerful book through the oldest style that of the Druidic tales of king Arthur. I have always had a passion for the Celtic ways of storytelling and the old tales of dragons, it is a book that my eleven-year-old has enjoyed and regularly likes to read. It is a book attractive to any reader whether you are five or eighty-eight, I would and have been advising this book to my friends. The words wove from the page into the mind of myself and my daughter and create vivid pictures of what he wanted to portray. I hope he writes more of this wonderful classic druidic tales.
The writer has written a very powerful book through the oldest style that of the Druidic tales of king Arthur. I have always had a passion for the Celtic ways of storytelling and the old tales of dragons, it is a book that my eleven-year-old has enjoyed and regularly likes to read. It is a book attractive to any reader whether you are five or eighty-eight, I would and have been advising this book to my friends. The words wove from the page into the mind of myself and my daughter and create vivid pictures of what he wanted to portray. I hope he writes more of this wonderful classic druidic tales.
September 11, 2016
Sad, lyrical, bittersweet and beautiful! Full review to come.
April 14, 2018
“Hail, Oberon –defend me now! For thou art my dear chosen one this evil must thou not allow! Thy silence doth thy father now amaze!"
A tale of dragons and ancient times, with elves and humans in strife.
Oberon, Captain-King of Elves, covets a maiden in Albion, but she (is protected and ) only wants to take up and fulfil her inherited duties. In his rage at his rejection Oberon determines to revenge himself on her and Albion.
Later in the book, on taking up her duties Rebekah finds her true love, which is when Oberon unleashes his revenge, twisting her against her father Merlin, in the process.
It then falls to Merlin to try and help redeem his daughter and save all of Albion from dragonsong in the process.
This book is not written in prose, it is all rhyming couplets. It takes some getting used to. The first time I started to read, I put it aside in frustration. However, on re-starting the tale I persevered and found it engaging to read. In fact I managed to get three quarters of the way through in one sitting.
Those who like ancient style tales will enjoy this book. But like many bardish tales, you could expect tears!
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. NetGalley does not allow for paid reviews.
November 15, 2018
General Overview
A short an interesting read. Would recommend for those interested into delving into a different type of fantasy, or simply poetry.
Style
Dragonsong by Michael Forester is a book of poetry. I have never read a book of poetry before, and I am pleased to say this was a pleasant first time for me. The prose were well formed, and really brought a different light to the magical world of Albion that Michael laid forth for us all.
There was a great sense of the classics about this read. With the call to the Muses, and the reading, stepping out of the narrative as the author of the books at times.
Though I am not as comfortable with the style that was written, I did manage to work through it and enjoy the story therein.
Story
The story is a telling of an Arthurian style legend. One I have not come across before, it is a sweeping tale of love, hatred, and betrayal. It is a short story, due in part to the style of the narrative, and one that does not delve into to much detail.
The characters are interesting however, and after a slow start, the action builds to an exciting conclusion. This story takes the reader to a vairety of locations, some well known, and others not, with a host of characters of equal variety.
Final Thoughts
A short story told beautifully through poetry. Not to my personal taste, but I'm glad I gave it a go.
A short an interesting read. Would recommend for those interested into delving into a different type of fantasy, or simply poetry.
Style
Dragonsong by Michael Forester is a book of poetry. I have never read a book of poetry before, and I am pleased to say this was a pleasant first time for me. The prose were well formed, and really brought a different light to the magical world of Albion that Michael laid forth for us all.
There was a great sense of the classics about this read. With the call to the Muses, and the reading, stepping out of the narrative as the author of the books at times.
Though I am not as comfortable with the style that was written, I did manage to work through it and enjoy the story therein.
Story
The story is a telling of an Arthurian style legend. One I have not come across before, it is a sweeping tale of love, hatred, and betrayal. It is a short story, due in part to the style of the narrative, and one that does not delve into to much detail.
The characters are interesting however, and after a slow start, the action builds to an exciting conclusion. This story takes the reader to a vairety of locations, some well known, and others not, with a host of characters of equal variety.
Final Thoughts
A short story told beautifully through poetry. Not to my personal taste, but I'm glad I gave it a go.
April 6, 2018
This was a surprisingly good epic poem. It will be a delight to anyone who likes Iliad. However it is much easier than reading and understanding the Iliad.
Centuries ago, when land was divided into 4 domains, 3 for humans and 1 for elves, the Elf Oberon falls in love with Bekah who rejects his love. Oberon develops a great hatred for human kind and seeks to destroy it.
A random pick from my library turned out to be unexpectedly good. I am so happy that I found a little hidden gem.
Centuries ago, when land was divided into 4 domains, 3 for humans and 1 for elves, the Elf Oberon falls in love with Bekah who rejects his love. Oberon develops a great hatred for human kind and seeks to destroy it.
A random pick from my library turned out to be unexpectedly good. I am so happy that I found a little hidden gem.
October 29, 2018
What a surprise I had when I discovered it was written in prose.
Doddle!! Thought I- 20 lines per page I’ll have this one read in no time.
Not so as I had not read prose in a long time.
I have finally finished and it was a great read. Would give it 3.5 if I could.
Doddle!! Thought I- 20 lines per page I’ll have this one read in no time.
Not so as I had not read prose in a long time.
I have finally finished and it was a great read. Would give it 3.5 if I could.
January 23, 2025
It was a really interesting way to tell a story and felt very reminiscent of the time period set in. I found it slightly confusing during the opening of the final story and all the character begun to overlap however it was a clear story and I really enjoyed the puzzle the 'narrator' put together.
July 3, 2019
An excellent read. Intriguing story told in an enchanting way. Loved it, couldn't put it down.
September 3, 2019
It took me a little while to get into the style of the writing but as I did the rhythm of the story really worked for me. I enjoyed the story and felt deeply for the characters.
May 19, 2024
A truly unique book. Beautifully written. I didn't expect when I opened the book for it to be written in rhyme, but it works so well and tells the story enchantingly.
July 23, 2024
Good Vs evil with an intervention from Merlin. An excellent read in poem form which allowed it to be an easy read. Thoroughly recommend if you love tales of old
October 12, 2022
I picked this up at the Romsey Show this year, I met the author who was very lovely.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this as I don't normally like poetry or verse so much. But this was well crafted, fun and very reminiscent of Beowulf. It felt like lots of mythology mixed up and blended together with a few original type characters.
The ending was fairly satisfying but I did find the verses about the scribe a bit long winded.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this as I don't normally like poetry or verse so much. But this was well crafted, fun and very reminiscent of Beowulf. It felt like lots of mythology mixed up and blended together with a few original type characters.
The ending was fairly satisfying but I did find the verses about the scribe a bit long winded.
July 3, 2017
DRAGONSONG is an epic fantasy novel in verse, a masterpiece by Michael Forester, the poet writer of If It Wasn’t for That Dog, The Goblin Child and other stories, Forest Rain and A Home for Other Gods as well as various Chapbooks on Love, Light, Peace and Forest Meditation. Michael Forester brings to mind, a Shakespeare of the modern world, a Shakespeare come alive!
Dragonsong has a touch of Shakespeare in it with the author’s use of elves (who will ever forget Oberon?), dragons, Norse gods and the daughter of Merlin as characters. All these are interwoven into a powerful narrative that makes up a conglomeration of different myths which culminate into a contemporary type that is distinctly its own, and presto, a modern epic fantasy novel in verse!
On the outset, one cannot help but admire the physical features of the book. Its cover is a remarkable work of art where the dragon is crafted into an intricate embossed design, a masterpiece by itself, too.
On the one hand, the structure of Dragonsong is likewise worthy of admiration, for it departs from the usual rhyme schemes, one has been used to, although, it somehow gets leanings (but not quite) from the Spanish quintain called Quintilla, it being an octasyllabic verse (eight (8) syllable lines) with two iambic pentameter lines. Specifically, each stanza in Dragonsong has ten lines where four lines are followed by an iambic pentameter line. The use of which, I guess, has been an attempt at being original, which I think, has undoubtedly been achieved by the author. A closer look at the rhythmic pattern will further seal its originality.
Intriguingly, a keen eye and a meticulous attention to details will unearth a change in the language use in Dragonsong. One will notice that on the first few parts of the novel, the author writes in middle English, while a little half way through, one will notice that it is written in Old English. Also, an addition to the aural beauty of the literary piece is the emphatic use of the verb did, which is always stressed. Likewise, is the abundant use of archaic and poetic terms like thy, thee, and thou. All of these give Dragonsong, the rhythmic variation and the musicality that evoke varying degrees of emotions, moods and images.
Moreover, the themes on good and evil in Dragonsong, no matter how common, are set apart, giving them the unusual touch that only a literary genius that is Michael Forester, can create!
I believe that the creative and fertile imagination of Forester together with his eloquence has achieved for Dragonsong, an identity that sets it apart from other genres, a mark that is in itself, its own. Not to mention, of course and with due respect, that there has been nothing like it since Faerie Queene by Edmund Spencer, and Paradise Lost by John Milton. Thus, rendering Dragonsong as one exemplary literary piece, one significant book which poetry lovers should own, one which all English students, especially, English majors, must read and recite in order to fully experience its richness and style!
Dragonsong has a touch of Shakespeare in it with the author’s use of elves (who will ever forget Oberon?), dragons, Norse gods and the daughter of Merlin as characters. All these are interwoven into a powerful narrative that makes up a conglomeration of different myths which culminate into a contemporary type that is distinctly its own, and presto, a modern epic fantasy novel in verse!
On the outset, one cannot help but admire the physical features of the book. Its cover is a remarkable work of art where the dragon is crafted into an intricate embossed design, a masterpiece by itself, too.
On the one hand, the structure of Dragonsong is likewise worthy of admiration, for it departs from the usual rhyme schemes, one has been used to, although, it somehow gets leanings (but not quite) from the Spanish quintain called Quintilla, it being an octasyllabic verse (eight (8) syllable lines) with two iambic pentameter lines. Specifically, each stanza in Dragonsong has ten lines where four lines are followed by an iambic pentameter line. The use of which, I guess, has been an attempt at being original, which I think, has undoubtedly been achieved by the author. A closer look at the rhythmic pattern will further seal its originality.
Intriguingly, a keen eye and a meticulous attention to details will unearth a change in the language use in Dragonsong. One will notice that on the first few parts of the novel, the author writes in middle English, while a little half way through, one will notice that it is written in Old English. Also, an addition to the aural beauty of the literary piece is the emphatic use of the verb did, which is always stressed. Likewise, is the abundant use of archaic and poetic terms like thy, thee, and thou. All of these give Dragonsong, the rhythmic variation and the musicality that evoke varying degrees of emotions, moods and images.
Moreover, the themes on good and evil in Dragonsong, no matter how common, are set apart, giving them the unusual touch that only a literary genius that is Michael Forester, can create!
I believe that the creative and fertile imagination of Forester together with his eloquence has achieved for Dragonsong, an identity that sets it apart from other genres, a mark that is in itself, its own. Not to mention, of course and with due respect, that there has been nothing like it since Faerie Queene by Edmund Spencer, and Paradise Lost by John Milton. Thus, rendering Dragonsong as one exemplary literary piece, one significant book which poetry lovers should own, one which all English students, especially, English majors, must read and recite in order to fully experience its richness and style!
October 26, 2017
Such a good book. I got this book from Goodreads giveaway. Thank you so much Michael Forester.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews