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In the country of Taihandria, in the world of Arethea, the star gods have long since vanished, and their language—music—is outlawed since it has magical power and can change the very land itself. When the Solanese sahhar Manon Valen secretly performs a daram, an ancient, long-forgotten song ritual, she desperately hopes that the spell will produce a champion who will unite her oppressed people against their repressive Taihandrian overlords. Instead, her entreaty is answered by the appearance of five bumbling troubadours—the English rock band Sun—from a place Manon has never heard of, Earth.
These bewildered musicians suddenly and inexplicably find themselves performing before a raucous medieval audience, and are deemed heretical sorcerers. With four of the band imprisoned, their one hope is that their guitarist, Robin Wood, will find help by forming an alliance with Manon Valen and her people, who think Robin is a singularly gifted sorcerer. But when this alliance can be forged only if Robin and Manon—who don’t even like each other—take part in an extraordinary Solanese ritual that binds them together, things get complicated. Daram is a spellbinding, humorous, and richly imagined novel that creates unforgettable characters readers will come to love.
This is an alternate cover edition for ISBN 0994858507 / 9780994858504
These bewildered musicians suddenly and inexplicably find themselves performing before a raucous medieval audience, and are deemed heretical sorcerers. With four of the band imprisoned, their one hope is that their guitarist, Robin Wood, will find help by forming an alliance with Manon Valen and her people, who think Robin is a singularly gifted sorcerer. But when this alliance can be forged only if Robin and Manon—who don’t even like each other—take part in an extraordinary Solanese ritual that binds them together, things get complicated. Daram is a spellbinding, humorous, and richly imagined novel that creates unforgettable characters readers will come to love.
This is an alternate cover edition for ISBN 0994858507 / 9780994858504
640 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
101 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
Hetty Crane
5 books15 followersHetty worked many years in a bookstore in Canada, and most of her wages went on acquiring as many books as possible. She has a background in English Literature and Fine Art and loves tales of adventure and magic. She has co-authored four books with P.J. Merchant, and they are working on a fifth book, to be released in 20whenever.
In the meantime Hetty is working on a solo venture, a spin off story set in the Taihandrian universe, aiming to release in November 2025
She lives with her husband and three cats in a small Canadian city where winter never ends, thus affording her ample time for dreaming up stories.
In the meantime Hetty is working on a solo venture, a spin off story set in the Taihandrian universe, aiming to release in November 2025
She lives with her husband and three cats in a small Canadian city where winter never ends, thus affording her ample time for dreaming up stories.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 30, 2017
Recommended to me by family, Daram is an absolute masterpiece of worldbuilding. The culture of Taihandria is intricately described, with almost no detail being left undeveloped, and the magic in the world is made palpable with every word. The protagonists, displaced rock band Sun, are lovable even in their moments of fault. Overall it is an incredible and enjoyable book to exerpience, and I can’t wait to read the sequel!
December 16, 2023
What a wonderful read! Excellent storytelling, really well-developed characters and splendid world-building support a masterfully-woven tale. The science / magic / music explorations do indeed reveal truths we modern folks do well to heed. As a musician and junior physicist, I wholeheartedly applaud!
March 18, 2019
Hetty Crane and P.J. Merchant put a lot of love into creating the fantasy world of Arethea in their novel Daram. In Arethea, music has magical properties and is therefore forbidden. That doesn’t stop Manon from performing a magical ritual to summon heroes that can unite the land. What she gets is Robin and the other bumbling members of his band. Daram is a lot of fun but it’s a bit of a slow burn perfect for anyone that likes a bit of depth to their fantasy!
May 20, 2016
What an unexpected find and a fantastic read! I do enjoy fantasy style books and this one certainly did not disappoint at all. It was an excellent story and I became quickly engaged with the characters and how the storyline was written. It was an excellent idea and I really enjoyed the marriage of music, magic and science. It was a hard book to put down once I had started it and I consider it a must-read for anyone that enjoys a well crafted book with an excellent plot. I am definitely looking forward to the second book coming out and will be passing this one along to all of my fantasy book reading friends.
October 3, 2018
This was always going to capture my interest, with its lovely premise of an alternative universe in which music is - literally - the stuff of magic!
Although occasionally a little dense (some subtle pruning might have made it even better), this is a fantasy world that draws you in, with characters that capture the reader's interest and emotions. The storytelling keeps you wanting to know what's going to happen next - I was definitely chafing for the publication of Varashti (book 2) as soon as I finished this! I particularly enjoyed some of the reflection on the experience - and sometimes confusion - of cultural difference.
A rich, complex and satisfying fantasy read.
Although occasionally a little dense (some subtle pruning might have made it even better), this is a fantasy world that draws you in, with characters that capture the reader's interest and emotions. The storytelling keeps you wanting to know what's going to happen next - I was definitely chafing for the publication of Varashti (book 2) as soon as I finished this! I particularly enjoyed some of the reflection on the experience - and sometimes confusion - of cultural difference.
A rich, complex and satisfying fantasy read.
June 17, 2016
If you are looking for an epic fantasy with great characters and a lyrical style that pulls you in- look no further than DARAM. Whether it is Tolkien or Crane and Merchant, the unexpected arrival of 'guests' in a far and distant land leads to a wondrous journey for the reader, characters and the authors themselves. I was so happy I took my time to savour and drink in this fabulous first act and I am looking forward to the rest of the breathtaking adventure. Grab your towel and join in the ride.
March 27, 2018
AS a big fan of fantasy novels, I found this book extremly well written and the characters have been beautifully developed. The concept of musicians who play for their pay, not realizing their music is magic in a world far from their own, is brilliant. I enjoyed the adventure and am looking forwad to continuing it in Varashti, the second book in this series. To Hetty Crane and P.J. Merchant , keep on writing. This series is magical.
August 2, 2016
There is that other Magical Mystery Tour. And then there is this one, running the universe from Taihandria in Arethea to, of all places, Earth. And a bedraggled British rock band, one Sun. And from medieval times to our time. You'll love the sorcery. You'll love the music. You'll love the literary nature of this group of tales.
September 25, 2017
This new find was such a pleasant surprise. I decided to give Daram a go on a friend's recommendation even though I had long been disillusioned with the innane writing and uneven pacing of many fantasy novels. I could not have been more delighted to discover a beautifully crafted text with rich and satisfying character development and a unique message about the transcendent power of music. The more I dove in the expansive and compelling world of Taihandria, the faster I read and the more grateful I grew to know that there would be more installments. I'm off to get Book Two now...
September 13, 2017
Daram was a lovely surprise. I really fell into this world. Details were so cunningly crafted I felt I was walking with the characters. Lots of suspense, intrigue, color & background. Was torn between racing thru it to find out what happened next, and reading slowly, to savor each page.
Eagerly anticipating reading Book 2!!
Eagerly anticipating reading Book 2!!
August 18, 2025
Daram is a fresh and imaginative portal fantasy where music itself holds magical power. When a ritual gone wrong brings a modern rock band into a world where song is forbidden, cultures clash and alliances form in unexpected ways. With rich worldbuilding, compelling characters, and a unique blend of humor, romance, and intrigue, this is a slow-burn but rewarding read for fans of immersive, character-driven fantasy.
June 7, 2021
It was just another gig for successful rock band Sun, until the thunder rolled in, a minor accident involving a expensive synthesizer, remarkable musical chemistry then a portal opens...Unfortunately, the band lands in a world where music is illegal. Labelled sorcerers and outlaws, most of the band is arrested. The one escapee finds himself aligned with resistance fighters and awkwardly involved with an incompatible woman.
The author's elaborately constructed a politically, culturally, and mythologically fascinating world with a diverse cast of characters with believable personalities and motivations. And the grumbling of the displaced band members was amusing. Themes include duty, friendship, restraint, and of course, the power of music. I'd describe this novel as an epic portal fantasy, perfect for fans of this genre.
The author's elaborately constructed a politically, culturally, and mythologically fascinating world with a diverse cast of characters with believable personalities and motivations. And the grumbling of the displaced band members was amusing. Themes include duty, friendship, restraint, and of course, the power of music. I'd describe this novel as an epic portal fantasy, perfect for fans of this genre.
April 10, 2016
I loved this book. I am not a big fantasy reader, so I was a little hesitant, but once I got into Daram, I could not put it down. I loved the music connection, and I can't wait for the next book in the series. I hope it comes out soon!Daram
December 2, 2025
An Enjoyable Start to a Promising Series
I had a really good time with this one. The mix of rock music and portal fantasy feels fresh, and Robin is the kind of flawed but likeable character who's easy to follow through all the chaos he suddenly lands in. The world he ends up in is vivid and tense, and I enjoyed watching him try to make sense of magic that doesn’t work the way he thinks it should.
The story moves at a steady pace, with enough danger and mystery to keep things interesting, and the developing connection between characters adds a warm layer without taking over the plot. It stands alone well, but it also sets up the series in a way that makes me curious to keep going.
Overall, I'd put it in the 4 star range for being engaging, creative, and fun to sink into.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had a really good time with this one. The mix of rock music and portal fantasy feels fresh, and Robin is the kind of flawed but likeable character who's easy to follow through all the chaos he suddenly lands in. The world he ends up in is vivid and tense, and I enjoyed watching him try to make sense of magic that doesn’t work the way he thinks it should.
The story moves at a steady pace, with enough danger and mystery to keep things interesting, and the developing connection between characters adds a warm layer without taking over the plot. It stands alone well, but it also sets up the series in a way that makes me curious to keep going.
Overall, I'd put it in the 4 star range for being engaging, creative, and fun to sink into.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2025
I love the idea, the story is interesting and original. I did feel like that there is way too much padding but it is the first in a series so that can happen. I will be reading the rest of the series though as I do like the concept.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2025
enjoyable read, interesting take on magic
I love that in the world where this story takes place, music conjures magic. The characters are lovable. The story really develops well in the first book. This book is part of a series, but can be read on its own—no cliffhangers here.
I love that in the world where this story takes place, music conjures magic. The characters are lovable. The story really develops well in the first book. This book is part of a series, but can be read on its own—no cliffhangers here.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews