The Serpent Mage

Songs of Earth and Power #2

by Greg Bear

In this sequel to THE INFINITY CONCERTO Michael Perrin, a teenage poet returns to contemporary Los Angeles hoping to lead a normal life. But his time trapped in the dangerous faerie land of the Sidhe has left him with magical skills and a mystery to solve. The Song of Power still hangs in the air, strange bodies have been discovered in a nearby hotel, and an ancient creature calls to Michael from the waters of Scotland.

Worlds are falling apart. An apprentice needs training. Could an unfinished symphony save the world and create a lasting peace between humans and the Sidhe?

A classic YA novel that blends the intricacies of complex SF with the wonder and danger of fantasy, THE SERPENT MAGE a sequel to THE INFINITY CONCERTO was re-written and expanded from its original version to form the series SONGS OF EARTH AND POWER. This E-Reads edition is based on those expanded works. 

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Fiction, Ebooks, Science Fiction Fantasy, Speculative Fiction, Own

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Greg Bear was an American writer and illustrator best known for science fiction. His work covered themes of galactic conflict (Forge of God books), parallel universes (The Way series), consciousness and cultural practices (Queen of Angels), and accelerated evolution (Blood Music, Darwin’s Radio, and Darwin’s Children). His last work was the 2021 novel The Unfinished Land. Greg Bear wrote over 50 books in total.

(For a more complete biography, see Wikipedia.)

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The journey that is Songs of Earth and Power began in October of 2022 when our buddy read group decided to read book one that month. A couple of us have wanted to read the second part of the duology for sometime now. We've had it on our tentative TBR for a few months and we finally buckled down and got it done in the second half of February. The Serpent Mage by Greg Bear is just as wildly fantastic as book one was. I'll get to my takes on book two shortly. But I wanted to briefly mention the "Afterward" chapter to finish this book and series. Greg Bear may seemed like an odd fellow but his brain is extremely imaginative to say the least.

The pacing of book two seemed to start off a bit slow. The way the first book went I didn't expect the first quarter of this book to seem more like a vintage mystery type of story. The vintage probably comes more simply from the time this book was read and the world the author was familiar with. Once things started to feel more like book one though I really started getting into it. I will say that the Kindle version I had did not do Greg Bear justice as it was riddled with editing errors. The three of us reading this compared and two of us were both seeing the same issues while the third was reading a different version and did not see any of these same issues. (My version was Kindle by Open Road Media Sci-Fi & Fantasy, published April 1, 2014). I'd recommend avoiding this version.

The world building is one of two strong aspects of The Serpent Mage. As previously mentioned the author's imagination is vast and so is the world he has put together in this duology. We spent a bit more time within a more familiar Earth than we did in book one. But then this world is turned on it's head as the lines begin to blur between worlds. Several areas and cultures are revisited in book two which were introduced back in the first. I wasn't sure where the end of this one was going to end up with probably 20% to go but I think it was a satisfying ending when all is said and done.

The character development was the other strong aspect. The character arc of Michael Perrin was as grand as the worlds he lives in. We see some baby steps early on as Michael tries to come to grips with the Earth he has returned to. It doesn't take long before he begins to learn his potential and that's when the story really begins to take off. There were some great supporting characters as well including our antagonists. Both the Iso and Serpent Mage parts of book two were very interesting. The character of Kristine and the connection explained in the "Afterward" chapter were very unique as well.

All in all I'm glad that we read this duology. I'm not sure if Greg Bear is my usual style and whether I'll look to read more of his work. It's just very trippy and over the top. I honestly think to myself if reading a book on acid, this is the type of world I'd envision. Now keep in mind these books were originally published in the 80's. I'm not sure when the author actually wrote them but it might not be too far off when those types of recreational drugs were still fairly common place.

If you're looking for something to read that is off the charts with fantastical imaginations, this might be just what you're looking for.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Serpent Mage" - book two - picks up shortly after Infinity Concerto leaves off. Michael Perrin is back home, living with his parents and continuing his training. Arno Waltiri has left his estate and the disposition of his papers and recordings to Michael. Waltiri has also left his house to Michael and eventually Michael moves in and begins to go through the papers.

Michael's desires for normality are shattered, however, when he reads a news story about strange bodies discovered in a nearby hotel - one grossly obese, one strangely mummified and in a party dress. Other news stories speak of "hauntings" around the world - Michael suspects that the Sidhe are coming to Earth. If that isn't enough, he is contacted by a musical faculty member from UCLA named Kristine Pendeers who is looking for the Infinity Concerto - Opus 45. She wants to discover and perform it; and she has a friend who, with the help of letters and papers they hope to discover in Waltiri's estate, hopes to finish Mahler's unfinished Symphony. And they then plan play the two pieces together. Once the decision is made to start looking for these materials, Michael begins to fall under various attacks to stop him from completing these tasks.

Hopefully the bits of plot I outlined above don't spoil the book for anyone - I could hardly outline less without being so vague about the basic plot of the book as to be basically providing you with a meaningless synopsis; however, there is so much more to this book than the above. Greg Bear weaves throughout this story a fascinating new mythos about the creation and evolution, de-evolution and re-evolution of man and the universe that I found to be quite astonishing in its depth and breadth. He weaves in references to several world religions and ties them in to his mythos, showing how the original truth was "twisted" over the years to conform to what would best serve those in power. It's a really interesting device and I enjoyed the way it was woven in throughout the story. You may also look at vegetarianism in a whole new light.

There was only one thing about the story that bothered me and I'm not sure if it was because I misinterpreted what I was reading or if it is because of some sort of misogyny on the part of the author. It is mentioned several times throughout the course of the book that "magic is carried by the woman." However, not one single mage shown is a woman. If women carry the magic, why aren't there any female mages? Or, as I said, perhaps I am misinterpreting it, and by "carry" they mean like a recessive gene - they carry the magic, but cannot use it.

Those who are fans of epic fantasy, magical realism, stories of the Sidhe (especially of the darker natures thereof) or simply well-crafted alternate realities, please do not miss this one.

[Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

The follow-up to The Infinity Concerto mostly takes place in this realm, and I liked it more. The charactes are still weak though, and I didn't really care about their well-being.

[Jacob Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though very different and just similar enough to the first novel in the duology, it was just as amazing. The Serpent Mage dived deeper into Greg Bear’s world for this series. It brought greater understanding to how the arts plays a role into the magic, the complexities and histories of humans, Sidhe, and the other races, and the list could go on and on.

The writing itself was great. The development of the Michael, Kristine, Clarkham, and all of the smaller, yet extremely important characters was beautiful. I’m sad it’s over, especially with the ending. There’s so much to be thought about and interpreted. It’s hard to describe my love for these two books without spoiling major aspects. I would definitely recommend The Infinity Concerto and then The Serpent Mage.

[Marco Spelgatti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come la maggior parte delle letture più recenti, ho scoperto "La saga degli Shide" attraverso il consiglio di una bella personcina.
In questi mesi sto cercando di farmi un po' di cultura fantasy, nell'ottica anche di migliorare la mia scrittura, e devo dire che il lavoro di Bear è stata un'ottima ispirazione sotto molti punti di vista.

A livello di struttura, i due libri si compensano in modo davvero notevole: tutto quello che abbiamo trovato nel primo libro trova la sua evoluzione e/o conclusione nel secondo, anche i dettagli più minuti. E' una cosa che esalta il mio lato geek, ma che riconosco essere anche segno di una grande competenza narrativa. Per fare un paragone con un'altra saga che ho riletto in queste settimane, quella di Harry Potter, laddove la Rowling dissemina di suggerimenti i primi libri con la consapevolezza di chi vuole mostrare la sua competenza, Bear integra tutti gli elementi all'interno della trama. E' un po' la differenza tra una perlina incollata su un colletto, ed un colletto pieno di perline intrecciate (in questi giorni la mia frociaggine è alle stelle).

A livello di storia, di contenuti, Bear crea delle suggestioni notevoli. Alla fin della fiera la saga celebra due cose: le arti come potere creativo, l'umanità come mirabolante pur nei suoi difetti. E Bear conosce il potere evocativo della parola, e lo usa per trascinarti con piccoli tocchi di colore nel mondo che ha creato. Nuovamente, ritengo che il buon autore sia quello che evita descrizioni infinite per prediligere quei due o tre tratti che costruiscono un'intera situazione.

Dal punto di vista etico, ci sono a volte alcuni scivoloni, forse figli del loro tempo, ma ci sono anche delle considerazioni sia dal punto di vista religioso che di rapporto tra i sessi interessanti. Senza arrivare allo spoiler, mi viene da pensare all'assunto nemmeno troppo implicito per cui un mondo creato da uomini farà passare le donne come inferiori, ma questo non vuole dire che loro lo siano: è chi ha inventato le regole a definire anche chi viene escluso dai giochi. E in questo senso il finale forse è davvero positivo.

E niente: ve lo consiglio caldamente. E mi stupisce che non ci siano state riedizioni di questo gioiellino nel corso degli anni.

[Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in this pair, the Infinity Concerto, took place primarily in Bear’s version of Faerie, The Realm. This second book takes the foundations of the first and builds an adventure around the combining of The Realm with Earth, and all the implications of this process for the enormous cast of characters.

Bear still pays scant attention to characterization, but it’s an improvement on the first book - motivations are clearer, it’s less of a ‘boy goes to magical kingdom’ romp.

What gives this book the extra punch is the author’s delivery on the world-building. The Songs of Power are fully explained, the various worlds, the functioning of magic, the different species, the massive time scale. Almost all is laid out and clarified, and readers of the starting lore in the first book are richly rewarded with answers to lingering questions.

Excellent world building and a very satisfying resolution to the story arc commenced in the first novel - an easy 4 stars from me.

[Jean-Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books brings found memory and I recently re-read it.

I do not know if Greg's was a classical music afficicionado, or did some research, or was helped, but his description for the concert with Malher 10th and the infinity concerto is impressive and very detailed. Would like this to be put into a movie and get a composer to get a crack at that.

In my memory Michael was more decisive and more in control than the first book, but this only happens way later in the book. In fact I was surprise that the first half is more a set-up for what is coming.

The serpent mage although only present in 2 encounters is really memorable. With the passage of time one thing that made me smile is at the end of the book humanity needs to turn vegan.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful reread. It was just as good as I remembered and I loved reading this half of the story all over again.

In fact, I think that it is my memories of this book that has coloured my feelings for both. The Infinity Concerto is still a good book, but this one is really good. The Infinity Concerto is the world building and training book, while The Serpent Mage is the getting on with the story book. It is very much more satisfying and if I choose to reread them again, I would probably actually just reread this one.

First time through, you need both, but the magic of the tale is more in this second volume.

[Dev Null · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Bear's writing quite a lot. Its one of those ethereal fantasies that does a lot of work with tone, and not much action.

That said, I was irritated by the shallowness of the several girlfriend characters across these books, and Michaels telationships with them. He seems to fall obsessively in love with women at first meeting for no discernable reason, and then gets a little stalky. In retrospect, no one but Michael is really a fully-fleshed character in these books, so maybe his girlfriends dont get especially short shrift, but theyre the ones that I wanted to have a bit more life and depth.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a worthy successor to the Infinity Concerto. The first volume was somewhat devoid of music, but this volume does not disappoint. You can feel the music flowing through the creation of worlds and the tensions that lie inside. The whole thing is a complete surprise, each twist and turn leads to another until the satisfying end. Most fantasy novels have a distinct structure where you can anticipate what comes next. Not so this one. Of course, read the Infinity Concerto first, but you will need to read this one afterwards.

[Simon Mcleish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never read Greg Bear before recently picking up The Infinity Concerto and this recently; friends back when these books were first published assured me that Greg Bear was not worth reading. But now I have read the two myself, I was distinctly impressed, both with the counterpointing of the Sidhe ad the mundane America of the real world, and the use of music as a catalyst for magic.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hoping this was going to be as "fantasy" as the first book, but it wasn't. BUT that's okay because it was still really cool. I think I liked it so much because it's different and not your standard "modern day characters get sucked into fantasy world" type scenario, even though that's exactly what happens.

It occasionally got a little surreal, but pretty much everything made sense by the end. I was surprised to find out that the first book was Bear's first novel, written and rejected, then later reworked and picked up as a 2-book deal along with Blood Music (which I really liked also).

[Deborah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got so bored reading this book that I finally gave up 75% through it. All through book one I hoped there would be a point. Then book 2. Just a lot of random information and characters. Along with some confident reveals to try to tie things together. So boring!

I think I need to stick to the authors I know and revere and stop trying the Amazon books included in my Prime membership. This is the second author from those books that needed a good editor.

[James]

He'd been held captive in the land of the Sidhe, and when he returned home to Los Angeles all he wanted was to live like a normal average man again. But there are hauntings on the city streets, and strange bodies in a crumbling old hotel, a Song of Power in the air, and an ancient creature summoning him from beneath the waters of a loch in Scotland. Michael had returned to California at last. But the Sidhe are following him home ....

[Derek Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This counts amongst my all-time favourite fantasy books. I love the explanation for what the Fae from European myths and legends are, where they come from and the relationship to us mundane humans. After reading my paperback copy again and again until it was falling apart, I was delighted to find that there is now a Kindle version.
Highly recommended.

[Fred Teeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rarest of rarities, the sole fantasy title conjured by one of America's finest hard science fiction writers. A must read and re-read. My only criticism - part 1, The Infinity Concerto, is far superior to part 2, the conclusion of what was, originally, a two-book effort. If you never get past part 1, you will have read on the most intriguing fantasy tales of all time.

[EN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing I would recommend except to kill a few hours. It's okay fun, with nothing memorable. YA novel with a male protagonist and discardable love interests. If you mind the kind of stories in which luck trumps over work, do not bother.

[Mark A · Rating 4 out of 5]

oddly entertaining

I feel as though I am waking up from a dream that is confusing and entertaining at the same time. Bear takes on Fey lore and weaves a tale both strange and interesting.

[Jon E. Strange · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent sequel to The Infinity Concerto but a bit convoluted. Michael is an excellent creation. I found, however, it difficult to keep track of all all the sentient races. I also had difficulty with who was who and their place in the narrative.

[Rob Markley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part two of Bear's contribution to fantasy writing. In a genre that is pretty full it is always good when a writer has something to contribute to the whole and Bear is able to deliver for sure.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book part two. I was sad there are only 2 books as I would love more like this

[Robb Coulter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fitting end to a two book series that Greg Bear penned in the 80s. Somewhat confusing and while the end was somewhat predictable most story lines were tied up nicely.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bits about music were a bit above me and parts were kind of existential but all in all it was very good.

[Bartosz Sypytkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a direct continuation of The Infinity Concerto. While not as good as first book, it's good nonetheless. It very well continues and develops threads began before. I'm only missing that doesn't incline me to think as much as a previous one. For a fantasy book, this part has much more relations to present day Earth, therefore the story also spreads more roots into existing culture: I especially liked parts related to judeo-chrisitian mythology. The main character development is correct, but sometimes feels a little bit "stretched", requiring more tolerance from the reader.

[C.S. Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a unique storyline. Well done!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*, complex and engrossing

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to decide what I thought about this one, because I kept going from really enjoying, to not being entirely certain, to thinking it was quite interesting, to being uncertain about where it was going, and so on.

Part of the problem was I didn't even realize this was the second book of a series until I was halfway through. When I did realize, I thought it was marvelous that the second read so well for not knowing what went on in the first. The second half of the book, however, changed my opinion, relying heavily on the book I didn't read.

Overall, it wasn't my favourite, but there were enough good parts of it, and good writing, that I would try to keep my eye out for more from this author.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I had thought were many loose threads in the Infinity Concerto were instead setups. Bear weaves a fine tale of love, growth, and finding oneself at last. While the pacing is a bit slow, there is always a sense that the story is somehow waiting to unfold, perhaps even at the end of the last page. Perhaps especially then. A satisfying and nourishing conclusion to a story that began with nothing but confusion and half-told details.

[Lisa Lincoln Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows after The Infinity Concerto. For me, it is both less and more than the first one. The first book was a more enjoyable read, but this one has more depth. During this one, Michael Perrin has matured somewhat and starts to accept that he and his world will never be the same, and we follow his journey to what comes next.

[Mark Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn't really stand alone. It is the sequal to [boook: Songs of Earth and Power]. Most notably, it is a sequal that is in no way lower quality than the original, making it a very high-quality read.

If you've read Sons of Earth and Power, you probably already want to read this book. If you haven't, then you want to. Then, once you have, read this one.