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Skalsinger
A young widow with a musical gift that is truly magical.
A desperate search for her husband’s missing twin.
A conflict that will threaten her homeland and her soul.
As a Skalsinger, Cahira Gelt delighted audiences with her multi-voiced performances. But she no longer has any reason to sing. Grieving the violent death of her husband, Bram, she is devastated by the sudden disappearance of his twin brother, Adric. Finding him is the only thing she can do for Bram now. But she little suspects what the cost to herself will be.
Haunted by nightmares, Cahira combs the island of Algarth for any trace of her brother-in-law. Along the way, her love of singing re-emerges, bringing comfort amid pain. Until a new and frightening power is unleashed within her, threatening those she holds dearest.
But an even greater danger is brewing, a plot against Algarth itself.
Cahira will face a terrible choice: risk her life, her soul, and her sanity in a battle against a monstrous enemy, or watch everything she loves disappear forever.
A desperate search for her husband’s missing twin.
A conflict that will threaten her homeland and her soul.
As a Skalsinger, Cahira Gelt delighted audiences with her multi-voiced performances. But she no longer has any reason to sing. Grieving the violent death of her husband, Bram, she is devastated by the sudden disappearance of his twin brother, Adric. Finding him is the only thing she can do for Bram now. But she little suspects what the cost to herself will be.
Haunted by nightmares, Cahira combs the island of Algarth for any trace of her brother-in-law. Along the way, her love of singing re-emerges, bringing comfort amid pain. Until a new and frightening power is unleashed within her, threatening those she holds dearest.
But an even greater danger is brewing, a plot against Algarth itself.
Cahira will face a terrible choice: risk her life, her soul, and her sanity in a battle against a monstrous enemy, or watch everything she loves disappear forever.
- GenresFantasy
471 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2021
About the author
L.A. Webster
2 books27 followersHi! I’m author L.A. Webster, but you can call me Lyn.
I write speculative fiction, mainly adult fantasy.
In 2020 I published my debut novel, a portal fantasy entitled Greenhaelan (Chronicles of Algarth #1), followed by Skalsinger (Chroinicles of Algarth #2) in 2021.
In another life, I was a teacher, and I spent a considerable portion of my limited free time reading stories about imaginary places, usually fantastical. Several years ago, I finally took my courage in my hands and set out to see if I could write an original tale of my own.
After a few wrong turns, I found myself mysteriously transported to the magical island of Algarth, where I’ve been spending most of my writing time ever since. I like it there, and I hope you will, too.
Back in the mundane world, I live, write, and garden in regional Australia (another strange and wondrous land) with my husband and a small enthusiastic dog.
You can find me at my website
http:/LynWebster.com
I'm also on Twitter as @l_a_webster and Instagram as @l.a.webster
Come and say hello!
I write speculative fiction, mainly adult fantasy.
In 2020 I published my debut novel, a portal fantasy entitled Greenhaelan (Chronicles of Algarth #1), followed by Skalsinger (Chroinicles of Algarth #2) in 2021.
In another life, I was a teacher, and I spent a considerable portion of my limited free time reading stories about imaginary places, usually fantastical. Several years ago, I finally took my courage in my hands and set out to see if I could write an original tale of my own.
After a few wrong turns, I found myself mysteriously transported to the magical island of Algarth, where I’ve been spending most of my writing time ever since. I like it there, and I hope you will, too.
Back in the mundane world, I live, write, and garden in regional Australia (another strange and wondrous land) with my husband and a small enthusiastic dog.
You can find me at my website
http:/LynWebster.com
I'm also on Twitter as @l_a_webster and Instagram as @l.a.webster
Come and say hello!
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 11, 2022
In the world of L.A. Webster's Chronicles of Algarth, every is born with a skal, an innate magical talent that doesn't emerge until roughly adulthood. A skalsinger's talent is music; specifically the ability to sing in multiple voices simultaneously, and, if well-trained, produce visual images through song. Other skals include metal or wood shaping, communicating with animals, physical strength or speed, and many others, most of which support the world's medieval agrarian nature.
This book's main protagonist, Cahira, dashes from goal to goal, sometimes accompanied by other characters from Greenhaelan or new acquaintances. Like her, the plot's direction seems haphazard for a while, although hints of the main conflict are always in the background. The book can be read as a standalone; I had forgotten most things about the characters from the prior book and this was not a problem.
The writing style is distinctive, very classical in feel. The book doesn't lack for violence, but it has a way of tempering its tone, which will appeal to readers who care not for bloody grimdark fantasy. I like gore and nihilism, and sometimes wished for a more dynamic feel to this book, but it exerts its style so strongly that I can only call it a rousing success in its aims. The book is impeccably edited. The story includes some Christian allegorical elements, but beautifully applied so we heathens need not be deterred.
It reminds me of Elizabeth Haydon's Symphony of Ages series (Rhapsody: Child of Blood and sequels) as a romantic fantasy (not a fantasy romance, they're different things) and because I always think Haydon is Australian, like Webster. I'm wrong to think that; Haydon is American, but I make the association because an Australian friend owned her books. I'll also say there is some similarity between this series and The Deed of Paksenarrion, also not Australian but from the same Aussie friend's shelf, but with less military stuff.
This book's main protagonist, Cahira, dashes from goal to goal, sometimes accompanied by other characters from Greenhaelan or new acquaintances. Like her, the plot's direction seems haphazard for a while, although hints of the main conflict are always in the background. The book can be read as a standalone; I had forgotten most things about the characters from the prior book and this was not a problem.
The writing style is distinctive, very classical in feel. The book doesn't lack for violence, but it has a way of tempering its tone, which will appeal to readers who care not for bloody grimdark fantasy. I like gore and nihilism, and sometimes wished for a more dynamic feel to this book, but it exerts its style so strongly that I can only call it a rousing success in its aims. The book is impeccably edited. The story includes some Christian allegorical elements, but beautifully applied so we heathens need not be deterred.
It reminds me of Elizabeth Haydon's Symphony of Ages series (Rhapsody: Child of Blood and sequels) as a romantic fantasy (not a fantasy romance, they're different things) and because I always think Haydon is Australian, like Webster. I'm wrong to think that; Haydon is American, but I make the association because an Australian friend owned her books. I'll also say there is some similarity between this series and The Deed of Paksenarrion, also not Australian but from the same Aussie friend's shelf, but with less military stuff.
October 22, 2021
Review originally posted on A Keyboard and an Open Mind 24 October 2021:
I will admit that after reading a couple of high-octane thrillers like One of Us Is Lying and The Final Girl Support Group, Skalsinger was a very big change of pace for me, and it took me a while to settle into it.
Skalsinger, like Greenhaelen before it, has a very classical-style fantasy feel to it. If I didn’t know the author and you’d told me these books were released 40-50 years ago, I’d probably believe you. The prose is wonderfully constructed, with a good sense of pace and rhythm through the story.
The story is very much character-focused. I will admit that I was not as drawn to Cahira, the titular Skalsinger, as I was to some of the others, particularly Niall and Perna. Perna’s growth through the story was a particular highlight for me.
As a fair while has passed between when I read Greenhaelen and this one, it took a little while for me to remember the details of the world of Algarth, but I enjoyed spotting the cameos from some of my favourite characters from the first look, like Sara and Kelan.
I definitely recommend Chronicles of Algarth for any fans of character-driven fantasy. Skalsinger is out on November 1 and you can pre-order now!
This review is part of my 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge. Click here for more information.
Thank you to L. A. Webster for providing me with a gratis copy of this book in exchange for a review.
I will admit that after reading a couple of high-octane thrillers like One of Us Is Lying and The Final Girl Support Group, Skalsinger was a very big change of pace for me, and it took me a while to settle into it.
Skalsinger, like Greenhaelen before it, has a very classical-style fantasy feel to it. If I didn’t know the author and you’d told me these books were released 40-50 years ago, I’d probably believe you. The prose is wonderfully constructed, with a good sense of pace and rhythm through the story.
The story is very much character-focused. I will admit that I was not as drawn to Cahira, the titular Skalsinger, as I was to some of the others, particularly Niall and Perna. Perna’s growth through the story was a particular highlight for me.
As a fair while has passed between when I read Greenhaelen and this one, it took a little while for me to remember the details of the world of Algarth, but I enjoyed spotting the cameos from some of my favourite characters from the first look, like Sara and Kelan.
I definitely recommend Chronicles of Algarth for any fans of character-driven fantasy. Skalsinger is out on November 1 and you can pre-order now!
This review is part of my 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge. Click here for more information.
Thank you to L. A. Webster for providing me with a gratis copy of this book in exchange for a review.
October 19, 2021
Skalsinger is the second instalment of The Algarth Chronicles. It may help if you have read Greenhaelan first, as some of the characters reappear, but this book does work as a standalone.
Recently widowed Cahira, is a Skalsinger, whose magic allows her to sing in multiple voices and harmonies while also projecting images of the song. In her grief, she has lost her voice and is obsessed with finding her brother-in-law, Adric. She travels in Algarth with friends old and new, and duly recovers her voice. Dangerous circumstances, distrustful people, deceit, manipulation, physical threats all collide to put Cahira and her friends in danger. Then she must face a bigger and unimaginable power that puts not only her in jeopardy but also the whole of Algarth. Cahira must find the bravery to confront this evil or else all will be lost.
L A Webster has a brilliant way of writing believable and well-rounded characters, letting you like (or dislike) them immediately. This is a character-based fantasy in a well-realised world and satisfies in all the details. Webster writes in a way that allows one’s imagination to fill in the personal details. She doesn’t over describe people.
The action scenes are exciting, violence is quite visceral but there are not masses of unnecessary blood. Many of the main characters baulk at killing. Fight and battle scenes are powerful and urgent but are balanced by breaking them up with other characters’ experiences. The whole book is well-paced and compelling.
The magic is well imagined, and the nature is of an amplified natural talent - you become gifted and then taught how to be more gifted. Like all good magic, it has its limits.
The story weaves seamlessly between characters, each offering a different perspective on the trials and tribulations they face. I enjoyed the different voices and viewpoints as this increased the characters’ realisation. Complexity of character is revealed seamlessly as the book progresses. Niall, originally appearing in Greenhaelan is featured prominently and I think I am a little in love with him. Perna, a new character, has a particularly satisfying journey in the book.
I enjoyed this book very much and recommend it highly (as I do Greenhaelan also).
Recently widowed Cahira, is a Skalsinger, whose magic allows her to sing in multiple voices and harmonies while also projecting images of the song. In her grief, she has lost her voice and is obsessed with finding her brother-in-law, Adric. She travels in Algarth with friends old and new, and duly recovers her voice. Dangerous circumstances, distrustful people, deceit, manipulation, physical threats all collide to put Cahira and her friends in danger. Then she must face a bigger and unimaginable power that puts not only her in jeopardy but also the whole of Algarth. Cahira must find the bravery to confront this evil or else all will be lost.
L A Webster has a brilliant way of writing believable and well-rounded characters, letting you like (or dislike) them immediately. This is a character-based fantasy in a well-realised world and satisfies in all the details. Webster writes in a way that allows one’s imagination to fill in the personal details. She doesn’t over describe people.
The action scenes are exciting, violence is quite visceral but there are not masses of unnecessary blood. Many of the main characters baulk at killing. Fight and battle scenes are powerful and urgent but are balanced by breaking them up with other characters’ experiences. The whole book is well-paced and compelling.
The magic is well imagined, and the nature is of an amplified natural talent - you become gifted and then taught how to be more gifted. Like all good magic, it has its limits.
The story weaves seamlessly between characters, each offering a different perspective on the trials and tribulations they face. I enjoyed the different voices and viewpoints as this increased the characters’ realisation. Complexity of character is revealed seamlessly as the book progresses. Niall, originally appearing in Greenhaelan is featured prominently and I think I am a little in love with him. Perna, a new character, has a particularly satisfying journey in the book.
I enjoyed this book very much and recommend it highly (as I do Greenhaelan also).
October 13, 2021
Skalsinger, Book 2 of the Chronicles of Algarth is a brilliant follow up to the beautifully lyrical Greenhaelen. Again in this story, I felt like I was coming home. The style and flow of language is classic fantasy at its best. But, there is so much action, and so many twists, so many completely unexpected events. Nothing was as it initially seemed. Webster kept turning the story out of the ordinary, and that keeps the pages turning. The rollercoaster ride for the characters made it a rollercoaster for the readers. I was pleased to see some cameos from some of the book 1 characters, but this book very much stands complete on its own.
Themes of grief, power, conspiracy, loyalty, and betrayal are woven together to create murky realistic and flawed characters. We see them in subtle grey, rather than black and white, good and bad - so human. Cahira, Niall and Perna are an odd mix that perfectly travels the troubled world of Algarth.
The world building continues to be a strong element of Webster's writing and she has deepened the magical system with another unique set of skals.
A great read for lovers of fantasy.
Themes of grief, power, conspiracy, loyalty, and betrayal are woven together to create murky realistic and flawed characters. We see them in subtle grey, rather than black and white, good and bad - so human. Cahira, Niall and Perna are an odd mix that perfectly travels the troubled world of Algarth.
The world building continues to be a strong element of Webster's writing and she has deepened the magical system with another unique set of skals.
A great read for lovers of fantasy.
October 26, 2021
Taking over from book 1 with a new set of characters, L.A. Webster has created such an amazing fantasy world in Algarth that following new people for a different story is just as fun. In Skalsinger we learn more about the magic that manifests when the people of Algarth come of age. We also follow Cahira, a recent widow whose singing can create vivid images. Too late, she realizes her power can be used for something other than entertainment and has to decide how she'll use her gift when war comes to her hometown. Beautifully written with vivid descriptions, Skalsinger tells its story from the point of view of multiple characters, all of whom are well-rounded and worthy of following for an adventure. Recommended for lovers of fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews