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The Dark Crystal #2
Zeit der Lieder
Die jungen Gelflinge Naia und Kylan haben die entsetzliche Verschwörung der Skekse aufgedeckt. Nun sind die beiden Freunde auf der Flucht vor ihren einstigen Meistern, aber auch vor ihrem eigenen Volk. Doch da der talentierte Liedererzähler Kylan nun die Wahrheit über den dunklen Kristall kennt, muss er diese verbreiten, auch wenn es schmerzlich sein wird, sie zu erzählen. Denn die Heldentaten der Vergangenheit, von denen er sonst zu singen weiß, haben keine Bedeutung mehr, wenn die Zukunft der Welt auf dem Spiel steht ...
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2017
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1074 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
April 30, 2020
See this review and more like it on www.bookbastion.net!
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Song of the Dark Crystal picks up precisely where the first book in the series left off, with one noticeable difference: a change in perspective as the story shifts from centering around Naia and instead is told through Kylan’s point of view. I was initially a little thrown, and a little bummed out because I had grown to really enjoy Naia’s point of view.
Kylan did really grow on me though – seriously, I feel like he’s a bit of a kindred spirit to many of us readers. He’s the intellectual of the gang, less suited to feats of physical strength and stamina like Naia, Amri, Tavra and Rian, Kylan is happier with books and stories.
His perspective is important to the reader of this book too, as he sees the story from a slightly different angle than Naia did, with a slightly deeper understanding of the world and its history.
One aspect that I neglected to mention in my review for Shadows of the Dark Cystal that I absolutely had to take a moment to mention was the artwork that is included in this series of books! Each book is peppered with gorgeous and original artwork that accompanies the story. It’s a treat for fans of the movie/series, and I imagine that it would be helpful for readers who are new to the world of the Dark Crystal, because they portray the creatures of Thra beautifully!
The plot was a bit slow for my taste, especially in the middle of the novel where it slumps a bit. There’s a LOT of traveling scenes in this book, and it felt a bit familiar after the last novel. Even an appearance from the OG mother-nature figure from the film, Aughra, didn’t really spice things up the way that it should have. It should have been a big moment, but to me it fell a little bit flat.
Also, there is a painful lack of Skeksis in the beginning and middle parts of this book. As the main villains of the series, fans want to see them! I think not having them around for a fair chunk of the novel removed a sense of danger and urgency from the plot.
Still, there is a sense of wonder and excitement for me as an adult fan revisiting the world of the Dark Crystal through these stories. Lee’s writing remains snappy, yet showcases the beauty and wonder of Thra well enough for fans of all ages to get some level of enjoyment out of this series. I’ve also got to hand it to him for introducing new and creative creatures, character and lore to the series that I feel always communicates his deep respect as a fan.
★★★✯ = 3.5 out of 5 stars (rounded up for goodreads)!
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Follow me on instagram @bookbastion!
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Song of the Dark Crystal picks up precisely where the first book in the series left off, with one noticeable difference: a change in perspective as the story shifts from centering around Naia and instead is told through Kylan’s point of view. I was initially a little thrown, and a little bummed out because I had grown to really enjoy Naia’s point of view.
Kylan did really grow on me though – seriously, I feel like he’s a bit of a kindred spirit to many of us readers. He’s the intellectual of the gang, less suited to feats of physical strength and stamina like Naia, Amri, Tavra and Rian, Kylan is happier with books and stories.
His perspective is important to the reader of this book too, as he sees the story from a slightly different angle than Naia did, with a slightly deeper understanding of the world and its history.
One aspect that I neglected to mention in my review for Shadows of the Dark Cystal that I absolutely had to take a moment to mention was the artwork that is included in this series of books! Each book is peppered with gorgeous and original artwork that accompanies the story. It’s a treat for fans of the movie/series, and I imagine that it would be helpful for readers who are new to the world of the Dark Crystal, because they portray the creatures of Thra beautifully!
The plot was a bit slow for my taste, especially in the middle of the novel where it slumps a bit. There’s a LOT of traveling scenes in this book, and it felt a bit familiar after the last novel. Even an appearance from the OG mother-nature figure from the film, Aughra, didn’t really spice things up the way that it should have. It should have been a big moment, but to me it fell a little bit flat.
Also, there is a painful lack of Skeksis in the beginning and middle parts of this book. As the main villains of the series, fans want to see them! I think not having them around for a fair chunk of the novel removed a sense of danger and urgency from the plot.
Still, there is a sense of wonder and excitement for me as an adult fan revisiting the world of the Dark Crystal through these stories. Lee’s writing remains snappy, yet showcases the beauty and wonder of Thra well enough for fans of all ages to get some level of enjoyment out of this series. I’ve also got to hand it to him for introducing new and creative creatures, character and lore to the series that I feel always communicates his deep respect as a fan.
★★★✯ = 3.5 out of 5 stars (rounded up for goodreads)!
______
Follow me on instagram @bookbastion!
September 23, 2019
3.5 Stars.
I am really conflicted right now on whether to give this book 3 or 4 stars as while I liked it, I also had many problems with it. I have outlined basically all of my thoughts in my review of book 1 and for the most part they are fairly similar so I’ll keep this review short and simple.
I really liked all the artwork. They were really lovely.
Some plot lines were overly predictable due to the way certain characters acted.
I love how creative the series is(please note that I haven’t seen the original film nor the Netflix adaptation that’s sort of based off this).
And there you go, and my current rating of three stars may change in the future depending on what I think about it. Yes, I liked it more than book 1. 7/10
I am really conflicted right now on whether to give this book 3 or 4 stars as while I liked it, I also had many problems with it. I have outlined basically all of my thoughts in my review of book 1 and for the most part they are fairly similar so I’ll keep this review short and simple.
I really liked all the artwork. They were really lovely.
Some plot lines were overly predictable due to the way certain characters acted.
I love how creative the series is(please note that I haven’t seen the original film nor the Netflix adaptation that’s sort of based off this).
And there you go, and my current rating of three stars may change in the future depending on what I think about it. Yes, I liked it more than book 1. 7/10
November 1, 2018
Walking into the Crystal Dome Conservatory and meeting Aughra was the highlight and let down of the book. I enjoyed reading about her background and relationship with the Gelflings. But...
Gelflings: Aughra we need to know how to save the Gelfling race and defeat the Skeksis.
Aughra: You’re not going to like my answer... just wait for next great conjunction.
Gelflings: But our race could be dead by then!
Aughra: silence...
Gelflings: I'm sick of your shit! We are leaving!
Aughra: ah... sorry... here take my sons old diary.
It was not the illuminating or rewarding interaction I'd hoped for. But what could she say, we know how this ends.
Much of the book was adventure travel towards Ha'rar.
And there were some clever fight scenes...
And by the end of the book there is some optimism about their odds of getting the Gelfling Clans together. I so want them to succeed.
There's no release date to book three but maybe the delay is them pulling a Star Wars and deciding the Gelfling Holocaust is no longer cannon.
Hey, a Gelfling fangirl can dreamfast right?
I liked this less than book one because of a few displays of wantonly missing the obvious. Three stars.
August 31, 2022
I think this one was even better than book 1.
There is so much more treachery and adventure bits in here.
Really looking forward to book 3.
There is so much more treachery and adventure bits in here.
Really looking forward to book 3.
August 15, 2020
I’m obsessed with this book series. The writing is flawless. The world is finely detailed. I love the artwork within the book. I feel a genuine connection to the characters! I can’t get enough of this series!
Kylan definitely had character development within this novel. He finds his place within the group. He is no longer just a character, he’s an active participant within the group. He contributes in ways the other members can not.
Kylan definitely had character development within this novel. He finds his place within the group. He is no longer just a character, he’s an active participant within the group. He contributes in ways the other members can not.
July 7, 2020
5 *
This book was published before the Netflix series "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance", but is based on the stories and events in this book, and others in the series.
As I have already seen the Netflix series, I already know the background storyline. Also, as I have already seen the film "The Dark Crystal" from which all these spin-offs are based, I know the world and the storyline well.
As a hardcore fan of the original film, the Netflix series and "The Creation Myths" books, I am naturally bias towards this book and the rest in its series, so reviewing this will be a challenge!
To start with, it helps to already have a basic knowledge of the world (Thra), it's politics, geography and ecology as this isn't greatly elaborated on within the book. There is an index and appendix to help you out which is appreciated. It is also important to know that this story takes place some time (decades perhaps?) before the events of the original film.
This story follows on from the first book and focuses on Kylan, a Spiriton dream-stitcher.
In this book, his character develops more as he learns how to use his skill more, and what his other skills are. It's also good to see how the characters interact with each other, given their own political and cultural views on each other. There is a section in the book which describes the origins of the 7 clans and how they came to be.
There are also events that happen that follow on or make reference to events that happened in the earlier book that seemed to be of no real importance, but actually prove to be the complete opposite!
The detail regarding the sights, sounds and smells of the landscape are well written which really helps to immerse the reader into the landscape which I enjoyed. I especially enjoyed how one of the characters, while being watched, was able to try and relay messages to the group to try and help them out without being detected.The way the characters banded together to work as a team was good to read too. I really enjoyed how they all worked together in this book, working out the best way to succeed in their missions.
I really liked this line from the book, found on the cave walls of the Grottan Caves: "May all light not true be swallowed by the darkness"
This book was published before the Netflix series "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance", but is based on the stories and events in this book, and others in the series.
As I have already seen the Netflix series, I already know the background storyline. Also, as I have already seen the film "The Dark Crystal" from which all these spin-offs are based, I know the world and the storyline well.
As a hardcore fan of the original film, the Netflix series and "The Creation Myths" books, I am naturally bias towards this book and the rest in its series, so reviewing this will be a challenge!
To start with, it helps to already have a basic knowledge of the world (Thra), it's politics, geography and ecology as this isn't greatly elaborated on within the book. There is an index and appendix to help you out which is appreciated. It is also important to know that this story takes place some time (decades perhaps?) before the events of the original film.
This story follows on from the first book and focuses on Kylan, a Spiriton dream-stitcher.
In this book, his character develops more as he learns how to use his skill more, and what his other skills are. It's also good to see how the characters interact with each other, given their own political and cultural views on each other. There is a section in the book which describes the origins of the 7 clans and how they came to be.
There are also events that happen that follow on or make reference to events that happened in the earlier book that seemed to be of no real importance, but actually prove to be the complete opposite!
The detail regarding the sights, sounds and smells of the landscape are well written which really helps to immerse the reader into the landscape which I enjoyed. I especially enjoyed how one of the characters, while being watched, was able to try and relay messages to the group to try and help them out without being detected.The way the characters banded together to work as a team was good to read too. I really enjoyed how they all worked together in this book, working out the best way to succeed in their missions.
I really liked this line from the book, found on the cave walls of the Grottan Caves: "May all light not true be swallowed by the darkness"
March 27, 2023
The sequel to J.M Lee's Dark Crytal novels based off the wonderous creation of Jim Henson.
The journey continues and the world expands. We get to witness the beginning of the war between the Gelfling and the Skeksis (which by the way are terrifying creatures). I love reading about all the different Gelfling clans, and in Song of the Dark Crystal we get to meet the Grottan clan. The whole world of Thra feels like Middle Earth, occupied by these whimsical elf-like creatures as well as many other eclectic creatures.
Sweet Kylan, really grew in confidence and skill, morphing into a storytelling warrior in his own right. Amri is a great addition to the group, and Naia is like a strong and courageous swamp fairy.
The fate of Tavra was sad and unexpected. Also this book just further adds my dislike of spiders. Why does fantasy have to always incorporate my biggest fear! (shakes fist). The quest got a bit convoluted as the adventurers went back and forth on their adventure, taking up the whole of the book. However Thra's lore delves a lot deeper and adds to the overall story, as well as the character development being the integral part of the novel.
Full of imagination and adventure, the story of The Dark Crystal is in very good hands.
IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgp67ADvwjO/
The journey continues and the world expands. We get to witness the beginning of the war between the Gelfling and the Skeksis (which by the way are terrifying creatures). I love reading about all the different Gelfling clans, and in Song of the Dark Crystal we get to meet the Grottan clan. The whole world of Thra feels like Middle Earth, occupied by these whimsical elf-like creatures as well as many other eclectic creatures.
Sweet Kylan, really grew in confidence and skill, morphing into a storytelling warrior in his own right. Amri is a great addition to the group, and Naia is like a strong and courageous swamp fairy.
The fate of Tavra was sad and unexpected. Also this book just further adds my dislike of spiders. Why does fantasy have to always incorporate my biggest fear! (shakes fist). The quest got a bit convoluted as the adventurers went back and forth on their adventure, taking up the whole of the book. However Thra's lore delves a lot deeper and adds to the overall story, as well as the character development being the integral part of the novel.
Full of imagination and adventure, the story of The Dark Crystal is in very good hands.
IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgp67ADvwjO/
March 26, 2023
At first, this book was very similar in my eyes of scoring to the first one. The slow beginning and strange pacing was back in business. However, around halfway through, I realized that this was intentional. The entire first act was building upon itself in the tiniest almost unnoticeable ways that built up and showed significant meaning in the end. While that was present in the first book, it was not quite to the extent in this one. I was absolutely enraptured in this story by the halfway point, and the plot twist was what caused that.
I also want to mention Kylan’s character, and the very well written development he had. In this sequel he is the protagonist instead of Naia, and the contrast between the two points of view were a lovely touch. It was a very effective way of writing the story and it enhanced the importance more than one role/way of doing things.
Overall, I am highly impressed by the level up from the first book. This was a lovely read, now onto the third one!
Also! Love the drawings, they’re gorgeous. My favourite was the one where they met Amri in the caves.
I also want to mention Kylan’s character, and the very well written development he had. In this sequel he is the protagonist instead of Naia, and the contrast between the two points of view were a lovely touch. It was a very effective way of writing the story and it enhanced the importance more than one role/way of doing things.
Overall, I am highly impressed by the level up from the first book. This was a lovely read, now onto the third one!
Also! Love the drawings, they’re gorgeous. My favourite was the one where they met Amri in the caves.
August 3, 2017
I'm the first one to write a review for this book and I hope I won't be the last.
I absolutely *love* this series! I love how it has taken every little bit of Dark Crystal lore and expanded upon it and now, when re-watching the film, I see it with new eyes.
So many things happened in this book that I don't want to spoil but a lot of key movie elements outside of locations start popping up -- and the the prophecy is mentioned! There are also these things mentioned that are downright awful and they make me dislike spiders even more!
Also, I SWEAR I CAUGHT A LABYRINTH REFERENCE!
The Jim Henson company have picked a great addition to their company in the writing of J.M. Lee. After seeing him do so well with this series I really wish that he would tackle Labyrinth, too. *crosses fingers*
Anyway, the book ends on an uplifting note and I can't wait for book three!
I absolutely *love* this series! I love how it has taken every little bit of Dark Crystal lore and expanded upon it and now, when re-watching the film, I see it with new eyes.
So many things happened in this book that I don't want to spoil but a lot of key movie elements outside of locations start popping up -- and the the prophecy is mentioned! There are also these things mentioned that are downright awful and they make me dislike spiders even more!
Also, I SWEAR I CAUGHT A LABYRINTH REFERENCE!
The Jim Henson company have picked a great addition to their company in the writing of J.M. Lee. After seeing him do so well with this series I really wish that he would tackle Labyrinth, too. *crosses fingers*
Anyway, the book ends on an uplifting note and I can't wait for book three!
December 17, 2021
Die Geschichte nimmt Fahrt auf…
War der erste Band noch sehr ruhig und langsam, kommen wir hier nun in Fahrt und die Action beginnt. Wir begegnen Höhlengelflingen, Monsterspinnen, Skeksen und Urs.
Dafür beeindrucken hier aber die Protagonisten ums mehr. Mittlerweile sind sie zu viert, wenn auch nicht ganz freiwillig, doch sie raufen sich zusammen und bestreiten das Abenteuer gemeinsam und voller Vertrauen und Zusammenhalt. Kurz war auf ihr Bruder dabei, doch der hat sich abgeseilt und geht einem Parallelplan nach. Ich denke, er wird in Band 3 dann wieder zu ihnen stoßen.
Ein Rennen um Leben und Tod beginnt und unsere Freunde werden von einer Herausforderung in die nächste katapultiert. Hier hat es tatsächlich viel mehr Spaß gemacht zu lesen als in Band eins, denn die Details sind bei weitem nicht mehr so zahlreich. Jetzt bin ich sehr gespannt, wie es weiter und ausgeht.
War der erste Band noch sehr ruhig und langsam, kommen wir hier nun in Fahrt und die Action beginnt. Wir begegnen Höhlengelflingen, Monsterspinnen, Skeksen und Urs.
Dafür beeindrucken hier aber die Protagonisten ums mehr. Mittlerweile sind sie zu viert, wenn auch nicht ganz freiwillig, doch sie raufen sich zusammen und bestreiten das Abenteuer gemeinsam und voller Vertrauen und Zusammenhalt. Kurz war auf ihr Bruder dabei, doch der hat sich abgeseilt und geht einem Parallelplan nach. Ich denke, er wird in Band 3 dann wieder zu ihnen stoßen.
Ein Rennen um Leben und Tod beginnt und unsere Freunde werden von einer Herausforderung in die nächste katapultiert. Hier hat es tatsächlich viel mehr Spaß gemacht zu lesen als in Band eins, denn die Details sind bei weitem nicht mehr so zahlreich. Jetzt bin ich sehr gespannt, wie es weiter und ausgeht.
July 8, 2020
4.5 ⭐️
The series has really landed with the second installment. The first book was a good introduction but felt like not much happened. Song of the Dark Crystal had much more world building, character interaction and over arching story threads, a proper quest.
Instead of Naia, the main protagonist is Kylan. I enjoyed the change in voice and hope it continues throughout the series. As with the first one, this isn’t a YA. That’s in no way a criticism but just so people know, it’s more a middle grade or preteen friendly read. Personally, I wish it was a tad darker like the movie and series but I’m not sure you could get that across in the way puppets do.
Though the story in this is different from the TV series, there’s enough similarities for me to warn of possible season 2 spoilers. I suspected something would happen in season two, it’s now happened in the book so...
The series has really landed with the second installment. The first book was a good introduction but felt like not much happened. Song of the Dark Crystal had much more world building, character interaction and over arching story threads, a proper quest.
Instead of Naia, the main protagonist is Kylan. I enjoyed the change in voice and hope it continues throughout the series. As with the first one, this isn’t a YA. That’s in no way a criticism but just so people know, it’s more a middle grade or preteen friendly read. Personally, I wish it was a tad darker like the movie and series but I’m not sure you could get that across in the way puppets do.
Though the story in this is different from the TV series, there’s enough similarities for me to warn of possible season 2 spoilers. I suspected something would happen in season two, it’s now happened in the book so...
June 11, 2020
It really annoys me how these books don't line up with the series. And it would be so easy! Naia and Kylan are the main characters here. Yes I know the books came first but I watched the show first so I can't help comparing it.
Anyway it's a good read.
Anyway it's a good read.
February 24, 2018
And I have to wait for the next one? I am going to find it hard to be patient.
August 8, 2024
2024 Summer reading challenge- a book with song lyrics in it
January 19, 2023
We found this an improvement from book 1. Much more adventure and intrigue. Nicely paced and nice companion/alternative piece to the the Netflix series. Looking forward to Book 3.
November 6, 2021
4.5 Sterne für eine originelle, mystische, abenteuerliche und spannende Fortsetzung!
Die Fortsetzung geht genauso magisch und abenteuerlich weiter, wie sie schon im ersten Band "Ära der Schatten" begonnen hat! Wenn ich mich richtig erinnere, wurde aus den Perspektiven von Naia und Kylan erzählt, die es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht haben, die Verschwörung der Skekse zu stoppen und alle Gelflinge vor den bösen Machenschaften ihrer "Herrscher" zu warnen.
Dieses Mal beschränkt sich der Autor auf Kylan aus dem Volk der Spriton. Noch immer ist er mit Naia zusammen unterwegs, der taffen Drenchen aus dem Sumpfland und beide wissen dass die Zeit drängt, denn die Verfinsterung breitet sich immer weiter aus.
Der Anfang hat mich dieses Mal nicht sofort so gefangen nehmen können. Ich hab etwas gebraucht, um wieder einzutauchen, aber dann hat mich der bezaubernde und wunderschön bildhafte Schreibstil wieder gefangen genommen. Der Entwurf dieser Welt Thra mit all ihren Mythen, über die man hier wieder etwas mehr erfährt, hat einen ganz besonderen Zauber und auch die Gelflinge, die ihn ihrem Handeln und Gefühlen den Menschen so ähnlich sind, bestechen hier durch ein feineres Gespür. Durch eine tiefere Verbundenheit mit ihrer Welt und einer Magie, die in deren Geheimnissen verwurzelt ist.
Besonders fasziniert mich ja immer wieder das "Bilderströmen". Der Austausch von Gefühlen, Gedanken und Erinnerungen mittels Berührung und natürlich, wenn beide damit einverstanden sind. Das weiß J. M. Lee auch sehr gut zu beschreiben und diese Fähigkeit nimmt hier auch einen sehr wichtigen Aspekt ein.
Während man mehr über die Anfänge der Welt erfährt, über die Entstehung der verschiedenen Gelfling Clans und was es mit den Mystikern auf sich hat, geraten Kylan und Naia immer wieder in Schwierigkeiten. Dabei bekommen sie allerdings auch Hilfe, wobei sie zwischen Zuversicht und Enttäuschung, Vertrauen und Verrat nicht immer eine genau Grenze ziehen können.
Kylan ist mir mittleweile sehr ans Herz gewachsen. Er ist kein Kämpfer und kein Anführer - seine Aufgabe ist es, die Lieder (die Geschichten) zu bewahren und weiter zu erzählen und nicht selten fühlt er sich überflüssig und nutzlos in ihrer schwierigen Mission. Dennoch wächst er daran, indem er seine Ängste überwindet und Vertrauen in seine Fähigkeiten gewinnt. Vor allem auch seine empathische Veranlagung lässt ihn zum Schlichter werden, zum Vermittler, der zwischen den Fronten steht und beiden Gehör schenkt. Beiden nachspürt und versucht, sie zusammen zu bringen, eine Mitte zu finden, die für jeden von ihnen annehmbar ist.
Aber auch Naia und all die anderen außergewöhnlichen Figuren sind bedeutsam in ihren Rollen und selbst in Kurzauftritten als Nebenfiguren sehr klar gezeichnet.
Das Netz der Verschwörung der Skekse hat sich jedenfalls schon viel weiter ausgebreitet, als sie befürchtet haben und ihre dringendste Hoffnung ist es, ihre Wissen mit den anderen Gelflingen zu teilen, sie zu überzeugen und gemeinsam gegen die Widersacher vorzugehen.
Während der Beginn noch etwas gemächlich war hat die Spannung immer mehr angezogen und zum Schluss gab es eine packendes Finale mit viel Vorfreude auf den nächsten Band, den ich kaum erwarten kann :)
Die Aufmachung bzw. das Cover ist wieder besonders schön - vor allem auch die schwarz-weiß Zeichnungen innen, damit kann man sich immer wieder zwischendurch ein tolles Bild von den Szenen machen! Dazu ein Glossar am Ende mit den Fremdwörter und ihren Bedeutungen sowie eine kurze Beschreibung der Gelfling Clans.
Ein bisschen schade ist, dass dieses hässliche Netflix Wappen auf allen Covern zu sehen ist. Nicht als Aufkleber sondern direkt integriert.
Weltenwanderer
Die Fortsetzung geht genauso magisch und abenteuerlich weiter, wie sie schon im ersten Band "Ära der Schatten" begonnen hat! Wenn ich mich richtig erinnere, wurde aus den Perspektiven von Naia und Kylan erzählt, die es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht haben, die Verschwörung der Skekse zu stoppen und alle Gelflinge vor den bösen Machenschaften ihrer "Herrscher" zu warnen.
Dieses Mal beschränkt sich der Autor auf Kylan aus dem Volk der Spriton. Noch immer ist er mit Naia zusammen unterwegs, der taffen Drenchen aus dem Sumpfland und beide wissen dass die Zeit drängt, denn die Verfinsterung breitet sich immer weiter aus.
Der Anfang hat mich dieses Mal nicht sofort so gefangen nehmen können. Ich hab etwas gebraucht, um wieder einzutauchen, aber dann hat mich der bezaubernde und wunderschön bildhafte Schreibstil wieder gefangen genommen. Der Entwurf dieser Welt Thra mit all ihren Mythen, über die man hier wieder etwas mehr erfährt, hat einen ganz besonderen Zauber und auch die Gelflinge, die ihn ihrem Handeln und Gefühlen den Menschen so ähnlich sind, bestechen hier durch ein feineres Gespür. Durch eine tiefere Verbundenheit mit ihrer Welt und einer Magie, die in deren Geheimnissen verwurzelt ist.
Besonders fasziniert mich ja immer wieder das "Bilderströmen". Der Austausch von Gefühlen, Gedanken und Erinnerungen mittels Berührung und natürlich, wenn beide damit einverstanden sind. Das weiß J. M. Lee auch sehr gut zu beschreiben und diese Fähigkeit nimmt hier auch einen sehr wichtigen Aspekt ein.
Während man mehr über die Anfänge der Welt erfährt, über die Entstehung der verschiedenen Gelfling Clans und was es mit den Mystikern auf sich hat, geraten Kylan und Naia immer wieder in Schwierigkeiten. Dabei bekommen sie allerdings auch Hilfe, wobei sie zwischen Zuversicht und Enttäuschung, Vertrauen und Verrat nicht immer eine genau Grenze ziehen können.
Kylan ist mir mittleweile sehr ans Herz gewachsen. Er ist kein Kämpfer und kein Anführer - seine Aufgabe ist es, die Lieder (die Geschichten) zu bewahren und weiter zu erzählen und nicht selten fühlt er sich überflüssig und nutzlos in ihrer schwierigen Mission. Dennoch wächst er daran, indem er seine Ängste überwindet und Vertrauen in seine Fähigkeiten gewinnt. Vor allem auch seine empathische Veranlagung lässt ihn zum Schlichter werden, zum Vermittler, der zwischen den Fronten steht und beiden Gehör schenkt. Beiden nachspürt und versucht, sie zusammen zu bringen, eine Mitte zu finden, die für jeden von ihnen annehmbar ist.
Aber auch Naia und all die anderen außergewöhnlichen Figuren sind bedeutsam in ihren Rollen und selbst in Kurzauftritten als Nebenfiguren sehr klar gezeichnet.
Das Netz der Verschwörung der Skekse hat sich jedenfalls schon viel weiter ausgebreitet, als sie befürchtet haben und ihre dringendste Hoffnung ist es, ihre Wissen mit den anderen Gelflingen zu teilen, sie zu überzeugen und gemeinsam gegen die Widersacher vorzugehen.
Während der Beginn noch etwas gemächlich war hat die Spannung immer mehr angezogen und zum Schluss gab es eine packendes Finale mit viel Vorfreude auf den nächsten Band, den ich kaum erwarten kann :)
Die Aufmachung bzw. das Cover ist wieder besonders schön - vor allem auch die schwarz-weiß Zeichnungen innen, damit kann man sich immer wieder zwischendurch ein tolles Bild von den Szenen machen! Dazu ein Glossar am Ende mit den Fremdwörter und ihren Bedeutungen sowie eine kurze Beschreibung der Gelfling Clans.
Ein bisschen schade ist, dass dieses hässliche Netflix Wappen auf allen Covern zu sehen ist. Nicht als Aufkleber sondern direkt integriert.
Weltenwanderer
June 5, 2023
Assim como o livro antecessor, Song of the Dark Crystal de J.M. Lee segue com a premissa de apresentar ao leitor a história de Thra e tudo o que aconteceu antes dos eventos do Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: The Novelization de A.C.H. Smith. Após uma intensa reviravolta e novos aliados juntarem-se à causa, Naia e companhia dão início a uma nova jornada para salvar Thra das garras dos maléficos Skeksis que, ameaçados, dão início a um plano cruel que mudará toda a Thra.
Diferente do anterior, Song of the Dark Crystal é uma leitura mais densa, com momentos mais dinâmicos, mais diversidade de personagens e muita mais informação que pode ser do agrado daqueles que, assim como eu, são fascinados por este universo criado por Jim Henson. Como no anterior, J.M. Lee mantém uma escrita subtil, detalhada e rica, que acrescenta ainda mais à imersão. Foi mais uma leitura que me acompanhou durante longas viagens de autocarro e que me permitiu sonhar acordado, enquanto imaginava toda a Thra no seu esplendor.
Diferente do anterior, Song of the Dark Crystal é uma leitura mais densa, com momentos mais dinâmicos, mais diversidade de personagens e muita mais informação que pode ser do agrado daqueles que, assim como eu, são fascinados por este universo criado por Jim Henson. Como no anterior, J.M. Lee mantém uma escrita subtil, detalhada e rica, que acrescenta ainda mais à imersão. Foi mais uma leitura que me acompanhou durante longas viagens de autocarro e que me permitiu sonhar acordado, enquanto imaginava toda a Thra no seu esplendor.
July 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this next book in the 'The Dark Crystal' Series. I like that the second book changed to the perspective of a different character so that we get some new kinds of insights into the characters.
I have watched the Netflix show, "The Dark Crystal: The Age of Resistance." While the overarching story does seem to be very similar between the show and this series, there are also many differences as well. However, because I had watched the series, I was able to pick up on subtle foreshadowing and guess their outcome much faster than someone who may not have watched the series yet.
The things that bothered me are very small things. Again, related to the Mystics, even though at least one of the characters knew the word in the last book, here it seemed to suddenly be new again. Also, at one point the characters referred to something that had happened earlier in the book and used a color word in their recalling it. Yet, when I went back to try and figure out what this incident was, that color was only mentioned once, despite a lot of other visual description throughout.
One thing Lee does with descriptions though of the world that I love is that he seems to so effortlessly describe the world as if he and we the readers were Gelfling. "... shaking the seriousness off like a fizzgig that had come in out of the rain." I have never seen a fizzgig do this, yet at the same time I can picture it in my mind.
I have watched the Netflix show, "The Dark Crystal: The Age of Resistance." While the overarching story does seem to be very similar between the show and this series, there are also many differences as well. However, because I had watched the series, I was able to pick up on subtle foreshadowing and guess their outcome much faster than someone who may not have watched the series yet.
The things that bothered me are very small things. Again, related to the Mystics, even though at least one of the characters knew the word in the last book, here it seemed to suddenly be new again. Also, at one point the characters referred to something that had happened earlier in the book and used a color word in their recalling it. Yet, when I went back to try and figure out what this incident was, that color was only mentioned once, despite a lot of other visual description throughout.
One thing Lee does with descriptions though of the world that I love is that he seems to so effortlessly describe the world as if he and we the readers were Gelfling. "... shaking the seriousness off like a fizzgig that had come in out of the rain." I have never seen a fizzgig do this, yet at the same time I can picture it in my mind.
September 29, 2020
The story is getting darker and I love that. I don't think I'm going to read the third one straight away but I would like to continue. Things are getting serious! In this book we get to know Kylan more and it was amazing. He's so sweet! And I love that his role in the group is to be the song-teller... to make songs, tell stories... and things that sometimes, in adventures, are diminished. But he's a song-teller, he's good at it, he loves doing what he does and even though he sometimes feels insecure, he has his important part in the story.
Also, I love Naia and Kylan's friendship. They care a lot for each other and they make a very good team. The other gelfings are cute too (except from Rian to be honest) and the new skekis, SkekLi was really, really disturbing.
Also, I love Naia and Kylan's friendship. They care a lot for each other and they make a very good team. The other gelfings are cute too (except from Rian to be honest) and the new skekis, SkekLi was really, really disturbing.
April 19, 2023
This surpases the first book in more ways than one.
July 31, 2022
Американският писател Дж. М. Лий и издателство „Кръг“ отново ни пренасят в мрачния, чудноват и пленителен свят на „Тъмния кристал“. Култовата куклена класика на Джим Хенсън вдъхновява през годините редица романи, комикси и дори сериал на Netflix, озаглавен „The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance“, разказващ предисторията на оригиналния филм. Всъщност, сериалът сам по себе си е до голяма степен вдъхновен именно от книгите на Дж. М. Лий, които години по-рано доразвиват и доизграждат митологията на този свят, населен със скексиси, гелфлинги и други невъобразими създания, изскочили от фантазията на Джим Хенсън и художника Браян Фроуд. Втората книга на Лий вече излезе и на български. С голямо удоволствие четем „Песента на тъмния кристал“. Прочетете ревюто на „Книжни Криле“: https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...
January 25, 2024
Lee’s second book in The Dark Crystal series keeps the tempo but sheds the tiresome periodic threats with darkened creatures in lieu of encounters with more dangerous creatures. This change is welcome as the new dangerous rendezvous all serve to push the plot forward and seem more threatening than the previous entry into the series.
I am pleased the book takes the reader to more gelfling settlements, and we learn more about how the different clans feel about each other.
I prefer Naia as the PoV, but now I must admit I am intrigued who takes the position in the next book.
Tavra was an expected surprise, but that is okay.
I am pleased the book takes the reader to more gelfling settlements, and we learn more about how the different clans feel about each other.
I prefer Naia as the PoV, but now I must admit I am intrigued who takes the position in the next book.
Tavra was an expected surprise, but that is okay.
June 19, 2020
**2/5 stars**
Song of the Dark Crystal is better than the first in the series but certainly not spectacular. Like Shadow of the Dark Crystal, this sequel is in desperate need of some complexity, character development, and better world building.
In my review of the first book, I claimed that its greatest weakness is how far it strays from the Netflix TV series and thus the canon the Jim Henson company is trying to establish. I now realize that the book series and the Netflix series must be analyzed as two different things. However, I still think it's somewhat worthwhile to compare them. Because whatever J.M. Lee does the show does ten time better.
Song of the Dark Crystal picks up exactly where Shadow ends except we are now reading from Kylan's point of view. Kylan is the song-teller gelfling from the Spriton clan that Naia befriends in the first book. His talents include song-telling, dream-etching, and being a loyal friend. These are what make up his character and not much else does. Thus, Song struggles with the same inability to construct full-fledged characters that the reader can truly get inside the head of and empathize with. There's a minute difference between Kylan's voice and Naia's and Lee gives them hardly any opportunities to grow. Instead, characters will suddenly behave contrary to their dispositions on a whim with little buildup.
In order to discuss the unappealing simpleness of these books, I want to bring up an example of really well-done complex writing in the show that presents the characters and the audience with a moral dilemma. In episode 1.05, Rian is captured by the Skeksis and is in route to the Castle of the Crystal in a carriage with the Chamberlain. Rian is distressed because he holds key information to starting a full-blown resistance amongst the gelfling against the Skeksis but he's being taken to his doom. The Chamberlain is able to prey on Rian's fear and self-consciousness as well as his nobility when he offers Rian this catch-22:
"Go, then! Run! Have your war! But, it will be on Rian's head when all gelfling die, because you chose to run again."
Not only is this a fantastic line of dialogue, but it puts Rian and the audience in a tricky situation where either option means certain doom and loss. If Rian goes with the Chamberlain to the castle of the crystal, then the rest of the gelfling will remain in ignorance about the Skeksis' crimes and possibly suffer less temporarily because not as many will die in war. However, all the gelfing will eventually die because the skeksis will exhaust them as a life source for themselves. But if Rian runs away from the Chamberlain and spreads the word about the Skeksis, not only will he be running away again—which the Chamberlain is characterizing as cowardly— he'll be sending more gelfling to their deaths through a war they have a sliver of a chance of winning. Rian chooses to stay. Whether or not this is the right choice is left up to the reader and to Rian's character development. The writers follow through with this choice in the last episode when Rian declares that he's "tired of running," but instead of staying complicit with the Skeksis's crimes like he did when he stayed with the Chamberlain, he's about to lead a battle against them. Thus, Rian's development comes full-circle and the show shines with a bit of storytelling brilliance.
Nothing like this Rian story happens in Lee's novels. Even children need complex storytelling with complex characters. All of real-life is complex, scary, and unpredictable; children know this and that's why they love stories that are just as complicated and sometimes more, because reality is far more boring than fantasy. High-stakes scenes like that of the end of Song (where the heroes have to get the bird bone before skeKli can stop them) become far more powerful when they are not just part of a series of formulaic roadblocks in the heroes way. So far, all of Lee's obstacles for his heroes are physical; heroes can always beat those. It's the moral ones that are the hardest to beat and are what give stories depth.
It's no easy task trying to write books that can live up to the legacy of one of the most beloved films of all time, I'm sure. But even with low expectations, these The Dark Crystal novels come up short. I would rather speculate about the world of Thra and come up with my own expansions of the film and show on my own than try and apply Lee's world building to the canon.
EDIT: Upon a rewatch of Age of Resistance, I realized that J.M. Lee wrote some of the episodes! He's obviously a very capable writer; time seems to have afforded him and the other writers/creators the ability to really perfect the world they wanted to convey.
Song of the Dark Crystal is better than the first in the series but certainly not spectacular. Like Shadow of the Dark Crystal, this sequel is in desperate need of some complexity, character development, and better world building.
In my review of the first book, I claimed that its greatest weakness is how far it strays from the Netflix TV series and thus the canon the Jim Henson company is trying to establish. I now realize that the book series and the Netflix series must be analyzed as two different things. However, I still think it's somewhat worthwhile to compare them. Because whatever J.M. Lee does the show does ten time better.
Song of the Dark Crystal picks up exactly where Shadow ends except we are now reading from Kylan's point of view. Kylan is the song-teller gelfling from the Spriton clan that Naia befriends in the first book. His talents include song-telling, dream-etching, and being a loyal friend. These are what make up his character and not much else does. Thus, Song struggles with the same inability to construct full-fledged characters that the reader can truly get inside the head of and empathize with. There's a minute difference between Kylan's voice and Naia's and Lee gives them hardly any opportunities to grow. Instead, characters will suddenly behave contrary to their dispositions on a whim with little buildup.
In order to discuss the unappealing simpleness of these books, I want to bring up an example of really well-done complex writing in the show that presents the characters and the audience with a moral dilemma. In episode 1.05, Rian is captured by the Skeksis and is in route to the Castle of the Crystal in a carriage with the Chamberlain. Rian is distressed because he holds key information to starting a full-blown resistance amongst the gelfling against the Skeksis but he's being taken to his doom. The Chamberlain is able to prey on Rian's fear and self-consciousness as well as his nobility when he offers Rian this catch-22:
"Go, then! Run! Have your war! But, it will be on Rian's head when all gelfling die, because you chose to run again."
Not only is this a fantastic line of dialogue, but it puts Rian and the audience in a tricky situation where either option means certain doom and loss. If Rian goes with the Chamberlain to the castle of the crystal, then the rest of the gelfling will remain in ignorance about the Skeksis' crimes and possibly suffer less temporarily because not as many will die in war. However, all the gelfing will eventually die because the skeksis will exhaust them as a life source for themselves. But if Rian runs away from the Chamberlain and spreads the word about the Skeksis, not only will he be running away again—which the Chamberlain is characterizing as cowardly— he'll be sending more gelfling to their deaths through a war they have a sliver of a chance of winning. Rian chooses to stay. Whether or not this is the right choice is left up to the reader and to Rian's character development. The writers follow through with this choice in the last episode when Rian declares that he's "tired of running," but instead of staying complicit with the Skeksis's crimes like he did when he stayed with the Chamberlain, he's about to lead a battle against them. Thus, Rian's development comes full-circle and the show shines with a bit of storytelling brilliance.
Nothing like this Rian story happens in Lee's novels. Even children need complex storytelling with complex characters. All of real-life is complex, scary, and unpredictable; children know this and that's why they love stories that are just as complicated and sometimes more, because reality is far more boring than fantasy. High-stakes scenes like that of the end of Song (where the heroes have to get the bird bone before skeKli can stop them) become far more powerful when they are not just part of a series of formulaic roadblocks in the heroes way. So far, all of Lee's obstacles for his heroes are physical; heroes can always beat those. It's the moral ones that are the hardest to beat and are what give stories depth.
It's no easy task trying to write books that can live up to the legacy of one of the most beloved films of all time, I'm sure. But even with low expectations, these The Dark Crystal novels come up short. I would rather speculate about the world of Thra and come up with my own expansions of the film and show on my own than try and apply Lee's world building to the canon.
EDIT: Upon a rewatch of Age of Resistance, I realized that J.M. Lee wrote some of the episodes! He's obviously a very capable writer; time seems to have afforded him and the other writers/creators the ability to really perfect the world they wanted to convey.
July 2, 2023
“The only thing you could do… or a thing only you could do?”
The second book in the Dark Crystal YA series continues the story of Naia and Kylan’s quest to find a way to warn Gelfling of the true nature of Skesis. This time the story follows the POV of Kylan, the song teller.
I’m quite surprised how moving some of the scenes were in this book, and turns Kylan into an incredibly endearing character that has gone through more growth than any character in all of Dark Crystal (More than Raunip? Maybe). I really connected with him so much that he may have become one of my favorites in the series.
A lot happens in this book that I’m surprised it wasn’t in the show. Tavra plays a big part in this story and I kept trying to remember what happened to her in the show, and couldn’t believe that it wasn’t included. Additionally, It’s been a while since I’ve seen the show, I kept wondering how things lined up. I remembered Kylan and Naia meeting up with Rian, Deet, Brea, and Gurkin for that beautiful Speak for the Dead scene, but how do they get there and is the weight of their quest in these books reflected at all in the show?
Even with those above thoughts, I’m enjoying the world of the Dark Crystal more than ever with these books, opening up so much more of the story, written so well that I could actually hear the “Song of the Dark Crystal” as I read the final pages.
Looking forward to book three.
The second book in the Dark Crystal YA series continues the story of Naia and Kylan’s quest to find a way to warn Gelfling of the true nature of Skesis. This time the story follows the POV of Kylan, the song teller.
I’m quite surprised how moving some of the scenes were in this book, and turns Kylan into an incredibly endearing character that has gone through more growth than any character in all of Dark Crystal (More than Raunip? Maybe). I really connected with him so much that he may have become one of my favorites in the series.
A lot happens in this book that I’m surprised it wasn’t in the show. Tavra plays a big part in this story and I kept trying to remember what happened to her in the show, and couldn’t believe that it wasn’t included. Additionally, It’s been a while since I’ve seen the show, I kept wondering how things lined up. I remembered Kylan and Naia meeting up with Rian, Deet, Brea, and Gurkin for that beautiful Speak for the Dead scene, but how do they get there and is the weight of their quest in these books reflected at all in the show?
Even with those above thoughts, I’m enjoying the world of the Dark Crystal more than ever with these books, opening up so much more of the story, written so well that I could actually hear the “Song of the Dark Crystal” as I read the final pages.
Looking forward to book three.
October 13, 2024
Bin etwas hin- und hergerissen zwischen Naja und Gut… finde es nicht gut geschrieben, die Sprache ist leider nicht meins und das schmälert den Genuss. Die Geschichte selber und die Figuren, die fantastische Welt sind toll. Mal schauen ob und wann es weitergeht.
March 24, 2025
I should probably go back and read the 1st book of this series. Might fill some gaps. Although it did well on its own. Helps that I’ve seen the dark crystal movie I suppose.
October 14, 2019
The second book in J.M. Lee’s Dark Crystal prequel series, Song of the Dark Crystal is a riveting fantasy adventure. After having learned that the Skeksis have betrayed the Gelfling, Krylan and Naia head to the Gelfling capital city of Ha’rar to warn the All-Maudra, but along the way they decide to make a detour to see Mother Augra in the hopes that she’ll be able to help them warn the Gelfling and stop the Skeksis. Lee does a remarkable job at worldbuilding; setting up various creatures and races, along with a storied history. Additionally, the characters are quite compelling and are described in colorful detail. Also, Cory Godbey provides a number of illustrations that help to enrich and visualize this world. Song of the Dark Crystal is an exciting and thrilling novel that’s building an epic story.
August 25, 2020
Omg I loved this book! It’s a great carry on from the first it just gets better and better I say I can’t wait to start the third!!!
Great new and old characters, some twists you see coming if you’ve watched the show bit their still down well!!
Loved the new bits of lore and world building it’s great!
5/5
Great new and old characters, some twists you see coming if you’ve watched the show bit their still down well!!
Loved the new bits of lore and world building it’s great!
5/5
December 1, 2017
The Song of the Dark Crystal picks up where book 1 (Shadows of the Dark Crystal) leaves off: Naia and Kylan are traveling with Tavra and finally find Riann as they pursue a few goals, each in an effort to warn their kind of the Skeksis’ betrayal. As with the book before it, the reading level closely matches the audience of Henson’s original film placing the book somewhere on the upper MG and lower YA spectrum. Keeping that in mind, Lee writes masterfully and really drew me back into an earlier time when I was a young teen book enthusiast. His pacing, style, and the themes in the lives of the traveling companions threw me right into the grips of nostalgia. His story is on point—especially about a third of the way through the book and I hadn’t read an honest-to-goodness page-turner in several months (I try to read a book a week, so that’s saying something.)
Compared to book 1, I actually liked this book even more. The themes and feelings Lee draws out through writing more from Kylan’s perspective hit home in a big way. JM Lee does a phenomenal job making you feel for the characters and connect to them emotionally; you might forget that this whole adventure takes place in a fictitious land and that the main characters aren’t even human. He also excels at the situational world-building—I was enthralled by the adventure in the cave of Grot and I’m sure you will be, too.
I was pretty happy to find The Song of the Dark Crystal at a launch event coordinated by a metro area comic book store and a comic convention so I got the book autographed which is super cool, especially since I was a fan of the first book in what promises to be a trilogy(you can read the other review and a funny story on how I stumbled onto the series via my blog, Inside the Inkwell.)
I would certainly recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of Henson’s unique world and I couldn’t help but imagine how the book will fit into the upcoming Netflix original series. Pick up both of these books—you won’t regret it!
Compared to book 1, I actually liked this book even more. The themes and feelings Lee draws out through writing more from Kylan’s perspective hit home in a big way. JM Lee does a phenomenal job making you feel for the characters and connect to them emotionally; you might forget that this whole adventure takes place in a fictitious land and that the main characters aren’t even human. He also excels at the situational world-building—I was enthralled by the adventure in the cave of Grot and I’m sure you will be, too.
I was pretty happy to find The Song of the Dark Crystal at a launch event coordinated by a metro area comic book store and a comic convention so I got the book autographed which is super cool, especially since I was a fan of the first book in what promises to be a trilogy(you can read the other review and a funny story on how I stumbled onto the series via my blog, Inside the Inkwell.)
I would certainly recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of Henson’s unique world and I couldn’t help but imagine how the book will fit into the upcoming Netflix original series. Pick up both of these books—you won’t regret it!
July 1, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, so much more than the first one in the series. I look forward to a third book, for how could there not be with such an ending? That said, unlike the first book in the series, there actually was and ending rather than just a stopping point.
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June 27, 2018 – page 88
32.35% "This is the second book I've ever recommended that my library purchase, and this is the first book they actually DID purchase. I'm feeling amazing because I did a thing that will impact others in a positive way. Doing a thing! That said, this book is different than the first. For one thing, despite there being a glossary in the back, the special words are also given an em-dash definition the first time they are used."
June 28, 2018 – page 158
58.09% "I can definitely tell that the illustrator isn't Brian Froud this time. The artwork is still true to Froud, but is different in ways that makes it seem to cherish the viewer, where Froud's simply seems to be ambivalent toward the viewer.
I am also greatly loving this story much more than the first in the series. Augra was well explained. I am happy to meet this novel's mystic."
June 29, 2018 – page 259
95.22% "Great foreshadowing. Fabulous storytelling. I really like this novel so much more than the first in the series. Will there be a third?"
June 30, 2018 – Finished Reading
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June 27, 2018 – page 88
32.35% "This is the second book I've ever recommended that my library purchase, and this is the first book they actually DID purchase. I'm feeling amazing because I did a thing that will impact others in a positive way. Doing a thing! That said, this book is different than the first. For one thing, despite there being a glossary in the back, the special words are also given an em-dash definition the first time they are used."
June 28, 2018 – page 158
58.09% "I can definitely tell that the illustrator isn't Brian Froud this time. The artwork is still true to Froud, but is different in ways that makes it seem to cherish the viewer, where Froud's simply seems to be ambivalent toward the viewer.
I am also greatly loving this story much more than the first in the series. Augra was well explained. I am happy to meet this novel's mystic."
June 29, 2018 – page 259
95.22% "Great foreshadowing. Fabulous storytelling. I really like this novel so much more than the first in the series. Will there be a third?"
June 30, 2018 – Finished Reading
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