The Song

Singer Trilogy #2

by Calvin Miller

The Singer quickly became a favorite of evangelists, pastors, artists, students, teachers and readers of all sorts when it was originally published in 1975. Retelling the story of Christ through an allegorical and poetic narrative of a Singer who's Song could not be silenced; Miller's work reinvigorated Christian literature and offered believers and seekers the world over a deeply personal encounter with the gospel. The Song is a poetic narrative in the tradition of C.S. Lewis's Narnia Chronicles and J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. The Song is Calvin Miller's sequel to his earlier, very popular book, The Singer. Miller tells the story of Anthem and Everyman who leave the Great Walled City and travel to Urbis, the city of the Poet King, where followers of the Singer are martyred for their faith. As The Singer parallels the story of the Gospels, so The Song shows certain parallels to the Book of Acts. The Finale is Calvin Miller's completion of his trilogy including The Singer and The Song. In this final volume, Miller tells the story of the Singer's final battle with World Hater and envisions in dynamic prose poetry the winding up of history on Terra One and the creation of Terra Two. As The Singer parallels the story of the Gospels and The Song parallels the book of Acts, so The Finale is an artistic retelling of the book of Revelation.

Genres: Poetry, Fiction, Christian, Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Christianity, Religion

168 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1977

About the author

Calvin Miller has written over 40 books of popular theology and inspiration. A former pastor, he is professor of preaching and pastoral ministry at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama. He and his wife, Joyce, have two grown children.

Reviews

[Davidg · Rating 1 out of 5]

You know all that science stuff. Medicine, vaccinations, transplants - the stuff that saves millions of people's lives. It's all the work of Satan. All that technology: computers, engineering, trains planes and automobiles - that's all the work of the devil too. All that ecology - evolution, genetics, the rich tapestry of the world. That's all the Devil's work too.
Apparently, you cannot be a Christian and have any understanding of science, let alone be a scientist yourself. Apparently, God is opposed to science or any form of human knowledge.
Not a good advert for a faith that welcomes all, that encourages reason and thinking.

[Laura (Book Scrounger) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't care for this one as much as I did The Singer. The first third or so was okay, but after that it just got too bleak and strange for me. I suppose it was attempting to simply recreate a certain point in time, but even the hopeful few verses at the end didn't change the tone of it much for me. I also didn't care for the anti-science tone expressed in a few places.

While the allegory did not feel quite as "direct" in this story (as it merely "parallels" the book of Acts -- I assume Urbis is a stand-in for Rome, while Praxis may be intended to represent Saul/Paul), I still felt like the intended allegory took center stage to the detriment of other factors. Urbis sounds like an interesting place, but I never quite felt like I was "there." It's also not a good sign when the stand-in for Satan ends up being one of the most developed characters in the whole story.

Many events in this story were inspired not by the book of Acts itself, but from Christian tradition (feeding Christians to lions, etc.), so it's kind of a mish-mash. The second half of this story depicts an attempted genocide against "Singerians," which includes children being taken from their parents to be killed, several of whom are strangled by their parents beforehand. Very bleak, and certainly not something everyone will be up to reading. I will give the third one a shot and hope it's better.

[Janette Schafer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Originally read this book when I was about 18 and reread it this weekend. It has not held up for me. It is overt in religious zealotry and frankly strange and dark in all the worst ways.

[James Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st Review, May 19th, 2019:
Book 2 of the Singer trilogy. If I loved Book 1, I loved this one yet more. Why, I wonder, when book 1 is all about Christ...? Well, as Book 1 was an allegory of one of the gospels, Book 2 could be said to be an allegory of the Book of Acts. And so in this book, the Holy Spirit analog - the Invader - is very much present and touches the lives of thousands of people. Very much the heart of this book is the message of the gospel and how all are in need of being unchained, rescued from our darkness and redeemed by Christ alone - only through Him are we saved. Again, this story is told through narrative poetry and (fairly obvious) allegory and my heart sang while reading this yesterday on the porch at EQ...seeing the work of the Holy Spirit in saving souls and the ensuing passion to share this message (this song!) with all people. Even in the face of harsh and bitter persecution and yea, even to death, would this message be proclaimed. Reading the story of Everyman, one who initially relied on strict reason and rationalism...then who came to be tempted by the devil (Sarkon, the World Hater) and yet eventually he realized the true darkness of the devil's temptations and then came to glorious faith, unchained and filled with the Holy Spirit. Oh what joy! And reading the story of Praxis the Builder, one who persecuted the believers and committed gross sins...and yet even he was forgiven and received the truth and was saved by the love of God. This book was beautiful. I am wary of offering high praise to allegorical works, for I am always slightly hesitant that there may be some flaw in the theology...and indeed this book is not inspired so it isn't perfect. So always read with discernment. But with that disclaimer, this book is beautiful and upon reading it, I couldn't help but offer praise to my God as I remember that He has indeed forgiven me of my sins and filled me with His Holy Spirit. Oh what blissful joy is mine.

2nd Review, April 14th, 2021:
I love this book. This book is a re-telling (or other-telling) of the events soon after the ascension of Christ. But don't expect a parallel account. Really this book is more an account of those who give themselves to Christ and then serve Him as they spread the good news of the glory of the gospel to the world roundabout. The poetry continues to sing and my heart was much encouraged as I let myself be swept away by Miller's tale.

3rd Review, November 10th, 2023:
Another beautiful and praiseworthy book by Calvin Miller. While perhaps not quite as good as The Singer, it is a near thing, for this book is no less poetic and full of the truths of the gospel of God. This book roughly corresponds to the Book of Acts and it is a wonderous thing to see the Spirit of God work in this allegorical tale. Some truly stunning lines that reminds me that times are not so different now in terms of the world's opposition and disdain for the gospel. I do love the author's style but also? The truth that poetically spills forth in this book resonate with my soul.

[Levi Martino · Rating 2 out of 5]

The early Singerian church has just been established, and is directed by one who knew The Singer like no other. It is up to him to defend the church against its eternal opposition... The Song(underlined), is a biblical allegory by Calvin Miller. I found the book to be somewhat interesting, the conflict symbolically portrayed between the two cultures spurred interest within me. However, I found it to overpower the book a little bit. It seemed a lot less spiritual for me than the first one. I also didn't like the author's bash on science as he seems to believe that it does not correspond with Christ. The ending felt a bit unresolved however there is one more book to complete the story. Beside my personal dislike, it is likely a crucial part of the trilogy and integral to this creative retelling of the gospel.

[Isaac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing from The Singer, The Song is a poetic allegory loosely following the book of Acts. Luckily Miller opts for a more inspired story being less transcribed than The Singer. The story follows Madman, continued from The Singer, now Anthem as he shares the Star Song and the power of the Invader to unchain men, from World Hater, now Sarkon. There are several links between the book of Acts, particularly the stoning of Stephen, the transformation of Saul to Paul, and Pauls missionary trip to Rome. However, to the benefit of the story Miller takes more creative liberties building an independent and rich fantasy world. The Song in comparison the The Singer is much more in the vein of Lewis and Tolkien, as well as Bunyan. My only issue with this book is the poetry of it. While vastly improved from the previous title, there are still times when the verse seems jarring, possibly this is because it was meant to be read out loud. Often times the book follows what seams to be a free verse style, but the occasional jump into regular rhyme can feel out of place. Despite this I highly recommend The Song and am eager to finish the trilogy, ending with The Finale.

[Nick · Rating 1 out of 5]

This series got worse. I'm very confused by how he starts this sequel. The Singer ends with our lead character returning from the dead and gathering his followers, then The Song starts with a drought and Madman/Anthem seemingly not knowing that the Singer has returned. His choice to make 'science' the enemy at the first part is cringe-worthy, but understandable considering Miller's denomination. What NOT understandable is the name he gives the Holy Spirit: Invader. What kind of new age malarkey is that?! Why not make it music themed? He gives us this idea that Anthem and Everyman (terrible character name) are going to Ubis to make this big fight against the devil....and they just hide in a garden while their fellow believers are gassed and jailed (with added, unnecessary references to the Holocaust and the October Revolution). It's more dark than anything; it seems like thousands die for the sake of one person's soul. Read the actual Acts, at least those have merit and light.

[Ginelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now that the Singer is gone, his followers remain and continue to spread the news of his promises and the possibility for people to become 'unchained' and free through the Singer and his father, Earthmaker. In response to this and the growing number of Singerians, the World Hater has taken on a new likeness, and the new name of Sarkon in effort to guile people back to his ways.

Again, this is a very easy to read poem. There are a few times that I got a little confused with the verbage, but overall the flow and wording are great. While THE SINGER was so obviously the story of Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection, THE SONG is the story of the rise of the Christian Church, and its subsequent persecution. Said persecution is mainly through a single force in the book, but it definitely gets the feeling across and effectively communicates that the Church has many martyrs.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I overall didn’t enjoy this as much as I enjoyed The Singer, it is still a beautiful work. This volume is a loose allegory for the book of Acts in the New Testament, and it tracks its source material much more loosely than The Singer tracked the Gospels. As always, I got distracted by trying to figure out what the characters and the events in the book were supposed to portray, which is a very bad habit because it pulls me out of the world the author created for me. “Is that supposed to be John? Maybe that’s Paul? No, THAT must be Paul.” That really didn’t matter for the book, and that part was my fault, not the author’s.

Still a beautiful work that provides peace, comfort, and hope, and that is really all it needs to do.

[E Morrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a follow-up to The Singer, this book tries to expand the scope by paralleling the early Church, but I found it less engaging. The tone becomes surprisingly dark, and the allegory loses some of its charm. There’s also an odd anti-science thread woven through the story that distracted me more than it enriched anything.

The poetry feels less refined here — more uneven and less musical — and the narrative didn’t pull me in emotionally the way I hoped it would. While there are thoughtful moments scattered throughout, the book as a whole felt muddled and heavy-handed. Not terrible, but not something I’d re-read.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second of the Singer trilogy is an allegorical fantasy in tradition of C.S. Lewis and John Bunyan. It’s well written and little better than the first. This is not exactly like the book of Acts of Apostles. It concentrates a little more on Anthem aka Madman, who’s converted another believer Everyman. This time the story took place in Udris. Then it took a darker turn in the martyrdom among the Singerians, when Sargon aka World Hater poisons the King’s ear against them. Not a bad one, this tale.

[Wes F · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving this 2-1/2 stars in my Reading Log. I was expecting it to be better and to have more connection to the book of The Acts of the Apostle. It didn't. Creative, for sure, and brought out more of a focus on the "clash of civilizations" (between Rome & its gods and Christianity & its God) and the persecution that entailed in the first 300 years after Jesus' ascension and the birth of the Church.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so powerful. Calvin Miller has a beautiful way with words, and his poetry in this story is a deeply moving allegory of both the freedom found in the gospel and the persecution of Christians. I have yet to read The Finale, but so far The Singer and The Song are among C.S. Lewis's and Tolkien's writings in depth and gorgeous allegory. Calvin Miller is unique from these two authors in that his poetry is easier to read, though still keeping with the same complexity and meaning.

[Anthony Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really is my niche.Miller holds beliefs I do not, but I would read dozens of books in this style.

The Mad Man took the name Anthem. I really like that as a Title/Name, Anthem.

I appreciate the format of these quite a bit. More books need to be written that are meant to be read in an hour or ninety minutes.

[Shanna Klutts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal but hopeful. As the White Knight says: “Sarkon only took from him the life no man can keep to give him one no man can lose.” And it is this hope we have and live and breathe, that our final gate to life may be opened and we behold His glory.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in a series of allegories about Christianity. This one shadows the book of Acts.

[Jo Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this interpretation of the biblical ideas

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuation of the new testament allegory

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good, but suffered from 'second book syndrome'
Read the Singer, first..

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up from 3 1/2 stars.

[Melanie Gathers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to roll straight from The Singer to The Song and feel the same gratitude for the artful retelling. Hmm. Came away from this one feeling disappointed.

[Joseph McBee · Rating 3 out of 5]

From a collection of poetry in the tradition of C.S. Lewis, or so the book blurb goes. I can see how it was inspired by Lewis, but this is something different. The trilogy is a retelling of the New Testament with the first volume being about Jesus, the second is about the growth of the church, and the third is about the end of all things. It felt a little heavy handed in places and in others there was far more depth. I don't know if I would call this "good" but it was interesting. And I enjoyed the art work.

[Mike Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow up to the Singer...liked the Song very much...liked this one too...Mr. Miller has a way w/words and makes the tale fresh even if it a biblical tale that I know to heart...

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Singer Trilogy and it is an amazing book of poetry. This book is the retelling of the book of Acts from the New Testament in a narrative poem. Miller writes in such a way that you cannot help but wonder if the Spirit helped guide the shaping of these books.

Many of the unique characters from the first book are back: The World Hater - Satan, The Healed Madman - Anthem, and others. This story tells an epic tale in a powerful way. Miller is a wordsmith who weaves a tale that you cannot put down and will not soon forget.

He writes explicitly Christian fantasy in the books in this series. He is also well known for his non-fiction and his Christian life application books.

The Song is also excellently illustrated by Chicago artist, Joe DeVelasco. The drawings done in pen and ink style add to the power of the story by transporting you into the events, and bringing the characters alive.

No matter how many times over I reread these books, they are always fresh and new, and draw me into the story of Christ in a different way. They are true classics and a treasure for any bookshelf. Each time I pick these up and reread them, I find a deepening of my relationship with Christ, and of my prayer life - for every time I do so, I am spontaneously drawn into prayer while reading them and for days afterwards.

Miller also has a Symphonic Trilogy that retells different stories from the book of Genesis. The two I owned were A Requiem for Love and A Symphony in Sand. As far as I can tell, there are also two stand-alone books by Miller in this style, that are often compared to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and Lewis's Narnia. They are The Valiant Papers, an account of a guardian angel's experiences, and The Philippian Fragment, the retelling of the book of Philippians from the New Testament. I have owned most of these and lent them out to not be returned. I now have The Singer Trilogy, Valiant, and Singer Trilogy 3-in-1 hardcover. Over the next few weeks I will review those I still have, but cannot encourage you strongly enough to pick them up if you find them in a used bookstore. They are all great.

[Tristan · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I thought that The Song was actually a little better than The Singer, but I'm giving it the same rating because three stars is about all I can muster for all but the absolute very best religious work. (See my review of The Singer for why). I thought that the poetry of The Song was about the same or a little better. There weren't as many "wow" moments where I was boggled by the beauty, but there weren't any slogging sections where the poetry seemed to suddenly fall apart either. I definitely thought this allegory was better. The Song is a science-fiction verse allegory of the Book of Acts (Acts of the Apostles) and the history of the early Christian church, including the Roman persecutions (a bit exaggerated here; they were never as systematic or widespread as this, which is about on par with how the persecutions are usually portrayed in literature). Maybe it's because I am not as familiar with Acts as the Gospels, maybe it really is just better, but the allegory in this book is still clear without the occasional false note that marred the story in the extremely-close-to-source The Singer. Miller does a better job of setting Terra as a planet like Earth, but not Earth. Urbis is Rome, but somehow not; it maintains some (if slight) identity of its own that strengthens the allegory.
Recommended to the same group as The Singer; if you read that one, definitely read this.

[M- S__ · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a reimagining of the Bible, I feel like this series is fascinating as an intellectual exercise but just too weighted down by its reverence for the source material. Kind of difficult to avoid. I wasn't really moved by The Singer like I imagine a Christian might have been. I did find some of its language beautiful, but on the whole I didn't like it. This afternoon I happened upon this sequel (The Song) and because there was nothing else very interesting, decided to give it a read. The mechanics of the story were actually a little more interesting since I imagine it felt a little less sacrilegious to take liberties with characters who aren't a stand-in for Jesus. I found myself giving a sort of nod of approval for a little while until I realized I still didn't really enjoy the book. I just felt like it was better than the book before it. Better than bad with occasional flourish turns out to just be mediocre.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading this book, I feel like I'm imagining what would happen after Jesus came back to save the people again and left the others not to suffer but to prove themselves. I sometimes heard it as the 666 era. This book is much more intense than the first one. I've never been so angry to a character before. Sarkon literally makes my blood boil. This book gives me hope about some things. I love it just like the first one.

[Rachel Turner-Poteet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, although I adored the Singer, and while this book certainly has its moments, it is unfortunately marred by its portrayals of Christian persecution that feel way too in-your-face, its virulent anti-intellectualism, and frankly anti-Semitism. It’s really tragic that so gifted a poet would resort to ham-fisted tirades against science and conflate science and scientistic naturalism without a second thought, as well as fall back to the old Jews-are-devils business.

[Dr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this after many years brings back the memories of the calvacade of images that Miller produces. The final chapters opening stem end - "The day of one's death is a good day to be really alive," speaks to the deep eternal truths for a believer. Highly recommend this trilogy if you can find it today.

[Eilidh Shrimpton]

Continuing the story of the Singer, this book follows the earlier allegory to its logical next step, a little further from its inspiration in Acts than The Singer was from the gospels, but drawing in early church history in the process.