What do you think?
Rate this book
The Chanters of Tremaris #3
The Tenth Power
Kate Constable's magnificent musical trilogy reaches its high note as Calwyn returns to Antaris and discovers the true Singer of All Songs.
At the beginning of THE SINGER OF ALL SONGS, Calwyn fled Antaris with Darrow to defeat the ambitious chanter Samis. In THE TENTH POWER, she comes back to the mountains in hopes of rejuvenating her lost powers of chantment. But Samis's magic left terrible scars on Antaris, so Calwyn finds only conflict rather than the peace she craved. Meanwhile, Darrow suffers from a sickness that has sapped his magic as well as his strength--and Samis has returned to continue his quest for the Singer of All Songs. All of Tremaris seems to be dying. How can Calwyn save the land, and finally save them all?
At the beginning of THE SINGER OF ALL SONGS, Calwyn fled Antaris with Darrow to defeat the ambitious chanter Samis. In THE TENTH POWER, she comes back to the mountains in hopes of rejuvenating her lost powers of chantment. But Samis's magic left terrible scars on Antaris, so Calwyn finds only conflict rather than the peace she craved. Meanwhile, Darrow suffers from a sickness that has sapped his magic as well as his strength--and Samis has returned to continue his quest for the Singer of All Songs. All of Tremaris seems to be dying. How can Calwyn save the land, and finally save them all?
306 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2005
7 people are currently reading
1871 people want to read
About the author
Kate Constable
24 books282 followersKate Constable was born in Sangringham, Melbourne (Victoria, Australia). When she was six-years-old, her family moved to Papua New Guinea where her father worked as a pilot.
Constable got her Arts/Law degree at Melborne University, then got a job at Warner Music. She started writing during these years.
She wrote several short-stories before becoming an author and after her first attempt at writing a novel she fell in love with the man that is now her husband. They have a daughter.
Constable's first official novel was The Singer of All Songs, in a trilogy called The Chanters of Tremaris. It was published in 2002, a few weeks after Constable's daughter was born.
Constable got her Arts/Law degree at Melborne University, then got a job at Warner Music. She started writing during these years.
She wrote several short-stories before becoming an author and after her first attempt at writing a novel she fell in love with the man that is now her husband. They have a daughter.
Constable's first official novel was The Singer of All Songs, in a trilogy called The Chanters of Tremaris. It was published in 2002, a few weeks after Constable's daughter was born.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
February 3, 2017
I've enjoyed reading this series a lot. I loved the first book. The second I really liked but not as much as the first and then this book was about on par with the second one. I liked most of the book, especially the way the relationship between Calwyn and Darrow ended up. However, there are a few things in this book that I felt didn't work so well.
There is one part in the book where it suddenly goes sort of sci-fi and it was a bit weird. It was a little confusing as well at one point why exactly the main character got caught up in Samis' madness and kissed him. I'm attributing it to something like Stockholm syndrome, although the way it's written it's confusing. It would have been nice also if we had gotten more of an explanation of how Samis came to know the things he knew. He seemed to know everything, and that was not only annoying but unbelievable. A lot about him was never really explained. Also the character Keela was pretty much useless to the plot and really didn't have to be in the books.
All of that being said it is still a very good series that I found I couldn't put down and I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys YA fantasy. I rate books based on how much I enjoy them so despite my criticisms it was still worthy of 4 stars.
There is one part in the book where it suddenly goes sort of sci-fi and it was a bit weird. It was a little confusing as well at one point why exactly the main character got caught up in Samis' madness and kissed him. I'm attributing it to something like Stockholm syndrome, although the way it's written it's confusing. It would have been nice also if we had gotten more of an explanation of how Samis came to know the things he knew. He seemed to know everything, and that was not only annoying but unbelievable. A lot about him was never really explained. Also the character Keela was pretty much useless to the plot and really didn't have to be in the books.
All of that being said it is still a very good series that I found I couldn't put down and I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys YA fantasy. I rate books based on how much I enjoy them so despite my criticisms it was still worthy of 4 stars.
May 13, 2009
Reread this yesterday, and had to change my rating of the third book. I'd still give the series as a whole four stars, but this last one wasn't as good. Calwyn, who up until now had been fairly likeable, is now a selfish ornery weirdo. Plus, the end was pretty screwed up with her kissing Samis and all that. Seriously, was that even necessary? There was not reason for it, except to show that she has no loyalty to Darrow. And when it spoke of how she thought of Samis sometimes when Darrow kissed her, YUCK! What a floosy! Darrow is no peach himself, but the least she could do is refrain from being a two-timing jerk. Poo to Calwyn.
Aside from her, I liked the book.
Aside from her, I liked the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2022
This is definately the best book of the trilogy. Constable has gotten to know her characters since the last book, and knows what's going on.
Calwyn has to save Tremaris, she's known this since the first book, but now it's time to do it. Though, she has a problem: no powers.
The book goes on to show that even though Calwyn has lost her powers, she can still help, she's still going to be strong, and she's not going to let it get in the way of her stopping the loss of everyone's powers.
Calwyn has to save Tremaris, she's known this since the first book, but now it's time to do it. Though, she has a problem: no powers.
The book goes on to show that even though Calwyn has lost her powers, she can still help, she's still going to be strong, and she's not going to let it get in the way of her stopping the loss of everyone's powers.
November 16, 2007
The absolutely PERFECT ending!
March 5, 2018
A very satisfying ending to The Chanters of Tremaris trilogy. As it’s the final book, I feel that almost anything I say will be a spoiler for the first two books, so I guess I can’t say much beyond I enjoyed it very much and think it was a Sunday well spent.
May 1, 2012
I can already tell I waited too long to review this one; I've read a few books since finishing it, so it's not as fresh in my head.
I enjoyed reading this one well enough, but I'll admit it wasn't my favourite of the three. I enjoyed much of the beginning, some of the middle, and the very end; other parts I wasn't so taken with. It seemed that some of the characters changed for the better, and some had added complexity, but others diminished.
For the bits with spoilers: I was off-put by Keela becoming a Whole New Character, and pretty much a puppet, after her brush with death. I can understand being bonded by a life-saving experience--hell, I just read all of The Vampire Academy not too long--but it was discouraging to see it change a clever character so completely, or at least from what I recall.
I was upset with Mica's plotline in this book, although I completely understood her choices and would have been tempted to join my first real chanting community of kind women, too. I was sad to see her go.
I wasn't thrilled with how Tremaris and its inhabitants' history was explained. I thought the explanation of Voiced Ones arriving by spaceship from space to living as a techno-regressed society could have been explained better.
It was also a touch annoying to see Calwyn going from having lost everything (power-wise) to Zomg Goddess of Everything. I mean, I expected it just with the first title of the trilogy and how things were going, but given that previous books have been more about the full cast of characters...I just thought it would be a bit more "get by with a little help from my friends". Mostly I got the impression that it was Calwyn Everything and the others up to little. I can think of some things, of course (with Halasaa healing, Darrow using his chantment up to the end, Marna hinting, Mica's actions in the final battle, the old Antaris community helping again...), but it still seemed lesser in this book. I guess Calwyn as a character just never enchanted me the most, and she enchanted me possibly the least so in this book. Thankfully I still loved the supporting cast!
I also loved the turn at the end. It seemed a little gipped, to me, that of the two siblings (Iwassonotsurprised), Calwyn seemed to end up with OH HEY I GOT EVERYTHING! (since she got Becoming rather quickly) while Halasaa seemed to get the short end of the stick. Sure, he ended up with a parental figure for a bit, but it was just the one while Calwyn ended up with maternal chosen-family. Halasaa only ended up with Becoming and Beast, which again, Calwyn seemed to Inherently Have And Be Using before the book even started. So it was nice to see things start to even out, with Halasaa learning the Power of Tongue (which I imagine, as a mind-speaker that grew up in a village of mind-speakers who would barely speak to him, would be hard); it hints that maybe he, too, could become a Singer of All Songs. (It's funny that usually it's the other way around - with the male character getting everything and the female character catching up. And in many cases I would complain if it was another Super Powerful D00d fantasy character with his crew of less-useful people. If Halasaa had been the main character, though - however that would have worked out - I wouldn't have minded. I find him an excellent male character/character in general. Even if I did raise an eyebrow at what seemed a bit racist, with the old darker-skinned-characters-are-'barbarians' trope and the characterisation of his people. But it does parallel the history of my own country, so in that way it makes sense.)
I enjoyed reading this one well enough, but I'll admit it wasn't my favourite of the three. I enjoyed much of the beginning, some of the middle, and the very end; other parts I wasn't so taken with. It seemed that some of the characters changed for the better, and some had added complexity, but others diminished.
For the bits with spoilers: I was off-put by Keela becoming a Whole New Character, and pretty much a puppet, after her brush with death. I can understand being bonded by a life-saving experience--hell, I just read all of The Vampire Academy not too long--but it was discouraging to see it change a clever character so completely, or at least from what I recall.
I was upset with Mica's plotline in this book, although I completely understood her choices and would have been tempted to join my first real chanting community of kind women, too. I was sad to see her go.
I wasn't thrilled with how Tremaris and its inhabitants' history was explained. I thought the explanation of Voiced Ones arriving by spaceship from space to living as a techno-regressed society could have been explained better.
It was also a touch annoying to see Calwyn going from having lost everything (power-wise) to Zomg Goddess of Everything. I mean, I expected it just with the first title of the trilogy and how things were going, but given that previous books have been more about the full cast of characters...I just thought it would be a bit more "get by with a little help from my friends". Mostly I got the impression that it was Calwyn Everything and the others up to little. I can think of some things, of course (with Halasaa healing, Darrow using his chantment up to the end, Marna hinting, Mica's actions in the final battle, the old Antaris community helping again...), but it still seemed lesser in this book. I guess Calwyn as a character just never enchanted me the most, and she enchanted me possibly the least so in this book. Thankfully I still loved the supporting cast!
I also loved the turn at the end. It seemed a little gipped, to me, that of the two siblings (Iwassonotsurprised), Calwyn seemed to end up with OH HEY I GOT EVERYTHING! (since she got Becoming rather quickly) while Halasaa seemed to get the short end of the stick. Sure, he ended up with a parental figure for a bit, but it was just the one while Calwyn ended up with maternal chosen-family. Halasaa only ended up with Becoming and Beast, which again, Calwyn seemed to Inherently Have And Be Using before the book even started. So it was nice to see things start to even out, with Halasaa learning the Power of Tongue (which I imagine, as a mind-speaker that grew up in a village of mind-speakers who would barely speak to him, would be hard); it hints that maybe he, too, could become a Singer of All Songs. (It's funny that usually it's the other way around - with the male character getting everything and the female character catching up. And in many cases I would complain if it was another Super Powerful D00d fantasy character with his crew of less-useful people. If Halasaa had been the main character, though - however that would have worked out - I wouldn't have minded. I find him an excellent male character/character in general. Even if I did raise an eyebrow at what seemed a bit racist, with the old darker-skinned-characters-are-'barbarians' trope and the characterisation of his people. But it does parallel the history of my own country, so in that way it makes sense.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2014
Setting/World Building: 5/5
Main Character: 4/5
Other Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Triggering/Issues: 4/5 (Random adultery-esque love triangle out of nowhere)
AVERAGED TOTAL: 4.3 out of 5, rounded to 4.
There's something about either these books, or the author, that manages to somehow wrap me up in the awesome plot, but also interject random things that just irritate the heck out of me and have no reason for being there. This book definitely did that. A good 85% of it or so was just a great, fun read. I loved the plot, I loved the world still, and the magic, and I loved the magical solution to the overall plot of the world, that was all amazing. (Okay, it was a LITTLE weird that none of them apparently knew how to read, but whatever.)
What I didn't love basically boiled down to the romance, yet again. Firstly, each book seems to end with the characters making up, and then the next starts with them separated/fighting/whatever again, rather annoyingly. Most of this would be solved if they just talked to one another, but of course that never happens. Calwyn is cranky, but Darrow is a complete ass for much of this book... yet someone, Calwyn always manages to believe it's her fault that he's upset? Which is ridiculous because 90% of the time he's "upset" because he's just being an asshole.
And don't get me started on the other thing that happened.
Anyway, despite my annoyance at romance-related things, this was a good final book overall, and the rest of it makes up for the minor annoyances. Maybe it should be more like a 3, but I was swept up enough in it to give it that 4 stars.
Main Character: 4/5
Other Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Triggering/Issues: 4/5 (Random adultery-esque love triangle out of nowhere)
AVERAGED TOTAL: 4.3 out of 5, rounded to 4.
There's something about either these books, or the author, that manages to somehow wrap me up in the awesome plot, but also interject random things that just irritate the heck out of me and have no reason for being there. This book definitely did that. A good 85% of it or so was just a great, fun read. I loved the plot, I loved the world still, and the magic, and I loved the magical solution to the overall plot of the world, that was all amazing. (Okay, it was a LITTLE weird that none of them apparently knew how to read, but whatever.)
What I didn't love basically boiled down to the romance, yet again. Firstly, each book seems to end with the characters making up, and then the next starts with them separated/fighting/whatever again, rather annoyingly. Most of this would be solved if they just talked to one another, but of course that never happens. Calwyn is cranky, but Darrow is a complete ass for much of this book... yet someone, Calwyn always manages to believe it's her fault that he's upset? Which is ridiculous because 90% of the time he's "upset" because he's just being an asshole.
And don't get me started on the other thing that happened.
Anyway, despite my annoyance at romance-related things, this was a good final book overall, and the rest of it makes up for the minor annoyances. Maybe it should be more like a 3, but I was swept up enough in it to give it that 4 stars.
August 2, 2020
This one was a mixed bag for me too, I liked it but definitely not as much as the first book.
I didn't like Keela's redemption and going from being an evil person trying to deceive the main group to being a friendly lover of Tonno -I feel like it wasn't given enough time to develop and happen.
Mica's death... man that one was hard for me, she is barely even there in the books, and she is barely present in the last book since she chooses to stay in Antaris whilst the rest of the group travels on but it still hit me super hard- I didn't like that Trout was suddenly in love with her and super upset that she died because these two have barely any chemistry or moments together and it just felt like it came out of nowhere.
I liked Tamen as a villain, even though she is again, defeated really fast and easily.
I really, didn't care about the ending confrontation between Samis and Calwyn though, it was weird, it was stupid and that kiss... man that kiss between them came out of nowhere. That part was just trippy and so not like the rest of the book and I hated it so much.
The ending of the story was fine though, that final dance was interesting, Calwyn finally becoming the Singer of all songs ... it was good. It was a nice and good ending for the series.
I didn't like Keela's redemption and going from being an evil person trying to deceive the main group to being a friendly lover of Tonno -I feel like it wasn't given enough time to develop and happen.
Mica's death... man that one was hard for me, she is barely even there in the books, and she is barely present in the last book since she chooses to stay in Antaris whilst the rest of the group travels on but it still hit me super hard- I didn't like that Trout was suddenly in love with her and super upset that she died because these two have barely any chemistry or moments together and it just felt like it came out of nowhere.
I liked Tamen as a villain, even though she is again, defeated really fast and easily.
I really, didn't care about the ending confrontation between Samis and Calwyn though, it was weird, it was stupid and that kiss... man that kiss between them came out of nowhere. That part was just trippy and so not like the rest of the book and I hated it so much.
The ending of the story was fine though, that final dance was interesting, Calwyn finally becoming the Singer of all songs ... it was good. It was a nice and good ending for the series.
July 15, 2014
I was fascinated by this world, especially the characters. NEVER had I been so caught up in a book because of how the characters appealed to me. My favorite thing most of all was definitely Calwyn and Darrow, because I'm a sucker for romance...
When I got the ending to the book, the beginning caught and held me until the very last page. I think I read it in exactly one day. Nonetheless, I loved the ending - it was a tad cliche, I will say that, and there was one bit to it I didn't really understand (readers will most likely know what this twist is, it is a death) and it seemed really off to me. But the very last page was just chilling. I had literally been waiting for the last chapter's two events all throughout the series.
Despite some of the complaints already said about this third book, I LOVED IT and I'm not afraid to say that. It left me dazzled and still holds me to this moment. If you are really a true fan of this series, you should love what the ending has in store for you.
June 22, 2013
I really don't know how to write this review. I was ready for this book, in some ways; I anticipated much of the ending and saw the logical end (or beginning!) of each character's arc and how it "should" go. On paper, this book was nothing truly special... yet somehow I was blown away.
The best metaphor I can think of is that it comes close to the Platonic form of "young adult coming of age fantasy story." There's nothing new here, it's all been done before, and yet Kate Constable makes the familiar tropes and characters and idealism feel new instead of trite. Predictability is not a curse for this story and I loved Calwyn and her friends from the first to the last page of the trilogy. The last paragraph made me cry, no matter how far away I saw it coming. It is just that kind of book. I'm so glad I read it.
The best metaphor I can think of is that it comes close to the Platonic form of "young adult coming of age fantasy story." There's nothing new here, it's all been done before, and yet Kate Constable makes the familiar tropes and characters and idealism feel new instead of trite. Predictability is not a curse for this story and I loved Calwyn and her friends from the first to the last page of the trilogy. The last paragraph made me cry, no matter how far away I saw it coming. It is just that kind of book. I'm so glad I read it.
May 28, 2019
Loved it!!!!!!! I was so sad the trilogy ended though :(
5/28/19
I loved it! I wish there was more, maybe a book about Calwyn and Darrow's future children! I just love this series so much, it really feels magical and wonderful and I wish I could be a part of that world. I feel like I truly know the characters and that they are old friends of mine.
5/28/19
I loved it! I wish there was more, maybe a book about Calwyn and Darrow's future children! I just love this series so much, it really feels magical and wonderful and I wish I could be a part of that world. I feel like I truly know the characters and that they are old friends of mine.
April 22, 2012
This is a fabulous conclusion to the trilogy!! This is the second time I read "The Chanters of Tremaris" trilogy, and I love it just as much, if not more than the first time I read it! This series will remain one of my all-time favorites!
May 27, 2012
This was an amazing book, what with Darrow and his sickness and how Calwyn gets her powers back and actually helps, and partially falls in love with Samis.
April 17, 2015
Yes. This is another book from my to-reads list. Another book off. After this review of The Tenth Power, I'm going to go back to reviewing some of NetGalley books (because I have some books on to-read). Fun stuff.
Let's dig in!
The Tenth Power is the third and final book of The Singer of All Songs. I have to say that cover is mesmerizing. There is something about the woman, the man, and the moon. Something mystical... Hmm... Okay! I'll stop musing over that book cover. I just want to say that it looks really amazing. Incredible, actually.
The book has several POVs. Surprisingly, I never got lost. Not even once. There is Darrow's POV. Calwyn's (I forgot how weird her name is). Tanno's. I think there is one of Trout's too, but I might be confusing him for Tonno. (Yes, their names are really similar.) (And yes, I'm putting periods inside of parentheses instead of them outsides. I'm changing my personal grammar rules.) (I realize how weird these look to me.) (Okay, I'll stop now.)
Calwyn and Darrow's parts of the book are easily my favorites. Calwyn, as a character, is slowly evolving. She is becoming different, darker even. It is sort of fascinating to see Calwyn stumble and fall like a newborn. (Yes, it is cruel, too, but...) Some of Calwyn's actions scare me, because she does things for "the greater good." I guess that is not a good time to bring up the other friendly phrase: "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." At the same time, Calwyn's words make me want to wrap her up in a blanket. Sometimes, she is just so young... She just seems so young, and her parts with Samis are sickening. (Ignore these "let's wrap up characters in blankets and feed them hot choco" feelings. I have so many feels.)
Darrow doesn't get as big as a part. I'm mostly disappointed that I didn't get to see much of him. He doesn't have a big impact as the rest of the characters (like Mica, Tonno, Keela). I wish that he hasn't been shoved aside like a secondary character. Hello? He is a main character, too. *Waves brightly colored flag* Looks like no one is answering.
Before I forget, I should also mention that it has been over four years since I read the second book of this series, the Waterless Sea. So my memories are perhaps shaky.
Overall, The Tenth Power is a solid ending to The Singer of All Songs. Kate Constable manages to close up most (notice the MOST) loose ends, though readers (and Calwyn herself) can't help but wonder if those loose ends... might be continued. There are some parts (like Darrow's parts) that could had expanded, but Constable does manage to shine a light on the smaller characters (and I don't mean in physical appearances).
Rating: Three out of Five
Let's dig in!
The Tenth Power is the third and final book of The Singer of All Songs. I have to say that cover is mesmerizing. There is something about the woman, the man, and the moon. Something mystical... Hmm... Okay! I'll stop musing over that book cover. I just want to say that it looks really amazing. Incredible, actually.
The book has several POVs. Surprisingly, I never got lost. Not even once. There is Darrow's POV. Calwyn's (I forgot how weird her name is). Tanno's. I think there is one of Trout's too, but I might be confusing him for Tonno. (Yes, their names are really similar.) (And yes, I'm putting periods inside of parentheses instead of them outsides. I'm changing my personal grammar rules.) (I realize how weird these look to me.) (Okay, I'll stop now.)
Calwyn and Darrow's parts of the book are easily my favorites. Calwyn, as a character, is slowly evolving. She is becoming different, darker even. It is sort of fascinating to see Calwyn stumble and fall like a newborn. (Yes, it is cruel, too, but...) Some of Calwyn's actions scare me, because she does things for "the greater good." I guess that is not a good time to bring up the other friendly phrase: "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." At the same time, Calwyn's words make me want to wrap her up in a blanket. Sometimes, she is just so young... She just seems so young, and her parts with Samis are sickening. (Ignore these "let's wrap up characters in blankets and feed them hot choco" feelings. I have so many feels.)
Darrow doesn't get as big as a part. I'm mostly disappointed that I didn't get to see much of him. He doesn't have a big impact as the rest of the characters (like Mica, Tonno, Keela). I wish that he hasn't been shoved aside like a secondary character. Hello? He is a main character, too. *Waves brightly colored flag* Looks like no one is answering.
Before I forget, I should also mention that it has been over four years since I read the second book of this series, the Waterless Sea. So my memories are perhaps shaky.
Overall, The Tenth Power is a solid ending to The Singer of All Songs. Kate Constable manages to close up most (notice the MOST) loose ends, though readers (and Calwyn herself) can't help but wonder if those loose ends... might be continued. There are some parts (like Darrow's parts) that could had expanded, but Constable does manage to shine a light on the smaller characters (and I don't mean in physical appearances).
Rating: Three out of Five
August 27, 2020
I’m so happy I reread this series! It was so well-done, and a very enjoyable read.
December 3, 2014
Warning 1: spoilers to follow.
Warning 2: I can hardly refrain from !@#$%^ language.
The first two books were really nice. The world-building, the atmosphere, the magic... So why, WHY did the author had to go and spoil it all?
Reading the last installment in the series left me disappointed and disgusted. And made me promise to myself I'm not starting another book by Kate Constable ever again.
Now, already after the first two I was getting quite tired of Calwyn and Darrow's manner of communication with each other. If that was supposed to be romance, then I'm a world-class ballet dancer. Whining, pouting, sulking and generally behaving like a bunch of three-year-olds in a sandbox - is that how the author imagines romance? If so, I truly feel sorry for her. And I just can't understand the need for two main characters to behave like morons, especially when their friends and foes alike are approximately 300% more sensible and mature.
In the previous two books Darrow did most of the sulking but here, lo and behold! the tired reader may enjoy Calwyn's whinining and "oh-i'm-so-unhappy-poor-me" attitude. My. Most of the times I just wanted to strangle the pair of them.
And don't even get me started on a "love triangle". What the hell was that??? Like, here's our enemy nr 1, our most scary nemesis ever, who kills and tortures and whatnot, but hey, he's suffering, pooooor thing. Let's kiss him! Let's add a completely ridiculous plot twist which goes against anything starting from plausibility to common sense. So yeah, Calwyn's true and only love is dying somewhere, Tremaris is close to its end, the apocalypse is coming but hey! Calwyn is far too preoccupied with trying out new chants and kissing Samis. Way to go, author. That's where I lost whatever respect I still had, both for Calwyn and for you.
And Keela? Magically turned "oh-so-good-and-kind" from evil, just like that, in a blink of an eye? And the tenth power? WRITING? Seriously? Writing as the tenth power?? They could command all the forces of the universe but they couldn't write? *Facepalm*
I will need to recuperate from this "pearl" of a book before I can go on reading any fantasy again. The cells in my brain have suffered. Don't make my mistake and don't start on that book.
Warning 2: I can hardly refrain from !@#$%^ language.
The first two books were really nice. The world-building, the atmosphere, the magic... So why, WHY did the author had to go and spoil it all?
Reading the last installment in the series left me disappointed and disgusted. And made me promise to myself I'm not starting another book by Kate Constable ever again.
Now, already after the first two I was getting quite tired of Calwyn and Darrow's manner of communication with each other. If that was supposed to be romance, then I'm a world-class ballet dancer. Whining, pouting, sulking and generally behaving like a bunch of three-year-olds in a sandbox - is that how the author imagines romance? If so, I truly feel sorry for her. And I just can't understand the need for two main characters to behave like morons, especially when their friends and foes alike are approximately 300% more sensible and mature.
In the previous two books Darrow did most of the sulking but here, lo and behold! the tired reader may enjoy Calwyn's whinining and "oh-i'm-so-unhappy-poor-me" attitude. My. Most of the times I just wanted to strangle the pair of them.
And don't even get me started on a "love triangle". What the hell was that??? Like, here's our enemy nr 1, our most scary nemesis ever, who kills and tortures and whatnot, but hey, he's suffering, pooooor thing. Let's kiss him! Let's add a completely ridiculous plot twist which goes against anything starting from plausibility to common sense. So yeah, Calwyn's true and only love is dying somewhere, Tremaris is close to its end, the apocalypse is coming but hey! Calwyn is far too preoccupied with trying out new chants and kissing Samis. Way to go, author. That's where I lost whatever respect I still had, both for Calwyn and for you.
And Keela? Magically turned "oh-so-good-and-kind" from evil, just like that, in a blink of an eye? And the tenth power? WRITING? Seriously? Writing as the tenth power?? They could command all the forces of the universe but they couldn't write? *Facepalm*
I will need to recuperate from this "pearl" of a book before I can go on reading any fantasy again. The cells in my brain have suffered. Don't make my mistake and don't start on that book.
April 12, 2009
This is the darkest of the three in the trilogy and skews the median age of the target demographic a little older as a result. However, it’s only natural for the books to progress in that direction as the stakes get higher and the characters get older and more mature. This, in my opinion, is the best of the three, but the other two are necessary to get to this book. The reader is given a true introduction and understanding of Tremaris, its people, its history, and the source of the relationship between nature and song.
Constable does an excellent job of revealing the essence of the mythology she’s created, satisfying the reader with an understanding of the beautiful balance between Tremaris and its people, between nature and song, and giving the fantasy a platform upon which to stand so that others may repurpose it in future fantasy fiction novels. It would be a shame to see such a unique mythology exist in only these three books. Again, as with all three installments of this trilogy, this is a great rainy day book that will provide escape and entertainment. I recommend this book and the trilogy as a whole for adults looking for a fun read, but its primary audience will be tweens and teens ages 11-15.
-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.com
Constable does an excellent job of revealing the essence of the mythology she’s created, satisfying the reader with an understanding of the beautiful balance between Tremaris and its people, between nature and song, and giving the fantasy a platform upon which to stand so that others may repurpose it in future fantasy fiction novels. It would be a shame to see such a unique mythology exist in only these three books. Again, as with all three installments of this trilogy, this is a great rainy day book that will provide escape and entertainment. I recommend this book and the trilogy as a whole for adults looking for a fun read, but its primary audience will be tweens and teens ages 11-15.
-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.com
November 26, 2010
I was completely dying to read this book, but since my TBR stack is huge, I had to wait several days, which honestly killed me. This book is the third book of The Chanters of Tremaris Trilogy. Calwyn was once on her path to become the singer of all songs. But suddenly, when she reaches far beyond what her magic can do and heals the dead lands, every single trace of magic in her is gone. Sadly enough for Calwyn, so is Darrow. Separated from each other, one in Antaris, another gone to find Samis. Calwnyn goes to Antaris,her homeland,in order to try to revive her magic powers. When she arrives there, horrible things happen, and the evil disease called snow-sickness spreads to Calwyn's beloved Hgh Priestess-Marna. Eventually Darrow catches the disease, and that is the only thing that seperates them. For Darrow cares deeply for Calwyn, and she him, but if a chantment singer touches a person with snow-sickness, it is death. Will they ever be together again? And will they defeat Samis in time to Save the whole world of Tremaris?
As intriguing as this book was, there were some downsides to it. How Calwyn changed her mind so quickly and became temporarily evil doesn't make any sense-and kissing Samis doesn't make it any easier. Overall, this book was great, but Calwyn would look better as NOT fickle.
Copyright 2010 http://www.midnightmermaids.blogspot.com
As intriguing as this book was, there were some downsides to it. How Calwyn changed her mind so quickly and became temporarily evil doesn't make any sense-and kissing Samis doesn't make it any easier. Overall, this book was great, but Calwyn would look better as NOT fickle.
Copyright 2010 http://www.midnightmermaids.blogspot.com
July 24, 2017
Goodness gracious, this books is beautiful.
It starts slow. Yes, there is a little action, a few reveals, new information, but overall the book doesn't pick up until about halfway through, in my opinion. However, as soon as that happens, it's AMAZING.
The descriptions of chantments and magic and power, the way everything starts to feel to Calwyn, the deeper descriptions of the world and its history and its possibilities, why the world has become the way it is, Calwyn's fierce determination that she knows how to fix things, trying to decide between the people you love most and the world itself... I love Calwyn as a heroine, with all of her strength and faults and failures. I love Halasaa and his steadiness, Darrow and his determination, all the magic and the wonder, the loss, and the ending.
The ending is gorgeous. There's just something really profound there, and it's really poignant and really lovely and really satisfying, and I like it very, very much.
Had the whole book been like the second half, it would easily be 5 stars. But I did have to wade through the first half a bit, so 4.25.
It starts slow. Yes, there is a little action, a few reveals, new information, but overall the book doesn't pick up until about halfway through, in my opinion. However, as soon as that happens, it's AMAZING.
The descriptions of chantments and magic and power, the way everything starts to feel to Calwyn, the deeper descriptions of the world and its history and its possibilities, why the world has become the way it is, Calwyn's fierce determination that she knows how to fix things, trying to decide between the people you love most and the world itself... I love Calwyn as a heroine, with all of her strength and faults and failures. I love Halasaa and his steadiness, Darrow and his determination, all the magic and the wonder, the loss, and the ending.
The ending is gorgeous. There's just something really profound there, and it's really poignant and really lovely and really satisfying, and I like it very, very much.
Had the whole book been like the second half, it would easily be 5 stars. But I did have to wade through the first half a bit, so 4.25.
October 2, 2025
I must have read this series in middle school. I thought I waited for the 3rd book to come out, which came out in 2005. Or it had newly come out? I have the 2nd two in hardcover which usually means I got them close to their release date.
My younger self knew I wouldn't love this last book. She remembered. The whole Calwyn Darrow drama? Stupid. Drama to be dramatic. The kissing Samis? Stupid. Pointless. Unnecessary. Still doesn't make sense. Was never explained. So dumb. The rest of the stuff, kinda generic. Her losing her powers and getting them back, expected. The stupid whiney meanness when she had no powers, stupid. Realistic? Sure. Maybe. But it was not fun to read so it was not executed well. I hated it.
The ending was good. Nice simple wrap up. No twists. Just expected. Which isn't necessarily bad.
I physically own this series and I was seeing if I should keep it. I will not be keeping it and will be donating all 3 to my local book box. I think it was fun to read, but not worth reading again.
My younger self knew I wouldn't love this last book. She remembered. The whole Calwyn Darrow drama? Stupid. Drama to be dramatic. The kissing Samis? Stupid. Pointless. Unnecessary. Still doesn't make sense. Was never explained. So dumb. The rest of the stuff, kinda generic. Her losing her powers and getting them back, expected. The stupid whiney meanness when she had no powers, stupid. Realistic? Sure. Maybe. But it was not fun to read so it was not executed well. I hated it.
The ending was good. Nice simple wrap up. No twists. Just expected. Which isn't necessarily bad.
I physically own this series and I was seeing if I should keep it. I will not be keeping it and will be donating all 3 to my local book box. I think it was fun to read, but not worth reading again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2022
The Tenth Power.... The last book to the Chanters of Tremaris Trilogy. This novel is just as wonderful and magical as the previous two, but with a few twists and turns to add a little spice to the story. In the final installment of this trilogy, there is sacrifice, love, sorrow, anger, and so much more. What else could you expect from a story where the magic of the land is dying, along with those who possess the power of song.
The characters have all grown so much in this book, their personalities have changed greatly. Responsibilities and hardships that they have suffered through has altered them in many ways- some for the better, and some for the worse. With the sickness and bitterness of the land, emotions run high and dangerous between the people of song and the people of dance. Emotions that could only lead to war and despair. The only hope of salvation comes from Calwyn and her friends, but will they be able to perform the magic to save everything they know and love?
The characters have all grown so much in this book, their personalities have changed greatly. Responsibilities and hardships that they have suffered through has altered them in many ways- some for the better, and some for the worse. With the sickness and bitterness of the land, emotions run high and dangerous between the people of song and the people of dance. Emotions that could only lead to war and despair. The only hope of salvation comes from Calwyn and her friends, but will they be able to perform the magic to save everything they know and love?
October 29, 2014
I didn't think it was that bad, but it had several huge problems. First, it felt like the author was focusing on emotion to the exclusion of thought. Emotions were presented the entire book, but very little of the rationale behind them, making it feel like the characters were swinging from one feeling to another for little to no reason. Second, some bits that really, really needed a longer explanation were chopped down to mere paragraphs or sentences. Third, and worst, in my opinion, the main character didn't deserve anything she got at the end. Lost your powers? Hey, you don't even have to do any work to get them back, just feel sorry enough for yourself and wait for someone else to make it all work out. She got everything too easily, and what's up with the whole invincible feeling that just happens to lead her the right way? Ugh. A rather disappointing ending to the series, but not so bad I'll never buy it. Neutral.
April 19, 2012
I have really enjoyed this series. It was different from anything i have ever read before and I found it really hard to put them down. Since it was only a trilogy, I found myself really wanting the story to continue. I want to know what happens after, now that the healing of Tremaris has begun and the people who were once so distanced and bitter towards each other learn to get along.
I also wonder about the child that Darrow and Calwyn have together. Will it be a boy or a girl, and how will he/she cope with being the child of the Singer of All Songs and the rule of Merithuren? But it can't be denied, the book had a happy ending, and the way it ended made it all worth reading.
I also wonder about the child that Darrow and Calwyn have together. Will it be a boy or a girl, and how will he/she cope with being the child of the Singer of All Songs and the rule of Merithuren? But it can't be denied, the book had a happy ending, and the way it ended made it all worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2011
Overall a WONDERFUL series. If I could give a rating to the series as a whole it would be a 5. I loved that this series was able to bring in a cute little romance but not make it the main plot of the book. The story was exciting and enthralling...I think I finished the whole series in four days. :) I also loved the way this author used singing and dancing as the way to do magic. The ending was just beautiful and was very touching to me.
I highly recommend this book to those who would like to visit a unique fantasy world.
I highly recommend this book to those who would like to visit a unique fantasy world.
July 1, 2008
This was a fabulous end to this wonderfully written and exciting trilogy. I'm glad I ran across this book while perusing Lansing's library shelves. Kate Constable has created some very wonderful and lovable characters. As you read you really feel like you know the characters and can feel their joy and their pain. By the way, I loved Halasaa! Oh, and Scout, and everyone else. See, I loved the characters.
February 26, 2008
This was the third of a trilogy and my least favorite of the three. By the end of the quest and the novel, I realized I'd been duped into reading an impassioned trilogy in support of a mother earth run by a female god. I was not amused. I don't plan to read anything else by this author as she has shown herself to be so unscrupulous in her opinion promotions.
April 18, 2025
One of the best series I've read. I'm going to have to read it again (despite the fact that I've already read it three times) that's just how much I enjoyed it. You would think that having read the series three times I wouldn't be able to enjoy reading it anymore, but I find myself enjoying the series even more every time i read it.
April 18, 2011
What a finish! I was purely enteratained throught this entire sereis. There are a few more kisses in this book. I never did understand the Samis thing at the end. In the beginning I might have let a younger audience read his book, but by the end I would raise it up to more a teenager book mosty due to the relationship that develops (it's clean) and the age of the characters.
March 11, 2012
When Calwyn returns to Antaris she finds it changed drastically and she is at a loss to explain this to her traveling companions, Trout and Mica. Her path leads to her betrayal into the hands of Samis, redemption from the Tree People, and the struggle to find and develop her own powers. This is an amazing conclusion to the Chanters of Tremaris trilogy.
June 14, 2012
At last everything comes together; and we finally begin to understand...
I enjoyed every moment of reading this book. It was truly beautiful and it helped me to have a new understanding of the power of a singing voice.
The ending of this book was epic - and when I finally closed it... I felt refreshed and satisfied!!
Thank you Kate Constable for such an amazing series!!
I enjoyed every moment of reading this book. It was truly beautiful and it helped me to have a new understanding of the power of a singing voice.
The ending of this book was epic - and when I finally closed it... I felt refreshed and satisfied!!
Thank you Kate Constable for such an amazing series!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews