shelly2232's review
5.0
The Faithful and the Fallen meets Throne of Glass.
Fans of the Ninth Rain, the City of Brass, and the Wheel of Time need to give this series a read! Rhapsody is perfect book for YA/New Adult readers to transition into epic fantasy.
This was a reread for me and I'm happy to say I loved it as much as the first time. Elizabeth Haydon has created a beautiful, brutal, in-depth world that is reminiscent to fantasy classics, but simultaneously completely original. The worldbuilding and prose are comparable to some of the greats like Brandon Sanderson and Ken Liu.
Although I adore this book, the pacing and staging are a bit irregular, and some of the plot devices were a tad convenient. But it's such a special story I didn't mind.
Fans of the Ninth Rain, the City of Brass, and the Wheel of Time need to give this series a read! Rhapsody is perfect book for YA/New Adult readers to transition into epic fantasy.
This was a reread for me and I'm happy to say I loved it as much as the first time. Elizabeth Haydon has created a beautiful, brutal, in-depth world that is reminiscent to fantasy classics, but simultaneously completely original. The worldbuilding and prose are comparable to some of the greats like Brandon Sanderson and Ken Liu.
Although I adore this book, the pacing and staging are a bit irregular, and some of the plot devices were a tad convenient. But it's such a special story I didn't mind.
onedizzypenguin's review against another edition
4.0
Most people complain about Rhapsody but I didn't mind her too much. However, I HATE JO.
nitorisedai's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
amandameowly's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the epic breadth of the story line--the world building is obviously very in depth.
However, I did find the character of Rhapsody to be very annoying after her re-birth in the fire (much like everyone has already said).
Overall, I enjoyed most of it and I did enjoy a lot of the ancillary characters, like Achmed, Jo, etc.
I will be reading the next one to find out what happens with her and Gwyllium, since that part of the story intrigued me.
However, I did find the character of Rhapsody to be very annoying after her re-birth in the fire (much like everyone has already said).
Overall, I enjoyed most of it and I did enjoy a lot of the ancillary characters, like Achmed, Jo, etc.
I will be reading the next one to find out what happens with her and Gwyllium, since that part of the story intrigued me.
poppyfieldzzz's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
kpuck's review against another edition
3.0
The beginning was so good and the ending made me want to read the second. I love me a good “found family,” and personally, I found Achmed to be in the top three of the grumpy brother trope. I just wish the middle had a little more interesting plot lines because it felt very slow to me. Also, can I be real? If her “intelligence is without peer,” how come this girl don’t know how beautiful she is? Just wondering.
jwels's review against another edition
4.0
Although I read this a while back now I remember the first book of the series really grabbed my attention and I enjoyed the different perspective of this land. I enjoyed the by-play between the characters and even laughed out loud at some parts.
lostgirlsw's review against another edition
5.0
I have read the works of Tolkien, Robert Jordan, George R.R. Martin, Terry Goodkind and many others. I am no stranger to an epic fantasy. Rhapsody is the first book in the Symphony of Ages series, the series which will always hold a special place in my heart and on my book shelf, at the top, right beside the Lord of the Rings and the Wheel of Time series. They are my personal favorites, which no one is allowed to touch let alone borrow. I will buy you your own copies before I let my beautiful hardcovers leave my sight, that is how much I adore these books.
I have read Rhapsody multiple times through the years to the point that my copy is falling apart and will have to be replaced soon. I truly wish more people would read and fall in love with this series the way that I have.
Rhapsody has lived a difficult life, she left home very young and ended up on the streets living as a prostitute. She becomes a singer/namer of great talent. By knowing the true name of someone or some thing she is able to change, heal or even return it to it’s original state. Using musical lore and being in tune with vibrational frequencies instead of casting spells made this fantasy unique. The lack of magic and Rhapsody’s talent or powers being based more on a somewhat scientific level was actually very refreshing and interesting to me.
When Rhapsody is being pursued by an old customer of hers from her days as a prostitute, she literally runs smack into an assassin and a giant Bolg. She uses them to her advantage and inadvertently changes the name of the assassin releasing him from his bonds to an evil entity. The three are swept into an epic adventure involving elemental weapons, wars, prophesies, dragons, immortality, a journey through the center of the earth, love, lust, hope, heartbreak, time travel and so much more.
Rhapsody is a character some might label a Mary Sue because she is too perfect, too beautiful, too powerful, too good at everything. Well, I agree. She is perfect. Physically she is flawless. After having walked through the fires at the center of the earth, all of Rhapsody’s physical flaws, scars, impurities are cleansed and she is left absolutely stunning.
Men fall at her feet, profess their undying love and adulation to her, it’s almost comical. What I love about her, is that she is completely unaware of her beauty. She’s humble, she’s kind, she’s loyal even when the person doesn’t deserve her loyalty but she is also flawed in many ways. I love how she irritates Achmed to no end with her stubbornness, obliviousness, and obsession with adopting children. Sometimes I wanted to knock some sense into her head. Wake up girl! Yet I adore her. I can’t help it. She will always be one of my favorite characters.
Achmed the assassin is such an amazing character. He’s half Dracian half Bolg. He is one, less than handsome, dude with a sandy voice, ill temper, sarcastic attitude, and yet still completely lovable. You can’t dislike Achmed.
Grunthor is one enormous, furry, scary, lovable Bolg! He makes these books. I love everything from his accent to his big heart and the raunchy battle cadences he is always singing. They are hilarious. I rate Grunthor most lovable character in the entire series.
I started reading this series back in 2000. The Assassin King, the 6th book in the series came out in 2006. Nine years later the author has reappeared and begun to publish the final books in this series. I am so excited and scared and sad to finally be coming to the end of this amazing journey.
-SW
wdkilpackiii's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this book! I've read other novels where the main character is a bard, but this takes it to the next level, where music is an integral part of existence, even to the point of cheating death. Some very cool world building, taking some races that are reminiscent of things we've seen in Tolkien, but giving them greater depth. It's not just that this race is evil, that one is not. Moreover, there is some real growth in Rhapsody as she begins to realize her own power, both magically and inherently. Highly recommended!