Synopses & Reviews
In
Rhapsody, a fellowship was forged-- three companions who, through great adversity, became a force to be reckoned with: Rhapsody the Singer; Achmed the assassin-king; and Grunthor, the giant Sergeant-Major.
Prophecy continues their powerful epic. Driven by a prophetic vision, Rhapsody races to rescue a religious leader while Achmed and Grunthor seek the F'dor-- an ancient and powerful demon. These companions may be destined to fulfill The Prophecy of the Three, but their time is running short. They must find their elusive enemy before his darkness consumes them all.
"The superlative Haydon elevates craftsmanship to a new level of excellence as she deftly weaves mythology into high fantasy, catching our hearts with the extraordinary power and intensity of both characters and concepts. This series already has 'landmark' written all over it."
--Romantic Times Gold Medal Review
Review
"The superlative Haydon elevates craftsmanship to a new level of excellence as she deftly weaves mythology into high fantasy, catching our hearts with the extraordinary power and intensity of both characters and concepts. This series already has 'landmark' written all over it."--
Romantic Times Gold Medal Review
Review
"The superlative Haydon elevates craftsmanship to a new level of excellence as she deftly weaves mythology into high fantasy, catching our hearts with the extraordinary power and intensity of both characters and concepts. This series already has 'landmark' written all over it."--
Romantic Times Gold Medal Review
Synopsis
In
Rhapsody, a fellowship was forged-- three companions who, through great adversity, became a force to be reckoned with: Rhapsody the Singer; Achmed the assassin-king; and Grunthor, the giant Sergeant-Major.
Prophecy continues their powerful epic. Driven by a prophetic vision, Rhapsody races to rescue a religious leader while Achmed and Grunthor seek the F'dor-- an ancient and powerful demon. These companions may be destined to fulfill The Prophecy of the Three, but their time is running short. They must find their elusive enemy before his darkness consumes them all.
"The superlative Haydon elevates craftsmanship to a new level of excellence as she deftly weaves mythology into high fantasy, catching our hearts with the extraordinary power and intensity of both characters and concepts. This series already has 'landmark' written all over it."
--Romantic Times Gold Medal Review
Synopsis
In
Rhapsody, a fellowship was forged-- three companions who, through great adversity, became a force to be reckoned with: Rhapsody the Singer; Achmed the assassin-king; and Grunthor, the giant Sergeant-Major.
Prophecy continues their powerful epic. Driven by a prophetic vision, Rhapsody races to rescue a religious leader while Achmed and Grunthor seek the F'dor-- an ancient and powerful demon. These companions may be destined to fulfill The Prophecy of the Three, but their time is running short. They must find their elusive enemy before his darkness consumes them all.
About the Author
In addition to traveling the world,
Elizabeth Haydon enjoys music, anthropology, folklore, and herbalism. She lives with her family on the East Coast where she works as an editor in educational publishing.
Reading Group Guide
Questions for Discussion
1. Creation and renewal are two of the major themes in the book, and yet they are always balanced against a backdrop of destruction and death. This might be seen as the eternal struggle between the light and the darkness, but what else does the author say about the dual nature of her characters and how does that duality affect the plot?
2. As a Liringlas, or Skysinger, proficient in the art of Naming, Rhapsody understands the true power of a name. In the book, this power manifests itself in several ways, perhaps most notably by the hold that one being can have over another simply by knowing their “True Name.” What is it about ones name that could give others such power? Does this same power of naming—albeit to a lesser degree—exist in our own world?
3. When the Patriarch gives Rhapsody his ring of office for safekeeping, he says these words:
“…crowns of kings and rings or staves of holy men are often repositories for the wisdom of their offices….It is not just a symbol; it holds the actual office, and its powers, safe. The collective wisdom gives each king, each Patriarch, the additional wisdom he needs to rule or to lead, rather than just having to rely on his own.”
What do you think he meant? Was it the literal truth, that magical powers are physically vested in these items, or was he speaking of a more symbolic power? What role does tradition or lineage have in the perception of power? In the actuality of power?
4. While Rhapsody is described as an extraordinary beauty, and Grunthor and Achmed are each depicted as monstrous to behold, we know that outward appearances are not reliable indicators of character. Deception through appearance, in fact, is a favorite method of destruction preferred by the Fdor. How does the author use the idea of appearance as a device for plot development? Is there more than “dont judge a book by its cover” at work here?
5. As King of the Firbolg race, Achmed the Snake maintains a savage emotional distance, as befitting the gruff demeanor of his subjects, yet, towards Rhapsody, he betrays an unspoken tenderness. What characteristics does Rhapsody possess that enable her to pierce Achmeds wall of ferocity? What does Achmed offer to Rhapsody that draws her so strongly to him? Along with Grunthor and Jo, they might even be said to make up an odd family unit. What familial role would be assigned to each?
6. Ashe is among the most complex characters in the book, an enigma for reasons that become increasingly clear as the plot unfolds. The author actively uses him as a mystery to be unwrapped, doling out pieces of his tortured past that take the plot into new and unexpected directions. Is this an effective device for driving the story? Was the author effective in surprising you? In making you believe the connections?
7. Memory and legend are powerfully infused throughout Prophecy, and several characters, including the Grandmother, the Patriarch, and Oleandra, are virtual repositories of memory and lore, relating the history behind events and driving characters towards their destinies. How does the knowledge of each of these characters contribute to Rhapsodys ultimate realization that she is indeed the Iliachenvaar?
8. Prophecy takes place in a world inhabited by many races, which are then in turn classified as descended from one of five elements: Ether, Fire, Water, Air and Earth. But only Fire, from which the Fdor is descended, is described as destructive, consuming what feeds it. Yet, Rhapsody, a child of the Air, commands the powers of fire for her bidding. What does this ability say about the relationship among the elements, and how does this skill prepare her for her battle with the Fdor?