Steward of Song

by Adam Stemple

Book Overview

Leaving his life of petty crime and drug abuse behind, young Douglas flees from Minneapolis to Edinburgh, Scotland, to his stern but fairminded Grandma McLaren, who will take him in if he can support himself. Fortunately, few cities are friendlier than Edinburgh to a guitarist with a talent for spontaneous rhyme, and soon Douglas is making a decent living as the busker who can write a song about you on the spot. But Edinburgh has its dangers for the...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0765355388
• ISBN13: 9780765355386
• Release Date: December 2008
• Publisher: Tor Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Enjoyable ride

I found Adam Stemple's new series at the library. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his smooth prose and storyline. Steward of Song continues the story started in book one, Singer of Souls. It truly is a series, so don't read this one if you haven't read Singer. The story follows Scott and Bridie Stewart. Scott is a recovering veteran, living quietly in rural Massachusetts. One night, a baby is left at his door and his whole world turns upside down. Meanwhile, his sister Bridie is in Scotland searching for their missing brother Douglas (Singer of Souls) who's been accused of a terrible crime. Stemple does a nice job of combining modern life with the world of myth and fairy. However, unlike some fantasy authors, his mythical creatures are not always "good." Humanity may interact with their world but other forces motivate it. Be warned that the book's ending, while not a cliff-hanger, is not a true ending. The action pauses but more adventures are waiting in the wings. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this unique series.

enchanting fantasy

Douglas Stewart went to Scotland and through a series of circumstances (see SINGER OF SOULS) becomes the ruler of Faerie. His magic puts the rightful queen Aine in a magical stasis. The prophecy says his son will kill him so he is prepared to kill the child but his loyal retainer Martes has him taken away and he is left at the door of Douglas' brother Scott. Scott was injured and now sees visions of the future but he doesn't know the child he takes in is his nephew. He takes care of him and loves him and the brownies and hobs watch over the house because there are two magical beings who want the baby; one to drink his blood and inhale his soul while the other wants to eat his flesh. The third Stewart sibling Bridie is looking for Douglas who the police believed killed his grandmother and a priest. Bridie is positive he is innocent but when she crosses over into Fairie she finds a cruel Douglas who reigns with an iron fist. When the three siblings meet, the fates of the trio will be decided depending on the choices Douglas makes. This sequel picks up where SINGER OF SOULS leaves off and concentrates mostly on Scott and Bridie with Douglas making only brief appearances. This fantasy is enchanting, spellbinding and readers will finish it in one sitting to find out what happens to the three siblings and the baby. The audience will admire Scott as he comes to recognize he is a precognitive and his love for his nephew heals his mind and lets him accept what he has became. Harriet Klausner