The Song of Unmaking Review

Author: D. Barkley Briggs

In a frozen, bitter land, hope and fear collide.

The dreadful Goths have invaded Röckval, testing the strength of Bitterland's ruler. Meanwhile, the Barlow brothers are growing stronger and stronger in their powers—all except for Ewan, who traded his gift away to save the life of his friends.

Soon it becomes clear that the Goths are the least of their worries. A terrible machine is being built high atop Mount Vishgar, above Röckval, where the raging winds never cease. If the machine really does release the Song of Unmaking, what will happen? Can Arthur lay aside his grief and once more become a great leader of men? And what is the mysterious Doorless Tower, Nein Dyrr?

As Kr'Nunos grows more bold, the Barlow brothers take their stand with the viks of the north. Yet it is Ewan alone who must answer the question: Is any music stronger than the most powerful song of destruction the world has ever known?

Characters: Very good. The characters are realistic. I especially liked how characters such as Sorge, Ewan, Arthur, and Corus were portrayed: strong, yet breakable, but unwilling to give up in the end.

4/5

Location: Excellent. Personally, I almost think that the setting of these books is the best part, and in The Song of Unmaking, we get an even better look into the world of this book. I liked how there were some chapters that told how Karac Tor was made, but still didn’t interrupt the plot, and how everything was very clearly described.

5/5

Plot: Very good. The plot is well-paced, and answers many questions from the previous two books. There are enough twists to keep you on your toes, and I was very pleased about certain turns of events. However, I was slightly frustrated by the end; it left me feeling unsatisfied and desperate for the next book. Though there was some hope in the end, it didn’t quite feel like enough. 

4/5

Other: I took several days to read this book, not because it’s a long book (though it is; it’ll take well over an hour if you read it all at once) but it’s the kind of book you want to savor because you don’t want it to end.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Note from Sarah: I actually read this shortly after I read Corus the Champion. I just didn't post it until now. Sorry.