5.0 out of 5 stars Whoot! Whoot! December 12, 2014
By Alan Black
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Neils Knudsen has shown the whole new class of fantasy writers how it is done. The Singing Stones of Rendor is simply a wonderfully written young adult story of magic, politics, and family with enough action to satisfy the most adventurous of readers. This book in the series is obviously book one in a trilogy.
K'Lar is the child of traveling tinkers on a world where magic is intertwined with music and where magic is carefully controlled so only those in power can wield its power. He and his parents ply their trade around their planet, keeping their magical abilities hidden and keeping the magic key even more secret. Death will follow if they are caught with the key and if their true abilities to weave magic are discovered. Enforcers and inquisitors follow them at every step.
My only issue with this book is that it does end without any apparent conclusion, so abrupt that it almost stops in midsentence. Yes, it is a trilogy and the cover clearly gives us warning, but this book is all beginning and middle, with its end held in abeyance until later in the series. That is not to say that I do not recommend this book, just be prepared to buy the next book...soon. You will want to.
Alan Black, author of Titanium Texicans
5 of 5 stars
CW Johnson on Dec. 18, 2014 :
Such a masterfully crafted tale filled with mysticism and wizardry. I found myself locked into the story until the last page. I highly recommend this novel!
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/502978
Jan 19, 2015 Jodi rated it 5 of 5 stars
I love a good fantasy that has me turning the pages and this book has done just that. Knudsen’s music based magic system is unique and different enough from those I’ve seen before to be intriguing. His colorful cast of characters are everything from quiet and brooding to dimwitted and gregarious, with lots of variety in between. If you like unique magic, good vs evil, and coming of age books, you will like this book.
Must read, January 19, 2015
By
Justin Cook 5 out of 5 stars
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Singing Stones of Rendor (Eidolon Trilogy) (Volume 1) (Paperback)
This book has turned me into a reader of fantasy. I love the magic and the colorful tapestries that were woven into my imagination. I can't wait to see where this journey will take me!
5 of 5 stars
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
The Singing Stones of Rendor is Book 1 from the Eidolon Trilogy by Neils Knudsen. When K’Las was born to tinkers, Willim and B’Tris Campanill, his aunt Haegatess transferred her potent magical powers to him before dying. His parents also possess this magic known as weaving, and can perform spells using their tuning forks that respond to music. The family go into hiding when Inquisitors of the Great Henge, who want to control weaving for their own selfish purposes, send Enforcers to kill them. An evil wizard covets B’Tris’ valuable fork to assert his authority over the Henge, but needs B’Tris’ melodious voice to make the fork work. However, one Enforcer decides to take matters into his own hands while some villagers form an alliance with the Campanills to stop the wizard. K’Las’ parents soon realize his weaving skills are greater than theirs, but his stubbornness and impatience to prove his worth often makes him act recklessly.
Neils Knudsen’s novel, The Singing Stones of Rendor, is a pleasant young adult fantasy. It is Book 1 from the Eidolon Trilogy with an eye-catching beginning. The author does not readily define a weaver or other magical terms used in the story, preferring to enlighten readers while the drama unfolds. The unique plot blends music into the magic to make spells work. A selection of interesting characters who display assorted personalities and intelligence levels make the story more entertaining. I think the story ended too abruptly, but nonetheless, it is a nicely written novel.
