CRY OF THE KESTREL

In Himeda’s YA fantasy novel, a young boy with powerful gifts studies under ancient masters only to discover that there are those who would do anything to see him fail.

The second installment in the Bardic Isles series picks up with protagonist Kaelin almost a year after the previous book’s events—he’s now ready to embark on a new adventure by studying music under four masters. He heads first to the island of Eyrie to work with Master Talan, where he runs into Bard Tyrel—who takes an instant disliking to the young apprentice, believing Kaelin is a fraud. When Master Talan’s tuning fork goes missing, it is found in Kaelin’s bag during a search despite the boy’s professed innocence. This incident leads to a trial that could ultimately expel Kaelin from the Bardic Order. As he begins to fall into despair over the possibility of losing everything he holds dear, Master Flutist Marek reminds Kaelin, “[the verdict] may take your instruments away from you, as well as your robe and your Master…But what it can’t do is plug you with anger, resentment, or hatred. Only you can do that. You alone have the power to destroy yourself.” As Kaelin prepares to meet his fate, he also wrestles with the increasingly strong pull of the Bardic Mountain, which now haunts his sleep with visions. Himeda once again constructs a world with unique musical magic and three-dimensional characters who immediately endear themselves to readers. Important themes of friendship, honor, and staying true to oneself are made very clear—in fact, some readers may occasionally feel hit over the head with these lessons—but Kaelin’s coming-of-age story is a genuine pleasure to follow as he grapples with right and wrong in an increasingly muddled world (the book ends on a genuinely shocking cliffhanger). Through it all, Himeda’s depiction of music as a magical force for change will likely inspire budding musicians of all ages.

A sharply-written, moving tale that weaves together epic adventure and genuine heart in equal measure.