cover image Songs of the Earth: 
Book 1 of the Wild Hunt

Songs of the Earth: Book 1 of the Wild Hunt

Elspeth Cooper. Tor, $24.99 (480p) ISBN 978-0-7653-3165-6

Century after century, the Eadorian faith abjured those who heard the song of the Earth, labeled them as witches, and burned them at the stake. Only a few Guardians of the Veil remain in a remote island enclave. The novice Gair spent years training to be a church knight, so when he is condemned for his magical abilities, he’s spared a death sentence for the sake of his past devotion, and instead is branded and exiled. He joins the Guardians and slowly begins to believe that the phenomenal power inside him might have some value. Though Cooper employs some of the most well-worn tropes of epic fantasy, the story flows effortlessly with strong characterization and authorial voice. Fantasy fans will enjoy this debut and look forward to seeing Cooper develop her skills. Agent: Ian Drury, Sheil Land Associates. (Feb.)