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Songmaster

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Songmaster

By: Orson Scott Card
Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
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About this listen

 Kidnapped at an early age, Ansset has been raised in isolation at a mystical retreat called the Songhouse. His life is filled with music, and having only songs for companions, he develops a voice that is unlike any other. But Ansset's voice is both a blessing and a curse, for it reflects all the hopes and fears of his audience, and, by magnifying their emotions, can be used either to heal or to destroy.

When it is discovered that his is the voice that the Emperor has waited decades for, Ansset is summoned to the Imperial Palace on Old Earth. Many fates rest in Ansset's hands, and his songs will soon be put to the test: either to salve the troubled conscience of a conqueror or drive him, and the universe, into mad chaos.

A man for all genres: don't miss our many other titles by Orson Scott Card.©1978 Orson Scott Card Classics Fantasy Science Fiction

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Critic reviews

"Orson Scott Card is a fine writer with great insight, great idealism, and love." (Science Fiction Review)
"Card understands the human condition and has things of real value to say about it. He tells the truth well, ultimately the only criterion of greatness." (Gene Wolfe)
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I first read a short story by Orson Scott Card in my teens called Unaccompanied Sonata and it left a lasting impression on me. The novel has a very similar feel to it; slightly melancholic but beautiful with the focus on the psychic and spiritual power of music. I enjoyed this book very much.
The reading by Stefan Rudnicki is understated but completely appropriate. He has a beautiful baritone voice which carries the narrative forward in a rich, involving manner with quiet power. Although the book is about singer and singers, Rudnicki resists the urge to sing except in a few, chosen places which make those times most powerful and memorable.

Deeply moving and intense

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I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this narration. A story that might have been difficult to read was rendered by the narrator into a story/song that captured my imagination, my emotions, and all my attention. Thank you...

Simply Wonderful

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This is an amazingly deep and sincere book, performed beautifully. The narrator did a wonderful job, one of the best audiobooks I’ve heard from Audible.

Amazing!

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I like Orson Scott Card.

I also always loved Narcissus and Goldmund by Herman Hesse.

so, really this epic tale must be loved.
and the narration though a little dry to my taste, is superb. its like pairing a good merlot with garlic bread and onion soup. it works.

very emotive

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Great story by a great author. I would have enjoyed it even more it there wasn't so much weeping.

Great story.

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Have been a fan of Orson Scott Card for many years. This is one of the best I’ve heard since Enders Game. The narrator has the most wonderful tone, and though he has narrated several of Orson’s books, this like the Ender books leaves an impression that I doubt I will ever forget, and if the memory gets fuzzy, then I will listen again, and again.

Beautiful story, wonderfully told

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Started off ok, but then began drifting, as did my interest. Some of the views expressed felt very dated and the descriptions overlong and repetitive. Not his best work.

Confused and from another era

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