The Song of Unmaking (Legends of Karac Tor, #3)

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The Song of Unmaking (Legends of Karac Tor #3)

4.22 of 5 stars 4.22 · rating details · 32 ratings · 11 reviews

IN THE BITTER NORTH, HOPE AND FEAR COLLIDE.

The dreadful Goths have invaded Röckval, testing the strength of Bitterland's beautiful, widowed 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 worri...more

Paperback, 336 pages

Published October 14th 2011 by Living Ink Books (first published September 15th 2011)

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Nov 15, 2011 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fantasy-fiction, christian-action-adventure, christian-fiction, christian-science-fiction, christian-suspense-fiction, christian-teen-fiction, fantasy-adventure-fiction, medieval-fantasy-fiction, young-adult-fiction

We have an author to introduce to you and the kids in your life - young-adult fantasy novelist Dean Barkley Briggs. After losing his wife of 16 years, Dean created a tale his four sons could relate to in their own journey through loss - thus was born The Legends of Karac Tor, a sweeping epic of four brothers enmeshed in the crisis of another world. In God's timing, Briggs remarried Jeanie, who'd lost her husband in an auto accident. Together with her four children, they spend each day grateful f...more We have an author to introduce to you and the kids in your life - young-adult fantasy novelist Dean Barkley Briggs. After losing his wife of 16 years, Dean created a tale his four sons could relate to in their own journey through loss - thus was born The Legends of Karac Tor, a sweeping epic of four brothers enmeshed in the crisis of another world. In God's timing, Briggs remarried Jeanie, who'd lost her husband in an auto accident. Together with her four children, they spend each day grateful for their eight blessings. This series is great for teens and pre-teens.

He was once the greatest champion in the land. Then he disappeared. With Nemesia's defeat, the Barlows have helped turn the tide in the Hidden Lands. But the victory is short-lived. An even greater evil stirs in the north with a fierce new army bent on destruction. As the twins, Gabe and Garret, discover their own special powers, a thin thread of hope emerges: long ago, a fabled king was rescued from death on our world and hidden on Karac Tor. Who is he? Each brother has their part to play. Hadyn must travel north to warn the land rulers, which leaves Ewan with a bitter choice. Will he sacrifice what is most precious to discover whether Corus lives? Even more important, if Corus is alive, can he wake the Sleeping King of legend...before it's too late?

About The Author:

D. Barkley Briggs is an author with a background in radio, public relations, product development, and-for eleven years-pastoring. He and his wife Jeanie, both previously widowed, live in the Midwest along with their eight children. (Yes, we are regularly amazed, too.) Learn more at hiddenlands.net.

My Review:

As I turn the first page past the prologue and start reading, I am immediately taken back to ancient times in another world with gnomes, viks, witches, champions and dare I say an old King from legends long ago! This story bases itself upon the 4 young Barlow Brothers and their father who have somehow come through a portal into this new unforgiving and brutal land. The king of legend must awaken and decide if he shall rule of if Odessa the Vanir who rules over the existing country will rule and he will follow. What of this mysterious Sound machine that threatens all of the world into darkness, and who will stop it before it is completed?

This novel is one in the Legends of Karac Tor series and is a great read by itself! I would recommend that you purchase the first books and read the entire series as at first it took me a while to acclimate to the characters and the story line since it is not the first book in the series. I did love the relationships of the 4 brothers who learn how to come together and take care of each other when times get rough and really bond learning their new gifts as a result of going through the portal to a new time and place. Definitely a gripping story taking you through twists and turns at every page! I loved the book and cannot wait to get the rest of series in the novel to read up on the beginning and the end.

I rate this book on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, a 5 out of 5! Thank you D. Barkley Briggs for creating such a wonderful series and book! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fantasy and mythical lover!I received this book from Glass Roads Public Relations at no charge for my express review only. (less)

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Feb 10, 2013 Ionia rated it 4 of 5 stars

D. Barkley Briggs is leading the way for a whole new generation of fantasy lovers! I read book one of this series, missed book two and just finished this one. I am pleased to report that missing book two didn't kill it for me. The author has done an excellent job of backtracking (without making it boring) so that if you missed the other books (or in my case one of the other books) this will still make sense.

I was amazed with the first book in this series how bold and detailed the author's descr...more

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Apr 16, 2012 Emily Rachelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This time, we have my awesome preteen brother Jon with us. As you can see, he really enjoyed the book, and is now begging me to set aside more review books for him.

Let's allow Jon to introduce himself:

Hi! I'm Jonathan. I am twelve years old and in the seventh grade. I'm homeschooled. When my sister asked me to work on this, I was a little scared I wouldn't meet the date because the book was so big, but once I got started I really loved it and finished a whole week early. I love to read Hardy Boy...more This time, we have my awesome preteen brother Jon with us. As you can see, he really enjoyed the book, and is now begging me to set aside more review books for him.

Let's allow Jon to introduce himself:

Hi! I'm Jonathan. I am twelve years old and in the seventh grade. I'm homeschooled. When my sister asked me to work on this, I was a little scared I wouldn't meet the date because the book was so big, but once I got started I really loved it and finished a whole week early. I love to read Hardy Boys books, and I like martial arts books, too. My sister is into lots of blogging, so I agreed to help her. This is my first review book and I'm looking forward to doing more.

Well, let's get reviewing!

This Story Was About... four brothers in a magical world working to save the world with their special powers (songs), given to them by the champion of the world. Cities are being attacked and there is a great machine being built up in the mountains that is said to be able to destroy the world. The brothers have to work together with the people of the land and stop the machine. One of the brothers, named Ewan, who traded his song to save the life of a friend, must get over his grief and find a new song that is stronger than the one made by the machine.

What I Liked: The way that the author described everything in detail - even if you didn't read the first two books, you could still understand everything because he explains it. There was lots of action and comedy with no romance, which I thought was great.

What I Didn't Like: I liked everything!

My Favorite Part: The very end of the book, where Ewan finds his new song to stop the machine.

My Favorite Person: My favorite person was one of the two ten-year-old twins you'll meet named Garret. Why I liked him was because of his song - his song let him control the wind in any way he liked.

My Thoughts: This is a great book for anyone who is willing to take time to read it. At some parts, it can seem boring or confusing but you just get through those parts because they're part of the storyline. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the five-book series. I give this book the full five stars!

(This is Emily.) And there you have it! Apparently this is a great teen/preteen action-adventure-fantasy. If you're looking for romance, though, you'll have to look elsewhere. (Which means it's probably a good thing I let Jon do this one, because I really prefer at least a little amour in there.) Considering how reluctant Jon was to read a book this big, it's rather impressive that he finished a whole week early, and even more so that he gave it all five stars. Guess it's pretty good!(less)

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Feb 09, 2012 Jim rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I read the first book in this series, I had mixed emotions. I was thrilled to find such a compelling story with such full characterization and setting. I loved Mr. Briggs' prose. But I had a nagging worry - he was setting the bar very high for himself. The scope of the story he was beginning to tell was daunting. I was taking a risk allowing myself to get so deeply involved in this story. What if the author failed to deliver in the later installments?

While my fear still remains, it has been...more

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Nov 16, 2011 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

D. Barkley Briggs in his new book, "The Song Of Unmaking" Book Three in the Legends Of Karac Tor series published by Living Ink Books returns us to the lives of the Barlow brothers and Karac Tor.

The Barlow brothers have the ability to move from our reality to the land of Karac Tor. Now the dreadful Goths, creatures of rock and clay, with eyeless faces and steel-spiked hands whose frightening size is twice that of a man are invading Rockval. In addition to that a terrible machine is being built a...more D. Barkley Briggs in his new book, "The Song Of Unmaking" Book Three in the Legends Of Karac Tor series published by Living Ink Books returns us to the lives of the Barlow brothers and Karac Tor.

The Barlow brothers have the ability to move from our reality to the land of Karac Tor. Now the dreadful Goths, creatures of rock and clay, with eyeless faces and steel-spiked hands whose frightening size is twice that of a man are invading Rockval. In addition to that a terrible machine is being built atop Mount Vishgar, above Rockval, where the raging wind never ceases. This machine is a music machine, built from an old wizard's long guarded plans, with the deadly song of unmaking. As the brothers fight to save everyone Ewan struggles with the question: is any music stronger that the most powerful song of destruction the world has ever known?

"The Song Of Unmaking" is a fantasy in the tradition of "The Chronicles of Narnia" or "The Lord Of The Rings". Karac Tor is full of invading forces trying to take over the land already occupied. The Barlow brothers are there to use their special powers, only available to them there, to help defend and defeat these forces. The books are outstanding, each one delivers more excitement than the last. Each one provides so much to think about and dwell upon especially here as we have to deal with the force of music, both for good and for evil. I recommend this series highly and am looking forward to the next one.

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and business professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Glass Road Public Relations. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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Nov 16, 2011 Abbie Riddle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Briggs has written a book that is deeply involved. I now wish that I had read the first two in this series of tales. However, I came upon this series through an offer for a book review. I will be going back now to collect the first books in this series.

As a mother of 4 I am on the constant lookout for good books for my children to spend time in. This is one of those books. Much like the writing of Lord of the Rings this is an epic tale of an ancient world removed far from our own. Pre-Teens, Tee...more

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Nov 04, 2011 Krystal rated it 5 of 5 stars

Mr. Briggs wrote this book to help his sons through a hard time in their lives, their mothers' death. He succeeded in his purpose for writing the novel. The book is centered around the Barlow brothers, young men who display courage, honesty, and overall integrity.

The events of this book will capture and continue to hold the readers' attention. The events are very fast-paced, the reader will receive information constantly-enough that could almost be confusing, but the author manages to portray t...more

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Nov 16, 2011 Holly rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-2011

For some reason when I saw this book was available to review it vaguely caught my attention, and something vaguely catching me is never a good start. I'm going to say that if you've read the first two books then you might jump right into this one, so my review can't be a full deterrence from reading.
This is the synopsis from Goodreads: He was once the greatest champion in the land. Then he disappeared. With Nemesia's defeat, the Barlows have helped turn the tide in the Hidden Lands. But the vic...more

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May 05, 2012 Adele rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: scifi-fantasy, ya, religion

Four teenage brothers have been whisked away to a world in the midst of war, separated from their father who is in grave danger. The brothers gain command of special powers, which can only be done through faith and maturity. In the end, the brothers must test their strength against a great evil to save their new world. Briggs deftly blends fantasy, faith and good old-fashioned action so well that "The Song of Unmaking" will appeal to a diverse group of readers.

The Song of Unmaking mixes Arthuria...more Four teenage brothers have been whisked away to a world in the midst of war, separated from their father who is in grave danger. The brothers gain command of special powers, which can only be done through faith and maturity. In the end, the brothers must test their strength against a great evil to save their new world. Briggs deftly blends fantasy, faith and good old-fashioned action so well that "The Song of Unmaking" will appeal to a diverse group of readers.

The Song of Unmaking mixes Arthurian legend, Western mythology, and faith into an accessible package. Religious themes are tied into larger issues; the brothers question how such a fantasy world or such powers could exist. Biblical references are not incredibly frequent and they fit well in the context.

That said, readers who are looking for a traditional fantasy and who do not want to read Christian fiction would be disappointed. The author weaves spirituality throughout the story. An example from page 39:

"One question led to another and another. In the silence that settled between him and Arthur, Ewan became embroiled in a quick, petulant conversation with God. The longer it went, the more spiteful he felt.

“Do you think God would create more than one world?” he finally said. “Or do you think there’s a different god for every world?”"

It makes sense for the characters to question being in a fantasy world. This issue has been addressed in many other novels where characters are magically transported away to a new place. However, the mass appeal of books or series like The Chronicles of Narnia is due specifically because of the allegory and imagination. The fact that the message and explanation makes this clearly Christian fiction could alienate many readers.

Younger readers will appreciate the jokes of the younger brothers and some of the banter between characters, while fans of the fantasy genre will appreciate the detailed cities, creatures and characters. Readers who are tired of elves and dwarves will enjoy Briggs's use of Germanic mythology and Arthurian legend to weave a new story. At its core, "The Song of Unmaking" is a fantasy novel with enough of a backbone to stand up on its own. It will appeal to readers of Christian fiction.

***
Worth reading, but not great
Libraries should only order if they have the audience

(less)

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Aug 31, 2012 Phyllis Wheeler rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wonderfully complex, great faith elements. Read it!

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Nov 21, 2012 Nate rated it 4 of 5 stars

good book if you don't pay attention to the misnaming, and don't remember what happened in the first book very well.

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May 08, 2013 Jennings Riley rated it 4 of 5 stars

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About D. Barkley Briggs

"Dean Barkley Briggs has worked in radio, marketing, and new product development. He also pastored for eleven years. After losing his beautiful wife at an early age, Briggs decided an epic fantasy adventure might help his four boys live courageously through their loss. The five books in The Legends of Karac Tor is the result, with Books 1, 2 and 3 releasing Spring and Fall of 2011. Briggs has sinc...more

More about D. Barkley Briggs...

Books by D. Barkley Briggs

The Book of Names (Legends of Karac Tor, #1)

Corus the Champion (Legends of Karac Tor, #2)

The Ravaged Realm (Legends of Karac Tor, #4)

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