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Spellsinger #7
Son of Spellsinger
Foster resumes his Spellsinger Much to Clothahump the Wizard's distress, ex-hippie Jon-Tom and otherworldly Talea's son Buncan wants to be a questing hero, but not a spellsinger. Instead, he forms a band with Mudge's kids, otters Nocter and Squill, one that creates a wild, unpredictable magic - based on rap!Then an anteater arrives with rumours about a dangerous legend. Soon the young rappers, aided by a drunk rhino, are off on an odyssey to a fortress where evil sorcerers threaten the world. And where only the unknown power of Buncan's beat can stop the hordes of hideous hybrids.
378 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1993
69 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
Alan Dean Foster
499 books2,037 followersBestselling science fiction writer Alan Dean Foster was born in New York City in 1946, but raised mainly in California. He received a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA in 1968, and a M.F.A. in 1969. Foster lives in Arizona with his wife, but he enjoys traveling because it gives him opportunities to meet new people and explore new places and cultures. This interest is carried over to his writing, but with a twist: the new places encountered in his books are likely to be on another planet, and the people may belong to an alien race.
Foster began his career as an author when a letter he sent to Arkham Collection was purchased by the editor and published in the magazine in 1968. His first novel, The Tar-Aiym Krang, introduced the Humanx Commonwealth, a galactic alliance between humans and an insectlike race called Thranx. Several other novels, including the Icerigger trilogy, are also set in the world of the Commonwealth. The Tar-Aiym Krang also marked the first appearance of Flinx, a young man with paranormal abilities, who reappears in other books, including Orphan Star, For Love of Mother-Not, and Flinx in Flux.
Foster has also written The Damned series and the Spellsinger series, which includes The Hour of the Gate, The Moment of the Magician, The Paths of the Perambulator, and Son of Spellsinger, among others. Other books include novelizations of science fiction movies and television shows such as Star Trek, The Black Hole, Starman, Star Wars, and the Alien movies. Splinter of the Mind's Eye, a bestselling novel based on the Star Wars movies, received the Galaxy Award in 1979. The book Cyber Way won the Southwest Book Award for Fiction in 1990. His novel Our Lady of the Machine won him the UPC Award (Spain) in 1993. He also won the Ignotus Award (Spain) in 1994 and the Stannik Award (Russia) in 2000.
Foster began his career as an author when a letter he sent to Arkham Collection was purchased by the editor and published in the magazine in 1968. His first novel, The Tar-Aiym Krang, introduced the Humanx Commonwealth, a galactic alliance between humans and an insectlike race called Thranx. Several other novels, including the Icerigger trilogy, are also set in the world of the Commonwealth. The Tar-Aiym Krang also marked the first appearance of Flinx, a young man with paranormal abilities, who reappears in other books, including Orphan Star, For Love of Mother-Not, and Flinx in Flux.
Foster has also written The Damned series and the Spellsinger series, which includes The Hour of the Gate, The Moment of the Magician, The Paths of the Perambulator, and Son of Spellsinger, among others. Other books include novelizations of science fiction movies and television shows such as Star Trek, The Black Hole, Starman, Star Wars, and the Alien movies. Splinter of the Mind's Eye, a bestselling novel based on the Star Wars movies, received the Galaxy Award in 1979. The book Cyber Way won the Southwest Book Award for Fiction in 1990. His novel Our Lady of the Machine won him the UPC Award (Spain) in 1993. He also won the Ignotus Award (Spain) in 1994 and the Stannik Award (Russia) in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 9, 2018
9/8/2018 - 2/10
The 7th book in the series is really starting to get bad. The premise is terrible. We move to Jon-Tom's son who gets a duar that can create magic even though the original duar was irreplaceable and had to be fixed. Now spellsinging can be done in a group and it's rap...super? The characters were shallow and annoying. Buncan is a whiny rebellious and annoying teen who want to save the world (what kind of name is Buncan? But I guess it fits the character). Buncan eventually turns into Jon-Tom as a character and the ever squabbling otter twins are one dimensional and annoying. The plot consists of the novices going after something that scares even Clothahump but it is left vague until the end when it is just ridiculous. Their spellsinging works all the time after a couple of days training unlike previous books. The most powerful spellsing is apparently "How much is that doggy in the window". It can be used multiple times to great effect unlike other songs. It can even work on the pit bull bull who is normally immune because it can't understand spellsinging, unlike all the other times spellsinging was effective against apparent scholars in the art. The Grand Veritable reveal was pretty lame as well and rushed to a hurried finish. Obviously I didn't care for this book. Since I'm a glutton for punishment and a completist, I will go ahead and slog through the final entry in the series.
The 7th book in the series is really starting to get bad. The premise is terrible. We move to Jon-Tom's son who gets a duar that can create magic even though the original duar was irreplaceable and had to be fixed. Now spellsinging can be done in a group and it's rap...super? The characters were shallow and annoying. Buncan is a whiny rebellious and annoying teen who want to save the world (what kind of name is Buncan? But I guess it fits the character). Buncan eventually turns into Jon-Tom as a character and the ever squabbling otter twins are one dimensional and annoying. The plot consists of the novices going after something that scares even Clothahump but it is left vague until the end when it is just ridiculous. Their spellsinging works all the time after a couple of days training unlike previous books. The most powerful spellsing is apparently "How much is that doggy in the window". It can be used multiple times to great effect unlike other songs. It can even work on the pit bull bull who is normally immune because it can't understand spellsinging, unlike all the other times spellsinging was effective against apparent scholars in the art. The Grand Veritable reveal was pretty lame as well and rushed to a hurried finish. Obviously I didn't care for this book. Since I'm a glutton for punishment and a completist, I will go ahead and slog through the final entry in the series.
September 3, 2017
Buncan Meryweather, Sohn des legendären Bannsängers Jon-Tom und der ehemaligen Diebin Talea, langweilt sich zu Tode, da er aufgrund seines mäßigen Gesangstalentes das Bannsingen nicht richtig beherrscht. Und so ist er dazu verdammt, seinen Gesang zu verbessern, bevor er sich weiter der Magie widmen darf. Als er ein Gespräch belauscht, bei dem ein fahrender Händler von dem Großen Wahren berichtet und dass hiervon eine Gefahr ausgehen könnte, sieht Buncan seine Chance gekommen, sich zu beweisen. Zusammen mit den Ottern Squill und Neena macht er sich auf, um das große Geheimnis zu erkunden.
Der siebte Teil der Bannsänger-Reihe spielt etliche Jahre nach dem sechsten Band. Jon-Tom hat sein Bannsingen mittlerweile perfektioniert und arbeitet als gleichberechtigter Partner zusammen mit dem Hexer Clodsahamp.
Sein Leben verläuft nun geregelt, da er sich mit Talea etwas Neues aufgebaut hat. Und so ist es Zeit, sich seinem Sohn zu widmen bzw. dessen Abenteuern.
Die nächste Generation besteht aus Buncan sowie den Kindern des Otters Mudge. Squill und Neena sind ebenso quirlig und nicht auf den Mund gefallen wie ihr Vater.
Ich hatte mich sehr auf die Fortsetzung der Reihe gefreut, da ich die ersten sechs Teile ja schon vor Jahren gelesen hatte und nach dem Re-Read in diesem Jahr wieder Freude daran gefunden habe. Mich nun der Fortsetzung zu widmen, hat mich mit einer gewissen Vorfreude erfüllt.
Allerdings wurde ich bitter enttäuscht. Es kam mir so vor, als ob ich eine Zusammenfassung der ersten Teile gelesen hätte. Nur eben mit Buncan statt seines Vaters in der Hauptrolle. Ansonsten gab es wirklich nichts Neues. Auch der Witz und Sarkasmus aus den ersten Teilen fehlte, ebenso die Energie, die hinter der Geschichte steckte.
Buncan sowie die Otter Squill und Neena waren mir nicht sehr sympathisch. Das Lesenswerte hat gefehlt. Ich konnte einfach nicht in die Geschichte hineinfinden, die mit 580 Seiten auch noch sehr lang war.
Die drei Gefährten geraten ständig in irgendwelche Situationen, aus denen sie sich hinausfinden müssen. Und dieses Herauswinden ist teilweise so leicht, dass ich Mühe hatte, überhaupt zu glauben, dass eine Lebensgefahr bestand. Ein bisschen Bannsingen hier, ein bisschen Gewalt da und schwups sind alle wieder frei und fröhlich auf dem Weiterweg zum Großen Wahren.
Mir ging alles zu schnell und zu einfach. Es war viel zu viel in die Geschichte hineingepackt und dadurch wurde einiges unglaubwürdig. Ebenso litten darunter auch die Dialoge, die teilweise sogar sehr unter die Gürtellinie gingen.
Dies verdarb mir dem Spaß am Lesen. Trotzdem habe ich durchgehalten, weil ich die kleine Hoffnung hegte, dass der Autor doch wieder zu dem Zurückfindet, was mich in den ersten Bänden so faszinieren konnte.
Aufgrund dieses enttäuschenden siebten Teils der Reihe werde ich diese auch nicht weiterverfolgen, damit ich mir die ersten Bände nicht noch mehr vermiese.
Fazit:
Es hat nicht sollen sein. Schade.
Der siebte Teil der Bannsänger-Reihe spielt etliche Jahre nach dem sechsten Band. Jon-Tom hat sein Bannsingen mittlerweile perfektioniert und arbeitet als gleichberechtigter Partner zusammen mit dem Hexer Clodsahamp.
Sein Leben verläuft nun geregelt, da er sich mit Talea etwas Neues aufgebaut hat. Und so ist es Zeit, sich seinem Sohn zu widmen bzw. dessen Abenteuern.
Die nächste Generation besteht aus Buncan sowie den Kindern des Otters Mudge. Squill und Neena sind ebenso quirlig und nicht auf den Mund gefallen wie ihr Vater.
Ich hatte mich sehr auf die Fortsetzung der Reihe gefreut, da ich die ersten sechs Teile ja schon vor Jahren gelesen hatte und nach dem Re-Read in diesem Jahr wieder Freude daran gefunden habe. Mich nun der Fortsetzung zu widmen, hat mich mit einer gewissen Vorfreude erfüllt.
Allerdings wurde ich bitter enttäuscht. Es kam mir so vor, als ob ich eine Zusammenfassung der ersten Teile gelesen hätte. Nur eben mit Buncan statt seines Vaters in der Hauptrolle. Ansonsten gab es wirklich nichts Neues. Auch der Witz und Sarkasmus aus den ersten Teilen fehlte, ebenso die Energie, die hinter der Geschichte steckte.
Buncan sowie die Otter Squill und Neena waren mir nicht sehr sympathisch. Das Lesenswerte hat gefehlt. Ich konnte einfach nicht in die Geschichte hineinfinden, die mit 580 Seiten auch noch sehr lang war.
Die drei Gefährten geraten ständig in irgendwelche Situationen, aus denen sie sich hinausfinden müssen. Und dieses Herauswinden ist teilweise so leicht, dass ich Mühe hatte, überhaupt zu glauben, dass eine Lebensgefahr bestand. Ein bisschen Bannsingen hier, ein bisschen Gewalt da und schwups sind alle wieder frei und fröhlich auf dem Weiterweg zum Großen Wahren.
Mir ging alles zu schnell und zu einfach. Es war viel zu viel in die Geschichte hineingepackt und dadurch wurde einiges unglaubwürdig. Ebenso litten darunter auch die Dialoge, die teilweise sogar sehr unter die Gürtellinie gingen.
Dies verdarb mir dem Spaß am Lesen. Trotzdem habe ich durchgehalten, weil ich die kleine Hoffnung hegte, dass der Autor doch wieder zu dem Zurückfindet, was mich in den ersten Bänden so faszinieren konnte.
Aufgrund dieses enttäuschenden siebten Teils der Reihe werde ich diese auch nicht weiterverfolgen, damit ich mir die ersten Bände nicht noch mehr vermiese.
Fazit:
Es hat nicht sollen sein. Schade.
March 29, 2021
About 3/4 done and a couple of comments.
This edition is very badly proofread. Even the introductory material on the Goodreads page -
I can’t -personally- give the novel such a low rating, this time round, as I see others have; the lack of a distanced point of view (Jon-Tom’s) is, I agree, especially telling in some chapters, where the failure of any of the characters to recognize terms that Jon-Tom would have in another novel in the series flattens things out rather than being funnier, I think. On the whole though, except for the atrocious typesetting and continuity issues (possibly caused by the Kindle setting- possibly in the original; must check that) - a big except- I actually do find this a worthy addition to the series. (I still have my copies of books 1 and 8 in mass-market.)
This edition is very badly proofread. Even the introductory material on the Goodreads page -
I can’t -personally- give the novel such a low rating, this time round, as I see others have; the lack of a distanced point of view (Jon-Tom’s) is, I agree, especially telling in some chapters, where the failure of any of the characters to recognize terms that Jon-Tom would have in another novel in the series flattens things out rather than being funnier, I think. On the whole though, except for the atrocious typesetting and continuity issues (possibly caused by the Kindle setting- possibly in the original; must check that) - a big except- I actually do find this a worthy addition to the series. (I still have my copies of books 1 and 8 in mass-market.)
March 13, 2019
A good read...but not as good as the earlier books in the series. Jon-Tom is no longer the central character. His son, Buncan, and Mudge's children are now a rap spellsinging group. The young otters are amusing but not up to Mudge's standards. I missed the nuances of Jon-Tom's recognition of words from our world used to make spells in this world; it was annoying that he didn't seem to appreciate the irony of an enspelled computer.
September 30, 2017
Alan Dean Foster has a wonderful creativity with characters in this adventure. I was enthralled with each new member that was introduced into this story.
Magic fights off the evil forces encountered along the journey of a youth and his woodland friends, as they seek to find a legend far from their homeland.
I will enjoy exploring the earlier tales from this Spellsinger series.
Magic fights off the evil forces encountered along the journey of a youth and his woodland friends, as they seek to find a legend far from their homeland.
I will enjoy exploring the earlier tales from this Spellsinger series.
June 13, 2017
A good book in the spellsinger series but doesn't seem to have a decent antagonist but rather a quest object. It is nice to see the son of Jon Tom the spellsinger developed as well as Mudge the otters children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2022
I liked this book better than some of the other spellsinger books, I would not pick this as my favorite series, but I still have to say that as a way to get out of this sometimes to ordinary world these books do get the job done. This was a good read.
July 15, 2017
Beginning was real rough.
August 23, 2017
Read this book without reading the 6 before it , it works well as standalone but not desperately seeking the others.
January 22, 2020
Spellsinger with a twist.
June 17, 2024
Another romp in the Spellsinger series - this time Buncan, Jon-Tom's Son takes off with Mudges twins to find the Grand Veritable. The usual misadventures follow. Entertaining Read.
January 16, 2020
Otter and spellsinger kids run off without word; wouldn't parents chase them? So-handy cart and quest ready to cross sad, deadly moors. Where is worst place for the Grand Veritable to end up? 10 Typos.
November 15, 2019
Alan Dean Foster’s penultimate Spellsinger story opens with Talea, married to spellsinger Jon-Tom, finding a demon in a breadbox, after which she deals with her son Buncan, given his flawed singing voice and intentions to follow his father’s footsteps. Buncan starts a rap band with the son and daughter of the otters Mudge and Weegee, Squill and Neena, who practice in the woods, inadvertently summon a whale from a larger body of water, and make it a point to find an artifact known as the Grand Veritable, joining the sloth Gragelouth on a journey to find the MacGuffin.
During their journey, Buncan and company encounter hostile hounds for whom they summon mates in heat using their spellsinging abilities, and spend some time in the rodent-populated town of Hygria, which has a special eye for hygiene, and they find themselves prisoners. Neena is ultimately asked to spend time with the mink Baron Koliac Krasvin, with her companions mounting a rescue with the help of the drunken rhinoceros Snaugenhutt. They then encounter the tribe Xi-Murogg, who fertilize their crops with the blood and bones of their enemies, and marsupials who warn of experimental Dark Monks.
The Grand Veritable turns out to be a lie-detecting device that causes chaos during the last few chapters until it is found by a group from Earth. Overall, this is another enjoyable entry in Foster’s Spellsinger franchise, with plenty of memorable animal characters and good action, with mature content that somewhat makes it Redwall for older audiences. There are occasional plot elements that are unclear such as the influence of rap music in the alternate world when the series commenced back in the early 1980s prior to the musical genre’s introduction, but it’s still a good read.
During their journey, Buncan and company encounter hostile hounds for whom they summon mates in heat using their spellsinging abilities, and spend some time in the rodent-populated town of Hygria, which has a special eye for hygiene, and they find themselves prisoners. Neena is ultimately asked to spend time with the mink Baron Koliac Krasvin, with her companions mounting a rescue with the help of the drunken rhinoceros Snaugenhutt. They then encounter the tribe Xi-Murogg, who fertilize their crops with the blood and bones of their enemies, and marsupials who warn of experimental Dark Monks.
The Grand Veritable turns out to be a lie-detecting device that causes chaos during the last few chapters until it is found by a group from Earth. Overall, this is another enjoyable entry in Foster’s Spellsinger franchise, with plenty of memorable animal characters and good action, with mature content that somewhat makes it Redwall for older audiences. There are occasional plot elements that are unclear such as the influence of rap music in the alternate world when the series commenced back in the early 1980s prior to the musical genre’s introduction, but it’s still a good read.
May 6, 2015
Although when I first tried reading this, I didn't like it very much, in the end I've wound up enjoying this book a fair bit. Yes, it's not quite as good as the original Spellsinger books, but it's still fairly fun. The concept of using rap rather than rock to spellsing is clever, even if the raps in the book aren't that good. It does add a nice element of teamwork, since Buncan has to cooperate with his otter friends in order to do any magic. The characters weren't quite as outrageous or fun as the original Jon-Tom and co, but they still worked out okay. I especially liked the rhino warrior, as he reminded me of Iorek Byrnison a bit. I will say that a few things made it feel like Buncan should have been younger than 18, especially the way he had to deal with a schoolyard bully early on.
The plot was also fun. It's a quest to seek out a possibly legendary artifact, rather than an attempt to save the world, but it had a number of good adventures in it, both disturbing and amusing. I especially liked the idea of whirlwinds that travel around collecting things. I noticed Foster's use of language more in this novel than I had in the previous ones, and I have to say that it's a bit odd. He's kinda flowery for a rather humorous, parodic book. I will say that I found a few problems with the Kindle edition. It has a number of typos, and it looks as if at least two whole sections of text are missing. Still, I was able to follow the story, and it's a surprisingly enjoyable one. I still prefer the original six Spellsinger novels, but this one wasn't a bad follow-up.
The plot was also fun. It's a quest to seek out a possibly legendary artifact, rather than an attempt to save the world, but it had a number of good adventures in it, both disturbing and amusing. I especially liked the idea of whirlwinds that travel around collecting things. I noticed Foster's use of language more in this novel than I had in the previous ones, and I have to say that it's a bit odd. He's kinda flowery for a rather humorous, parodic book. I will say that I found a few problems with the Kindle edition. It has a number of typos, and it looks as if at least two whole sections of text are missing. Still, I was able to follow the story, and it's a surprisingly enjoyable one. I still prefer the original six Spellsinger novels, but this one wasn't a bad follow-up.
March 25, 2009
When I originally read the first six Spellsinger books, I enjoyed them. I recently reread the first two and they didn't hold up well against my memories of them.
Son of Spellsinger, on the other hand, I remember thinking was awful the first time I read it. If you decide to read the series and enjoy the first six, I'd recommend stopping there.
Son of Spellsinger, on the other hand, I remember thinking was awful the first time I read it. If you decide to read the series and enjoy the first six, I'd recommend stopping there.
January 4, 2011
Son of Spellsinger (pronounced spell-sin-jer for this one ;)) was an excellent wrap up to the series. We got to see how Jon-Tom turned out as an adult and get a taste of something new in his rebellious son. Mudge's kids are cute too. The ending was very movie-like. I will miss you Spellsinger!!!
December 2, 2020
Maybe it's just that I am in the same age group as Jon Tom, because while a good story like others earlier in this series, I didn't get quite get the same kick of it that I did from the earlier books... still good in its own right
August 12, 2008
a very funny & humorous addition to the Spellsinger saga. Not a terribly involved plot, yet enjoyable
June 22, 2009
Okay, but maybe should have stopped with last book.
August 10, 2009
read this series in high school. I'm sure I liked it much more then than I would now.
July 31, 2011
Crammed with Foster's inconsistencies and unexplained oddities, but it’s a good story. The end, where the truth-making device is brought home, is especially good.
Read
September 15, 2011I don't think I lasted a chapter. Rap crap? No thanks.
September 18, 2012
Not nearly as entertaining as the original Spellsinger series, but is a good read.
December 16, 2012
Definitely my least favorite of the spellsinger series. I really think he should have ended the series with Time of Transference.
May 24, 2014
читала просто потому, что хочу закончить эту серию книг. двойка исключительно за проскакивающий местами юмор и в память о прошлых частях романа
May 1, 2015
one of a bunch of sequals to spellsinger!
May 21, 2016
A great read. It helps if you have read the previous 6. A twist on an old favourite. The Grand Veritable is a surprise.
If you have not read the first 6 then it would be just stupid.
If you have not read the first 6 then it would be just stupid.
December 5, 2017
always loved the spell singer series,, have them all in soft back book
Read
June 21, 2009Science Fiction
March 27, 2017
Well, it's from the 90s so of course it has rap. For 6 books Foster has managed not to include any lyrics, giving little treats to those who know the songs and can guess what might happen but now, because 90s, it has to be rap and because (I assume) he's made up the lyrics himself he can include them in the book. And it's awful. Not to mention the pseudo-cockney accent of the otters makes completely bizarre rhymes and really terrible wordplay the apparent order of the day.
The story is another romp through the world (in one of the few directions we haven't been before, naturally) meeting increasingly exotic animals that need to be looked up in an encyclopedia (or Google) before you have any idea what they are and solving problems at a rate of one per chapter.
So, it's a Spellsinger book. Yes, and apart from the change of musical genre it's fairly unchanged from the previous 6. The group dynamic is used to good effect and the sense of comradery is more believable here - not least because the group starts out fully formed (for a while anyway) from the beginning. New characters being introduced is another Spellsinger trope and of course we get that too - one of my favourite of the series is introduced. Never to be heard from again, I assume.
After all of the books I've trudged through for this series you'd think the eighth one would be the easiest to jump straight into, but the new direction of this part of the series makes it hard. The characters just aren't as interesting, and plots getting very stale by this point. But I must, I will finish this series - by sheer force of will if I have to!
The story is another romp through the world (in one of the few directions we haven't been before, naturally) meeting increasingly exotic animals that need to be looked up in an encyclopedia (or Google) before you have any idea what they are and solving problems at a rate of one per chapter.
So, it's a Spellsinger book. Yes, and apart from the change of musical genre it's fairly unchanged from the previous 6. The group dynamic is used to good effect and the sense of comradery is more believable here - not least because the group starts out fully formed (for a while anyway) from the beginning. New characters being introduced is another Spellsinger trope and of course we get that too - one of my favourite of the series is introduced. Never to be heard from again, I assume.
After all of the books I've trudged through for this series you'd think the eighth one would be the easiest to jump straight into, but the new direction of this part of the series makes it hard. The characters just aren't as interesting, and plots getting very stale by this point. But I must, I will finish this series - by sheer force of will if I have to!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews