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Song of Leira

(The Songkeeper Chronicles #3)

Gillian Bronte Adams (Goodreads Author)

4.57 · Rating details · 89 ratings · 34 reviews

The Song bids her rise to battle

Reeling from her disastrous foray into the Pit, Birdie, the young Songkeeper, retreats into the mountains. But in the war-torn north, kneeling on bloodstained battlefields to sing the souls of the dying to rest, her resolve to accept her calling is strengthened. Such evil cannot go unchallenged.

Torn between oaths to protect the Underground r ...more

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Paperback, 416 pages

Published June 5th 2018 by Enclave Publishing

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Jun 05, 2018 Deborah O'Carroll (on break) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-stars-awesome, 2018-reads, own, epic-character-i-love, got-for-review, ya, reviewed, christian, fantasy, faves

The sweeping, epic conclusion to the Songkeeper Chronicles trilogy, SONG OF LEIRA far exceeded my expectations and does not disappoint! AAHH! My heart is so full. ^_^ *hugs book* I’m not using “epic” lightly—it really is that.

I haven’t read a book with such overwhelming hope in a long time. Yes, there’s darkness and war and death and sorrow, but in the midst of it, the light and the Song pour out hope and peace and strength. It’s full of those times when you feel like everything’s lost, but then The sweeping, epic conclusion to the Songkeeper Chronicles trilogy, SONG OF LEIRA far exceeded my expectations and does not disappoint! AAHH! My heart is so full. ^_^ *hugs book* I’m not using “epic” lightly—it really is that.

I haven’t read a book with such overwhelming hope in a long time. Yes, there’s darkness and war and death and sorrow, but in the midst of it, the light and the Song pour out hope and peace and strength. It’s full of those times when you feel like everything’s lost, but then there are moments of eucatastrophe and those good surprises (particularly near the end!) that make everything right.

After the darkness and shattering despair of the dark-before-the-dawn middle of the series, Songkeeper, I was worried this final installment wouldn’t live up to my hopes, but it rallied and brought me soaring through the conclusion on wings of exhilaration like a griffin. :D Twice, SONG OF LEIRA had tears pricking my eyes—at a certain death (still broken up over that one, though at least there was peace and purpose to it) and reading the beautiful final paragraphs of the novel. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful all at once, and still dark much of the time (there are a few side characters I could have wished survived), but the overall feeling I came away with was hope and joy. :) It just stirred my soul so much. <3

The book started out a little quietly but it soon pulled me in and swept me away on the adventure. We’re in the mountains in this one, with Ky and the runners of the Underground, Birdie and the griffin, and many other characters we meet along the way, both friends and enemies, new and old, and so many places... but I don’t want to give anything away! The world is so vivid and I love it. ^_^

I also loved following Birdie and Ky on their journeys, as they fall and get up again over and over—as they doubt and find their way, and make mistakes and grow and learn, and become so much more than they could have imagined. Becoming heroes worthy of legend and song. And Gundhrold the griffin and Amos and—gaah, I love them all! There are new characters too—I particularly love Frey, the beast from the cover!

All the characters are so HUMAN (I mean... except for the actual non-human characters. *cough* But you know what I mean!) and we bleed and struggle and triumph along with these broken but determined souls. I love them so much! ^_^ These are definitely some characters who’ve wrapped themselves around my heart. (Yes, including Cade. He may be arrogant at times, but I still love him! He wasn’t in it much, but I was so glad he got to come in near the end like that! :D He’s still one of my favorites despite everything, and I will not apologize. :P CADE.) Even the villains are written in such a compelling way that they seem human too. There was one in particular I hoped for a better ending for, but... ah well.

Another thing I found delightful was the Song and what the Songkeeper can do—it was such a unique thing and made me love this fantasy world even more! A unique “magic system” for lack of a better term (gift?) helps set apart a fantastic series from a merely good one. I just love all the stuff about the Song, and it was wonderful to see Birdie come into her own at last! Also her humility in not taking the credit to herself but pointing it back to the Master Singer. Christian fantasy done absolutely RIGHT. <3

Some of it can also be fun, too! The little moments of humor or wonder made my day. ^_^ The writing, too, is gorgeous—effortlessly drawing the reader along and painting everything so vividly, in soul-stirring moments of near-poetry at times. Gillian Bronte Adams is definitely a talented author, and this is her best book yet. (Sometimes I was reminded of another of my favorites, Lloyd Alexander, at his best—which is high praise from me. :))

The plot was exciting too! It brings so many threads together from throughout the trilogy and ties most of them together so that everything falls in place in an utterly right and satisfying way. I’m not going to spoil anything, but WOW. That ending! So epic and thrilling! (And I got a slight Arthurian vibe, which is always welcome. ;))

SONG OF LEIRA is a breathtaking, fulfilling, and so rewarding conclusion to what has been a beautiful journey of a fantasy trilogy, masterfully penned and threading its way through my heart. It brings you through the darkest shadows of night and on to the glorious rays of dawn. This—THIS—is what epic fantasy with echoes of truth is meant to be.

I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher (thanks!) and was not required to write a positive review. These opinions are entirely my own. ...more

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May 30, 2018 k.m.s. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, favorites, enclave-publishing, christian-fiction, epic-themes, arcs

Epic. Incredible. I cried. Though there were some technical elements I felt could have been stronger, the STORY was awesome. Full review to come soon :D

UPDATE: full review below

Truly the most powerful, epic Christian fantasy I've read in a long time. The cliffhanger ending of Songkeeper left me with high hopes for Song of Leira, and the story did not disappoint. It's definitely become of my favorite reads of 2018.

PLOT
The plot starts off a bit slow, but I've come to realize that epic fantasies te ...more

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Jun 12, 2018 Tricia Mingerink rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christian-fantasy-and-spec-fic

This book is amazing! It ends just how the series needs to end!

A more detailed review will be coming, but for now, just know it is beautiful and you should go out and read this series right now.

More detailed, updated review:

After the heart-wrenching cliffhanger-y ending of Songkeeper, I wasn’t sure how this series could batter my heart more or how it would end. I just knew I wanted the ending to be epic.

And, it was. Ky and Birdie really come into their own in this book. They both become leader ...more

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Jun 06, 2018 Sarah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: a-whole-new-world, fantasy

This, my friends, is a book well worth waiting for.

Ok, so, two years isn't that long of a wait— not compared to how long some authors have taken to release new books. But with our favorite characters in dire straits, fans of the Songkeeper Chronicles have been anxiously waiting for this final installment to reassure us that, yes, the Takhran will be defeated, Amos, Birdie, Ky, and the rest will live, and the Song will be restored. And now that that book is here and those questions can be answere ...more

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May 27, 2018 Bryn Shutt rated it it was amazing

The swansong to The Songkeeper Chronicles played a tune of 411 measures (pages). The main melody and underlying harmonies shifted their moods over and and again from humorous and heartwarming to convicting and thought provoking then on to brutal and just plain savage. The heart pounding measure "moments" and most importantly the "saw that coming but still I'm gobsmacked" were the ones I turned back the "tune" to "replay" again and again.

Adams has definitely come on a long journey through this tr ...more

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May 19, 2018 Jane Maree rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favourites

As the finale of the trilogy, Song of Leira is overflowing, cover-to-cover, with glorious breathtaking awesomeness. I had high expectations for this book, and I wasn't let down at all.

The whole book is a bit of a blur because I just couldn't stop turning the pages. The first act was a little slow action-wise, but even through that the tension was strung taut beneath every scene. The mood and emotion grew more and more tense with each chapter.

The characters are still so amazing. Ky wins the award ...more

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May 31, 2018 Matthew Sampson rated it really liked it

Song of Leira was definitely one of my most anticipated reads for the year! I loved the other two books in the series: I said that Orphan’s Song “captures the quality of a song—melodious, lyrical, wrought with the loving care and concern of a master wordsmith” and, about Songkeeper, that “Adams hits the perfect pitch of emotions in this book and ends on a note of quiet awe and longing.” And so, musical puns quite aside, how could I say no when Gillian offered the readers on her email list a chan ...more

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Aug 19, 2018 Claire Banschbach rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, to-re-read, christian

This book!!

I will say the first half was a little slow and maybe a tad bit repetitive and it seemed like nothing much happened. But then everything started happening along with all of the emotions! Birdie really comes into her own in the second half, as does Ky.

Characters from the first two books come back for appearances in good and bad ways, leaving you biting your nails. ;) There was some really cool symbolism, and some epic action sequences. This book is just good, ok. It's basically a whol ...more

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Jun 25, 2018 Rebekah Gyger rated it really liked it

After the dark, gruesome ending of Songkeeper, I was not sure where Song of Leira would pick up. While the cover speaks of victory, the ending of the last book was so disheartened that I did not know what to hope for in this. From the beginning it seems that the characters feel the discouragement of the last book as well. Most of them are defeated and broken, unsure of how to go on.

Honestly, I was not a fan of those first few chapters. The characters wallowed for some time and, though I recogniz ...more

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Jul 03, 2021 STARLA ROSE rated it it was amazing

A lovely book!

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Jul 31, 2018 Sierra Faith rated it it was amazing

Such an epic conclusion! Love, love, love!

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May 19, 2018 Alice rated it it was amazing

I was not disappointed by this dramatic climax of the Songkeeper Chronicles.

People just kept turning up. Randoms from all through the series (that I had forgotten about) would turn up when you least expected them. (view spoiler)

I enjoyed the themes it brought up in the book. The struggle of how we can pursue peace even while at war.

There was hope even in the darkness. There was a purpose behind what happened. Someone was in con ...more

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May 24, 2018 Andrew Miller rated it it was amazing

Birdie longs for peace; but in a world torn by war, does peace have any place? Beaten by the Takhran, Birdie and Gundhrold have fled to the mountains in hopes of joining forces with the dwarves barricaded in Cadel-Gidhar, the chief dwarven stronghold of the Whyndburg Mountains. Birdie’s friend Ky is also making for the fortress, leading the remnants of the Underground, hoping for a safe haven from the Khelari. But little does either party realize that Cadel-Gidhar is already besieged by the Takh Birdie longs for peace; but in a world torn by war, does peace have any place? Beaten by the Takhran, Birdie and Gundhrold have fled to the mountains in hopes of joining forces with the dwarves barricaded in Cadel-Gidhar, the chief dwarven stronghold of the Whyndburg Mountains. Birdie’s friend Ky is also making for the fortress, leading the remnants of the Underground, hoping for a safe haven from the Khelari. But little does either party realize that Cadel-Gidhar is already besieged by the Takhran’s forces. If the defenders of the north fall, what hope will remain for Birdie and her friends?
The third installment in the Songkeeper Chronicles, Song of Leira completes the trilogy well. One thing that can be said about Gillian is her writing is quite elegant; her descriptions of places and actions flow well through the scenes, painting a picture that the reader’s imagination has little trouble visualizing, all without detracting from the current of the story. This is certainly the best of the series, both in the technical and the story elements. The plot is more engaging than the previous two installments (that is not to say that they weren’t interesting; Song of Leira is merely more so); and as one would expect, the author’s craft has improved as well. As with any book, however, that does not mean the story is without issue. There are a few potential loose threads, depending on how much stock one reads into certain developments throughout the book. For example, Ky and a girl named Slack both want to lead what is left of the Underground after Cade’s abandonment; the conflict between them is a major point early on in the story. But as the scope of Ky’s plotline broadens, his conflict with Slack is pushed to the background, until it essentially disappears from the overarching plot; the author ends up tying it off rather messily. But that can and should be forgiven, as this is her first series; loose ends seem to be a common occurrence with a debut author.
On the philosophy of the book, there are also some interesting developments, one of which was quite a surprise. If one were to ask if this was a “Christian” series, as in, does it have a Jesus figure in the story; it would appear based on the first two books that there is not one. That does not make it un-Christian, but by some definitions it would not fall under that category. However, it turns out that there is one such character present in the story. They were certainly unlooked for as a character, though not unwelcome. Such a development is quite, for lack of a better term, sneaky; one reads the book, thinking, “Oh, what a lovely fantasy tale,” little knowing that they are ingesting the Gospel message.
Song of Leira is a hope-filled tale in a world of hopelessness (both the story-world and the real one). Darkness grows while those who choose good struggle to find their role in the battle against evil. But in the end, hope prevails, bringing refreshing and life to a broken land. In this, the book speaks to the deepest need of our world today. The fix for brokenness is not more laws, nor is it even the answer most people look to today, love. It is more than that; it is God’s love, shown us in the Person of Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Song of Leira echoes this in spectacular fashion as a River of melody flooding through a dry and thirsty land. And that, oh reader, is where a True Story gets its power.
...more

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Jun 05, 2018 Jonny rated it it was amazing

I was given a pre-release of this book, but had purchased the previous two books in the series on my own. I would love to go into the specifics, but also find it hard trying to not give away key plot twists and turns. It is a fitting conclusion to the story of Birdie (The Songkeeper) and Ky. There are some curveballs in the series I didn't see coming, but it finished with a great ending.

I feel like the story of the trilogy is really one of perseverance. Gillian Bronte Adams doesn't hold back fr ...more

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May 29, 2018 Mechelle rated it really liked it

The ending was really awesome but a little hard to get there for me. I really wanted a little more of the awesome ending thru out the whole book with a final bang. It did end with my three favorite characters and that was a plus.

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Jul 04, 2021 Lou Allen rated it really liked it

Shelves: christian-fantasy

7/10. It was good to read the final installment in this Christian Fantasy trilogy. I particularly enjoyed the last quarter of the book and how it ended.
I found earlier parts of the book slow at times. There was more internal conflict and less travel around the world than the first two books.
Nevertheless, the last part gave me the ending that I had been waiting for since reading the end of book two.

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Dec 07, 2017 Phoenix Loxley rated it it was amazing

YAAAAAASSSS. I'VE WAITED WAY TOO LONG FOR THIS!!!!!!!! ...more

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Dec 20, 2019 Ian rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle, christian-fiction, series, speculative-fiction, christian-fantasy, epic-tale, trilogy, holy-spirit

This was a surprising delight of a read. Not having read the first two in the series I had expected to struggle to get into the story so quickly but that wasn’t the case at all. I found it very easy to pick up and Adams did a good job of explaining the ‘missing pieces’ from the previous two novels.

The story begins with Birdie and Ky grappling to keep their people alive. They’ve clearly been on the receiving end of brutal treatment by the Takhran, which has robbed them of their leaders so it’s le This was a surprising delight of a read. Not having read the first two in the series I had expected to struggle to get into the story so quickly but that wasn’t the case at all. I found it very easy to pick up and Adams did a good job of explaining the ‘missing pieces’ from the previous two novels.

The story begins with Birdie and Ky grappling to keep their people alive. They’ve clearly been on the receiving end of brutal treatment by the Takhran, which has robbed them of their leaders so it’s left to these two to sort out a clear future path. The story had a Lord of the Rings feel to me, with the darkness surrounding the evil Takhran whose fortress we later discover is in the Pit, and underground hideaway that can be accessed by a series of joining tunnels.

The Takhran are gradually assuming all the good tribes and enslaving their peoples to hardship, essentially making weapons for their armies. Birdie and Ky really don’t stand a chance but like LOTR an unlikely alliance of tribes comes together to battle the Takhran, which involves striking a number of key camps before a final conflict in the Pit to determine who will rule the land.

Birdie. Oh my. What a fabulous character. She has a unique calling, possessing the ability to hear all the melodies playing in everyone’s spirits. But most significantly she has a connection with the Master Singer who equips her with the power of song to defeat all manner of dark opposition. The analogy to the Holy Spirit was breathtaking and the undercurrent of the song’s power and influence throughout the story was wonderful. It is one of the best analogies I’ve read in Christian fiction.

But like the Holy Spirit, we’ve got to step into the power with humility and obedience allowing ourselves to be the vessel by which the song is released to bring glory to the Master Singer. Birdie grapples with her obedience and weakness throughout the story but through encouragement from others she, in her weakness and desire for good, is able to act as the saving vessel.

Ky is an intriguing character, full of immature bravado that cause him to make a number of decisions which put others at risk. I’m not sure he ever succeeds in being able to look beyond his passionate pursuit to find his long lost friend and make decisions for the best of the ever-growing tribe. Admittedly his willingness to rescue other slaves in the process is a noble one plus invite them without duress to join his ‘army’.

And the otherworldly creatures are fantastic. Gundhrold, the griffin, steals the how for much of the first half of the story. The deadly mythical beasts the Takhran have at their disposal, the 3-headed chimera for example, are frightening. I loved how Adams weaved these creatures throughout the story. There is much brutality which could challenge some readers but like LOTR its not gratuitous rather reflecting the evil of the times.

But it’s the theme of hope that captured my heart. There is much evil in this world but we have a Master Singer who is full of goodness, love and hope. He equips us all with those same attributes if we choose to follow His lead and allow His song to transform us in order for His glory.

I look forward to what Adams has in store next.

Go buy this book.
...more

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Jun 18, 2018 Clare S-B rated it really liked it

Shelves: christian-fiction

This book is beautiful, a very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. I did get worried at one point when a new character looked like he might take over the climax, but he didn't quite. The use of the song power is in some ways impersonal compared to some magic systems, but this one is obviously meant to be an analogy of faith, and not just a magic system so it works in quite a different way. It is such a beautiful magic too, when Birdie uses it. How she hears the music flowing through everything ...more

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Feb 08, 2019 Kim Gregory rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I don't know why, but I struggled with the second and third books in this series. I think that it was so packed with things happening that I sometimes felt lost. I wanted the SongKeeper to be stronger. I wish she had had someone to come alongside her and teach her rather than speaking to her in cryptic phrases that neither of us understood. I think she could have been far more effective and confident if someone had taught her about God (I can't remember what He was called in the story) and how t ...more

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Jul 02, 2018 Carol R Gehringer rated it it was amazing

In Song of Leira, the young Songkeeper Birdie retreats into the mountainside after her journey into the Pit and the battle that ensued. The casualty count was high, and she sang many to their final rest. This strengthened her resolve to fight evil, despite the cost and rebuilds hope in many. Former street thief Ky enlists Birdie’s aid to free the captives from the slave camps, but Takhtan has singers of his own leading his army. When all looks darkest, Birdie answers the call.

Adams pens a tight ...more

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Jul 31, 2018 Jason Joyner rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, speculative-fiction

I've been amazed at the first two books in the Songkeeper series. Beautiful writing pared with heartbreaking adventure and deep characters fighting to keep above the evil plans of the Khelari.

Song of Leira continues the strong storytelling and leads to an explosive conclusion. There's a lovely melancholy as characters must battle their doubts and demons along with the plot of the antagonists. The author's eye for detail and lush description keeps a reader pulled along.

This is a very strong fin ...more

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Mar 30, 2019 Karin rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy

I jumped right into this story expecting to be a bit confused (I grabbed book three instead of book one), but decided to press on anyone. I felt like the author did a good job of introducing me to what was going on (even coming into the trilogy late), though it would have been nice to have a list of characters or something like that. Even without it, I was able to follow.

That said, I think the book could have been significantly shorter. Nothing really happens for the first 100 pages, and even af ...more

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Jan 03, 2021 A.M. Reynwood rated it really liked it

A sweeping conclusion to the trilogy, to be sure! This book had such depth of despair and hope, desolation and renewal, portraying the tumultuous and confliction emotions of savage war and slavery, awash with monsters, mayhem, and magic - all carried on the threads of a song slowly building to a wild and triumphant crescendo.

I could appreciate how much Birdie struggled with compassion in the face of so much evil, and Ky with grace and rage as he battled Slack's animosity and his own sufficiency ...more

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Jun 24, 2018 C.R. Leverette rated it it was amazing

*I was given an advance reader copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing*

An astoundingly fantastic end to the series!
The constant, persistent theme of hope amidst the darkest doubt and despair resonated with me. To see the growth of the characters and the way they all found their place was immensely satisfying.

This is certainly a unique brand of fantasy and I loved all of the elements that were included. The creatures were fun, the people were easy to relate to, and world was well-built.
I c ...more

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Sep 22, 2019 Rachel rated it really liked it

It was a good, empowering end. I think I connect more to this book than the previous two. I liked how the characters grew and spending more time with Ky. I could feel his frustration. The ending we well done and powerful. There might have been a little too much going on in this final book. There were parts that seemed rushed. Also, there were a couple characters I was thinking "What happened to them?" but that might have been covered and I just forgot. Just goes to show how well I was paying att ...more

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Sep 15, 2018 Gloria rated it it was amazing

I loved this series. To me, book 3 did start a little slow, but once the characters decided to take action, the action pulled me in. Interesting concept of both the river and the song. Liked the characters. Liked the symbolism. Liked the message. Even liked the struggle. I recommend this series. Enjoy.

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Oct 22, 2018 Ratna rated it really liked it

Great book✨

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Jan 19, 2019 Leticia rated it it was amazing

A great book that moves along at a good pace. You care about the characters . A great way to end a series.

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Feb 27, 2019 Sally rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christian, fantasy, christian-fiction, allegory

A gripping finale to a fantastic trilogy. This was my favourite of the three books.

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About Gillian Bronte Adams

Gillian Bronte Adams

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Gillian Bronte Adams is a sword-wielding, horse-riding, wander-loving fantasy author, rarely found without a coffee in hand and rumored to pack books before clothes when she hits the road. Working in youth ministry left her with a passion for journeying alongside children and teens. (It also enhanced her love of coffee.) Now, she writes novels that follow outcast characters down broken roads, thro ...more