Preview
  • Master of Music

  • The Bardic Isles Series: Book One
  • By: Marla Himeda
  • Narrated by: Will Hahn
  • Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (6 ratings)

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Master of Music

By: Marla Himeda
Narrated by: Will Hahn
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Publisher's summary

Not long after the Druids came to Eire, the Bards mysteriously vanished from the annals of history, fleeing their native shores to begin life on a remote chain of islands … the Bardic Isles. Over two hundred years later, a village boy is born with a gift of music that hasn't been seen since the exodus from Eire. Not understanding what he possesses, seven-year-old Kaelin is convinced his music is responsible for an unforgivable act.

Suffused with guilt, he plays his homemade flute only in the privacy of the woods and buries it every night before returning home. Four years later, a Master Bard visits the village and plays the music Kaelin played in the woods the night before. To the boy’s shock, no one is hurt by it. When the Master leaves, Kaelin faces a decision … can he bring himself to follow the only person who might be able to free the torturous music within him? And if his music is freed, can he live with the consequences?

Fans of Anne McCaffrey’s “Pern” series and Mercedes Lackey’s “Bardic Voices” will love this book, but you will find no dragons or magical beings within. This is pure, character-driven storytelling, and the only thing that places it in the world of fantasy is the incredible power of music itself.

Unique in the fantasy genre, it is also a first-of-a-kind audiobook, with music of the Bardic Isles that's vividly described in the book, all of which was composed by the author. Enjoy your trip to the Bardic Isles!

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Marla Himeda (P)2024 Marla Himeda
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Critic reviews

"A superb first book. The story is incredible, the characters simply remarkable." — Reader Views

“A captivating tale with a strong, memorable protagonist. Perfect for music lovers!” — The Wishing Shelf

“Music is magic in this charming, richly written apprenticeship fantasy.” — BookLife Prize

What listeners say about Master of Music

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

My wish is that everyone could hear this story.

This story brought this listener on a journey through her own hearts relationship with music. It is profound recapitulate of the story told through its characters.

And I will listen to it many many times over, until the next book in the series arrives!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A tremendous listening experience!

Marla Himeda has written a superb tale of a boy with an exceptional gift. The story follows a hero's journey as the boy, Kaelin, travels with and learns from his master teacher. It is an engaging tale, and Himeda is a superb wordsmith, be it prose, poetry, or lyrics. Though fantasy, there are no dragons or mystical creatures. Music is the magic in this tale.

What sets this audible version apart from many is the listening experience. Will Hahn has an excellent voice for narration, and he brings the characters to life. The book also includes many sound effects that make listening an almost cinematic experience. These effects are subtle and beautifully done to enhance the storytelling.

Himeda is a fine writer and a "Master of Music" in her own right! She composed music for this Audible version of her book. We hear the music as the story tells of its creation and performance. Again, this is a near-cinematic experience that draws one into the story.

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what a fun abetting

I think I loved all of this book I hope the next one is as good

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