The Singer’s Crown: This book has nothing

The Singer’s Crown by Elaine Isaak

When I picked up The Singer’s Crown and read the back of it, I thought it sounded pretty generic, but an instinct told me that I should pick it up and give it a try. I don’t know, perhaps I’m desperate for another Carol Berg or Lynn Flewelling. I’m not exactly sure what tree I was barking up here, because Elaine Isaak’s work made this review less of a “Did Not Finish” and more of a “Barely Began”.

The one thing I liked about The Singer’s Crown was that when the blurb on the back talks about Kattanan being mutilated, it means that he was made a eunuch. That was a good twist, right at the beginning, and boy was I glad to see an Evil Usurping Uncle™ that had the brains and good sense to make such a move. The bad guy is almost never that smart. I’m afraid, though, that’s the best I can do. I can’t even give Isaak props for her basic writing structure, because it was clunky and often convoluted.

Normally I try to read at least half a book before giving it a review, but lately I’ve had more and more reasons to break that rule. The Singer’s Crown is horribly written, awkward and vague, with a feeling of being rushed. I wasn’t pulled in by a single one of the characters, hated the selfish, spoiled Princess Melisande, and couldn’t suspend my disbelief enough to tolerate what was going on. I mean, come on now. A scorned suitor who speaks of dabbling in wizardry and our heroes can’t even form a clue as to what sent the dogs into a berserk, murderous rage?

I’m out of patience for this sort of thing. A book that’s written in a style that’s vague, wordy, and convoluted is not brilliant. It’s not good literature. It’s not deserving of patience or effort. Especially not in the case of The Singer’s Crown. Some such books have redeeming factors in the way of interesting characters or exciting action, or something, but this book? This book has nothing. I guess that’s the last time I listen to my instincts.