For teens captivated by sprawling fantasy worlds, this epic tale explores courage, destiny, and the power of ancient magic in a fight against encroaching darkness.
A parent might reach for this book for a teen grappling with feelings of immense pressure or destiny, who finds comfort in stories of perseverance against impossible odds. This is the fourth and final book in the Pellinor quartet, a sprawling high fantasy epic. It follows siblings Maerad and Hem, who are separated by war but hold the two halves of a magical song powerful enough to save their world. As the dark forces of the Nameless One close in, they must both survive perilous journeys to unite and fulfill their destiny. The story explores themes of courage, the trauma of war, family bonds, and accepting one's true identity. It's a fitting conclusion for readers aged 13 and up who love deep world-building and a story that doesn't shy away from the costs of heroism.
A main character is actively grieving a friend's death. Other characters die as a result of war.
Scary ScenesModerate
An unnatural, fatal snowstorm, a magical siege, and a character nearly losing control of immense power.
Sad ThemesModerate
Includes themes of grief, loss, the trauma of war, and the heavy burdens of destiny.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the consequences of war, including destruction, death of friends and allies, and the psychological trauma of conflict. Hem's journey is colored by his grief for a friend, which is handled directly and with emotional weight. Maerad's near-death experience and struggle to control her overwhelming power is a central conflict. The resolution is ultimately hopeful but acknowledges the deep scars and losses incurred along the way.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 14-17, who has read the previous three books in the series. This reader loves complex, lore-rich high fantasy in the vein of Tolkien or Le Guin. They are patient with intricate world-building and appreciate characters who wrestle with immense responsibility and the emotional toll of their heroic burdens.
Parent Prep
This is not a standalone book; context from the first three is essential. Parents should be prepared for intense scenes of fantasy violence, magical battles, and peril. The emotional themes of grief, loss, and the trauma of war are significant. Maerad's struggle with her own power can be frightening and intense. A parent notices their teen is drawn to complex fantasy worlds and stories about destiny and great responsibility. The teen might be expressing feelings of being overwhelmed and could benefit from a narrative that validates those feelings while modeling perseverance and the importance of connection.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will be captivated by the epic adventure, the magical battles, and the desperate quest for the siblings to reunite. An older teen (15-17) is more likely to engage with the deeper themes: the nature of power, the cost of war, the philosophical weight of destiny, and the complex portrayal of good versus evil.
What Makes It Special
What sets this series apart is its lyrical prose and the centrality of music as its magic system. The destiny is not shouldered by a single chosen one but is split between two siblings, highlighting collaboration and familial bonds as the ultimate source of power and hope.
Read plot summary
The final book in the Pellinor series, The Singing follows the separate but converging paths of siblings Maerad and Hem. Maerad, now a powerful Bard, must defend the city of Innail from a magical siege, a battle that forces her to confront the dangerous, elemental extent of her own power. Meanwhile, her younger brother Hem travels through a war-torn landscape, carrying the second half of the legendary Treesong. He grieves a recent loss while facing his own trials, knowing he must reach his sister. The narrative builds to their eventual reunion and the final confrontation with the dark lord, Sharma, where they must combine their powers to save their world.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Maerad’s power nearly consumes her until Cadvan calls her by her Truename, Elednor. Why is knowing one’s true name and identity so powerful in this story?
2
The Treesong is split between Maerad’s lyre and Hem’s tuning fork. What does this physical split say about the importance of family and collaboration in overcoming great evil?
3
Hem continues his journey while actively mourning his friend Zelika. How does his grief shape his actions and his determination to reach Maerad?
4
The story ends a massive, world-spanning conflict. Do you feel the resolution was satisfying? What do you think the world of Edil-Amarandh will be like after the Singing?
