The Chanters of Tremaris #2: The Waterless Sea - Hardcover

Constable, Kate

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0439554802 ISBN 13: 9780439554800

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2005

Synopsis

The sequel to the critically acclaimed THE SINGER OF ALL SONGS draws readers even deeper into the magical world of Tremaris -- and presents a temptation Calwyn may not be able to overcome. . . .

The second novel in the captivating Chanters of Tremaris trilogy follows Calwyn and her friends to the desolate Merithuran Empire. As they search for a group of kidnapped children who have the gift of chantment, they must negotiate both the unforgiving desert and the even more treacherous Palace of Cobwebs, where they uncover the dreadful secret that holds the Empire together. Meanwhile, Darrow has broken away from the group to form a new alliance of his own. Can he still be trusted? In this book, Calwyn's quest for peace and justice has greater consequences than she ever could have imagined.

About this title

Review

In this tightly woven sequel to The Singer of all Songs, Calwyn and Co., still flush from their success in defeating the evil sorcerer Samis, are now on their way to the Empire of Merithuros. There, they hope to rescue two small siblings who were stolen away from Heben, a fallen prince with a decidedly suspicious nature toward magic makers. Within the lighter-than-air walls of Merithuros’ Palace of Cobwebs, Calwyn finds the children she seeks, but also a terrible secret of how these children and many others have been used and abused by the Empire for their power of chantment. Meanwhile, Darrow, Calwyn’s mysterious mentor and friend, has gone off on a lonely quest to decide the fate of the powerful ruby ring he pried from the dead Samis’s finger. The two will finally meet again within the walls of the Black Palace, where Darrow will declare his feelings, and Calwyn will lose all she holds dear, in the dry desert world of the waterless sea.

The Waterless Sea is the rich centerpiece of the Chanters of Tremaris trilogy; answering questions raised in the first book, while piquing interest in the eagerly awaited third novel. Young readers will have their curiosity about Darrow’s troubled past satisfied, even as they are left hanging in a quietly desperate ending that finds Darrow and Calwyn separated once again. While awaiting the third volume, Tremaris enthusiasts can ease their fantasy jones by checking out the similarly fine Gifts by Ursula K. Le Guin. (Ages 10-14) —Jennifer Hubert

About the Author

KATE CONSTABLE spent much of her childhood in Papua New Guinea, without a television but within reach of a library, where she "inhaled" stories. She studied arts/law at Melbourne University before beginning her life as a writer. The Singer of All Songs was her first published novel. Constable lives in Thornbury, Australia, with her husband and child.

About this edition

• Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0439554802
• ISBN 13: 9780439554800
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320