Title: Rhapsody
Author: David Lundgren
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781495250149
Pages: 426
Genre: Fantasy
Reviewed by: Krista Schnee, Pacific Book Review
Book Review
After the struggle to save his beloved home and the battles that later ensued, Raf is definitely in need of a respite. Traveling back with his comrades and the Gerent, he reflects on the previous few days; he discovered his own burgeoning powers as a melforger and healed the Ancients of his home, along with surviving the desert and various difficult encounters. While he has the companionship and support of those traveling with him, Raf is troubled by a darkness that seems to be growing in strength, corrupting the land. Too, they need to somehow return the Gerent to his proper place of leadership. With his cousin attempting to assume control in his absence, though, the path to restoring harmony will be longer than even Raf expects.
Facing military blockades in their attempt to return to Miern, the seat of government for the Gerent, the group is forced to split up and trust unknown people, such as the round and earnest Keppi, with their safety. Raf and the others find themselves whisked across the desert with Keppi, a trip that would begin the final stage of their adventures. In the midst of dangers brought on by the machinations of Pavor, the Gerent’s cousin, Raf explores the extent of his powers. Young and inexperienced, he sometimes brings death and destruction to the various peoples, and yet he never completely succumbs to despair. In order to succeed ultimately, Raf must come of age, maturing both as a young man and as a melforger.
In Rhapsody, the final installment in “The Melforger Chronicles,” David Lundgren provides readers with a riveting conclusion to the story of Raf and his friends. Indeed, the author has utilized elements common to fantasy and classical fiction, and yet he has crafted a story that is unique and will be sure to interest a wide range of readers. A work of fantasy, Lundgren’s novel includes lush forests, disparate cultures, political intrigue, magical powers, and lots of action. However, the book is much more than this; it is ultimately the story of Raf’s becoming a man and fulfilling his destiny in the battle against Pavor. Cheering Raf along as he grows in power and confidence, the reader will eagerly turn the pages of this final book in the series.
What truly sets this book apart, though, is the integral place of music in this story. Lundgren’s background as a musician can be seen in every part of the work, from the melforgers and their powers to the lyrics incorporated into the storyline. This love of music is also present in the descriptions of characters and places; the author’s abilities in this area are remarkable, producing often breathtaking results in imaginative storytelling. Even the most tone deaf of readers will easily hear the music in Rhapsody, both in the more obvious music of the story and the writing itself. This book will definitely appeal to a wide range of readers for its fully-crafted world and cultures, well-paced action, and meaningful themes. Whether they are simply seeking a fun read or a musical tale of coming of age, the reader will find what they desire in David Lundgren’s Rhapsody.
