McKillip's use of language is amazing but the story and the characters are not very interesting. I like how past and present come together at some point but the plot is rather weak and much of the story is bland, and the twists that do add some excitement, you can see coming from miles away. Having read the book, I can't help but draw a comparison between McKillip and an archaeologist discovering something in the earth. She uses a very delicate touch, the work progresses at a slow pace, every layer of dust removed is examined, and more often than not you will end up with just another shard of pottery that is really only interesting to a small group of specialists.I think that even if you know and love McKillip's books you can't argue with the fact that this one is rather dull and monotonous, and as such won't appeal to a lot of people.70/100 A fantasy story about the power of music and words. Two plotlines intertwine, one of the past and one of the present, with the bard Nairn as the central character, who gets a second chance to match up to his life's challenge and redeem himself from the curse of eternal wandering. The writing is really magical and the plot is OK - though there was potential for a better story, including for a more satisfying ending. The characters could have been better developed as well. Overall I liked it though - it is a nice book. :)
What do You think about The Bards Of Bone Plain (2010)?
Another fantastic, poetic, and thought provoking story from a wonderful author
—sayana
A must read. Never saw it coming how it was going to end
—Chuck
