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Title: Instrument of Fate by Christie Golden ISBN: 0441003222 Publisher: Ace Books Pub. Date: April, 1996 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $5.99

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Average Customer Rating: 4.5

Rating: 4
Summary: Pretty Good, Could Have Been Better
Comment: Finally, life was starting to go well for Gillian Songspynner. She had just won the regional bard title and was on her way to compete at The Castle for the king. But on her way down the stairs, she tripped and crushed her mandolin. Jencir, an elvish bard, begs her to take his lute, a beautifully crafted instrument with a gorgeous tone to the Elf Queen at The Castle. She cannot refuse. However, she later rethinks the elf's largess and goes in search of him. She finds Jencir, only to witness his brutal murder by a dark creature. She flees to her family, but finds that they suffered the same fate. She feels that she has no choice but to take up the dead elf's quest and to try and avenge her family's death. On her way to the Elf Queen, she will be stalked by a demon, sold into slavery, helped by kindly priests, attacked by hideous man-sized rodents and that is just the beginning...

I enjoyed the book quite a bit at first. It is not an especially unusual plot, but it was well told for the most part. However, I did have a hard time believing that so many bad things could befall one person. Also, I felt that the characterization was a little weak and would have enjoyed learning more about the main character. She was loved and admired by many and had a great many talents, but I really didn't feel anything for her. I also really disliked the ending, but I am sure that is just my personal preference. If you enjoy fantasy, I am sure that you would enjoy this book if it comes across your path, but I wouldn't go searching for it.

Rating: 5
Summary: entrancing story and characters
Comment: This is one of the rare books which is both beautifully fufilling as a fairy tale and as dark as the ugliest parts of human nature. The very rich prose should probably be taken in doses to fully appreciate it, otherwise you may find yourself completely lost in Golden's tapestry. I mean that, too: after you read this book you could easily find yourself looking at the world from an entirely different angle for a while. Only once does the plot fall back on overused circumstances, but I think it can be forgiven that for all its other wonderful qualities. The last few pages are some of the most heartbreakingly beautiful I have ever read. Intricate and impressive.