Review by hyperjoy7 (2005-10-15)
In this novel, Orson Scott Card evidences an exquisite grasp of the workings of the human psyche and human relationships, and how both are affected by the power dynamics inherent in society.

The characters -- main characters and comparatively minor characters, both -- are three-dimensional; this is story not of "good guys" and "bad guys" but of realistic human beings in a fantastical world, where song has the power to reduce even the most powerful players in intergalactic politics to tears and individuals are as believably contradictory as they are in the real world.

Card's descriptive skills, too, are showcased in this book. Descriptions of the Songhouse singers' -- and especially Ansset's -- singing is so superb that the reader can almost hear the singers' voices.

This book is highly recommended to anyone who enjoys spectacular writing, depthful characterization, and out-of-this-world descriptive technique.

Review by sqbr (2003-07-05)
A bit overly melodramatic and angsty in my opinion. Effectively so, however, if thats you're cup of tea.