cover image The Singer's Crown

The Singer's Crown

Elaine Isaak. Eos, $14.95 (469pp) ISBN 978-0-06-078253-5

Kattanan duRhys, the appealing hero of Isaak's engaging fantasy debut, is a singer whose golden voice came at the expense of his manhood. He was castrated as a child, when his uncle, Duke Thorgir, usurped his father's throne and murdered his family, sparing only his ""favorite nephew,"" but rendering him unable to bear children who could threaten his reign. Since then, Kattanan has served master after master, his incredible talent making him the perfect gift to exchange for favors. His days of being passed around end-and his real adventures begin-when he's given to Princess Melisande of Berenholt as a betrothal gift. From here on, the story follows some predictable plot lines. Still, many of the details are moving, and the prose is taut. Rivals become fast friends, blood enemies fall in love and families unite and fly apart at breakneck speed. Despite its flaws, this stand-alone is an enjoyable read, and fans are likely to eagerly await Isaak's next book.