title: Darksong Rising (Spellsong Cycle, Book 3)
author:  L. E. Modesitt Jr. 
description: The third volume of Modesitt's popular Spellsong Cycle may be its conclusion, but enough loose ends remain to both create realism and allow another trilogy--a felicitous combination for a saga in which music is a source of magic and a bereaved voice teacher from Iowa becomes a mighty ruler. Anna Marshall is now undisputed regent of the fantastic realm of Defalk. Everyone there seems to want their own way in spite of her authority, however, starting with Jimbob, the youthful heir to Defalk who is now well into his teens and suffering from an excess of male pride and adolescent enthusiasm. Keeping him out of trouble creates numerous diverting episodes, as do the intrigues of various nobles, local and foreign, who cannot deny either Anna's power as a wizard or their own distaste for obeying a woman. The Defalkan musicians, the accompanists to Anna's magic, are loyal--but small-group politics afflict even their ranks. Indeed, the suspense and tension in Anna's situation is created largely by her having more to do than any three people could, even without opposition--and she meets resistance at every turn. Modesitt's knowledge of academic politics is also a fruitful source of plot complications. Despite a somewhat episodic treatment and occasional plot lags, this novel is yet further evidence that Modesitt can tell an entertaining story, with panache. Author tour. (Jan.) <br />Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
zlib_text: DARKSONG
  RISING
  BOOK THREE OF THE SPELLSONG CYCLE
  L. E. MODESITT JR.
  ATOM DOHERTY ASSOCIATES BOOK
  NEW YORK
  To and for the sorceress
  who made this all possible-Carol Ann
  Note: If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this
  book is stolen property. It was reported as "unsold and destroyed" to the
  pubIisher, and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for
  this "stripped book."
  This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this book
  at either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.
  DARKSONG RISING
  Copyiight (c) 1999 by LE Modesitt, Jr.
  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions
  thereof, in any form.
  Edited by David G. Hartwell
  A Tor Book
  Published by Tom Doherty Associates, LLC
  175 Fifth Avenue
  New York, NY 10010
  www.tor.com 
  Tor is a registered trademark of Tom Doherty Associates, LLC. ISBN 0-812-56668-8
  First edition: October 1999
  First mass market edition: Janu