Rhapsody: Child of Blood
Rhapsody: Child of Blood is the first book in The Symphony of Ages by Elizabeth Haydon, and was first published in 1999 by Tor Books. The story is continued in Prophecy: Child of Earth.
Plot summary
Rhapsody: Child of Blood is a fantasy/adventure novel, though it opens with a strong romantic scene. The main story begins in Easton, when the protagonist Rhapsody finds herself in jeopardy, having refused the advances of Michael, the self-titled Wind of Death. In her attempt to get away, she falls in with two mysterious men named Grunthor and Achmed and soon finds herself the unwilling accomplice in their own escape. Though they run from their pasts, they eventually realize that no one can outrun their destinies.
Mythological elements
Rhapsody: Child of Blood draws on myriad different world mythologies. For example, the first Sleeping Child in the book can be likened to Jormundgandr from Norse mythology, with its waking similarly bringing about the end of the world. In addition, the different races—Lirin, Bolg, Nain, and so on—bear a great many similarities to the elves, ogres, and dwarves recognizable in Gaelic and Eastern European tradition. The Symphony of Ages series is unique in the way that these classic mythologies are blended together to create a story that is familiar and yet at the same time, fresh and unique.
Main characters
- Rhapsody – Child of Sky, Namer and Singer. A young woman of human and Lirin descent, she is a talented musician who uses music as a force to change the world around her. Having suffered a great deal of trauma, she's become self-sufficient by necessity but is prone to bouts of melancholy when she thinks about all she has lost. Rhapsody is also unnaturally beautiful as a consequence of her journey, a fact that she refuses to acknowledge and brings her more trouble than fortune.
- Achmed the Snake – Child of Blood, Assassin. A man of unknown age and mixed Dhracian and Firbolg heritage who leads Rhapsody and Grunthor on their journey, and who ultimately (by the climax of this book) unites the Firbolg race in the nation of Ylorc.
- Grunthor – Child of Earth, Warrior. A gigantic man of mixed Firbolg and Bengard descent who is Rhapsody's first protector even before their journey begins. He is Achmed's loyal sergeant and follows him without question.
Miscellaneous
- F'dor – Race of evil demons born of Fire
- Serendair – Island where Time first began
- Sagia – Oak of Deep Roots
- Daystar Clarion – Legendary Star Sword from Serendair