352p.
Publisher: Tor
Available Now
Source: From Tor for review
Alex Bledsoe’s The Hum and the Shiver was named one of the Best Fiction Books of 2011 by Kirkus Reviews. Now with Wisp of a Thing Bledsoe returns to the isolated ridges and hollows of the Smoky Mountains to spin an equally enchanting tale of music and magic older than the hills…
Touched by a very public tragedy, musician Rob Quillen comes to Cloud County, Tennessee, in search of a song that might ease his aching heart. All he knows of the mysterious and reclusive Tufa is what he has read on the internet: they are an enigmatic clan of swarthy, black-haired mountain people whose historical roots are lost in myth and controversy. Some people say that when the first white settlers came to the Appalachians centuries ago, they found the Tufa already there. Others hint that Tufa blood brings special gifts.
Rob finds both music and mystery in the mountains. Close-lipped locals guard their secrets, even as Rob gets caught up in a subtle power struggle he can’t begin to comprehend. A vacationing wife goes missing, raising suspicions of foul play, and a strange feral girl runs wild in the woods, howling in the night like a lost spirit.My thoughts:
Change is coming to Cloud County, and only the night wind knows what part Rob will play when the last leaf falls from the Widow’s Tree…and a timeless curse must be broken at last.
I had read the first book, The Hum and the Shiver, which surprised me. I really enjoyed that book and it was a different kind of paranormal story. While you could probably get into the story without reading the first book, I do not suggest it. There are some subtle background to this world you understand better if you read it in order. It makes this book flow better.
In this book we are thrown back into the Tufa world though the eyes of Rob Quillen who looks like a Tufa, but isn't connected to them by blood. Having been sent to the area in search of a song to heal a broken heart he finds much more than he bargained. He also finds that helping others helps the pain to be less severe. He also stumbles on a age old mystery that has held a community captive. We also find out that there are even more mysteries than we first thought and through the story it shows us where the mysteries lie and how to solve them. The only question left is if they will be brave enough to use the solution.
I give this book 4 stars. It is a good second book and I really enjoyed the dark ethereal world. Those that like unusual and inventive stories of the fae and music will really like this series.
Interesting. I do not really know what to make of this one
ReplyDeleteI think you would like this one. It's not YA. ;)
DeleteAnything different is a nice change especially as the paranormal world seems to be getting very crowded these days! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'd really love to see what you think of this series. I do think you would enjoy it a lot!
DeleteHuh. This one sounds really interesting! I do love book with music and throw in some fae and I'm all over it. I'll have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteOh I do think this one would surprise you.
DeleteOh, wow, I don't think I've ever heard of these before. In fact, I know I didn't, but they certainly sound original, especially Tufa. I really need to add book 1 to my tbr. It'll make for a nice change.
ReplyDeleteI think you'd love the fantasy part in it as well as how it came about. :D
DeleteHmm, not sure if I like this book, but I do like the fact the first book surprise you. Books that catch me unexpected rocks.
ReplyDeleteThere is some romance in both books, so you may enjoy them. :D
DeleteMelissa! You started with book one! I'm so proud:) I haven't heard much about this series, but you know I'm a fan of dark worlds, so I think I need to check this series out! Glad the second book is so strong and doesn't fall into so many of the middle book traps!
ReplyDeleteHa ha! Now you know I can read in order. ;)
DeleteDefinitely sounds like an intriguing book. I'm glad you read the books in order and found it worthwhile. :) I'm not sure I'd enjoy this one though...I like the music aspect, however.
ReplyDeleteI do think you would enjoy it. I found it very surprising! :D
DeleteWait? You started with the first book? Are you feeling ok? I mean do I need to come out there and check on you?
ReplyDeleteDark and ethreal sounds fantastic :)
You would also love the mystery aspect to it. :)
DeleteMystery! Now I am totally intrigued :)
DeleteOk, usually you tell me this is book four and you haven't read the others, so it took me a minute to digest that you had already read the previous book..LOL This sounds interesting and wrapped in mystery. I like the cover, i didn't see the girl right away and then she just popped from the image.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you talked about the cover. You don't know how much that is perfect for this book! :)
Deleteit's nice to have something different like that. I don't know if I know the series but well who knows, maybe one day.
ReplyDeleteI love the titles for this series. So original. I'm sure if it's for me but yay for originality!
ReplyDeleteYou know this is an author I see just about everywhere. I need to check out the work. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a well done world, and glad you enjoyed the second booK!
ReplyDeleteReading in order? I'm so proud of you! Glad to hear you enjoyed this. I love the cover, and it sounds like my kind of read. I'll have to check out The Hum and the Shiver. Lovely review! :-)
ReplyDeleteWow you really do recommend to read in order? lol. Glad you enjoyed the book Melissa.
ReplyDelete