Song for the Basilisk by Patricia A. McKillipMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
4+ stars, more than 4, somewhat less than 5.
This was a rich fantasy world, riding the line between history and myth. McKillip's writing revealed a dreamy world, where music has incredible power if you know how to use it and people wield unusual powers.
The villain of the piece, the Basilisk of the title, is a man whose ruthlessness is on display. Like the creature on his crest, he can turn people to stone with his gaze and spit poison at his enemies. One of his daughters has studied beside him in his lab and shares these abilities.
How can a mere musician stand up to such a power? He can visit the hinterlands, learning the power of various instruments and songs. He can regain his blocked memories and return to the city where it all began.
If you are a fan of writers like Guy Gavriel Kay, Charles de Lint, or Robin Hobb, I suspect that you will also like McKillip. They all share that blend of magical fantasy and medieval settings that I am personally addicted to.
Book number 394 of my Science Fiction & Fantasy Reading Project.
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