For any reader passionate about music, science fiction, love, loss, Orson Scott Card, or any combination of attributes, this is a must read.

This is the story of Ansett, a boy with a voice unmatched by any in history. We are taken through his childhood, in both a school setting and as a placement to the most powerful man in the universe. We are carried through his inability to connect, despite an amazing ability to communicate. We are shown his final ability to love, and all of the pain that comes with that ability.

I was saddened by the plot turns which propelled a punishment for a certain kind of love, but was grateful for the tact with which it was handled in the story line. At the same time, I found the discussion of serial relationships compared with simultaneous loves to be a breath of fresh air. (Neither is a main plot point in the novel, but both jumped out at me, regardless.)

Despite all of the pain and punishment that Ansett must endure in this story, the ending is a sweet one for me. For the look to the future at Ansett's death, what he has been able to leave behind, both in political and emotional senses, I was able to take primarily hope away from this story. ( )

If you love music you'll love this book!! Great story about music, leadership, and life. My only hesitancy in giving it a 4/5 is that there are moments that feel rushed. This is one of the few times I would actually have told the author to stretch it out and shoot for a two-part book. ( )

This is one of those novels of Orson Scott Card that is a stand alone. It is not part of a larger series.

Songmaster takes place in the distant future, a future reminiscent of ancient Rome, only instead of a Roman empire, this empire is galactic.

The Songhouse is a school for talented boys and girl showing proficiency with signing. Select few of these become Songbirds, that is, youths exceptionally gifted in the ways of song. They are sold as property to those deemed worthy of having them, but are treated as royalty to those that accept.

Here we meet Ansset, a Songbird. He is sold to the emperor, who treasures him as a valued addition to his court, but never mistreats him, and severely punishes anyone who attempt to take advantage of the boy's beauty.

After Ansset comes of age, he is returned to the Songhouse, where he interacts with Kyaren and her boyfriend Josif. Josif starts to have feelings towards Ansset, and the two form an ill-fated relationship that damages the two for the rest of their lives.

If you're only familiar with Card's Ender series or his Alvin Maker series, you may be in for a surprise in reading this one. It explores love, and what that means, including some homosexual themes, which may not appeal to all audience. Card, a devout Mormon, is not a proponent of homosexuality, and no matter what side of the fence you sit on, you may very well feel that Card is too preachy regarding it (either for if you're against, or against if you're for). Definitely different than the standard Card fare. ( )

http://www.amazon.com/review/R2P... ( )

I am amazed at the reviews (mostly on Amazon) that center in on the child abuse in this story. Yes, it's there, but it's not by any means the focus of the story. The story itself is a beautiful story of what happens when innocence is destroyed in the name of politics. ( )