This book contains Sing the four quarters and Fifth quarter.

Sing the four quarters
I really liked this book about Annice, the princess who became a bard. I like the world, with the way society is organized (bards working for the king to spread and collect news, and to assist in criminal cases), and with the bardic magic, used to command the kigh (Air, Water, Earth, and Fire). I liked bardic life, going on walks, talking to all kinds of people and of course, singing. I liked the characters, who are flawed but likable.

What I liked a lot is how casually equal Huff's society regards men and women. She doesn't make a fuss about it, but a corporal can just as easily be a woman as a man. Two partners can just as easily be homosexual as heterosexual. There is even mention of one of the princes forming a political alliance through a relationship with another man. This I have never seen before. Even in fantasy societies where homosexuality is accepted, being gay for a prince would mean he can't be used for marriages of state, or he tragically marries a princess, and perhaps his boyfriend can come along. Not so in Sing the four quarters. It really doesn't matter whether you are a man of a woman or whether you like men or women. No mention is even made of it: this is just the way things are, an no discussion is necessary. Quite refreshing!

Fifth quarter
At first, I was a little disappointed that this is not about the same country or the same characters, but this faded soon. This story takes place in a neighboring country, it has a few bards and kigh. Its style was very similar to the first book, nice pace, interesting world, attractive story. I'm going to search for book 3 now! ( )

Two books in one thats a real dandy idea. I truly enjoyed Sing the Four Quarters although a bit corny at parts, it was a delightful read. I purchased this book simply because I wanted some fantasy with humor. Although, not as humorous as I expected, it did give some spikes of pleasure. I can say that I enjoyed Fifth Quarter, the second novel better then the first. It is interesting that they were both love stories but with twists (not the kind of love that I would say I'm comfortable with), yet Tanya Huff was able to write it in such a way that I was amused. ( )