Finn Bran is a skilled musician, a bard from Valeria. After finishing a song one fateful day in his travels, Finn has an epiphany. To find true contentment he needs to find peace and share it with others. At once Finn is attacked by an evil force. When he regains his senses he realizes he is branded with an irremovable necklace and is given a vague admonition: “You’re being forged in fire. You’ll be free when you too become pure gold.”
With the desire to be the hero of his story, Finn sets off on a journey as much for his mind as his body. His adventure and training puts him in contact with dragons and fairies, royalty and hired laborers, and magic of all sorts. Ultimately he has the opportunity to conquer his greatest enemy.
I have never read such a beautiful, poetic work in the fantasy genre. As Finn travels throughout the land of Valeria and beyond, his experiences become alive on the page. “He ate a berry, and it burst across his tongue like sunlight and summer and fine wine…” The songs he sings resonate deeply for anyone seeking greater fulfillment. It was enlightening to watch Finn learn and grow based on lessons gleaned from lowly sailors, mythical fairies, and even a fearsome rock-eating dragon.
Ash Adler writes with the deft hand of a poet kissed by creative ingenuity. The Music of the Mind is both contemporary and timeless, a spellbinding treat for the senses.
