Ghoulish Song

While I feel the first book is stronger, Ghoulish Song is also a very strong offering. Whereas Goblin Secrets explored the power of theatre through the journey of a young boy named Rownie, this novel follows the young girl Kaile as she disco This is not exactly a sequel or follow-up but, rather, a parallel or "companion" novel to William Alexander's National Book Award winning Goblin Secrets. Whereas Goblin Secrets explored the power of theatre through the journey of a young boy named Rownie, this novel follows the young girl Kaile as she discovers the power of music in her attempt to reunite with her shadow.

As with Goblin Song, this book is also marketed to the 8-and-up crowd, and also like its predecessor it has a tremendous wealth to give to imaginative older readers. The characters are vividly and elegantly drawn, their voices are distinct, and the plot moves rapidly yet with enough detail along the way to immerse you in the fascinating world that is the city of Zombay.

These novels deserve wider acclaim. As in my Goblin Secrets review, I can only wonder if the basic titles have failed to capture the attention of readers. Or maybe it's the marketing and publicity? If you like whimsical and fantastical literature, these books need to be on your shelves. Mar 15, Rosalie rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: At first, I didn't think I was going to like this book. But after a few chapters I was hooked into the story which is about Kaile, a young girl who losed her shadow after playing a tune on a flute made out bone.

Kaile is now thought to be "dead" since she no longer has a shadow. Her parents even hold a funeral for her even though Kaile is still breathing and talking. The rest of the story involves Kaile trying to get her shadow back. She has to deal with ghouls, zombies and other creatures. This At first, I didn't think I was going to like this book.

This would be a great book to recommend to the child who wants to read something similar to Harry Potter. Dec 11, Shanshad Whelan rated it it was amazing Shelves: Recommended for grades 4 and up.

So when authors like William Alexander come along and throw me into their vividly imagined urban landscape Recommended for grades 4 and up. This year we have another story from him set in the same city of Zombay, but not an actual sequel to the last book. Ghoulish Song is the story of haunting music, absent shadows, a dangerous river, and the restless dead. The restless dead or undead have been popular as of late. Zombies, vampires, and the things that hunt them make for well watched TV series and movies.

I think vampires have been done to death hmm. The other amazing thing about this book? Rare are the middle grade fantasy novels that come in under pages. With authors like Rick Riordan and J. Rowling delivering huge door stopper sized volumes to eager readers, it seems that publishers and authors have gotten the idea that more is better. So this slim fantasy story comes as a surprise in the wake of so many well padded tales. Turns out, the story is exactly as long as it needs to be—and I think the author and the publisher deserve credit in keeping it that way.

Welcome back to Zombay. An astonishingly different kind of adventure in a vividly realized city of magic, machine and menace. Other than a brief cameo by one or two minor characters from Goblin Secrets, the characters are all new. To the best of my knowledge, this kind of story, where the fantasy world itself is the consistent detail but the characters change entirely, is rare. Even in adult fantasy writing, the only author who comes to mind is Terry Pratchett and his Discworld series.

About Stephanie Whelan

Alexander manages to once again deliver, if on a briefer scale than his earlier work. Kaile is the daughter of a baker who yearns to follow in the footsteps of her musical grandfather. Now her family believes she is dead since only dead things have no shadow and Kaile is cast out of her own home and life, left to fend for herself in the city. If Kaile can master the magic of the bone flute, perhaps she can restore her shadow, but mastery may not come so easily! An adventure tale set in a powerfully imagined and dangerous world— this is urban fantasy in the truest sense.

Despite its brevity, this particular story will appeal to the sophisticated reader with its rich landscape, varied characters and musical story arc. Fans of otherworldly fantasy will be a ready made audience, especially if they are looking for something new. While reluctant readers may be drawn to its length, they may find it less accessible than they expected. Readers who loved the first book will definitely want to revisit, but this is a stand-alone that can be read without Goblin Secrets.

And unlike the first book, this one has a great cover! I can only hope Mr. Alexander has more stories to share in the years to come! Other books that fans of Ghoulish Song might also enjoy: Sep 17, Barb Middleton rated it liked it Shelves: This sequel to "Goblin Secrets" is a simpler read at pages.

The plot is a straightforward adventure in which a girl, Kaile, plays a flute that separates her from her shadow. The flute was given to her by a troupe of goblins that she invited to play at her mother's bakery. Her superstitious family thinks she is dead and has a funeral. Kaile attends the funeral and says she's alive and well but they ignore her thinking she's a ghoul.

She sets off for answers by finding the owner of the flute t This sequel to "Goblin Secrets" is a simpler read at pages. She sets off for answers by finding the owner of the flute to understand its history. The flute is made from a bone and she doesn't know if it is human or not. A series of mishaps and adventures propel her to find answers that she doesn't always wants to hear. When the river threatens to flood Kaile is afraid for her mother and realizes she must listen to the river if she wants to save her mother and the town. Alexander has unusual plots that are not very predictable.

While I struggle a bit with visualizing this author's settings because he doesn't do much world building, he has interesting characters and a dreaminess or creepiness to episodes that create a strong mood. At times this book seemed like it was going to get violent such as Kaile getting tossed into a furnace, but then the author pulls back on the tension making it less scary for younger readers.

The theme of teamwork is played out in a unique way. Kaile is bossy with her shadow and doesn't respect its feelings. The shadow is afraid of the dark and is disagreeable most of the time. The two don't get along and it isn't until they work together that they can play the flute in harmony. The overarching theme is about listening to each other. Kaile's mother doesn't listen to her. Kaile doesn't listen to her shadow. The townspeople don't listen to Kaile. When people don't listen to each communication breaks down and people get hurt.

In the end Kaile learns to listen and her mother learns to stop and notice Kaile. Alexander shows change in characters but it is subtle and might be missed by readers. For instance, the goblins are prejudiced by the other townspeople and while the theme isn't explored in this book like the first, it is still evident and Kaile is outraged by her parents treatment of them. Kaile also doesn't want to take responsibility for her part in causing the problems in her family and her life. She does at the end but only when her Shadow admonishes her for not admitting her part in causing the Inspection to fail and resulting in her mother's punishment.

Sometimes I felt like there were so many themes and ideas that I wished more were explored in depth. The story about the girl drowning and getting separated from her shadow felt rushed. The tragedy is explained but I can see readers might confuse it with the river ghoul's story. The ghoul is made up of people who drowned for other reasons such as murder or suicide and it is revealed so close to the other girl's drowning that some might not realize they are separate.

I might be being too picky, but I wished there was a clearer separation between the two because it's such an important revelation in the plot. This is the only steampunk writing I've ever come across and am not very familiar with the genre. The odd gearworks and how they are worked into the storyline is not for everyone. I've had many students not particularly care for it because it is so different.

Even my fantasy lovers don't always like it. I still am trying to figure out who to recommend this book to when I do book talks. Maybe its best for my hard core fantasy lovers or science fiction readers. Maybe it requires an older reader even though it is written for younger. Maybe it's more of a sixth grade level book.

I'll be interested in how this second book fares because it seems less confusing than book one. This book was way more morbid than the first story in the series. My niece 8yrs couldn't handle it after the first couple "verses" aka chapters.

It is a pretty dark read, mentions children suicides, bones taken from people and made into musical instruments. I am not sure I would recommend this for sensitive or younger children. The first book was more enjoyable, even though it also had This book was way more morbid than the first story in the series. The first book was more enjoyable, even though it also had dark content I do feel this second story took it to a way darker level, that even made me feel uncomfortable.

The main character is told by her family that she is dead because her shadow is no longer attached to her body. Completely ignored, then a funeral performed on her she is eventually locked out of her home. Into the dark streets to find the Goblin who caused her shadow to separate with no help from him, she must venture into this very dark and scary city, alone to find more answers. How can she be dead Many different encounters throughout the city with very questionable characters ensue and the danger grows as the city is soon to be overtaken by floods.

The first book, Goblin Secrets, I felt the humor, I enjoyed the magic and adventure.

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Yet in this story I just felt heartache and fear. I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by the author. I think he does a great job narrating the story and giving voice to the characters, making the story feel very dark, brooding and scary. Although the overall feeling of the novel made me very saddened by the world and what the characters have to go through even relating back to the first audiobook as well This particular story made me very sad and broke my heart a little. Even at times when there should have been some humor, I only felt crushed by what Kaile was having to go through in this horrible city with it's horrible occupants.

This is a series that I would label under "emo" if additional genre tags existed. Oct 30, Tijuana Local rated it it was amazing. Es una historia familiar con tintes de suspense y misterio, ideal para las noches antes de dormir. Kaile lives in Zombay, a city always on the verge of flooding. Fearing the curses, Kaile sneaks out to pay the goblins with the best bread mean to the inspection, and in return receives a bone flute, that separates her from her shadow, h Summary: Fearing the curses, Kaile sneaks out to pay the goblins with the best bread mean to the inspection, and in return receives a bone flute, that separates her from her shadow, her family, and sends her on a quest to find both herself and to save Zombay from the flood.

Ghoulish Song Book Review

The timeline for this novel is interesting. It takes place at virtually the same time as the previous novel about Zombay, Goblin Secrets. It was interesting to see. These two completely separate stories overlapping and intertwining. On that note, you can read either novel as a stand-alone, but they are better when read together.

One of my greatest qualms about the first book was that I wanted more explanation, more detail. Both are compelling and diverse characters. Kaile has her faults, but so too does Shade. The quest is fascinating and keeps the book moving. Like with the previous book, Goblin Secrets , the author reads this book too and does a fantastic job.

His narration is entertaining and engaging. The audio is produced by Simon and Schuster Audio and consists of four sound discs. This book is relatively short at only minutes and would make an excellent selection for a family trip. I recommend the audio to anyone who likes shorter audiobooks or is looking for something the whole family can listen to together. Overall, this book was both engaging and entertaining.

You will want to bring this audio book with you on your next family trip, or better yet, bring this one and Goblin Secrets and enjoy the overlap between these two stories. In fact, I may go back and listen to Goblin Secrets again and see if I missed anything! Cautions for Sensitive Readers: Some violence, talk of ghouls, curses, and mentions of death and suicide. Jun 01, Erin Reilly-Sanders rated it liked it Shelves: I seem to be a much greater fan of Goblin Secrets than Ghoulish Song. I wonder if this has to do with the fact that I listened to this one on audio but read a hard copy of the first book.

Although William Alexander is a competent reader and would likely shine reading this out loud in a family setting, he lacks the polish of a truly professional reader. His character voices were not as developed as I typically find in th I seem to be a much greater fan of Goblin Secrets than Ghoulish Song.

His character voices were not as developed as I typically find in the excellent audio recordings available today. Of even more concern, parts of phrases were read too quickly and seemed to highlight rather mediocre writing.

Ghoulish Song

He often seemed to "get" the joke before the listener and so his reading didn't always use emphasis to the best effect. The story itself I really don't have much to say about except parts seemed very promising but rarely carried through. The whole auditioning motif seemed a bit absurd as Kaile was not developed as a very musical, musically talented, or even practiced musician.

Other books like McCaffrey's Dragonsong do this much, much better. The world of Zombay seemed less intriguing the second time around, with the little unique ideas feeling a bit helterskelter rather than carefully choreographed. Still, there are some clever turns of phrase and the story has a nice accessibility for kids backed by a somewhat substantial metaphoric meaning.

Mar 16, Laura5 rated it it was amazing Shelves: Do you have to read Goblin Secrets first? No - although if you do the world of Zombay will feel familiar, and there are a few extra connections you will make as a reader. Book one focuses on magical masks and theater, and book 2 focuses on the music that keeps the bridge of Zombay from falling apart. Different story, different characters, same world. Jun 16, Narges rated it liked it. The story had a good flow, it made you go on reading. It can be a 4 star, but I give it a 3 because I wasn't moved by it or left in awe. Oct 30, Marsha rated it really liked it Shelves: Appearing as a minor character in Goblin Secrets , Kaile takes front and center stage.

Accepting a flute from a wandering goblin actor, she pipes out a tune…and separates her from her shadow. Yeah, that was rather a surprise for me, too. Kaile is immediately declared legally dead by her local doctor, shunned by her family and neighbors and locked out of her home. Thrust out on her own, Kaile decides to rectify matters, starting with the goblin who gave her that bone flute. What follows is one stran Appearing as a minor character in Goblin Secrets , Kaile takes front and center stage. What follows is one strange journey that takes her from the docks, an isolated island to a band of singers and musicians, each music-bringer charged with saving the town in which they live.

She is a faceted character as compelling as Rownie from Goblin Secrets. Both novels explore the importance of speech and song, with Ghoulish Song featuring a small debate about which came first. Who is it, exactly, who helps save Zombay? Neither Kaile or Rownie are aware of the actions of the other person but both pitch in to help when the floodwaters threaten to rise. Will there be a third novel in which they get together and argue about their respective venues?

Will Kaile become a full-fledged musician like her grandfather? The questions remain even after the last page is read, making these novels spellbinding, in the best way. Interesting and quirky, and very much not what I expected. It's been too long since I read Goblin Secrets, so I didn't remember almost anything about the setting. It turned out not to matter, though; this story is almost entirely independent from the other one.

O The characters are well done, and the main character is very relatable, and the story moves, as long as you buy the central conceit that everyone who knows the poor main character girl really does consider her Interesting and quirky, and very much not what I expected. O The characters are well done, and the main character is very relatable, and the story moves, as long as you buy the central conceit that everyone who knows the poor main character girl really does consider her dead and gone as soon as she loses her shadow. And if you can continue to suppress your disbelief when it turns out the shadow is still there and pretty much stays with her.

The idea that music can have its own special properties and side effects in the real world is neat, but overall this wasn't thrilling. I really enjoyed this one. It was much darker in theme than I expected, and I had no idea it would have all the clockwork, gears, springs, general steampunk theme - but well done, everything I had hoped Mechanica would be. I really loved the world this was in as well: If you've ever seen Atlantis: Jun 20, Adam Gordon rated it it was amazing. I found this book has a much greater character development than the first one.

Feb 03, Sara Grochowski rated it it was amazing Shelves: William Alexander's Ghoulish Song is a short read and an adventurous, magical tale. Though technically the companion to Goblin Secrets, in which readers are first introduced to the city of Zombay, it isn't necessary to read this previous offering to enjoy Kaile's story. Kaile dreams of being a musician and following in the steps of her grandfather, who recently passed away. In Zombay, music is magic that musicians use to protect the city and its inhabitants.

Kaile often refers to stories and advi William Alexander's Ghoulish Song is a short read and an adventurous, magical tale. Kaile often refers to stories and advice her grandfather shared, which serves to give the reader an understanding of Kaile's devotion to her grandfather as well as an understanding of the power of music. Think about a lullaby, one that ties up the world to make it a safe place for sleeping.

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Families can talk about how Ghoulish Song compares with Goblin Secrets. What and who do you recognize from the first book? Do you like to play music? Do you know adults and kids who are musicians? Does the description here of why music is so important to Zombay have parallels in our world? Kaile usually tries to do the right thing, but gets a rude awakening when forced to see herself from her shadow's perspective.

Have you ever done something that seemed like a really good idea, only to find out other people didn't see it that way? Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. See how we rate. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization, earns a small affiliate fee from Amazon or iTunes when you use our links to make a purchase.

Thank you for your support. Our ratings are based on child development best practices. We display the minimum age for which content is developmentally appropriate. The star rating reflects overall quality and learning potential. Learn how we rate. For Your Family Log in Sign me up. Is it OK for kids to read books outside their reading levels? Column 4 Our impact report: How Tech Is Changing Childhood. Want personalized picks that fit your family? Set preferences to see our top age-appropriate picks for your kids. Brave girl shines in exciting companion to Goblin Secrets.

William Alexander Fantasy Sign in or join to save for later. Parents say No reviews yet Add your rating. Kids say No reviews yet Add your rating. Get it now Searching for streaming and purchasing options Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. Get it now on Searching for streaming and purchasing options A lot or a little? The parents' guide to what's in this book. What parents need to know Parents need to know that Ghoulish Song is not a sequel to author William Alexander's Goblin Secrets , winner of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, although some of the original's characters make cameo appearances here.

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