The Song of the Thrush

Christine Pope’s newest book, The Song of the Thrush, is an unexpected pleasure. Previously, she had said that her last book in this series, Moon Dance, would be the end of the Latter Day Kingdom series. So when she said that there was going to be one more I was very happy. The book centers around the heedless Marena Sendren, the spoiled daughter of the Baron of Silverhold. Long ago, her father vowed to let Marena choose her own husband. When Marena insults Duke Sorthannic Sedasa by commenting on his wild hair and bushy beard, her father has finally had enough. He vows to marry her off to the first stranger that comes to his castle. And that is what he does. The day after her insult to Duke Sorthannic, Marena finds out with dismay that she is to marry the commoner, Corin Blackstone, who had chanced upon their castle in his travels. Though he’s very handsome, she realizes that her father will not let her charm her way out of the marriage. Thus, she and Corin and are married and leave the castle the same day. Corin leads her to the vineyards of Marric Rest,, the duchy of the same Duke Sorthannic that she had spurned. Marena, although frightened that she’ll encounter the duke, is confronted with a way of life that she has never encountered before. Corin, whose expertise includes the harvesting of grapes and the production of wine, does get a job on the estate. Then Marena is encountered with learning how to manage a household, something she has no experience with. I thought that this was a good way to end this series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The life that Marena and Corin take up is very well fleshed out by Ms. Pope, as well as the characters of Marena and Corin. Although, I’m sorry to see this series end, this is a very good book to go out on. I heartily recommend this book.

So glad to see a continuity of the latter kingdoms.. The story goes on and although there's some repetition of little things such as gowns with laced sides.. I'm enjoying reading more about the many wonderful characters and what becomes of them in this hopefully never-ending fairytale saga. A good read.

Enjoyed the entire series!! Wonderful author!!