The Innkeeper's Song

By: Peter S. Beagle

Narrated by: Chloe Sommer, Des Yankson

This fantasy novel is the tale of three women of legendary skill on a quest to save the world’s most powerful wizard, and the innkeeper’s assistant whose heartbreak will bear witness, from the author of the bestselling The Last Unicorn.

On a night like any other, three mysterious women arrive to an inn separately, one with a fox that is more than it seems. Karsh, the innkeeper, has no choice but to let the tangled drama unfold beneath his roof. His stable boy, Rosseth, is so mesmerized by the three cloaked women, a warrior nun, a fabled adventurer, and a girl who was saved from drowning, that he soon uncovers a deep secret that was better off remaining hidden. And then there is Tikat, overwhelmed by tragedy, who continues his journey to the inn, refusing to let death bring an end his love.

Told in alternating points of view, fantasy master Peter S. Beagle has crafted an unforgettable novel of heartbreak and hope.

It is a mystery- you have to listen HARD- or I did

I like the author’s storytelling- but I found myself lost many times as I listened… due to the manner in which it was presented; in the different voices of the characters from their perspectives.

It was, however, a wonderful experience in looking at grief, to me.

The acting was great- but still, the issue I had was that there was confusion between what character was speaking and how the story was proceeding. I listened on different trips in my car, which could have been the biggest problem- it just would be better with more attention paid to the details while listening. As it was, I went back and forth in the book- rewinding the story often to get back into the story.

Lovely writing, meandering story

The writing was lovely, but to me the story felt lacking in propulsion and urgency. The villain was introduced very late, almost as an afterthought. I’m not sure what the multiple narrators really added to the tale.

I didn’t feel like the narrators strongly distinguished between the different characters.

So incredibly disappointing and sad

This is like a twisted meaningless tangle of fantasy and wokeness with no real substance whatsoever. Too many words for absolute zero take away which, unlike, The Last Unicorn and A Fine and Private Place were such treasures both filled with delight and wisdom. What happened to you Peter????