From an award-winning author and lifelong musician and composer comes the first novel of The Bardic Isles Series. Not long after the Druids came to Eire, the Bards mysteriously vanished from the annals of history, fleeing their native shores to begin life on a remote chain of islands … the Bardic Isles. And there, over two centuries later, a village boy is born with a gift of music that hasn't been seen since the exodus. For young Kaelin, music has become both a blessing and a curse. Compelling songs rise within him, begging to be played, but he begins to suspect they are dangerous. When tragedy strikes, Kaelin is convinced his music is responsible. Overcome with grief and guilt, he refuses to play his own music again – but it torments him, demanding release. By the time a Master Bard visits the village four years later, Kaelin is desperate. Only a Master could possibly free the torturous music within him … but what will happen if he does? Fans of Anne McCaffrey’s “Pern” series and Mercedes Lackey’s “Bardic Voices” will love this book, but you will find no dragons, elves, or magic spells within its pages. This is pure, character-driven storytelling, brought to life with the incredible magic of music. Unique in the fantasy genre, it is also a first-of-a-kind audiobook, with music that is vividly described in the book and composed entirely by the author. Enjoy your trip to the Bardic Isles! Awards for The Bardic Isles Series IAN Awards Fantasy Book of the Year IP Awards overall Outstanding Audiobook & Gold Medalist Readers’ Favorite Fiction Audiobooks Gold & Silver Medalist B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree BookFest Awards Audiobook Silver Medalist IAN Awards Young Adult Finalist Wishing Shelf Awards Fiction & Audiobook Finalist BookLife Prize Semi-Finalist "Himeda employs realistic dialogue and a clear, immersive tone that moves the action effortlessly forward as characters develop. She's creatively crafted a fantasy novel in which magic comes from music itself. Although the worldbuilding is robust throughout, complete with epic backstories, the novel skips lightly toward its emotional conclusion-one that's satisfying but also leaves things delightfully open-ended for a future installment of the Bardic Isles series. A brisk, expertly crafted tale that delivers an important, uplifting lesson about the power of music." - Kirkus Reviews "Himeda builds a magical, musical fantasy world that's both beautiful and unique. Master of Music owes much of its originality to not only the tale, but also the telling. The author's prose is like music itself—lyrical, sweeping, and, at times, building toward an unknown crescendo as readers join Kaelin on an adventure of a lifetime. Himeda's love and knowledge of music shines through on every page, the writing's cadence making Master of Music a joy to read." - The BookLife Prize "I was delighted to discover Marla Himeda's Master of Music . Every episode had wisdom to impart ... themes important for both adults and children, such as honesty, ambition, humility, affection, and courage. But what made this story special for me was the audiobook production. The flawless narration by the talented Will Hahn was interlaced with awesome musical compositions. What started as short flute, harp, and pipe melodies culminated in amazing, fully-fledged songs, all composed by Marla Himeda. It is the first audiobook of this kind I have listened to, and it made me feel as if I were watching an exhilarating stage play. This is a brilliant fantasy that offers both children and adults a lot to enjoy ... and will appeal to everyone who likes fantasy and music." - Olga Markova for Readers' Favorite "I am a huge fan of fantasy books, and I must say that this is one of the best I have ever read. A story that is filled with stunning descriptions and wonderful details, Master of Music is a superb first book in this new series. The story is incredible, the characters simply remarkable." - Kathy Stickles for Reader Views "A masterfully written, powerful, refreshing epic fantasy read that brings wholesome, heart-warming values together in a rich, exciting world of magic, lore, and the love of found family. Himeda has woven her story every bit as vividly as Kaelin's music brings tales to life. The struggles that Kaelin, being so young, overcomes are heart-wrenching, but in an ever-inspiring way. Readers who love Celtic mythology, adventure fantasy, and music in their tales, will find a strong read in Master of Music ." - Katharine D. Graham for Reedsy Discovery The question I am asked most often is how long I've written, and why. I don't remember a time I didn't write, and I could give all sorts of pat answers as to why I write, but the real reason is because I remember. I remember a little girl, who, in order to escape a home that could become a battleground at any moment without warning, would run across the street and up into the woods. She would climb a huge tre