The Pipes of Kunlun

The Sorceress of Morning Song, Book 2

De: L. J. Schulz

Narrado por: Larry J Schulz

Young weaving master Fahng comes upon Hwagway, a mysterious child who wears the same tattoos as she does and whistles a bird language. Seeking to restore a pair of spirit turtle shells to the royal ancestral altar, they are drawn into the power struggle between the Duke of Morning Song and his half brother, Jōshwee. Hwagway tells Fahng that the musical instruments of Morning Song are not tuned according to the ancient tones, and the discord will bring bad luck if the army needs to march into battle against Jōshwee. But it will take a true set of pitch pipes to correct the tuning. On Mount Kunlun, which is suspended between earth and heaven at the western edge of the world, live the the phoenix pair that sings the true tones, and fairy bamboo that grows there can be cut to the right lengths to imitate their song. Fahng and Hwagway climb a starway to the Skyland of the Jade Emperor and embark on a quest to find The Pipes of Kunlun.

As with The Weaving Maiden’s Mystery, the story emerges from the history and legends of long ago China and is accented by translations of the earliest folk poetry. Also like that first book in The Sorceress of Morning Song series, the action is seen against the background of the exquisite silk gauze that Fahng and her sister weavers make to support themselves as independent women.

©2024 Larry J Schulz (P)2024 Larry J Schulz

The Story of Fahng Continues

Like The Weaving Maiden’s Mystery and Sorceress of Morning Song, this story blends ancient Chinese history and legends with early folk poetry, set against the backdrop of the exquisite silk gauze woven by Fahng and her fellow independent weavers. Young weaving master Fahng meets Hwagway, a mysterious child with matching tattoos and a unique bird-language whistle, as they become entangled in the power struggle between the Duke of Morning Song and his half-brother, Jōshwee. Hwagway warns that the kingdom’s musical instruments are improperly tuned, risking misfortune in battle, and only a true set of pitch pipes can restore harmony. Together, they ascend to the Skyland of the Jade Emperor, seeking the legendary Pipes of Kunlun.

L. J. Schulz masterfully weaves Chinese legends into a rich, immersive narrative filled with authentic characters, vivid dialogue, and intrigue. His characters remain consistent throughout the series, evolving naturally with each new challenge, while the seamless introduction of Hwagway adds depth to the story. This installment brings a unique twist with the peril of mistuned instruments, blurring the line between history and invention, making the series even more captivating.

As the narrator, Schulz gives each character a distinct voice, enhancing the experience with the evocative sounds of tuning and playing instruments. Once again, he delivers an immersive and rewarding audiobook that draws in attentive listeners.

Once again, this is a rich narrative that offers deep enjoyment for those who engage with it attentively and fully.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.