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The Piper

Viewing comments for Chapter 29 "The Piper, part 29"
Young Adult Fantasy

16 total reviews 
Comment from royowen
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I think you've hit the nail on the head, I'm not sure if instruments choose us, but I do know, that a genius is born with a special Gift, I know my daughter is one of those, she plays with the tone of an Angel, and I've actually heard angels sing, it's like the harmonious sound bells, at least what I heard. I'm a competent musician
but not like that.well done, Debi, excellent episode, blessings, Roy

 Comment Written 19-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 19-Dec-2019
    Hi Roy,
    Wow, that is so awesome to hear. I bet that angels' song is just amazing to experience. How wonderful that your daughter plays with the tone of an angel. I wish I could hear her.

    Thanks for the wonderful comments.

    Debi
reply by royowen on 19-Dec-2019
    Thank you Debi
Comment from tfawcus
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A great continuation of the story. You build up the sense of awe and anticipation very nicely in this chapter, culmination in the other-worldly experience of actually playing the Mage's Flute. In deference to Mozart, you avoid the term Magic Flute, but the suggestion is there!

I stumbled over this sentence on first reading although, on closer inspection, I find it makes perfect sense. There may be a simpler way of wording it, though, so as not to break the flow of the narrative.

but legend has it only a worthy elf of the Glenn line," he nodded toward Melodica, "your mother's line, can play this flute if chosen by it.

 Comment Written 19-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 19-Dec-2019
    Hi Tony,
    Thank you for reading and reviewing. I value your opinion so I will take a look at that sentence and see if there is a smoother way to say the same thing. I appreciate you helping me improve, and for the encouragement.
    Debi
Comment from lyenochka
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I think you created a very satisfying confirmation that of Piper's unique calling by having him be able to hear the magic fife and play it. It's a theme we are familiar with in many fantasy stories, like King Arthur's pulling the sword from the stone. I look forward to how this special connection will play a role in the story in the future.
Loved the idea of the tree talking to the Elven people.

One question that came to mind is that it's called the Black Forest Fife and also the Mage Flute. But I think the number of holes in a fife is different from the flute and both instruments are in a different key. Of course, it's magic so Piper could play a tune without having practiced before or he could have played fifes before. It's a question that came to mind.


 Comment Written 19-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 19-Dec-2019
    Hi lyenochka,
    Thank you for an excellent review.

    About the flute/fife--this story is set in the thirteenth century and the flute as we know it was not yet developed. I am leaving the interpretation open to the reader, but I imagine the flute/fife
    (and the one Piper carries at his side always) is more like what we call a block-flute or recorder which comes in various sizes.
    Thanks for the question. I wonder if anyone else will wonder? I guess we will see.
    Have a Merry Christmas.
    Debi
Comment from rspoet
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Debi,
A splendid chapter. I love the Mage wood flute image, brings back memories of the magical flutewood from Fingal's tale. :)
It seems the Mage Flute has found its piper.
The musical references and names give the story a marvelous feel.
Of course, the Mage Flute is more than just a musical instrument,
it can transform as only an elemental can.
I wonder where the lute and drum are? And if the three may be reunited
one day. A perfect trio.
Wonderful chapter.
Robert

"Thank you." She turned to Piper. "You see, the mage [tress] were able to communicate with elves."

 Comment Written 19-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 19-Dec-2019
    Hi Robert,
    Thanks for catching the typo. I have corrected it.

    Thank you too for the wonderful review and the super six star rating! I appreciate all the positive comments. I have been anxious to get that flute out of its case for some time, and finally it came. Now, how is Piper going to handle this instrument with a mind of its own?
    Have a Merry Christmas!
Comment from robyn corum
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Debi,

Nicely done. Though I don't read much fantasy, I can recognize quality writing when I find it. *smile* This is well written with few nits and a nice, easy flow. Kudos!

Only a couple of tiny little notes, if I may?
1.) A huge smile enveloped Master Crescendo's face. "Exactly, what I mean, young man."
--> no comma after 'exactly', please

2.) "Thank you." She turned to Piper. "You see, the mage (trees) were able to communicate with elves."

Thanks a bunch!


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 Comment Written 19-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 19-Dec-2019
    Hi Robyn,
    Thank you for pointing out those nits. I'm not always certain about those commas, and I have changed tress to trees.
    Thank you for the encouraging words about the writing. It is appreciated.
    Debi
Comment from BeasPeas
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Hi debi. In this chapter we discover that Piper is the only musician worthy of playing the mage flute. The sweetest sounds come from it when he plays and he tingles with the sweet intensity of the magical sound. There is a slight type to fix here:
"You see, the mage tress (trees) were able to communicate with elves."
A very nice chapter, well written. Marilyn

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 Comment Written 19-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 19-Dec-2019
    Hi Marilyn,
    Thank you for catching that typo! I've re-read it so many times and didn't see that.
    Thank you for the encouraging comments and synopsis.
    Debie
reply by BeasPeas on 19-Dec-2019
    You're welcome. It's easy for us to miss things no matter how many times we proofread our work. Marilyn