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"(A)n auspicious debut . . . a muscular, Napoleonic-era fantasy that,
like Philip Pullman's Dark Materials series, will appeal to both adult
and young adult readers. There's a Dickensian vibrancy . . . to Rabuzzi's book; it's filled with outsized characters, colorful slang, outrageous coincidences, buried secrets, stunning revelations, and star-crossed lovers."
– Paul Witcover, Realms of Fantasy Magazine
February 2010 issue
"The Choir Boats, the first book of the "Longing for Yount" series, attracted my attention by its synopsis and the excerpt on the author's site. (O)nce I got into the novel and immersed myself in its wonderful atmosphere and its usage of charming archaic language and obscure or made up words that fit perfectly, I could not put it down until I finished it."
– Liviu Suciu, Fantasy Book Critic
"The Choir Boats mixes all the best elements of folklore, Georgian romance, and fantasy to produce an eloquently crafted tale . . . The tale is a significant contribution to the field of fantasy . . . The Choir Boats is Gulliver's Travels crossed with The Golden Compass and a dollop of Pride and Prejudice. Rabuzzi has a true sense of wonder . . . I cannot praise Daniel Rabuzzi or The Choir Boats enough. This story is unique (and) an instant classic of fantasy, and perhaps even the co-progenitor (with Novik, Clarke, and a few others) of a new subgenre in speculative fiction."
– John Ottinger, Grasping for the Wind
"With full flanks ahead, The Choir Boats charts a magical course of verve and wit through a richly detailed nineteenth-century world, spinning off little arabesques of wonderment with every turn of the page."
– Matt Kressel, Senses Five Press
"In The Choir Boats, the first novel in a new fantasy trilogy by folklorist Daniel A. Rabuzzi, young readers get a crash course in that rich global tradition, along with a seminar's worth of material on world religion and mythology . . . The Choir Boats is a fine opening volume of a seagoing saga that measures up to its multiple reference points."
– Steven W. Beattie, Quill & Quire
"In many ways this is a gentle read, perfect for curling up on the sofa with a hot chocolate and allowing yourself to be drawn away. If you do you will be rewarded with a journey to victorian London and the stranger climes of Yount, as well as the spaces in between.
...I should stress as well that this is a tale, a yarn, an event of storytelling rather than a straight adventure or fantasy, it's pace and characters are those of the best fireside story tellers rather than of a modern fantasy. ... There is no question I will have to find out what happens next..."
– Hagelrat, UN:BOUND
"(A) fun fantasy that blends many elements into a read that is endlessly entertaining."
"(A) fantastic and deeply entertaining debut novel . . . Part steampunk adventure, part classic fantasy, The Choir Boats might be earmarked for young adults, but anyone to whom this sounds like a rich ride will be surprised and delighted."
Best Books of 2009: Children's Books
"There wasn't a moment of boredom while reading this book. With characters so precisely developed, especially the female ones, I did not once scan a paragraph or skip a page (which I admit I do sometimes), for I might miss a pistol duel, a bloody trail of footprints or a strange new species . . . (T)his book is the highest on my list of must reads this year and most definitely a story that future generations will be captivated by."
"I love the rich, evocative language used to tell this story. The descriptions are poetic, painting vivid images both of Victorian London as well as the mysterious lands beyond the horizon . . . I adored the characters, who are complex and fascinating, as well as the way in which so much about them is revealed through skillful use of dialogue. The story abounds with strong female characters in particular."
"Rabuzzi is a terrific writer but a storyteller first. You can feel his sense of wonder and deep involvement in his world of Yount from the very beginning . . .
Rabuzzi weaves an original cast of character effortlessly and creates a world all his own reachable by only some. Luckily we are to be included in the party."
Reviews - What's Being Said About The Choir Boats
DANIEL A. RABUZZI
author of The Choir Boats:
Volume One of Longing for Yount
". . . a deliciously convoluted tale. . . .The Choir Boats is a strong opening to what could be a remarkable project. Since it came from a small press without a great deal of fanfare, I particularly urge you to check it out."
--Faren Miller, Locus Magazine
January 2010 issue
". . . The Choir Boats is great fun: Rabuzzi’s characters are original and as the book leaves London behind the reader is off into a fresh and lively new world."
--Gavin Grant, Publisher of Small Beer Press
"Threaded throughout the tale are extensive literary and historical references, music, myth and folklore, mathematical theories and comparative religion. There are strong and commendable themes of feminism, anti-racism and anti-slavery and obvious feline appreciation. When combined with colourful locations in Britain, India, South Africa, America, the South Seas and Yount itself, they make for a very rich brocade indeed, well suited to the brightly-coloured waistcoats sported throughout by one of our merchant heroes."
– J.S. Watts, Neon Magazine
January Magazine's Best Books of 2009 List
Liviu's Top Ten in 2009 Remarkable Small Press Reads
(Fantasy Book Critic)
A 2009 Top Pick by Faren Miller
(Locus Magazine)
