Silence of the Song Trees - Branwen OShea - ★★★★

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AUTHOR: Branwen OShea
GENRE: Fantasy.
RATING: 4 stars.

In a Nutshell: A beautiful environmental fantasy that highlights the importance of natural and cultural heritage. Though a short story, it leaves a long impact.


Plot Preview:
The planet of Lenglood is inhabited by creatures called Firth (who, sadly, don’t look like Colin Firth! 😉) The Firth respect the song trees, and sings paeans to them every day. However, when an ecological disaster strikes the planet, almost all the Firth are wiped out. The only one left behind is little Cerulean, who is too young to sing to the trees by himself. As he struggles to adjust to a solitary life, he does his best to follow what his parents had taught him about remembering the ancient ways. However, unknown to him, there’s yet another disaster arriving. And this time, it is in the form of human colonists, who don’t understand the value of nature. What is Cerulean to do? Can he save Lenglood?
The story comes to us in the third person perspective of Cerulean.


Woohoos:
🌳 Amazing world-building, especially for a short story. Loved the ‘Hunger Games’ vibes with the evil mist and the survival in the jungle. It also has shades of ‘The Lorax’, but in a improved manner.

🌳 The plot, which begins full of joy and mischief, turns grim, and slowly makes its way towards hope and happiness.

🌳 Cerulean’s character development. He grows in age and wisdom over the course of the story.

🌳 The bond among the Firths as established at the start of the tale. Loved the close-knit community with their passion for music!

🌳 The message about the necessity of preserving local customs and heritage and living in harmony with nature.

🌳 The allegorical comment on indigenous tribes versus political & corporate developers who concentrate only on selfish gains.

🌳 The bittersweet feelings generated towards the end – the best finale for such a story.


Hmmms:
🍃 I loved the whats, but I wish the whys and the hows had been clarified. The curious cat in me wants to have more details.


I am not sure if this indie short story is a part of some universe created by this author. But the atmosphere was so well-detailed that the planet of Lenglood feels complete and alive. This standalone tale leaves many things unsaid and yet generates many thoughts to ponder upon.

Definitely recommend this beautiful little story that will spur you to much soul-searching, both at the personal and the planetary level.

The digital version of this story is currently available free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.

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