Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Spellsinger summary
Brief summary
Spellsinger by Alan Dean Foster is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the adventures of a young musician who discovers he has the power to cast spells through his music in a world filled with talking animals and magic.
Topics
Table of Contents
Spellsinger
Summary of key ideas
The Journey into a World of Magic and Music
In Spellsinger by Alan Dean Foster, we meet Jonathan Thomas Meriweather, a student at UCLA who has a passion for music and a penchant for marijuana. An unexpected encounter with a turtle wizard named Clothahump, who is the master of spellsinging, transports Jonathan to a world called Cretaceous, where animals are sentient and have their own societies.
Jonathan, now known as Jon-Tom, discovers that he can cast spells by playing his guitar, which is the result of Clothahump's magic. He also learns that Cretaceous is threatened by a malevolent force called the Plated Folk and their leader, the evil wizard, Agape. Jon-Tom, with Clothahump, an otter thief named Mudge, and a dragon named G'leep, set out on a quest to find a way to defeat Agape and save Cretaceous.
Friendship and Magic in a World of Danger
As they journey through Cretaceous, the group faces numerous dangers and obstacles. They encounter various creatures, including the carnivorous "whomping willow" trees, the deadly "death snails," and the treacherous "thieves' guild." Despite the dangers, the companions form a strong bond, relying on each other's unique abilities and skills to survive.
Jon-Tom's spellsinging proves to be a powerful tool in their quest. His music can heal, protect, and even destroy, but it also attracts unwanted attention. The group finds themselves pursued by Agape's minions, including a band of mercenaries, as they journey to find a way to defeat the Plated Folk.
The Battle Against Evil
After a series of adventures, the group finally reaches the mountain of Agape, where they face the final showdown. Using their combined skills and Jon-Tom's spellsinging, they manage to defeat Agape and his minions, saving Cretaceous from destruction.
However, their victory comes at a cost. Mudge, who had grown close to Jon-Tom and the others, decides to stay behind in Cretaceous. He finds a sense of belonging among the otters and is reluctant to return to his mundane life on Earth. The rest of the group returns to their world, but Jon-Tom is forever changed by his experiences in Cretaceous.
Conclusion: A Tale of Adventure and Growth
In Spellsinger, Alan Dean Foster weaves a tale of adventure, friendship, and growth. Jon-Tom's journey from an ordinary college student to a powerful spellsinger, his bond with his animal companions, and his experiences in a world unlike anything he's ever known, all contribute to his character development. The novel ends with Jon-Tom returning to Earth, but he knows that his adventures in Cretaceous have only just begun.
Overall, Spellsinger provides a captivating blend of music, magic, and animal societies, making it an engaging read for fans of fantasy and adventure.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Spellsinger about?
Spellsinger by Alan Dean Foster follows the adventures of a college student named Jonathan who is unexpectedly transported to a magical world where animals can talk and wield powerful spells. With the ability to use music as a form of magic, Jonathan must navigate this new world and its dangers in order to find a way back home.
Spellsinger Review
Spellsinger (1983) follows a college student named Jon-Tom who is unexpectedly transported into a fantasy world where he must rely on his newfound ability to cast spells through songs. Here's why this book is a captivating read:
- Featuring a unique blend of fantasy and music, it offers a fresh take on the traditional fantasy genre, ensuring an engaging and imaginative experience.
- The book explores themes of friendship and self-discovery as Jon-Tom navigates this new world, adding depth and emotion to the storyline.
- With its quirky characters and witty dialogue, the book injects humor and charm, ensuring that every page is filled with surprises and entertainment.
Who should read Spellsinger?
Readers who enjoy fantasy novels with a unique twist
Music lovers who appreciate a story that incorporates musical elements
Those who are looking for a light-hearted and entertaining adventure
Categories with Spellsinger
Book summaries like Spellsinger
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Spellsinger FAQs
What is the main message of Spellsinger?
The main message of Spellsinger is the power of music and unexpected heroes.
How long does it take to read Spellsinger?
Reading Spellsinger takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Spellsinger a good book? Is it worth reading?
Spellsinger is worth reading for its unique blend of fantasy and music, creating an engaging and memorable adventure.
Who is the author of Spellsinger?
The author of Spellsinger is Alan Dean Foster.
What to read after Spellsinger?
If you're wondering what to read next after Spellsinger, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher