Burdened by fears that he has played a part in his parents’ separation, and humiliated at being rescued from school bullies by his friend Katie (who seems to use magic), young Nathan is further disturbed by hearing songs that form in his mind to express the essence of whatever he is observing.

The eccentric uncle with whom he and his mother live is aware of this “hearing,” and as Nathan grows closer to Uncle Nevill, the man’s mystery deepens. A summons from Nevill’s friend Myrdd, Wyndcaller of Angliocch, comes just when Nathan brings Katie home for a visit, and all three are plunged into the troubles of a kingdom in another stream of time.

In her fourth novel, Haworth-Attard uses some of the conventions of high fantasy, moving characters into an alternate world where magical power is taken for granted, children take part in grave matters, and their heroic roles lead to solutions to problems in their own world. Nathan’s hearing is an original element, appropriate to his involvement in music. Some stereotyping exists in the character of Nathan’s father and the expression of Katie’s poverty. Nathan himself is a credible adolescent, sometimes annoyingly self-preoccupied but always likeable. Katie is sketched more briefly and remains someone the reader would like to know better.

By keeping the cast of characters small and events in both worlds uncomplicated the author is able to integrate all the story elements well, accomplishing a good deal in a rather small space, including a look at several aspects of responsibility in using one’s gifts, a theme that winds through the book. The scope does not allow the rich background and depth of the most memorable fantasy but has drama and credible characters who develop as the plot moves to its close. Eventful and readable, The Truthsinger is a good fantasy with much in it to suggest that the author may someday write a very good one.