Reviews

4,25⭐

"A flute, a lute, a truth set free," she sang, "a girl whose blood won't let her be. A mother's curse, a daughter's curse, when summer turns to winter, sure. Steady is the song of breaking bones to season's end."

Well, I've looked for this book everywhere, and I'm proud to announce it was worth all the effort. This story is same amount lyrically written as it's adventurous, full of magic and love to music. It drenches in atmospheric songs and old time fantasy with new time twist.

I appreciate very much it's more a story about family than romance, yet I must admit I enjoy this aspect, too. Sofi is a complicated creature, which devoted her whole life to one only goal, and when supposed choosen one comes and steals her spotlight, playing the lute for the very first time in her life, she finds herself at empty path of future. This twist of perspective was an interesting idea, developed in very thoughtful way.

To be frank, I could go on and count every good thing in this book, and there are a lot of them. But the main point of this review stays the same – go read this book, because I! Loved! It!

larkais's review against another edition

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adventurous slow-paced

3.75

From a technical standpoint, it’s a really great book. I think the elements of the characters, plot and magic are wonderfully thought out. I like that Sofi was so righteously angry about a prodigy upstart supposedly taking her place who never even handled a lute before. It suddenly gives way for Sofi to confront all the childhood trauma that was placed upon her all to please the Muse of Music. I think the magic foreshadowing was a bit heavy handed but I liked the musical descriptions of magic up until the end bit.

However, there is a zing missing from the book for me. They don’t have little habits that make them feel more human or connected to each other. Like Jakko who is there to lend m/m presentation to the f/f book because he literally pops in and out, contributes very little to the plot.

I also wonder why there is the whole convoluted plot point of handing down instruments between Musiks in the first place. It doesn’t sound like a tradition because the instruments only existed for one generation.

mediumyellow10's review against another edition

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5.0

This made me so insane!!!!! This is the most approachable and interesting fantasy I have ever read. I love my obliviously pining sapphics. I would take so many more books but I also love how full and complete it is as a standalone. This is just gorg, recommending to everyone.

tugemug's review against another edition

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4.0

i was so sure about giving this book 5 stars until Sofi started singing at her TRIAL. The cringe was so strong it seeped deep into my bones and my teeth became numb. Its giving colleen balinger apology video.

But loved the atmosphere of the whole book. The world building is interesting it has major Ghibli vibes also it reminds me of anime Carole and Tuesday.