A magic system based around music? Count me in. Although it takes a while for the story to reach the Music Conservatory and its subsequent magic, it makes up for it with an intriguing new world. The beginning of the book hints at a grand scope of cultures and nations, starting with Nadja’s own Wanderer tribe. This book was enough to satiate my deep desire for in-depth fantasy worlds, and I can’t wait to see how the world develops further.

Although this book drew out the plot through a significant number of chapters, it was easy to get sucked into Nadja’s story. She fights to succeed as a musician while keeping her secrets safe and avoiding getting too close to the charming woodsman, Pax. When her past starts to encroach into her new future, Nadja must decide who to trust, what to hide, and how to protect those she loves. It was a joy to watch her grow and find her voice as a woman, a friend, a warrior, and a musician.

ACTION: This book doesn’t waste much time in the action department. By the end of chapter three, Nadja’s world has already crumbled to pieces with the discovery of abuse within her tribe. Nadja soon learns to hold her ground both in the classroom and in the real world, whether it be with words or weapons. From there, the action ebbs and flows with plenty of fighting, fleeing, and adrenaline-fueled moments in between. Just when it seems that Nadja is safe, something happens that shakes her world anew. Readers who prefer light violence might wish to avoid this

book; although nothing is descriptive enough to warrant a Double Blink rating, there are multiple detailed mentions of abuse and physical harm.

ADVENTURE: One of the best parts about this book is the rich setting. Although most of the book occurs in Cantio, Nadja’s world expands rapidly as she discovers more about her new home and the world around her. The references to other places and cultures sprinkled throughout give it a constantly fresh feel. Even within the walls of the music conservatory, the structure of the school and the magic system excited me enough to keep reading. The people Nadja meets also give her world brighter color. Each character feels completely different from each other, mimicking the variety of the world we see every day. It’s a refreshing treat to see such a beautiful example of world-building.

ROMANCE: I wouldn’t classify this a slow-burn by any means, but Nadja does take quite a while to acknowledge her feelings for Pax. Watching him fall for Nadja and constantly be pushed away really touched at my heartstrings. The communication between the two is handled very well, with both protagonists using logic as well as emotion, which is rare in most YA books. And although there is a slight love triangle, rest assured, it does not fall into the common trap of wavering unnecessarily between two love interests for the entirety of the book. Some silly miscommunications occur, but nothing that waver into full reader frustration. On a final note, a later chapter does contain one romantic scene that is still considered clean but is not entirely grandma-approved.

RELIGION: Not much is discussed about religion in this book, Christian or otherwise. There are hints of rules mimicking Christianity within the Wanderer tribe, but no other references are made to organized religion. The Mevocali have powers over creation more so than musicians, but they are viewed only as another race and not as god-like figures. If there is a religion within this book, it is buried deeper than I alone can find.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I feel like it’s rare to see such a varied world with a different magic system than what fantasy usually describes. It was a fun read that both entices and frightens with its fun characters and serious misfortunes that Nadja experiences. Although some moments felt a little too close to common YA tropes, the author pulled them off well and wove them into a complex story that I am eager to see more of. This book earns a Blush rating through its descriptions of violence and one romantic scene, but it is still firmly within the clean category.