The novel ends with a creative twist, leaving readers to think back over the whole story in a different way. These dark parts of the story work to create tension and are often in place to compensate for the lack of actiony-action (yes, that’s a word now). In her first work of historical fiction, #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu spins a lush, lyrically-told story of music, magic, and the unbreakable bond between a brother and sister. The fantasy aspect added an interesting element to Nannerl's story I enjoyed Lu's vivid descriptions of the Kingdom, and the fantastical side of the plot permeated the historical one in a clever, well-thought-out way. The Kingdom of Back is a fairytale (like, with actual faeries) and like most fairytales, there’s a darkness lurking in every chapter, on every page, though it’s a quite darkness. He has the power to make her wish come true-but his help may cost her everything. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age-her tyrannical father has made that much clear.Īnd as Nannerl's hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. She is a young woman in 18th century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she'll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be.

But only one Mozart.īorn with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish-to be remembered forever. From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu comes a historical YA fantasy about a musical prodigy and the dangerous lengths she'll go to make history remember her-perfect for fans of Susanna Clarke and The Hazel Wood.

The kingdom of back review