Wow, what a book that I just read!
THE KINGDOM OF BACK revolves around two Mozart siblings - Nannerl is a gifted young musician who desires to be remembered forever and her younger brother, Wolfgang, seems to shine brighter in music.
When I first read the synopsis I immediately fell in love with this book - as a huge fan of music, this novel about Mozart was everything. From the beginning, I got invested in the story about these prodigious kids which lives alternate between reality and the Kingdom of Back. Marie Lu creates a rich fairytale kingdom full of magic and, at the same time, a cruel reality. Wonderfully written, this historical fiction-fantasy delivers magical passages and lush descriptions that drawn the reader into this world.
While this title is a YA fiction, it has a darker tone and plenty of serious topics is explored like family (father-daughter and siblings relationships), pride, family exploitation and misogyny. This book triggered different feelings in me: I hated the Mozart's father for taking advantage in every circumstance; I couldn't stand the mixed emotions that Nannerl felt at times; I was in awe with the children's talent and ultimately loved all the music parts. Not only was the plot compelling, but the characters were also fully developed and flawed. Furthermore, the author did a great job with the plot mystery and twist.
This was my first read from Marie Lu and I am looking forward to reading her other titles.
THE KINGDOM OF BACK revolves around two Mozart siblings - Nannerl is a gifted young musician who desires to be remembered forever and her younger brother, Wolfgang, seems to shine brighter in music.
When I first read the synopsis I immediately fell in love with this book - as a huge fan of music, this novel about Mozart was everything. From the beginning, I got invested in the story about these prodigious kids which lives alternate between reality and the Kingdom of Back. Marie Lu creates a rich fairytale kingdom full of magic and, at the same time, a cruel reality. Wonderfully written, this historical fiction-fantasy delivers magical passages and lush descriptions that drawn the reader into this world.
While this title is a YA fiction, it has a darker tone and plenty of serious topics is explored like family (father-daughter and siblings relationships), pride, family exploitation and misogyny. This book triggered different feelings in me: I hated the Mozart's father for taking advantage in every circumstance; I couldn't stand the mixed emotions that Nannerl felt at times; I was in awe with the children's talent and ultimately loved all the music parts. Not only was the plot compelling, but the characters were also fully developed and flawed. Furthermore, the author did a great job with the plot mystery and twist.
This was my first read from Marie Lu and I am looking forward to reading her other titles.