As always Marie Lu’s writing is beautiful but that alone wasn’t enough to carry this book. The story plods along at a glacial pace as Nannerl and Wolferl travel around Europe occasionally having magical encounters with a mysterious fae creature from a fantasy world that may or may not be their own creation. The writing in the fantasy world is really where this book shines. The world with upside down trees and two moons felt like something out of classic fantasy. I would have loved for more time to be dedicated to exploring the Kingdom of Back and to see the characters grow through their interaction with it. Unfortunately, this book chose to spend most of its time in Europe which often felt repetitive as the character spent most of their time practicing before performances.
Nannerl is an extremely talented musician who was sadly born at a point in history where her talent wouldn’t be recognized as anything more than a novelty. I loved her relationship with Wolferl. It is probably one of the best portrayals of siblings I’ve read on a long time. The complexity of her fears of not wanting to be forgotten in her brother shadow while also loving him is the driving force behind the novel. Ultimately, I wish the author hadn’t stuck quite so closely Nannerl historical roots. That being said, this book did inspire me to go read more about Maria Mozart as I hope it did many other readers and, in that way, Nannerl could get her wish of never being forgotten.
Nannerl is an extremely talented musician who was sadly born at a point in history where her talent wouldn’t be recognized as anything more than a novelty. I loved her relationship with Wolferl. It is probably one of the best portrayals of siblings I’ve read on a long time. The complexity of her fears of not wanting to be forgotten in her brother shadow while also loving him is the driving force behind the novel. Ultimately, I wish the author hadn’t stuck quite so closely Nannerl historical roots. That being said, this book did inspire me to go read more about Maria Mozart as I hope it did many other readers and, in that way, Nannerl could get her wish of never being forgotten.