Strange Sweet Song
A Novel
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4.7 • 3 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Outside Dunhammond Conservatory, there lies a dark forest. And in the forest, they say, lives a great beast called the Felix. But Sing da Navelli never put much faith in the rumors and myths surrounding the school; music flows in her blood, and she is there to sing for real. This prestigious academy will finally give her the chance to prove her worth—not as the daughter of world-renowned musicians—but as an artist and leading lady in her own right.
Yet despite her best efforts, there seems to be something missing from her voice. Her doubts about her own talent are underscored by the fact that she is cast as the understudy in the school's production of her favorite opera, Angelique. Angelique was written at Dunhammond, and the legend says that the composer was inspired by forest surrounding the school, a place steeped in history, magic, and danger. But was it all a figment of his imagination, or are the fantastic figures in the opera more than imaginary?
Sing must work with the mysterious Apprentice Nathan Daysmoor as her vocal coach, who is both her harshest critic and staunchest advocate. But Nathan has secrets of his own, secrets that are entwined with the myths and legends surrounding Dunhammond, and the great creature they say lives there.
Lyrical, gothic, and magical, Strange Sweet Song by Adi Rule will captivate and enchant readers.
Customer Reviews
It will Either Kill You or Grant You a Wish
This review was originally published on Kurt's Frontier under Invincible Love of Reading.
Synopsis:
A young soprano, famous parents, academic and profession rivalries, politics, tragedy, and an unworldly creature. Sing da Navelli has all that. Living in the shadow of her famous maestro father and equally famous diva mother could not be easy for her, especially when she is accepted to Dunhammond Conservatory. It was founded by the famous opera composer Dunhammond who wrote the opera Angelique. Legend has it that Dunhammond was inspired by the forest that surrounded the school. A forest that is magical and dangerous.
Sing wants to move from behind the shadow of her parents and become an artist in her own right. It is a goal complicated by a rival and an unfaithful boyfriend. She must also contend with her vocal coach, Nathan Daysmoor who is a harsh task master but also a staunch ally. He also has a mysterious secret and a relationship with a mad instructor. The challenges of a new school and a planned recital of Angelique, Sing’s favorite opera, and the pressure becomes almost overwhelming. Throw in a mythical beast that appears in the opera but is in fact, quiet real, and you have the elements of fascinating story.
Review:
Adi Rule has written a fascinating fantasy novel set in the modern world. Drawing of her knowledge of the musical world, she writes a tale that is intriguing and entertaining. The characters begin to invoke feelings almost immediately. The pressures of Sing’s chosen path and life at Dunhammond Conservatory make Sing immediately sympathetic. Her friends care but don’t seem to understand her. It was hard to settle into the story at first. The chapters were very short, and the point of view shifted rapidly in a way that was almost disconcerting. As the story progressed, the shifts became smoother. The dialogue was natural and believable. The magic comes in the form of the cat-like Felix who is drawn to despair and will either kill you or grant you a wish. I found it a most enjoyable read.