Review #423
The musical components were my favorite part.
I realized I’ve read another book by Adrienne Tooley already called Sweet & Bitter Magic which I gave a 4.4/5 star rating to.
In a world where musicians can’t use magical spells to enhance their skills, Sofi MUST become a highly esteemed apprentice, which will lead to a future as a Musik, to eventually end up in the Guild (top 5 musicians). Any other option is unacceptable to her. It’s what she’s been studying for for 16 years. She refuses to live an ordinary life that will be quickly forgotten.
The king has forced the apprentice position to be filled sooner than expected. And Sofi’s only competition for the position (and best friend) has mysteriously gone missing hours before the audition. She’s both worried about his whereabouts while simultaneously glad she has no need to worry that her dreams will now come true.
Page 46 starts with her flashbacks as a child, trying to gain her famous father’s attention & admiration through music. It makes me wonder if all her motivation for playing is for him to see value in her. If so, that’s sad.
After her flawless performance, an unexpected musician rushes to the stage last minute to try her luck. Somehow it’s the same beautiful girl Sofi was drawn to when they met the week prior. And even more unbelievable, is that Lara has amazing talent Sofi hadn’t seen coming.
After these flashbacks, I can’t tell if her dad is trying to help her future goals or sabotage her.
Halfway, the revelation is as I had expected. But I want her to spend more time there.
Chapter 15 was both expected and predictable simultaneously because the path of the plot has altered, but I had guessed Sofi’s identity correctly- so it’s not a surprise.
Their big fight came too quickly after their declaration of feelings.
Loved the ending, the resolution & the whole story. It felt low stakes the whole time so it was comfortable overall