I chose the book because I thought the cover was pretty. It caught my eye and almost instantly my interest. It was a captivating story and world. As I read I automatically thought about recommending it to my cousin, who has a big interest in books like this, and to my younger sisters. Thank goodness her birthday is coming up.

This book could be used in schools by being paired with units about society, expectations, and authority. But, I personally think that this book would not bring extra understanding to the class. It is a good book, but it does not discuss many things in enough detail that it could be effectively used in a classroom. I would like it if it was offered in school or even classroom libraries.

Content Warnings:
(On a Scale of 0-5)
- D: 0
- S: 0
- V: 0
- L: 0
- R&R: 0

Exquisite writing. Compelling narrative voice. Interesting plotting.

This lovely book is filled with music, music, music. It brims with it. It sings. I could get lost in the rhythm of the prose and live there forever. Simply gorgeous. 💚

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

What an absolutely magical, heartfelt, wonderful story. I can’t begin to describe how wonderful this book is. Even as an adult, this story is so much and if I’d read it fifteen years ago, it easily would have been a favorite. I wasn’t sure how weird this was going to be, because the description is a bit strange, but it is absolutely wonderful and if you like fantasy at all, definitely give this a read, because: Wow!

Chewins has created a fascinating world in which everything has a place and function. Girls who turn away from their reflections as infants are trained as “turnaway girls,” growing up separate from the outside world to learn how to turn music into gold. Boys with a talent for music become music-makers and get to choose a turnaway girl for themselves once they become of age. There is no room for differences or otherness. On top of that, one man is trying to take complete control for himself and is doing this by cutting down everyone else. There are cautionary tales about the one who was different and didn’t conform, so she was swallowed by the sea; children are warned by this story to make sure to fall in line. Also, not only are the turnaway girls now separate from the rest of society, but their matron has been taught how to take away all their curiosity as well; who they are as individuals are literally sucked away by a woman following orders so that they can fall into line with the rest of society.

So you have the main character who is a turnaway girl; she is supposed to be silent, but she loves to sing. I absolutely loved that Chewins added a Music-Maker who decided she didn’t want to act like a boy anymore. It was such a powerful moment when the main character realized that she wasn’t the only “other” in the universe; there were people like her who didn’t fit this mold that their society had created for themselves. Even just the descriptions of the main character hiding away to sing were so poignant and moving and so relatable; I think we’ve all had those moments where we take time for ourselves just to be ourselves without having to worry about others’ judgments.

This story speaks to a deeper sense about power, identity, and the lengths people go to in order to not rock the boat or get in trouble. It’s a powerful tale that younger people will appreciate so much, made beautiful and fascinating by the narrative Chewins has woven around these issues. I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s amazing.

Also posted on Purple People Readers.

Loooved the concept, was not the biggest fan of the writing. It's clear that Chewins is a lyrical writer, which I don't mind, but sometimes it got in the way of plot details.

2.5 stars

Was writing my wrap up notes today and I think I'm going to drop this to 2.5 stars? I think it was the ending that made me bump it up to 3 in the first place, and even though there are some things the book did well, all the issues I had with it far outweighed those and I don't think they were completely salvaged by that ending.

I felt this book was lacking in subtlety. Though I agree that this topic is powerful and one that most DEFINITELY should be written about- as a reader I enjoy discovering plot points and observing character development on my own. This author did not give me that indulgence as she handed me a very blatant and overcooked story where I already knew all that was to be gained within the first few pages.

Now with my own reading preferences set aside, the writing was beautiful and the topic is one I feel should continue being written about.

A lyrical fairytale that will have you transported to an island where a girl must fight against all odds to be heard and be true to herself.