This is one of the most lyrical middle grade novels I’ve ever read—each word has been chosen with purpose and the result is astonishing! The author has definitely written her heart out. I have felt it through the way this beauty-brimmed book has sung to me.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

<b>Thank you to Holiday House, the author, and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will release May 3, 2022.</b>

<i>“There is only one voice you should listen to, Caé Elissa—and that is your own.”</i>

Elissa, just twelve years old, is one of the twelve Voices of the goddess Caé, who created the world, divided into three lands here, with a song. Basso and Acuto are currently in a power struggle for the throne of Cadenza, and for the past two years, Elissa and her composer, Lucio, have been on the road, traveling in order to bring miracles and magic to people, as in this world songs are spells as well as prayers. However, Elissa begins to question whether she can ever be more than just a Singer, even as the monarchs of the two kingdoms fighting over her beloved homeland seek to use the power of her voice for their own ends.

I love the lush world that’s been created here, and how deeply engrained music is in every aspect of the book, from the names of the characters and locations to the descriptions of it and how it comprises the world’s magic system; the author’s love for music rings so clearly throughout. What deeply impressed me was Elissa’s growth—her shift from suppressing her doubt at the limitations imposed on her to speaking out and fighting to use her abilities to create a better world. I also loved Lucio’s arc; he’s every bit as complex as Elissa, and I felt a lot of sympathy and affection for him, even if I also wanted to punch him once or twice. And of course, the other Singers are wonderful—I don’t think I can say more about them without edging into spoiler territory, but suffice to say that I’m pretty sure a choir of angels has nothing on them. Oh, and the religious elements of this are also quite lovely, and I really appreciated how the author examined questions of devotion and purpose in a gentle yet powerful way.

Catherine Bakewell’s debut novel is a beautiful tribute to the power of music and one’s own voice, whether you are speaking for yourself or for a goddess, and a lyrical overture to what I am sure will be a wonderful career.

Lovely book!! I adored all that characters and the development was great throughout. Kept me wanting more. I would definitely recommend!