Sofi and the Bone Song

Sofi and the Bone Song
Age Range
12+
Release Date
April 19, 2022
ISBN
978-1534484368
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In this gorgeous, queer standalone fantasy, a young musician sets out to expose her rival for illegal use of magic only to discover the deception goes deeper than she could have imagined—perfect for fans of An Enchantment of Ravens!

Music runs in Sofi’s blood.

Her father is a Musik, one of only five musicians in the country licensed to compose and perform original songs. In the kingdom of Aell, where winter is endless and magic is accessible to all, there are strict anti-magic laws ensuring music remains the last untouched art.

Sofi has spent her entire life training to inherit her father’s title. But on the day of the auditions, she is presented with unexpected competition in the form of Lara, a girl who has never before played the lute. Yet somehow, to Sofi’s horror, Lara puts on a performance that thoroughly enchants the judges.

Almost like magic.

The same day Lara wins the title of Musik, Sofi’s father dies, and a grieving Sofi sets out to prove Lara is using illegal magic in her performances. But the more time she spends with Lara, the more Sofi begins to doubt everything she knows about her family, her music, and the girl she thought was her enemy.

As Sofi works to reclaim her rightful place as a Musik, she is forced to face the dark secrets of her past and the magic she was trained to avoid—all while trying not to fall for the girl who stole her future.

Editor review

1 review
enthralling and evocative YA fantasy
Overall rating
 
4.7
Plot
 
4.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
SOFI AND THE BONE SONG is an enthralling YA fantasy that transports the reader to Aell, a land troubled by an endless winter and closed borders. The kingdom used to have witches who would create magical papers that could do just about anything, but when the magic started going badly, the borders were closed and witches were persecuted. Now, without any seasons but winter, they are trying to reopen their borders through music. The guild of Musik produces original and moving songs that elevate their status, with the hopes of traveling beyond the borders.

Sofi's father is a Musik with a lute, and Sofi has spent her whole life training to take his place in the guild. However, when auditions happen, something goes terribly wrong, and someone with no training at all manages to take her place. Lara is appealing and yet has destroyed everything Sofi has suffered for her whole life. After her father's death, Lara needs training, as she knows nothing, and Sofi decides to take it on in order to prove why Lara cheated to steal her place as a Musik.

On their trip, Sofi will learn hard truths about her own life, Musik, and the lies that have been told to her, resulting in an explosive conclusion that will change everything Aell has ever known.

What I loved: This was such an engaging and enthralling read that quickly pulls the reader in to Sofi's passion, suffering, and trials. She has spent her whole life in her father's shadow, eager to become the best in her field. She has done everything her father asked and more. When the competition arises, Sofi is determined to be the best and follows her father's teachings to the letter - but it is ultimately not enough. Her devastation, pain, and loss are also mixed with her grief for her father and complicated emotions around Lara, the girl who intrigues her endlessly but also seems to have cheated to steal away her position. Sofi was a complex character who has struggled amidst the abuse of her childhood to craft the life she desired - only to have it snatched away at the last minute. Her emotions were consuming and the writing really conveyed these to the reader.

Lara was an interesting character as well, and she mostly served to aid Sofi on her quest to self-realization. As a romantic interest, she suited Sofi very well, and their romance seemed inevitable. This was a lovely touch on top of Sofi's coming-of-age. The world-building was also very strong in the story, and Aell with its troubles and the power of Musik really came to life in the telling. A land of endless winter with the hopes that music can save it was a really intriguing premise.

Themes around self-harm, suffering for art, the truth of love, fear of the unknown, the morality of creating of your own villain, politics, blackmail, and owning your own culpability and truths were really powerful. This was a thought-provoking read with a lot to unpack. This would be a great choice for a book group.

What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the end felt like it wrapped up a bit quickly and too smoothly, considering the leading conflicts, but I do appreciate that it is a stand-alone read.

Final verdict: Imaginative and evocative, SOFI AND THE BONE SONG is an enthralling YA fantasy about passion, music, and love.
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