Review Detail

Nannerl Mozart is a gifted musical prodigy. She's trained by her strict father, who hopes her talent will take them to perform in European royal courts. She's also the older sister of Wolfgang Mozart. In this story Nannerl and Wolfgang travel to courts in Europe to perform. Nannerl is often overlooked due to her sex. While traveling to the courts, she shares with her brother the stories of a magical world called Back. Then one day a mysterious stranger appears and promises her that he can fulfill her secret wish-to never be forgotten. But at what cost?

What worked: Beautifully written tale that magically transports readers to the fantasy world of Back. Fans of Holly Black are sure to love this magical story that shows readers the Mozart siblings. Nannerl is also gifted, but often overlooked as she's female. It's the eighteenth-century Europe and she knows she can only perform until she reaches a marriageable age. She loves performing and hints of jealousy appear when her younger brother shows his own gift. I loved how Lu shows the courtly intrigues, behind scenes of performing to the wealthy, and the sibling rivalry. Nannerl worries that she will be forgotten and this fear grows when her brother's own talent eclipses hers.Though Wolfgang supports Nannerl by little acts like leaving out paper for her to compose out of sight of their father.

The world of Back is lush and filled with faeries, beauty, and danger. The mysterious Hyacinth visits both the siblings with promises of never being forgotten. He also sets Nannerl out on some tasks in order for him to fulfill his promise. As Wolfgang's talents start to overshadow hers, Hyacinth's tasks grow more difficult and dangerous. I loved this world. Hyacinth is beautiful and savage. His ability to swept his charm over not only Nannerl but Wolfgang hints of danger. Yet neither can turn away.

Captivating fantasy set in eighteenth-century where a magical world can lead to hidden desires, but at a cost.