We Are the Song

WE ARE THE SONG is an enthralling middle grade fantasy. Elissa is 12 years old and traveling around the country as an emissary for Cae, the goddess who created them all with song. She is one of 12 Singers, who have the Voice of Cae and are able to sing magic into being. For instance, she can create joy and change emotions or remove boulders from a pass, all with just the power of her voice. She is traveling with Lucio, a composer, selected by the church to write the songs that she will sing to perform these deeds.

As they travel together, Elissa also finds herself drawn to write songs, but she is reminded that she is going outside of the role Cae has given her and told to stop doing so. At the same time, she and Lucio are manipulated by the wealthy people around them into doing things she does not think are right, because afterall, why would Cae lead them to those people if not to do what they think is best?

As Elissa questions these choices and her own heart, she finds that her role in the ongoing war between the 3 kingdoms may be bigger than she ever could have anticipated.

What I loved: This is such a lush and enthralling read. The writing is steadily paced with enough background to understand this world and characters, as well as the mythology and magic. The world-building is really strong throughout the book and comes to life for the reader. Elissa herself is a really compelling character, right at that age when she is beginning to make decisions for herself while still constrained by her youth and swayed by those around her. Throughout the story, she is learning to trust herself and her own mind.

Themes around interpretation of religion, trusting yourself, integrity and standing up for what you believe, political corruption, war, and the power of many united for a cause are really poignant and thought-provoking. I particularly found the themes around religion and politics to be particularly relevant and provocative as they play out amidst Elissa's challenges.

The story unfolds in a really imaginative and clever way, and it was easy to be swept away in Elissa's story. I particularly loved the way the connection to the goddess transforms and the way Elissa encounters her. The ending was particularly satisfying with notes around justice, learning from your mistakes, and forgiveness - all important themes.

Final verdict: With lush world-building and thought-provoking themes, WE ARE THE SONG is an imaginative and enthralling middle grade fantasy that sweeps the reader away. Highly recommend for middle grade readers as well as YA readers who will appreciate the complexity and beauty of this story.