The Kingdom of Back
Books | Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Historical
3.9
(533)
Marie Lu
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu comes a historical YA fantasy about a musical prodigy and the dangerous lengths she'll go to make history remember her--perfect for fans of Susanna Clarke and The Hazel Wood.Two siblings. Two brilliant talents. But only one Mozart. Born with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish--to be remembered forever. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she'll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be. She is a young woman in 18th century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age--her tyrannical father has made that much clear.And as Nannerl's hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. He has the power to make her wish come true--but his help may cost her everything.In her first work of historical fiction, #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu spins a lush, lyrically-told story of music, magic, and the unbreakable bond between a brother and sister.
Fantasy
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More Details:
Author
Marie Lu
Pages
336
Publisher
Penguin
Published Date
2020-03-03
ISBN
1524739022 9781524739027
Community ReviewsSee all
"I was definitely taken aback by this book. In all honesty I did not think I would enjoy it seeing as how I don't particularly listen to symphonies, operas, or concertos. And let's not forget my grades in Music Appreciation. Though in spite of all these things I highly enjoyed the tale. While reading I constantly investigated more into the history of Mozart. It was to the point where the plot was so enriching that I believed all of this really had taken place. How is that for getting lost in another world?<br/><br/>The past week I have been in a sea of books portraying women to be weak and always needing someone to swoop in and save them. I really needed this story. The Author mentions she was passionate about this tale and it shows. Marie Lu's writing was so very lyrical which added tremendously to the world. I have to say this book reminded me of Peter pan, alice in wonderland, and the labyrinth all rolled into one.<br/><br/>Authors notes: <br/><br/>I am a writer, and telling stories is as much a part of me as my heart--I cannot fathom the agony of being barred from writing simply because of my gender. The thought of Nannerl living during a time when she not only couldn't share her compositions but also had to watch her brother take the world by storm.....it turned her story into a personal one for me. I wrote this book for the Nannerl's of today and tomorrow, in Hope's that when they are ready to share their brilliance with the world, the world is ready to give them the attention and honor they deserve.<br/><br/>I swear just reading this part of the Authors notes choked me up. I surmise there are many women present and past who have gone unnoticed and forgotten for their deeds. But hopefully works like this will slowly change the world.<br/><br/>The Kingdom of back was always along the edges of the story. I love fantasy so found myself constantly waiting for the world to appear. But the eagerness was fun and did not at all took away from the story. I became so infuriated at times. Nannerl deserved so much better and my heart went out for her. The kingdom itself though was a little lacking at the end when it all came to a close. Although I did loved the way the two world coincided with each other and with history. As if the place was derived of her inner wishes. Nannerl was an amazing character and I was struggling right along with her for what she wanted."
"3.75"
R
RS
"Not my usual genre, but I was hooked on this from start to finish. I had no idea where it was going, and constantly trying to decide whether I’m on Nannerl’s side or not. I read this specifically because I’m a fan of Marie Lu’s other works and this didn’t disappoint. Definitely going to re-read and recommend to others, the amount of time Lu spent perfecting this is clear in the writing.#historicalfiction #marielu #fantasy "
C
Cooper
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