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. He has the power to make her wish come true-but his help may cost her everything.

The internal conflict of the main character, Nannerl, was realistic and felt deeply as I read the book. The mixture between the real world and the Kingdom of Back was seamless. I am not actually sure how to write a synopsis of the story that will do it justice. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. In The Kingdom of Back, I was hooked within the first page. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age-her tyrannical father has made that much clear.Īnd as Nannerl's hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. She is a young woman in 18th century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. 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. But only one Mozart.īorn with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish-to be remembered forever. The novel ends with a creative twist, leaving readers to think back over the whole story in a different way. 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. The fantasy aspect added an interesting element to Nannerl's story I enjoyed Lu's vivid descriptions of the Kingdom, and the fantastical side of the plot permeated the historical one in a clever, well-thought-out way.

The kingdom of back review