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Silent Song (Ghostly Rhapsody #1)

by Ron C. Nieto (Goodreads Author)

4.15 of 5 stars 4.15 · rating details · 48 ratings · 28 reviews

The princess of the school, Alice, is keeping a secret that could strip her of her high school fame. She is obsessed with the school’s outcast, Keith, but not just him – his music.

Since the inspiration for the song hit, Keith can’t get it out of his mind. The song must be played; it demands to be played. He knows the music is changing him, but he is unable to stop it.

Mus...more

Paperback, 290 pages

Published June 22nd 2012 by CreateSpace (first published May 14th 2012)

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2012 YALSA Teen's Top Ten Nominations

78th out of 198 books — 337 voters

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

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9th out of 147 books — 29 voters

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Community Reviews

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Jul 04, 2012 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, blog-tour, kindle, review-on-blog

Wow! This book moved me so much. What a fantastic story. I didn't signed up for this blog tour a few months ago and I haven't read the summary of the book since then. So when I picked up Silent Song to read this week, I couldn't exactly remember what the summary said. As I started reading, I thought it would be just another high school contemporary with a play/drama setting. (and I do love those! I think I mentioned my love of plays in stories in my review of Knee Deep by Jolene Perry) So I was...more

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Jul 04, 2012 Karen [Nose In A Book Blog] rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow! Silent Song was definitely not what I expected... but I mean that in a good way! I admit, it took me a few chapters to really get into the story but once I did, I couldn't stop.I felt like Kevin! (lol) Now, I like to do spoiler free reviews so I can't say too much without giving the plot twist away but I'll see what I can do!

Alice is one of the popular girls at school. She, along with her "friends " Lena and Anna, thinks the most important thing is status. One of the objects of their spite...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Tee loves Kyle Jacobson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-summer-must-reads, 2012-ya-standalone-challenge, atomr-book-tours, arc-books, june-2012

I want to give AToMR Tours for allowing me to be a part of this tour. I have to say that Ron has written such a beautiful book that mixes all the right things together. Love, music and the inevitable fight for the love of your life. Music is such a huge part of people's life because it speaks to them when nothing else does. Music is comfort and for Alice and Kieth it takes them on an adventure of a lifetime.

Alice is the schools Princess. She has her perfect school life and her perfect school fri...more I want to give AToMR Tours for allowing me to be a part of this tour. I have to say that Ron has written such a beautiful book that mixes all the right things together. Love, music and the inevitable fight for the love of your life. Music is such a huge part of people's life because it speaks to them when nothing else does. Music is comfort and for Alice and Kieth it takes them on an adventure of a lifetime.

Alice is the schools Princess. She has her perfect school life and her perfect school friends but she is hiding a very big secret and if it were to get out she would be the schools biggest freak and lose all her friends and her status at school. See Alice loves Kieth's music. But she also knows she can not be seen with the schools outcast and she is torn because when she hears Keith play she is swept into a whole other world. She is captured by his mesmerizing music and wants to be a part of a world she has never know. Keith's music speaks to her heart and in the end what will she do? Will she choose to be with Keith out in the open? Or will she walk away from what her heart wants the most?

Keith loves music more than life. he needs it like a fish needs water to live. When he is writing and playing his music he can see nothing else but music. His latest piece has totally taken over his life and when Alice enters his life he is a little cautious. As he and Alice spend more and more time together he finds himself liking her but the music calls to him and he can't seem to get it out of his head. As Keith and Alice get closer though they will find out that someone has other plans in store for Kieth. She wants him all to herself and she will stop at nothing to get him. The music speaks to her and she needs it and she wants Kieth to play for her and her only. What will Keith choose? Will he choose the music that has always been there for him or will he choose Alice? What will that one song do to there relationship? Will Kieth choose the other girl who is intent on keeping him?

Boy oh boy what a decision Kieth has to make. Come along for the ride of a lifetime. All you music lovers this book is for you. It has love, music and of course ultimate choices. This is a great summer read and I look forward to reading more by Ron. (less)

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Jan 09, 2013 Asmaa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: hero-musician, 2013-reads, paranormal, young-adult

Rating: 3/5

Alice is one of the popular kids at her school, she's beautiful, smart and an active member of the theater club which she takes rather seriously. She has everything a girl could ask for, but there's something no living soul knows about: she secretly love the music played by Keith Brannagh, the outcast Goth boy of her school. Every night, she finds herself wandering in his neighborhood, standing outside his window, covered in mud and leaves, listening to the haunting and sad music he p...more Rating: 3/5

Alice is one of the popular kids at her school, she's beautiful, smart and an active member of the theater club which she takes rather seriously. She has everything a girl could ask for, but there's something no living soul knows about: she secretly love the music played by Keith Brannagh, the outcast Goth boy of her school. Every night, she finds herself wandering in his neighborhood, standing outside his window, covered in mud and leaves, listening to the haunting and sad music he plays with his guitar.

When Keith is chosen to compose the soundtrack of the upcoming play she's going to be the lead of, they grow closer and closer but their happiness is of short due, because there's a piece of music that's consuming Keith's soul, literally. Soon, they learn that something nasty is after Keith and if they don't stop it within time, it might be too late to save him.

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I am slightly disappointed with this book: first of all, I don't know why, but I was expecting it to be fully contemporary, so I was very surprised when it turned out having bits of paranormal. It was not bad, not at all actually, I liked a lot Beatrice's story and her motives, but the confused moments I had kind of ruined my reading. For example, the abandoned mansion: why didn't anyone question the fact that they saw the couple just a few months ago? where did they go? were they ghosts too? Was the house part of their imagination? Too many questions left unanswered and that left me unsatisfied.

What pleased me, and I damn sure know it shouldn't, was that Keith wasn't overconfident, he was shy, insecure, had a lot of doubts, maybe a little too much, but that's how any boy would feel when the most beautiful and popular girl -- the one he'd been in love with his whole life -- in school is dating him. Alice too grew on me with her maturity, she learned how to step out of the Bitch Princess throne and just be a regular girl. Anna and Dave were very supportive and nice and accepted Keith right away and I liked them for that; being able to see what lays beneath the surface, no judging based on the looks (in both ways) are qualities I crave in my friends, but it is -- sadly -- not the case.

Other than my little puzzlement, I enjoyed reading about Keith and Alice, they had chemistry, some funny bantering and sweet tender moments, which are (for me) the ingredients for the kind of romance I love.

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Aug 08, 2012 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars

It seemed like the world was against me getting this book started. Every time I picked it up something interrupted me. Once I was able to sit down and read for more than 15 minutes I quickly became engrossed in the story.

At first the story felt like a contemporary romance, with the popular girl finding herself attracted to the school outcast. About halfway through things start to take an interesting turn that had me on edge waiting to get to the next page. The plot was different from anything el...more

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Jul 16, 2012 Avry15 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, paranormal-romance, romance, young-adult, supernatural

originally appeared on: Bookshelf Confessions

Ok, so I participated in the Silent Song tour a week ago, but it isn’t for review but for a “6 Words Post”. But luckily, the author was so generous of giving me a copy, so I can share this wonderful story with you.>:)

First off, the cover isn’t really that pretty, but it catches any reader’s attention with the rose’s petals and the guitar. It does really speak of the content.

I read the summary, but it didn’t prepare me of what’s inside. I hadn’t eve...more originally appeared on: Bookshelf Confessions

Ok, so I participated in the Silent Song tour a week ago, but it isn’t for review but for a “6 Words Post”. But luckily, the author was so generous of giving me a copy, so I can share this wonderful story with you.>:)

First off, the cover isn’t really that pretty, but it catches any reader’s attention with the rose’s petals and the guitar. It does really speak of the content.

I read the summary, but it didn’t prepare me of what’s inside. I hadn’t even expected this to be a little bit, or more paranormal. I know, I must be really stupid to not read between the lines of the summary..lol..

Anyways, when the book arrived I hadn’t really planned of reading it right away, but since I was curious, I decided to read the first chapter. And then, the next thing I know, I finish the book in one sitting! That’s how good and capturing it was!!!

I can’t believe this is the author’s first book. Ron Nieto’s writing was spectacular. I love how she described music through Alice’s perspective of Keith’s music. As a lover of music myself, it’s really amazing to read a book that really captures the essence of music and make it come alive. I could actually sometimes feel what Alice feel of his music..:D

Also, the story’s in a perfect timing, at first, we got to know Alice and her secret, her and Keith’s past connection, got to know the real Keith, saw their fear, doubt of having each other, then they’re falling in love, then there’s the big twist. All of a sudden, from YA contemporary, we’re onto YA paranormal, with bits of Historical, and it’s such a nice transition.

Plus, I love all of the characters, yes even Beatrice,,..:D Alice- even if she’s one of the popular girls, she does have a heart and really stands up for her principles. Keith- at first I was disappointed of the thought that he’s Alice’s love interest. But after a few scenes, his music, his story, he simply carves out a place in my heart. I believe that he has the center stage here. And what’s even cool, I don’t care if he’s gothic and vulnerable and not the typical, hero-type-hot guy, what matters is he’s such a sweet, haunting and caring guy. Although, I did love those times, when he seemed to act like the bad boy **not so spoiler** like when Lena saw them at the gymn, the swagger, the way he said it, and the words, I really think it’s cool. **end of not so spoiler**

I fell in love with Alice and Keith. The mystery behind the song, Alice’s attraction to Keith’s music, the high school drama, the play. Everything. There might be some typos but it’s not enough to distract me from reading. There’s a lot to say, and yet I know no one would bother to read this if I continued blubbering..lol…

SO, what I would just like to say is, this book is::::

Very highly recommended, one of the best books I’ve read this year. Perfect for music, YA, even historical and supernatural lovers. If you want a high school love story that’s unique in every way, then grab Ron Nieto’s Silent Song now..:)
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Jul 10, 2012 Autumn Review rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a debut novel for Ron C. Nieto and I felt that it was well done. I was interested in participating in the tour for a few reasons. I love music and add in a love story, I'm in heaven.

What I like about the book:
-The history of Alice and Keith's friendship.
-Alice followed her heart, despite what her friends thought.
-The concept of music pulling them back into each other's lives.
-The development of their relationship was endearing and sweet.

The only thing I would say that kept me from ra...more

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Jul 05, 2012 Paige Bradish rated it 4 of 5 stars

Hmmm what can I say? Silent Song was nothing like I thought it was going to be but I really enjoyed it. Ron C. Nieto took us on a wild ride that was a little story in Alice & Keith’s relationship. To be honest it was such a short story and I want more! In the beginning we followed Alice on her journey of how can I say this stalking the guy she was falling in love with. Which yes was a bit weird I started off thinking is this girl crazy? But I realized that they used to be friends and that sh...more Hmmm what can I say? Silent Song was nothing like I thought it was going to be but I really enjoyed it. Ron C. Nieto took us on a wild ride that was a little story in Alice & Keith’s relationship. To be honest it was such a short story and I want more! In the beginning we followed Alice on her journey of how can I say this stalking the guy she was falling in love with. Which yes was a bit weird I started off thinking is this girl crazy? But I realized that they used to be friends and that she was liking him. It’s still weird but he didn’t seem to mind so I guess it’s okay. More towards the middle Keith started experiencing some problems which is what they worked on solving for the rest of the book. These problems confuse me because I still don’t understand how it fits into the book but it’s making sense little by little.

One thing I loved about the book was that Alice is a popular mean girl in the beginning. She hangs with the popular crowd has popular friends and she would never be caught dead with a guy like Keith, a gothic loner. Which is why I really liked her character because when she realized she liked Keith she didn’t try to hid it. This wasn’t one of those books when the popular likes the loner but they try to hid it then the loner gets hurt. No nothing like that at all and I loved it!

One of my other favorite characters was Alice’s best friend Anna. The reason being because she changed a lot in the book just like Alice. She started off being a popular “Bitch Queen” as said in the book with a jock for a boyfriend. But when Alice told her she liked Keith she was a little confused at first considering what kind of crowd he was and that made things rocky at first but her being Alice’s bestie she came around and accepted Keith even if it meant leaving her possessive jerk of a boyfriend.

There was a few elements to this book which made it a bit confusing but it didn’t really take anything away for me just made it a tad bit hard to follow. Those elements were the book seems to be all about music considering the title Silent Song but then we have the play that Alice stared in that was a huge part of the book and the whole reputation thing too but part of me feels like It just added to the excitement to the book. While the other part was confused.

Overall Silent Song gets a 4 out of 5 stars because it was able to keep me entertained. I didn’t have to give the book a second chance, it was impossible for me to stop turning pages which is why I’m writing this review at like 12 AM! I don’t think there’s a sequel to this book but if there was a little short story to check up on our couple that’d be awesome(less)

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Jul 02, 2012 Miriam rated it 3 of 5 stars

Silent Song by Ron C. Nieto is a very nice and fast read. It tells the story of Alice, who is definitely one of the popular girls at school, but slowly falls in love with that outsider named Keith. The key to this story, and the key to the story of how Alice and Keith find each other, is music. And even though I am always a little concerned when it comes to adding a musical aspect to a book (because words never do music any justice), I really liked this part of the story a lot. I am a person who...more Silent Song by Ron C. Nieto is a very nice and fast read. It tells the story of Alice, who is definitely one of the popular girls at school, but slowly falls in love with that outsider named Keith. The key to this story, and the key to the story of how Alice and Keith find each other, is music. And even though I am always a little concerned when it comes to adding a musical aspect to a book (because words never do music any justice), I really liked this part of the story a lot. I am a person who loves music and musical theatre and how both these things became a natural part of the storytelling was really good and very enjoyable.

The story is set at a typical high school and, of course, the main characters have to deal with how it is to be on different ends of the food chain. I know that this is part of growing up and finding yourself, but at some parts of the book, I really wanted to scream at Alice and to tell her that whoever you are while you're at school doesn't really matter. And that she should admit that she likes Keith. But actually this is not meant negative in any way - I love to get drawn into the story and to feel for or with or against the characters.

The only thing that kind of confused me was the paranormal aspect of the story. I don't want to tell you anything too detailed about it so that I don't give away the ending of the story, but after reading the synopsis, I didn't expect the book to have a paranormal aspect and it took me some pages to get used to the idea. And actually I would have loved the story the same, if not even more, without this part. All of the characters have great potential and getting to know more about both Alice's and Keith' families or their friends' background would have been a lot more interesting than all the paranormal stuff, I think.

Nevertheless, Silent Song is a very cute and short read. Especially the character of Keith was interesting in an awesome way. I really liked him a lot. The book is definitely a good summer read.(less)

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Sep 18, 2012 Iris (Paranormal Cravings) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Here is your chance to win Silent Song by Ron C. Nieto!
Ron C. Nieto is giving away one e-copy. GA runs till sept 25th 2012
on http://www.paranormalcravings.blogspo...

Silent Song a beautiful book, not the stereotype YA paranormal romance read but still a real page turner!

Ron C. Nieto has written a great love story. The story starts off with the popular girl Alice and outcast boy Keith falling in love with each other. But when they have to work with each other on a school’s play they notice that s...more Here is your chance to win Silent Song by Ron C. Nieto!
Ron C. Nieto is giving away one e-copy. GA runs till sept 25th 2012
on http://www.paranormalcravings.blogspo...

Silent Song a beautiful book, not the stereotype YA paranormal romance read but still a real page turner!

Ron C. Nieto has written a great love story. The story starts off with the popular girl Alice and outcast boy Keith falling in love with each other. But when they have to work with each other on a school’s play they notice that something strange is happening to keith and that they have to stop it before it’s to late!

From the first page Ron C. Nieto pulls you in to this great world of Keith and Alice in their high school world full of beautiful songs but soon after the beginning you notice that the strange paranormal elements of the story rubbing off on you because you can’t put this book down! Haunted maybe?? The story is written fast but full of feelings, betrayal, emotions, history and lots of songs. One thing I like to highlight is the extreme describing of the music in this story. I don’t have the power like Ron C. Nieto to put feelings in to writing so I have to do with my own words. It really surprised me how Ron C. Nieto knows how to put the words on paper that will make you hear and feel the music played by one of the main characters Keith.

The characters in this book are realistic, found myself right back at school and glad that, that time is in the past :). Besides the main characters there are also a lot of great sub characters, Dave and Anna where great friends/side kicks who added some humor in to this already great story.

The only thing I would say that kept me from rating it a full 5 is that the paranormal part of the story felt a little to rushed at the end. It could have been introduced al little sooner to make it in my opinion a little bit more perfect. Oh and mmm. Keith was described as a skinny, pale young boy with long hair and black fingernails... I pictured him in my head a little less ugly :) Still the goth look tho!

p.s. Silent Song is not a book you are used to read about on my blog. Silent Song contains some paranormal elements but not in form of vampire’s or werewolves!

Paranormal Cravings REVIEW RATING: 4 stars
Paranormal Cravings(less)

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Jul 05, 2012 Hannah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 14-up, 2011-2012, contemp, easy-quick-read, fiction, from-author-4-review, gripping, language, paranormal, reviewed-on-blog, romance, well-written, ya

When I started this book I wasn't sure what to expect. It had the look of a contemporary romance sort of thing. As I got into it more It grew into something more. Alice's voice is very easy to get into. The writing flows and you could read this book in a couple of hours. I did. It's basically the Popular Girl falling in love with the Nerd boy. And I think that was really well portrayed. They already had a little background connection and then the main tie was music.

It was really interesting to...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Tanja (Tanychy) St. Delphi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-galleys

You can win paperback or ebook copy at Ja čitam, a ti?

At the beginning this book took me by surprise. I started reading it and got confused. I thought is this paranormal? But then when Alice came and heard music it was really interesting way to start the story. Then as the story goes on we meet the characters and the whole story.

Here we have main character Alice. She is popular, good looking girl and she has her perfect circle of friends. Being schoolgirl she spends her days at boring classes a...more

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Jul 05, 2012 JennRenee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-june-read, challenge-2012-summer-read, read-2012, non-series-read, 2012-debut-author-challenge-read, blog-tours-finished

A beautiful book, an amazing read, a real page turner! I loved everything about the story, the characters, and the writing. I am so happy that I was able to join this blog tour.

Ron C. Nieto created a beautiful love story. The story starts off with what one believes to be a cliché plot, popular girl, outcast boy, falls in love… faces the normal high school drama. After only a few chapters in, one is proven wrong, there is nothing cliché about this love story.
Alice is a popular girl, she has worke...more A beautiful book, an amazing read, a real page turner! I loved everything about the story, the characters, and the writing. I am so happy that I was able to join this blog tour.

Ron C. Nieto created a beautiful love story. The story starts off with what one believes to be a cliché plot, popular girl, outcast boy, falls in love… faces the normal high school drama. After only a few chapters in, one is proven wrong, there is nothing cliché about this love story.
Alice is a popular girl, she has worked hard to be popular and she does her best to follow the rules of popularity. She does have a hidden obsession; she stalks the school’s outcast. She is in love the music that Keith creates and plays.

Keith is a loner, he is picked on at school, and his only escape is his music.

Once upon a time these two were friends, before high school, before tragedy, and before popularity. Now Alice and Keith are thrown together in the school’s play. Alice is the lead female and Keith is in charge of the music. This is where the love story begins.

I am not sure at which point I fell in love with this story. It pulled me in from the first page, but at one point I discovered I was no longer reading the book but devouring the book. I could not put it down. I was completely wrapped up in Keith and Alice’s world.

The characters in this book are amazing. Alice starts off as the spoiled popular girl but I was able to see that she wanted to be different. She didn’t want to be that mean girl, but she was very afraid to lose her status in the school social structure.

Keith stole my heart from the very beginning. He is not written to be a swoon worthy hero. He is not built or handsome, but he has heart. I felt my heart break just a little every time he was bullied.

There are some really awesome supporting characters too. Dave and Anna are pretty cool. Anna is Alice’s best friend and Dave is another good friend. The loyalty and acceptance form these two friends really amazed me.

The writing if this story is so beautiful. The author was able to create a strong connection to the characters and a sense of the surroundings that had me believing I could see, hear, and feel it all. There are so many instances that I could recall forgetting where I was and just submersing myself in the words I was reading. The most memorable for me was the way I felt the music that was playing. I could sense the darkness in the music and hear the notes in my mind. It was a very moving read for me.

I would highly recommend this book. The summary only gives a tiny glance to what the book holds. The mystery, the excitement, and the romance will leave you with Keith and Alice long after you have read the last page.
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Mar 11, 2013 Carmen rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved it. Simple as that. Of course I would like some things which weren’t in the book, like more pages or Keith's thoughts, but, hey, you can’t always have it all, right?

It cached me like from the start, I almost didn’t make it to a date with a friend cause I was so engrossed with the story I lost track of time. Also didn’t notice I had been running the same song background, repeat mode, for almost two hours (I don’t really want to make maths, but the song was 3:30 minutes long, so you tell m...more I loved it. Simple as that. Of course I would like some things which weren’t in the book, like more pages or Keith's thoughts, but, hey, you can’t always have it all, right?

It cached me like from the start, I almost didn’t make it to a date with a friend cause I was so engrossed with the story I lost track of time. Also didn’t notice I had been running the same song background, repeat mode, for almost two hours (I don’t really want to make maths, but the song was 3:30 minutes long, so you tell me).

The story was compelling and vibrant, and though I was dying to get a glimpse of Keith’s point of view, I’m glad Ron chose to leave it to another time. That marks it as different and I’ll just have to wait for the second book to fill that gap, I’m only able to say that because, thanks Lord, part two is going to be published soon! Something that really got my attention, by the way, was the love, the passion for music, especially guitars, which Ron describes and transmits. And as a person, myself, who loves music, I appreciated it a lot. It was beautiful.

The story and characters took some turns I loved like the changes in Alice, from HS princess to someone able to fight for what she wants and loves. and Anna, accepting and being a real best friend, or the stand Keith is able to adopt when the situation so requires, (lets just say that Keith and Alice and Lena in the same room is not going to be a party... for one of them, al least), though I’m not too sure about Dave, maybe we will see more of him in book two?.

One thing I do have to confess: I didn’t like Alice a lot when first reading, I was too much into Keith, he was loveable from the beginning, so damn sweet and wonderful, and I didn’t understand how Alice wanted to keep her wonderful world from splintering apart when he opened up to her and she couldn’t see the chance she was letting slip between her fingers. However that semi-disliking posture wasn’t for long, actually I was only wary for two chaps, so it wasn’t really that much, her way of thinking is way to hilarious not to start liking her almost right away.

Maybe the only thing I wished Ron had done was to describe a little more Alice’s daily life, I mean once I started liking Alice I wanted to know more about her, but I’ve noticed Ron likes to go to the point, so the story runs fast. Which obviously it’s what she wants and what Alice actually is like, anyway. We will see in Keith’s story, though, since he is more calm.

But was it really that fast? Obviously not, Silent Song is almost 280 pages long, but it still feels way too short. More likely it’s just me wanting to read more about K&A and I thought the small bite was way too small. Or perhaps, authors tend to describe so much in an effort to transmit that which is inside their heads, and Ron just opted for letting our imagination run free.

Some people didn’t like the paranormal twist in the story, because they didn’t see it coming. For my part, I enjoyed it, it spiced the story, and you could feel it from the start: the cat’s mood (great character BTW), the rehearsal moments, Keith disconnecting... creeping little by little to the main story.

Conclusion: it left me with a greedy feeling for more, more about crazy Alice, more about sweet Keith, more about deep music, more about grabbing your chances with your teeth before they slip by. If that is what Ron wanted, then she’s scored it bull’s eyes. Thumbs up.(less)

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Jul 18, 2012 Better Read Than Dead (Kelly & Kristin) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-paranormal

I'm not going to lie, when asked by a friend to review a book, I get a little nervous. What if I hate the entire book? Or worse, their writing style? What if I can't connect to the characters (a must for me)? I mean, it would be kind of obvious if I said, "Hey! How 'bout we do a guest post or interview instead of a review?" They would immediately think I hated the book. And I don't enjoy hurting anyone's feelings, especially not my friends. All I'm saying is ... thank goodness I adored everythin...more I'm not going to lie, when asked by a friend to review a book, I get a little nervous. What if I hate the entire book? Or worse, their writing style? What if I can't connect to the characters (a must for me)? I mean, it would be kind of obvious if I said, "Hey! How 'bout we do a guest post or interview instead of a review?" They would immediately think I hated the book. And I don't enjoy hurting anyone's feelings, especially not my friends. All I'm saying is ... thank goodness I adored everything about Silent Song.

Ron has a unique writing style that it took me a bit to get used to, but as soon as I did, I fell in love. And, what started out as a type of love story quickly took some much unexpected twists and turns transforming the novel into something completely different. A thriller, maybe? A ghost story? Definitely. A mutual friend wrote something about reading the book and her many OMGs and WTFs. She did not lie. Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, Ron added something completely off the beaten path.

While I was never the "popular" or "princess" girl in high school, I had tons of friends from all walks of life. I think this is why I was able to connect with Alice so well. She was a strong female protagonist who began the story attempting to keep her group of petty and self-absorbed friends. However, it did not take her long to decide the ones who were worth it would stick by her no matter what. Luckily for her, she had a couple of them.

Keith, the misunderstood guitar playing emo guy, captivated Alice's attention for more than one reason. She loved his music and often found herself hiding under his window just to hear him play his guitar. When one of her frenemies decided to ask him to join the school play, Alice couldn't fathom what was up because most of the school treated him like a leper. Once she discovered the reason, she became more determined than ever to stand by Keith's side and protect him the best she could. Thing is, Keith really didn't need her protection from the students but he did need her for a completely different reasons. Reasons I can't tell.

I really enjoyed the interaction between Keith and Alice and loved the way Ron integrated their relationship into the story, never giving too much away. There is a paranormal aspect to the story but I don't want to go into much detail so nothing gets spoiled because in all honesty, this book is a suspense. Everything circles around Lady Windermere's Fan, an Oscar Wilde story. This is the play the school theater troop will be performing with antique props donated by a mysterious family.

Ron's story is very unique and intriguing. Each page will leave you wondering and guessing. I loved the overall feeling of the story, even when it became a tad bit creepy. After I finished, I kind of wondered what possessed me to read it so late into the night, but I loved it that much. I couldn't put it down. When you are looking for something mysterious and different, don't hesitate to pick up Silent Song. Oh, and did I mention, the cover is phenomenal and very foretelling.
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Jul 02, 2012 Sana rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012, sarc-2012

Some books are hard to review because they are too dull or drab while others because they are too bloody brilliant. Silent Song falls in the latter category. It made me feel a range of emotions strengthening my connection to the story. Silent Song made me smile in contentment, gulp in horror and it pricked my senses. A beautifully written book, I immensely enjoyed reading it from the get go.

Alice is the girl in high school, she's in the popular crowd. In other words, a princess whose reputation...more Some books are hard to review because they are too dull or drab while others because they are too bloody brilliant. Silent Song falls in the latter category. It made me feel a range of emotions strengthening my connection to the story. Silent Song made me smile in contentment, gulp in horror and it pricked my senses. A beautifully written book, I immensely enjoyed reading it from the get go.

Alice is the girl in high school, she's in the popular crowd. In other words, a princess whose reputation will be tarnished if she so much as speaks with one of the outsiders. But she has a secret which might just ruin her reputation for good. She listens to his music as he plays his guitar crouching under his bedroom's window. She used to know him, Keith, but he moved away and when he came back to town well, things were too different for them reconnect. So Alice ignored him and he became 'Dracula in Drag' with silver-streaked hair and black-painted nails.

Silent Song is all about music and I love books which focus on music all around. The way Ron described Keith's compositions, the crescendos and decrescendos and most of all how Keith emotions lay bare for Alice. They could never be anything but Alice needs to listen to his music. However, things change when her Lit class veers into a totally different direction for the annual play. From playing Jane Austen's Romeo and Juliet for the last couple of years, to the school board giving them the green light for Oscar Wilde's Lady Windermere's Fan. A very unusual choice at the least.

The class decides to take it a step further and compose an original soundtrack for the play. Lena, another of the in crowd, suggests that they ask Keith to do that. Alice feels happy because now she gets to listen more of Keith's songs. Keith composes a spectacular piece for the play which helps sets the ambiance for the emotions behind the story. As Lady Windermere, Alice gets to spend time with Keith and listen to his music to perform and give the best rendition of her life. She decides that she would like to befriend Keith which doesn't sit well with her gang. Then The Incident happens which forces Alice, her BFF Anna and Dave to go their own way away from Lena and the others.

However, that is a minor glitch compared to what's in store with Keith playing an almost unpleasant song and being unable to stop physically. As much as all of this is out of Alice's league, she is falling for Keith and cannot see him break down like this over a song. They do some research and what they find is beyond the petty jealousy and hate Lena feels toward Alice.

Silent Song is a story that made me think long after I finished reading it. It is about breaking away from life as you know it so you can go on to grasp what you are really meant for. The feeling of rightness takes but a moment to surface. Silent Song was definitely an unpredictable read for me and I was almost of my chair thinking what would happen next. Beatrice is definitely a character I won't be forgetting for a long time. Read Silent Song, it is a a very well-written debut by Ron C. Nieto.

Thank you, Ron for writing Silent Song and embracing what you've always wanted to be. I knew from the way you write your reviews that you would make one awesome author and Silent Song proves that. I am really proud of you. For my readers, knowing Ron as one of my best blogger friends have not affected my review of Silent Song at all.(less)

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Oct 17, 2012 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-tour-host-for-review, for-review, from-author

Silent Song is one of those books that you sit down to read and because you are thrown into the story so quickly before you know it you have finished the book. I love it when that happens!

Alice is part of the popular crowd and at times is mean without even realizing it. Alice has that teenage ability to believe that what happens to her matters more than anything in the world so no one else's feelings really matter. But, there is one person she thinks a lot about that should not even be on her ra...more

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Oct 21, 2012 J.J. rated it 2 of 5 stars

Hmmm... I'm just not sure about this. I don't think I really understood the whole paranormal aspect of the story. It kind of came and went pretty quickly right at the end of the book and I was like, "That's it?!" with the whole resolution of it.

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Oct 16, 2012 emanuela rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: june-2012

am I the only one who didn't expect it to be a paranormal book?

however it was a beautiful read for the first half but for the second half I just couldn't really connect with the characters and their love story.
I don't really know how I feel about this. I'm not really sure if I liked it or not.

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Dec 29, 2012 InD'Tale Magazine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-holiday-issue, genre-ya, rating-4-5-star, rating-crowned-heart

4.5 STARS

Read Rose Mary's review in the double holiday issue of InD'Tale Magazine

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Jul 22, 2012 Cassie McCown rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review coming soon...

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Jun 26, 2012 Roshini marked it as to-read

Sounds intriguing!

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Jul 05, 2012 Neriah (Chocolate Coffee Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: author-requests-arcs-blog-tours, my-ebooks

ARC provided by Ron C. Nieto for blog tour hosted by AToMR. Review + Giveaway on my blog tomorrow!

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Jun 26, 2012 Autumn Review rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: blog-tours, review

review to come

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Jun 28, 2012 Leanne (The Selkie Reads Stories) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

review coming soon :)

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Jun 20, 2012 April (Books4Juliet) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopian-fantasy-paranormal, galleys-arc-review

My review will be up on July 4th, as part of the Silent Song Blog Tour =) Don't miss it! *winks

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Jun 22, 2012 Lis (The reader lines) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review comming soon....
Me he quedado en blanco!

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Oct 06, 2012 Ely rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone!!!!!!!!!

Shelves: books-who-made-me-feel-warm-inside, love-at-first-word, theatre, unexpected, ya, books-i-own, stand-alone

amazingly good. review to come...

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Jun 18, 2013 Destiny-rene marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Jun 14, 2013 Sweety marked it as to-read · review of another edition

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About Ron C. Nieto

Ron C. Nieto is a fantasy and romance author who has been writing in her secluded fortress for the longest time. Recently, she had a talk with her cat and decided that she should share her creations, because it was selfish to hoard them all for herself.

If you would like to know more about her, please visit her website.

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“Well", he drawled."You do know what they say about guitarrists. I think nimbleness beats ball grabbing and body tackling any day of the week." And then he flexed his long, slender fingers, and the implications sent my brain into overdrive.” — 1 person liked it

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Silent Song (Ghostly Rhapsody #1)

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