April 2020 Standalone BOTM - The Kingdom of Back, by Marie Lu

[Alaina]

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.

[Ashy Khaira]

Part 1 (view spoiler)[is the pendant magical or what,like it summoned a damn kingdom.hyacinth strikes me as odd.I wonder is he a faery,imp or what.Seems suspicious as fuck (hide spoiler)]

[Ashy Khaira]

Part 2(view spoiler)[ how is the queen of night and hyacinth linked.this is getting intensely mysterious. Feels like hyacinth is feeding nannerl a pack of lies.hate how women were treated back then (hide spoiler)]

[Ashy Khaira]

Part 3 (view spoiler)[ what does hyacinth want from them.i can't put the book down.hate her father for what he did to nannerl,I'd love to kick his ass to jupiter (hide spoiler)]

[Ashy Khaira]

Finished (view spoiler)[gee that was one intense interesting read.finding out the truth and the twist the story took had me hooked.i loved and hated the ending (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

24%: (view spoiler)[ I'm loving the sibling relationship so far. I feel bad for Nannerl that she feels the need to hide her composing because shes a woman. It's also sad to see how much her father dotes on Wolf but not her. Still a little confused about the kingdom of back but I think we'll get some more glimpses soon (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

50%: (view spoiler)[ ok I do not trust Hyacinth at all and I think he's going to cause more trouble than it's worth. He's hiding something major. It's also interesting how Nannerl and Wolf's relationship is changing. Her bitterness is becoming more prevalent. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

75%: (view spoiler)[ oh Nannerl what have you done? Her thoughts about her brother are turning more dark by the day and I worry about the hold that Hyacinth has over her. I do love that Joann did write to her and I hope she can cling to those instead of what waits for her in the kingdom of back (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ I loved how Nannerl figured out that the kingdom mirrored her own world with her brother. I also loved how she came to realize her own importance and that her bond with her brother is more something special. Their father was a piece of work though. It's sad that Nannerl and Wolf lost touch later in life considering how close they were but I loved their relationship (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

25%(view spoiler)[ I love Nannerl's love for music and composing and her relationship with Woferl. They are too precious! The way we are introduced to Back is so beautiful. I love that it's something the siblings shared together. I hate that Nannerl has to hide her own genius because she is female. (hide spoiler)]

50% (view spoiler)[ I can't help but think Hyacinth isn't all he seems. He reminds me a lot of the Goblin King from Wintersong but much more cruel. I wonder if anything will come of the attraction between Nannerl and Johann? (hide spoiler)]

75% (view spoiler)[ I'm really worried for Woferl. I hate that Nannerl's composing came between them but it also was only a matter of time with everything that happened. But between Woferl's sickness and whatever nastiness Hyacinth has planned, Nannerl needs to run far away and take her brother with her. (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[ OMG that ending. So many FEELS. And the author's note brought tears to my eyes. I loved this SO MUCH. Marie Lu truly is a genius and her writing is magical. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Jenn wrote: "Finished: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Omg their father was truly horrid!! And right! It's so sad they weren't able to maintain their close relationship when they grew older. I bet they could've been unstoppable had the world let Nannerl truly be who she was (hide spoiler)]

[Marissa]

25% (view spoiler)[
I feel so bad for Nannerl. She craves her father's attention, and yet he is more focused on her brother. She is a very talented pianist, but it is hard to compare her to Woferl who is a child prodigy. I feel like every since that one mistake she made as a child, she can never live up to her father's standards. I want to know more about Hyacinth. Can he be trusted or will his help come with a high price? (hide spoiler)]

50% (view spoiler)[
I am not a fan of Nannerl and Woferl's father. He is more obsessed with appearance, fame and money than his own children's mental and physical wellbeing. I know that they are in a financially tight spot, but he honestly was more concerned with losing out on making money than Woferl being ill. Then, when he gets better, he forces Woferl to practice nonstop. At least he started feeling some remorse after his son got really sick for the second time. (hide spoiler)]

[Marissa]

75% (view spoiler)[
I never really trusted Hyacinth… Maybe I have read too many fairy tales to know that nothing comes without a price. Nannerl should have listened to her instincts. There were multiple times in the book where she briefly questioned Hyacinth's intentions and whether he was telling her the truth or not. Although I saw it coming, it was still sad when Nannerl realized too late what Hyacinth was.

Also, Nannerl and Woferl's father is still an awful parent. (hide spoiler)]

100% (view spoiler)[
Maybe I am the only one, but I felt like the book ending very suddenly. I liked how the Kingdom of Back truly was a mirror and it reflected Nannerl's real life. However, once Hyacinth was defeated and the Kingdom of Back was restored, the book ended shortly after. I really would've liked more continuation (at least another chapter!) into how this affected her life and her relationships with her family, particular Woferl. (hide spoiler)]

[Keri]

16%
Okay I like the characters well enough and I can read this easily...but I’m SOOO confused as to what’s going on...lol

[Alaina]

I’m so excited for this book I’m hoping to have time to dive into it before the month ends. Hoping to get to it on Thursday!

[Alaina]

Starting it now!!

[Alaina]

25%: (view spoiler)[okay liking it so far but feel bad for her. Also loving the sibling relationship so far. Hoping she can become a badass composer at the end? Screw the manly competition girl! (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

50%: (view spoiler)[I’m supposed to hate the dad right? He’s such a douche and ugh! He makes me so mad.(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

70%: (view spoiler)[oh good. I still hate their dad. At least he’s consistent. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

100%: (view spoiler)[wow what a book. It was good don’t get me wrong but I did feel a little bored and slightly disappointed with things until the ending. (hide spoiler)]