I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the WE ARE THE SONG by Catherine Bakewell Blog Tour
hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!
Catherine Bakewell is a writer, artist, and opera enthusiast. She has lived in Spain and in France, where she romped through gardens, ate pastries, and worked on her novels. We Are the Song is her debut.
Title: WE ARE THE SONG
Author: Catherine Bakewell
Pub. Date: May 3, 2022
Publisher: Holiday House
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Pages: 304
A lush and beautiful fantasy set in a world where music is magic and the fate of many thrones
lies with one girl...
Twelve-year-old Elissa has been raised in seclusion as a devotee of the Mother Goddess. She is
a special child, a blessed child, a child who can sing miracles into being. Her voice can heal
wounds, halt landslides, cure hunger--and even end wars.
But there are those who would use her gift for darker things. And when Elissa finds herself the
farthest from home she's ever been--along with her vain and jealous music tutor, Lucio--she will
have to develop the judgment to decide who wants to use her song to heal... and who wants to
use her song to hurt.
Reviews:
"Elissa’s desire to follow her divinely inspired abilities and overcome the barriers to her musical
ambitions echo women’s historical experiences in classical music. . . . And constellations of race,
sexuality, and gender expression lend richness to an already unique world."—The Bulletin of
the Center for Children's Books
"This fast-paced fantasy is full of action and intrigue, taking place in a war-torn world that still
holds much beauty and magic. Readers will come to love Elissa, who struggles with doubts as
she faces heartbreak, tragedy, and loneliness and tries to fight for what is right. An excellent
addition to middle-grade fantasy collections."—Booklist
"Fantasy fans will queue up for this delightful novel with its strong female characters and
carefully drawn fantasy world. . . . Fast packed action will keep readers totally engaged. This
captivating novel promises a good future for this first-time author."—School Library Connection
"An exploration of devotion and finding one’s voice"—Kirkus
Reasons to read: charming, lyrical, simply amazing!
Personal rating: I cannot stop staring at this cover!!
Wow. What a diamond in the rough. I want to first touch upon the magic system and how unique it was. With a song, Caé Elissa can do just about anything. As a Voice of the Goddess she travels alongside a composer to heal and bring happiness to those torn apart by war. She's presented with another chance to sing blessings by some powerful people and this is where the story gets really good. She starts to question the intentions of others and learns right from wrong as well as discovers who she wants to be in the world. There are some tidbits about blind faith that I don't think are too preachy for younger readers.
I loved the themes in this story as well as the world-building and voice. Elissa wants nothing more than to help others. The concept of magic through singing is by far one of my favorite magic systems now. My only qualm is how short the book is, but it IS perfect for young readers because of that aspect.
it was so easy to be swept away by this book. I highly recommend this book to those looking for a unique fantasy as well as those who will appreciate the lyrical beauty of the author's writing.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
1 winner will receive a finished copy of WE ARE THE SONG, US Only.
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