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hellomadalyn's review against another edition
4.0
This novella was so aggressively my brand, and it completely hooked me from the beginning. The depiction of the classical music world was spot-on (genuinely one of the best I’ve read), and a conductor/first violinist sapphic romance??? Be still, my heart.
usuallyhats's review against another edition
5.0
I was lucky enough to read an early version of this novella back in March, and both versions I read in one glorious sitting (both on the tube, weirdly enough*). It's gorgeously written and completely absorbing: Heledd and Rosemary felt like real, rounded people living in a world with depth and history to it. The magical elements are seeded beautifully, the orchestra setting is so well drawn, and the romance is lovely and very satisfying - romance often doesn't work for me, but this one really did. Highly recommended.
*ok, technically first time round I didn't quite finish it in one go, but only because my stop arrived faster than expected
*ok, technically first time round I didn't quite finish it in one go, but only because my stop arrived faster than expected
silky_octopus's review
5.0
Well, this was a genuinely delightful read. I want the next 180 pages though, because this must surely be the beginning of a series! Or perhaps I'm just very keen to spend more time exploring the lives and experiences of these characters. With zero-g fireworks ballet as the art form explored in the first of the author's published novellas, and an orchestra in this novella, I'm very curious to see which art form gets explored in the next, but I really would love to see more stories around Heledd and Rosemary. If nothing else, I really want to know how exactly they did manage to lose a tuba during a rehearsal...
pers's review
4.0
A sweet and charming little tale.
My only quibble is that the author never definitively stated who They are.
My only quibble is that the author never definitively stated who They are.
synth's review
2.0
Very interesting premise. Very dramatic execution. The MC was too selfishly broody and distant with the usual shitty excuse of wanting to protect her LI who's thus left to do all the work for them to even talk, let alone end up together. So a very low 2-star rating for me, completely on the basis of the uncommon premise and the tender LI.
localbeehunter's review
5.0
I got this book via Sapphic Book Club hosted by @sapphicliterature.
★★★★,5 || How the hell so much pinning fit into such a short story?
Ok, first of all, I don't usually relate to characters in their 40s so much but Heledd is such a mood. She legit tried to google what do you wear to meet up with friends before visiting her crush's house and then she decided she's a mess but a pridefull mess -- and, this is me. I would do that.
But, anyway, we have Heledd, in her 40s, and Rosemary, in her 50s, which already is eyecatching because I don't usually see romances with people this old. And they've spent x years pinning after each other.
They also have an orchestra together and act like a married couple in front of a whole room of children on a daily basis. Yep. This oblivious.
(Ok, in their defence both of them have valid reasons for being oblivious but it's still super funny.)
So, besides amazing chemistry, pinning, and the beautiful world of classical music -- Heledd has made a certain deal. A deal that has left her on the edge for most of her life.
And, like with all deals, there comes the time to pay one's due.
But wouldn't it be great to stay by Rosemary's side instead? Especially since she may finally show a sign that Heledd's feelings are not as one-sided as she thought.
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