4.07 AVERAGE

ashleyvirag's review

4.5
emotional inspiring mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

delicious and gripping and fun!!!

Enjoyed the musician’s story and family history - the intrigue surrounding his instrument was a plus. A good read.

3.5⭐
adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

4.5 ⭐️- excellent mystery/thriller/family drama/touch of historical fiction….lots of tension similar to the music in the book. It is reminiscent of Queens Gambit! The end may have wrapped up quickly, and I figured out the mystery right away, but I enjoyed the story so much. I look forward to future books by this author.

I really enjoyed this book! While each of the twists were very predictable, it wasn’t the mystery that made the book alluring. I loved the passion for classical music and simple love of an instrument that drove Ray. I liked him immediately and found him easy to root for. The story of his treatment(also the author’s real life experiences) is sad and so behind the times that it’s embarrassing as an American. That made Ray’s passion even more exciting to follow. The audiobook had classical music playing and saved me the pronunciations of each composer and piece. I recommend it!

ltrue221's review

3.5
challenging mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Great book, a mystery novel about a young Black classical musician and underdog hero named Ray McMillian. It has a lot to do with perseverance and listening to an inner voice and support of mentors. Carried by the music, this is about racism, caring, deception, and more. Author Blendan Slocum’s knack with metaphors and inspiring descriptions of classical music colors the book with vivid images.

The audio book is read narrated by JD Jackson, who plays the voices with a richness and authenticity that bring the book to life.

“Together we are a symphony.”