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singsandreads's review against another edition
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
For a book advertised as a mystery/thriller it has far less to do with the missing violin and spends most of the book recounting his journey from teenager on a school violin to him competing in the worlds finest music competition, and the racism and lawsuits he encounters along the way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Physical abuse, Racism, and Slavery
leahgustafson's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This book didn’t quite end up being what I expected, though, there are some really positive things about it. First, this is a very unique perspective of the classical music world, something I personally know nothing about. This story highlights the blatant racism in the classical music sphere as well as issues of access and privilege that keep so many children of color out of this space from the very beginning. Brendan Slocomb’s Author’s Note is incredibly powerful and truly enriches Ray’s fictional story. Many of the situations Ray finds himself in have come from Slocomb’s lived experiences.
•
Unfortunately, this book just didn’t come together for me. The pacing felt a little off, and there were parts that it felt very, very slow. The cast of characters was not as complex or dynamic as I’d have hoped for either. Some of them felt very one dimensional.
•
This story was also marketed as part mystery/thriller, and I felt that aspect of the story was just kind of in the background. The person who “did it” and the whole backstory felt a little far fetched and forced.
•
Check out what I'm reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
Check out what I'm reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery and Racism
whizardreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Body horror, Police brutality, Racism, Cursing, Torture, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Death
jerica_mercado's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Minor: Violence and Slavery
marioosa517's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Racial slurs, Slavery, Cursing, Death of parent, Racism, Police brutality, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Blood, Torture, Bullying, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol, Cancer, Medical content, Terminal illness, Dementia, Rape, Sexual content, Physical abuse, and Drug use
bree_of_the_woods's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Racism, and Slavery
mamaofperfectpayton's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Police brutality and Death
kdixon2's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Racial slurs, and Racism
jomepage's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Police brutality, Racism, Slavery, and Hate crime
readingnormal's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
The author does a wonderful job of balancing a young protege narrative with an interesting who-done-it. I enjoyed the lovely descriptions of music that overlapped with a vibrant world of family history and personal trials. I enjoyed that there were small twists and turns, but that they amplified the story, instead of detracting from it.
The pacing was great, I felt as if it was consistent throughout the story and I was able to read it without feeling an urge to skip to the end, while also not feel bored.
Most of the cast are brilliantly written. I love how there’s many hate-able characters , but each are written with intricacies that make them uniquely unpleasant.
The pacing was great, I felt as if it was consistent throughout the story and I was able to read it without feeling an urge to skip to the end, while also not feel bored.
Most of the cast are brilliantly written. I love how there’s many hate-able characters , but each are written with intricacies that make them uniquely unpleasant.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Racism, and Racial slurs