persephone11 's review for:

Music of the Night by Angela J. Ford

DID NOT FINISH: 35%

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There were several things about this book that I didn't enjoy. The writing felt like it was trying really hard to be flowery, fanciful, and whimsical and came off sounding forced, messing, and poorly executed. It didn't seem super clear if there was or wasn't magic in this world. I didn't need clear rules but something indicating from Uriah that the music was actually magic would have been nice. The phrase "music of the night" was used constantly and I'm not sure if it was to remind you that you were reading a Phantom of the Opera retelling or just what the title of the book was. I found both of the characters extremely irritating, Uriah less than Aria but I didn't like either of them. The thing that finally pushed me over the edge was her first music lesson. I am aware that not everyone has taken years of music classes, specifically choral lessons, but for the love of all that is holy, "warming up" doesn't mean launching into the most complex piece you know. Aria had said previously she had taken singing lessons and how to properly warm up is one of the first things that you learn. Yes, it allowed Uriah to be caring and teach her how to properly warm up but this was something that she should have already known. Speaking as someone who loves singing, playing instruments, or just experiencing the magic of a phenomenal piece of music, I understand where the author is trying to go but I don't think this book is going to get there.