The Kingdom of Back

Beautiful Writing, but Fell Flat The premise and gorgeous cover made me snatch up this book immediately. I've read this author's work before and loved the story arcs and well-rounded characters, so I really had high hopes of loving this novel with a character who like me, immerses herself in classical, baroque music. I enjoyed the writing and found it perfect for historical fiction; I felt like I was being told a story as I read. I loved the brother/sister relationship between the Mozarts. I also enjoyed the passion these characters felt about music and how hard they practiced and spent time writing music too. I also felt for Nannerl as society refused to let her follow her dreams or accept her talents. However, I found the pacing of this book slow or even stagnant at times and the characters seemed flat or stereotypical. I never felt surprised or found unexpected twists. I guessed the ending quickly and was so disappointed that I was correct. Also, what happened with Johann? When he became part of the story, my hopes soared for a plot twist, such as Nannerl secretly goes against her father's wishes to pursue a relationship with Johann, but this character just faded away.

I am already a huge fan of Marie Lu. I love her writing style--always so beautiful, yet crisp and clean in its execution--and her story ideas. However, this is the first I've read of hers that is not straight sci-fi/fantasy! The Kingdom of Back follows Nannerl Mozart and her brother, Wolfgang as they develop their musical talents. Although most know at least a part of Wolfgang's story, few have heard of Nannerl despite her impressiv talent, mostly due to the fact that she is female. This weighs on young Nannerl and she finds escape and hope in a different world in this portal fantasy lush with music and imagination, both described in incredibly beautiful detail. Nannerl is a sympathetic protagonist who stole my heart and had my compassion early on. She is very easy to root for with her many admirable AND flawed characteristics. My only complaint was that much of the story follows Nannerl as an 8-year old, which made it difficult for me to identify with her.

Marie Lu is best known in the young adult and dystopian fiction genres but wait till you read her newest book, A Kingdom of Back . A historical fiction fantasy story where she was able to demonstrate once again the greatest tool in her toolbox - her rich imagination. What I like about Marie Lu’s writing is how she can richly describe a character, a place, and a scene that every time I read her works, I feel like I get transported to it. It also has a smooth transition between two worlds - 18th century Europe and the magic land of the kingdom. Each character, both major and minor, has their own distinct personality which contributed to how the story came together till the end. Overall, it was a perfect blend of history and fantasy which made this book a 4-star read for me.