Book Review: Sofi and the Bone Song by Adrienne Tooley
The Details
Media Type: Ebook (ARC)
Title: Sofi and the Bone Song
Author(s): Adrienne Tooley
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderberry Books
Pages/Length: Hardcover; 416
Release Date: April 19, 2022
Source: Publisher/TBR and Beyond Tours
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Add it on: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
In this gorgeous, queer standalone fantasy, a young musician sets out to expose her rival for illegal use of magic only to discover the deception goes deeper than she could have imagined—perfect for fans of An Enchantment of Ravens!
Music runs in Sofi’s blood.
Her father is a Musik, one of only five musicians in the country licensed to compose and perform original songs. In the kingdom of Aell, where winter is endless and magic is accessible to all, there are strict anti-magic laws ensuring music remains the last untouched art.
Sofi has spent her entire life training to inherit her father’s title. But on the day of the auditions, she is presented with unexpected competition in the form of Lara, a girl who has never before played the lute. Yet somehow, to Sofi’s horror, Lara puts on a performance that thoroughly enchants the judges.
Almost like magic.
The same day Lara wins the title of Musik, Sofi’s father dies, and a grieving Sofi sets out to prove Lara is using illegal magic in her performances. But the more time she spends with Lara, the more Sofi begins to doubt everything she knows about her family, her music, and the girl she thought was her enemy.
As Sofi works to reclaim her rightful place as a Musik, she is forced to face the dark secrets of her past and the magic she was trained to avoid—all while trying not to fall for the girl who stole her future.
The Review
Here I am back in the world of YA Fantasy, and wow I missed being here. Adrienne Tooley has reminded me of why I absolutely love this space! Sofi and the Bone Song captivated me. It’s my favorite kind of story. One full of magic, beauty and just the right amount of heartache. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I started this book, but I’ll tell you right now it definitely did not disappoint.
We meet Sofi, a daughter who lives in the shadow of her father. She longs to become a Musik like her father, and create beautiful pieces of musical art to share with the world. However, underneath all of that, Sofi also longs to simply impress her father. She has spent her whole life training rigorously to take her father’s spot. Suffering for her art, if you will, in ways that someone her age really should not be. Sofi’s life isn’t an easy one, but the potential to live in the light of the music and the magic is what keeps her going. I immediately fell in love with her, which made the fact that I knew she had hardship coming her way all the more difficult for me.
What follows is a story of loss, of grief, and of deep and long healing. It’s tough for me to share too much without spoiling, but essentially there is a beautiful and budding relationship here that is just too good to miss. There’s a deep look at misconceptions, built by fear and competition. There are lovely depictions of learning to trust another person, and really allow them into your soul. Gah, it’s just all so GOOD. This book flew by before I even had time to really register that I’d almost finished. Sofi’s story is one that is easy to find yourself in, and the messages there are ones of love and empathy. I ate it up.
The only reasons I gave this four stars, rather than five, were mainly that the world building is a little less than I hoped for and it does have portions that are a little slow. However the magic system was perfectly rendered, so that I must give kudos for! Sofi and the Bone Song really flies by simply because it’s so easy to fall into and follow along with. The slow pacing also did allow for a really poetic writing style which I absolutely loved. So again, nothing really big! It’s all my own personal opinions.
The point is, that this book is absolutely wonderful. If Sofi and the Bone Song isn’t already on your reading list, please put it there! It’s well worth your time.
Adrienne Tooley (she/her) was born and raised in the desert suburbs of Southern California. She grew up in the theater, earning her B.A. in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. She and her wife currently live in New York City where she works in hospitality tech. In addition to writing novels she is also a singer/songwriter and has released several EPs which are available on Spotify & other streaming sites. Her debut novel, SWEET & BITTER MAGIC, is out now from S&S/McElderry. Her second novel, SOFI AND THE BONE SONG, will release from S&S/McElderry in 2022. She can be found on Instagram and Twitter at @adriennetooley.
Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads
One Comment
dinipandareads
Great review! I do wish certain aspects of the world building and magic had been expanded on a bit more but overall I did really enjoy this one. It was my first book by Tooley but it definitely won’t be my last!