Audiobook Review – The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury, Narrated by Suzy Jackson (4/5 stars)
Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 8 hours and 18 minutes
Publisher: Audible Original
Release Date: September 5, 2019
ASIN: B07MG8M758
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: Free Audible Original with Audible membership
Rating: 4/5 stars
“Amelia Jones has always dreamed of attending the Mystwick School of Musicraft, where the world’s most promising musicians learn to create magic. But then she botches her audition and her dream comes to an abrupt and humiliating end – until the school agrees to give her a trial period. Amelia is determined to prove herself, vowing to do whatever it takes to become the perfect musician. Even if it means pretending to be someone she isn’t.
Between a teacher who really dislikes her and a roommate who wants to see her expelled, life at Mystwick is harder than Amelia thought it would be. And that’s not even counting the mysterious something that’s starting to make the teachers worry. When supernatural powers threaten the school, can Amelia find the courage to be true to her herself, save Mystwick, and prove once and for all where she belongs?”
Series Info/Source: Stand Alone book, free Audible Original with Audible membership.
Audiobook Quality (4/5): The audiobook was very well done and I really enjoyed the narration. This is one of the better Audible Originals audiobooks I have listened to.
Story (4/5): I really enjoyed the way music was used to perform magic in this book. I also loved how Amelia was so determined to make things work when she gets into school, even though she’s put into a very difficult situation. This was a very entertaining story with some positive messages around friendship and family. I was a bit worried that this was going to be a musical Harry Potter, but this book stands separate from that pretty well. This was definitely lighter than Harry Potter and just a lot different in many ways.
Characters (4/5): I really enjoyed most of the characters in this book. Amelia is admirable because of her determination to succeed…however, I did get sick of her constant self deprecation and wavering confidence. I really enjoyed Jai, he was funny and confident and a loyal and steadfast friend to Amelia. Some of the surrounding characters are more of your typical “mean kids”.
Setting (3/5): The setting could have been filled out a bit more. The majority of the story takes place at the Mystwick school. The setting seems to be modern day but with musical magic around. I felt like both the school and the description of the world could have been more detailed, I had trouble picturing the setting at points.
Writing Style (4/5): The writing flowed well and the dialogue was witty and fun. Pacing was good and the story moves at a good clip. I really have no complaints about the writing.
Summary (4/5): Overall this was a fun fantasy read about a middle grade girl trying to realize her dreams at a magical music school. It was entertaining and I enjoyed it. It was a nice light fantasy read that I think both adults and kids can enjoy. If Khoury writes any follow-up books in this world I plan on picking them up to read.
