The Kingdom of Back

(Paperback)

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Description

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu comes a historical YA fantasy about a musical prodigy and the dangerous lengths she'll go to make history remember her. Now in paperback. From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu comes a historical YA fantasy about a musical prodigy and the dangerous lengths she'll go to make history remember her. Now in paperback. Two siblings. Two brilliant talents. But only one Mozart. Born with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish--to be remembered forever. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she'll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be. She is a young woman in 18th century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age--her tyrannical father has made that much clear. And as Nannerl's hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. He has the power to make her wish come true--but his help may cost her everything. In her first work of historical fiction, #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu spins a lush, lyrically-told story of music, magic, and the unbreakable bond between a brother and sister.

Reviews

Praise forThe Kingdom of Back:

Abeautifully evocativecover and afeminist angleon Mozarts older sister, Nannerl (a talented pianist and composer in her own right), will have readersgrabbingfor Lus latest title. Booklist

A gorgeous story about what it means to be forgotten. Buzzfeed

With a unique premise and an understated beauty . . . this novel is unlike anything else [Lus] published. It is historical fact transformed into a fairy tale and twisted into a tragedy. There is no question of Lus extraordinary literary talent; she is at peak form here with her nuanced tale of sibling rivalry and familial distrust. Tor.com

A beautifully composed historical fantasy that will enthrall readers, especially those with music in their hearts. School Library Journal

In Lus capable hands, [Nannerl is] finally resurrected, andher story and music sing. BookPage

"Lu shows her knack for creating detailed worlds while seamlessly building a complicated sibling relationship with a balance of rivalry and love."Publishers Weekly

Lus exploration of the complex Mozart family dynamics and the period in which they lived is fascinating. Horn Book Reviews

Adreamlikestory about music, magic, and the Mozart siblings. . . the end result isspellbinding. BookRiot

The shivery fantasy and bluntly realistic historical detail harmonize well, and theres plenty to ponder about women whose contributions have been suppressed or lost to history. The Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books

Author Bio

Marie Luis the art director at Online Alchemy, a video game company, and also owns the business and brand Fuzz Academy. She lives in Los Angeles, California. marielu.org