Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Series: None
Format: Hardback, 336 pages
Source: Library
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Outside Dunhammond Conservatory, there lies a dark forest. And in the forest, they say, lives a great beast called the Felix. But Sing da Navelli never put much faith in the rumors and myths surrounding the school; music flows in her blood, and she is there to sing for real. This prestigious academy will finally give her the chance to prove her worth—not as the daughter of world-renowned musicians—but as an artist and leading lady in her own right.
Yet despite her best efforts, there seems to be something missing from her voice. Her doubts about her own talent are underscored by the fact that she is cast as the understudy in the school's production of her favorite opera, Angelique. Angelique was written at Dunhammond, and the legend says that the composer was inspired by forest surrounding the school, a place steeped in history, magic, and danger. But was it all a figment of his imagination, or are the fantastic figures in the opera more than imaginary?
Sing must work with the mysterious Apprentice Nathan Daysmoor as her vocal coach, who is both her harshest critic and staunchest advocate. But Nathan has secrets of his own, secrets that are entwined with the myths and legends surrounding Dunhammond, and the great creature they say lives there.
Strange Sweet Song definitely lived up to its name. There was definitely a dark gothic feel thanks to the mythical elements such as the Felix and the mysterious Maestro.
The story was pretty generic. Talented girl goes to music boarding school to help further her musical career. There is of course the rival soprano, the hot guy that everyone wants, the “nerdy” friends, and plenty of drama. What is different is the Felix, a supernatural cat that is said to be lurking outside of the school walls. Most of the students and staff believe it to be just a story, but there are a few who believe in the Felix and the danger of the woods.
Sing (ugh, that name) is drawn to the woods. They seem to be calling her, and she can't explain why. She is competing for the lead role in the production of Angelique (yay for things with my name), but her rival, Lori, wins the role instead. Sing is relegated to being Lori’s understudy, while trying to live up to her dead mother’s fame and her father’s last name.
She was like able enough when she wasn't wallowing in self pity. I get it, her mother was a famous opera singer and her father is a famous composer. That's a lot to live up to, but she took it out on those around her, like her friends. I didn't like how obsessed she was with being the best. It's ok to be second best, and I'm glad she had some serious development at the end of the book.
I personally struggled with the book between the multiple POVs are very confusing until you get used to them. Honestly, my favorite characters were Nathan and the Felix. They were the most interesting out of the bunch.
I really loved how the romance was a very slow burn. I actually liked them together because they meshed well.
Sing’s actions towards people were very odd. For one, she seemed to be perfectly fine with the fact that her so called best friend cheated with Sing’s boyfriend. I would have been livid, and would have ended that friendship immediately.
It was also very puzzling how nobody really noticed two men who had apparently been at the school for over 100 years, especially when there was photographic evidence.
Other than those things, I really enjoyed Strange Sweet Song even though it was confusing at times. I do enjoy contemporary gothic stories.
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