**Disclaimer – I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review from the publisher for a tour with Turn the Pages Tours.**
Title Sing Me Forgotten
Author Jessica S. Olsen
Release Date March 9, 2021
Date Finished February 20, 2021
Publisher Inkyard Press
Description from Amazon
Isda does not exist. At least not beyond the opulent walls of the opera house.
Cast into a well at birth for being one of the magical few who can manipulate memories when people sing, she was saved by Cyril, the opera house’s owner. Since that day, he has given her sanctuary from the murderous world outside. All he asks in return is that she use her power to keep ticket sales high—and that she stay out of sight. For if anyone discovers she survived, Isda and Cyril would pay with their lives.
But Isda breaks Cyril’s cardinal rule when she meets Emeric Rodin, a charming boy who throws her quiet, solitary life out of balance. His voice is unlike any she’s ever heard, but the real shock comes when she finds in his memories hints of a way to finally break free of her gilded prison.
Haunted by this possibility, Isda spends more and more time with Emeric, searching for answers in his music and his past. But the price of freedom is steeper than Isda could ever know. For even as she struggles with her growing feelings for Emeric, she learns that in order to take charge of her own destiny, she must become the monster the world tried to drown in the first place.
Initial Thoughts
I was so excited to be chosen for this tour! Phantom of the Opera has been one of my favorite Broadway shows since I saw it when I was in sixth grade. I couldn’t wait to read this retelling with a magical spin.
Some Things I Liked
- Lesser known retelling. I love retellings of stories other than fairytales. I love fairytale retellings too but I find it so refreshing to see an author’s take on something else. Phantom of the Opera is one of my favorite shows and I loved the addition of musical magic in this iteration.
- French influence. Again, something I loved. The names, places, and magic all had a heavy French influence but still felt utterly unique. I would love to read more about this world.
- Morally grey main character. Isda wasn’t perfect. Far from it. She reminded me a bit of Adelina from The Young Elites by Marie Lu and I loved that about her. She made some dark decisions but overall was the hero of her own story.
- Serpent & Dove vibes. This story gave me all kinds of S&D feelings and I adore that series, so that was just a huge bonus. I really think that stems from the French influences, magic, and main character, but I loved it all the same.
Series Value
I would love more books set in this incredible world. The ending is open ended and Isda is such an amazing character. I’d love to follow her journey further and see how the world reacts to the truth about gravoirs.
Final Thoughts
I loved this book. I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to sing with Isda throughout the pages of this story. This was an excellent debut and I’d definitely keep reading Jessica S. Olsen’s books.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- Music of the Night by Angela Ford – if you’re looking for another Phantom retelling, look no further than this new release.
- Roseblood by A.G. Howard – Phantom + Vampires. Need I say more?
Book Links
https://bookshop.org/a/11727/9781335147943
Author Bio
Jessica is represented by Christa Heschke of McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency.
Books Over Everything 