Jimmy is a runaway boy, saddened by the tragedies that have happened in his life. The only thing still keeping him motivated, is his love for music. He’s outside, practically freezing in the cold, until he knocks on a door. This door is the Music Man’s. Jimmy and the Music Man find out they share a passion for music. The Music Man then introduces Jimmy to his famous piano that’s in his attic. After playing a song the Music Man composed, the piano transports them to a parallel dimension filled with witches, ghosts, and magic! There’s also an evil conductor, by the name of Hornsbury. And Hornsbury wants power. He is planning to possess the Harmonians, using his music, no matter the cost! Will Jimmy and the Music Man stop the evil conductor before it’s too late?
The Music Man by @moonyaniwrite_ is book 1 in a trilogy series. • The two main characters Cornelius, a.k.a, The Music Man and a teenager, Jimmy are magically transported to another world. Once their initial shock wears off, they realize there is an evil music conductor - Hornsbury - trying to cast a spell on the entire town. It is up to Jimmy and his friends to save the town before it’s too late. • I liked the concept of 5 teenagers on a mission. It really took me back in time, to when I was reading famous five and secret seven. The teens face issues and go on many adventures in their quest to save the town. • It was a clear case of good versus evil with simple dialogs making up a majority of the book. The different parent child relations were heartwarming to read. With a bitter sweet magical end, this book gave me a very otherworldly feel. • Thank you @moonyaniwrite_ for gifting me a copy of the book.
Edit: I just read that the author herself illustrated the book cover. I love the cover art, and if she will make any changes to the book regarding speech, I would definitely be interested in purchasing it.
I was given this copy for a honest review, thanks to the author for that first of all. A little criticism about formal stuff first. I don't know if those things are dealt with already, but my copy had lots of double l mistakes. Whenever there was a word that is usually spelt with a double l, one l was msising or there was space between those l's. Also the dialogue itself was spaced out weirdly, I don't know if that is intended or not.
Now the story itself was quite interesting, it was definitely something new to me. However the execution wasn't quite well in my opinion. I'm not quite sure who the audience for this book is in the end, but there are just a lot of "holes" throughout the story that in my opinion need more explanation. There are a few sudden jumps from one situation to another that made the story hard to read for me.
I think this story has lots of potential, but might need another read through from the author and maybe some minor changes.
🎼 I really enjoyed reading this book, the blend of fantasy with thrill and topped with music is a combination that's rare to read but I loved how the author blended them together to drop this enjoyable and engaging read for readers. This book also reminds me of the very famous movie, "Coco", though they don't have anything in common in terms of plot but the characters love and dedication for music is same in both stories. . . In that way, I do feel the book can be turned into a very good movie because it has the potential and power to keep it's readers engaged. It's a book that has adventures and twists which brings up new hurdles and challenges in the characters way but this was an enjoyable and magical journey. I definitely enjoyed it. Go for it. . Rating: 4.25⭐️
Great for a younger audience and fun for adults. The book is very heavy on dialogue-based storytelling. Would have love more world building outside of that. However, the plot twist at the end speaks to why the author may not have built up the other world very much outside of dialogue. It's a fresh idea and a unique story. Excited to see the series and what else the author can create. . . . Spoiler: the book ends with a dream in within a dream before Jimmy wakes up and is brought back to reality. I think the names of his classmates at the end are supposed to allude to the future/the other world? But I'm curious how the author would work a 400 year time jump in this transition. The ending doesn't leave a lot of setup for the next story which makes me interested to see how it relates.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Jimmy decides to leave his home where his mother is caring for him believing she doesn't want him anymore. He turns up at the Music Man's house. His name is Cornelius. When they both find a passion for music they hit it off!
This was a sweet adventure story. When they play the piano together they get whisked off to a different dimension. Where he meets Harmonians and cracks a case involving a cruel new music conductor. There were twists and turns with this however I did find the fact the characters were shouting quite a lot. One sentence is one character shouting the next sentence is another character shouting at times. But overall is a really sweet book and congrats on your first book!
The Music Man was a really good read for anyone ranging from a young reader to an adult. The author has a good writing style and I thought the dialogue did a great job of pulling me into the story. The setting is British and it has lovable and fun characters, along with its fair share of mystery from the stories antagonist. Definitely worth the read!
Moonyani Write had me wondering what was going to happen next. She took us on a fantasy journey that had the reader wanting more.It was real magical. I loved it and will be getting the next two to read as well.
The Music Man by Moonyani Write is Written in a very different style, with no long paragraphs. Each sentence seems to be tarted on a different line, at least the dialogue is written this way. I recommend reading this book at a slower pace, there is no need to rush through it. In fact if you rush while reading this book there is a good chance that the reader wll miss things. Over all this book is a good way to kill some time.
A young boy by the name of Jimmy runs away from home on a cold day. He finds himself knocking on the door of the Music Man asking to come out of the cold. Jimmy and the Music Man find that they both have a love for music, especially melodies. With the help of a few neighbors they bring the Music Man's piano downstairs from the attic. Then while playing a song together that the Music Man wrote on his piano they are magically transported to another world.
In this new world the Music Man is a famous conductor who is scheduled to preform a concert in a few days. There is another conductor called Hornsbury who is using his music to possess people in an attempt to take over the world, one town at a time. Now Jimmy and his new friends must set out to stop Hornsbury. They travel to the town that Hornsbury came from in search of answers while the Music Man stays in Harmony town with his new friend Olivia. In the course of trying do defeat Hornsbuy it becomes clear that not everyone living in Harmony is exactly who they claim they are.
What I liked best was the lesons this story offers. All the characters go through some kind transformaion and many experience personal growth. The happy ending, although expecte was still a nice touch even with all the twists along the way. What I didn't like was the style itself, in fact it was a major negative for me. I lost track of who was talking to who frequently because of the lack of paragraphs. The lack of paragraphs also caused me to get confused when the story sifted from Jimmny to Hornsbury. It was also extremely anti-climatic during the big battle at the end and did not build tension very well.
The target readers for this book are young teens. To be honest I would not recommend this book to teens with a high reading level. The content and subject matter should not be a problem if younger readers would like to give this book a try as well. On face value the book may seem a bit on the longer side but readers should not let this intimidate them because it really is not that long of a book. I rate this book 2 out of 4. This is because while the story itself was decent the writing felt inconsistent. The style it was written in made it choppy to read. There were also times when it would be nicely detailed and then vague all in the same chapter.
This was such an interesting little read, and I really liked the idea behind it. Music being used as a doorway into another world is exactly the kind of concept that makes me go “okay, I need to see where this is going.” It had that magical, slightly mysterious feeling to it, and I think the story had a lot of heart behind it.
Cornelius was definitely the character I found the most interesting. I liked the mystery around him and the way he was connected to the piano and the other world. I also liked the backstory we got for him, especially his childhood talent, the boarding school, his connection to music, and the more emotional details around his wife and son. Those details made him feel more meaningful as a character, and I think they were some of the strongest parts of the book for me.
The actual concept was probably the strongest part of the book for me. The piano, the music, and the other dimension all had so much potential, and those were the parts that really stood out. I just think some of the writing could have been a bit more polished in places. Some scenes moved quite quickly, and I would have loved more atmosphere, especially during the magical moments. I wanted to feel the music more, the shift into the other world more, and the emotional weight of everything a bit more.
That being said, I did enjoy it. It wasn’t perfect, but it was creative, imaginative, and had a really lovely idea at its centre. I think with a bit more polish, slower pacing in the key scenes, and some of the character backstory woven more smoothly into the main story, this could have been even more magical. Saying that, I would read book 2 and 3 as I enjoyed the concept and over all story.
Thank you to the author for giving me this opportunity to read this book.
I met Moonyani at the Festival of Books in Los Angeles and I’m so glad I did. The first book of the Music Man series, the cover specifically, reminds me of the movie Soul however this book was released in 2018. This book is ahead of its time. In my honest opinion, this series is wayyyyyyyy better than the Soul movie. I am tired of the tropes that goes on in movies with Black characters. Unfortunately, in Soul, there are a few tropes that diminish Joe’s character whereas in The Music Man, Cornelius stays his authentic self and doesn’t turn into an animal. He is a very like able character and reminds me of my father. I am on the last book of the series and this series is honestly one of the best Sci-Fi/Fantasy series I have ever read. It reminds me of Harry Potter in a way. I’ve never read a story like this before, it’s definitely something new and the diversity is refreshing. I also love that there are Black female characters as some of the main characters. Racism is not the main focus which is a breath of fresh air. Teens are just teens trying to fight against evil. Overall, it’s a great series for YA readers and even middle schoolers. It’s especially recommended for teenage Black girls and boys. Gifted Black musicians traveling to different dimensions/worlds where magic is being practiced? I’m here for it!
I enjoyed reading The Music Man by Moonyani Write and appreciated the strong emphasis on character interaction throughout the story.
The dialogue was clearly a central focus, and it often gave the book the feeling of reading a stage play rather than a traditional novel. This created an interesting and unique reading experience, especially in scenes where the conversations carried the emotion and momentum of the story.
At times, the dialogue-heavy style made it slightly harder to connect with the setting and inner thoughts of the characters, as there was less descriptive narration than I expected in a novel format. However, the conversational approach also gave the book energy and immediacy, making the characters’ voices stand out clearly.
Overall, the book has a distinctive style that readers who enjoy theatrical or script-like storytelling may particularly appreciate. I admire the author’s commitment to a dialogue-driven narrative and the creativity behind presenting the story in such a dramatic and performance-focused way. I am extremely excited to see where this author takes the story next and what else they have in store for us readers. It promises to be an entertaining journey.
•The Music Man is the first book of the Music Man series. It is a tale of fantasy, adventure, mystery and science fiction.
•The Music Man is heartwarming story of a young boy who loves music and his magical adventures. A young boy named Jimmy, run away from home during a cold day. He Finds out the Music Man and soon finds that they both have a love for music. Together, while playing a song the piano magically transported them to another World.
Grab the book now to know what happened in another magical World.
•The characters are well developed and strong. The book has a good and unique storyline which has kept my interest throughout the duration of reading.
•The author has used easy language throughout the book, which makes it a quick read. Beautiful narration makes it even more engaging.
•Talking about the words and editing, I personally didn't face any difficulty while reading the book also the choice of words was really great.
I highly recommend it to everyone who's reading this review
First of all, I would like to thank the author for giving me a free copy of The Music Man in exchange for an honest review. With her book, Moonyani shows a whole new view on storytelling. The storyline of The Music Man is definitely unique. The writing style is colourful and cinematically, so you'll immediately form a picture in your mind. It is a bright story, though there are some parts where I'd shed some tears ;) This makes for a good balance between feelgood and emotional, therefore a lot of people can relate to the characters and the events. The settings, as well as the characters, in The Music Man, are described beautifully and extremely detailed. Though a few minor changes can be made, The Music Man definitely has a lot of potential. All in all, the book was really fun to read and I definitely recommend it!
I had today gotten this book signed by the author. After being uninterested in many books I have, I finally found a book that really captivated me. Moonyani's writing felt like I was reading a poem about the most fantastical. The writing was very easy for me to read and digest the information of. Which most books are not like that.
I really liked how the boys acted so much like thirteen year old boys. It felt refreshing to see kids act like kids in a way that is very real but also in a fictional setting. The Music Man, Cornelius felt like so many of my favorite characters but also his own unique thing.
I really loved the story and it brought back my love for reading. I had not been able to enjoy reading much lately but this stopped that. Thank you for this wonderful and colorful world you've brought me to through your awesome storytelling, Moonyani Write.
From Chrissy, a new fan
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a refreshing and heartwarming tale. Sometimes, I feel like the same tropes and plots are used over and over in most ya books nowadays. But this series is mysterious, engaging, and best of all….original! There is a little horror but it’s not too dark. I would say if you’ve read all of Harry Potter then you’ll be fine with the Music Man series. I love the author’s writing style. It’s mysterious and she made me want to not stop reading the books. I especially liked the settings and how she detailed several scenes that are set in London. Music lovers will have joy with this series. I liked how she was able to connect everything through music, especially the fantasy aspects. The series starts off middle grade but then it progresses into beginning YA. I highly recommend this series.
Upon first glance of the cover, The Music Man reminds me of Disney/Pixar’s movie, Soul. But both stories are VERY different. Also, The Music Man was released in 2018, so take note. I wonder if Soul was inspired by this book? I really loved this book. I would describe it as urban fantasy or even dark fantasy. The story has a witch, ghost, a fantasy world, and a lot of mystery. I honestly liked this better than the movie Soul. The Music Man is more of a fantasy story full of happy and tearjerking moments, whereas Soul I would say made me feel depressed. I do hope the Music Man is made into a movie. The ending was very sweet and the twist was wow! This is the first self-published series I have read and it did not disappoint. I recommend this series for ages 12 and up.
The Music Man is a YA uplifting story about transformative power of music and self discovery. How passion can help someone overcome their personal struggles and find their purpose. Jimmy and the Music Man form an unlikely team their love of music takes them on a joy ride to a different dimension, where they encounter Hornsbury the evil conductor. The story is very easy to read, it’s very character driven, about growth, healing and community, and you’re introduced to different people along the way. The pacing allows the readers to connect with the characters you learn along the way that music is more than sound, but it can be used to bridge struggles & hope, resilience and redemption. A reminder that the loudest changes in life begin with the quietest notes.
I’ve just started reading fantasy again and I loved this story!! The Music Man has mystery, some horror, fantasy, and time travel. It kind of reminds me of the Goosebumps stories I used to read as a kid. The Music Man and Jimmy are transported into this other world by playing the piano but then there’s an evil conductor who’s going around possessing towns. Jimmy then meets other teen musicians and they go on a mission to try to stop the evil conductor. The book has a lot of twists and turns and makes you want to read more. The ending was beautiful and deep. I recommend this book for young teens.
The Music Man series has everything! Horror, fantasy, science fiction, mystery and romance. I loved that it is set in an earlier period in England as well as the futuristic settings. The witches and warlocks were my favorite parts of the series as well as the bond between Jimmy and the Music Man. The interactions between all of the teens were great to read as well. Moonyani kept me engaged with her writing style throughout the series. There were no boring parts. As for someone who loves science fiction and horror , she did a great job with both genres. The blending of period writing with futuristic writing in this series worked very well. Must read!
This book was almost DNF for me, and the only reason I forced myself to finish it was so that I could leave a full review. The idea is good, I like how everything wrapped up at the end (I wasn’t expecting it).
However, this book needs a major editing and revising overhaul. There is too much dialogue and not enough description. Some of the scenes don’t flow (one moment the weather is just right for a jacket, then suddenly it’s freezing, windy, and snowing - I know weather can change quickly, but it felt disjointed). Also, the formatting and rules of dialogue are a mess, making it hard to follow who is talking.
Again, I think the idea is good, but this feels like a first draft.
This is an exciting middle grade fantasy trilogy with endearing characters and a fast paced story 😊 I don't often read middle grade but this book is whimsical and intriguing with a good balance between being funny and emotional. Children and young people will enjoy the twists and turns throughout the plot. There is diversity throughout and I enjoyed the creativity of the parallel universe. I also found the main characters to be likeable, and as I love music, I enjoyed these themes throughout 😊 🎶
Book one is a fun story with twists and turns. I loved the family element and the dialogue between Jimmy and the Music Man. Also, the Author does a great job with pulling the reader in to some of the scenes. It’s almost as if I’m going on the journey with the characters. I would love for this book to be a movie. It’s very different and intriguing. There are some spooky parts but the story doesn’t get too scary. I can’t wait to read the next two books. It’s a clean and easy read, perfect for younger readers.
This was a really enjoyable read with a unique mix of emotion and fantasy. The relationship between Jimmy and the Music Man is the heart of the story, and it’s easy to get invested in both of them. I especially liked how music was used as more than just a theme it actually drives the story in a creative way.
The beginning feels quite grounded and emotional, then it takes an unexpected turn into a more magical world, which keeps things interesting. Harmony Town is imaginative, and the idea of music having power adds a nice twist.
We came across this book on a fb page and decided to give it a try. It was the cutest story! Jimmy, run of the mill kid trying to get through his days while his mother over works herself. Hardship comes and Jimmy decides to run away. He comes across a kind man who's lost a child and wife and welcomes the company. The Music Man and his piano usher Jimmy into a world of color, magic and the paranormal. Typical evil genius that wants to take over the world plot. The characters were unique and I'm looking forward to seeing how the adventure progresses. Great book for new chapter readers!
I enjoyed the books. The story was pretty smooth and nice and it really made me smile. The first book starts out with Jimmy, a runaway, becoming friends with The Music Man who then becomes like a father to him. They find an old piano in The Music Man’s attic and play a song, which then magically brings them to another world. The story is so fun and was a really awesome read. There are a few grammar mistakes but not too noticeable.
The Music Man is very refreshing and engaging. I recommend to anyone who loves fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. Also, you have to follow along closely when reading the series. Write is an Author who ties up loose ends throughout the series which I really love. Also, beautiful ending! This story reminds me of how great films and books used to be. It’s a clean cut story for younger readers. Highly recommend!
This was a fun series! I loved the writing style and the relationship that developed between Jimmy and the Music Man throughout the series. Actually many of the relationships that were built were fun to see grow. My favorite character is Soriya however all of the characters were wonderful. Priala the witch would be my second. I also loved the music themes throughout the series. I love when original ideas happen. Moonyani has gained a new fan. Keep up the great writing!
I really liked the idea of the story and the characters were developed enough to keep me engaged but I think if the author went back now, after completing the series, they would be even better illustrated.
I didn’t like that the chapters did not begin on a fresh page, but that’s more about me preferring a traditional look.
I’m reading the second book to see how the author progressed because I feel like there is a great story here and I want to read it.