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Hope Springs Trilogy #1

The Sound Carries

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“Chaos rears its head again. Elastic extends and ruptures. A scattered nest, a house in flames.”

The Sound Carries follows sisters Cara and Ada Leiva, who are forced to reckon with everything their mother, Miriam, has kept hidden when a giant appears near their home. Miriam is a skilled magical practitioner, and her four children inherited her powers; but years of on-and-off lessons meant magic was like a second language the siblings didn’t practice often enough. Everything changes when faceless creatures spill into their lives, threatening the security their parents worked so hard to build.

Miriam conjures a mysterious childhood friend, Amit, who must keep Cara and Ada safe and off-the-grid as they cross state lines for the first time, chasing a fleeting state of peace. No longer shielded by their mother, they discover a practitioner society rife with history, institutions, and cloudy ties to their family. Their hopes of finally finding a place they fit in are dashed as they realize that the glittering world of magic is just as dysfunctional as the one they grew up in and the danger that chases them is not so easily shaken. A dark take on the fantasy genre, The Sound Carries takes readers on an intercontinental, intergenerational journey to unravel what exactly is driving the Leivas out of Hope Springs.

418 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2024

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3490 people want to read

About the author

Meghan Williams P.

2 books17 followers
Meghan Williams was born in Colombia and has lived with one foot in fictional worlds ever since. She has followed her passion for cultural exchange throughout the United States, to Hong Kong, and most recently to France. Her debut novel, The Sound Carries, is the first of the Hope Springs trilogy and a culmination of her love for epic fantasy adventures. Prior to that, she had honed her skill on platforms for young authors like Figment, publishing a steady stream of short stories, poems, and novellas.

The second book of the Hope Springs trilogy, Into the Machine, is now available in both print and e-book formats. Today, Meghan is living in Paris and working on the final installment of the series.

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Jeneane Vanderhoof .
231 reviews57 followers
June 5, 2025
Meghan Williams has written an amazing journey for readers within The Sound Carries. Finding myself transported to a world where magic is only a veil away, with two sisters who come from a powerful line of magical practitioners, readers find they have been kept in the dark by their mother, Miriam about most of this. Even though Miriam hails from a strong lineage of magical practitioners known as Aarons, as the book goes on the story about why Miriam has done what she did begins to unravel- as well as much, much more……..

Miriam’s daughters, Cara and Ada Levia have always known they have magical skills (as well as their two other siblings), but their mother has pushed them not to hone them. If anything, she has ensured that her daughters don’t know the very things that they need to protect themselves (when it comes to the magical realm, which, it seems, will soon be revealed to them). When a giant appears near their home, Ada teaches herself to leave the psychical plane. While in this state- Ada and the giant (who comes from the Highlands, one one side of the Midlands) are able to conversate- and the giant shares with her many things but most important, that darkness is spreading through the Midlands (which is the world Kara lives in, which is in the middle of the Highlands and Mistlands). Over and over the plague of it is spreading, dividing- this taint usually wrought by lower beings (which, of course are the Midlanders). The giant wonders if Ada, as a magical being, will help destroy the source of it- because “unbridled growth becomes malignant”- something happens to stop any of this from ever being discussed among the family members (for the most part).

From the veil that exists between the Midland (where Ada and her family is), Mistlanders appear. For some reason, they head straight toward Miriam's family- not to Ada or Cara but to their brother, Gage. Out of all the children, Gage has been the one that has never wanted much to do with magic. When Ada discovers what is going to occur, she gets her sister Cara and they head to defend their brother. And even though Miriam hasn’t prepared her children well to do magic, they are still able to head off the attack- and the Mistlanders retreat beyond the veil, back to their home.

For safety reasons, the girls find themselves with a friend of their mothers, Amit- whom Miriam hadn’t been in contact with for decades. As they travel through the veil from place to place, each time finding themselves in some kind of “magical pickle” (and don’t let the word use pickle detract from how serious some of the magical situations the three find themselves in are). As the trio thwart whatever quandary that befalls them, Amit builds on the girl's very limited magical skills- until the pair become a force to be reckoned with. After all, they hail from the Aaron lineage (which is another mystery to solve in the book).

Loving all of this book, the minute I picked it up I couldn’t put it down. The excitement built for me since page one and it wasn’t only one magical problem these girls found themselves in, everywhere they went- magic was in disarray. But, when thinking back to what the giant saw through the veil from their world to the midlands (being so large it seems giants have the ability to see more than ordinary, small beings)- that there is magical disarray (which is a mild word to use for some of the experiences they have in the book) wherever the trio goes, when it comes to magic- it seems that the malignancy the giant saw is quite real and something needed to be done.

Can Cara, Ada learn all they need to know from the time they spend with Amit (when it comes to their magical skills)- and will all be revealed as to why Miriam wanted to hide not just magic but the lineage they inherit- as their mother was an Aaron? Because everywhere they go, when anyone knows anything about magic- they seem to mention an Aaron. Why then, was it so bad for Miriam, that she had to hide this knowledge from all her children? Because it wasn’t just the lineage that she held back from her children, but most of the magic too.

Entertaining, exciting, The Sound Carries felt like several adventures all rolled into one. I simply loved this book- full of unbridled imagination it’s a magical twister of a tale! I was never so happy to see that this is a trilogy (Hope Springs)- because after this first book there are still two more coming- and I can’t wait to see where the story goes after the first in the series.

Happy Reading!





2 reviews
March 6, 2025
Review the sound carries

This was a wonderful read from start to finish!💫
The story follows two sisters, Cara and Ada Leiva, as they uncover their family’s magical heritage.

The author paints a vivid and atmospheric setting, which helps transport readers into mystical realms. The development of the Leiva sisters’ bond, along with their struggles and growth, is a central pillar of the story, offering a relatable and emotional depth. 👭The sense of mystery keeps the reader hooked, wondering just how deep the family’s secrets go.🧙

The author has created a unique magical system and an intriguing society. The relationship between the two sisters is a particular highlight—full of emotional depth and genuine complexity as they navigate their evolving understanding of magic 🪄and their family’s hidden past.

However, while the plot is compelling, it can occasionally feel a bit rushed. The pacing feels somewhat uneven, particularly in the first half, where the plot feels like it moves too quickly without giving the reader enough time to fully absorb the world and the stakes at play. Some character developments happens so rapidly that the emotional weight doesn’t quite hit as hard as it could.

The magical elements is fascinating and intriguing. But at some point I wanted a little deeper exploration of the lore and the magical system, but this is just the first book in a series of books. I am sure the next book will complete the first!📚

In conclusion, The Sound Carries is a great start to a fantasy series, with its vibrant world-building and emotional depth. The story is solid, the emotional core of the story and the intriguing magical world that Williams has crafted make it an enjoyable and fun read. 📖The book leaves enough open questions to make the reader eager for the next installment in the series. Fans of magical realism and family-centered, self-discovery, mysterious crestures, fantasy fiction - would devour this! Grab a copy! 📓📙I certainly can't wait for the next book! 🌟
Profile Image for Jithendra Jithu.
2,340 reviews122 followers
March 29, 2024
The Sound Carries

By

Meghan Williams

Rating:5/5

Review:

📚✨ Prepare to be whisked away on an enchanting journey into the heart of magic and mystery with Meghan Williams' captivating novel, "The Sound Carries." 😍💫 Set against the backdrop of the mesmerizing Hope Springs Trilogy, this spellbinding tale introduces us to sisters Cara and Ada Leiva, whose lives are forever changed when secrets buried deep within their family's past come to light. 🧙‍♀️🔮

👉As chaos descends and danger looms on the horizon, Cara and Ada find themselves thrust into a world where magic is both a gift and a curse, and the boundaries between reality and fantasy begin to blur. Williams' masterful storytelling draws readers into a realm where every twist and turn keeps us eagerly turning the pages, desperate to uncover the secrets that lie hidden within the shadows. 🌟📖

👉But "The Sound Carries" is more than just a tale of magic and adventure—it's a deeply resonant exploration of the bonds of sisterhood, the power of resilience, and the courage it takes to confront the darkness within ourselves. Through Cara and Ada's journey, we are reminded of the strength that comes from facing our fears head-on and the importance of standing by those we love, no matter the cost. 💖💪

👉From the evocative prose that brings Hope Springs to life to the richly drawn characters that leap off the page, Williams' storytelling prowess shines brightly in every chapter. With each twist of the plot, we are transported to a world where anything is possible, and the only limits are those we place upon ourselves. 🎭🌌

👉For fans of fantasy fiction, "The Sound Carries" is an absolute must-read—a captivating blend of magic, mystery, and sisterhood that will leave you utterly entranced. So, grab your copy, immerse yourself in the world of Cara and Ada Leiva, and prepare to be swept away by the irresistible magic of Meghan Williams' imagination. 📚✨

#TheSoundCarries #FantasyFiction #BookWormsUnite 🥰📚😍✨
49 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2025
From the very first pages, the novel immerses us in an atmosphere of lyrical unease, as Ada is jolted awake by the hum of a giant, a moment that marks the threshold between the ordinary and the arcane. Hope Springs, the sleepy town where the story unfolds, transforms into a liminal space where secrets surface and reality fractures.

What begins as a mystery surrounding Miriam’s past slowly unravels into a world of magical beings, faceless threats, and metaphysical phenomena that are at once terrifying and beautifully constructed. The pacing sustains a tight balance between tension and tenderness, giving us breathless action without losing emotional depth.

The relationship between sisters Ada and Cara is also the most powerful driving force in the story. Cara is inflexible, mercurial, sensitive, driven. Majors in academic fields, while Ada is more free-spirited, counting the days to never set foot on campus and see the world.

Cara hates surprises, and loathes change, while Ada would give anything to leave the state, but it's Miriam—the enigmatic mother and practitioner of magic, who holds the gravity of the narrative. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that her decision to remain silent about the past was never just about protection. Her secrets ripple across generations, asking:

What do we inherit, and what do we refuse to see? In confronting giants, wormholes, and the legacy of her mother’s magic, Ada also confronts herself. The novel taps into a familiar dynamic of Latinx storytelling, where family history is both a burden and a key to healing.

Despite its magical premise, the novel remains grounded in real human emotion. Characters wrestle with identity, control, change, and belonging, universal experiences layered beneath the extraordinary. Meghan Williams crafts a narrative that’s imaginative without ever losing its humanity, making each twist feel earned.

I'm looking forward to the reading the next book in the trilogy.
Profile Image for Tima.
118 reviews5 followers
April 30, 2025
Just wrapped up reading The Sound Carries by Meghan Williams, and it truly captivated me. The story opens beautifully, with a compelling background that sets the stage for everything that follows. It centers around two sisters, Cara and Ada, who are suddenly thrust into a series of unexpected and mysterious events. One night, Ada wakes up under strange and frightening circumstances, only to encounter a towering figure outside their house.

Tension builds within the family as strange events unfold, and a deeper connection between humans and magical beings begins to surface. Their mother, Miriam, who is a powerful practitioner of magic, has been hiding many truths. As eerie, faceless creatures pose a threat, the sisters are forced to navigate a magical realm they barely comprehend.

What stood out most to me was how the novel skillfully weaves together elements of fantasy with relatable, real-world themes. The characters felt authentic, especially in their struggles with identity and family secrets. The magical world was both fascinating and immersive, and the storyline kept me hooked from start to finish. Despite exploring darker themes, the book also beautifully portrays the strength of family ties and personal growth.

In summary, The Sound Carries is a refreshing addition to the fantasy genre, blending emotion, action, and a well-developed world. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in the Hope Springs trilogy.
235 reviews15 followers
April 26, 2025
The Sound Carries by Meghan Williams is an absolutely mesmerizing start to the Hope Springs Trilogy. With rich, atmospheric world-building and beautifully complex characters, Williams crafts a story that is both magical and deeply emotional. Sisters Cara and Ada Leiva’s journey into the hidden world of magic, fueled by family secrets and personal discovery, immediately pulls readers in and keeps them hooked. The magical system feels fresh and original, and the tension built around the faceless creatures and their mother's mysterious past is gripping.

Williams' evocative writing style effortlessly paints vivid landscapes and intense emotional moments. The sisterhood dynamic between Cara and Ada is the emotional heart of the novel, portrayed with genuine warmth and complexity. Though the pacing occasionally feels a bit rushed, the engaging plot and immersive world more than make up for it.

The Sound Carries is a wonderful blend of fantasy, mystery, and self-discovery that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next book. Fans of magical realism, family-driven narratives, and dark fantasy will absolutely love this journey. Meghan Williams has crafted a captivating and promising beginning to a truly enchanting series.

Thank you,
Happy Reading!
177 reviews7 followers
April 22, 2025
The Sound Carries is a wonderful magical fantasy by Meghan Williams. Set in a small town surrounded by mountains, the book takes us on a cross-dimensional journey similar to those of the Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter series.

When Ada Leiva is woken by the hum of a giant outside her window, she and her sister Cara venture down a deep rabbit hole, venturing into the world of magic. There, they learn more of their mother’s history which the family tried so long to avoid.

This book was excellent. The book keeps you on the edge of your seat from the first page. Williams’ writing style is descriptive and immersive, painting vivid pictures of otherwise difficult-to-understand scenes. The use of their mother’s history as a device for generating tension and mystery keeps readers wondering about their family history- a mystery which Williams delivers on in due course.

This was one of the best magical fantasy novels I’ve read.
Profile Image for Agnes Odek.
151 reviews11 followers
April 30, 2025
Knowing nothing about your ancestry and then suddenly being pulled into a world that should be familiar but isn’t seems like the new norm for the Levia family. Ada and Cara no longer have the luxury of being ignorant of magic. Though their mom, Miriam, taught them a few spells, for a practitioner it isn't enough. Mostly with Mistlanders after their family as well as the darkness spreading. Separated from the family, Ada and Cara are placed in the care of Amit. What was supposed to be them lying low ends up being a roller coaster of events. Will they survive the continuous attacks?

The Sound Carries happens to be the first book in the Hope Spring Trilogy. Meghan Williams, the author, creates a world like no other. Her descriptive writing brings this book to life. This book fully captures the reader's attention with the events that keep taking place one after the other. To all fantasy lovers who love magic, this is a book to have on the list.
127 reviews5 followers
May 2, 2025
Just finished this, and wow! From the very first page, I was drawn into the world of sisters Cara and Ada, whose lives take a dramatic turn when a certain something appears near their home, unveiling long-hidden family secrets.

Meghan Williams has created a tale that's both enchanting and deeply emotional. The blend of magic and family dynamics is handled beautifully, making the characters' struggles and growth feel incredibly real.

What I really liked was the exploration of sisterhood and facing tough times. Cara and Ada's bond is tested in extraordinary ways, and their journey is both heartwarming and suspenseful.

The story keeps you on your toes, with faceless creatures and a society of magical practitioners adding layers of intrigue.

If you're into fantasy with a strong emotional core and a touch of mystery, this is a must-read. I can't wait to dive into the next book and see where the journey goes.
86 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2025
My favourite thing about this book was the worldbuilding. In this novel, the author managed to create a fantastic magical world that runs parallel to our own, immersing us in both worlds at once through her use of vivid imagery. Just look at the intro, where we are greeted with an invisible giant only sensed by magic users, waiting outside of Ada's window.

The characters are fleshed out, with relatable family dynamics. In fact, the family bond and history is one of the main driving factors of the story, especially considering the overarching theme of going back to where their family (from their mother's side) comes from. The pacing is good enough to keep us hooked, but not overload us so that the action gets boring. It's a proper adventure novel that I'm sure will appeal to younger readers.
131 reviews5 followers
April 25, 2025
I was not expecting much when going into this book, but I must say that author Meghan Williams did a great job! From the world-building to the immersive storytelling, she masterfully designed the various settings within the book. Hope Springs, which is where the book kicks off, was the perfect small-town setting until it was thrown into turmoil by a magical incident. Throughout the story, Williams never failed to keep me on the edge of my seat. The pacing of the story ensures that extended moments of tension and action are punctuated by a few calmer moments that move the story along, but it never becomes boring during this time.

All in all, I think that this was an appealing fantasy novel. Young readers, especially, will enjoy this book.
47 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2025
A mysterious magical novel

I will admit that when I first started reading, I was ready to delete it from my library. Then things started happening to Ada and Cara, and I needed to know more. No matter which way they turned, trouble seemed to follow. Going after their family, it seemed the only option was to leave so everyone would be safe, but did it work? This is definitely a book for teens and those who believe in magic, but if you can get past the first few chapters, anyone would be taken in by the magical story by Megan. I will definitely have to get the next one in the series because as much as I hate stories that just stop with no clear ending, I am hooked. Will Cara, Ada, Gage, and Meena be safe? Will the family be reunited? I need to know more!
Profile Image for Meghan.
2,471 reviews
April 30, 2025
The Sound Carries by Meghan Williams is a richly imaginative and emotionally grounded novel about two sisters, Cara and Ava, and their magical practitioner mother, Miriam. Set in the enchanting town of Hope Springs, the story follows the family as they face a mysterious and menacing giant who threatens to drive them from their home. Williams crafts a world where magic and reality blend seamlessly, using lyrical prose to explore themes of belonging, sisterhood, and survival. While some plot threads could have been more deeply developed, the novel’s heart and originality make it a captivating and memorable read.
1 review
March 23, 2024
The Sound Carries by Meghan Williams P is an incredible read that takes readers on a captivating journey through mystical realms and enchanting landscapes while maintaining a gripping storyline. Finishing the book leaves me with so many questions and emotions, eagerly waiting for the next book. Such an amazing job by a young author.

1 review
February 6, 2024
Loved this book!!!

If you love Fantasy, you will love this book. Two sisters discover a new world and powers to help them survive it. The creativity and imagination of this writer shines with every page. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Hana Barhoumi.
5 reviews
February 24, 2024
such a lovely story filled with family, magic, travel and suspense! i can’t wait for the next part of the saga
Profile Image for Mirabel Adam.
37 reviews4 followers
December 10, 2025
This book pulled me in from the first page. The appearance of the giant, the faceless creatures, and the hidden past all build a gripping storyline. A powerful and atmospheric fantasy story.
42 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2025
The Sound Carries is for readers who enjoy fantasy, magic, mystery, and strong bonds. The setting of the story is constantly changing due to portals and realm “jumping”. On the one hand I enjoyed this but on the other I felt my head spinning at times.
The bond between sisters Cara and Ada is heartwarming. They are having to take on this world they never possibly thought could exist. Although each sister is different in their own way they remain strong and dedicated to each other. I loved the character development in this story. I felt like I knew the characters like I would know someone in my own life.
This book will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat just waiting for the next surprise. I do believe this was a great start to the planned trilogy.
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