The Song of Hidden Stars

by Zack McDonald

Music that does magic / The book with a soundtrack
Riley Taylor longs for something exciting, anywhere, anything but his uneventful life at home. To his surprise, he gets exactly that when he stumbles upon someone using magic, or more accurately, playing it on a piano. Riley's life takes a dramatic turn when he's invited to study at a school for music where he too can learn to play magic with his electric guitar. But before he can adjust to his new life, Riley and his friends are whisked away across Canada where they will face discorded monsters, play magic on their instruments, and hopefully, find the lost songs they seek.
The Song of Hidden Stars features an eleven song sountrack, linked to with QR codes printed throughout the book so that readers can hear the music characters play.
Each track is mixed with the locational audio of the scene in which it takes place. The soundtrack will release with the book on all streaming platforms on September 24th.

Genres: Fantasy, Music, Young Adult, Magic

394 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Asa Caviness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterpiece.

This one is for all the kids who grew up reading Percy Jackson and want to feel that magic again.

[Connor Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got to read it early as a beta reader. And I know some has been changed but the general story is absolutely amazing. I feel like a general critique of a lot of fantasy YA books that involve a school/camp is that you don’t ever feel like you are at a school/camp. But rather you are just with a character who happens to be at a school/camp. But Zack does a great job of giving you authentic moments of kids being kids. Them going to class, dancing together, studying together. All very organic activities that you remember doing in school.

The banter between characters is top tier and I think my favorite part of the book. It’s witty with great timing never feel like a joke was squeezed in somewhere just to make a joke. Nothing ever felt corny but rather what a character response should be.
Another one of my favorite part is the unique magic system. Big lover of fantasy and magic systems in general so take my opinion as absolute. The book has a very soft magic system that begin to build legs for it to become a hard magic system. Exposition isn’t shoved down your throat so you can know the intricate details of everything but rather slowly pieces it together for you. You get to know all that you need to know. Never wondering why this happened it was already explained but then there’s a part of you that wants to know more. Well that’s why there’s going to be more books (I hope)

Buy the book or you hate small authors and people following their dreams. 10/10 I’m going to buy it and read it again.

[Risha Bhosale]

Been waiting for this book since a long time.

The release is sooner than later now! 🎉

As a fellow Potterhead, excited for this book. Been following the journey of this book since a while and it's definitely an amazing experience to see a book come to life.

Cheers to the book and author!

[Luke Early · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wow. Just wow. This book was addicting. I honestly can't remember the last time I held onto a book so tightly. Over the past week of reading, I felt as if I were right there at Emberring, fully immersed in the magical world Riley discovered. McDonald’s storytelling—witty, imaginative, and refreshingly accessible—captivated me from start to finish. As I journeyed through this book, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia for my own childhood. Not because of the plot or theme of the book, necessarily, but because of the emotions it evoked. It reminded me of the feelings of growing up and the sense of powerlessness we often experience as children. We tend to think that our youth or lack of experience makes us incapable of making a difference. But McDonald skillfully challenges that notion through the journey of 15-year-old Riley Taylor. My only negative thing about this book is the lack of sleep I got from reading this in the wee hours of the night haha. No BS, I just genuinely love books like this, and Zack did it well. Looking forward to what’s next!

[David Priatko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first want to say shout out to Zack doing this. It’s pretty cool to see him accomplish this after all the work he has put in.

I enjoyed how Zack incorporated some of the best parts of YA novels. He takes you back to summer camp but also gives the Hogwarts vibe with Emberring. My personal favorite character was Parker so in the next one you should let him have a bigger role. The end was not what I thought which was pretty awesome, it leaves room for so much more and I love it. Can’t wait to see the ways that Riley shreds in the future.

[raya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Song of Hidden Star by Zack McDonald is a captivating adventure that seamlessly blends the charm of Percy Jackson and the enchanting magic of Harry Potter while carving out its own unique, musical niche. The richly developed characters pull readers into a world where melodies wield unimaginable power. McDonald's masterful storytelling ensures every page is brimming with thrilling action, vivid world-building, and an intricate plot that leaves readers craving more. The book concludes on a an enticing note, making the wait for the next installment almost unbearable.

It was an honor of mine to read this book before its release and, although I tend not to enjoy fantasy much, I enjoyed this, so you will too!

[clown_the_basking_shark]

YOU DON'T WANNA KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I'VE CHECKED GOODREADS TO SEE IF ITS ON YET! YIPPEE!

[danae · Rating 5 out of 5]

i never write reviews but as Zack McDonald’s debut read, this deserves praise!!!

as a music nerd, i loved an original concept that integrates music and magic! while i could see the connections between PJ and HP, I saw only inspiration… this book was a combination of found family, adventure, magic, and relationships.

Riley really was such a human character, flawed in his reckless emotions which align with a typical 15 year old boy whilst also struggling between what’s good and evil. It was lovely to read a book that humanised the main character in this way!! Ardyn was gorg and i can really see Annabeth chase in her - inquisitive, intelligent and faithful to those she trusts.

The QR codes were incredible i wish there were more!! Hopefully in the next book we are lucky and can get one for every chapter hehe!!

[Riley Heaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. This is your first book? I’ve been working on writing my first book for years, and this is an incredible inspiration to me.

If I can write a book half as good as this one I will consider myself blessed. Inspired by classics, while still feeling fresh and original. The mystery of the world is so intriguing the only thing I’m frustrated with is that I can’t read more!

My favorite part hands down is the characters. Their friendships feel so real, as if plucked from real conversations. Their interactions are chock full of emotion. From fluttery heart palpitations of having a crush to the irritation at the antics of school show off. No spoilers but I agree with some of Riley’s intrusive thoughts.

10/10 I’ll buy the hardcover when it releases.

[Addison K. Haley ~ The Unofficial Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOODNESS.
This. Book.
I honestly didn't know what to expect other than music that does magic and the soundtrack.
BUT IT BLEW PAST ANY EXPECTATIONS I HAD.
I laughed and was on my seat for this novel, and boy, it was a ride! I love how it took loved elements of stories like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter and gave them a unique twist.
I can not express how much I loved this novel and can not wait to reread it. Also, I need a sequel ASAP because I'm obsessed with the world and characters!

[Brendan Engel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me way too long to read this, not because it was a hard read, but because life had gotten busy. However, what had happened in doing this, I actually ended up reading it nearly perfectly aligned with the dates in the book! I went through early autumn to late autumn with Riley and his friends.

Zack, you've done an awesome job with worldbuilding and character development. It kept me wondering and captivated. I really enjoyed your book and I can't wait to get it signed later this year!

[xyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Already know this is going to be the next bestseller!

[Alllie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so excited to read this book!!!! I can’t wait for its release✨

[Jim Vinyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read and full of action, found family, and magic. Such a cool world with a unique magic system. I’m excited to see what Zack turns out next.

[Melissa Perman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting to beta read this book was the most fun I’ve had reading in a long time! The story and characters felt so nostalgic. Right from the beginning, I had beautifully painted scenes in my mind and a thrilling plot to follow along side. Overall, cannot be more thankful for the opportunity to see this story in its raw form before publication, and I definitely will be back to reread the finished product:)

[Grace Eastman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It felt really fresh. I liked the story and the way the author told it, and the ending was amazing! I am SO down to read another Riley Taylor book.

First of all, let me say that the magic system was awesome. I'm a huge music and book nerd so this was the book for me. I play guitar and piano, so it was cool to see those used to do magic, especially Riley's guitar! The lightning burns on the neck, the glossy mahogany finish, and the story behind how he gets it…! It's all so cool. Actually, Riley's whole aesthetic is super cool. Messy blond curls, ratty, mudcaked Converse, a guitar slung over his shoulder... and fighting monsters through Canada.

The magic system is based on music theory. (Super cool by the way.) I didn't go into the book with a lot of understanding of music theory-- at least not the kind the characters talk about/ use (stuff like the circle of fifths and different modes) but the book explained enough that I understood what was happening. Riley's overwhelmed by it all too, because he's new to to the music world, so it was easy to relate to his journey. It never felt like I was reading a textbook. The way it was explained was always relevant to the characters/ action/ plot. The backstory of the world is cool as well, like how the Opus is founded and whether harmony is really possible or not.

Riley Taylor is a compelling protaganist because he has so much conflict. You understand why he has trouble confiding in and trusting his friends, you understand why he wants adventure/ to get away from his life, you know why he hates the idea of being a failure. You see him achieving his dreams, making mistakes, and growing as a character. The whole thing with how he gets his guitar raises the stakes so much. He's being pulled in all of these different directions and he doesn't know who to trust— and neither did I while I was reading it. It was a JOURNEY.

Granted, there were parts of the prose that felt wordy and/ or clunky, and that pulled me out of the story a little bit. I was also a little bit disappointed with the soundtrack, if only because when I heard there was a soundtrack, I thought it would be one with words-- like with songs from indie bands I probably hadn't heard of before. I was excited to listen to them, get the vibe of the world, and maybe expand my music taste a bit. The soundtrack was all instrumental. There were parts that were really good though. Especially the guitar songs, like one in a duel with Sebastian and one where Riley's battling a sea monster.

I loved the book. It has HEART. This book changed me as a person. I don't think I can explain why without sounding trite. It didn't change my entire existence or anything, but the themes resonated with me in a way a book hadn't before. I got a different message from this one, and it fits with some of the stuff I've been thinking about/ going through in a really beautiful way.

Something Riley says toward the end struck me. "You know, people take pictures of places, and say they've been there. Call it an adventure. I wanted that until I found out what it really was. Real adventure is pain."

I love this quote! I've had a lot of experiences that until now I wouldn't really call 'adventures' until now, using this description. Calling them that is so validating. They are an adventure, just in a different, less flashy way than a road trip or a hike. They're the kind of moments where you can feel character growth happening even if you don't know where you're going or who you're going to become, and a lot of those moments happened without going anywhere.

Anyway, I felt so many emotions reading the last couple of chapters. It wraps up in a great way, but there's stuff left open for a potential sequel. I want to see where the characters go from here, especially Riley. He grew so much over the course of one book, and I want to see what happens to him/ who he becomes next. And also see the plot stuff that's foreshadowed/ hinted at in book 1!

My favorite parts: (SPOILERS AHEAD)

Sebastian??! I went from not really liking him to him being one of my favorite characters. I love when you start off disliking a character and end up seeing them in a different light. His and Riley's friendship was so interesting, and then Sebastian went and betrayed him. (!!!) I'm sad their friendship is over for the moment, even though I still have hope for Sebastian. He was trying to do the right thing. He's still one of my favorite characters, honestly, even though I don't agree with the choice he made.

I really like when Riley plays guitar just for himself at the end.

I like when Riley is talking to Morgan near the end about feeling like a failure. He thinks the journey was pointless because he didn't do any of the things he set out to do, but it wasn't pointless. Even though it didn't turn out the way he wanted, he did what he felt was right in the moment again and again. And that's... how life is. Even if you fail horribly, the choices you make can still help you grow as a person/ figure out who you are, and I think that's beautiful.

My FAVORITE part was when Sebastian puts in the red cassette and Freebird starts playing. I love when songs are referenced in books, and it was perfect song choice, too.

[Seoyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all my Percy Jackson fans <3

[SK Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lover of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, this book was nostalgic while also being fresh and new. I loved how the basic concept of kids at a magical camp/school was made new by combining the basis with music. The complex ideas revolving around music theory made into a magic world was unique and allowed for a lot of details to come together to create this fantasy world. I loved the pacing of the book, nothing felt rushed and it took the time to build the world and details making it so that you learned along side Riley. It was also really cool to see parts of Zack in Riley Taylor. It’s always fun to get to know the author and see their perspective and the way they would react to things through their writing and characters, and this book definitely has that. The pacing and ending of the book left room for a sequel, which was awesome and I can’t wait to read the next one and continue Riley’s adventure!! Zack did an amazing job and it’s incredible to see him have so much ambition for making his dreams reality and the hard work he puts into his art!

[Douwe · Rating 1 out of 5]

For the record, the story was okay, though I feel like some things were just copy-pasted from PJO or HP. A 7/10 for that, which usually would be the same as 4/5 stars. Then why do I think this book deserves only one star?
First of all, just my personal preference, too little commas. That annoyed me enough to bring down my rating to a 6/10.
The reason I rate The Song of Hidden Stars 1/10 is simple: spelling mistakes. You’re not going to tell me someone who speaks English as a second language has to say this towards a native English speaker. Don’t be too lazy to read your book a couple of times before publishing it.
Anyway, let’s get to the worst spelling mistakes in the book.
“… before it’s jaws opened”—page 16, second paragraph.
“Chance” when there should be “change”. Somewhere in the middle of the book.
And now for my favourite: “His wrote his debut book…”—page 382, first paragraph.

These are just a few of the many errors. In my opinion, this is highly unprofessional and definitely unacceptable.

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel, it kept me turning pages to find out what happened. Fanatic adventure.

I think any fan of Percy Jackson would enjoy this book, the camp/school setting remind me of PJ. There was also some classic/myth vibes that also felt like PJ

I really like Riley because he is such a fish-out of water/ underdog kid that is also kind of a bad luck chuck that gets beaten up. Very human, flawed in his reckless emotions; I just think he mooned over Macy a little too much...
I like the way the music element was such a huge part of the story through the magic and the QR codes. I like how the soundtrack add to the atmosphere of the book and add that extra emphasis to the music and magic.

At the end I was unsure who Riley should be trusting so I'm down to read more of his story.

I recommended it to my Dad as a fan of Percy Jackson I thought he would enjoy it and so far he is :-)

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!
Admittedly, it’s hard for me to get into books that have very clearly taken inspiration from other popular Book series, but whenever I felt thing were getting TOO similar, it took that concept and flipped it upside down, surprising me with the results!
I also really liked the character moments in this book. The “cast” was very numerous and had a lot of enjoyable characters. I especially liked the dance scene. I felt the thrill of it through the pages, making me smile.
This is a story about morality and how things aren’t all black and white. There may be some moments that I don’t understand, but that doesn’t distract from the main story. I’m so happy I got to read this book within the first month of its release and I can’t wait to find out what comes next for the series!

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am extremely excited for book two! Ever since I discovered Zach McDonald's work and concept in January of 2024, I anticipated the release, and it did not disappoint.

The world-building and magic system are stellar and intriguing. As a music enjoyer and performer, I found it a fascinating and innovative way to look at magic. McDonald brings this to new heights by intertwining original soundtracks of the music in the story. It was so immersive!

Additionally, the writing and character development kept me invested throughout the novel. In the end, like our main character, I also felt complicated about the characters and resolution. The complexities behind each character's motivations and situations were well done! I enjoyed going on this journey with them and discovering the emerging conditions of the music world.

[Micka Baudier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just need to say…. I just finished reading and oh my gosh…. Number 1, Homecoming the soundtrack I closed that book with satisfaction and I cannot wait for the next part!!! And I love how clear the boundaries are of dark and light… it’s hard to find books like this today… and the fact you were able to create a whole system using music…. Just wow…
Riley is so relatable and that’s why I love him so much….
I really wish I hadn’t let it sit on my shelf and read it immediately… CUZ GOSH IT WAS SO SWEET….
And oh my gosh… I was like trying not to cry when Lyla….. 😭😭Lyla! I’m really hoping Riley will be able to deal with all of this stuff that has happened to him, I know he will but I don’t know how much trial and error will be because of it and guilt… and I cannot wait to watch him grow:)

[Kate Goforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away. It was original. It was exciting. It made me laugh and tear up. Going into it, I was excited but a little apprehensive. I wasn't sure how the magic system would work but boy it was SO COOL. I also loved that the main character was 15. In my corner of the book world, I haven't seen many books geared towards that age. Stories always seem to start with characters who are 12/13 or 17/18. This was the highlight of my 48 hours (it was too good to savor). I can hardly wait for the sequel. This book is also a huge inspiration as a writer. Congrats to the author for creating such an amazing story. So yes, in short, read this novel. Otherwise, you might miss out on reading an incredible story.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world of sequels and re-makes, this was such a refreshing, unique idea! It certainly has hints of Percy Jackson and other YA series, but McDonald truly has a mind of his own and it shows with this novel. Riley is such an interesting character, and there were so many details in this book that were so interesting — I could truly visualize everything that was happening! I’m so looking forward to the next book. I’ve never jumped into a series this unfinished before, and I know it’ll take years to finish, but I’m 100% going to stay a fan and supporter of this author and this series, as well as whatever else he writes! He put so much time into learning about music for the magic in this book, and everything is noticeably thoroughly researched. Highly recommend :)

[Amiria Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book transported me back to my Percy Jackson and Harry Potter days, reminding me exactly why I fell in love with reading in the first place. While the story felt like returning to a familiar, beloved home, it unfolded within an entirely new world rich with magic and music that I was thrilled to explore. It was something completely fresh and original, yet it carried the nostalgic warmth of the stories I grew up on.

If not for this book, I’d probably still be stuck in the depths of a reading slump. The musical elements woven throughout the narrative were like hidden treasures, little golden notes that added a whole new layer of wonder. It was a brilliant and refreshing way to welcome readers into the novel’s enchanting world.

I can’t wait to return.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited for this book for a long time and I finally got to read (and finish) it! It was absolutely worth the wait and I love it. I really hope there is more to come! I love that there is a soundtrack to go with the book and I love the detail that the author poured into the magic system.

Favorite quote: “‘Someday,’ the keeper drew up again, ‘we will be there together, at peace, not resting, but living. Truer living than we’ve ever done.’”

[Seth Huber · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot of this book was really well done, and the concept was cool and original. There were definitely a lot of the familiar tropes of YA fantasy, but enough differences that it didn't feel like just a knockoff of another book. The soundtrack was definitely a cool addition, but I wish there were more songs included. The writing and dialog could have used a bit more editing, and then I would have given it 4 stars. For a self-published debut novel, I'm pretty impressed.

[Finnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really like the concept of it all, though i dont like a lot of the romantic themes. thats probably just because i’m around the riley’s age and i cringe more easily at this.

this books seriously gave me anxiety and trust issues, BUT IN THE GOOD WAY! it made me theorise a lot and made me feel betrayed and even empathise a lot with riley.

+ greer and riley are the only couple i will root for ^^

[sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun and magical! It was fast paced and more than I expected. I recommend this to those who grew up in love with Percy Jackson or Harry Potter. And it’s such a smart idea, I loved listening to the music as I read, I hope more of these come out!