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Where the Silence Sings
Where the Silence Sings is the dark and dastardly first instalment of The Symphonic Masquerade series, a character-driven tale about identity, secrets, and epic exploration set against a sci-fantasy backdrop. Perfect for fans at the cross-section of the Final Fantasy franchise, N. K. Jemisin, and Joe Abercrombie.
This 2nd edition includes cover art by SAPRO and the entirety of Prequel How Strange the Son.
Sometimes the truth is worse than the lie.
And Aeyun's choices will always come back to haunt him.
The fragile axis of power is shifting, and Uruji Thasian-nee would rather be sat back at his workbench, studying the threads of alica that twist through all variety of crystal and ore. At least there no one threatens to put him or anyone else to permanent rest.
In self-imposed exile, Aeyun has taken up the life of an ore-smuggler. In exchange for his smithing talents, a small crew of principled thieves have welcomed him into the fold, assisting his search for elusive ore that only he seems able to touch.
The rebellious second sibling of the Thasian legate, Seraeyu Thasian has wrangled power beyond his imagination. Power, he comes to find, is seldom given freely.
A mercenary's life is never easy, especially when unwelcomed interlopers remain the only connection held with darling Raeyu Thasian. But Sakaeri would be damned if she didn't help the only family she never needed.
Starting with a bloody reckoning, Where the Silence Sings throws us into the fire that stokes the winds of change; a discordant note that heralds a new and foreboding dawn.
This genre-bending first instalment of The Symphonic Masquerade series from debut author Emery Blaine sets the stage for a sweeping series full of mysteries and twists.
This 2nd edition includes cover art by SAPRO and the entirety of Prequel How Strange the Son.
Sometimes the truth is worse than the lie.
And Aeyun's choices will always come back to haunt him.
The fragile axis of power is shifting, and Uruji Thasian-nee would rather be sat back at his workbench, studying the threads of alica that twist through all variety of crystal and ore. At least there no one threatens to put him or anyone else to permanent rest.
In self-imposed exile, Aeyun has taken up the life of an ore-smuggler. In exchange for his smithing talents, a small crew of principled thieves have welcomed him into the fold, assisting his search for elusive ore that only he seems able to touch.
The rebellious second sibling of the Thasian legate, Seraeyu Thasian has wrangled power beyond his imagination. Power, he comes to find, is seldom given freely.
A mercenary's life is never easy, especially when unwelcomed interlopers remain the only connection held with darling Raeyu Thasian. But Sakaeri would be damned if she didn't help the only family she never needed.
Starting with a bloody reckoning, Where the Silence Sings throws us into the fire that stokes the winds of change; a discordant note that heralds a new and foreboding dawn.
This genre-bending first instalment of The Symphonic Masquerade series from debut author Emery Blaine sets the stage for a sweeping series full of mysteries and twists.
475 pages, ebook
Published October 1, 2024
3 people are currently reading
5109 people want to read
About the author
Emery Blaine
3 books25 followersInspired by people and philosophy – and perhaps a dash of mythology – Emery Blaine puts to paper the triumphs and follies of the human condition, including the oft tragic beauty caught up in the middle. Blaine has a background in geography and archaeology, and a keen interest in psychology. Identity and perspective play a role in most everything, including Blaine’s vivid and richly realised fantasy, speculative, and science fiction tales.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 3, 2024
I struggled somewhat with Where the Silence Sings by Emery Blaine. The book caught my attention on NetGalley due to its interesting sounding premise. However, once I got reading I found it all a little too confusing. We were launched straight into the story, which is fine, but for chapters I kept waiting for there to be more world building explaining the world, its peoples, and their powers, yet no such explanation was forthcoming. As such, rather then getting answers as I continued reading, I only ended up with additional questions. This made it hard for me to fully engage with the story. On the plus side, the characters seemed interesting, and I think there was a lot of potential that just wasn't quite realised. I believe this is the author's first book and I can see the ideas are good, so I hope the execution will improve as the author continues writing. I am giving this book three stars as I did like the premise even if the world building and prose needed some work.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2024
Where Silence Sings
By Emery Blaine
This one was 4 stars by the end.
The beginning was a bit rough. Mainly because I was just so confused. As a fantasy reader I’m used to a level of confusing when learning a new world/magic system, but this was a step beyond that. By about halfway (?) it all started to really come together for me. The main confusion in the beginning were all the flashback tidbits at the beginnings of each chapter. I feel like now that I understand the characters/world better I need to go back and reread those.
Part of the confusion is because the magic system is complicated and our MC is trying to figure things out about it himself. I liked the magic system, especially some of the musical comparisons, I’m just still a bit confused.
The world building and characters, though, I thought were top notch! We have different Realms (worlds) interconnected by giant, ancient sea gates that transport between them all. Our MC is flawed. Has a very different reputation depending on who you ask, but not in a contradictory way, one that makes sense with his character. His main three companions are all interesting and mysterious in their own rights.
If you decide to pick it up, be prepared to be floating at sea for a bit, but I thought it was worth it in the end.
Thanks to @netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
By Emery Blaine
This one was 4 stars by the end.
The beginning was a bit rough. Mainly because I was just so confused. As a fantasy reader I’m used to a level of confusing when learning a new world/magic system, but this was a step beyond that. By about halfway (?) it all started to really come together for me. The main confusion in the beginning were all the flashback tidbits at the beginnings of each chapter. I feel like now that I understand the characters/world better I need to go back and reread those.
Part of the confusion is because the magic system is complicated and our MC is trying to figure things out about it himself. I liked the magic system, especially some of the musical comparisons, I’m just still a bit confused.
The world building and characters, though, I thought were top notch! We have different Realms (worlds) interconnected by giant, ancient sea gates that transport between them all. Our MC is flawed. Has a very different reputation depending on who you ask, but not in a contradictory way, one that makes sense with his character. His main three companions are all interesting and mysterious in their own rights.
If you decide to pick it up, be prepared to be floating at sea for a bit, but I thought it was worth it in the end.
Thanks to @netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2024
(3.25ish, rounding up to 4) In short, I liked this book but it's rough going in the beginning. The payoff feels almost not worth it, but ultimately it was enjoyable & entertaining.
The characters don't feel as fleshed out as I'd like and for something tagged as fantasy I felt there wasn't enough worldbuilding in the beginning.
*I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The characters don't feel as fleshed out as I'd like and for something tagged as fantasy I felt there wasn't enough worldbuilding in the beginning.
*I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2024
The world building is almost non existent and it’s so very confusing. I really tried but couldn’t go past 120 pages.
Read
May 17, 2024I unfortunately decided to DNF this, which is why I will not be giving a rating.
I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The world of Where the Silence Sings is beautifully crafted and both the characters and the magic system are interesting. The premise of the plot intrigued me, but unfortunately the story offered up too little information of value to the greater plot for the first half of the book for me to have a great interest in finishing the book. It felt like a lot of subplots that made the world more complex rather than more understandable, which is what I personally had wanted.
The complexity of this story is impressive for a debut. I wish I currently had the patience to finish this, and I want to encourage readers willing to invest the time to pick this up and give a more complete review.
I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The world of Where the Silence Sings is beautifully crafted and both the characters and the magic system are interesting. The premise of the plot intrigued me, but unfortunately the story offered up too little information of value to the greater plot for the first half of the book for me to have a great interest in finishing the book. It felt like a lot of subplots that made the world more complex rather than more understandable, which is what I personally had wanted.
The complexity of this story is impressive for a debut. I wish I currently had the patience to finish this, and I want to encourage readers willing to invest the time to pick this up and give a more complete review.
Read
March 27, 2025Well, hello. Emery Blaine here!
Where the Silence Sings is my debut novel, and The Symphonic Masquerade is my debut series. I'm delighted to share it with you all.
This is my love note to speculative fiction. But this is not a love story.
But . . . this also is a love story. Both in relation to oneself and those around them, as well as to life and memory and the great unknown.
I grew up playing Final Fantasy. You'll likely see reflections of that. I like narratives that dig into society and the big concepts.
Like existentialism. That's fun.
(if you're still with me, are you curious yet?)
I admire authors like N. K. Jemisin and Ursula Le Guin. I like the storytelling of Joe Abercrombie and Leigh Bardugo. I appreciate the ambition of Scott Lynch and Brandon Sanderson.
Stories have many mediums. I recently finished Citizen Sleeper and got the 'Warmth and Light' ending, and Disco Elysium is one hell of a journey. Fullmetal Alchemist is fundamental, postulating philosophical and ethical quandaries. Attack on Titan is far less about the titans and far more about manipulation and the atrocities of war.
What I'm saying is: if you're familiar with the majority of those references, maybe this work will resonate with you.
But Emery, you say, what is Where the Silence Sings about?
Fate, or lack thereof. Consequences. Intimacy and being known. Resilience in the face of harsh realities. Acceptance in many forms. Family; forged, found, and formed. And secrets, so many secrets, and what they impact as they unravel.
And, you know, elemental and cosmically metaphysical magic. There's that too. And a dash of heists and political machinations.
My fancy piece of paper says I'm an archaeologist. My head says I'm a human. (and what does that even mean?)
(let's explore together. maybe we'll find an answer.)
Where the Silence Sings is my debut novel, and The Symphonic Masquerade is my debut series. I'm delighted to share it with you all.
This is my love note to speculative fiction. But this is not a love story.
But . . . this also is a love story. Both in relation to oneself and those around them, as well as to life and memory and the great unknown.
I grew up playing Final Fantasy. You'll likely see reflections of that. I like narratives that dig into society and the big concepts.
Like existentialism. That's fun.
(if you're still with me, are you curious yet?)
I admire authors like N. K. Jemisin and Ursula Le Guin. I like the storytelling of Joe Abercrombie and Leigh Bardugo. I appreciate the ambition of Scott Lynch and Brandon Sanderson.
Stories have many mediums. I recently finished Citizen Sleeper and got the 'Warmth and Light' ending, and Disco Elysium is one hell of a journey. Fullmetal Alchemist is fundamental, postulating philosophical and ethical quandaries. Attack on Titan is far less about the titans and far more about manipulation and the atrocities of war.
What I'm saying is: if you're familiar with the majority of those references, maybe this work will resonate with you.
But Emery, you say, what is Where the Silence Sings about?
Fate, or lack thereof. Consequences. Intimacy and being known. Resilience in the face of harsh realities. Acceptance in many forms. Family; forged, found, and formed. And secrets, so many secrets, and what they impact as they unravel.
And, you know, elemental and cosmically metaphysical magic. There's that too. And a dash of heists and political machinations.
My fancy piece of paper says I'm an archaeologist. My head says I'm a human. (and what does that even mean?)
(let's explore together. maybe we'll find an answer.)
May 27, 2024
unfortunately, i was not a big fan of this. the storyline was slow and i felt like a trudged through most of it. i did enjoy the characters but with how complicated the story was, they didn’t really redeem the book for me. i feel like if it was condensed and flushed out a bit quicker i might have enjoyed it more. interesting concept, just not for me!
i was provided with this arc by the publisher through netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
i was provided with this arc by the publisher through netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
May 16, 2024
A compelling story of found family torn apart by ancient mistakes and left scattered across the aethereal realms. As the characters search the Great Starry Sea to find one another, they “attune” to the songs of elemental and cosmic magics via conduits — some tuning proves more volatile than others, and some is frighteningly familiar to powers held by mythic gods of old, the Yun.
The Thasian Dynasty of Raenaru is at the center of this tragic tale. As the family is torn apart, so too is Raenaru. The land’s upheaval seeps into the other realms, whose people know only what is broadcast to them by watchful Eyes.
Looks, however, can be deceiving. The main character, Aeyun, knows this all too well, as he’s worn a mask for far too long. Those hidden features may be the only hope of saving his family, if he can only ensure he doesn’t cause more hurt in the process.
While the beginning of the novel throws you right in the deep end of the Great Starry Sea, it only takes a few chapters to be charmed by (and frustrated with!) the diverse cast of characters in this story. The answers to world and magic lore are revealed in due time — we learn with the characters.
Emery Blaine’s debut novel is sure to leave you full of wonder and wondering: what’s next in store for these realms-crossed characters?
The Thasian Dynasty of Raenaru is at the center of this tragic tale. As the family is torn apart, so too is Raenaru. The land’s upheaval seeps into the other realms, whose people know only what is broadcast to them by watchful Eyes.
Looks, however, can be deceiving. The main character, Aeyun, knows this all too well, as he’s worn a mask for far too long. Those hidden features may be the only hope of saving his family, if he can only ensure he doesn’t cause more hurt in the process.
While the beginning of the novel throws you right in the deep end of the Great Starry Sea, it only takes a few chapters to be charmed by (and frustrated with!) the diverse cast of characters in this story. The answers to world and magic lore are revealed in due time — we learn with the characters.
Emery Blaine’s debut novel is sure to leave you full of wonder and wondering: what’s next in store for these realms-crossed characters?
July 23, 2024
"But everything worth savouring, even a poetic moment such as this, must come to an end."
.
I haven't read high fantasy in so long, but this book was a great intro back into the genre! While the concepts are complex, they are so well explained in a way that isn't too wordy and abruptly puts you into the story. The online pronunciation guide was incredibly helpful and added to my enjoyment of the novel.
Where Silence Sings is not for the faint of heart. It is brutal and bloody, but so full of passion. I could tell that the author put their entire heart into the world they created, and that passion shined straight through to my soul.
My only concern was that there wasn't quite enough worldbuilding, which caused some confusion for me. It took some time to fully grasp the story, but I was invested by the end. The concept of found family and the diverse cast of characters was beautiful. I enjoyed the musical and cosmic aspects, and once you put the time in to truly understand the story, it pays off. I highly recommend this one for avid high fantasy readers!
.
I haven't read high fantasy in so long, but this book was a great intro back into the genre! While the concepts are complex, they are so well explained in a way that isn't too wordy and abruptly puts you into the story. The online pronunciation guide was incredibly helpful and added to my enjoyment of the novel.
Where Silence Sings is not for the faint of heart. It is brutal and bloody, but so full of passion. I could tell that the author put their entire heart into the world they created, and that passion shined straight through to my soul.
My only concern was that there wasn't quite enough worldbuilding, which caused some confusion for me. It took some time to fully grasp the story, but I was invested by the end. The concept of found family and the diverse cast of characters was beautiful. I enjoyed the musical and cosmic aspects, and once you put the time in to truly understand the story, it pays off. I highly recommend this one for avid high fantasy readers!
July 11, 2024
A book that catches you when you least expect it!
The blurb on this novel caught my attention, it gave me a feel of adventure and mystery and I was ready to embark alongside Ayeun! While this is slow starting, I think this helped me get better acquainted with the unique world and characters that this author builds around you, its easy to get emerged in this fantasy world especially once you learn the lay of the land. There's also a unique magic system which is fun to figure out as you read along.
Completely unique and plot driven you can tell this is going to be a fun series to follow. I felt like we just got the tip of the ice burg with this instalment and that the story line is going to build and build as book are released. I enjoyed how we got flashbacks and different realms and kind of get to go along on this journey with the MC as he tries to figure out the world around him as well.
The blurb on this novel caught my attention, it gave me a feel of adventure and mystery and I was ready to embark alongside Ayeun! While this is slow starting, I think this helped me get better acquainted with the unique world and characters that this author builds around you, its easy to get emerged in this fantasy world especially once you learn the lay of the land. There's also a unique magic system which is fun to figure out as you read along.
Completely unique and plot driven you can tell this is going to be a fun series to follow. I felt like we just got the tip of the ice burg with this instalment and that the story line is going to build and build as book are released. I enjoyed how we got flashbacks and different realms and kind of get to go along on this journey with the MC as he tries to figure out the world around him as well.
May 18, 2024
This was 4 stars by the end, but it's definitely a confusing read!
What makes it confusing is the intricate magic system and the flashbacks at the beginning of each chapter, as well. The main character doesn't really know what's going on, entirely, either, which also lends to the confusion.
However, the worldbuilding is epic, and the interconnectedness of everything is really interesting. I can't wait to learn more about the different realms.
I also really like the different characters. They're all kind of morally grey, which is a nice change.
I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of this series. My only advice with starting this book is to stick with it.
What makes it confusing is the intricate magic system and the flashbacks at the beginning of each chapter, as well. The main character doesn't really know what's going on, entirely, either, which also lends to the confusion.
However, the worldbuilding is epic, and the interconnectedness of everything is really interesting. I can't wait to learn more about the different realms.
I also really like the different characters. They're all kind of morally grey, which is a nice change.
I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of this series. My only advice with starting this book is to stick with it.
April 23, 2024
A huge thank you to Wild Door Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC of Where the Silence Sings.
Where the Silence Sings is an epic sci-fi fantasy book that tackles the consequences of past choices and how the relationships you form can run deeper than first thought.
Blaine has a deft sense of word handling to draw the reader into the page. And it’s a complicated and volatile world that Blaine has plopped their characters into, that’s for sure.
To see my full review, visit my blog eviethebookworm.wordpress.com
Where the Silence Sings is an epic sci-fi fantasy book that tackles the consequences of past choices and how the relationships you form can run deeper than first thought.
Blaine has a deft sense of word handling to draw the reader into the page. And it’s a complicated and volatile world that Blaine has plopped their characters into, that’s for sure.
To see my full review, visit my blog eviethebookworm.wordpress.com
June 1, 2025
This novel was fine, nothing spectacular.
You get thrown in, and you will struggle a bit to figure out what's going on, but it gets clearer as you read on.
however, I didn't like how the conversation was set up, I felt like it was missing the border and flow of conversation so you can better grasp whos talking and to who, that gave it a rushed feeling.
I didn't finish this novel, but I will give it another chance at a later date and will update my review accordingly.
as it stands, it's a 2,5-3 star read.
You get thrown in, and you will struggle a bit to figure out what's going on, but it gets clearer as you read on.
however, I didn't like how the conversation was set up, I felt like it was missing the border and flow of conversation so you can better grasp whos talking and to who, that gave it a rushed feeling.
I didn't finish this novel, but I will give it another chance at a later date and will update my review accordingly.
as it stands, it's a 2,5-3 star read.
October 11, 2024
A compelling start to a mysterious series. The cast of characters feel tangible, and the driving motivation that compels them is as twisty as it is intriguing. This might be best classified as portal fantasy, and I look forward to exploring more!
November 17, 2024
I think this is a great introduction to a longer story, and will likely be a wonderful re-read after more installments. I had a little trouble engaging in the story initially, but the premise is cool.
July 13, 2024
I really enjoyed Where The Silence Sings!
It has a unique set up where each chapter actually starts with a flashback, and I love the concept but it actually made for a bit of a confusing read for a while.
As the story continues it began to make more sense and really come alive.
Where The Silence Sings has a unique premise and an intriguing magic system. There is a strong theme of found family throughout the book that is really well written.
The world building is complex, the characters are multi dimensional, and the writing is evocative.
Where The Silence Sings is well worth the effort to read! If found family and unique magic systems are your jam, then this is a book for you!
It has a unique set up where each chapter actually starts with a flashback, and I love the concept but it actually made for a bit of a confusing read for a while.
As the story continues it began to make more sense and really come alive.
Where The Silence Sings has a unique premise and an intriguing magic system. There is a strong theme of found family throughout the book that is really well written.
The world building is complex, the characters are multi dimensional, and the writing is evocative.
Where The Silence Sings is well worth the effort to read! If found family and unique magic systems are your jam, then this is a book for you!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews