What do you think?
Rate this book
Since the World Is Ending
Maya is living her dream in Vienna. First violinist with the prestigious Habsburg Philharmonic, her days are filled with music, her nights with wild parties and passionate, no-strings-attached sex with her colleague, star cellist Lucia Rizzo.
But when Josh - the ex-love of Maya's life - unexpectedly shows up at her door, the perfect world she's built begins to unravel.
Set over a blisteringly hot weekend in a city where ghosts lurk in every alleyway, Since the World is Ending explores the sacrifices we make and the risks we take when we pour life into our art.
An unforgettable novel about music, consequence, desire and the importance of love and art in a world on fire by a daring and uniquely compelling young novelist.
But when Josh - the ex-love of Maya's life - unexpectedly shows up at her door, the perfect world she's built begins to unravel.
Set over a blisteringly hot weekend in a city where ghosts lurk in every alleyway, Since the World is Ending explores the sacrifices we make and the risks we take when we pour life into our art.
An unforgettable novel about music, consequence, desire and the importance of love and art in a world on fire by a daring and uniquely compelling young novelist.
- GenresAudiobookContemporary
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 17, 2025
5 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 15, 2025
wow!! was taken slightly by surprise by how much i enjoyed this book. so compellingly written with some beautiful descriptions and so much emotion. 4 stars
October 31, 2025
Really grateful for getting to read the advanced copy of this <3
A visceral translation for what I can only describe as the architecture of feeling.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have never been seduced by a book before, and I devoured its entirety within a day because of its inherent pace and the urgent pull of its prose.
‘Since The World Is Ending’ inhabits a sustained emotional chord that manages to articulate the unspoken language of the heart with an absolutely brilliant clarity and force.
This is a book that demands attention, insisting on being felt as much as it is read.
Maya’s night and day create a rhythm that frequently mimics a musical score, employing cadence and dissonance to amplify the emotional stakes of her life pulled between old memories and a new life in Vienna, stuck between music, consequence, and desire.
The core of this story lies in its ability to connect with the reader on a plane of relatable emotion, entirely avoiding the traditional narrative need for shared lived experiences.
Whilst the narrative explores the Maya’s perspectives on relationships and life’s broader contours, the emotional architecture remains the foundational focus. It is in these moments of intense, shared vulnerability that I felt an intimacy rarely found in contemporary fiction.
The author constructs a language suspended in a fascinating triangulation between English, Deutsch, and the expressive idiom of music and prose operating with startling poetic precision.
The function of the prose is translation, not necessarily in the literal sense, but in the difficult and delicate work of transforming raw feeling into concrete syntax. It addresses those confusing, undescriptive emotions and intellectual notions that become stuck between languages.
A core motif running through the text is the relationship between Maya and her connection to music, particularly the violin, which provides the underlying pulse for the entire book, suggesting that all communication (whilst potentially flawed in judgment) finds itself in rhythm and tone.
I immensely enjoyed being invited to appreciate the spaces between the sentences, the unspoken moments of cultural and emotional translation, in the constraint and the breath, a meditation on love, loss, and belonging.
Ending on a poetic front, I’m quite content that I emerged from finishing this book with a collection of paper cuts, some sort of physical evidence of the desperate speed with which I turned the pages.
Maya's story shows a simple, complicated truth that some loves never truly leave us.
For me, ‘Since The World Is Ending’ offered a new means for understanding the intertwined dynamics of emotion, music, rhythm, and the indelible marks left by past loves.
But just like music itself, everyone hears something different. For you? It might offer something entirely different, which is exactly why you should read it.
A visceral translation for what I can only describe as the architecture of feeling.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have never been seduced by a book before, and I devoured its entirety within a day because of its inherent pace and the urgent pull of its prose.
‘Since The World Is Ending’ inhabits a sustained emotional chord that manages to articulate the unspoken language of the heart with an absolutely brilliant clarity and force.
This is a book that demands attention, insisting on being felt as much as it is read.
Maya’s night and day create a rhythm that frequently mimics a musical score, employing cadence and dissonance to amplify the emotional stakes of her life pulled between old memories and a new life in Vienna, stuck between music, consequence, and desire.
The core of this story lies in its ability to connect with the reader on a plane of relatable emotion, entirely avoiding the traditional narrative need for shared lived experiences.
Whilst the narrative explores the Maya’s perspectives on relationships and life’s broader contours, the emotional architecture remains the foundational focus. It is in these moments of intense, shared vulnerability that I felt an intimacy rarely found in contemporary fiction.
The author constructs a language suspended in a fascinating triangulation between English, Deutsch, and the expressive idiom of music and prose operating with startling poetic precision.
The function of the prose is translation, not necessarily in the literal sense, but in the difficult and delicate work of transforming raw feeling into concrete syntax. It addresses those confusing, undescriptive emotions and intellectual notions that become stuck between languages.
A core motif running through the text is the relationship between Maya and her connection to music, particularly the violin, which provides the underlying pulse for the entire book, suggesting that all communication (whilst potentially flawed in judgment) finds itself in rhythm and tone.
I immensely enjoyed being invited to appreciate the spaces between the sentences, the unspoken moments of cultural and emotional translation, in the constraint and the breath, a meditation on love, loss, and belonging.
Ending on a poetic front, I’m quite content that I emerged from finishing this book with a collection of paper cuts, some sort of physical evidence of the desperate speed with which I turned the pages.
Maya's story shows a simple, complicated truth that some loves never truly leave us.
For me, ‘Since The World Is Ending’ offered a new means for understanding the intertwined dynamics of emotion, music, rhythm, and the indelible marks left by past loves.
But just like music itself, everyone hears something different. For you? It might offer something entirely different, which is exactly why you should read it.
August 22, 2025
Really enjoyed how music was constantly referred to, as a way to make sense of feelings - made me think - imagine understanding something so much that it becomes your natural instinct.
July 17, 2025
4.5 stars. I found this impossible to put down once I had started it, it is so intense and brings you into the obsessive world of professional musicians with such force that I couldn't look away, not even for a beat.
The enveloping heat and sensory-overload beauty of Vienna claw at you constantly. I read it during a UK heatwave, which only added to the atmosphere. As I sweated it out in the garden, I could smell the roses and hear the tour guide Maestros giving their spiel. I saw the rich architecture.
This is a book about approaching your thirties and not having everything sorted the way you always thought you would. You're still a mess, and you're running out of things to blame, except yourself. Who are you? What should you focus on for the next thirty years? Are you making the right decisions?
I read a proof and there were parts of the book where the page and word placing had been used creatively, as you sometimes see in poetry. I really hope that makes it into the finished edition because it complements they lyrical style of writing perfectly.
A scorching read.
The enveloping heat and sensory-overload beauty of Vienna claw at you constantly. I read it during a UK heatwave, which only added to the atmosphere. As I sweated it out in the garden, I could smell the roses and hear the tour guide Maestros giving their spiel. I saw the rich architecture.
This is a book about approaching your thirties and not having everything sorted the way you always thought you would. You're still a mess, and you're running out of things to blame, except yourself. Who are you? What should you focus on for the next thirty years? Are you making the right decisions?
I read a proof and there were parts of the book where the page and word placing had been used creatively, as you sometimes see in poetry. I really hope that makes it into the finished edition because it complements they lyrical style of writing perfectly.
A scorching read.
July 1, 2025
She’s done it again!!!!
August 20, 2025
The second-hand devastation of Maya’s love life almost put me on the hospital
I don’t think that I’m strong enough for a real heartbreak
I don’t think that I’m strong enough for a real heartbreak
December 27, 2025
I didn’t love this, sadly. It’s about a young violinist in Vienna who gets a surprise visit from her ex-bf for the weekend and must decide if he fits into her life of music, ambition, and new love interests.
There is a lot about classical/orchestral/instrumental music in this, which was a bit inaccessible for me but might suit someone into that genre.
Some nice moments but overall I couldn’t get invested in the characters or the melodrama.
There is a lot about classical/orchestral/instrumental music in this, which was a bit inaccessible for me but might suit someone into that genre.
Some nice moments but overall I couldn’t get invested in the characters or the melodrama.
Read
January 9, 2026DNF
November 23, 2025
my first ever tear over a book - reminded me so much of dean & alex
January 27, 2025
This book is beautiful in every sense. A consideration of love in all its forms (lost and otherwise), set over a single weekend in Vienna, this is a must-read if you love:
(1) Transporting, precise and lose-yourself-in-it descriptions of music and what it means to be a musician and an artist. This was a window into another world in the best way, and I've never read anyone so skilled at turning the sensation of listening to music into prose that evokes the same feelings when you read it on the page.
(2) Incredible chemistry. The emotional and physical pull between the characters is palpable and so, so sexy!
(3) Vivid portraits of interesting places. This book brings Vienna to life so vividly, not just its present but its complicated past - with a sprinkling of observations about culture and language that are fascinating to read!
But also a must-read for anyone who has been, is, or will be in that strange period of your late twenties where life feels both fixed and unfixed at the same time. The emotional core of this book, for me, is about how you navigate those choices. I read this at a point in my life where so much was in flux following a bereavement, and it touched me to my core to think about slowing down and taking time, as the protagonist Maya learns to do over the course of this book.
TL;DR: this is a wonderful novel and you should sink into it and let it capture you body and soul.
(1) Transporting, precise and lose-yourself-in-it descriptions of music and what it means to be a musician and an artist. This was a window into another world in the best way, and I've never read anyone so skilled at turning the sensation of listening to music into prose that evokes the same feelings when you read it on the page.
(2) Incredible chemistry. The emotional and physical pull between the characters is palpable and so, so sexy!
(3) Vivid portraits of interesting places. This book brings Vienna to life so vividly, not just its present but its complicated past - with a sprinkling of observations about culture and language that are fascinating to read!
But also a must-read for anyone who has been, is, or will be in that strange period of your late twenties where life feels both fixed and unfixed at the same time. The emotional core of this book, for me, is about how you navigate those choices. I read this at a point in my life where so much was in flux following a bereavement, and it touched me to my core to think about slowing down and taking time, as the protagonist Maya learns to do over the course of this book.
TL;DR: this is a wonderful novel and you should sink into it and let it capture you body and soul.
October 8, 2025
A steamy, thought-provoking summer read.
I found Maya’s character deeply relatable and loved how the story explores the tension between ambition, passion, integrity, and the difficult question of who to love when a figure from the past reappears. It’s an honest reflection on how we continue to care for those we’ve loved, and the heartbreak of ending something that no longer serves our larger vision.
Maya’s journey feels both breathtaking and real — an emotional mirror of what it means to grow, to choose ourselves, and to let go with grace.
I picked up this book in London and read it while traveling through Europe (including a weekend in Vienna) and it couldn’t have been a more perfect companion. Its blend of sensuality, introspection, and longing set the tone beautifully. Highly recommend.
I found Maya’s character deeply relatable and loved how the story explores the tension between ambition, passion, integrity, and the difficult question of who to love when a figure from the past reappears. It’s an honest reflection on how we continue to care for those we’ve loved, and the heartbreak of ending something that no longer serves our larger vision.
Maya’s journey feels both breathtaking and real — an emotional mirror of what it means to grow, to choose ourselves, and to let go with grace.
I picked up this book in London and read it while traveling through Europe (including a weekend in Vienna) and it couldn’t have been a more perfect companion. Its blend of sensuality, introspection, and longing set the tone beautifully. Highly recommend.
July 22, 2025
Really - why can't we give half stars here, because this was a 4.5 read for me.
Set against the backdrop of classical Vienna, and not heavily plot driven, we follow Maya as she navigates new and past loves. When her ex turns up unexpectedly, she must reconcile the life she dreams of against the promises that may come with compromise. What gives her life breath? Who makes her feel alive? What is she willing to lose?
I loved the references to music - and there is a Spotify playlist that goes along with the novel (perfection!). I loved the images of Vienna. I loved the cast of supporting characters. At moments this novel was raw and heartbreaking, but you won't regret one minute of your reading time.
Set against the backdrop of classical Vienna, and not heavily plot driven, we follow Maya as she navigates new and past loves. When her ex turns up unexpectedly, she must reconcile the life she dreams of against the promises that may come with compromise. What gives her life breath? Who makes her feel alive? What is she willing to lose?
I loved the references to music - and there is a Spotify playlist that goes along with the novel (perfection!). I loved the images of Vienna. I loved the cast of supporting characters. At moments this novel was raw and heartbreaking, but you won't regret one minute of your reading time.
September 14, 2025
Since the World Is Ending is a beautifully written, introspective novel about love, ambition, and the cost of perfection. Set in Vienna, it follows Maya, a violinist whose carefully ordered life unravels when an old lover returns. Indyana Schneider brings authenticity to the world of classical music, capturing both its beauty and emotional weight. The prose is lyrical and the atmosphere richly drawn. While the story moves slowly, it offers deep insight into relationships, identity, and sacrifice. A thoughtful, meditative read for anyone who enjoys character-driven literary fiction with a strong artistic core.
July 24, 2025
This book completely pulls you in, I adored the way it was written. I felt like I was completely transported to Vienna. I was already drawn into the book because of the mentioning of Vienna and the orchestra but the story itself made me not want to put this down.
Music is so important to life and those who create it understand more than most how it can transform and ground you. Not only did I adore the ode to music and musicians but the story itself about pursuing what feels like your purpose in life and the consequences of this made for such a compelling read.
Music is so important to life and those who create it understand more than most how it can transform and ground you. Not only did I adore the ode to music and musicians but the story itself about pursuing what feels like your purpose in life and the consequences of this made for such a compelling read.
July 1, 2025
Review copy via NetGalley.
The way that Schneider uses the flow of words on the page to capture music, or a sensation or thought is very effective. I enjoyed the overall plot and appreciated the main character's passion for music. I love how Vienna came to life on the page.
If I have one gripe, I would say that Josh is maybe a touch underwritten and I didn't quite believe the chemistry between him and Maya. The scenes with Lucia worked very well, however.
The way that Schneider uses the flow of words on the page to capture music, or a sensation or thought is very effective. I enjoyed the overall plot and appreciated the main character's passion for music. I love how Vienna came to life on the page.
If I have one gripe, I would say that Josh is maybe a touch underwritten and I didn't quite believe the chemistry between him and Maya. The scenes with Lucia worked very well, however.
January 5, 2026
Set over a weekend in Vienna, this was such a beautifully written story about music, love, art, lust and emotions. Maya is living her dream as a first violinist in Vienna, has started seeing a fellow musician Lucia in her orchestra, when her ex Josh suddenly visits her in Vienna. This is a novel for musicians - music runs through every theme of the book, and is even present in the rhythm of the words on the page. The emotions run so deep, and are articulated so well.
August 2, 2025
This book is truly exquisite. I devoured it. Pacey, passionate, profound. Deeply sensual and sensory. I’ve never seen music written about like this. I loved the characters, the tension, the literary surprises - and how Vienna itself is evoked so potently. The perfect, thought provoking and painfully romantic summer read.
September 20, 2025
quick and easy read, yummy premise - Vienna romance, musicians, summer ~~
but reads more like something that should have been a nonficish personal essay collection; the better moments are all those that more explicitly discuss the author's love/passion/musings on music, or describe the beauty of Vienna or love. ending was a bit blah
but reads more like something that should have been a nonficish personal essay collection; the better moments are all those that more explicitly discuss the author's love/passion/musings on music, or describe the beauty of Vienna or love. ending was a bit blah
October 31, 2025
“the odd thought that sometimes visits is here again - how far away am i from someone who loves me?” loved loved loved this. can feel the anxiety building and building and the structuring and line breaks make it such a complete experience. loved that it felt so alive like a piece of music. couldn’t look away. 5/5.
August 17, 2025
I am a bit lost for words. I just finished this and feel like the air has been taken from my lungs, and instead my body is flooded with music, colour. Through Indyana's words, you start to feel music, hear emotion, taste Vienna. This could be one of the most beautiful books I've ever read.
October 12, 2025
A book celebrating the complex interplay of relationships, humanity, heartbreak, happiness and music. Beautiful personification of the central character’s violin and heartening dialogue between the musician and her instrument.
P.S. Fantastic to read a book featuring a bassoonist character! 🙏🏾
P.S. Fantastic to read a book featuring a bassoonist character! 🙏🏾
June 26, 2025
Just put down this unputdownable book! LOVED IT! Think I'm gonna have to read it again!
June 26, 2025
I smiled. I laughed. I cried. I loved
June 26, 2025
Oh my goodness - what a hidden treasure!!
June 26, 2025
ADORED THIS BOOK!! MORE FROM THIS AUTHOR PLEASE!!!!!
June 26, 2025
Love this author! Love her books even more!
September 21, 2025
wow this one took me by surprise
October 16, 2025
so good!
December 22, 2025
3.5 stars
January 5, 2026
A lovely book. A few typos in my print though!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews