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A Song For Lost Things
Not yet published
Expected 15 Feb 26Valentine lives a quiet life in a forgotten hall of Hoppelsigh castle, a place of fading magic where even memory slips away. Everything changes when the Queen arrives— haunting, graceful, and cruel. With a sweep of her hand, half the castle’s residents vanish, including Valentine’s friends. To win them back, the Queen offers a trial that has broken every soul before cross Hoppelsigh’s shifting halls and kneel in the throne room. If Valentine succeeds, her friends are freed. If she fails, they belong to the Queen forever.
Hoppelsigh’s endless corridors twist like riddles and ensnare the careless. Armed with her magic piccolo, the loyalty of her friends, and a heart too stubborn to break, Valentine must leave the only home she’s ever known to defy a Queen who would see her broken.
A Song for Lost Things is a whimsical fantasy about courage, friendship, and the quiet note of hope that lingers—even in the darkest places.
Hoppelsigh’s endless corridors twist like riddles and ensnare the careless. Armed with her magic piccolo, the loyalty of her friends, and a heart too stubborn to break, Valentine must leave the only home she’s ever known to defy a Queen who would see her broken.
A Song for Lost Things is a whimsical fantasy about courage, friendship, and the quiet note of hope that lingers—even in the darkest places.
- GenresFantasy
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 15, 2026
14 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
A lyrical and unique prose style that will transition you into a magical and mysterious world. Very reminiscent of Piranesi in the best way. I found myself a little confused but very intrigued through the first few chapters but it didn't take long for me to be totally enthralled.
The story has great momentum and lovable characters, making it the kind of book you can devour in a single day.
P.S. I simply adore Valentine and Lyrick.
The story has great momentum and lovable characters, making it the kind of book you can devour in a single day.
P.S. I simply adore Valentine and Lyrick.
January 18, 2026
It seems I have stumbled upon my first cosy fantasy by accident! I love going into an ARC knowing the bare minimum, not always possible but in this case it was.
I saw a beautiful fantasy book looking for ARC readers on insta and thought ‘you know what’ that looks good (I know I know don’t judge a book by its cover).
A Song for lost things is a whimsy, wholesome, cosy ‘mini’ epic adventure. Its protagonists are genuinely delightful, you cheer for them … and sometimes you just want to hug them. The lyrical prose used during dialogue was refreshing and precious. Their quest is to save their friends and ultimately their home, it highlights the importance of friendship and camaraderie.
The antagonist, the Queen, is mighty, cruel and defiant, but is ultimately bested by companionship, togetherness and righteousness. I was definitely satisfied by her demise …
The whole premise behind the story and its setting (no spoilers) would be so deserving of a much bigger telling - but I am so pleased that my first cosy fantasy had such an epic and well developed world.
The pacing is consistent and it’s certainly one of those tales you can devour in one sitting. As a high fantasy, horror reader I definitely need more cosy fantasy in my life. I’d love to read more from the world of Hoppelsigh.
I saw a beautiful fantasy book looking for ARC readers on insta and thought ‘you know what’ that looks good (I know I know don’t judge a book by its cover).
A Song for lost things is a whimsy, wholesome, cosy ‘mini’ epic adventure. Its protagonists are genuinely delightful, you cheer for them … and sometimes you just want to hug them. The lyrical prose used during dialogue was refreshing and precious. Their quest is to save their friends and ultimately their home, it highlights the importance of friendship and camaraderie.
The antagonist, the Queen, is mighty, cruel and defiant, but is ultimately bested by companionship, togetherness and righteousness. I was definitely satisfied by her demise …
The whole premise behind the story and its setting (no spoilers) would be so deserving of a much bigger telling - but I am so pleased that my first cosy fantasy had such an epic and well developed world.
The pacing is consistent and it’s certainly one of those tales you can devour in one sitting. As a high fantasy, horror reader I definitely need more cosy fantasy in my life. I’d love to read more from the world of Hoppelsigh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2026
A whimsical fantasy with a big heart.
Valentine and her friends lead quiet, content lives in Ballest, a small, far removed section of Hopplesigh Castle. But their idyllic existence is suddenly shattered when the much feared Queen, a Scion of the Eye, arrives and steals away most of her friends. Unwilling to cower in the face of such a foe, Valentine stands up to the Queen, earning herself a bargain. If Valentine can reach Fortune and bow before the Queen in her throne room, she'll return Valentine's friends. If not...well, let's just say it won't be pretty.
Determined, Valentine leaves Ballest with the help of her dearest friends Kith and Lyrick and sets out to do what no one before them has done. Can the three of them best everything Hopplesigh will throw at them and make it to the Queen's throne room before it is too late? Or will Valentine's friends be lost forever?
If you're looking for a cozyish, whimsical fantasy with the quippiest of quips, the purest of heart, and above all - hope, then look no further. A Song for Lost Things is all of these and more! The characters of this tale and their relationships are truly the bread and butter of this story. Our main trio, especially, shine like beacons in the dark. Their courage, drive, determination, and hope are something truly special. Valentine, hesitant at first, grows in strength and confidence as she ventures through Hopplesigh. Lyrick, seemingly daffy and a little airheaded proves the true strength of his heart time and again. Kith, strong and serious from the start, proves that you don't have to be loud or loquacious to be a hero.
The world that Ashwood has created in the castle of Hopplesigh is equal parts whimsical and nightmarish, thanks to the horrid magic of the Queen. Nothing is ever quite like it seems. Just about everything the trio encounters once they leave their home sets out to kill them in the most creative of ways but there is always a solution to the problems they are facing. Best of all, those solutions rely heavily on friendship, teamwork, and creative thinking as opposed to out right might. (Though there are some wonderful fight scenes too!)
I don't want to give away anything, but trust me when I say the end of this book made it impossible to put down. You'll absolutely reach a point where you will begin to read furiously as you try to make it to the end and it's so satisfying once you finally do! I fell so deeply in love with Hopplesigh, Valentine, and all the other denizens of the castle and I truly hope we see more of this world to come. And did I mention there is the teeniest bit of romance as well? What a wonderful cherry on top of an already excellent fantasy.
This is one I'll read time and again and honestly, it's one I'll share with my son once he is old enough! Don't sleep on this one folks. Experience Valentine's story and all the magic Hopplesigh has to offer today!
Valentine and her friends lead quiet, content lives in Ballest, a small, far removed section of Hopplesigh Castle. But their idyllic existence is suddenly shattered when the much feared Queen, a Scion of the Eye, arrives and steals away most of her friends. Unwilling to cower in the face of such a foe, Valentine stands up to the Queen, earning herself a bargain. If Valentine can reach Fortune and bow before the Queen in her throne room, she'll return Valentine's friends. If not...well, let's just say it won't be pretty.
Determined, Valentine leaves Ballest with the help of her dearest friends Kith and Lyrick and sets out to do what no one before them has done. Can the three of them best everything Hopplesigh will throw at them and make it to the Queen's throne room before it is too late? Or will Valentine's friends be lost forever?
If you're looking for a cozyish, whimsical fantasy with the quippiest of quips, the purest of heart, and above all - hope, then look no further. A Song for Lost Things is all of these and more! The characters of this tale and their relationships are truly the bread and butter of this story. Our main trio, especially, shine like beacons in the dark. Their courage, drive, determination, and hope are something truly special. Valentine, hesitant at first, grows in strength and confidence as she ventures through Hopplesigh. Lyrick, seemingly daffy and a little airheaded proves the true strength of his heart time and again. Kith, strong and serious from the start, proves that you don't have to be loud or loquacious to be a hero.
The world that Ashwood has created in the castle of Hopplesigh is equal parts whimsical and nightmarish, thanks to the horrid magic of the Queen. Nothing is ever quite like it seems. Just about everything the trio encounters once they leave their home sets out to kill them in the most creative of ways but there is always a solution to the problems they are facing. Best of all, those solutions rely heavily on friendship, teamwork, and creative thinking as opposed to out right might. (Though there are some wonderful fight scenes too!)
I don't want to give away anything, but trust me when I say the end of this book made it impossible to put down. You'll absolutely reach a point where you will begin to read furiously as you try to make it to the end and it's so satisfying once you finally do! I fell so deeply in love with Hopplesigh, Valentine, and all the other denizens of the castle and I truly hope we see more of this world to come. And did I mention there is the teeniest bit of romance as well? What a wonderful cherry on top of an already excellent fantasy.
This is one I'll read time and again and honestly, it's one I'll share with my son once he is old enough! Don't sleep on this one folks. Experience Valentine's story and all the magic Hopplesigh has to offer today!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an eArc from the author. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.
It was a fairly enjoyable whimsical fantasy novel. Valentine had a lot of pluck and she was definitely not a damsel in distress, she stands up and works towards what she wants but also knows when to rely on her friends to help out. The characters of Lyrick and Kith had a Merry and Pippin (LOTR) type friendship vibe and they compliment Valentine's character well.
The story was an adventure type story. As they get nearer to the final destination, the story really comes together and you are rooting for the characters on their escapade.
This book was a joy to read and I would recommend it to those who like fantasy.
It was a fairly enjoyable whimsical fantasy novel. Valentine had a lot of pluck and she was definitely not a damsel in distress, she stands up and works towards what she wants but also knows when to rely on her friends to help out. The characters of Lyrick and Kith had a Merry and Pippin (LOTR) type friendship vibe and they compliment Valentine's character well.
The story was an adventure type story. As they get nearer to the final destination, the story really comes together and you are rooting for the characters on their escapade.
This book was a joy to read and I would recommend it to those who like fantasy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really adored this one. Absolute fairy tale vibes.
The setting was vaguely reminiscent of Piranesi but with a very different atmosphere. There’s a mysteriousness about everything that makes it a little hazy and is contrasted with some other people they meet on their journey. Whimsical even when the scary things happen.
Our main characters are all fantastic. I love Valentine and her friends and their heroism as they attempt to go up against the Queen to save their friends.
And the writing is so musical and lyrical. Which fits.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the arc in exchange for an honest review.
The setting was vaguely reminiscent of Piranesi but with a very different atmosphere. There’s a mysteriousness about everything that makes it a little hazy and is contrasted with some other people they meet on their journey. Whimsical even when the scary things happen.
Our main characters are all fantastic. I love Valentine and her friends and their heroism as they attempt to go up against the Queen to save their friends.
And the writing is so musical and lyrical. Which fits.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A delightful whimsical, topsy turvy tale of friendship and foe. Join unlikely adventurer Valentine, her dearest Lyrick and Kith as they try to outwit the Queen.
Valentine holds no punches, even comparing one of her friend's mental state akin to mashed potatoes - if that's how she treats friends, certainly the Queen will regret making an enemy of her?
Valentine holds no punches, even comparing one of her friend's mental state akin to mashed potatoes - if that's how she treats friends, certainly the Queen will regret making an enemy of her?
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews