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The Sound of Violet, 10th Anniversary Edition
320 pages, Paperback
Published April 4, 2026
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About the author
Allen Wolf
7 books80 followersAllen Wolf is an award-winning storyteller who creates novels, films, and games. His debut novel, The Sound of Violet, inspired him to write, direct, and produce its film adaptation, continuing a filmmaking career that began with his worldwide release In My Sleep, which garnered multiple film festival awards.
As host of the popular Navigating Hollywood podcast, Allen offers an insider’s perspective on the entertainment industry, interviewing professionals about their journeys and strategies for success in Hollywood.
His game design expertise has earned him forty awards for titles including You’re Pulling My Leg!, You’re Pulling My Leg! Junior, Slap Wacky, JabberJot, and Pet Detectives. These games have been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of players worldwide, with You’re Pulling My Leg! making cameo appearances in both The Sound of Violet and In My Sleep.
Allen studied at New York University's film school, where his senior thesis, Harlem Grace, won multiple festival awards and earned finalist recognition for the Student Academy Awards.
As host of the popular Navigating Hollywood podcast, Allen offers an insider’s perspective on the entertainment industry, interviewing professionals about their journeys and strategies for success in Hollywood.
His game design expertise has earned him forty awards for titles including You’re Pulling My Leg!, You’re Pulling My Leg! Junior, Slap Wacky, JabberJot, and Pet Detectives. These games have been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of players worldwide, with You’re Pulling My Leg! making cameo appearances in both The Sound of Violet and In My Sleep.
Allen studied at New York University's film school, where his senior thesis, Harlem Grace, won multiple festival awards and earned finalist recognition for the Student Academy Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you, Morning Star Media and Love Books Tours, for giving me a copy of The Sound of Violet in return for an honest review.
Shawn is a young autistic man who is seeking a wife. He goes from one disastrous date to another until he encounters Violet. He starts dating her, but his autism keeps him from realising that she is a prostitute. Shawn thinks he has found a potential wife, but Violet is agonisingly aware of the realities of her situation. There are multiple red flags in this premise, but Allen Wolf’s engaging style of writing makes it work.
It helps that the story is told from multiple points of view, because the reader can consider various aspects of the plot in detail. Shawn lives with his adoring grandmother in her upmarket apartment and has a close relationship with his brother. They come across as over-protective of Shawn, but this is natural in a loving family who have experienced loss. I found the passages where the truth about Violet’s lifestyle dawns on his relatives very entertaining.
The first half of the book is light-hearted and funny. At first Violet cannot figure out what Shawn expects from her. When she realises that he is honest and means what he says, her natural kindness prevents her from hurting his feelings. Violet takes advantage of Shawn to some extent, but nowhere near as much as she could have.
The second half of the book is darker. Issues of violence, brutality and coercive control raise their heads. Violet, Shawn and his family need all the love courage, and loyalty they can muster to make it through to a happy ending.
I loved the film of The Sound of Violet which is available on YouTube.
My only criticism of this novel is that towards the end there is quite a lot of Christian evangelism. It is true that the characters are under massive pressure and need something stronger than themselves to cling to. However, for me there were too many quotations from the Bible. I thought they slowed the action and became jarring.
Shawn is a young autistic man who is seeking a wife. He goes from one disastrous date to another until he encounters Violet. He starts dating her, but his autism keeps him from realising that she is a prostitute. Shawn thinks he has found a potential wife, but Violet is agonisingly aware of the realities of her situation. There are multiple red flags in this premise, but Allen Wolf’s engaging style of writing makes it work.
It helps that the story is told from multiple points of view, because the reader can consider various aspects of the plot in detail. Shawn lives with his adoring grandmother in her upmarket apartment and has a close relationship with his brother. They come across as over-protective of Shawn, but this is natural in a loving family who have experienced loss. I found the passages where the truth about Violet’s lifestyle dawns on his relatives very entertaining.
The first half of the book is light-hearted and funny. At first Violet cannot figure out what Shawn expects from her. When she realises that he is honest and means what he says, her natural kindness prevents her from hurting his feelings. Violet takes advantage of Shawn to some extent, but nowhere near as much as she could have.
The second half of the book is darker. Issues of violence, brutality and coercive control raise their heads. Violet, Shawn and his family need all the love courage, and loyalty they can muster to make it through to a happy ending.
I loved the film of The Sound of Violet which is available on YouTube.
My only criticism of this novel is that towards the end there is quite a lot of Christian evangelism. It is true that the characters are under massive pressure and need something stronger than themselves to cling to. However, for me there were too many quotations from the Bible. I thought they slowed the action and became jarring.
May 5, 2026
This is my first read by this author and I cannot believe that this book is actually a 10th anniversary edition to celebrate it's release as a movie too - and yet I'd never even come across it before.
However, this was such a powerful read for me as we watch Shawn, who is ND, navigate the dating world and experience his first blossoming relationship with Violet.
My youngest is on the spectrum and I often worry about how he will meet anyone and how his different views of the world will impact this side of his future.
This book describes scenarios so well and puts us in Shawn's head as we see first hand just how he views the world and this development of socialising and growing closer to someone else romantically.
I fell in love with both Shawn and Violet and this story takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as we see things between them progress and watch them both overcome their respective issues.
I loved that, once in love, Shawn did everything he could to support Violet through all her issues with Anton and he helped her to be free from the prison he'd created for her.
This book deals with some really tough topics and issues that are relevant to the world we live in today, yet it is written with such sensitivity, so much hope and even some humour thrown in too, to balance things out a little.
I really liked all of the side characters too and especially loved the development of Ruth, Shawn's Grandmother. The way that she finally opened her heart to violet was so beautiful.
I'm definitely a book over movie kind of girl, but having experienced this, I really cannot wait to head off and watch the movie too - although this audiobook production with it's added musical score really felt as though I was living the story myself. It really added something special to the enjoyment whilst listening.
However, this was such a powerful read for me as we watch Shawn, who is ND, navigate the dating world and experience his first blossoming relationship with Violet.
My youngest is on the spectrum and I often worry about how he will meet anyone and how his different views of the world will impact this side of his future.
This book describes scenarios so well and puts us in Shawn's head as we see first hand just how he views the world and this development of socialising and growing closer to someone else romantically.
I fell in love with both Shawn and Violet and this story takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as we see things between them progress and watch them both overcome their respective issues.
I loved that, once in love, Shawn did everything he could to support Violet through all her issues with Anton and he helped her to be free from the prison he'd created for her.
This book deals with some really tough topics and issues that are relevant to the world we live in today, yet it is written with such sensitivity, so much hope and even some humour thrown in too, to balance things out a little.
I really liked all of the side characters too and especially loved the development of Ruth, Shawn's Grandmother. The way that she finally opened her heart to violet was so beautiful.
I'm definitely a book over movie kind of girl, but having experienced this, I really cannot wait to head off and watch the movie too - although this audiobook production with it's added musical score really felt as though I was living the story myself. It really added something special to the enjoyment whilst listening.
May 8, 2026
Thank you to Love Books Tours for the gifted audiobook. I have to start by saying that I am obsessed with the cover. The colors are beautiful and the characters are nicely illustrated.
The narrator, Ryan Duncan, has so much emotional range and I really think his Broadway theater experience heightened this audio for its listeners. His voice is versatile not just in characters’ speaking parts but also in moments - serious and humorous and everything in between… definitely made for an enjoyable listen!
The story begins with Shawn and his life as a single man with autism who’s looking for love via a dating app. I loved him instantly (and his grandmother, Ruth)! Nothing in the description could’ve prepared me for Violet and her profession. Hers and Shawn’s meeting pulled me in and I was instantly invested in their story. I also enjoyed Shawn’s faith and how it was sprinkled throughout the plot.
The bow tie gift was so precious! There were actually a couple of cute little gift moments and kind gestures from both MCs. It’s cliche, but they definitely complete each other! I’m not sure of the accuracy of Shawn’s autism, but it felt as though it was genuinely written.
It killed me when Shawn realized at one of the parties that Jake was involved with Violet and her friends and their services… and then Antoine showing up at Violet’s apartment and Shawn offering to “buy” her; ughhh, my heart.
“I never realized how hard it is to let someone love me.”
Excuse me while I go watch the movie!
The narrator, Ryan Duncan, has so much emotional range and I really think his Broadway theater experience heightened this audio for its listeners. His voice is versatile not just in characters’ speaking parts but also in moments - serious and humorous and everything in between… definitely made for an enjoyable listen!
The story begins with Shawn and his life as a single man with autism who’s looking for love via a dating app. I loved him instantly (and his grandmother, Ruth)! Nothing in the description could’ve prepared me for Violet and her profession. Hers and Shawn’s meeting pulled me in and I was instantly invested in their story. I also enjoyed Shawn’s faith and how it was sprinkled throughout the plot.
The bow tie gift was so precious! There were actually a couple of cute little gift moments and kind gestures from both MCs. It’s cliche, but they definitely complete each other! I’m not sure of the accuracy of Shawn’s autism, but it felt as though it was genuinely written.
It killed me when Shawn realized at one of the parties that Jake was involved with Violet and her friends and their services… and then Antoine showing up at Violet’s apartment and Shawn offering to “buy” her; ughhh, my heart.
“I never realized how hard it is to let someone love me.”
Excuse me while I go watch the movie!
February 27, 2026
Shawn and Violets story is full of heart, with sweet moments as well as a sprinkle of humour.
The book has a simple storyline of a man living with Autism who is desperate to find a wife and a woman stuck in a situation unable to trust kindness and truth.
Shawn and Violet are both complex characters they are written in a way that shows them as raw and real.
When you have to continually be aware something you said or did, even didn’t do has upset someone in some way. That is exhausting and hard everyday especially when others do not understand or see the extent of those struggles.
This comes across with both characters in different ways, they find a connection of people judging them before they got to know them.
The story also talks about some serious and difficult themes. It touches on some of these subjects weaving them into the story rather than delving to the depths of those topics.
Despite that gave a new perspective and understanding on these things and portrayed how someone’s life can be changed in a different direction without them seeing any sign, becoming trapped.
It showed us how these things affects the individual during their daily lives, relationships and future.
It is a story about acceptance, trust, kindness and healing.
The book has a simple storyline of a man living with Autism who is desperate to find a wife and a woman stuck in a situation unable to trust kindness and truth.
Shawn and Violet are both complex characters they are written in a way that shows them as raw and real.
When you have to continually be aware something you said or did, even didn’t do has upset someone in some way. That is exhausting and hard everyday especially when others do not understand or see the extent of those struggles.
This comes across with both characters in different ways, they find a connection of people judging them before they got to know them.
The story also talks about some serious and difficult themes. It touches on some of these subjects weaving them into the story rather than delving to the depths of those topics.
Despite that gave a new perspective and understanding on these things and portrayed how someone’s life can be changed in a different direction without them seeing any sign, becoming trapped.
It showed us how these things affects the individual during their daily lives, relationships and future.
It is a story about acceptance, trust, kindness and healing.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed reading Shawn and Violet’s story. I found it to be emotional, heartwarming, funny, and definitely a page turner. I was immediately drawn in by Shawn who is such a unique character. I just love how he is so open, direct and honest. I found myself really enjoying his parts of the book and I noticed that I really missed his distinctive presence when Violet’s story started coming out.
The Sound of Violet is essentially a sweet love story where two vulnerable people find a connection and then fight to protect their love for one another despite conflict and resistance from others. I think this really challenges both characters and takes them out of their comfort zones, and it is lovely to see the character progression as the story goes on.
Quite a few sensitive themes are included in the book including autism, human trafficking, trauma and prostitution. I felt that this was handled with sensitivity.
The story was written in a way that made the scenes and characters so easy to visualise. I had such vivid pictures in my mind which I loved. I can see how this novel originated from a screenplay and I am desperate to watch it and see how it compares to the book.
Overall I think this story leaves you with a feeling of hope and I would definitely recommend it.
The Sound of Violet is essentially a sweet love story where two vulnerable people find a connection and then fight to protect their love for one another despite conflict and resistance from others. I think this really challenges both characters and takes them out of their comfort zones, and it is lovely to see the character progression as the story goes on.
Quite a few sensitive themes are included in the book including autism, human trafficking, trauma and prostitution. I felt that this was handled with sensitivity.
The story was written in a way that made the scenes and characters so easy to visualise. I had such vivid pictures in my mind which I loved. I can see how this novel originated from a screenplay and I am desperate to watch it and see how it compares to the book.
Overall I think this story leaves you with a feeling of hope and I would definitely recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shawn is desperate to find his soulmate, and he is determined to find her at any cost. After going on an awkward date, Shawn found someone called Violet. This, however, turned out not to be plain sailing for Shawn. Shawn has autism, which made it difficult for him to realise that Violet is actually a prostitute. Shawn thought he had found his match for a potential wife, with Violet thinking she may have an out to a brand new life.
The story flows beautifully and really captures what living with autism could potentially feel like, as well as the painful life of Violet as a prostitute. The book provides humour, wit and warmth while providing serious moments which can catch you thinking of real life. Allen Wolf has done a tremendous job of tying different walks of life together, and this story will have a place in my heart for a long time to come.
Really would recommend this book to anybody, it is fantastic, and I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I will definitely go ahead and watch the film to bring the story to life for myself.
The story flows beautifully and really captures what living with autism could potentially feel like, as well as the painful life of Violet as a prostitute. The book provides humour, wit and warmth while providing serious moments which can catch you thinking of real life. Allen Wolf has done a tremendous job of tying different walks of life together, and this story will have a place in my heart for a long time to come.
Really would recommend this book to anybody, it is fantastic, and I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I will definitely go ahead and watch the film to bring the story to life for myself.
March 24, 2026
This book was beautiful. Really made me quite emotional reading and I thoroughly enjoyed every single page. You will find me going to watch the film as soon as I can!
From the start Shawn is the most amazing character. His compassion and his hopefulness even after a string of horrific dates and trying to find someone to love is just amazing. He never lets his Autism stop him from trying and I feel like a lot of the time he is underestimated by those closest to him.
Violet is the polar opposite. She is forced to do something she doesn’t want to do every day. She doesn’t believe in the concept of love anymore and I think she is truly shocked that Shawn shows any interest regardless of her situation.
This book highlights the importance that anyone can find love. Anyone can show kindness. We all judge too harshly and when we look past a person’s circumstances we can see that everyone deserves a second chance, and deserves to be loved. This book makes you realise that perhaps showing a little extra kindness or compassion really can help to change someone’s life.
From the start Shawn is the most amazing character. His compassion and his hopefulness even after a string of horrific dates and trying to find someone to love is just amazing. He never lets his Autism stop him from trying and I feel like a lot of the time he is underestimated by those closest to him.
Violet is the polar opposite. She is forced to do something she doesn’t want to do every day. She doesn’t believe in the concept of love anymore and I think she is truly shocked that Shawn shows any interest regardless of her situation.
This book highlights the importance that anyone can find love. Anyone can show kindness. We all judge too harshly and when we look past a person’s circumstances we can see that everyone deserves a second chance, and deserves to be loved. This book makes you realise that perhaps showing a little extra kindness or compassion really can help to change someone’s life.
Review of advance copy
I knew from reading the blurb I was going to love this read and I'm so glad I wasn't disappointed. Let me start by saying I loved Allen Wolf's writing style, the way everything was set out and described really set this novel up. I could picture everything in my head as I read, I know this is now a movie and I can see why it was snatched up and made into movie format. The novel had everything, the storyline kept me hooked, the characters kept me engaged. I loved the representation of autism, I felt it was done very well. Shawn was a great character and I felt he was respectfully created. He was such a wonderful character. I also loved Violet the more we got to know her the more I felt for her. I loved all the characters and the developments that progressed within. It's hard to write a review when you've enjoyed the story immensely and all I wanna say is I LOVED IT!!
From start to finish I was immersed and thoroughly enjoyed this read. I'm off to find the movie now.
From start to finish I was immersed and thoroughly enjoyed this read. I'm off to find the movie now.
March 13, 2026
I loved Allen Wolfs style of writing and i think autism and the realism of it is something that isn't usually targeted by authors especially for the lead role. I adored Shawn's character the whole book i was just willing happiness for him, same for Violet. I thought it clever the angle of 2 characters both trapped within themselves for very different reasons finding each other. It took you on a journey for both characters and i thought it was so elegantly done considering some of the topics this book covers. Of course i had to put a faces to Shawn and Violet so i did watch the fill after. I enjoyed the film as much as the book too.
April 1, 2026
What a sweet, sweet story The Sound of Violet was! Shawn just wanted to love and be loved (and get married!), and Violet didn’t feel worthy of love and felt she was in an impossible situation. To watch them fall in love brought tears to my eyes because he had to learn to cope with many things in order to be able to even hold her hand, and she had to cope to even allow him to hold her hand. Another thing I liked about this book is that Allen Wolf doesn’t shy away from talking about God. Faith is a huge part of Shawn’s and Ruth’s lives, and I just loved that God was included. I rate The Sound of Violet 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy
This was so great! The opening really hooked me in and felt relatable. I read through it quickly and it was easy to read. The main characters felt real and I felt like I really bonded with them, although I thought the MMCs motivation for finding someone were sightly misguided. The pacing was smooth and scenes flowed naturally. The settings were described well - I could easily picture where we were. This definitely deals with heavy themes so I would say check TWs. Overall a great book, I loved the emotions it gave me, a true rollercoaster.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to LBT and Allen Wolf for the gifted copy 💜 This was my first time reading the book, and I really enjoyed it. As a neurodivergent reader myself, it was so nice to see some representation of autism in Shawn’s perspective and how he navigates the world, as I haven’t read many books with this kind of rep. Violet’s story is darker, and some parts could be triggering, so check the warnings before you read. This book was definitely a whirlwind of emotions, but I loved it! Now to watch the movie! 💜
Review of advance copy
Review coming soon!
March 17, 2026
I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with this book, but I did. It’s a beautiful story that explores the limitless nature of love in all its forms. The romance is genuine, and I found myself rooting for Shawn and Violet’s unconventional love story. The pacing is well-balanced, with meaningful moments that make you feel connected to each character. I appreciated how Shawn’s autism was portrayed authentically, allowing readers to experience the world through his perspective. Violet’s story, including her experience with trafficking, is handled with care and sensitivity. The themes of forgiveness, family, and support really resonated with me. This book is a beautiful romance that’s emotionally rich and somehow manages to feel cosy despite exploring dark themes
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews