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Another Voice: A Melancholy Girl
“It was then that she found her sweet, sweet freedom. It was always with her, but only found in doing the things that scared her the most.”
A dreamer without ambition, barista Clara Rivers longs for a job outside of The Bean Queen. Trapped between past experiences and the woman she hopes to become, Clara's childhood dream of adventure comes true after playing a long-forgotten game with a fistful of dirt and a ray of light. However, Clara will experience more than nostalgia when she's transported into a magical world that her child-self would have loved.
Lonely and scared, Clara's arrival causes a stir as she looks and acts differently from others. Yet, amidst the confusion, there's a mark branded on her brow that everyone can see but her. Confronted with the hard truth of living in an unfamiliar realm full of strange creatures, temperamental mages, beautiful healers, and a brave, cheeky knight, Clara struggles to find her place in the enchanted world. Then, when the castle's ancient mage chants a cryptic prophecy, Clara will need to embody her imagined self as Ancora Castle looks to her to defeat the fabled Lectus.
Torn between fear and bravery, Clara puts her trust in her companions as she's haunted by harrowing fantasies and hazy phantoms. Unable to picture herself victorious, Clara must battle the stories she tells herself and the dangers of an untamed world while the reality of something bigger looms closer.
A dreamer without ambition, barista Clara Rivers longs for a job outside of The Bean Queen. Trapped between past experiences and the woman she hopes to become, Clara's childhood dream of adventure comes true after playing a long-forgotten game with a fistful of dirt and a ray of light. However, Clara will experience more than nostalgia when she's transported into a magical world that her child-self would have loved.
Lonely and scared, Clara's arrival causes a stir as she looks and acts differently from others. Yet, amidst the confusion, there's a mark branded on her brow that everyone can see but her. Confronted with the hard truth of living in an unfamiliar realm full of strange creatures, temperamental mages, beautiful healers, and a brave, cheeky knight, Clara struggles to find her place in the enchanted world. Then, when the castle's ancient mage chants a cryptic prophecy, Clara will need to embody her imagined self as Ancora Castle looks to her to defeat the fabled Lectus.
Torn between fear and bravery, Clara puts her trust in her companions as she's haunted by harrowing fantasies and hazy phantoms. Unable to picture herself victorious, Clara must battle the stories she tells herself and the dangers of an untamed world while the reality of something bigger looms closer.
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2024
About the author
K. L. Busick
2 books27 followersIt all started when…
I was in the darkest part of my life and I did something brave. Unable to find a way to ease my anxiety, I needed someone to experience that bravery with. Opening my computer, I began to type:
“It was a fun game, pretending to be magical.”
The story seemed to write itself and took me along for the journey. I’ve always had a certain fondness for words, but me? An author?
As the adventure unfolded, I fell in love. I found where I belong and in that belonging, something to live for. But more importantly, I began to hear another voice. The one that believed in me. That voice reminded me that even in my weakest time, greatness can be found.
I was in the darkest part of my life and I did something brave. Unable to find a way to ease my anxiety, I needed someone to experience that bravery with. Opening my computer, I began to type:
“It was a fun game, pretending to be magical.”
The story seemed to write itself and took me along for the journey. I’ve always had a certain fondness for words, but me? An author?
As the adventure unfolded, I fell in love. I found where I belong and in that belonging, something to live for. But more importantly, I began to hear another voice. The one that believed in me. That voice reminded me that even in my weakest time, greatness can be found.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another Voice: A Melancholy Girl reads like a gentle but deeply introspective journey, where fantasy becomes a backdrop for something far more personal. The story may begin with Clara stepping into a magical world, but it quickly becomes clear that her real struggle isn’t the unfamiliar realm around her—it’s the uncertainty within herself.
Clara stands out because she doesn’t arrive as someone ready for adventure. She’s hesitant, lost, and still holding onto fragments of who she thought she would become. That vulnerability carries through every part of her journey, making her growth feel gradual and genuine. Even as she’s surrounded by mages, prophecies, and looming danger, her internal conflict remains the most compelling aspect of the story.
The writing is smooth, characters feel real and the flow of words is nothing less than magic. As Clara is pushed toward a role she doesn’t believe she can fulfill, the story leans into that tension between perception and self-doubt in a way that feels both subtle and powerful.
There’s a consistent melancholic tone throughout the book that gives it emotional depth. Even in moments of wonder or companionship, there’s a sense that Clara is still searching for her place, still questioning whether she belongs. The relationships she forms add warmth, but they never overshadow the central theme of self-confrontation.
What lingers most is how the story approaches courage. It’s not portrayed as something grand or effortless, but as something fragile—something that exists alongside fear rather than in the absence of it. Clara’s journey becomes less about fulfilling a prophecy and more about learning to face the version of herself she’s been avoiding.
By the end, the story doesn’t rely on dramatic resolution, but instead leaves you reflecting on identity, growth, and the quiet strength it takes to believe in yourself. It’s a story that stays in the heart long after you finish reading it. Highly recommended.
Rating: 4.25✨
Clara stands out because she doesn’t arrive as someone ready for adventure. She’s hesitant, lost, and still holding onto fragments of who she thought she would become. That vulnerability carries through every part of her journey, making her growth feel gradual and genuine. Even as she’s surrounded by mages, prophecies, and looming danger, her internal conflict remains the most compelling aspect of the story.
The writing is smooth, characters feel real and the flow of words is nothing less than magic. As Clara is pushed toward a role she doesn’t believe she can fulfill, the story leans into that tension between perception and self-doubt in a way that feels both subtle and powerful.
There’s a consistent melancholic tone throughout the book that gives it emotional depth. Even in moments of wonder or companionship, there’s a sense that Clara is still searching for her place, still questioning whether she belongs. The relationships she forms add warmth, but they never overshadow the central theme of self-confrontation.
What lingers most is how the story approaches courage. It’s not portrayed as something grand or effortless, but as something fragile—something that exists alongside fear rather than in the absence of it. Clara’s journey becomes less about fulfilling a prophecy and more about learning to face the version of herself she’s been avoiding.
By the end, the story doesn’t rely on dramatic resolution, but instead leaves you reflecting on identity, growth, and the quiet strength it takes to believe in yourself. It’s a story that stays in the heart long after you finish reading it. Highly recommended.
Rating: 4.25✨
May 28, 2026
Oh, Clara of America. A barista who is a writer at heart, but a writer who cannot find the words for her story. She is an overthinker who doubts herself in every way she can.
One day while walking home from her job, she finds herself transported to another world and gets the adventure she was always wanted. Through the unexpected turns, she has to question if what she always thought she wanted is as exciting as she thought it would be. The moments of doubt that lead to ultimately seeing that that fear is just the cage that she has put herself in, and the bravest thing she can do is to live her life, even if she has to do it while being a little scared.
It took me a while to get into the story, but I kept finding myself drawn back to it when I would have to put it down. I think that's because Clara's story is one that is easy to relate to. I was originally thrown at the ending, but it all came to a conclusion that left me with a smile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One day while walking home from her job, she finds herself transported to another world and gets the adventure she was always wanted. Through the unexpected turns, she has to question if what she always thought she wanted is as exciting as she thought it would be. The moments of doubt that lead to ultimately seeing that that fear is just the cage that she has put herself in, and the bravest thing she can do is to live her life, even if she has to do it while being a little scared.
It took me a while to get into the story, but I kept finding myself drawn back to it when I would have to put it down. I think that's because Clara's story is one that is easy to relate to. I was originally thrown at the ending, but it all came to a conclusion that left me with a smile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Clara of America. A girl who struggles with confidence and overthinking. On a journey to find her strength, bravery and the magic within her self.
The author creates a world you just want to visit and stay in. With descriptive writing that makes you feel like you’re there. With characters you just want to be friends with. Food you just want to taste. Experiences that are both magical and relatable.
Clara finds herself in the most unexpected ways.
The ending? Well, I won’t spoil it but let’s just say it was unexpected and brilliant!
I need more of this author and her stories on my bookshelf!
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review and this is my honest review, I loved it!
The author creates a world you just want to visit and stay in. With descriptive writing that makes you feel like you’re there. With characters you just want to be friends with. Food you just want to taste. Experiences that are both magical and relatable.
Clara finds herself in the most unexpected ways.
The ending? Well, I won’t spoil it but let’s just say it was unexpected and brilliant!
I need more of this author and her stories on my bookshelf!
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review and this is my honest review, I loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Another Voice - A Melancholy Girl you meet Clara a barista who is unhappy with her humdrum life and wishes for it to be more exciting. She ends up getting her wish as she is sent on journey unexpectedly. All the characters are interesting and shaped out as Clara is as well. The parallels cross between the every day life into a fantasy world. I felt as though I got sucked right into the story and lived the life as Clara myself. It felt very real and like an escape from the days of every day life. I could imagine how each character looked and would sound. I could even see a movie being made about this book and I can’t wait to see if and how the story would continue. I enjoyed how the book ended I will not give anything away. I definitely recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Join barista Clara as she goes on an adventure to a faraway kingdom in a faraway time.
This whimsical tale has a charming setting, characters you want to get to know and an interesting plot.
Enough world building to set the scene but not so much that you are overwhelmed with details. The cast of characters is just the right size so you aren't several chapters in and trying to remember who is who.
Even though this is a light, fun read there is depth to its message.
This updated version has beautiful illustrations to enhance the story. All in all, a wonderful book.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
This whimsical tale has a charming setting, characters you want to get to know and an interesting plot.
Enough world building to set the scene but not so much that you are overwhelmed with details. The cast of characters is just the right size so you aren't several chapters in and trying to remember who is who.
Even though this is a light, fun read there is depth to its message.
This updated version has beautiful illustrations to enhance the story. All in all, a wonderful book.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When Clara finds herself in a foreign land, she will have to find her place somewhere she could only dream. From encounters with hags to mages, Clara must embrace her role in the story and not let her own self-doubt be her greatest adversary!
The author brings an ensemble of vivid characters to life, in an easy-to-read fashion. World building is great but not too much detail to detract from the plot or flow of the book. This is a great read and I cant wait to see where Clara’s journey takes us next!
The author brings an ensemble of vivid characters to life, in an easy-to-read fashion. World building is great but not too much detail to detract from the plot or flow of the book. This is a great read and I cant wait to see where Clara’s journey takes us next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book transports you to another world filled with castles and mystical creatures and dark magic. I love going on this journey with the main character and watching her grow as a person and find her inner strength. This book kept me wondering what would happen next and allowed my imagination to envision the characters and far off land. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys magic and adventure!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have read both versions, and I have to say that the original version went from one-dimensional, to the revised version seeing the situations through various perspectives. This update gave the book so much more depth and insight into what the characters were thinking and feeling in those moments and not leaving us speculating. Although this isn’t my go-to genre, it was a very pleasant read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another Voice was a great YA adventure journey. You follow a barista into another world and follow her adventures and hijinks along the way. Very descriptive and you feel like you’re right there with the main character.
I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews