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Bluemantle
LIVE MUSIC IS OUTLAWED.
Set in the sun-scorched city of Wydeye, the totalitarian Authority controls its citizens through fear and cultivated dependence. Live music is deemed a threat to order and is forbidden by law. Punishment for participation is severe.
Chase Newell discovers his sister is missing. His search for her leads him to the underground music Scene, with its ageless Troubadours who must risk their lives to perform in order to survive. To do this, they rely on Bluemantle.
As the Authority’s control-obsessed leader, Governor Blix, and her evil-incarnate Chief of Command, Wulfwin, step up their efforts to seize the Troubadours and destroy the Scene, the risks escalate.
While the Troubadours are forced to act, will the citizens of Wydeye wake up to Bluemantle’s invitation and find choice beyond the caves of their own making?
Set in the sun-scorched city of Wydeye, the totalitarian Authority controls its citizens through fear and cultivated dependence. Live music is deemed a threat to order and is forbidden by law. Punishment for participation is severe.
Chase Newell discovers his sister is missing. His search for her leads him to the underground music Scene, with its ageless Troubadours who must risk their lives to perform in order to survive. To do this, they rely on Bluemantle.
As the Authority’s control-obsessed leader, Governor Blix, and her evil-incarnate Chief of Command, Wulfwin, step up their efforts to seize the Troubadours and destroy the Scene, the risks escalate.
While the Troubadours are forced to act, will the citizens of Wydeye wake up to Bluemantle’s invitation and find choice beyond the caves of their own making?
450 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2021
3 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Karen Langston
2 books7 followersKaren Langston is a novelist, writing speculative fiction for adults.
KLOVA is high-concept speculative fiction, set in an alternative near future, where all language is artificial - and has started to disappear.
BLUEMANTLE is dystopian speculative fiction inspired by her love of live music.
Both novels are published by The Book Guild Ltd.
Follow Karen for book news and updates on Facebook and Instagram: @karenlangstonauthor.
For further information, please visit her website.
KLOVA is high-concept speculative fiction, set in an alternative near future, where all language is artificial - and has started to disappear.
BLUEMANTLE is dystopian speculative fiction inspired by her love of live music.
Both novels are published by The Book Guild Ltd.
Follow Karen for book news and updates on Facebook and Instagram: @karenlangstonauthor.
For further information, please visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 25, 2021
Thank you so much Random Things Tour for providing a copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
This book was definitely outside my comfort zone, and it was a great surprise. The synopsis really got me intrigued from the beginning, as I am a sucker for a good dystopian story.
The story takes place in the imaginary town of Wydeye, where everything is provided and regulated by the Authority. Not much can be done under the authoritarian control of the Authority, they control everywhere you go and everything you do. One thing is absolutely forbidden, music. When Chase’s sister goes missing in a mysterious accident, he tries to investigate her disappearance on his own and ends up in the underground Scene of secret music events.
The best feature of this story is definitely the detailed description of this town and the lives of its inhabitants. Furthermore, the plot offers a POV from the Authority, which enables the reader to fully experience the roughness of this world. I found the description of punishment/torture a bit too much for me, which is the main reason why I tend to avoid adult books. However, I can’t deny that it all felt understandable considering the plot and the atmosphere (and that’s just my personal preference).
The fact that music is forbidden was a very interesting concept. I guess we all wondered when we will be able to go to another live concert during the past year, so this story really explores that possibility and what is life without music. I also guess that, if I was more of a music fanatic I would have appreciated more the moments with the Troubadours. So, if you are a fan of rock/live music, you really can’t miss this story.
Even then, I couldn’t really put it down. The plot was unpredictable and a few revelations in the middle really made me lose my faith and trust in every character. I couldn’t see where the story was going. In general, I felt all the characters lack strong personalities, they felt a bit flat. However, I absolutely loved the idea of the Deaf Squad and the role they played in the story, together with the Authority’s perspective, it made the story absolutely intriguing.
It was a refreshing read from my usual fantasy, well written and super entertaining. If you are looking for a good dystopian story (and if you are into live music) you absolutely need to check this story out, it is definitely a great debut story. I guess, the writer has still lots to say about this world and about the Scene, I think she left many things “opened” on purpose, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a sequel.
You can read this review and more on the The Monogamist Reader Blog
This book was definitely outside my comfort zone, and it was a great surprise. The synopsis really got me intrigued from the beginning, as I am a sucker for a good dystopian story.
The story takes place in the imaginary town of Wydeye, where everything is provided and regulated by the Authority. Not much can be done under the authoritarian control of the Authority, they control everywhere you go and everything you do. One thing is absolutely forbidden, music. When Chase’s sister goes missing in a mysterious accident, he tries to investigate her disappearance on his own and ends up in the underground Scene of secret music events.
The best feature of this story is definitely the detailed description of this town and the lives of its inhabitants. Furthermore, the plot offers a POV from the Authority, which enables the reader to fully experience the roughness of this world. I found the description of punishment/torture a bit too much for me, which is the main reason why I tend to avoid adult books. However, I can’t deny that it all felt understandable considering the plot and the atmosphere (and that’s just my personal preference).
The fact that music is forbidden was a very interesting concept. I guess we all wondered when we will be able to go to another live concert during the past year, so this story really explores that possibility and what is life without music. I also guess that, if I was more of a music fanatic I would have appreciated more the moments with the Troubadours. So, if you are a fan of rock/live music, you really can’t miss this story.
Even then, I couldn’t really put it down. The plot was unpredictable and a few revelations in the middle really made me lose my faith and trust in every character. I couldn’t see where the story was going. In general, I felt all the characters lack strong personalities, they felt a bit flat. However, I absolutely loved the idea of the Deaf Squad and the role they played in the story, together with the Authority’s perspective, it made the story absolutely intriguing.
It was a refreshing read from my usual fantasy, well written and super entertaining. If you are looking for a good dystopian story (and if you are into live music) you absolutely need to check this story out, it is definitely a great debut story. I guess, the writer has still lots to say about this world and about the Scene, I think she left many things “opened” on purpose, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a sequel.
You can read this review and more on the The Monogamist Reader Blog
March 25, 2021
This book had been highly recommended to me, I approached it cautiously, as I have never read this genre. I struggled a little in the beginning with the character names, but once they had 'come alive' for me (and this new author made a superb job of achieving that), I was hooked. A very interesting concept and one that really resonated with me. An excellent debut novel which I would highly recommend. Tempted to listen to the acknowledged bands having read Bluemantle!!
April 25, 2021
Set in a world of curfews and where live music is banned by law.
When Chase’s sister goes missing, it’s upto him to find out what’s happened to her.
What he finds is the Scene, where live music is been played illegally.
To be able to participate in the scene, they rely heavily on the Bluemantle that is soon on its way. The Bluemantle is a huge part of the scene so when it also goes missing, everyone fears as to what will happen to the music scene.
But everyone is scared of the Authority. The Authority, whom is constantly watching you and seeks control over everyone and everything.
When there is a contest to elect a new leader, it is soon set to become the biggest event the Troubadours attended. The Troubadour attracts the largest amount of followers and is set to become leader of the music scene.
Everyone is doing what they can to survive in the music scene and to escape the clutches of the Authority.
Can they escape be rid of the Authority and save the Scene?
‘Bluemantle’ is about a world under control and how far people will strive to fight for a good cause. It’s about what could happen if the live scene was banned and what music means to society today.
I loved Chase, Tinashe, Naylor and the rest of the gang who found themselves drawn into taking down the Governor and the Authority. The Governor Blix was also a great villain who you love to hate. The author has done an amazing job of creating this dystopian world. The author doesn’t leave a single detail out.
I loved this speculative, dystopian fiction. If you’re a lover of this kind of dystopian fiction then you’ll love this. It was a great mix of the film, ‘Equilibrium’ and the book, ‘A Song for a New Day’. It’s brilliantly written and a gritty read.
When Chase’s sister goes missing, it’s upto him to find out what’s happened to her.
What he finds is the Scene, where live music is been played illegally.
To be able to participate in the scene, they rely heavily on the Bluemantle that is soon on its way. The Bluemantle is a huge part of the scene so when it also goes missing, everyone fears as to what will happen to the music scene.
But everyone is scared of the Authority. The Authority, whom is constantly watching you and seeks control over everyone and everything.
When there is a contest to elect a new leader, it is soon set to become the biggest event the Troubadours attended. The Troubadour attracts the largest amount of followers and is set to become leader of the music scene.
Everyone is doing what they can to survive in the music scene and to escape the clutches of the Authority.
Can they escape be rid of the Authority and save the Scene?
‘Bluemantle’ is about a world under control and how far people will strive to fight for a good cause. It’s about what could happen if the live scene was banned and what music means to society today.
I loved Chase, Tinashe, Naylor and the rest of the gang who found themselves drawn into taking down the Governor and the Authority. The Governor Blix was also a great villain who you love to hate. The author has done an amazing job of creating this dystopian world. The author doesn’t leave a single detail out.
I loved this speculative, dystopian fiction. If you’re a lover of this kind of dystopian fiction then you’ll love this. It was a great mix of the film, ‘Equilibrium’ and the book, ‘A Song for a New Day’. It’s brilliantly written and a gritty read.
March 24, 2021
This is an impressive first novel embracing a dystopian future when a repressive, brutal Authority attempts to rid itself of an influential and somewhat mystical underground group of heavy metal musicians. The author herself maintains an impressive rhythm throughout the book, depicting the confrontation with vivid descriptions. I look forward to reading Karen Langston’s next book.
Ray D.
Ray D.
June 9, 2025
This book is as fine a dystopian fiction novel as you will ever read.
Wonderful world building.
The flow is smooth from the very beginning.
The most satisfying part of the already engaging narrative is the use of performance arts (music, theater, circus) as subversive is done in a refreshing way that is very appealing to this reader.
I put it on the same shelf as Dahlgren and The Stand.
Wonderful world building.
The flow is smooth from the very beginning.
The most satisfying part of the already engaging narrative is the use of performance arts (music, theater, circus) as subversive is done in a refreshing way that is very appealing to this reader.
I put it on the same shelf as Dahlgren and The Stand.
April 25, 2021
Set in a totalitarian world where people live under curfew and live music is banned, this book follows the story of Chase, who's trying to find out what happened to his sister.
His search leads him to the Scene, a clandestine group of musicians and their followers living underground to avoid the violent repression of the Authority.
When the Authority's violence escalates due to discovering a clandestine gig, the citizens of Wydeye start a silent revolution against it. Will they succeed in beating the Authority and finding their lost freedom?
This book is a great page turner, and the author makes an excellent job in describing the city, its inhabitants, and the underground world. I could visualise everything so vividly It felt like I was there.
The pace of the narration was upbeat and there wasn't a dull moment in the whole 450 pages. The plot twists along the way were also very intriguing and kept me glued to the book.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good dystopian story.
His search leads him to the Scene, a clandestine group of musicians and their followers living underground to avoid the violent repression of the Authority.
When the Authority's violence escalates due to discovering a clandestine gig, the citizens of Wydeye start a silent revolution against it. Will they succeed in beating the Authority and finding their lost freedom?
This book is a great page turner, and the author makes an excellent job in describing the city, its inhabitants, and the underground world. I could visualise everything so vividly It felt like I was there.
The pace of the narration was upbeat and there wasn't a dull moment in the whole 450 pages. The plot twists along the way were also very intriguing and kept me glued to the book.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good dystopian story.
September 26, 2024
I met the author at a local book fair at Royal Tunbridge Wells, she was friendly and like me, loves live music. I'm not usually into dystopia but thought I should give it a try. I'm glad I did.
The reasons I didn't give it 5 stars:
-The beginning is too long and the end too short, I'd have liked more balance.
-It's only almost at the end that you get an idea of why live music is banned. It sometimes makes it harder to engage as there is no back story.
Having said that, I really like the action, the great details of the city and the fun play on names (e.g.: Allear). The characters are interesting and complex. It's great to have such talent locally!
The reasons I didn't give it 5 stars:
-The beginning is too long and the end too short, I'd have liked more balance.
-It's only almost at the end that you get an idea of why live music is banned. It sometimes makes it harder to engage as there is no back story.
Having said that, I really like the action, the great details of the city and the fun play on names (e.g.: Allear). The characters are interesting and complex. It's great to have such talent locally!
April 24, 2021
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲
𝗯𝘆 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻
⭐⭐⭐
#giftedby @karenlangstonauthor @annecater14 #randomthingstours
LIVE MUSIC IS OUTLAWED.
Set in the sun-scorched city of Wydeye, the totalitarian Authority controls its citizens through fear and cultivated dependence. Live music is deemed a threat to order and is forbidden by law. Punishment for participation is severe.
Chase Newell discovers his sister is missing. His search for her leads him to the underground music Scene, with its ageless Troubadours who must risk their lives to perform in order to survive. To do this, they rely on Bluemantle.
As the Authority's control-obsessed leader, Governor Blix, and her evil-incarnate Chief of Command, Wulfwin, step up their efforts to seize the Troubadours and destroy the Scene, the risks escalate.
While the Troubadours are forced to act, will the citizens of Wydeye wake up to Bluemantle's invitation and find choice beyond the caves of their own making?
I really enjoyed this original dystopian story. Having a rule of no music, playing or listening was fascinating. It made you think what would life be like without music!? Music is something I love and adore and I couldn't not have it in my life. I really liked the atmosphere and world building, it was enough to explain things but not be too descriptive. The characters were all likeable and gave different levels in the book. I absolutely love the Troubadours and Bluemantle club, was amazing and I just loved the atmosphere and everything about it.
There were so many twists and turns in this book and I couldn't quite work out how things were going to play out. I was constantly wanting to read and know what's happening.
I thoroughly enjoyed this dystopian, Karen writes captivating and beautifully. The story feels quite lyrical. If you like your dystopian books and love music, definitely check it out!
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeatures #books #bookphotography #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bibliophile #bookish #bookworm #booklove #booktour #bookmail #bookobsessed #bookcommunity #dystopian #gifted #greatreads #goodreads #igreads #instareads #instabook #literature #letsescapewithbooks
𝗯𝘆 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻
⭐⭐⭐
#giftedby @karenlangstonauthor @annecater14 #randomthingstours
LIVE MUSIC IS OUTLAWED.
Set in the sun-scorched city of Wydeye, the totalitarian Authority controls its citizens through fear and cultivated dependence. Live music is deemed a threat to order and is forbidden by law. Punishment for participation is severe.
Chase Newell discovers his sister is missing. His search for her leads him to the underground music Scene, with its ageless Troubadours who must risk their lives to perform in order to survive. To do this, they rely on Bluemantle.
As the Authority's control-obsessed leader, Governor Blix, and her evil-incarnate Chief of Command, Wulfwin, step up their efforts to seize the Troubadours and destroy the Scene, the risks escalate.
While the Troubadours are forced to act, will the citizens of Wydeye wake up to Bluemantle's invitation and find choice beyond the caves of their own making?
I really enjoyed this original dystopian story. Having a rule of no music, playing or listening was fascinating. It made you think what would life be like without music!? Music is something I love and adore and I couldn't not have it in my life. I really liked the atmosphere and world building, it was enough to explain things but not be too descriptive. The characters were all likeable and gave different levels in the book. I absolutely love the Troubadours and Bluemantle club, was amazing and I just loved the atmosphere and everything about it.
There were so many twists and turns in this book and I couldn't quite work out how things were going to play out. I was constantly wanting to read and know what's happening.
I thoroughly enjoyed this dystopian, Karen writes captivating and beautifully. The story feels quite lyrical. If you like your dystopian books and love music, definitely check it out!
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeatures #books #bookphotography #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bibliophile #bookish #bookworm #booklove #booktour #bookmail #bookobsessed #bookcommunity #dystopian #gifted #greatreads #goodreads #igreads #instareads #instabook #literature #letsescapewithbooks
July 10, 2021
From the first page, the story of Bluemantle draws you in and holds your attention to the end.
This is an intriguing and sometimes terrifying tale of oppression and control, set in a curious and yet oddly familiar alternative reality, where live music is banned. Many questions arise as the story progresses - how did the dominant force of The Authority become so controlling and dehumanising? Why are the people of Wyedye so terrified of joining the underground music scene? What becomes of the missing children? And who are the mysterious Music Makers? I loved this book so much I read it twice. The characters are memorable, the setting is darkly atmospheric and the story is utterly intriguing. It also offers a timely reminder of why we need to celebrate and enjoy the freedoms that we so easily take for granted. A future cult classic for live music fans, and a great escape for all those who love a gritty dystopian adventure.
This is an intriguing and sometimes terrifying tale of oppression and control, set in a curious and yet oddly familiar alternative reality, where live music is banned. Many questions arise as the story progresses - how did the dominant force of The Authority become so controlling and dehumanising? Why are the people of Wyedye so terrified of joining the underground music scene? What becomes of the missing children? And who are the mysterious Music Makers? I loved this book so much I read it twice. The characters are memorable, the setting is darkly atmospheric and the story is utterly intriguing. It also offers a timely reminder of why we need to celebrate and enjoy the freedoms that we so easily take for granted. A future cult classic for live music fans, and a great escape for all those who love a gritty dystopian adventure.
May 20, 2021
I absolutely loved the premise of this book upon reading the summary. I really enjoyed reading this book until about 50% of the way through. There was so much that was drawn out for no apparent reason. I did not even feel the need to finish the book. I feel like this plot has a lot of potential, but could use some editing as far as unnecessary fluff. The book really does not need to be so long.
July 10, 2021
A dystopian live music mash up!
From the first page, the story of Bluemantle draws you in and holds your attention to the end.
This is an intriguing and sometimes terrifying tale of oppression and control, set in a curious and yet oddly familiar alternative reality, where live music is banned. Many questions arise as the story progresses - how did the dominant force of The Authority become so controlling and dehumanising? Why are the people of Wyedye so terrified of joining the underground music scene? What becomes of the missing children? And who are the mysterious Music Makers? I loved this book so much I read it twice. The characters are memorable, the setting is darkly atmospheric and the story is utterly intriguing. It also offers a timely reminder of why we need to celebrate and enjoy the freedoms that we so easily take for granted. A future cult classic for live music fans, and a great escape for all those who love a gritty dystopian adventure.
From the first page, the story of Bluemantle draws you in and holds your attention to the end.
This is an intriguing and sometimes terrifying tale of oppression and control, set in a curious and yet oddly familiar alternative reality, where live music is banned. Many questions arise as the story progresses - how did the dominant force of The Authority become so controlling and dehumanising? Why are the people of Wyedye so terrified of joining the underground music scene? What becomes of the missing children? And who are the mysterious Music Makers? I loved this book so much I read it twice. The characters are memorable, the setting is darkly atmospheric and the story is utterly intriguing. It also offers a timely reminder of why we need to celebrate and enjoy the freedoms that we so easily take for granted. A future cult classic for live music fans, and a great escape for all those who love a gritty dystopian adventure.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews