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Mystwick #0.5
Camp Cacophony
It’s two months before Amelia’s big audition for the Mystwick School of Musicraft. If she gets in, she will learn to spin music into powerful magic—but her Gran has one last-ditch plan to persuade her out of it: sports camp.
A week of softball, sprinting, and sweaty socks isn't exactly Amelia’s idea of a good time—in fact, she's deeply, appallingly unathletic. By the end of day one, she’s puked her guts out in track, gotten a black eye in no-contact flag football, and firmly established herself as the Least Valuable Player at camp.
As head counselor, Coach Shawn is determined to make an athlete of Amelia, despite her complete inability to land a single basket in basketball and her high effectiveness at scoring in the wrong net in soccer. And all Amelia wants is some time to herself, so she can practice her flute for the Mystwick auditions.
But everyone’s plans are quickly derailed by a series of disasters that strike camp, putting everyone in mortal danger. It's clear that strange magic is at work, and as the only musician around, Amelia suddenly goes from benchwarmer to MVP. But can she discover the source of the malevolent magic—and how to stop it—before the deadly spell reaches its crescendo?
A week of softball, sprinting, and sweaty socks isn't exactly Amelia’s idea of a good time—in fact, she's deeply, appallingly unathletic. By the end of day one, she’s puked her guts out in track, gotten a black eye in no-contact flag football, and firmly established herself as the Least Valuable Player at camp.
As head counselor, Coach Shawn is determined to make an athlete of Amelia, despite her complete inability to land a single basket in basketball and her high effectiveness at scoring in the wrong net in soccer. And all Amelia wants is some time to herself, so she can practice her flute for the Mystwick auditions.
But everyone’s plans are quickly derailed by a series of disasters that strike camp, putting everyone in mortal danger. It's clear that strange magic is at work, and as the only musician around, Amelia suddenly goes from benchwarmer to MVP. But can she discover the source of the malevolent magic—and how to stop it—before the deadly spell reaches its crescendo?
1 pages, Audiobook
First published May 20, 2021
6 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Khoury
25 books2,701 followersJessica Khoury wrote her first book at age 4, a fan fic sequel to Syd Hoff's Danny and the Dinosaur, which she scribbled on notebook paper, stapled together, and placed on the bookshelf of her preschool classroom. Since that day, she's dreamed of being an author.
When not writing, Jess enjoys spending time with family, playing video games, and oil and watercolor painting. She is also a professional mapmaker, and spends far too much time scribbling tiny trees and mountains for fictional worlds.
Jess currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina. She is the author of the Corpus trilogy, The Forbidden Wish, Last of Her Name, and The Mystwick School of Musicraft.
When not writing, Jess enjoys spending time with family, playing video games, and oil and watercolor painting. She is also a professional mapmaker, and spends far too much time scribbling tiny trees and mountains for fictional worlds.
Jess currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina. She is the author of the Corpus trilogy, The Forbidden Wish, Last of Her Name, and The Mystwick School of Musicraft.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
May 7, 2023
I want more from camp sweatlake
May 25, 2021
My son and I listened to this audiobook on Audible as a bedtime story after have listened to the first book about Amelia adventures in the Mystwick school of music craft. Suitable for children, I was interested in my seven years old son. Full of mystery and some goals at school. It was handy when changing a school as it showed some struggles and solutions.
October 15, 2021
Really cute, I listened to it with the kids before bed. We were not aware of this series, but now they want to listen to the next book. It’s short, it’s fun, there is a mystery they had fun cracking, win for everybody.
October 18, 2021
I grabbed this one as soon as I had finished The Mystwick School of Musicraft which is set about a month after the events in this instalment. Amelia Jones wants to be a musician, but her grandmother is still trying to convince her otherwise. As a result, Amelia finds herself at a sports camp for a week where no music magic is allowed. But then all the sports equipment start misbehaving and maybe Amelia who has shown no sporting talent is needed.
Listen to this as an introduction to The Mystwick School of Musicraft which has a more intricate plot. I cannot wait for the sequel to come.
Listen to this as an introduction to The Mystwick School of Musicraft which has a more intricate plot. I cannot wait for the sequel to come.
December 31, 2023
I read this without knowing it was a prequel to a series, but I could understand it fine without having read the series. It was cute, fun, and simple, with relatively one-dimensional characters and a straightforward plot. It was enjoyable and fun, but not terribly memorable. Maybe I'd feel differently if I read the main series, but it was a fairly forgettable listen.
April 26, 2022
it is not relevant
June 11, 2021
So cute!! So funny!!! perfect for elementary school musicians!
May 30, 2023
Phenomenal, but I'm biased.
Book 1 of the series (The Mystwick School of Musicraft) was the book that hooked me on audiobooks and lit the spark that is now my passion for reading and storytelling. The idea, that one could not only listen to a story, but that the ambient elements of the story could be simultaneously be conveyed to enhance the audience's experience was truly the epiphany of greater minds.
This short story, set at a sports camp BEFORE our musical heroine attempts her magical high school entrance exams may not be the best introduction to the series, but it is short enough to entice. The writing is wonderful, and the narration (plus sound effects) are terrific. I'm most impressed with the author's ability to take a simple concept (here, the idea that music can have magical properties) and add layers of complexity. In this installment, the idea of a musical cacophony is so simple and intuitive that a child could fathom its existence. Yet, the nature to which the audience is brought to this conclusion and the character's reactions to its effects are brilliantly excited.
I cannot recommend this series enough to anyone wanting to sprinkle a little magic in their world. Perfect for young listeners and music advocates alike.
Book 1 of the series (The Mystwick School of Musicraft) was the book that hooked me on audiobooks and lit the spark that is now my passion for reading and storytelling. The idea, that one could not only listen to a story, but that the ambient elements of the story could be simultaneously be conveyed to enhance the audience's experience was truly the epiphany of greater minds.
This short story, set at a sports camp BEFORE our musical heroine attempts her magical high school entrance exams may not be the best introduction to the series, but it is short enough to entice. The writing is wonderful, and the narration (plus sound effects) are terrific. I'm most impressed with the author's ability to take a simple concept (here, the idea that music can have magical properties) and add layers of complexity. In this installment, the idea of a musical cacophony is so simple and intuitive that a child could fathom its existence. Yet, the nature to which the audience is brought to this conclusion and the character's reactions to its effects are brilliantly excited.
I cannot recommend this series enough to anyone wanting to sprinkle a little magic in their world. Perfect for young listeners and music advocates alike.
June 7, 2022
Camp Cacophany was a super sweet addition to the Mystwick series. As a formerly uncoordinated kid myself, I totally related as Amelia managed to mess up every sport she tried. I was always that kid in gym class getting hit by stray balls, who no one wants to partner with. It sucked, but I admit having a supportive adult like Coach around would have helped. Most adults and kids alike gave up on me as a lost cause! I’d hit my partner in the head with a badminton racket (again) and they would just sigh and move on. I really like how the whole thing is flipped on its head though , and the athletic kids actually envy the musically inclined kids. Hence why the camp is a Musicraft free zone. It’s a nice lesson to teach kids. Just because you’re bad at one thing doesn’t mean that you don’t have skills that other people struggle with. Everyone has their own talents! It was all very cute and wholesome, just like the first book. I would absolutely recommend giving this a read if you or your child enjoyed the first Mystwick volume! 4/5 June 7 2022
April 15, 2024
n a world where music makes literally magic and jocks look up to musicians as the cool kids, summer sports camp is very different. This is a fun story, I look forward to more of the series.
November 21, 2021
Pretty good prequel. The kids really liked this one.
June 18, 2022
Fun listen (only one hour....)
November 12, 2021
Uhm.. a bit disappointing?
I don't have much to say, really. Which is such a shame.
What I love about this... is it a series now? Well, what I love about this series is the music component. If it came down to just the story itself, I don't think I would have enjoyed it much. However, in The Mystwick School of Musicraft there was an orchestra playing and it was absolutely incredible and encompassing in a way I would have never thought it could be and that is precisely why - to me - the only way to read these books is the audiobooks.
Now. This is a novella. 52 minutes long. I knew going in it had to be very short, a small "problem" to fix, a few characters here and there... just a quick small adventure that Amelia lived before going to the Mystwick School in book 1.
But... the music was not there. In 52 minutes, only twice did I hear a flute playing and that was that. Just a flute, for a few minutes. The music magic that had been there in the first book wasn't - and with only the short story left... as I've said, when it comes to this series that's not enough for me.
I saw there is a second book coming out and I will absolutely listen to it when it's released but this novella was... not to be tough, but it was useless. There was barely any music and it didn't really *give* anything new or important to me (the reader).
If you can totally skip a novella, it means that novella wasn't really necessary in the first place.
And that's how I feel about Camp Cacophony.
I don't have much to say, really. Which is such a shame.
What I love about this... is it a series now? Well, what I love about this series is the music component. If it came down to just the story itself, I don't think I would have enjoyed it much. However, in The Mystwick School of Musicraft there was an orchestra playing and it was absolutely incredible and encompassing in a way I would have never thought it could be and that is precisely why - to me - the only way to read these books is the audiobooks.
Now. This is a novella. 52 minutes long. I knew going in it had to be very short, a small "problem" to fix, a few characters here and there... just a quick small adventure that Amelia lived before going to the Mystwick School in book 1.
But... the music was not there. In 52 minutes, only twice did I hear a flute playing and that was that. Just a flute, for a few minutes. The music magic that had been there in the first book wasn't - and with only the short story left... as I've said, when it comes to this series that's not enough for me.
I saw there is a second book coming out and I will absolutely listen to it when it's released but this novella was... not to be tough, but it was useless. There was barely any music and it didn't really *give* anything new or important to me (the reader).
If you can totally skip a novella, it means that novella wasn't really necessary in the first place.
And that's how I feel about Camp Cacophony.
February 10, 2022
Magic is created via music, and Amelia has an audition for Mystwick School of Musicraft in a few months. Unfortunately for Amelia, her grandmother doesn't like Amelia's plan to attend and, in an attempt to dissuade her, sends her to a one-week-long sports camp. Amelia is resigned to attending the camp and is definitely counting down the days until the camp ends, due to one rule which states that absolutely no magic will be practiced on camp. This frustrates Amelia as she tries to find ways to practice her musicraft for her upcoming audition.
But magic may end up being the one thing that's needed. Just a couple of days into the sports camp, tennis rackets begin attacking the students while they try to play. Then the bowling balls begin chasing the kids' ankles instead of going down the lane to the pins. Someone is practicing musicraft, using a levitation spell to send the sports equipment into chaos.
The idea of magic being created through music is a neat one that is new to me, though it makes a great deal of sense. There are a great many people who would agree that there is magic in music; music can transport us from where we are to some other place entirely and can cause people to feel various feelings based on the notes being played. Jessica Khoury capitalizes on the idea with this story, elevating it to music being the base for actual magic with spells for growing plants, enchanting objects, or even fixing buildings.
This novella is a prequel to the series, helping to establish the world in which Amelia lives before she goes to Mystwick School of Musicraft in book 1 of the series. I enjoyed this book a lot. I can remember being a gangly kid who was not the most athletic person around, and I appreciated the emphasis on finding a place where you belong that is threaded throughout the story. Also, I hope that everybody, kid and adult alike, has a friend like Morgan, who supports Amelia throughout the week, whether it's when she's struggling to do anything athletic, when she's playing her flute, or when she's worrying about her audition.
As this was an Audible Original, I clearly listened to the audiobook. Suzy Jackson did a fantastic job with the narration and I look forward to listening to her again as I listen to the other two books in this series.
But magic may end up being the one thing that's needed. Just a couple of days into the sports camp, tennis rackets begin attacking the students while they try to play. Then the bowling balls begin chasing the kids' ankles instead of going down the lane to the pins. Someone is practicing musicraft, using a levitation spell to send the sports equipment into chaos.
The idea of magic being created through music is a neat one that is new to me, though it makes a great deal of sense. There are a great many people who would agree that there is magic in music; music can transport us from where we are to some other place entirely and can cause people to feel various feelings based on the notes being played. Jessica Khoury capitalizes on the idea with this story, elevating it to music being the base for actual magic with spells for growing plants, enchanting objects, or even fixing buildings.
This novella is a prequel to the series, helping to establish the world in which Amelia lives before she goes to Mystwick School of Musicraft in book 1 of the series. I enjoyed this book a lot. I can remember being a gangly kid who was not the most athletic person around, and I appreciated the emphasis on finding a place where you belong that is threaded throughout the story. Also, I hope that everybody, kid and adult alike, has a friend like Morgan, who supports Amelia throughout the week, whether it's when she's struggling to do anything athletic, when she's playing her flute, or when she's worrying about her audition.
As this was an Audible Original, I clearly listened to the audiobook. Suzy Jackson did a fantastic job with the narration and I look forward to listening to her again as I listen to the other two books in this series.
December 27, 2024
3.5 stars
the book itself is a wonderful production of music and sounds—a cacophony, if you will. it doesn't get too overwhelming but it does get eerie at one point. i thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of these kids as they dive into the mystery.
however (and i'm going to copy+paste this on all audible exclusives), i implore people to look up why audible exclusives are harmful to communities, libraries, and the creative field as a whole. libro.fm did a wonderful article about it here. the short of it is:
not only that, but audible (and amazon kindle) is NOT drm-free. what does this mean? if a reader buys a book from audible/kindle, they DO NOT own that book. the reader is buying the license to read that book until amazon decides to no longer sell it. if amazon pulls a book off of audible/kindle, that book will also be removed from the reader's library WITHOUT NOTICE. a legal workaround to remove drm and keep your book for usa citizens is to download calibre (click here). if you're not tech savvy like me, it's very confusing so use youtube videos or the one provided on the site to help guide you. reddit also has a subreddit and a 2024 guide here. otherwise, take time to look up drm-free sites you can purchase from like libro.fm, smashwords, humble bundle, etc. happy reading and fuck amazon! 🖕
the book itself is a wonderful production of music and sounds—a cacophony, if you will. it doesn't get too overwhelming but it does get eerie at one point. i thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of these kids as they dive into the mystery.
however (and i'm going to copy+paste this on all audible exclusives), i implore people to look up why audible exclusives are harmful to communities, libraries, and the creative field as a whole. libro.fm did a wonderful article about it here. the short of it is:
Audible Exclusives work in direct opposition to the basic principles of libraries—free access to books, both digital and print. By limiting distribution, Amazon aids in making books, perspectives, and information inaccessible to many communities and users.
To reiterate: There are audiobooks being published that bookshops cannot sell, and libraries cannot lend.
not only that, but audible (and amazon kindle) is NOT drm-free. what does this mean? if a reader buys a book from audible/kindle, they DO NOT own that book. the reader is buying the license to read that book until amazon decides to no longer sell it. if amazon pulls a book off of audible/kindle, that book will also be removed from the reader's library WITHOUT NOTICE. a legal workaround to remove drm and keep your book for usa citizens is to download calibre (click here). if you're not tech savvy like me, it's very confusing so use youtube videos or the one provided on the site to help guide you. reddit also has a subreddit and a 2024 guide here. otherwise, take time to look up drm-free sites you can purchase from like libro.fm, smashwords, humble bundle, etc. happy reading and fuck amazon! 🖕
December 9, 2021
FYI, I really liked the book, "The Mystwick School of Musicraft" which comes after Camp Cacophony. I liked Camp Cacophony a little less, but it was still good.
Amelia Jones goes to sports camp... apparently because her grandmother is hoping to talk her out of going to music-magic boarding school called "The Mystwick School of Musicraft". Amelia's audition is in two months, and she can't believe that she is not allowed to use her music-magic at camp. Things go wild anyway, and the campers all turn to Amelia as the culprit, but it's not her. Someone else has introduced magic to the camp, and it is getting out of control.
This is book 0.50 in the Mystwick series. I liked it. I didn't love it probably because there wasn't enough of a build up of the characters. Short stories are like that so I'm not blaming the author... too much. But this is the reason why I shy away from short stories.
I doubt that I will read this book again unless I decide to read the series again.
Amelia Jones goes to sports camp... apparently because her grandmother is hoping to talk her out of going to music-magic boarding school called "The Mystwick School of Musicraft". Amelia's audition is in two months, and she can't believe that she is not allowed to use her music-magic at camp. Things go wild anyway, and the campers all turn to Amelia as the culprit, but it's not her. Someone else has introduced magic to the camp, and it is getting out of control.
This is book 0.50 in the Mystwick series. I liked it. I didn't love it probably because there wasn't enough of a build up of the characters. Short stories are like that so I'm not blaming the author... too much. But this is the reason why I shy away from short stories.
I doubt that I will read this book again unless I decide to read the series again.
April 23, 2022
Audiobook, Audible exclusive
Narrated by Suzy Jackson
Mystwick School of Musicraft series
Fun short story, a before-the-story story.
Specifically, our heroine, Amelia, agrees to go to summer sports camp while her grandmother is on a quilt tour. Amelia knows she has no sports-related talent whatsoever, and of course, she gets paired as a bunkmate with a girl who is the ultimate athlete, and determined to win the trophy for best camper this summer. Again. Amelia is only there in a bargain with her grandmother, before her big audition to get into Mystwick.
However, she faces several problems from day one: no magical/musical practice is allowed on camp property. Amelia's bunkmate seems to have an antipathy toward music/magic. Everything she does goes wrong.
Bigger problem: magic is stirring, making the athletic equipment throughout the camp go crazy, then dangerous. But there is no music to be heard, and magic needs music to work. So what is happening?
Fun, short adventure, and a taste of Amelia's determined spirit that will stand her in good stead in the days and challenges ahead of her.
Narrated by Suzy Jackson
Mystwick School of Musicraft series
Fun short story, a before-the-story story.
Specifically, our heroine, Amelia, agrees to go to summer sports camp while her grandmother is on a quilt tour. Amelia knows she has no sports-related talent whatsoever, and of course, she gets paired as a bunkmate with a girl who is the ultimate athlete, and determined to win the trophy for best camper this summer. Again. Amelia is only there in a bargain with her grandmother, before her big audition to get into Mystwick.
However, she faces several problems from day one: no magical/musical practice is allowed on camp property. Amelia's bunkmate seems to have an antipathy toward music/magic. Everything she does goes wrong.
Bigger problem: magic is stirring, making the athletic equipment throughout the camp go crazy, then dangerous. But there is no music to be heard, and magic needs music to work. So what is happening?
Fun, short adventure, and a taste of Amelia's determined spirit that will stand her in good stead in the days and challenges ahead of her.
December 6, 2025
4.5
My girls and I may be slow in finishing this series, but Camp Cacophony has reminded us why we’ve loved following Amelia’s journey. This prequel gives such a fun peek into her life before Mystwick, showing the clumsy, determined, and heartfelt girl she was becoming long before her big audition. It’s a light, magical adventure that still manages to pack in some meaningful moments.
We especially enjoyed seeing Amelia pushed far outside her comfort zone at summer camp. Watching her navigate sports she’s hilariously terrible at—and slowly discover her own strengths—made her growth feel even more real. The story balances humor and heart so well that we couldn’t help cheering her on, even during the mishaps.
Most of all, we loved the relationship she builds with her coach and how he helps her realize her worth beyond music. His encouragement and the lessons he teaches apply far beyond camp or instruments—they’re the kind of reminders kids (and adults!) can carry into any part of life. This was a wonderful addition to the series, and we’re excited to dive into the final book together.
My girls and I may be slow in finishing this series, but Camp Cacophony has reminded us why we’ve loved following Amelia’s journey. This prequel gives such a fun peek into her life before Mystwick, showing the clumsy, determined, and heartfelt girl she was becoming long before her big audition. It’s a light, magical adventure that still manages to pack in some meaningful moments.
We especially enjoyed seeing Amelia pushed far outside her comfort zone at summer camp. Watching her navigate sports she’s hilariously terrible at—and slowly discover her own strengths—made her growth feel even more real. The story balances humor and heart so well that we couldn’t help cheering her on, even during the mishaps.
Most of all, we loved the relationship she builds with her coach and how he helps her realize her worth beyond music. His encouragement and the lessons he teaches apply far beyond camp or instruments—they’re the kind of reminders kids (and adults!) can carry into any part of life. This was a wonderful addition to the series, and we’re excited to dive into the final book together.
June 8, 2021
This prequel to "Mystwick School of Musicraft" by Jessica Khoury also features Amelia Jones as the main protagonist. The story takes place two months before her infamous Mystwick audition. As her grandmother's final attempt to deter her from her pursuit of musicraft, Amelia must attend Camp Sweetlake (as known by the campers as Camp "Sweatlake") in order to get the money for a well-needed tune-up for her flute. As if that wasn't enough, camp rules state no musicraft allowed! Despite this pronouncement, it doesn't take long for magical mischief to ensue; and Amelia, with the help of her new friend, has to save the day again if she wants to survive the week and make it to her long awaited tryout.
Although the story is much shorter and contains significantly less musicraft it in, it is still just as fun as the first book. The comparable silliness, mystery, and message make a wonderful addition to the Mystwick universe.
Additionally, I can't wait for the second book in the series to come out: The Midnight Orchestra.
Although the story is much shorter and contains significantly less musicraft it in, it is still just as fun as the first book. The comparable silliness, mystery, and message make a wonderful addition to the Mystwick universe.
Additionally, I can't wait for the second book in the series to come out: The Midnight Orchestra.
June 15, 2024
This prequel novella is best read after the first book, though even that might still cause a little disappointment — if only because there's a particularly stunning orchestration in book 1. As this novella is set in a summer sports camp that does not allow the use of musicraft, there's hardly any musical scores, which has been part of the charm of the audiobooks.
Still, it's a great way to get to know Amelia better, and the novella retains the fun flavor of the series, just in a different setting! I particularly related to her being terrible at sports. What was also surprising was hearing another character talk about those who just don't have the talent for musicraft and expressing the challenges and disappointments they face. It's a universal feeling, but I feel like it's not being talked enough, and how that should be okay. I'm glad it was brought up even though the story didn't dwell on it.
And cliche as it might be, I love the story's overall message: You haven't failed until you've given up.
Still, it's a great way to get to know Amelia better, and the novella retains the fun flavor of the series, just in a different setting! I particularly related to her being terrible at sports. What was also surprising was hearing another character talk about those who just don't have the talent for musicraft and expressing the challenges and disappointments they face. It's a universal feeling, but I feel like it's not being talked enough, and how that should be okay. I'm glad it was brought up even though the story didn't dwell on it.
And cliche as it might be, I love the story's overall message: You haven't failed until you've given up.
June 12, 2021
Awesome story that really hit home (as a hard-core book geek type whose parents were determined to turn me into a jock or due trying). Khoury really captures the well-meaning toxicity of kid sports culture - with its pervasive messaging to the non-athletes that we're somehow bad/weird/deficient for not being obsessed with ball sports - but shows the good side of Morgan and Coach that provides a redemption arc for all concerned.
Sad but I found it very therapeutic, decades removed from the toxicity of force-your-kid-to-be-a-jock culture, to see the motivations painted as not all ill-intended. Still damaging, but not as thoroughly malicious as ten-year-old me believed.
Disclaimer: I haven't read Book #1 yet, but will be checking it out after this one. I still strongly recommend reading 1, then .5, then 2, etc, with any series, as a general life hack. ;-)
Sad but I found it very therapeutic, decades removed from the toxicity of force-your-kid-to-be-a-jock culture, to see the motivations painted as not all ill-intended. Still damaging, but not as thoroughly malicious as ten-year-old me believed.
Disclaimer: I haven't read Book #1 yet, but will be checking it out after this one. I still strongly recommend reading 1, then .5, then 2, etc, with any series, as a general life hack. ;-)
October 28, 2021
This short novella is a lot of fun. A prequel to the Mystwick School of Musiccraft, it tells the story of Amelia before her fateful audition. I was pleased to discover that she is just as much of a hoot before as she is after. Both my middle school aged child and I enjoyed it very much. It is only about an hour long, so it is also short enough for an afternoon listening session.
The best part of this book is the way it takes typical tropes of middle school life and inverts them. We have all read or watched the story where the athletes are super popular. But in a world where music literally makes things work, it is musicians that have that popularity. By inverting this trope, Khoury helps us to grow our empathy skills and give Amelia new friends who feel just as much like outsiders as she does. It is well done.
This short audio novella is enthusiastically recommended.
The best part of this book is the way it takes typical tropes of middle school life and inverts them. We have all read or watched the story where the athletes are super popular. But in a world where music literally makes things work, it is musicians that have that popularity. By inverting this trope, Khoury helps us to grow our empathy skills and give Amelia new friends who feel just as much like outsiders as she does. It is well done.
This short audio novella is enthusiastically recommended.
September 18, 2023
The glee at how they have to do their own laundry because the smell was so bad it made the laundrettes faint reminded me of my childhood humour. The way the narrator performed it... I think the text does go over-in on look at these gross campers at this gross camp at the very beginning. Even when it tackles it later, giving depth, it was still a lot to start with. And it did handle it really well.
The menacing equipment is really funny and I did come to like her roommate once she was shown as more than just brash and obnoxious. I don't know whether this came first or The Mystwick School of Musicraft but it introduces the magic easily and simply. Without taking too much time. The mystery was incredibly compelling - moreso than some full length novels. I absolutely adored it.
The menacing equipment is really funny and I did come to like her roommate once she was shown as more than just brash and obnoxious. I don't know whether this came first or The Mystwick School of Musicraft but it introduces the magic easily and simply. Without taking too much time. The mystery was incredibly compelling - moreso than some full length novels. I absolutely adored it.
June 2, 2022
In a last ditch effort by her grandma to not dream of attending The Mystwick School of Musicraft, Amelia is sent to a sports camp. What?! Amelia has as much interest in sports as Dolly Parton has in becoming a brunette. So saying Amelia is not excited is an understatement. It is clear to everyone by the end of the first day that sports camp is not the place for Amelia Jones. Coach is bound and determined that o turn her into an athlete, even if just a mediocre one, but an athlete nonetheless.
In a camp that is all sport and athleticism, Amelia is out of her element. That is until balls start flying at campers and coaches alike putting everyone in danger. With the encouragement, more like a “you’re our only hope” plea, from her bunkmate, Amelia unpacks her flute in hopes to save the camp from the strange magic before anyone is hurt.
In a camp that is all sport and athleticism, Amelia is out of her element. That is until balls start flying at campers and coaches alike putting everyone in danger. With the encouragement, more like a “you’re our only hope” plea, from her bunkmate, Amelia unpacks her flute in hopes to save the camp from the strange magic before anyone is hurt.
September 24, 2024
We got to see how amelia was able to stay so calm during a crappy audition. She just has to never give up.
Did we ever find out who did cast the spell?
I do wish we got a novella of darby and old amelia and music camp
- Sports camp that gram pushed her towards
- Need to practice for upcoming audition. Magic not allowed at the camp
- Equipment starts floating. Everyone knows amelia is a musician but she practiced off camp borders, different day, and wrong color spell
- Morgan comes from a musician family but has no talent
- Amelia is the only one that can save them. She plays so hard, she passes out
Did we ever find out who did cast the spell?
I do wish we got a novella of darby and old amelia and music camp
- Sports camp that gram pushed her towards
- Need to practice for upcoming audition. Magic not allowed at the camp
- Equipment starts floating. Everyone knows amelia is a musician but she practiced off camp borders, different day, and wrong color spell
- Morgan comes from a musician family but has no talent
- Amelia is the only one that can save them. She plays so hard, she passes out
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2022
A fun short listen that paired well after reading The Mystwick School of Musicraft. There was one part of the background noise involving a whistle that lasted a little too long and made me think something was wrong with my car, but the rest worked well. :D
March 4, 2022
It lacked the magical aspect that I was expecting it to have; however, as it is a novella derived from the actual book, I think it was effective in trying to give an interesting story with enough climatic action for you to keep reading. Moreover, I believe it would have worked better did I not read it first than the actual storyline. It is entirely my fault, but there's no use crying over spilled milk.
March 17, 2023
Cute little prequel. Was far too short to give more stars as it focused on a single event and gives a call out to both the 1st and 2nd books in the series. Not sure if the 2nd book callout was intentional or I just read into it. Either way, this book is not required to understand what's happening in the main storyline which was a bit sad. I was hoping for some interesting tie in to make the other books stand out more or give an aha moment but it wasn't there.
September 9, 2024
The audiobook version (a free listen on audible) was really well done.
Spoilers:
-Cute little story of when she goes to camp and all the sports balls as being enchanted.
-This is a prequel to the actual series, but the first book I have read. So, although I was able to figure out that if you make music, you make magic. I just feel like I'm missing something else that I'll get in the actual series. However, still a good story.
Spoilers:
-Cute little story of when she goes to camp and all the sports balls as being enchanted.
-This is a prequel to the actual series, but the first book I have read. So, although I was able to figure out that if you make music, you make magic. I just feel like I'm missing something else that I'll get in the actual series. However, still a good story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2021
How fun to listen to this charming camp story with the fine narration by Suzy Jackson giving just the right amount of drama to the children at the camp and the counselors, too. I loved how the "Mystwick School of Musicraft" book intertwined music with the story and this prequel story had the perfect music, also. Listening was a delight.
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