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The Songs of Magic
Magic is music...
Melodies shape the fabric of the world and have the power to create and destroy. When fifteen-year-old Cassandra Walker begins hearing the music, she embarks on a fantastical adventure full of elves, dragons, and deception. With the barrier between human and magical mysteriously failing, Cassy must wrestle with her convictions and discover the legacy waiting for her among the songs.
Melodies shape the fabric of the world and have the power to create and destroy. When fifteen-year-old Cassandra Walker begins hearing the music, she embarks on a fantastical adventure full of elves, dragons, and deception. With the barrier between human and magical mysteriously failing, Cassy must wrestle with her convictions and discover the legacy waiting for her among the songs.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 30, 2024
For the last couple of weeks as I entered Cassy and Dorian’s world, there have been several times where I would be at work thinking, “now, what was that movie I was watching…?” while I imagined a stranger being the guest of honor at the queen’s banquet, or a dragon attacking a village… And then I would remember, it was no movie! It was scenes from Songs of Magic.
I am so proud of you, Ms Kaelyn!! This book was beautifully written, full of action and suspense and wonderfully described settings. It was cool that it was set in “Canada.” I can’t wait to see what “Red” does next!
I am so proud of you, Ms Kaelyn!! This book was beautifully written, full of action and suspense and wonderfully described settings. It was cool that it was set in “Canada.” I can’t wait to see what “Red” does next!
October 27, 2024
I was sent this book as an arc read, going into the story without knowing much about it and I was immediately captivated by the storyline. This book was very hard for me to put down when I had too and it had me feeling like I was actually in Cassy’s world. As I moved more into the story I was constantly trying to solve the mystery’s, like when Cassy was trying to figure out what creature the eeriat was or who Benji’s mysterious friend was. This book had me smiling, laughing, slightly tearing up and feeling ALL the feels especially when Benji left after saying he wouldn’t.
Cassandra is a really well written character, I could feel everything she was feeling and I CANNOT wait to see her again in book two.
Dorian had me switching between ‘do I like him?’ to ‘yes I like that guy’ every two seconds, and I was so so devastated when Cassy left him at the end. I am petrified for what their dynamic is going to be like in the next book.
Benji is a character I felt pretty annoyed with towards the end of the book, but after I thought more about him I really just think he was doing what he believed and hoped was right and just wants to find his mum again.
Xaviell is a character I was confused about when he was introduced, because characters were saying different things about him, but after finishing the book I’ve decided I really don’t like him.
Overall this story was amazing and I am so excited for when the next book will get released!
Cassandra is a really well written character, I could feel everything she was feeling and I CANNOT wait to see her again in book two.
Dorian had me switching between ‘do I like him?’ to ‘yes I like that guy’ every two seconds, and I was so so devastated when Cassy left him at the end. I am petrified for what their dynamic is going to be like in the next book.
Benji is a character I felt pretty annoyed with towards the end of the book, but after I thought more about him I really just think he was doing what he believed and hoped was right and just wants to find his mum again.
Xaviell is a character I was confused about when he was introduced, because characters were saying different things about him, but after finishing the book I’ve decided I really don’t like him.
Overall this story was amazing and I am so excited for when the next book will get released!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2025
A great start to 2025 - picked it up mid morning and could not put it down!
Cassie discovers that the magical world is real on the day she started hearing mysterious music that no one else can near. Then noticing her teacher was suddenly a Rhinoceros, and a new student in her class rescues her from being eaten by a fire eating dragon. He also tells her she is a half elf and he is talking her to the elf capital as there is a dark mage threatening to reveal the magical world to the humans.
At the elf capital she start to come into her own powers. She is a Singer, which feeds off the music of nature, Singers died out years ago, so her power is very rare. Cassie gradually becomes aware that the elf Queen is using her to control the other magical beings. The dark mage wants her so he can control the elves. Cassie just wants to be herself and make her own decisions.
This was beautifully written story, with wonderful characters, lots of action, betrayal, budding friendships, laugh-out loud moments, a nasty baddie who has no compunction to kill, and a tough of romance. The world that Kaelyn Hamm has created is amazing and I can’t wait to get my hands onto book 2 when it is released in the next week.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Cassie discovers that the magical world is real on the day she started hearing mysterious music that no one else can near. Then noticing her teacher was suddenly a Rhinoceros, and a new student in her class rescues her from being eaten by a fire eating dragon. He also tells her she is a half elf and he is talking her to the elf capital as there is a dark mage threatening to reveal the magical world to the humans.
At the elf capital she start to come into her own powers. She is a Singer, which feeds off the music of nature, Singers died out years ago, so her power is very rare. Cassie gradually becomes aware that the elf Queen is using her to control the other magical beings. The dark mage wants her so he can control the elves. Cassie just wants to be herself and make her own decisions.
This was beautifully written story, with wonderful characters, lots of action, betrayal, budding friendships, laugh-out loud moments, a nasty baddie who has no compunction to kill, and a tough of romance. The world that Kaelyn Hamm has created is amazing and I can’t wait to get my hands onto book 2 when it is released in the next week.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
December 15, 2024
Cassy in The Songs of Magic by Kaelynn Hamm thinks she is mad when she starts hearing music and seeing a teacher morphing into some kind of animal. But then she learns she is different than other children.
Wow, this book was so good! I enjoyed reading this YA fantasy story a lot. The writing style and the mystery just pulls you in and before you know it, you have finished the book. I loved Cassandra/Cassy: she is a lovely and likable character and when she finds out what she can do, things got really interesting. The world-building is fantastic and very descriptive, I could see it all before my eyes.
The book is filled with danger, banter, some romance, betrayal and with a great side cast. I especially liked Benji, he is full of pranks, can be serious as well, and even though he made some bad choices, he is a great character.
And at the end there is this great and unexpected twist.
The Songs of Magic is a great YA fantasy novel, with great world-building and magic system, a story I enjoyed reading a lot. I can totally recommend this book to any fantasy lover, but especially to those who love Percy Jackson and such books.
Wow, this book was so good! I enjoyed reading this YA fantasy story a lot. The writing style and the mystery just pulls you in and before you know it, you have finished the book. I loved Cassandra/Cassy: she is a lovely and likable character and when she finds out what she can do, things got really interesting. The world-building is fantastic and very descriptive, I could see it all before my eyes.
The book is filled with danger, banter, some romance, betrayal and with a great side cast. I especially liked Benji, he is full of pranks, can be serious as well, and even though he made some bad choices, he is a great character.
And at the end there is this great and unexpected twist.
The Songs of Magic is a great YA fantasy novel, with great world-building and magic system, a story I enjoyed reading a lot. I can totally recommend this book to any fantasy lover, but especially to those who love Percy Jackson and such books.
November 10, 2024
ARC Review:
The songs of Magic - Kaelyn Hamm
YA fantasy debut novel.
When chapter one starts with "My teacher, the Rhinoceros" I knew this is something I will enjoy. It was a fun and easy read with plenty of adventure.
The imagination of Kaelyn writing this book is incredible. I was laughing so hard or how obscure some of the images are, and right after that thought, Cassy would say the exact same thing in the book - that she can't believe her eyes. But it was very well written and fun to live yourself into the book.
Cassy was a great FMC. Most of the book was about her, finding herself and controlling her magic.
Dorian and Benji were awesome additions to Cassy. But I felt some details were left out in the book. For example - what did Dorian do all day, everyday? We never find out.
It was hard to connect with them, as you never learn enough about them to really be able to make a decision if they can be trusted or not.
So I am really looking forward to the second book and hopefully be able to read more about Benji and Dorian as well. And see where Singing takes Cassy.
The songs of Magic - Kaelyn Hamm
YA fantasy debut novel.
When chapter one starts with "My teacher, the Rhinoceros" I knew this is something I will enjoy. It was a fun and easy read with plenty of adventure.
The imagination of Kaelyn writing this book is incredible. I was laughing so hard or how obscure some of the images are, and right after that thought, Cassy would say the exact same thing in the book - that she can't believe her eyes. But it was very well written and fun to live yourself into the book.
Cassy was a great FMC. Most of the book was about her, finding herself and controlling her magic.
Dorian and Benji were awesome additions to Cassy. But I felt some details were left out in the book. For example - what did Dorian do all day, everyday? We never find out.
It was hard to connect with them, as you never learn enough about them to really be able to make a decision if they can be trusted or not.
So I am really looking forward to the second book and hopefully be able to read more about Benji and Dorian as well. And see where Singing takes Cassy.
November 6, 2024
Cassy knew she was adopted. What she didn't know was that her true parents wielded magic. Now a dragon is chasing her, her teacher is a rhino, and the only thing between our heroes and certain death is a beat-up pick up truck and the strange melodies that only Cass can hear.
Songs of Magic had elves, imps, plot twists, character development, and beautiful magic. If you enjoy book series like How to Train Your Dragon or Percy Jackson and the Olympians, you would not be disappointed to pick up this new book!
(Cuss count: 1 (bada**))
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did! Thank you to Kaelyn for letting me read this book early!
-The Nerdy Bookworm
https://diaryofanerdybookworm.wordpre...
Songs of Magic had elves, imps, plot twists, character development, and beautiful magic. If you enjoy book series like How to Train Your Dragon or Percy Jackson and the Olympians, you would not be disappointed to pick up this new book!
(Cuss count: 1 (bada**))
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did! Thank you to Kaelyn for letting me read this book early!
-The Nerdy Bookworm
https://diaryofanerdybookworm.wordpre...
April 8, 2022
What a great debut novel ! I really enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to book #2!
Cassy was a lead character who I felt like I could relate to. It was interesting how her relationships with Benji and Dorian evolved throughout the book. I probably should have known the larger twist towards the end would happen but it still did surprise me. I also liked the mirror scenes & ones with Elder Brightwater throughout the book and how that all unfolded. Such a unique mingling of magic & music (and a little bit of romance too) in a novel!
Cassy was a lead character who I felt like I could relate to. It was interesting how her relationships with Benji and Dorian evolved throughout the book. I probably should have known the larger twist towards the end would happen but it still did surprise me. I also liked the mirror scenes & ones with Elder Brightwater throughout the book and how that all unfolded. Such a unique mingling of magic & music (and a little bit of romance too) in a novel!
November 10, 2024
Since my first name is Melody and I play a bard in DnD, I was very intrigued by the Songs of Magic title. Although the start was a little slow, the story soon picked up pace and momentum. The magic system and magical beings are very interesting. I really like Cassy’s character because she’s not some super smart or super tough heroine who can do it all. She’s painstakingly learning her unusual type of magic. Some things are cliché in the story, but it works well. It seems to be targeted for younger YA, but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
December 10, 2024
This is off to a great start. A well written, exciting YA fantasy read, brimming with magic, dragons, elves, imps, mystery and suspense. The world building is beautiful and so descriptive that you can easily visualise this incredible adventure as we follow Fifteen-year-old Cassandra Walker. Discovering that she can harness magic beyond imagination, a chaotic and thrilling road trip ensues and twists and turns hook us and lure us in. It’s a great read with great characters and i look forward to reading more.
February 13, 2025
4.25-4.5 Stars
A fascinating YA romantasy that weaves music and mystical creatures into the plot, this novel is about self-discovery. The female MC discovers she is half elf, half human, and embarks on a journey to assist her new friends (and love interests) all the while learning her own magic and history. Although the outline of the story may be commonly used in YA romantasy, this story is distinct and stands out with its likeable but gray characters. Looking forward to the sequel. For YA fantasy and fantasy romance fans.
LibraryThing Early Reviewer
A fascinating YA romantasy that weaves music and mystical creatures into the plot, this novel is about self-discovery. The female MC discovers she is half elf, half human, and embarks on a journey to assist her new friends (and love interests) all the while learning her own magic and history. Although the outline of the story may be commonly used in YA romantasy, this story is distinct and stands out with its likeable but gray characters. Looking forward to the sequel. For YA fantasy and fantasy romance fans.
LibraryThing Early Reviewer
August 18, 2022
I found this book on Tiktok thanks to the awesome BookTok community and I'm so happy to have found it!
Kaelyn has written an amazing book, if you're looking for an urban fantasy with a great parallel world building, this is yours!. I loved most the mixture between humour and action, it's simply superb!
You won't regret reading this book, I promise you that you'll love it! Totally recommended
Kaelyn has written an amazing book, if you're looking for an urban fantasy with a great parallel world building, this is yours!. I loved most the mixture between humour and action, it's simply superb!
You won't regret reading this book, I promise you that you'll love it! Totally recommended
December 16, 2023
This book immediately transports you to a different place, the writing is very detailed and easy to follow. I’m not typically one for fantasy books but this story definitely changed my mind on that! Would recommend to anyone!
December 25, 2024
This is a great YA read! It's clean, only a kiss or two. There's magic, finding your path, battles, dragons, pegasi, and other creatures. A fun coming of age story of a girl who had no idea magic existed or that she's going to be a force to be reckoned with.
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August 1, 2022I haven't read it yet
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2025
An enjoyable read by a young Canadian author. This writer has good potential. I will read the rest of the series and keep an eye out for more books by her.
October 27, 2024
Songs of Magic is a cute, fun story about a high schooler who discovers she's part elf and has to navigate all the challenges that come with protecting her hidden world. It’s a sweet start to the series, blending fantasy with relatable struggles. I’m excited to see where the story goes from here!
December 14, 2024
I love this story set in Canada and full of magical characters. Cassandra is a teen, in the thralls of discovering who she is when she learns she has magic within her. She sets off on a journey to the land of Fairwaith where she discovers how to use that magic. Thank goodness I knew there was a second book in the series to leap into as soon as I finished this one! Five stars for the character development, the plot and leaving the reader wanting more!
June 7, 2025
🇨🇦 I just had to read once I found out author was Candian. It was such a good find i can't wait to continue the series.
November 16, 2024
This book was truly a delight to read. I haven't read very many books about music, and it's something I want to do more of. There are so many similarities that this book has with my favourite series, Keeper of the Lost Cities. Many things that happened were predictable but there were a few things that I wasn't expecting. The city of elves feels so real and the characters are great, even if there is a bit of a love triangle.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews