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Who is Elizabeth Bennet's Soulmate?: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
What if you could hear, in your soul, the inner music of your soulmate, the person you are destined to marry?
England, 1811. Elizabeth Bennet has just begun to ‘hear’. The inner melody of her soulmate resonates in her soul. She is destined for someone…but who? Who is this mysterious gentleman who will one day ride into her life and change her existence forever? Is he living close by, or is she hearing his music from afar? Is he rich? Is he poor? Has she already met him?
Elizabeth flirts, she converses, she sketches the character of any gentleman she meets to determine whether their personality fits with the deep, beautiful, sometimes sombre notes she perceives. With the help of her sister Jane, who is happily married to her soulmate Charles Bingley, Elizabeth makes a list of all the possible soulmates in the area.
The haughty, disagreeable Fitzwilliam Darcy certainly does not appear on this list.
A shame. Because Darcy, who has no doubt that Elizabeth’s music is the one that haunts him, is falling more desperately in love with her each day.
But does Elizabeth really want to fall in love? In truth, does she really want to have a soulmate?
England, 1811. Elizabeth Bennet has just begun to ‘hear’. The inner melody of her soulmate resonates in her soul. She is destined for someone…but who? Who is this mysterious gentleman who will one day ride into her life and change her existence forever? Is he living close by, or is she hearing his music from afar? Is he rich? Is he poor? Has she already met him?
Elizabeth flirts, she converses, she sketches the character of any gentleman she meets to determine whether their personality fits with the deep, beautiful, sometimes sombre notes she perceives. With the help of her sister Jane, who is happily married to her soulmate Charles Bingley, Elizabeth makes a list of all the possible soulmates in the area.
The haughty, disagreeable Fitzwilliam Darcy certainly does not appear on this list.
A shame. Because Darcy, who has no doubt that Elizabeth’s music is the one that haunts him, is falling more desperately in love with her each day.
But does Elizabeth really want to fall in love? In truth, does she really want to have a soulmate?
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2022
136 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 19, 2022
The Dashwood sisters, Edward Ferrars and Henry Tilney make appearances. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
This variation uses the premise that soul mates communicate with music...unique to each and not heard by anyone else.
Darcy recognizes the music from his soul mate early but, once again, we have him stating the obstacles he had to overcome when he proposes. Elizabeth hears the music but has not narrowed down from whom is it coming. She is in denial as to it being Darcy and even makes up a list to study possibilities. Darcy tries to find a mate back in London as his aunt gives him a list of names. He methodically meets each and studies their attributes as well as wealth, beauty, intelligence, connections, etc.
Following an event used in canon Elizabeth has to use that music and also drugs Colonel Fitzwilliam has experimented with in service to his country to delve into visions of where Darcy is being kept. Darcy's life is the cost if she fails to locate him.
The whole communication with music is impossible for me to describe. It has the ability to take lovers to other worlds even when they sleep.
This was a new approach to P&P for me. It did keep my interest.
This variation uses the premise that soul mates communicate with music...unique to each and not heard by anyone else.
Darcy recognizes the music from his soul mate early but, once again, we have him stating the obstacles he had to overcome when he proposes. Elizabeth hears the music but has not narrowed down from whom is it coming. She is in denial as to it being Darcy and even makes up a list to study possibilities. Darcy tries to find a mate back in London as his aunt gives him a list of names. He methodically meets each and studies their attributes as well as wealth, beauty, intelligence, connections, etc.
Following an event used in canon Elizabeth has to use that music and also drugs Colonel Fitzwilliam has experimented with in service to his country to delve into visions of where Darcy is being kept. Darcy's life is the cost if she fails to locate him.
The whole communication with music is impossible for me to describe. It has the ability to take lovers to other worlds even when they sleep.
This was a new approach to P&P for me. It did keep my interest.
September 29, 2022
5+ stars!
July 15, 2022
soulmates recognize each other by music
I wanted to love this story. It had a Jonathon Living Seagull feel to it but the magic/telepathic/humanistic resonance was to vague for me does everyone have a soulmate? If not how can people without them not despise their inability to have a perfect partner. If everyone has a soulmates how do you find them where they could be anywhere? If you don’t marry a soulmate is your love just a weak joke? How can people like Wickham exist. What if your soulmate is Wickham who is a human trafficker?
In the story we HAVE to root for them because to be soulmates for our HEA.
Story wise how can Lizzy fight against Darcy know he is a soulmate. Are people with soulmates a different species? Muggles hate magicians in Harry Potter. This is like magic so how does someone with a soulmate in China find them? Why are not people wanders the roads just listening for their song echo?
A nice try for a different idea but not fully thought out. Meh 🫤
I wanted to love this story. It had a Jonathon Living Seagull feel to it but the magic/telepathic/humanistic resonance was to vague for me does everyone have a soulmate? If not how can people without them not despise their inability to have a perfect partner. If everyone has a soulmates how do you find them where they could be anywhere? If you don’t marry a soulmate is your love just a weak joke? How can people like Wickham exist. What if your soulmate is Wickham who is a human trafficker?
In the story we HAVE to root for them because to be soulmates for our HEA.
Story wise how can Lizzy fight against Darcy know he is a soulmate. Are people with soulmates a different species? Muggles hate magicians in Harry Potter. This is like magic so how does someone with a soulmate in China find them? Why are not people wanders the roads just listening for their song echo?
A nice try for a different idea but not fully thought out. Meh 🫤
July 16, 2022
Unique
A very interesting premise in this unusual variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Laura Moretti. I enjoyed it.
A very interesting premise in this unusual variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Laura Moretti. I enjoyed it.
August 9, 2022
In a world where your soulmate can be discovered based on the music you hear internally, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy live their pride and prejudices while not realizing, then being in denial, and then fighting their song.
February 12, 2025
This story is a mixture of fantasy, romance, mystery, thrill and philosophy (some of which went over my head). Initially, both Darcy and Elizabeth were annoying with their mule headedness but as the story progressed it picked up speed and swept me along for a unique and interesting ride.
August 8, 2022
An interesting premise, if one could hear ones soulmate's music.
(I appreciated the author's addition of how easy it would be to trick young women using their own score.)
The story follows canon in that Darcy makes a bad impression, Elizabeth dislikes him, can't accept his proposal and they try to become friends when they meet again.
The new is Elizabeth using her musical connection to find Darcy when he ends up in trouble. Ruining her own reputation in the process, but she has accepted Darcy as her soulmate and in to her heart.
What I loved, was the idea the author brought in when Elizabeth is helping to rescue Darcy, when she "sees" all the music of the world. And questioned afterward if it was real of part of the drug induced delirium.
It would be very interesting to ask the author what was behind that idea and if she had intended to expand on it, but got cut from the story.
An interesting story, lagged for me a bit in the middle, before action started to pick up.
(I appreciated the author's addition of how easy it would be to trick young women using their own score.)
The story follows canon in that Darcy makes a bad impression, Elizabeth dislikes him, can't accept his proposal and they try to become friends when they meet again.
The new is Elizabeth using her musical connection to find Darcy when he ends up in trouble. Ruining her own reputation in the process, but she has accepted Darcy as her soulmate and in to her heart.
What I loved, was the idea the author brought in when Elizabeth is helping to rescue Darcy, when she "sees" all the music of the world. And questioned afterward if it was real of part of the drug induced delirium.
It would be very interesting to ask the author what was behind that idea and if she had intended to expand on it, but got cut from the story.
An interesting story, lagged for me a bit in the middle, before action started to pick up.
October 18, 2022
I don't pretend to know anything about the soulmate trope but this was lovely and it was less weird than PEMBERLEY so 4 stars it goes
July 21, 2022
Intriguing, but depressing
In a world where people experience soulmate music, it's a wonder that so many of them keep their sanity, because it sounds awful! First the music becomes apparent at a certain age, and if the music starts screeching at one or both of them, then perhaps two people will discover that they're a musical match, but only if they're very lucky. It seems like the odds are against actually meeting your soulmate, and in the meantime you have to endure obnoxious, distracting music. Doesn't sound very romantic or appealing.
The story follows the same timeline as the original P&P, with the infamous insult at the Meryton assembly, the disastrous proposal at Hunsford parsonage, and then Elizabeth's trip to Derbyshire with the Gardiners and the Lydia debacle. The difference is the music. Darcy discovers the soulmate bond while still in Hertfordshire, but he's appalled by it and flees. Elizabeth doesn't discover the bond until her visit to Hunsford, and even then she goes into denial because she doesn't like Darcy at all.
If you're looking for a romantic tale, this isn't it. Elizabeth and Darcy are both so miserable for most of the book, and it's mostly due to the music in their heads. It's not depicted as sweet or uplifting music, it's never called beautiful music, just loud and insidious. I never felt the chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy, and when they finally do connect at the end of the story, it almost seems like they're giving in to the inevitable, like they didn't have a choice to begin with. The only truly romantic part of the book is the epilogue.
I have to give credit for good writing, although a fair amount of the book is made up of sentence fragments. So much of the text is dedicated to thoughts and sounds. I suppose thoughts are not always linear sentences, so I get it. I just wish there had been some joy in the story. My overriding impression of this imaginary world was of a miserable existence with only a miniscule chance of finding love. There's a lot said about same sex marriages, because sometimes your musical bond will be with someone of the same sex, and this concept felt a little off for a Regency era tale, but of course the author can create any kind of universe that she wishes. Overall, an interesting premise, but the book left me flat.
In a world where people experience soulmate music, it's a wonder that so many of them keep their sanity, because it sounds awful! First the music becomes apparent at a certain age, and if the music starts screeching at one or both of them, then perhaps two people will discover that they're a musical match, but only if they're very lucky. It seems like the odds are against actually meeting your soulmate, and in the meantime you have to endure obnoxious, distracting music. Doesn't sound very romantic or appealing.
The story follows the same timeline as the original P&P, with the infamous insult at the Meryton assembly, the disastrous proposal at Hunsford parsonage, and then Elizabeth's trip to Derbyshire with the Gardiners and the Lydia debacle. The difference is the music. Darcy discovers the soulmate bond while still in Hertfordshire, but he's appalled by it and flees. Elizabeth doesn't discover the bond until her visit to Hunsford, and even then she goes into denial because she doesn't like Darcy at all.
If you're looking for a romantic tale, this isn't it. Elizabeth and Darcy are both so miserable for most of the book, and it's mostly due to the music in their heads. It's not depicted as sweet or uplifting music, it's never called beautiful music, just loud and insidious. I never felt the chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy, and when they finally do connect at the end of the story, it almost seems like they're giving in to the inevitable, like they didn't have a choice to begin with. The only truly romantic part of the book is the epilogue.
I have to give credit for good writing, although a fair amount of the book is made up of sentence fragments. So much of the text is dedicated to thoughts and sounds. I suppose thoughts are not always linear sentences, so I get it. I just wish there had been some joy in the story. My overriding impression of this imaginary world was of a miserable existence with only a miniscule chance of finding love. There's a lot said about same sex marriages, because sometimes your musical bond will be with someone of the same sex, and this concept felt a little off for a Regency era tale, but of course the author can create any kind of universe that she wishes. Overall, an interesting premise, but the book left me flat.
October 29, 2023
Weird but interesting
This story explores a novel concept, matches made with music. An entertaining read that takes the reader through some unexpected experiences.
This story explores a novel concept, matches made with music. An entertaining read that takes the reader through some unexpected experiences.
July 21, 2022
Soulmate - interesting idea
In reality do we have a soulmate? A person who when they are near you feel the sense of ' home'?
In this time the idea of soulmates is quite real and an important part of finding that one you are to spend your life with. Interesting it doesn't have to be a member of the opposite sex. They find each other through the music that plays inside them. Jane Bennet transcript of her soul mates music of course is identical to Mr Bingley ( never a doubt). Elizabeth has a more difficult path to the acceptance of who her soul mate is. She's that same headstrong impertinent young woman who was hurt by Darcy's social anxiety and his overwhelming tendency to either talk without thinking or hide his feelings.
I enjoyed reading the beginning of the story for the explanation of the soulmate theme but by the middle the characters became somewhat boring - every day life and Elizabeth being too introspective made me almost decide to stop reading. BUT, I continued on and to my delight the story took off after the visit to Pemberley! As a result of Lydia running off with the snake Wickham events spiral out of control and Elizabeth is working with Colonel Fitzwilliam ( still named correctly - Richard!) in the attempt to find an injured Darcy somewhere in the bowels of London. Of course her reputation is hanging by a thread but Darcy's life is more important!
I loved everything that happened except that we never learned if Lydia finds her soulmate after she started to hear their music!
Its actually a well written story with the basic elements from Miss Austen reworked a bit!
In reality do we have a soulmate? A person who when they are near you feel the sense of ' home'?
In this time the idea of soulmates is quite real and an important part of finding that one you are to spend your life with. Interesting it doesn't have to be a member of the opposite sex. They find each other through the music that plays inside them. Jane Bennet transcript of her soul mates music of course is identical to Mr Bingley ( never a doubt). Elizabeth has a more difficult path to the acceptance of who her soul mate is. She's that same headstrong impertinent young woman who was hurt by Darcy's social anxiety and his overwhelming tendency to either talk without thinking or hide his feelings.
I enjoyed reading the beginning of the story for the explanation of the soulmate theme but by the middle the characters became somewhat boring - every day life and Elizabeth being too introspective made me almost decide to stop reading. BUT, I continued on and to my delight the story took off after the visit to Pemberley! As a result of Lydia running off with the snake Wickham events spiral out of control and Elizabeth is working with Colonel Fitzwilliam ( still named correctly - Richard!) in the attempt to find an injured Darcy somewhere in the bowels of London. Of course her reputation is hanging by a thread but Darcy's life is more important!
I loved everything that happened except that we never learned if Lydia finds her soulmate after she started to hear their music!
Its actually a well written story with the basic elements from Miss Austen reworked a bit!
December 3, 2022
I enjoy the breathy, emotional quality of this author's writing style. The story is about soulmates who hear the music of each other's souls. Elizabeth refuses to believe that Darcy is her soulmate but when Darcy is in danger she is the only one who can help find him.
Content: Lydia ends up in a traumatizing no-consent situation that is not described in a graphic manner.
In this world, Henry VIII wanted to be able to chop off his husbands' heads as well as wives' so same sex marriages are legal too.
Content: Lydia ends up in a traumatizing no-consent situation that is not described in a graphic manner.
In this world, Henry VIII wanted to be able to chop off his husbands' heads as well as wives' so same sex marriages are legal too.
November 12, 2023
I actually enjoyed this Pride abd Prejudice variatiob very much. It kept my interest because of the soulmate ideas and just an interesting story.
July 24, 2022
I'm not sure how I feel about this book.
I like the concept of soul mates and I think this topic isn't explored enough in Jaff, But here the execution didn't excite me.
The writing is poetic and powerful as usual with this author, but the story is very dark, and Darcy and Elizabeth are unhappy most of the time. I enjoyed reading it but this isn't my favorite book by this author.
I like the concept of soul mates and I think this topic isn't explored enough in Jaff, But here the execution didn't excite me.
The writing is poetic and powerful as usual with this author, but the story is very dark, and Darcy and Elizabeth are unhappy most of the time. I enjoyed reading it but this isn't my favorite book by this author.
December 10, 2025
I love this story.
If you enjoy soulmate stories you will find this one very well written and quite original.
The progression of the plot often follows canon. It’s a Darcy and Elizabeth story so of course we know they are each other’s soulmates. But as in canon, Darcy struggles against the idea of a country nobody being his soulmate and Elizabeth takes the canon offense of his haughtiness and actively dislikes him. We get the usual horrible Hunsford proposal and horrible refusal…all the while we’re seeing that they really are soulmates and for Lizzy to deny this becomes more and more painful. Of course that refusal is something Darcy needs pretty bad. Now his attempts to forget her, fat chance boy, are painful and downright scary. Could he really marry someone not his soulmate?
Elizabeth’s attempts to find someone else are just as disturbing.
The trip north with the Gardiners happens, and a long pleasant stay ensued. Until the fateful letter arrives from Jane about Lydia and Wickham.
What happens then is not canon, but fascinating and even exciting, involving a desperate breech of propriety, psychedelic (maybe) drugs, a rescue involving a number of soldiers, Colonel Fitzwilliam and his older brother the Viscount, a near fatal wound, a lost reputation or two but a couple of rescues indeed! Whew…
I highly recommend this book. And I never noticed any editing errors, which I rarely comment on but because it makes other readers so unhappy I thought I’d share this bit. I really enjoy this author’s works.
If you enjoy soulmate stories you will find this one very well written and quite original.
The progression of the plot often follows canon. It’s a Darcy and Elizabeth story so of course we know they are each other’s soulmates. But as in canon, Darcy struggles against the idea of a country nobody being his soulmate and Elizabeth takes the canon offense of his haughtiness and actively dislikes him. We get the usual horrible Hunsford proposal and horrible refusal…all the while we’re seeing that they really are soulmates and for Lizzy to deny this becomes more and more painful. Of course that refusal is something Darcy needs pretty bad. Now his attempts to forget her, fat chance boy, are painful and downright scary. Could he really marry someone not his soulmate?
Elizabeth’s attempts to find someone else are just as disturbing.
The trip north with the Gardiners happens, and a long pleasant stay ensued. Until the fateful letter arrives from Jane about Lydia and Wickham.
What happens then is not canon, but fascinating and even exciting, involving a desperate breech of propriety, psychedelic (maybe) drugs, a rescue involving a number of soldiers, Colonel Fitzwilliam and his older brother the Viscount, a near fatal wound, a lost reputation or two but a couple of rescues indeed! Whew…
I highly recommend this book. And I never noticed any editing errors, which I rarely comment on but because it makes other readers so unhappy I thought I’d share this bit. I really enjoy this author’s works.
August 10, 2023
Wonderfully woven tale of music and soulmates
This P&P variation has so many layers to it that this reader cannot know where to begin. Many of its elements are truly novel, some fantastical, and too modern for a Regency romance. Yet, somehow the author managed to masterfully weave these elements together into a intricate and extraordinary whole.
There is music. Although it is a fantastical idea how couples are to find their soulmates to marry or spend the rest of their lives with by the use music, it is not so far-fetched in reality, if truth be told. Don’t modern romances depict sweet music randomly playing in heads when they meet in person their special someone? Yet, this tale goes further into the theory of how music brings soulmates together, not only for marriage but also for connection with shared dreams, experiences and visions. One can suppose this is where the author’s science fiction writing background come into play.
That being said, Elizabeth Bennet refuses to accept the possibility of a union with the arrogant, haughty, and prideful Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy despite them having the same soul music not only because of how he worded his first proposal but also because he seemed intent on degrading and belittling everything Elizabeth holds dear. A bulk of the story depicts how Mr. Darcy realizes his mistakes and strives to be a better man based on Elizabeth’s complaints, as well as how Elizabeth slowly realizes how she misjudged the gentleman she initially despised and how she understood and learnt the importance of listening to one’s soul music to attain happiness and inner peace.
There is sacrifice even without an understanding. Despite Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth not reaching an understanding by the time they meet in Pemberley, Mr. Darcy steps up to give full assistance to the Bennet family in the face of tragedy and ruination. While Elizabeth sacrifices her own reputation and future prospects to save the gentleman she gradually realized she could live without.
There is the reality of ruination of a foolish girl as it happened to many ladies in Regency times. The author does not shy away from discussing the tragedy that is Lydia Bennet. However, despite her fall from grace, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth find mutual understanding on how they cannot turn their backs on a beloved sister no matter how far she has fallen from grace.
There is the unabashed depiction of progressive and/or modern thinking regarding same sex marriages or union. Many authors would not dare dwell on this subject, which goes to show how courageous and forward thinking this author is.
The edginess is there. As in many other works by this author, there is the element of edginess, of the characters, of their thinking and of their relationships. This has become somewhat a trademark of this author, which this readers finds most useful to set this author’s work apart from all the other JAFF authors. In order words, this author’s stories are distinctly unique.
Finally, it is noteworthy to mention there are crossovers of characters from other Jane Austen novels, such as the inclusion of the Dashwood sisters, and Reverend Tilney.
All in all, this variation makes a very captivating, intriguing, unique yet extraordinary romance that this reader declares well worth the read and even well worth purchasing. Looking forward to more tales/variation from this talented writer.
This P&P variation has so many layers to it that this reader cannot know where to begin. Many of its elements are truly novel, some fantastical, and too modern for a Regency romance. Yet, somehow the author managed to masterfully weave these elements together into a intricate and extraordinary whole.
There is music. Although it is a fantastical idea how couples are to find their soulmates to marry or spend the rest of their lives with by the use music, it is not so far-fetched in reality, if truth be told. Don’t modern romances depict sweet music randomly playing in heads when they meet in person their special someone? Yet, this tale goes further into the theory of how music brings soulmates together, not only for marriage but also for connection with shared dreams, experiences and visions. One can suppose this is where the author’s science fiction writing background come into play.
That being said, Elizabeth Bennet refuses to accept the possibility of a union with the arrogant, haughty, and prideful Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy despite them having the same soul music not only because of how he worded his first proposal but also because he seemed intent on degrading and belittling everything Elizabeth holds dear. A bulk of the story depicts how Mr. Darcy realizes his mistakes and strives to be a better man based on Elizabeth’s complaints, as well as how Elizabeth slowly realizes how she misjudged the gentleman she initially despised and how she understood and learnt the importance of listening to one’s soul music to attain happiness and inner peace.
There is sacrifice even without an understanding. Despite Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth not reaching an understanding by the time they meet in Pemberley, Mr. Darcy steps up to give full assistance to the Bennet family in the face of tragedy and ruination. While Elizabeth sacrifices her own reputation and future prospects to save the gentleman she gradually realized she could live without.
There is the reality of ruination of a foolish girl as it happened to many ladies in Regency times. The author does not shy away from discussing the tragedy that is Lydia Bennet. However, despite her fall from grace, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth find mutual understanding on how they cannot turn their backs on a beloved sister no matter how far she has fallen from grace.
There is the unabashed depiction of progressive and/or modern thinking regarding same sex marriages or union. Many authors would not dare dwell on this subject, which goes to show how courageous and forward thinking this author is.
The edginess is there. As in many other works by this author, there is the element of edginess, of the characters, of their thinking and of their relationships. This has become somewhat a trademark of this author, which this readers finds most useful to set this author’s work apart from all the other JAFF authors. In order words, this author’s stories are distinctly unique.
Finally, it is noteworthy to mention there are crossovers of characters from other Jane Austen novels, such as the inclusion of the Dashwood sisters, and Reverend Tilney.
All in all, this variation makes a very captivating, intriguing, unique yet extraordinary romance that this reader declares well worth the read and even well worth purchasing. Looking forward to more tales/variation from this talented writer.
July 21, 2022
This was an interesting story. I’m not sure how I feel about it, so I’ll list my pros and cons to help you decide whether you want to read it:
Pros:
It’s a completely new take on pride & prejudice. It’s clearly P&P, not some unrelated story with the same characters. In fact, you would have to have read P&P to understand this book (for example, it’s never really clear why Elizabeth hates Darcy - it’s a given from P&P).
It’s well written. Not saccharine, but there is some angst.
It is a wild story: people have soulmates determined by some higher power and ‘hear’ each other’s music / share a tune they co-create. The aim is to marry your soulmate, but you only get one and they may die before you meet / you may never meet them.
What I didn’t like:
In this alternate universe of soul searching, homosexuality is fine as long as it’s your soulmate. Henry XIII didn’t create the Church of England, he established equality in marriage. I’m all for that, but somehow the emphasis early on in the book that Elizabeth was looking for her soulmate, be it a ‘he’ or a ‘she’ felt forced - extra emphasis was being placed on it where it should have just been left self explanatory. It’s especially strange because after all that focus on soulmates (be it a he or a she!), Elizabeth then takes an instant dislike to her own, the reasons for which aren't given a foundation in the book. I would have preferred if eg Jane had been a firm believer in soulmates and EB not - which could have been used to explained her early and strong antipathy to Darcy.
Darcy hates the idea of EB being his soulmate, but he suddenly comes around to the idea. This could have been elucidated on a bit further.
Overall I’d say it’s a 3.5 rounded up to a 4* because I’m glad I read it and it was an enjoyable read. It borders on scifi in some ways and Regency sticklers will find much to complain about, but if you’re looking for an entertaining and well written book to give you a P&P fix, I would recommend this one.
I received an ARC without promise to give a positive review.
Pros:
It’s a completely new take on pride & prejudice. It’s clearly P&P, not some unrelated story with the same characters. In fact, you would have to have read P&P to understand this book (for example, it’s never really clear why Elizabeth hates Darcy - it’s a given from P&P).
It’s well written. Not saccharine, but there is some angst.
It is a wild story: people have soulmates determined by some higher power and ‘hear’ each other’s music / share a tune they co-create. The aim is to marry your soulmate, but you only get one and they may die before you meet / you may never meet them.
What I didn’t like:
In this alternate universe of soul searching, homosexuality is fine as long as it’s your soulmate. Henry XIII didn’t create the Church of England, he established equality in marriage. I’m all for that, but somehow the emphasis early on in the book that Elizabeth was looking for her soulmate, be it a ‘he’ or a ‘she’ felt forced - extra emphasis was being placed on it where it should have just been left self explanatory. It’s especially strange because after all that focus on soulmates (be it a he or a she!), Elizabeth then takes an instant dislike to her own, the reasons for which aren't given a foundation in the book. I would have preferred if eg Jane had been a firm believer in soulmates and EB not - which could have been used to explained her early and strong antipathy to Darcy.
Darcy hates the idea of EB being his soulmate, but he suddenly comes around to the idea. This could have been elucidated on a bit further.
Overall I’d say it’s a 3.5 rounded up to a 4* because I’m glad I read it and it was an enjoyable read. It borders on scifi in some ways and Regency sticklers will find much to complain about, but if you’re looking for an entertaining and well written book to give you a P&P fix, I would recommend this one.
I received an ARC without promise to give a positive review.
April 7, 2024
I thought the idea of hearing the music of your soulmate sounded enchanting so I picked up this book. But it was not what I thought it would be. Everyone is hearing music. The whole thing sounded chaotic. It was a clever and unique idea for a book but it just wasn't for me.
The characters are living in an England that is very different from the Regency England that I am used to. Too different for me. Societal norms called for couples to be musically matched soulmates, regardless of who they are. And that included any class, financial status, if one was abusive and same sex couples etc. as no big deal. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't think that sounds like Regency England at all. I didn't buy it.
And the music was too much. If one goes to a movie there is often music that enhances the scene. It could indicate that there is danger or this is romantic or whatever. But the music doesn't play the whole time. It would be too much. It would lose its power with the audience because it wouldn't be important anymore. Half way through this book I was tired of the music. It had taken over the story and even though other things were happening, it was all about the music.
I kept thinking it would get better so I kept reading but it just got worse for me.
So, I think that it was a unique idea for a book and I think a lot of people will enjoy it. But the reader will have to be willing at allow for a very different England.
Potential triggers: drug use, people trafficking, family members estranged
Sex: Yes
Language: Yes
Violence: Yes
The characters are living in an England that is very different from the Regency England that I am used to. Too different for me. Societal norms called for couples to be musically matched soulmates, regardless of who they are. And that included any class, financial status, if one was abusive and same sex couples etc. as no big deal. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't think that sounds like Regency England at all. I didn't buy it.
And the music was too much. If one goes to a movie there is often music that enhances the scene. It could indicate that there is danger or this is romantic or whatever. But the music doesn't play the whole time. It would be too much. It would lose its power with the audience because it wouldn't be important anymore. Half way through this book I was tired of the music. It had taken over the story and even though other things were happening, it was all about the music.
I kept thinking it would get better so I kept reading but it just got worse for me.
So, I think that it was a unique idea for a book and I think a lot of people will enjoy it. But the reader will have to be willing at allow for a very different England.
Potential triggers: drug use, people trafficking, family members estranged
Sex: Yes
Language: Yes
Violence: Yes
September 3, 2022
DNF @ 82%
I just couldn’t do it anymore. Not only was this one of the stupidest things I’ve ever read, but I think it’s a stretch to even call it a book. It read more like an outline, & if anyone read this book without being an avid P&P fan they would never be able to follow along. It constantly jumps through the original P&P timeline without any real context. There is zero characterization any barely enough world building to explain this alternate reality.
However, the main reason I just couldn’t read anymore was the stupidity of characters, plot, & writing that resulted in Elizabeth being castigated, shunned, & talked down to for single handedly saving not only her stupid sister from literal human traffickers, but also Darcy from DYING!! But NOooooooo!!! Apparently Darcy’s life isn’t good enough if he is tied to a country nobody because Lady Matlock still disparages her, her father, Aunt, & Uncle all scorn her. It’s single handedly the most ludicrous & appalling thing I’ve ever read.
Absolutely no one seems to esteem 3 people being alive, returned & relatively unscathed when reputations are in peril & fortune hunters are about!!! The disgust I felt reading this was unmatched. It was neither creative nor thought provoking…. Just ugh
I just couldn’t do it anymore. Not only was this one of the stupidest things I’ve ever read, but I think it’s a stretch to even call it a book. It read more like an outline, & if anyone read this book without being an avid P&P fan they would never be able to follow along. It constantly jumps through the original P&P timeline without any real context. There is zero characterization any barely enough world building to explain this alternate reality.
However, the main reason I just couldn’t read anymore was the stupidity of characters, plot, & writing that resulted in Elizabeth being castigated, shunned, & talked down to for single handedly saving not only her stupid sister from literal human traffickers, but also Darcy from DYING!! But NOooooooo!!! Apparently Darcy’s life isn’t good enough if he is tied to a country nobody because Lady Matlock still disparages her, her father, Aunt, & Uncle all scorn her. It’s single handedly the most ludicrous & appalling thing I’ve ever read.
Absolutely no one seems to esteem 3 people being alive, returned & relatively unscathed when reputations are in peril & fortune hunters are about!!! The disgust I felt reading this was unmatched. It was neither creative nor thought provoking…. Just ugh
Read
October 22, 2023Pride and Prejudice, but everyone has a soulmate, and their music matches your.
This books was written in a very disjointed style, shifting timelines and locations, dreams and visions, and the constant music which is sometimes described metaphorically as weather.
My main issue with this story was the fact that same sex marriages between "soulmates" were a thing, which didn't fit the time period. The idea that Elizabeth could see herself ending up with Elinor Dashwood, or a Frenchwoman (or even Henry Tilney, although at least he was a man), was very jarring to me. There is a same-sex marriage for Mary at the end of the book, and Lydia's fate is far more awful than in the source material.
Overall, this book had an interesting premise, but it wasn't to my taste.
This books was written in a very disjointed style, shifting timelines and locations, dreams and visions, and the constant music which is sometimes described metaphorically as weather.
My main issue with this story was the fact that same sex marriages between "soulmates" were a thing, which didn't fit the time period. The idea that Elizabeth could see herself ending up with Elinor Dashwood, or a Frenchwoman (or even Henry Tilney, although at least he was a man), was very jarring to me. There is a same-sex marriage for Mary at the end of the book, and Lydia's fate is far more awful than in the source material.
Overall, this book had an interesting premise, but it wasn't to my taste.
April 29, 2023
4.5* rounded to 5*. I really enjoyed this one, I like a variation with a supernatural element. I liked the idea of the soul music and how the relationship and feelings grew.
They felt true to character and there was actually pride on his side and prejudice on hers which is often lacking in these variations.
I liked the angst side of things and the race against time to save certain characters when needed. I liked how the soul music was use to assist in this - trying to not give too much away!
If you like a supernatural element to your P&P variations then give it a go!
They felt true to character and there was actually pride on his side and prejudice on hers which is often lacking in these variations.
I liked the angst side of things and the race against time to save certain characters when needed. I liked how the soul music was use to assist in this - trying to not give too much away!
If you like a supernatural element to your P&P variations then give it a go!
July 24, 2022
Imaginative
This is a very different, imaginative story. Kudos to the author. I found it seemed harsh? sometimes and the style could make the story confusing. I think it was hard for me to accept that if you had a way to find your soulmate that you could reject that other. But it is a good point: what if that other was cruel or violent? So, the book did not make ne comfortable (this only 3 stars) but it is wonderfully different.
This is a very different, imaginative story. Kudos to the author. I found it seemed harsh? sometimes and the style could make the story confusing. I think it was hard for me to accept that if you had a way to find your soulmate that you could reject that other. But it is a good point: what if that other was cruel or violent? So, the book did not make ne comfortable (this only 3 stars) but it is wonderfully different.
August 12, 2022
Wonderful Wonderful wonderful
many people will never understand this story. It helps if you've done reading about metaphysics and we see the world far greater than the 5 senses. I'm still learning still trying to grow Yet at the same time I know that none of us are ever really complete. Just as we never reach Self actualization. I'm eager to read more of this author's writing...
many people will never understand this story. It helps if you've done reading about metaphysics and we see the world far greater than the 5 senses. I'm still learning still trying to grow Yet at the same time I know that none of us are ever really complete. Just as we never reach Self actualization. I'm eager to read more of this author's writing...
April 15, 2024
Intriguing world building
I found the premise of this book very intriguing, and the way the tale is woven is quite masterful. I enjoyed how the plot has been adapted to match the new world while still retaining the essential characteristics of our main players, (especially as they play out in Darcy’s insulting proposal). The story drags a bit towards the end, but overall it’s a worthy and interesting read!
I found the premise of this book very intriguing, and the way the tale is woven is quite masterful. I enjoyed how the plot has been adapted to match the new world while still retaining the essential characteristics of our main players, (especially as they play out in Darcy’s insulting proposal). The story drags a bit towards the end, but overall it’s a worthy and interesting read!
July 18, 2022
Truly Fantastic!
How can I not give 5 Stars to a story that takes the idea of a soulmate to places none has ever gone before? All the classic elements of P&P lore remain in place as we run down the paths of a tale so wonderful and original that it's a imperative compulsion to continue reading. I will be reading this book over and over again for years to come.
How can I not give 5 Stars to a story that takes the idea of a soulmate to places none has ever gone before? All the classic elements of P&P lore remain in place as we run down the paths of a tale so wonderful and original that it's a imperative compulsion to continue reading. I will be reading this book over and over again for years to come.
July 26, 2022
Wow!
A story of love, dreams, music, and romance, where soulmates are desired and acknowledged. Fascinating concepts regarding alternate universes and the various possibilities that might be shared by two connected people. One part made me envision Elizabeth on an acid trip! Very interesting alternate universes.
A story of love, dreams, music, and romance, where soulmates are desired and acknowledged. Fascinating concepts regarding alternate universes and the various possibilities that might be shared by two connected people. One part made me envision Elizabeth on an acid trip! Very interesting alternate universes.
May 31, 2023
Beauty
This author writes the most beautiful language. The story has a lot of angst but there is a wonderful HEA. The concept of soulmate and how they are found through a shared melody is romantic and ethereal. ODC music is complex and their road to discovery is not easy. But that trip is worth it. Highly recommend this book
This author writes the most beautiful language. The story has a lot of angst but there is a wonderful HEA. The concept of soulmate and how they are found through a shared melody is romantic and ethereal. ODC music is complex and their road to discovery is not easy. But that trip is worth it. Highly recommend this book
August 24, 2023
Who is Elizabeth Bennet’s Soulmate?
My goodness...this is the longest most dragged out story about Darcy and Elizabeth that I have read in long time! At times it was so boring that I debated to stop reading yet I did want to find out if they would finally get together. One thing is for sure... I will NOT read another book by this author again!
My goodness...this is the longest most dragged out story about Darcy and Elizabeth that I have read in long time! At times it was so boring that I debated to stop reading yet I did want to find out if they would finally get together. One thing is for sure... I will NOT read another book by this author again!
November 13, 2023
It’s a fascinating and incredible well thought out book, I loved the idea of a soul song. Loved that it forces society to accept things it still has trouble with today. I liked this Elizabeth Bennet she was very close to the canon one, Darcy took some time to realize his folly but I do like how when he did he changed as this too is canon.
January 31, 2024
Interesting mix of Regency, some modern ideas, and fantasy
This story is difficult to describe, since it's very original and since I try to avoid spoilers. I'll just say that it was beautifully told, and I liked it very much. If you're in the mood for a book that draws you in deeply and takes you to new places, this is it.
This story is difficult to describe, since it's very original and since I try to avoid spoilers. I'll just say that it was beautifully told, and I liked it very much. If you're in the mood for a book that draws you in deeply and takes you to new places, this is it.
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