Sing Me Forgotten

Thank you to Harper Collins Children’s Books U.K. and NetGalley for the arc of Sing Me Forgotten by Jessica S. Olson in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

This book is the epitome of Phantom of the Opera, albeit with a female phantom, Isda, born disfigured and labelled by society as a monster. Isda is a ‘gravoir’, with magical abilities to read, change and extract memories from people in this alternative French society, where memory is currency, bought and sold and those like Isda are penalised and at best enslaved for their abilities.

Isda has lived a solitary life within the crypts of the opera house, knowing only a father-like figure, Cyril, until suddenly her world explodes with music, vitality and colour with the arrival of Emeric. Emeric is a talented but, untrained opera singer whose arrival is a true catalyst for change in Isda’s life.

Initially, this book felt very YA and despite the character gender swap, cleaved closely to the original Phantom plot line but, then there is divergence and the story truly comes to life with a crescendo. You knew I had to get a musical reference in somewhere!

Whilst the world building aligns closely to around 18th century France, the magic system is what truly brings this world to life, encompassing multi-layered levels of ability, a history of uprising and devastation and the resulting prejudice, fear, enslavement and persecution.

And whilst I had my initial doubts, the Olson does wonders in partnering a gradually increasing tempo of plot and pace, alongside educating and informing the reader of the history and magic, with not a lecture in earshot or sight, all whilst keeping me on the edge of my seat, desperate to find out what happens next.

If you’re looking for a magical opera of a novel that will carry you through all the emotions, a great plot line, some definitely morally grey characters and an intriguing magic system, definitely pick this one up. It’s a great debut that will totally transport you away.