The Luthier's Apprentice

I love this passionate cover!

Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840), one of the greatest violinists who ever lived and rumored to have made a pact with the devil, has somehow transferred unique powers to another…

When violinists around the world mysteriously vanish, 16-year-old Emma Braun takes notice. But when her beloved violin teacher disappears… Emma takes charge. With Sherlock Holmes fanatic, not to mention gorgeous Corey Fletcher, Emma discovers a parallel world ruled by an ex-violinist turned evil sorceress who wants to rule the music world on her own terms.

But why are only men violinists captured and not women? What is the connection between Emma's family, the sorceress, and the infamous Niccolò Paganini?

Emma must unravel the mystery in order to save her teacher from the fatal destiny that awaits him. And undo the curse that torments her family—before evil wins and she becomes the next luthier's apprentice…

What appealed to me about this book is the music element from a paranormal perspective. I'm drawn to stories that revolve around classical music, especially if there is a pianist or violinist involved.

In this case, violin virtuosi are the main theme. I've learned something new which is very enlightening. Instrument makers are known as luthiers. It sounds so mysterious and folkloric, that term is infused with historical connotations.

Many violinists have disappeared over the centuries, but now that Emma's teacher has joined their ranks, she can't sit idle. So she embarks in a personal mission to uncover his whereabouts, oblivious to the dark secrets that she will unearth and how deeply her own family is involved.

My favourite part is the whole mystery around violinists past and present. It's very engaging to learn about their talents being key to an old tale of greed, power and revenge. There are strong elements of dark magic and paranormal fantasy too. The mystery unravels piece by piece in a most Sherlock-type way,  a character that also adds his clever touch in the form of quotes from Corey, the charming male protagonist.

Plenty of characters cross their paths in the plot full of little twists. I liked how dynamic it all resulted thanks to that. However, the explanations were a bit too repetitive in the last part. I'd have preferred to find out about the origin and development of the curse by way of scenes from the past, instead of so much explaining.

All in all, it was a very entertaining and imaginative story filled with mystery, dark fantasy, cute pets, a gorgeous dark violinist and the power, both good and bad, of women.

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THE LUTHIER'S APPRENTICE
by Mayra Calvani

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About The Author...

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others. When she’s not writing, reading, editing or reviewing, she enjoys walking her dog, traveling, and spending time with her family. Represented by Serendipity Literary.  

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So, book buddies, do you have a favourite kind of music for your reading?