”From this angle, the world looked like a treble clef. A hill curved high on the horizon. A swirl of ink. A symbol on a song sheet…”
– Skye Melki, Wegner, The Hush
From Random House Australia…
“Chester is on the road, searching every town for clues about his father’s disappearance. But when he’s caught accidentally – and illegally – connecting with the Song as he plays his beloved fiddle, Chester is sentenced to death. Only a licensed Songshaper can bend music to their will. The axe is about to fall . . .
But there is someone else watching Chester. Someone who needs his special talents. Who can use him for their own ends. And who is hiding in The Hush, where Music can be deadly and Echoes can kill you with a touch.
Susannah is that someone. The young captain of the infamous Nightfall Gang has plans for Chester. Finally, she will have her revenge.”
***
Last December I was extremely lucky to receive the first proof of The Hush by Skye Melki-Wegner! I was extremely excited – I fell in love with her Chasing the Valley series last year and when I discovered there was a new book coming out I did a little dance and began the frustrating wait for it to be released – it’s out now, run!
Chester Hays is a poor musician travelling the land playing his fiddle, looking to make enough money to fund his next meal and warm bed. He is on the hunt for his father who disappeared a year before under mysterious circumstances. One night, Chester makes a deadly mistake – he connects to the Music, the life source of the world. Only those who train at the Conservatorium have a licence to use the magic of the Music. Chester soon finds his head on the chopping block – literally – only to be rescued by the notorious Nightfall Gang! Susannah, Sam, Dot and the fabulous Travis have made a name for themselves by stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. They know the Conservatorium is up to something but they need an unregistered Songshaper to help them infiltrate the system. In exchange for Chester’s help, the Gang reveal The Hush, a parallel universe of darkness and sorcery, a place where magic lingers and monsters hide in the dark. Together, the Nightfall Gang and Chester plot and plan to find out why people have been disappearing all across the land.
There is something effortless in the way Melki-Wegner tells her stories. They are such a pleasure to read; her ability to build worlds and likeable characters is something to be envious of. Her heroines are flawed and believable, emotions feel real and she explores the strengths and weaknesses of each character and gives them each their own moment, a chance to stand up and make a difference! The Hush is a perfect example of my favourite kind of young adult fantasy and I urge you to give it a go!
To the person who introduced me to Melki-Wegner’s books in the first place – you know who you are – thank you!
Also, a huge thanks goes to Zoe Walton at Random House Australia for giving me her copy of The Hush to read and review!
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