[Skye’s Review]: Sing Me Forgotten by Jessica S. Olson

Sing Me Forgotten
by Jessica S. Olson
Pages: 336
Published by Inkyard Press
Release Date: March 9th 2021
Genres: Fantasy, Magic, YA
Source: Publisher
Format Read: ARC
Goodreads

Isda does not exist. At least not beyond the opulent walls of the opera house.

Cast into a well at birth for being one of the magical few who can manipulate memories when people sing, she was saved by Cyril, the opera house’s owner. Since that day, he has given her sanctuary from the murderous world outside. All he asks in return is that she use her power to keep ticket sales high—and that she stay out of sight. For if anyone discovers she survived, Isda and Cyril would pay with their lives.

But Isda breaks Cyril’s cardinal rule when she meets Emeric Rodin, a charming boy who throws her quiet, solitary life out of balance. His voice is unlike any she’s ever heard, but the real shock comes when she finds in his memories hints of a way to finally break free of her gilded prison.

Haunted by this possibility, Isda spends more and more time with Emeric, searching for answers in his music and his past. But the price of freedom is steeper than Isda could ever know. For even as she struggles with her growing feelings for Emeric, she learns that in order to take charge of her own destiny, she must become the monster the world tried to drown in the first place

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This book had no business being this good. Seriously. Jessica Olsen didn’t have to write us this masterpiece, but she did.

What are words? I don’t know how to articulate my thoughts and feelings right now. Let me say the obvious: this book is really freaking good. The author grabbed hold of my attention in her fists and didn’t let go until the very last sentence. 

I’ve never seen or read Phantom of the Opera *hides in shame*. All I know about it is that it’s beloved, and there are masks involved somehow. That’s it. You might be wondering why I chose to read a book inspired by a book I have never read. Well, dear reader, that was precisely why I wanted to read this book. I thought it would be a fun way to learn about the Phantom of the Opera. Now, I need to know everything I can about the Phantom of the Opera because this book was fantastic.

The interactions and banter between Emeric and Isda were sheer perfection. Emeric, my sweet cinnamon roll, is too pure for this world. He must be protected at all costs. Isda. Oh, Isda. Her character arc was written extremely well. When we meet her at the beginning of the book, she’s simply a ghost. Her existence is one of solitude. The only bright spot in her life is music. Each night during the performances at the opera house, she uses her magic to manipulate the audience’s memories. She replaces their memories with ones of love and admiration for the show. Why does she do this? Her adoptive father, Cyril, is the owner of the opera house. And she’ll do anything to help him. He is the only family she has. He gives her a place to live and hides her from the world because she is a gravoir. She has the power to manipulate people’s memories while they sing. Gravoirs are sentenced to die as soon as they are born. Due to the danger of being caught, Isda has lived her whole life doing what she is supposed to—until she meets a young man named Emeric, who has the most beautiful voice. 

That’s all I’ll say about the plot. There’s not much I can say besides, “go read this book. Now. Please.” I hoped I would enjoy this book when I read it, but I didn’t expect to connect with the story and the characters so much. This tale is woven beautifully. It’s full of lighthearted moments, bittersweet moments, tragedy, heartbreak, and love. Please read it. Then come talk to me about it. I need to fangirl with someone.