The Enchanted Sonata by Heather Dixon Wallwork | Rating: ★★★★★

As a note, a copy of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

I needed a book like this, at a time like this. I'm so glad I was able to read it. There are books that are so vivid and fast-paced, and purely magical, that they are the ultimate getaway from ordinary. After the last few months from h*ll, this was one of those rare bright spots. In short? The Enchanted Sonata was positively stunning and sweet. I could not put it down.

Heather Dixon Wallwork crafts a delightfully musical, re-imagined version of two beloved classics: The Nutcracker Ballet and The Pied Piper. Two titles I would have never thought to put together, but that work so, so well. The Enchanted Sonata is for the readers who love to dream and a total must-have for fans of The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert or ABC's Once Upon A Time.

The Enchanted Sonata is so gripping, and so full of energy, I could not put it down and shuddered anytime I actually had to. It follows the familiar themes of the stories it is based upon, but the end product is a new kind of story and wholly its own. Breath-taking, unique, yet undeniably familiar.

I really and truly loved every bit of this story and can't wait to read more. The characters are all well developed and easy to like, or hate, or be sympathetic with. I loved that the magic lay primarily in the music, in Clara and in the villain. Something about these little notes develops in true and complete magic, and it adds an extra layer to the story that I really enjoyed.

My favourite part of The Enchanted Sonata is, perhaps, the feeling that comes with it: wonder. You're intrigued throughout, there are moments of action and sweetness and joy and pain, but the wonder? I was filled with it by the time I finished this book and it soon became an incredibly bright spot in my day. If ever there was a book, about magic, that truly felt magical--The Enchanted Sonata is it.

This has been said a few times on Booked J, but I felt so enamored with this book it felt not unlike just sitting back and listening as someone took me back to those childhood fantasies. Whether this was because of the fantasy elements, the innocence feeling it sometimes held, and all those little luscious details or because it feels like something classic, there was something about The Enchanted Sonata.

Think: stories being told, at Christmas, just near a fireplace. It takes us back to a simpler time (which is hilarious because the book is not simple by any means) and boosts your spirits.

I thought the pacing was fantastic, and almost timeless. We know when it takes place. We know there is a fantasy world outside of all Clara has always known. We know something, inexplicably, ties them together. Still, The Enchanted Sonata felt of no time at all, and the pacing was so smooth you'd almost forget that the storyline is within only a few days worth of time.

If you are looking for an easy-going, but still bright and captivating, story of self-discovery, heroism, music and magic within ourselves (and others!) this is the book for you. It was cozy and warm; the perfect read to pick up and indulge in a little hot cocoa with this winter.

The Enchanted Sonata is vivid and magical, I am obsessed!

Plus, that cover art is just as stunning as the story. I only hope I have the money to get a physical copy one day soon.