SOFI&THE BONE SONG 

Out NOW from Margaret K. McElderry Books

 
cover art by Mona Finden, cover design by Sonia Chaghatzbanian

cover art by Mona Finden, cover design by Sonia Chaghatzbanian

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Goodreads | Simon & Schuster

A Kids’ Indies Next Pick!

Content Warnings | Notion Board

In this gorgeous, queer standalone fantasy, a young musician sets out to expose her rival for illegal use of magic only to discover the deception goes deeper than she could have imagined—perfect for fans of An Enchantment of Ravens.

Music runs in Sofi’s blood.

Her father is a Musik, one of only five musicians in the country licensed to compose and perform original songs. In the kingdom of Aell, where winter is endless and magic is accessible to all, there are strict anti-magic laws ensuring music remains the last untouched art.

Sofi has spent her entire life training to inherit her father’s title. But on the day of the auditions, she is presented with unexpected competition in the form of Lara, a girl who has never before played the lute. Yet somehow, to Sofi’s horror, Lara puts on a performance that thoroughly enchants the judges.

Almost like magic.

The same day Lara wins the title of Musik, Sofi’s father dies, and a grieving Sofi sets out to prove Lara is using illegal magic in her performances. But the more time she spends with Lara, the more Sofi begins to doubt everything she knows about her family, her music, and the girl she thought was her enemy.

As Sofi works to reclaim her rightful place as a Musik, she is forced to face the dark secrets of her past and the magic she was trained to avoid—all while trying not to fall for the girl who stole her future.

PRAISE:

“A musical fantasy, a magical mystery, a lyrical love story — Sofi and the Bone Song is a gorgeous, wintry novel that does it all. Readers who love soft, sweet coming-of-age stories with clever fantasy worldbuilding will find a home here.” —Kiersten Frost, Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, MA for the Kids’ Indie Next List

“The pacing is slow and contemplative, with frequent stops to contrast Sofi’s strict training regimen with Lara’s passion for music. This juxtaposition both serves the plot and forms a running commentary on the dangers of suffering for one’s art. The magic system is easy to understand while also possessing depth. A beautiful ending speaks to the powers of both catharsis and emotional healing. A book to be savored rather than devoured.” — Kirkus Reviews

“A nuanced tale of rivalry, legacy, and love…the complex but accessible worldbuilding and the teens’ budding romance brilliantly intersect. Tooley thoughtfully explores how the expectation of suffering for one’s art can carve a toxic path in this introspective read.” — Publisher’s Weekly

“A surprisingly rich tale of talent, the dangers of assumptions, and the price of suffering for one’s art. (With a delicious slow burn romance at its center.)” — Paste Magazine

“Sofi is an appealingly flawed character, spiky and superior, molded by her father’s emotional abuse. Lara, who challenges Sofi’s claim that art requires suffering, is integral to Sofi’s growth into a musician on her own terms.” — Booklist