Review: Anyone that Enjoys a Good Story Will Enjoy This One!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 18, 2014
The Luthier's Apprentice by Mayra Calvani is a 2014 Twilight Times Books publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.This YA novel is one of the most original and inventive premises I have come across in a good long while. For those who, like myself, are not all that educated on the world on violins, a Luthier is someone that makes the instrument by hand. This is what Emma's grandfather does and Emma is his apprentice. There are often times when Emma wonders why her grandfather seems to behave as though she weren't working with him.Of course Emma also takes violin lessons and when her teacher disappears, one of several virtuoso violinist that have recently vanishes, Emma is stricken. When her mother leave to care for her Aunt who has been ill, Emma is determined to discover what has happened to her mentor, so she and her best friend decide to investigate. Right away Emma finds out she is not the only one who has decided to find out what happened. Emma literally runs into Corey, a young man that is well versed on Sherlock Holmes. This charming trait bonds the couple together because Emma is also a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes.As they begin to compare notes, a long running mystery in Emma's grandfather's home gets solved by accident. It would appear the creepy attic that Emma can never seem to gain access to is a portal and she and Corey fall through it. What they discover is horrifying.You never know what you will learn when you read a book and for me I learned a little about violins and famous violinist. First of all Niccolo Paganini was considered to be the greatest violinist of all time. He practiced fifteen hours a day and yes, there were rumors that he sold is soul to devil and those rumors were never really refuted. ( A quick internet search will give you a more plausible explanation for his incredible talent)So, the story has some basis in fact, but this is pure fantasy. I enjoyed this novel and thought the author did a great job with plotting and pacing, and character development. There is a door that is left open just a little bit that suggest the story is not as finished as the characters believe it is, so we could see a sequel to his book, which would be fine with me.There is only a smattering of language, pretty mild stuff, but there are dark themes and adult situations, though there is no SC. I would put this in the mature YA range for those who might need that information. Otherwise I think anyone who enjoys a good story with paranormal elements would enjoy this one.This one is five stars.