Review: Magical Reading!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 15, 2014
With a touch of magical fantasy, both of the musical and mysterious kind, Mayra Calvani’s The Luthier’s Apprentice is the perfect invitation for younger readers, heck ALL readers to enjoy the intrigue of another realm, the legend of Master violinist, Niccolo Paganini, and the adventures of three teens, one who may be destined to carry on the cursed magic of creating violins with soul, literally.Emma is a gifted violinist, destined for a rewarding life in the world of music. She is also apprenticing with her dour grandfather to be a master luthier or violin maker, but when violinists are disappearing and her teacher is among the missing, Emma can’t help but be intrigued. Something is going on and she is determined to find out what. With the help of two friends, she discovers a world of evil magic ruled by a twisted entity who steals the souls of the masters in order to imbue their gifts into the wood needed to create the “soulful” sounds of the world’s finest violins. Is this to become her world or can she rescue the tortured souls of the greats?Mayra Calvani manages to create a dark scenario that follows a twisted, yet exciting path while keeping her tale youthful and magnetic! Her characters are endearing, adventuresome and often brilliant as they willingly fore go what is known to embrace the possibilities of the unknown and seemingly impossible! Careful planned this journey is well-paced, the dialogue is real, and each character plays their part to perfection! With a light touch on teen romance, as well as a little history and legendary greats, I was caught in the spell of her writing and the “what ifs” she gives us! Ms. Calvani has built a fascinating world to journey to, and believe in! I highly recommend this as the perfect way to enjoy the magic of reading!