Magonia

Actual rating - 3.5 This was a lovely book to read, and I enjoyed it. I actually listened to it on audio book, and I have to say, there were parts of it that were either VERY well-written or VERY well-read. I am not sure which, but either the book itself or the woman doing the reading had me in tears. I don't mean watery eyes. I don't mean sad heart. I mean straight up, tears streaming down the face sobbing. I'm not going to mention which parts for which this happened to me because I do not want to spoil anything, but truly. I was sobbing. It was very well-done. I also liked the premise. I love the idea of a heart bird or a lung bird. A bird that bonds with a special "person" -- a Magonian -- and helps them sing powerful songs that change the world, like a magical ability. I love books where individuals have magic powers anyway, but this particular book was definitely a new take on how one acquires those powers. It was a lovely idea. I will more than likely read the next book in the series when I have the time. I would highly recommend it to young adult readers or adults who enjoy young adult literature. It is not the involved fantasy novel I was hoping it would be, seeing as how it was endorsed by and compared to Neil Gaiman and his work, but it was still enjoyable. I do NOT recommend it for people who are hardcore Gaiman, Brooks, Martin, or Tolkien fans and are looking for something in that vein. That is what I thought it was going to be going into it. I was mistaken; however, I still enjoyed it because I also love books by Roth, Collins, Taylor, and others. If you enjoy young adult literature, definitely check this one out.