The Kingdom of Back

Marie Lu

Mar 2020 · Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Lauren Ezzo

About this audiobook

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu comes a historical YA fantasy about a musical prodigy and the dangerous lengths she'll go to make history remember her--perfect for fans of Susanna Clarke and The Hazel Wood.

Two siblings. Two brilliant talents. But only one Mozart.

Born with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish--to be remembered forever. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she'll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be. She is a young woman in 18th century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age--her tyrannical father has made that much clear.

And as Nannerl's hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. He has the power to make her wish come true--but his help may cost her everything.

In her first work of historical fiction, #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu spins a lush, lyrically-told story of music, magic, and the unbreakable bond between a brother and sister.

Ratings and reviews

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the most well-known composers of all time. His music can be found everywhere, as well as multiple biographies. What many people do not know is that Mozart had an older sister named Marianne, or Nannerl, who was just as talented as he was. This book is based in facts and explores the make believe Kingdom of Back, which the Mozart children created to keep themselves occupied on their long tours playing music for royalty and other elites. This book explores Marianne's possible aspirations as a musician and composer that she was denied because she was a girl, as well as her possible feelings of heartbreak and desperation as her brother eclipsed her and became increasingly famous. I absolutely loved this book and Marianne Mozart's little known story that I wish more people knew about. I was heartbroken for her as she was denied her most dear wishes and aspirations just because she was a woman. The writing was descriptive, realistic, and at times magical. I found myself utterly wrapped up in this world and entirely invested in the story emotionally. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves music, fantasy, and historical fiction. Marianne's story is inspiring for anyone who has a seemingly impossible dream. I wish her music was not lost to time and circumstances, and I dearly hope that she did indeed have a great impact on her brother's compositions as well as being his teacher. I am looking forward to reading Marie Lu's next book. She is an amazing author. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley's Bookish First program. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

About the author

Marie Lu is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Young Elites, Legend, and Warcross series. She graduated from the University of Southern California and jumped into the video game industry as an artist. Now a full-time writer, she spends her spare time reading, drawing, playing games, and getting stuck in traffic. She lives in Los Angeles with her illustrator-author husband, Primo Gallanosa, and their family.