by Anna Smaill
First published 2015
Simon stands alone on a rain-soaked road leading to London. He carries no memories beyond what his hands can hold at this moment. Written words no longer exist in his world. His parents have vanished, leaving only a persistent melody that pulls him forward like a thread. The song promises answers if he can reach the capital. Everything around Simon pulses with music. Each movement creates rhythm. Every object weaves its own tune. Music fills each drop of air. A massive musical instrument controls this world, stealing people's ability to form new memories. The past remains hidden. Each day mirrors the last. Remembering the time before counts as blasphemy. Yet Simon begins to remember anyway. He wakes each morning with a sharp feeling, sensing something urgent he must accomplish. In London he finds Lucien, who possesses exceptional hearing and guards dangerous secrets. Lucien believes Simon's returning memories threaten them both.
Genres: science-fiction, literary-fiction, mystery, fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: amnesia, found-family
Setting: London
304 pages · ebook · Sceptre