In the Shadow of Music is a captivating tale of transformation and self-discovery that follows Isabella Devereux, a talented but unconventional singer, as she navigates a life of empty encounters within the circus world. Set against the backdrop of a nomadic circus troupe, Isabella's life is a whirlwind of asinine, vacuous, empty sex until an unexpected encounter with a Viennese composer, Felix Fischer, offers her a chance at something greater.
As Isabella embarks on a journey from the circus to Vienna, the city of music and culture, she grapples with the choice between the familiar, albeit chaotic, world she's known and the promise of a future filled with meaning and passion. With her extraordinary voice, she auditions for a lead role in Vienna's prestigious opera scene, opening doors to a world she had only dreamed of.
The story delves deep into the complexities of love, ambition, and the pursuit of one's true calling. Isabella's encounters with memorable characters, including Marco, the enigmatic lover from her circus days, add layers of emotion and depth to her journey. In Vienna, she must not only find her voice on the grand opera stage but also confront the insecurities and doubts that have held her back.
"In the Shadow of Music" is a narrative that weaves together the magic of music, the allure of Vienna's artistic heritage, and the compelling evolution of a character torn between two worlds. It explores the themes of self-discovery, the pursuit of dreams, and the transformative power of belief in oneself. This is a story of passion, ambition, and the courage to step into the spotlight, leaving behind the shadows of the past.
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It's the last year of high school, and everything has changed . . .
*****
After a summer spent in the Philippines, Lara Dela Cruz is eager to start her senior year and, most importantly, reunite with her three besties. But what she did not expect was to show up on the first day of school to all three of her friends now in relationships. Fighting for their attention, catching some new and confusing feelings for long-time frenemy James, and wading through the pressures of post-high-school plans all have Lara reeling. And to make matters worse, Lara's beautiful and untrustworthy cousin conveniently appears and wiggles her way right between her and James' budding relationship. Feeling like a third wheel in more ways than one, Lara must learn to accept that change is inevitable, love is complicated, and being the odd one out is sometimes where inner power is found.
[[Word count: 100,000-150,000 words]]
Cover design by Jill Caldwell
Wattys 2020 YA fiction Winner
Wattpad Books Prize Winner