Needlework – Bekah Berge
Synopsis
Four musicians vie for a coveted spot on the main stage at the prestigious Olive Branch Music and Arts Festival.
For as long as she can remember, Melly has only been good at one thing: making music. From the instant she got her fingers on a flute and tambourine, music had transformed her life and become a way for her to express the hidden desires of her heart. And like every artist in the realm, joining the illustrious Olive Branch Music and Arts Festival was her ultimate dream.
When Hakim encounters Melly singing in a grubby tavern, his world stops for the briefest of moments. For Hakim, it was as clear as the sky on a sunny day—her voice was what his band, Needlework, had been missing. On a whim, a deal is struck. Soon Melly finds herself whisked away with the band as they join the Olive Branch Festival for what promises to be one wild ride.
***Trigger Warning: Content includes after-effects of sexual assault, as well as depression, grief, and suicidal thoughts/attempts.
Author
Bekah Berge fell in love with all things mystical at a young age. Her love of stories led to her writing her first book in her early twenties, and she’s never looked back since. When not scribbling down fantastical tales, she enjoys traveling, gardening, vegan baking, and brewing the perfect cup of tea.
She also suffers from a rare chronic pain condition called CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) and to learn more visit: CRPSBookshelf.com
You can find her in: Goodreads | Instagram |Amazon
Review
Melly is a 17-year-old girl who makes a living singing in taverns or stealing when she has no other choice (There’s just something about books with taverns that I love ?♀️).
One day she meets Hakim, Taran and Nova. Three friends that have a band named “Needlework” and are playing with Olive Branch Festival, where only the best played.
They hear Melly sing and decide to get her in the band. So far all nice, just music and group problems.
But Hakim is an idiot. Rather, he has become one. A year ago he suffered an attack in which his leg was broken, not even with magic it was possible to recover it completely, since then he has not healed completely, either physically or emotionally.
All this happened because Hakim is not just another musician, he is a Harran, nephew of the Emperor of Sandaran. Some time ago there was a famine crisis in the other kingdoms, and Sandaran decided not to help. From then on they earned their hatred and now there is a war brewing underneath. Unfortunately, Hakim’s last name drags him and his friends into the middle of the political and power conflict. Now they need to learn how to heal, while trying to survive.
This is one of the best books I’ve read. My only problem is that is a standalone, because I don’t want to let Mel and Hakim go.
I absolutely love music. When I read the synopsis of this book I was attracted, but couldn’t imagine how it would fit the fantasy. Sounded just like a book about a band, but it’s so much more. And the music is still a huge part in it, showing its own magic.
I’ve just read one other book before that had original songs, and I always felt sad that I couldn’t really hear them. But Bekah and her friends made two of the songs “real”, and it’s absolutely perfect.
Being able to listen to the songs while reading the lyrics in the book was an amazing experience. I’m particularly in love with Awaken.
Also, I love how chronic pain is given a huge role in the book. Both physical and psychological.
Hakim and Mel are broken people. Actually everyone in the story is, at some level. I guess we all are. But here’s a book to remember you that you can go on. You can get through everything. And live.
Inspirational as hell, and unpredictable too. Also, I knew we would get an explanation about the name of the band “Needlework” and I absolutely loved it.
Please, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this book.
Bye bye ?
