Name: The Kingdom of Back
Rating: 3.797101449275362 (138 reviews)
ISBN: 9781524739010

Marie Lu

"Desperate to be forever remembered for her music, Nannerl Mozart makes a dangerous pact with a mysterious stranger from a magical land, which may cost her everything"--

The Kingdom of Back

Bilge Ince

But I would be nothing more than a performer for my brother's compositions. If I wanted immortality, it would not come from my writing. The words hung weighted around my neck. Composition obvious rule. What would others think of my father if they knew I composed behind his back? That he could not even control his own daughter? What kind of girl shamed her father by secretly doing a man’s work?

How much of us know that not only Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (a.k.a. Woferl) but also her sister Marianne Mozart was an excellent pianist as well as a composer. However, in those times, a woman can't compose, or even if she does secretly, she can't sign her composition by her name since women were thought to have no capability of it. Therefore Marianne (a.k.a Nannerl) is supposed to be silent, keep this talent a secret. But what if Marianne has a right to want to be remembered forever?

The Kingdom of Back is a retelling story of Woferl's and Nannerl's. Moreover, the name of the "Kingdom of Back" also comes from an imaginary world they created together, and even they asked to draw a map of this land from their servant. Therefore, this is one of the most inspiring stories to meet with the magical and prodigy Wolfgang siblings. Even though there is no copy of Nannerl's compositions, the scientists claim that she was as marvelous as Wolfgang. And even more interesting is that the compositions have always been signed only as "Mozart" with a surname, not a full name. Hence I want to believe that Woferl wanted to give credit to Nannerl, which was desired and very well deserved, or maybe at least leave space for such speculations. 

He tells you to play, so you play. He tells you to curtsy, so you are meant to do and what you are curtsy. He tells meant not to do, so you do and you do not do. He tells you not see you what be angry, so you smile, you turn your eyes down, you are quiet, and do exactly as he says in the hopes that this is what he wants. and then one night you realize that you have given him so much of yourself that you are nothing but the curtsy and the smile and the quiet. That you are nothing.

loved the concept and idea and would’ve enjoyed more when i was younger but great quick read!

gracyn neely

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.

Fatima Kadri 

5 stars for just really really enjoying this book. It made me smile and it made me mad and it made me cry and I just wish that I could erase it from my brain so I could read it for the first time again. I related to Nannerl so much and her struggles were so realistic and well narrated. 

This was such a 180 from Marie Lu’s other books but she executed it stunningly well. If you like Marie Lu’s books but want to try something different, this book will not disappoint you.

Isabela H 

The idea of the story was really cool but it ended up being really predictable and any magic that existed in the world just kind of died by the end of the book. I appreciated Marie Lu for trying something different, but her success was pretty mixed.

Ashley Wendt

3.5 this was an interesting read. While I didn’t love the fantasy aspect of this story, I did really enjoy the historical parts. There were parts of the fantasy that didn’t quite make sense. I have a theory about the manifestation and the progression of the Kingdom of Back that was never specifically implied but through subtle hints in the storytelling gave me an inclination. This book really shines in its historical retelling of how docile and muted women were expected to be. Overall, it was a good read.

catia

l.h.

Meghan M

I really loved the concept of this book and being someone who plays a lot of classical music, I enjoyed reading about Mozart. I just felt like the book had trouble timing wise. Some parts I felt were too rushed and others too long, and it seemed to end so abruptly. I really enjoyed it though and I highly recommend!

Charmaine

An ethereal tale of a young girl’s hopes and dreams. A reminder that there is always an untold part of a story and unsung heroes in history. There will be deceit and it will be overcome. Of desire to not be forgotten but knowing your loved ones will remember always. Beautiful 💙💙💙

Hannah Wall

** spoiler alert **
           This book was absolutely astoundingly amazing! The words flowed like music and I loved the mysterious impish villain. The story flows and is just magic trapped in pages. I highly encourage everyone to read this book! I love how the story starts from Nannerl being a young girl and her growing up and the love hate relationship with her brother, because we all have the with siblings! 

This book was just plan astounding and I loved every minute of it!

Kesya Sandry

Ok, no, THIS BOOK IS FANTASTIC! Y'all may know Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart for his talented works at playing the clavier, but this book is not about him. It's about our beautiful Mozart girl, Maria Anna Mozart or Nannerl. This book somehow took a special place in my heart. I just love how Marie Lu puts the fantasy into the book perfectly. The fantasy in this book is not about vampires nor werewolves, but fairytales that somehow make me feel sleepy when reading it. But it's alright because I LOVE IT. Some sexism showed in this book as for that time (the 1800s) there is no gender equality, it might be triggering for some people, so better check the trigger warning first!

Monae Reads

3.5 stars. 
Beautiful story. Contains quite a bit of historical accuracy. I love how Marie uses real like events of the Mozart siblings to tie in the fantastical aspects and provide explanations for them. Vivid imagery. Very enjoyable. Feels like a folklore/bed time story. Gave me once upon a time vibes at a couple points in the book. The only thing preventing me from giving it a higher rating is because there not much to divulge into here. The story is the story at face value, and while it is intriguing and consuming, when it’s over, it’s over. I will have fond memories of reading it but I can’t stay it will have lasting impacts.

The Kingdom of Back

Reviews

Highlights