The Architect of Song by A.G. Howard Pages: 425
Published by Golden Orb Press on August 15, 2016
Series: Haunted Hearts Legacy #1
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Historical, Romance, Historical Romance
Source: eARC from Author
A lady imprisoned by deafness, an architect imprisoned by his past, and a ghost imprisoned within the petals of a flower - intertwine in this love story that transcends life and death.
For most of her life, nineteen-year-old Juliet Emerline has subsisted – isolated by deafness – making hats in the solitude of her home. Now, she’s at risk to lose her sanctuary to Lord Nicolas Thornton, a twenty-seven-year-old mysterious and eccentric architect with designs on her humble estate. When she secretly witnesses him raging beside a grave, Juliet investigates, finding the name “Hawk” on the headstone and an unusual flower at the base. The moment Juliet touches the petals, a young English nobleman appears in ghostly form, singing a song only her deaf ears can hear. The ghost remembers nothing of his identity or death, other than the one name that haunts his afterlife: Thornton.
To avenge her ghostly companion and save her estate, Juliet pushes aside her fear of society and travels to Lord Thornton’s secluded holiday resort, posing as a hat maker in one of his boutiques. There, she finds herself questioning who to trust: the architect of flesh and bones who can relate to her through romantic gestures, heartfelt notes, and sensual touches … or the specter who serenades her with beautiful songs and ardent words, touching her mind and soul like no other man ever can. As sinister truths behind Lord Thornton’s interest in her estate and his tie to Hawk come to light, Juliet is lured into a web of secrets. But it’s too late for escape, and the tragic love taking seed in her heart will alter her silent world forever.
International and NYT bestselling author, A.G. Howard, brings her darkly magical and visual/visceral storytelling to Victorian England. The Architect of Song is the first installment in her lush and romantic Haunted Hearts Legacy series, a four book gothic saga following the generations of one family as - haunted by both literal and figurative ghosts - they search for self-acceptance, love, and happiness.
The Architect of Song is the first installment in author A.G. Howard’s Haunted Hearts Legacy series, a four book gothic saga, which according to the summary follows the “generations of one family as – haunted by both literal and figurative ghosts – they search for self-acceptance, love, and happiness.” It has been so long since I have read a ghost story, and even longer since I have read a historical ghost story. I adored The Architect of Song. It is such an atmospheric read. It is on the slow side, but when you are in the mood for a very well written, meandering, but romantic book, The Architect of Song is a great one for you to check out.
Because of the slow, descriptive pacing throughout, coupled with the fact that The Architect of Song is 425 pages, it took me some time to read. Actually, it took me a few days, which is very odd for me. But I rather enjoyed the denseness of this story. It allowed me to take my time and savor the characters. I love Juliet. As soon as she described how she tricks the world into thinking she is not deaf, she fascinated me. Then there is the ghost (AKA Hawk). He is a delight as well. I liked him so much that I was disappointed when the Viscount finally made his appearance as a love interest as well in the story. Juliet is a wonderful 1880’s female protagonist. She is all at once true to the time, but still pushes boundaries. It was a very complex persona that A.G. Howard developed and I thought it was perfect!
The Architect of Song is a perfect mix of mystery, twists and turns and romance. It is unlike other new adult novels I have read in the past, because the romance in this one does not take over everything else this book has to offer. Instead, the romance (and yes, there is a love triangle- you are forewarned.) blends in with the rest of the story, which is actually what I prefer with atmospheric reads such as The Architect of Song. A.G. Howard really did a great job with this one. I love a new adult time period piece.
Bottom line: Fans of A.G. Howard need to read The Architect of Song. The book ends at a good place, so you aren’t left hanging until book 2, but I am certainly very interested in continuing the Haunted Hearts Legacy series. The Architect of Song is a haunting and mystery time period historical that is beautifully done. It is a slow paced and dense read, but one that is well worth the time and effort. The Architect of Song is a book meant to be savored.
The Architect of Song by @aghowardwrites is 'a book meant to be savored' @BookBriefs #review #NewAdult Click To Tweet
About A.G. Howard
She was inspired to write her tribute to Carroll’s Wonderland while working at a school library. Her pastimes are reading, rollerblading, gardening, and family vacations which often include impromptu side trips to 18th century graveyards or condemned schoolhouses to appease her overactive muse.
SPLINTERED, UNHINGED, ENSNARED, and UNTAMED, the first four books in her urbanized /gothic Alice in Wonderland series, are now available from Amulet Books. Also soon to be available from Amulet is her Phantom of the Opera spinoff, ROSEBLOOD — slated to launch January 2017.
THE ARCHITECT OF SONG, the first book in her New Adult historical literary romance saga, will be available in August 2016.
Eva @ All Books Considered
Great review! I love the sound of this and it sounds like it really is a great start to the series. I’m so intrigued by the protagonist!
danielle hammelef
Every now and then I’m looking for a novel I can savor! This one sounds like cheesecake for the brain! I think I will have to give this one a try based on your review.
Penny Olson
This book looks original and really interesting. Thanks for the review!