The Architect of Song by A.G. Howard
The Architect of Song by A.G. Howard
Haunted Hearts Legacy #1
Release date: August 15, 2016
New Adult, Gothic Romance
Golden Orb Press, 318 Pages
Source: ARC from Author
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
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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.
New Adult: Recommended for ages 16+
Romantic, haunting, and filled with lush prose, THE ARCHITECT OF SONG is the first book in A.G. Howard's Haunted Heart's Legacy series - perfect for fans of Gothic Romances.
I first discovered A.G. Howard's writing with her debut novel, SPLINTERED, a wonderful reimagining of Alice in Wonderland. I fell in love with her vivid writing, a sensory excursion unlike any I had in YA at the time! So, I was beyond excited to read the first book in her new Haunted Heart's Legacy series featuring one of my favorite genres, Gothic romances.
THE ARCHITECT OF SONG hits all the right notes when it comes to style as Howard gives readers all the classic elements fans look for in a Gothic Romance. It has a gorgeous Victorian setting complete with an elaborate mansion to wander about and a murder mystery to unravel. There're curses and gypsies, a dashing ghost, and a brave heroine that defies tradition. And, readers are going to simply swoon over the slow-burn romance.
I loved all the little twists to the story which kept me on my toes. THE ARCHITECT OF SONG is perfect for those who love to solve mysteries and enjoy lots of build-ups, with tension levels increasing.
Juliet is such a fantastic heroine. I couldn't help but wonder how Howard was going to handle her deafness within the historical Victorian setting, and I thought it was brilliant and wonderfully done. Daring and inquisitive, she pushes her limits and societies, which had me cheering for her throughout.
The romance was one of the best I've read in such a long time. I was on pins and needles as I shipped Hawk's character, yet, when Lord Lord Thornton came into the picture, I was completely torn, which rarely happens. The mystery is so tightly woven between Juliet, Hawk, and Thronton that I just did not know how the story would end, the twist were that good.
THE ARCHITECT OF SONG is the start to a fantastic new series that is sure to please fans as well as new readers. A scrumptious blend of romance, mystery, historical, and paranormal to devour. Highly recommended.
