Echoes of a Silent Song: Book Review

Book by: Amanda Wen

I’ve found my new favourite read of 2025!

Amanda Wen pens such a lovely story that digs deep into the emotional layers of broken characters, giving each one their individual journeys toward healing.

Present day: Callum Knight is a troubled choral conductor/composer using the teaching gig as a stop-gap to pay his bills until he can tap into the creativity he once had. He’s broody, but endearing (especially when his past is revealed). And as a professional conductor, maintaining status quo is not an option.

Blair Emerson is the only stable thing about Peterson High’s choral program as their accompanist. These kids need small successes, not impossible challenges that the new conductor brings to the program.

And thus begins a slow-burn, enemies to something more story that romance readers love.

1969: Iris isn’t a normal seventeen year old girl, she hears music in her head and that’s all that matters to her. When a boy at school shows interest in her ability to write music, she can’t help but fall in love with him. But not everything is as it seems.

This story is rich in mystery, in diving deep into the world of professional and high school music. I absolutely loved the musical detail that lines the pages of both the contemporary and historical plots. The tension between Callum and Blair appears impossible to overcome, and the conflict that Iris faces seems insurmountable too. The past and present are threaded together with a surprise twist.

This is a must-read for musicians who are avid readers! And this is a must-read for readers who love dual-time stories that keep you guessing until the very end.

NOTE for sensitive readers: Mental health, narcissistic behaviours, alcoholism, domestic violence, suicide, and infidelity are addressed in a sensitive manner

A copy of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley as a launch team member. All opinions expressed are my own.

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