The unmistakable love for New Orleans that emanates from these pages will stick in readers’ heads-and hearts-like the catchiest of tunes. Jennings develops a rich, enveloping world brimming with mesmerizing art, music, and fantasy, and sets within it a rich discussion of community and culture. The version of New Orleans hes created is fantastical, to be sure, but also accurately depicts the very real spirit of this complicated city.
And, after Perry and Brendy’s grandfather goes missing, it appears his disappearance may be linked to the music thief, leading the pair to offer to help Doctor Professor investigate. As Casey reconnects with his cousin, Jaylon, now a celebrated artist, they look back on their teenage graffiti and the uncanny ways their paintings have changed.
From there, the jazzy tale alternates timelines and perspectives between Perry his younger sister, Brendy his best friend, Peaches and Casey Ravel, a trans man who’s moved back to town years after fleeing Hurricane Katrina. Nine of the powerful songs that “keep Nola humming” have been stolen, and the city starts to break down: its sky trolleys stop running, and the magic that maintains the city’s music fizzles. When Perilous “Perry” Graves encounters the city’s famed undead pianist Doctor Professor, he knows something’s wrong. Magic and music-here “one and the same”-bring to life a vibrant alternate New Orleans in Jennings’s stunning urban fantasy debut.
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