Once upon a time, there was a girl who wanted to be pretty . . .

Aza's singing is the fairest in all the land, and the most unusual. She can "throw" her voice so it seems to come from anywhere. But singing is only one of the two qualities prized in the Kingdom of Ayortha. Aza doesn't possess the other: beauty. Not even close. She's hidden in the shadows in her parents' inn, but when she becomes lady-in-waiting to the new queen, she has to step into the light—especially when the queen demands a dangerous favor. A magic mirror, a charming prince, a jealous queen, palace intrigue, and an injured king twine into a maze that Aza must penetrate to save herself and her beloved kingdom.

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Published Jul 24, 2012

352 pages

Average rating: 8.17

18 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Angel_Cantrell
Feb 13, 2025
10/10 stars
I’ve loved this book ever since I was 14, and I have run back to it continuously for the last 12 years. Aza and the magical, musical Ayortha have been there for me at my lowest and at my best. A truly timeless coming of age story full of woe, wonder, and whimsy. Aza’s story taught me self-love and acceptance before I even knew I needed it. I cannot fully express what this book has done for me. I can only thank Ms. Levine for giving me this masterpiece.

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