November 7, 2011
Successful television producer Dylan “Oz” Oswin has been lured to the California desert town of El Padre by a series of text messages hinting that he ask former tween singing sensation Syrene for help locating his young son, Donal. Oz hides his true intentions from Syrene, now called Pippa, and proposes turning her children’s books into a TV series. However, Pippa is reluctant to return to the limelight, despite her attraction to Oz and sympathy for his missing son, because she wants to hide the power of her magical voice. Fans of Rice’s original Magic series (Magic Man, etc.) will enjoy reading of the Ives and Malcolm families’ modern offspring and be intrigued by how the computer age has shaped how they hide and use their magic. While Pippa and Oz’s romance lacks chemistry, it’s balanced by the unique premise and beautiful California desert setting.
Starred review from November 1, 2011
Teen music sensation Syrene stopped singing when her voice killed someone. Now a children's author, she dresses as a clown and entertains tots with the stories she has written. Mogul producer Dylan Oz Oswin has received another cryptic message from the mysterious Librarian. He is told that he can find his missing son if Syrene sings her Silly Seal song, which no one has ever heard. Oz doesn't care about Syrene's vow of musical silence. He is going to take her to the designated place in Bakersfield and make her sing, if need be. Syrene is worried that if she sings again, there's sure to be death and destruction, but Oz is a force to be reckoned with, and he is determined to be reunited with his child. Rice writes stories with so much attention to detail that the characters truly seem to come to life. Once again, she has created a wonderful story in this enchanting concoction of magic, suspense, and an unlikely love.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)