There are so many good things about this novel that I hate to criticize it. When you have a story about a Asian transgendered prodigy violinist woman, it would be almost impossible to fail to engage. And when you add her teacher nicknamed the Queen of Hell, you have the makings of a wow reading. But then there is a mysterious sci-fi and fantasy sub plot that barely redeems itself at the end. I can’t give a whole hearted recommendation but it comes close.

Ryka Aoki – Light From Uncommon Stars – YouTube

Ryka Aoki – Wikipedia