Cadell has a gift.
He can find things - lost items, answers to questions, or anything else queried by his mind.
He is extremely bright and kind.
Garlan is not only a brother, but Cadell's friend and protector.
The brothers have a wonderful method of communicating with one another, and the warmth between them is reflected in their every word and action.
While they had their parents, their life was filled with the joy of music and song. But they now have come from a place where the King’s Law restricts pleasures permitted long ago.
Orphaned and living in the worship house, they are allocated a home with a childless couple, in exchange for food, lodging, and labour.
Uncle Barlow and Aunt Sapph (not really related), appear to be warm and accepting. It is when bruises appear on Cadell’s body, that Garlan decides they must run away.
They embark on a great adventure, with countless obstacles to overcome, coming across many good, but also bad people in the places they travelled through. Finding work to survive, they are forced to keep travelling, as the law allowed them to stay for only four days at most, before they have to move on.
They secretly yearn to find the Wall that separates what they have with what they want in life.
Although they have been told this is impossible, nothing is going to stop them searching for a safer and happier future.
An opportunity for this future is within their grasp at the King’s Conservatorium. Voice trials are being undertaken for the selection of the best musicians for the King's entertainment. The chosen will be given a permanent home.
They have one more day before the trials begin.
Will they make it in time for Garlan to sing his mother’s songs and win for himself and Cadell, a future they dream of?
But the outcomes they imagined and planned for, are not what they encounter.
There are painful decisions to be made. Their travels have taught them a great many things about people and life, resilience, acceptance, sacrifice, and love.
Will these lessons be enough to see them through heartbreaking challenges?
I loved this book! There is a warmth that emanates from the inspiring relationship between the two boys and their attitude to life that touches the reader.
Beautifully constructed as usual, Emma Cameron's work is always a pleasure to read.
Title: The King's Conservatorium
Author: Emma Cameron
Publisher: Wombat Rhiza, $ 16.99
Publication Date: 3 September 2025
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761112720
For ages: 10+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction
