Perhaps it's because music can make contemplation take wings and fly that the author has chosen to make it the driving force of this world.

Hélène, Les vagabonds du rêve

The story of this double quest, one of reaching adulthood by the heroes and the other of the victory of progress over obscurantism in a feudal and theocratic society (with a religion sufficiently different from those in the spotlight nowadays to avoid accusations of blasphemy), seems to me to be quite enjoyable the moment the initial fantasy “And if song were the universal energy of the world” is accepted through the book. A book which contains references to several works on singing and poetry, among others A Song for Arbonne by Guy Gavriel Kay and Song Masters by Orson Scott Card…

Georges Bormand, Phénix web

As to the plot, it is sufficiently complex to interest a wide readership. Musical technology is accompanied by magic (lyre, enchanter, discordance); the characters are well-drawn and often surprising. Although it is intended for young adults, the story is cleverly constructed. Respecting her principles, Danielle Martinigol blends love, adventure and new vistas. If Cantoria appeals to an older age group, younger children will be able to reflect on the importance of religion, politics and even musical education.

Cantoria is a real curiosity. It is an intensely detailed world and music is everywhere. There is such a vast plot that you would think it were a prologue to a saga. For those who are interested in finding out more, I suggest they log on to the Cantoria official website. The origin of the novel is explained, the scientific premise is (nearly) plausible. All that’s lacking is a musical excerpt.

Temps des livres

If thirteen-year-old readers want to find out about science fiction in a serious way then Cantoria is ideal for this purpose. It is a real adventure quest and we discover not only a planet and its laws, but also space and the mysteries surrounding it.

In addition, Cantoria is a work which encourages reflection on many points: religion, politics, economy… many universal subjects are dealt with, encouraging young readers not to take for granted every piece of information they come across.

We appreciate the quantity of research carried out by the author, concerning the credibility of her musical world: from first names to her own invented terminology (organ ships, discordance, enChanters…) Danielle Martingol gets us body and soul straight into her story.

The dialogues (and the characters) are delightful, completely natural, credible and never overplayed. Add to this some superbly written, memorable scenes and you get an extraordinary quality of narrative.

In conclusion, Cantoria is a great work, touching on many subjects, yet not losing its fundamental melody. Well-constructed, very well written, and above all original, it makes us want to read the next book and find out more about the many mysteries expounded. For thirteen or fourteen year-olds, not younger, because of the density and demands of the narrative.

Laura Vitali, ActuSF