Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley

Magonia
Written by Maria Dahvana Headley
Fantasy, Paranormal
Expected Publication April 27th 2015
320 Pages
Add to Goodreads
★★★★★
Aza Ray Boyle is drowning in thin air. Since she was a baby, Aza has suffered from a mysterious lung disease that makes it ever harder for her to breathe, to speak, to live. So when Aza catches a glimpse of a ship in the sky, her family chalks it up to a cruel side effect of her medication. But Aza doesn't think this is a hallucination. She can hear someone on the ship calling her name.

Only her best friend, Jason, listens. Jason, who's always been there. Jason, for whom she might have more than friendly feelings. But before Aza can consider that thrilling idea, something goes terribly wrong. Aza is lost to our world, and found, by another. Magonia.

Above the clouds, in a land of trading ships, Aza is not the weak and dying thing she was. In Magonia, she can breathe for the first time. Better, she has immense power, but as she navigates her new life, she discovers that war between Magonia and Earth is coming. In Aza's hands lies fate of the whole of humanity, including the boy who loves her. Where do her loyalties lie?
Aza Ray wasn't expected to reach her tenth birthday, never mind turn sixteen in a few days. She suffers from a debilitating and deadly mystery illness, where she struggles to breathe. Her only friend and partner in crime Jason, the only person in Aza's life who sees more than the girl on the verge of death. But as Aza prepares to reach her milestone, she begins seeing ships in the sky and whispers calling her name, but no one else seems to notice. A sure sign her illness is progressing and hallucinations are now taking hold.

The legend of the Magonians depicts a mythical race that live within the clouds upon skyships, stealing crops to feed their population. Discovered by man when a sailor fell from the sky and drowned within the air, proving that there may be something unseen between heaven and earth. But as Aza's birthday approaches, her health begins to fail, a foreign object found inside her lung and a tragic accident that will end her life... On the ground.
If this is it for me, if this is the last day I'm going to be alive?
Why not be brave?
Aboard the skyship she once believed she had hallucinated, Aza can finally breathe. She isn't the frail girl who is on the verge of dying, but a strong young woman to be feared. The Magonians have been searching for her, her fate placing her in a pending war between the Magonians and Drowners, a name given to the human population on the ground. The Magonians believe that Aza will be their savior, as she discovers that not only can she finally breathe, but can use the power of song to destroy the world. But Jason knows that Aza is alive, their years of friendship not allowing him to believe otherwise, and he doesn't plan to letting her go without a fight.

Kelly's Thoughts

I'm utterly giddy. Magonia, without a doubt is one of the most lovely, imaginative and simply beautiful read. It's bizarre, delicious and a blend of a emotional contemporary and divinely magical fantasy. There is truly no words that can do Magonia justice. I loved it deeply.


It's not often that a book comes along that is utterly perfect, and Magonia is immaculate. Aza is a spunky, clever and quick witted protagonist. She's suffered from a mystery illness since she was young and had never known how to live as a normal teen. She's been friends with Jason ever since she can remember, their banter only fueling their natural spark between the two. He understands that Aza is living on borrowed time, but doesn't dwell on what should have been but rather celebrate his time left with Aza. He's in love with her. He sees beyond the pale skin and need to protect her. He talks in riddles, placing his faith in facts. So when Aza believes she's seeing skyships that call to her, he believes he has the answers she's looking for. Their friendship was easy, simplistic and just so lovely. He believes her, and believes in her and will do anything to bring her back.

The world of Magonia was simply magical and took my breath away. Steamships in the sky, a race of cloud dwellers that travel the Earth gathering food and supplies to sustain their people. They're not human, but eerie yet beautiful bird hybrids. Inside their chest, each holds a small bird that joins each Magonian in song. Songs that have the power to change the world. It was glorious. Yes, I swooned.

On board, it's Dai's responsibility to teach Aza how to reach her potential, bonded to one another while Aza refuses to forget the boy who stole her heart. As the storyline of lies, deception and the pending war unravels, Aza finds herself torn between head and heart.

But the most remarkable aspect of Magonia is the writing. It was so impeccably beautiful that my heart ached.
Heroes die young. Would you choose to be less than a hero? Here, the sky will light with fire for you. Our funerals are their sunsets.
I fell in love with the written word all over again.

Maria Dahvana Headley is phenomenal. She's crafted a unique and vividly stunning storyline, a whimsical world of mythology and characters you'll fall in love with. My goodness how I adored it, my heart is still fluttering.

45 comments

  1. Aw. You've been getting some pretty good books lately! I'm intimidated by this one, because it sounds suspiciously like a fantasy read more than anything. And you know how I don't do fantasy well. Lol.

    Marvellous review, as always, Kelly!

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    1. Thanks Joy. I really have. There's been so many incredible fantasy fusion young adult out this year and loving the new direction it's heading in. Fantasy with a touch of whimsical and lyrical prose. It's absolute heaven and this has been my favourite so far.

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  2. This one has been getting some really, really good reviews! So obviously I'm going to have to get my hands on a copy ASAP. Apart from sounding amazing, I really, really love that cover, too. Lovely review. :D

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    1. You HAVE to Kara, my goodness, it's so utterly beautiful that I was on the verge of tears with just how pretty the whole concept was. Neil Gaiman described her writing as dreamlike, and he's completely spot on.

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  3. I still haven't touched my arc I really don't know why. I'm so glad you loved it Kelly because pretty much everyone did too :P I'm so excited to start it. I've been DNFing books left and right and maybe this book will save me from my slump <3

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    1. What? Paula, you need to read this one. It's by far one of the best but definitely most loveliest books I've read. Ever. My heart ached, that's how utterly beautiful it was. If this wont pull you out of that horrid book funk, I dare say that nothing will. It was brilliant.

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  4. I love the gif you have used, it's so cute :) I have a copy of this somewhere in my kindle, but I haven't read it as of yet - I should though seeing how much you enjoyed reading it. The cover is very beautiful as well, I've read one review where they have said the plot has too much going on? Let's see.. I hope I do like reading Magonia as well. Lovely review <3 Benish | Feminist Reflections

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    1. It's from Love Actually, but that guy is also the one who plays Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead, so it's a bit of a two for one favourite. Just between us, I prefer the zombies though.

      You need to read it Benish, if you only read one fantasy novel this year, please let it be this one. I don't know about too much going on, but the world building is beautifully detailed, so much so that it really felt like a breath of fresh air. Please read this one soon, I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  5. I'm so conflicted about starting this one but you always know how to convince me with your words, Kelly.

    On the outside, Magonia sounds like something I wouldn't enjoy, just because the premise is promising me a storyline that's most commonly associated with contemporaries--something I avoid. BUT my one love in life remains beautiful, lyrical writing and Magonia seems to offer that and more!

    Beautiful review, as always, Kelly! <3

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    1. Jess my dear, you'll absolutely adore it. Everytime I read something so lyrically beautiful, I always think Jess will love this one. We both share that love of poetic prose and my goodness, I can't even begin to describe how utterly and devastatingly beautiful Magonia is.

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  6. I haven't heard of this one before (I feel so far out of the loop lol) but it sounds wonderful! I am definitely adding it to my TBR list. Wonderful review Kelly!

    - Wattle @ Whimsical Nature

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    1. Thanks Wattle. Once it's released, I can imagine this book will be everywhere. It was so achingly lovely and really looking forward to seeing what you think of it.

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  7. I love that this author has taken childhood illness and twisted it into fantasy. That really is unique and I can't wait to read it myself. Glad to hear the MC is a spunky one, I love those! lmao great review :D

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    1. Thanks Sarah. Aza is gorgeous! Even with her illness, she still has so much sass and spunk and never let's it get the better of her even when she's bedridden. She's a really likable protagonist and I can't wait until you get your hands on a copy.

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  8. Gosh, I'm sooo confused! This is the next Red Queen book, amazing and raving reviews on one side and terrible destroying ones on the other..
    I want to read it but you know when you are so excited about something and then something else happens and it just ruins the whole thing for you? That's kind of what happened with this book..

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    1. I'm all for freedom of speech for those who didn't enjoy it, but I can't fathom how anyone could have not liked Magonia, it was brilliant. It was quite hyped when I picked up my copy too Frannie and I tried not to read the other early reviews, but for me it surpassed the hype. I absolutely loved it. More than cake.

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  9. What?! I totally need to read this! I've never heard of it before!

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    1. You totally do Alyssa, it's absolutely breathtaking!

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  10. THIS SOUNDS BEAUTIFUL. I confess I basically want to read it because isn't it pitched as John Green meets Neil Gaiman?! Which is like the WEIRDEST pitch in the world and I want to see how it works. xD

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    1. I can see why though, as strange as it sounds. It's a beautiful mix of contemporary and fantasy, but the writing! Oh my goodness, it's one of the most loveliest things I've ever read.

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  11. I haven't heard of this one, but wow, your review is great ! love it! And the cover, so pretty!! Totally need to get me hands on this! :)

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    1. The cover is just as lovely as the book itself, which is quite rare I've found. Usually super pretty cover equals disappointment for me. But it was beautiful!

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  12. This sounds so, so interesting. A character with a chronic illness and a mythological world all in one book? It definitely sounds like a lot to handle, but if done right it sounds like it could be amazing. And from what you've said Kelly, it sounds like it was done flawlessly. Definitely going to have to give this a try; thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! ♥ Glad to see you're on such a positive book streak! ;)

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    1. It sounds really busy, but the writing was so effortless that it really worked. And I know I keep banging on about it, but the beauty of it made my heart ache. If you love the lyrical and whimsical, you'll absolutely adore this Zoe.

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  13. I HAVE THIS. I HAVE THIS. You make it sound amazing Kelly. Of course it must be hahah. And I've also heard so much about the writing. I AM EXCITED. I AMMMMMMM. :) Can't wait to get to it this summer!

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    1. READ THIS. READ THIS. It was glorious! Don't delay, read it now. Put everything else aside and immerse yourself. I can't wait to see what you think of it poppet!

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  14. The premise does sound promising, and from the sound of the imaginative take on the prose, the author seems to have a gift at detailing vivid and interesting scenes. I do appreciate this aspect very much in the books I read. I'm adding this one for sure! As always, wonderful review Kelly! <3

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    1. Thanks Claudia.

      It was, and when Neil Gaiman described her as writing like a dream, he wasn't wrong. It was utterly gorgeous and can't wait to see what you think of it. I think you'll absolutely fall in love with Magonia Claudia.

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  15. I can feel the love Kelly! So much! And that cover is gorgeous! I'm glad that this is more than just a beautiful cover though. The premise sounds awesome but I don't think any writer can pull this off so now I want to see what made this work! Adding this on my wishlist! Awesome review!

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    1. Thanks Amir. I can't even begin to describe how utterly beautiful this book is. It made my heart ache. I'm all about the beautifully lyrical reads, and this was perfect.

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  16. Oh wow, I've seen a couple of mixed reviews for this but you just managed to convince me to actually pick this up. I was leery at first because I feel like the whole fantasy and world building shindig would seem too complicated. But glad to know you loved this one! Wonderful review as always, Kelly!

    Blessie @ Mischievous Reads

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    1. You need this book Blessie. It's beautiful. You know when something is just so stunning that you feel yourself choking up? This is THAT book. I hope you can pick up a copy soon, I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  17. Aww so glad you loved this one Kels! I didn't love it as much as you did, but it was very unique and I enjoyed it quite a lot. :D I had a lot of problems with the world building though, which fell flat for me personally. But I'm just very picky I gues *sigh* Beautiful review! xx

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    1. Thanks Joy. And oh no, but I can see that those tight into fantasy might have had a few issues though. Being a standalone really didn't allow for that epic type of world building that we usually see with series reads. I'm really disappointed that it's NOT a series actually. I already want to reread it.

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  18. This sounds like such an incredibly beautiful book, completely magical and enchanting with the bird people and the city in the sky. It reminds me of a japanese RPG game I used to play! Lovely review Kelly!

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    1. You're spot on Jeann, it's completely enchanting. I hadn't heard of the fable before, not sure if it's entirely fictional for the purposes of the book but the premise is absolutely lovely. I think you'll really enjoy Magonia, it's stunning!

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  19. This book sounds beautiful! I can say that I am going to love this book hust after reading the blurb and the review.I just added this to my TBR!
    Thanks to the recommendation and wonderful review Kelly!

    P.S-I love your new design.It looks amazing!

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    1. Thanks Mishma. On both counts.

      It's absolutely stunning, the premise, the execution and the lyrical style of writing. It'll make your heart flutter madly! I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  20. This book has been getting so much hype lately and every where I go, I see more and more people loving it so obviously, I need to get around to reading it! That is the only way I can fit in with the cool kids.

    And since it's already out, I guess I just need to pop over to the library and demand a copy of this wonderfullness.

    I am glad you loved this book so much, Kelly! If I don't love it as much as you did, I guess you know to expect me at your door, pounding and demanding answers <3 (JK. I wouldn't blame you!)

    Rashika @ The Social Potato

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    1. Yes! Yes you do at once! You must correct these life choices and drop everything!

      You'll absolutely adore it. It's just so beautiful and lyrical and beautiful. Did I mention how beautiful it is?

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  21. I am so glad you loved this one. It sounds so magical and wonderful and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
    I just love the cover. Great review.

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    1. I totally did Rochelle, it's been one of the best and most imaginative books I've read not only this year, but ever. I can't wait to see what you think of it and that cover is absolutely divine!

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  22. I am crying right now! I cannot wait to read Magonia. I hope our bookstores here have the books already once it is released. ARGH. As always, Kelly, you write a fabulous review. You never fail to pursue me. <3

    Yani @ Paper Boulevard

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    1. I can't wait for you to read it either Yani. It's absolutely stunning! The writing, the premise and the execution. My only complaint is that I need more!

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  23. Such a beautiful review, Kelly! I'm a big fan of beautiful writing so I think I would definitely want to read this one. And that relationship between Aza and Jason sounds so precious. That new world sounds unique, though the plotline sounds common. Or will I be actually surprised? :P

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