The Harp of Kings by Juliet Marillier

Eighteen-year-old Liobhan is a powerful singer and an expert whistle player. Her brother can play the harp and make it talk to the listeners.  They both can sing beautifully.  They could be bards but they want to be warriors and are training for that.  Then they are chosen for a spy mission before they finish their training.  Maybe this is a test...

Ace and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published September 3rd.

The ancient harp that must be played at the coronation of the new King has been stolen.  Their assignment is to find it.

This is a magical fantasy read that flows well and makes you feel like you are part of the story.

Brocc is her brother but he's part fae.  After staying with the druids for a while, he sneaks off to visit the witch lady in the woods.  He thinks she might know where the harp is.  She doesn't but she sets him off on another trail into the woods.  He finds a wall there with no door but he hears someone singing on the other side.  He begins finishing stanzas and soon he sees a crack in the wall he can get access through.  When he enters he finds himself in fairy land.

This story is complex.  There are unusual creatures, a dog that listens to the woman and does what she says, an enemy of Liobhan's becomes her friend, her brother finds love, and the chosen King is someone most people have forgotten about.

I enjoyed this read a lot more than I thought I would.  If you like fantasy and magic, you'll like this book.