The Violence of Sound is the second installment in The Invisible College series. I would definitely recommend reading the series in order.

In this story, you mostly read from the viewpoint of Robinson and McKenna. There are a few slow-burning plot threads that I definitely want to read to the end of the series to learn more about how they all tie together. I am hoping that the end of the series will have some good payoffs for all of the plot threads. I will definitely be waiting for the rest of the series to find out what happens to all of the characters and to learn more about the Aesir and their motivations.

This thrilling continuation of Robinson and McKenna’s adventure presented a fast pace ride with quite a few twists along the way. The unique magic system involving music and ‘intelligences’ continues to be expanded upon in this book. I’ve really enjoyed this style of magic system in this world. The magic mixed with mechanical devices reminds me of steampunk to some extent.

The struggle McKenna goes through with her desire to use magic and the challenges presented to her for that and living in society allows the reader to have a glimpse at what struggles someone who is deaf may go through. It’s refreshing to see an aspect of human life that isn’t often portrayed in content to be woven into a fantasy novel.

I am not sure if ‘The Invisible College’ series has ties into other worlds of Jeff Wheeler but I sure seemed to pickup hints about fountains at one point that made me think of his other series.

I immensely enjoy the audio narration by Kate Rudd. She brings to life all the characters in Jeff Wheeler’s books.

Oh, and the cliffhangers. It’s so difficult to read series that are still being written because of cliffhangers! I can’t wait for the next book to drop so I can consume it!

Having read Jeff Wheelers books for many years. I love the blend of taking some historical facts and then expanding with fiction to ramp up the story. The characters are always so believable and create a fondness to the reader. This second book of the invisible college builds on the first one creating further depth of understanding. The pace and story telling makes it so compelling it’s hard not to stop thinking about when you’re not reading it. I am always disappointed when the book ends. It’s another Jeff Wheeler magical world that you just want to learn more about and just can’t wait for the next chapter to unfold.

The second book in the series is just as captivating as the first—I couldn’t put it down, especially after that cliffhanger ending. Jeff Wheeler has created one of the most fascinating fantasy worlds I’ve ever encountered, with a unique magic system based on music. I haven’t seen anything quite like it in any other fantasy series.

It was great to reunite with familiar characters, and I loved how quickly Robinson was “adopted” by his in-laws. The character development was also well done, particularly with McKenna’s sister, Clara. I struggled to understand her behavior in the first book, but she grew on me in this one.

Although I know the inspiration was different, the main characters reminded me of Margaret Hale and John Thornton from *North and South*, one of my favorite classics. The book’s atmosphere as a whole also evoked the same timeless feel. Both protagonists are deeply dedicated to their beliefs, which made their journey even more compelling.

I can’t wait for the last two books in the series.

Wonderful follow-on to the 1st book! Engaging read!
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2025
If you enjoy expert character development, a unique system of magic, compelling 3D characters (both those you love and those you hate), and dramatic plot twists, you are going to love this book and this series! Mr. Wheeler’s world-building and the internal cohesion of the internal history and overall story continue to amaze. The romances are sweet, real, and clean, a refreshing change from many authors! The author does a nice job bringing new readers up-to-speed on key elements from the first book without disrupting the flow too much. A very enjoyable and engaging read!

A world war has come with the awakening of an evil force, the Aesit.
These ancient people want to kill and destroy and seem undefeatable. However, our protagonist, Professor Robinson Hawksley, invents a device that might give the world a fighting chance.
As Robinson and McKenna grow in their love, they also begin to gain an understanding of their magic. But you know, we are only seeing the beginning of what they will be capable of.
I cheered for our heroes and screamed at the evil doers. Read this series. I read everything Jeff Wheeler writes, and this book delivers.

The Violence of Sound picks up right where book one left off. In this installment of the series we’re diving deeper into the magic system, uncovering shocking hidden identities, political intrigue, and sabotage. I was once again swept away by the wonderful world-building and unique magic system that still fascinates me.

One of the things I really enjoyed was the extensive vocabulary sprinkled throughout. I love when an author pushes me to learn while reading, and the occasional definitions woven into the text felt natural and fun. Add in deaf representation, respectful depictions of love and marriage (the MMC constantly valuing his wife’s well-being and opinions was such a highlight), and gentle closed-door spice, and you’ve got a story that balances magic, mystery, and romance beautifully.

While death in battle is present, it never veers into being overly gruesome, which I appreciate. The pacing kept me engaged the whole way through, and then, of course, it ends on a massive cliffhanger that has me itching for the next installment.

In true Jeff Wheeler fashion, this second installment of "The Invisible College " leads you through a tumult of emotions. You continue your journey with Robinson, McKenna, and Wickins as they try to uncover more information about what is behind the Aesir threat. Feelings of deja vu and tantalizing memories surface in the newlyweds, and strange new threats reveal themselves. Magic, music, epic love, and mystery... what more could I wish for.


Thank you again Jeff Wheeler for exceeding expectations, you threw in enough curveballs to keep me guessing!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m a bit late writing it. We are introduced to a new world in this series. It’s got all of the fantasy elements with a new magic system, but it also has aliens. I absolutely love when a fantasy world incorporates sci-fi elements. The characters are interesting, and there are some unexpected twists that have me eagerly awaiting the next in the series.

A great continuation of the Invisible College series. We continue to follow Robinson and McKenna's relationship in a Victorian world filled with magic and industry. The characters are sweet and keep facing challenges that they must overcome in their young relationship. It is refreshing to have one of the main characters be deaf. This seems to be something lacking in a lot of books I read. Be warned, this is a second book of a series and does end on a cliffhanger. I can't wait to find out how the story continues .

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I am really enjoying this series. It's such a unique world and magic system and I haven't read anything like it before. I really love McKenna's love of words and how rich the vocabulary is throughout.

The multi facets of this book make it compelling reading. A brilliant storyteller, Jeff Wheeler has done it again, created a believable alternative world filled with characters that come to life.

Nope.. I tried….The style didn’t resonate with me and the world building didn’t capture my attention. There are many readers who love this book so there is definitely an audience. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

4.5 Stars 🌟

One thing about Mr. Wheeler is that he excels at world building - in creating completely new and different worlds that are very character heavy with strong character relationships. THIS series, is a big departure from the other series that he has been known for (The Kingfountain World with its many different series, the World of Muirwood, the Harbinger series.....etc).

In this new world, we have been introduced to a brand new race - a magical race called the Aesir. The Aesir lived very long ago in a world of extreme cold. They built cities of ice carved from massive glaciers and were very long lived -basically immortal. At that time in the past- they did work along side humans (well, maybe along side is a misnomer. Let's just say they allowed humans to serve them... ) and sometimes shared some of their magic and technology. But something happened. No one from this time period knows what, as it was so long ago and there is no one alive anymore from that time period - but it shattered whatever good will existed between the two species.

So now, they go into a period of almost slumber or hibernation during the months of warmer weather but when they wake up - all bets are off and they begin to attack and try to eliminate the human race from their existence. A lot of this was unraveled in the first book- but it was still a bit confusing.

The magic system in this world is also unique - and again, in the first book I had a difficult time understanding the specifics of it. It is based on music, humming, notes. Basically, spells are sung.

Our FMC McKenna was born deaf. In this world, that is like being born with leprosy. People are afraid to let their children near deaf people. What makes everything so interesting is that McKenna is brilliant (and she comes from a family of extremely intelligent parents and siblings) they have done their best to treat her to live as normally as possible. Through their teachings, her work with linguists and her ability to lip read - you would never know that she could not hear. Unfortunately, though, magic has to be sung and that is the one thing that she has not yet been able to master because she has never ever heard a musical note and trying to sing - and in the right key....well, it is just really hard. BUT, she is tenacious, and I would not put it past her to knock everyone socks off when she breaks that barrier.

I book one she falls in love with and marries Professor Robinson Hawksley, he is also a brilliant scientist and is probably one of the brightest men in his field at this time. He is constantly inventing new inventions that stun their society. See, if that were the only problems going on - it would still be an intriguing book - but things are not what they seem.

Something is going on with McKenna. Something is going on at the Invisible College - which is the association of sorcerers who are supposed to be above reproach (yeah, I laughed while typing that too). The army is also involved in their war against the Aesir and have done many unethical things that they justify by saying they are trying to save lives. Sound familiar? That’s a common philosophy from soldiers in any country. The ends justify the means.

So, as this book unfolds, McKenna and Rob are learning that they are involved over their heads. There are MANY factions interested in them. Some to help them, but others to get rid of them, and even others to try to steal their work (and THEN kill them).

I didn't mean to go into that much detail, but there really is a lot going on. Mr. Wheeler has done a fantastic job with the characters in this book. Both of our MC's are easy to like and to root for. They are strong, smart and devious(ha! Love to see them being so underestimated). The secondary characters are also amazing - as they are willing to blindly follow their friends because they trust and have faith in what they are being told as McKenna and Rob get deeper and deeper into the craziness.

Sooo, yes, this story is complicated, but man is it addictive. As usual, Mr. Wheeler somehow creates a world that once the world is built in your mind, then it is time to just hang on for the ride.

I'm assuming this is going to be a trilogy, but honestly, I have no idea. I just know that things are at a point where I REALLY am looking forward to the next book :)

Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on April 15, 2025.

Love it so much I hate it 🤣

Read at your own risk of:

1. Loving McKenna and Robinson, and how their marriage grows in this book. (love the very sweet chaste kisses and how the door stays closed- perfect for teens)

2. Loving the worldbuilding - Steampunk + Intelligences + an evil magic ice magic race + invention contests

3. Staying up all night because you have to know what happens next even though your friends already told you its book two so expect it to end on a cliff hanger

4. REALLY cool music magic that has you fascinated and wanting to study music

5. Wanting to have a dictionary on hand because they use big words that are really cool, but you need a dictionary

6. Very hateable villains that make you want to pull your hair out

7. ALL THE SUSPENSE - and loving it


8. Did I mention Robinson? love that guy. a very devoted husband who is just awesome.

9. Wickins + Clara - nough said

10. Because it's a Jeff Wheeler book and now you want to read everything else from the World's of Jeff Wheeler because there's gotta be something/somehow it ties into the rest of his books (I'm determined to find the little snippets)


⚠️Deaf representation. refer to authors note from book one - The Invisible College
⚠️Death (it's fantasy- but it's not gruesome)

After a painful two months of DNF 1 star novels, I was ever hopeful to get the advanced copy of a new Jeff Wheeler. Lately, I have boiled down to a very select group of reliable authors. It is very disheartening that list has dwindled as many authors cave to publishing pressure. With a very glad heart, I am happy to slap 4 stars on Violence of Sound.

Four star factors:
* The system of how intelligences drive techonolgy is an incredibly refreshing viewpoint. I'm also hooked on the arguments being had for patents versus creative development. How the research and inventions drive society makes this book relatable and tensions high so you just can't stop at one chapter.
* Music as the foundation for magic. Be it instruments or voices, magic cannot be created otherwise. This creates the incredibly real caste system. Talented musicians are ever escalating. Practiced individuals can climb the ranks with extreme effort and some prejudice. For those who are deaf, they are beneath society and treated as a subordinate class.
* Semblances. Are they alive or spirits? Are they parasites or symbiotes? So many questions about the Aesir in general actually. The curiosity is peaked, and I look forward to the finale.
* Military, government, and Invisible College. All systems are working independently towards the same goal yet get in each others' way because of the inevitable corruption of authority. With very real consequences to bystanders.

The fantasy concepts overlay many real spiritual doctrines giving the reader plenty to contemplate while still being an entertaining read. Plenty of ethical questions raised, but the author leaves the reader to come to their own conclusions. My sole reason from this being 5 stars are Robinson and McKenna. Big points for providing some of the most realistic newlywed depiction in fiction while remaining clean. There is just something about their personalities that just does not suit my reading preference. No fault to the writing or narrative--as I cannot reiterate enough how realistic their emotions in a new, rushed relationship are portrayed--just a personal gripe about them as characters.

Jeff Wheeler continues his excellent storytelling with the continuation of Robinson and McKenna's adventures. The mystery unfolds but keeps readers wondering how it will end. The book ends on a cliffhanger; I can't wait to find out what happens next. Well done

4.45 stars, rounded for goodreads.

We continue on from where The Invisible College leaves off, diving deeper into the politics of war with the Aesir (and those trying to thwart or otherwise influence it). Not to mention the semblance hunting and confusion because they could be anybody! I wouldn't say this is incredibly fast paced, but it was steady with some heart pounding moments throughout. The last page of the book gave me questions! But that's how you pull the people in.

This book proved to be a great commentary on the insidiousness of corruption of power and the pursuit of truth despite. (General Colsterworth's gave very interesting insight into this.) There are words of wisdom sprinkled throughout this book which resonates with me, both while reading and upon reflection. This story holds so much character which I do find dear.

The magic system continues to be intriguing and unique. It's interesting to see different facets from the intelligences themselves and their personalities to the music that summons them to the magical inventions that harness them to the still mysterious artifacts. I think those will play a big role in book 3!

The relationship between Robinson and McKenna, now in the context of marriage, was very sweet, even while dealing with some VERY major issues in their relationship. The writing is clean (wholesome, some breathless kissing, light suggestive writing), but I think the level of writing is perfect for the story. I enjoyed the focus on the little touches of affection between husband and wife which are rarely talked about but paint a picture of intimacy and are especially necessary for one who is deaf. Just like with The Invisible College, I was amazed with how well written McKenna's pov's were written in the context of her deafness. Her lip reading is quite the superpower, though. It was hard to read about the discrimination toward her (and others), but it was necessary to include and was written in a very natural way vs a hit-you-over-the-head kind of way. Much appreciated. Jeff Wheeler is a wonderful writer and excels at the subtlety.

Thank you to Jeff Wheeler, 47North, and netgalley for a copy of the book to read and review. I will await with bated breath for the third book to come available! All opinions are my own.

Oh my, that was so good! Robinson and McKenna are back and fighting against greater powers than them from every side!

In book 1 The Invisible College McKenna and Robinson fight against the immortal enemy, the Aesir, head on, but in this book it's all about subterfuge. It's fighting dirty, it's testing ties, it's figuring out who to trust, all the while preparing for winter where the tangible enemy awakens with their plagues and frontal attacks. Even as a reader you are suspicious of everyone, since we learned in book 1 that a narrator can be unreliable.

Who do WE trust as the reader? Who will gut US or stab US in the back in the next book?

Jeff Wheeler is an amazing storyteller to provoke these emotions and sense of paranoia.

And that cliffhanger? Oh dear....