The second book in the Invisible College Series and to really get into the story I had to wait a second, that is to say that the book starts with a slower pace which may ring some alarm bells but good things come to those who wait, and wait I did.
Once the switch flipped there was no going back and I was strapped in for the ride .
The world is both complex , intriguing and yet easy to follow– a treat for us visual thinkers , and there is engaging prose holding the book's hand throughout.
In conclusion I would recommend this series to someone who wishes to slow things down a bit, and escape for a while, and this specific book was such a perfect mid season read.

This book was amazing. The author builds such an amazingly complicated, yet easy to follow world. The characters are easy to connect with and the story pulls you in. Waiting until September for the next book is going to be difficult with where the story left off.

The Violence of Sound by Jeff Wheeler is the second installment of The Invisible College series. The second book had such a slow start, that I considered abandoning it, but once the switch flipped and pace picked up, I could not put it down, though I was tempted to throw my eReader against a wall, only because

The narration by Kate Rudd was extremely well done. It was engaging and she was able to give each character a unique voice, making the story easy to follow.

Thank you to Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio and 47North for the opportunity to listen to this ALC and read the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Book Rating: 4 Stars
Audiobook Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Apr 15 2025

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#TheInvisibleCollege
#JeffWheeler
# KateRudd
#YarisBookNook
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This series is brilliant! Frequently I find the second book in trilogies to be more of a placeholder, filling space until the conclusion. THAT IS NOT THE CASE HERE! This book takes the brilliance of the first book and adds layer upon layer of intrigue, character development, and story. It's as if the author has decided that as readers we are moving up a level in the Invisible College and are therefore ready to know more.

The writing is smart. The storytelling is engaging and character driven. The world building and the creative magic system are unique, intriguing, and well fleshed out. I love the intelligence and sense of morality that the author has given to the characters. They act with honor and integrity in a world where those things can be lacking.

The Violence of Sound (the title of this book is profound) is a stellar read. It will have you turning pages late into the night and will ultimately leave you satisfied, yet thirsting for the final book in this riveting and imaginative trilogy.

I listened to the audiobook version after reading it and I would highly recommend it. The narration is engaging and emotive and the characters really come to life.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story was a page turner, I hated to put it down to do anything else. There are details that help the reader picture the scenes, world, and characters but done so skillfully you see clearly as the story/plot progresses quickly but smoothly. Interesting world, as society encompasses old world horse and buggies with magical lights and trains that hover. The subject of deaf culture is explored. I appreciated the insights into an area that I had limited knowledge. Mr. Wheeler brings the challenges of deaf people to light as well as historical ignorance. McKenna and Robison’s development grow as they face challenges. Love the absent minded yet brilliant character of Robinson as well as his dedication to integrity. McKenna, always striving to achieve her goals. A fight between good and evil they face together. Kept me guessing the entire time about what would happen next. I always try to determine where the story will go and solve the mystery (love a good mystery) but was constantly surprised. Some questions get answered, that I had from the first book in this series, The Invisible College, which I recommend reading first because the characters grow so much along the way. I would definitely recommend. I’ve been a fan of this author’s books for a while now. Enjoyed the originality of this world he created and would recommend. Happy reading!!

This second book in the Invisible College series picks up where the previous book in the series left off as Robinson prepares to present his invention. The author helpfully provides enough context to serve as a refresher for those who haven't read The Invisible College recently, but subtly enough that it doesn't detract from the story.

Once again, the world-building is top notch. In this world, magic is controlled through music and humans are at war with creatures known as the Aesir. The story alternates between the point of view of inventor Robinson and that of his wife MacKenna, who is deaf. The concept of a deaf person in a world where sound is vital is deftly and sensitivity presented.

A recommended read for fans of Jeff Wheeler.

Thank you to Netgalley and 47North for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jeff Wheeler does it again with The Violence of Sound, the thrilling second installment in The Invisible College series. This book absolutely must be read in order, as it picks up right where the first left off and dives even deeper into the rich, mysterious world he’s crafted.

McKenna and Robinson shine in this installment—their relationship continues to grow in such a compelling and heartfelt way, and I loved every moment of it. Their dynamic adds so much emotional depth to a story already packed with adventure and intrigue.

The world building is, once again, top-tier. Wheeler introduces an evil ice-magic race that adds an eerie intensity to the stakes. Add to that a steady stream of creative inventions, pulse-pounding suspense, and the unique and fascinating system of music magic, and you’ve got a fantasy that feels both fresh and immersive.

I also really appreciated the deaf representation—it’s handled with care and authenticity, enriching the story and giving it even more emotional resonance.

And then… that cliffhanger! I was on the edge of my seat by the end, and now I’m counting down the days until the final book in the trilogy.

If you enjoy inventive fantasy, a touch of romance, and stories that keep you guessing, you’ll love The Violence of Sound. I devoured it and can’t wait to see how it all wraps up!

I love that this book picks up where the first book ended and that it gives you reminders of characters and events when they occur of what happened in the first book so you're not lost. It is slower than the first book but it still hold a lot of mystery and intrigue. I love the words Jeff uses in these series and I feel like I'm learning as I'm getting immersed into this world. All the world building he does is phenomenal and I truly wish we could live in this society where honor and honestly is upheld in the highest degree. We also need a moment to praise McKenna's father because regardless of his position in society and how society sees his daughter and the deaf community, he stands up for them and for Rob and we need more of him! I feel bad for Rob and McKenna because they're relationship has been anything but normal and easy, so why should their honeymoon be any different? But this book dives into some of the unanswered questions from the first book but it introduces more questions I need answers to. It just keeps you diving into that rabbit hole for more answers. The twist I did not see and the ending! Ugh, book 3 could not come any sooner!

3.5 stars
Good second book in a series, it adds characters other elmenta to further build the world. I kinda wish it gave a little more about the kings dauthwr but obviously that reveal will come in the next book.

I was so glad to discover Jeff Wheeler and the magical worlds he has created in his books. I’ve read every one. Usually, I finish them very quickly and find myself looking forward to the next one. I am disappointed when I finish a series and must look for something else to read.

I’ve found this series to be a bit different. It took me a minute to get into The Invisible College, the first book in the series. But, suddenly, to my surprise, I had finished it and was looking forward to the next installment. The Violence of Sound did not disappoint. The characters are well-developed. The dialogue and story are interesting. Rob continues to show his genius with magic and his quirky personality is engaging. What will he think of next? Plus, I’m very interested in discovering what happened to McKenna in her near drowning experience. More is revealed in this book on both fronts and I’m really enjoying this new world that Jeff has created.

This one has pulled me in even deeper into and I can’t wait for the next one. Highly recommended!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review (which I was super excited about, as Jeff Wheeler is one of my favorite authors!)

One of Wheeler's talents is creating rich stories that manage to remain "clean" without sacrificing intrigue, excitement, or complex ideas. "The Violence of Sound" is no exception! Picking up where "The Invisible College" left off, this immersive, engrossing narrative continues to follow characters living in a universe with elements of steam punk, sci-fi, and regency.

Spoilers aren't my style; I'll leave it to you to discover the plot on your own.

If I have any criticism, it's occasionally-wordy phrasing and abundance of passive voice--but that may only bother me because I edit books for a living. It's nowhere near distracting enough to keep me from devouring every single book Wheeler puts out, as he weaves words and worlds that capture and enchant the imagination.

(My Amazon review is still pending, but here's my profile: https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AEEKHR6KS44L2EZIFSFRZKXTJ32A?
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7491626994)

The main protagonist, Hawksley, is a sorcerer and inventor who is married to an intelligent noble woman who may or may not be entirely human. Together they are unraveling military cover-ups, discovering ancient artifacts, and inventing life changing magics. But how deep does the corruption go?? Jeff Wheeler is a master at creating entire worlds, and he doesn't disappoint with this one. I especially love how he alludes to an ancient powerful human-like race, known as the Aesir, and even now after reading the second book I know JUST ENOUGH about this race to understand they are powerful and dangerous. However, there is SO MUCH more to their history than Jeff has allowed us to know yet!
This fast-paced cliffhanger will have you on the edge of your seat and chugging caffeine to keep you up all night to finish. And when you're done, you can join me in the line to read the third book when it is released.

Once again, I've been drawn into the world of Jeff Wheeler - and as always, I'm hooked. The Violence of Sound is set in a fantasical steampunk world where the power of sound holds immense societal and political power - if you know how to harness it. The characters are layered, dangerous, and compelling, and the plot twists just enough to keep you guessing. Wheeler's signature storytelling - thoughtful, morally complex, and magical - shines through in this richly imagined world. If you've loved his other series, you'll feel right at home. I thoroughly enjoyed reading every page.

The two main characters are a young married couple that are gifted with magic. Robinson Foster Hawksley and McKenna Aurora Hawksley (he takes her last name so she can get credit for the invention) keep working together with the purpose to stop a war between the Aesir (immortals) and the Mortals by using sound. Erlking rules the Aesir who's honor is bound to the truth while the Mortals use any means to archive their goal like duplicity and conniving. It reminded me of how's is nowadays 😔 even though to me the time in the story is the19th century.

General Colsterworth frequently participates in the narrative even with all the duties he has at the Gresham College in Bishopsgate and continues to pursue McKenna because he's sure she is semblance. His superior Master Drusselmehr starts harassing him because of all the things he has done.

It seems that everyone has conspired against Robinson so he won't be able to present his invention at the exhibit. And with all disputes inside the Invisible College it complicates things.


This book has a cliffhanger but I recommend it while you have book 1 fresh in your mind. I don't always remember the prior book and Mr Wheeler made me very happy when he wrote snippets of things that happened in book 1. I don't know where he get some of the words so I had to look them up to find out there are not in the dictionary.

I thought this was an incredible sequel to the Invisible College. I have really loved getting to know these characters and new realm. One of my favorite things about reading Jeff Wheelers series is the world-building and the intertwining of all the storylines and characters (I am very interested to see if this one does the same and we will get glimpses of Kingfountain or Muirwood). Being a more Industrial Revolution / steampunk type seating, it is definitely different than the other stories he’s written, and that seasoned readers know and love. I think he’s built up this new setting so well, and the Violence of Sound just augmented it. The mystery and intrigue of McKenna and Robinson’s connection and that to the Aesir is quite gripping. Time will tell what happens next… Needless to say, I am very much looking forward to reading the final installment of the trilogy!

A great second book to this series. It had been awhile since I read book one, so I had a lot of “oooh yeah!” moments as I remembered what had happened. I think I liked this one better. We got to see Rob and McKenna grow in their relationship. There were times that they each wanted to protect the other, but they definitely work best as a team. I love how we get to see the pov of the other side in this series. At one point it even humanizes one of them- not enough, but you can see that there may be something redeemable there. I can’t wait for the next book to release because that was one heck of a cliffhanger!

The Violence of Sound, is author Jeff Wheeler's intriguing newest addition to The Invisible College arc. In this refreshing novel, Mr. Wheeler stays the course with his consistently clean and interesting stories. While this book is a bit slow to get started, my advice is to stick with it because the adventure is worth it. As always, I enjoy letting my kids read Mr. Wheeler's novels too.
Catch up with newly-wedded characters Rob and McKenna who are experiencing honeymoon bliss. Or are they? Of course they are not doing anything of the kind. Rob and McKenna both have some interesting developments regarding a dangerous, life-altering secret. My kids' favorite part of The Violence of Sound was the demise of one of the antagonists. They thought that it was so creative because many authors won't go this route. Most authors kill of characters with magic swords, guns, or with epic battles. This death is subtle and ingenious.
For myself, I really liked how Mr. Wheeler portrayed more of the practical side of marriage in The Violence of Sound. It definitely is not all sunshine and lollipops, especially when the shine is still on the wedding bands. Marriage is hard work, sacrifices, mistakes, surprises of all varieties, and lots of snoring for all parties. Rob and McKenna still have a cute and magical relationship but it was nice to read a novel where the protagonists don't have a swimmingly great time on their honeymoon. It made the characters more relatable which is something that Mr. Wheeler excels at writing. I feel that this novel really captures a great moment in time of what is sure to be an epic love story for Rob and McKenna, complete with their pet dog intelligence.
This was a really fun read and I am very much looking forward to the next installment of The Invisible College arc.
As ever, I am grateful to Mr. Wheeler and his publisher, 47North, for the advance readers copy.

Overall this book was fantastic. Kept me interested all the way through and was much better than the first book! (I had a lot of qualms with the suddeness of the romance last book where it seemed like Rob lost all of his critical thinking and decision making skills) I felt like the characters were developed well and we got to see some morally grey characters show their colors. We also got to see more of the bad guy. I was hoping for a reveal of who Rob really is in this book but alas we shall continue to wait for that! Overall I am very pleased and will definitely continue eagerly reading this series!

Spice: 2/5 with fade to black



This was my only main frustration from this book:

In ch 11 we found out that Robinson needed to apologize to McKenna to get the intelligences to listen to him and lend him magic. Instead of Rob now needing to find some other way to overcome this challenge now that Mckenna is headed out of town on the train, Jeff promptly changed the narrative to where the dog intelligence was just taking a long time to get there. If the intelligences are founded on the honor of those who use them, then that needs to be consistent. Rob should not have been able to use the dog intelligence if he hadn't reconciled with McKenna.

I struggled with the first book. This sequel was so much better. Maybe because it was not dragged down with world building. I loved the dog intelligence and Mckenna's sister Clara. Would like to see more of her. Very interested to see what is going to happen with McKenna. Really hope she and Rob get a happy ending.

Jeff Wheeler has become an auto buy author for me and his latest work, The Violence of Sound, does not disappoint. I read the first book in the Invisible College series before starting this one so I wouldn't have any questions. And I'm glad I did. (It, too, was excellent.)

McKenna and Robinson, a young married couple are navigating life in the time of war. We have a steampunk Victorian setting, a magic system using sound, a College that isn’t a typical college, and an alien enemy who can completely take over their family, friends, or associates. What’s not to love? Add in a smart and talented deaf main character (McKenna) who is determined to join the College despite her disability and you've got a book that is difficult to put down.

This is as good a fantasy as I’ve read lately. The characters are fun, there are lots of family and friends who want to protect or help or caution the young couple. The cliffhanger of an ending has me eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.