In this second installment of The Invisible College series, the reader once more is reunited with Robinson and McKenna. Robinson is able to use sound and music to cast spells; he is a wizard at the College. He has fallen in love with and married McKenna who suffered total hearing loss caused by a "plague" released by the mysterious and seemingly destructive Aesir race that only appears during the winter months. McKenna very much wants to be a part of the Invisible College but is unable to do so because of her hearing impairment: though she speaks very clearly and communicates by reading lips, there seems to be no way for her to cast a spell, even when she knows the words, because she cannot hear.

This is not terribly discouraging to me because Wheeler's worlds are built upon unexpected gifts through supernatural powers, as we have seen in his other series, such as the Kingfountain, Muirwood, and others. There is a higher power that surpasses the human mind and often times is revealed in miraculous ways—as McKenna begins to experience powers she was hitherto been unaware of, the reader can safely surmise that the higher power has plans for this strong, dedicated, and caring young woman of integrity and bravery.

Robinson is dedicated (as an elocutionist) to assist McKenna overcome the obstacles of deafness to realize her dreams, while he is also very much committed to defeating the Aesir, who are difficult to track, see or hear until it is too late. Having lost his brother to the scourge of the Aesir, Robinson is not terribly strong himself, though he has survived the enemy's onslaught. But what he may lack in physical strength, he more than makes up for with his intelligence and his ability to use magic in a variety of ways. For example, he can play the violin and control the actions of those around him with the instrument through the melodies, pace, and intensity of his music. And his new invention may finally give the advantage to the military to discover and defeat the Aesir as they move to attack.

Beside the Aesir (who can take over a human's body without that person's appearance changing—called Semblances), there are other dark powers at work—one secret group wants to welcome the Aesir (through a concerted rebellious contingent of society that believe they should capitulate to the enemy); there are also other "players" within the government and military who seem to have a personal (and not honorable) stake in how the war proceeds/plays out.

So typical of the excellent writing and spellbinding creative genius apparent in the worlds he creates for the reader, Wheeler spins his tale with finesse, providing subtle foreshadowing that is almost impossible to detect, and characters that we can root for, care for...as well as villains of several kinds that create havoc, suspense, and a rumbling sense of intrigue as the pages turn and surprises (good and bad) are discovered at every turn.

The ending of this "installment" is definitely a cliffhanger on one hand, but also presents an enormous revelation on the other. The cliffhanger does not worry me—I have faith in the author's intent and "record" in his treatment of these very real characters. However, it is enlightenment delivered through the military officer Crossthwaite, in charge of seeking out Semblances within society and the military, that adds an entirely new layer to the story. It is in the last few pages that readers will be thrilled to discover another dimension of this struggle between good and evil that we could not have foreseen.

I LOVE how Wheeler uses music in this story—certainly most of us can agree that music can be very powerful. Mr. Wheeler, however, imbues it with power beyond entertainment, giving it a supernatural ability to create spells, enrapture audiences, and stop criminals (in their tracks) who hear him play. The concept of "the violence of sound" infers to the "other side" of sound, not at all musical in nature, that can be destructive. What a fertile imagination this author has.

I am happy to recommend this book. I was able to read it on NetGalley in advance. I cannot wait for the third book! Wheeler does not disappoint!!

⭐️2.75

I love this series so far.

Unfortunately, this second book didn't leave me as engaged as the first one.

But that END?!?!??! OMG

I highly enjoyed the first book in this series, The Invisible College, and so was excited to dive into book 2, The Violence of Sound, to find out where Rob and McKenna's adventures would take them next. It's a solid book 2, with plenty of intrigue and plot twists. There are also many quieter moments where we get to see Rob and McKenna's relationship deepen. Strengths include the enjoyable characters, worldbuilding, and deaf representation. Themes of love and war, and how far should the latter allow the government to go--such as secretly spying on private citizens in their homes--make it a timely read. It leaves off on a cliffhanger, promising there will be at least one more book in the series. From his author's note at the end of the book, he indicates it will only be a few month's wait!

Jeff Wheeler is an excellent writer who works so well with world-building and character growth. I have found myself so invested in The Invisible College world, and being able to return to it with the second installment in this series has been great.
The drama in this book made it hard to put down; I almost didn't want to go to work to finish it. Watching Robinson and McKenna's character growth and development in this book was so sweet and fulfilling. I cannot wait to see where this series goes. I rarely feel this invested in a series.
I have some regrets about reading this book before it comes out. I have to wait longer for the next book to come out. The reader torture at the end of the book... I had to stare at my ceiling for a little while to recover.
If you like high stakes at all times and getting attached to characters and their love, this book series is for you!!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC of The Violence of Sound!

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this book.

As always when it comes to reading anything by Jeff Wheeler, I was drawn right in and brought on a beautiful ride! I love this world and everything about it. The characters, the magic and world building is so in-depth and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me access to the e-arc and letting me review.

I loved the first book "Invisible College". It had a tight plot and the world building was amazing and I wanted to see where the story went.

The writing in "The violence of sound" is of similar quality as the first - easily understood and clear and concise. But the plotline needs some work - there were too many instances of the author bashing us on the head with the same scene and hand wringing Mckenna experiences.
Too many unexplained "uncanny" feelings that Mckenna and Rob couldn't explain.

It made for a frustrating read. It felt like the plot was going nowhere. I missed the urgency from the first book. There were also too many sappy love sick scenes that I could have done without. Nothing wrong with it, but just not my thing.

The first book was 4.5 for me, the second a 3.5 at best. Will I pick up the third book in the series? Very likely but if the same trend of circling plotlines and sappy love scenes continue, I might DNF. I hope an editor takes a good look at this.

The Violence of Sound masterfully blends dark themes of violence, morality, and power with deep character exploration in a richly crafted world. Though its pacing can be slow, especially early on, the emotional depth and complex relationships between the characters make the buildup worth it, culminating in a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Good follow up, a bit slow, seemed to wander a lot jumping back and forth. To be honest, not sure what the purpose of this book was, seemed like filler, did not really get anywhere.

Picking up right where *The Invisible College* left off, this book pulls readers deeper into the lives of inventor Robinson Hawksley, his wife McKenna, and—new in this installment—the enigmatic General Colsterworth. I loved how the multiple POV structure gave me such a rich understanding of the world and its conflicts. The chapter headings, written in Isaac Berrow’s voice, added an immersive touch, and I felt like I was part of this complex, high-stakes journey.

For me, Robinson and McKenna’s relationship is the heart of this book. Watching their bond grow as they faced escalating threats was both moving and deeply satisfying. McKenna’s perspective, especially as someone who is deaf, felt so unique and authentic. Wheeler wrote her with such care, and I found myself truly connecting with her struggles and resilience. Robinson, too, continued to shine as a reluctant hero whose devotion to McKenna made every challenge they faced feel personal. Their dynamic was beautiful to read, and I was rooting for them every step of the way.

General Colsterworth’s perspective was an exciting addition. His scheming and presence created so much tension, and I couldn’t help but question his motives at every turn. His role added layers of intrigue to the plot, keeping me on edge and invested in the unfolding story.

The Invisible College’s steampunk-inspired world is as vivid and captivating as ever. Wheeler’s ability to blend Victorian and pre-WWI influences with intricate magic is nothing short of brilliant. Robinson’s inventions, paired with the magical principles underpinning this world, felt innovative yet grounded in their own logic.

I also loved the historical and literary nods woven into the narrative. The references to Alexander Graham Bell and Mabel, as well as the subtle allusion to *The Nutcracker*, added a layer of richness that enhanced the story without overpowering its originality. The world feels lived-in and brimming with possibilities, and I couldn’t help but imagine myself exploring its every corner.

The pacing was fantastic. While there’s a steady momentum throughout, it’s the twists and complications that truly kept me hooked. Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, Wheeler threw in a new challenge or revelation. The stakes felt both personal and monumental, and I loved how the plot balanced intimate character moments with high-stakes action.

And then there’s the cliffhanger. Heart-wrenching doesn’t even begin to cover it. I found myself staring at the final page, desperate for answers, and already counting down the days until book three. It’s frustrating in the best way—a testament to how deeply invested I am in this story and these characters.

*The Violence of Sound* is everything I could’ve hoped for in a sequel. It’s a masterful continuation that deepens the characters, expands the world, and raises the stakes in every way. Robinson and McKenna’s relationship remains a standout, anchoring the fantastical elements with emotional depth.

If you haven’t started this series yet, do yourself a favor and pick up *The Invisible College* first—it sets the stage perfectly for this thrilling sequel. Just be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster and the wait for book three. I, for one, can’t wait to see where this story goes next!

The Violence of Sound by Jeff Wheeler is a dark, atmospheric fantasy novel that expertly blends action, intrigue, and deep character exploration. Set in a world where magic, war, and power struggles shape the lives of its inhabitants, the book introduces readers to a grim world on the brink of chaos—one where the sound of violence reverberates across lands, leaving profound emotional and physical scars. This is the first book in The Sound of War series, and Wheeler once again demonstrates his knack for world-building, emotional depth, and crafting morally complex characters.

Story & Setting
Set in a world plagued by endless conflict, The Violence of Sound explores the aftermath of war, the consequences of unchecked power, and the toll that violence takes on the human soul. The story follows the journey of several key characters, each struggling to navigate the tumultuous landscapes of both war and personal battles.

At the heart of the book is the struggle between rival factions, each vying for control of powerful, dangerous magic known as the "sound"—a mysterious and volatile force that can be both destructive and transformative. As these factions collide, the characters find themselves caught between their loyalty to their people and the moral questions that arise from wielding such destructive power.

The world-building is one of the standout features of The Violence of Sound. Wheeler creates a richly detailed environment, where magic and warfare are intertwined, and where the landscape itself is scarred by the conflicts of the past. The ruins of war, both physical and emotional, are pervasive, creating an atmosphere of tension and unrest. The setting feels lived-in and real, and the politics of the world are as complex as the characters who inhabit it.

Plot & Pacing
The plot of The Violence of Sound is a slow-burn, intricately woven tapestry of intrigue, personal discovery, and the consequences of violence. While the novel starts with a relatively deliberate pace, setting up key characters and factions, the tension gradually builds as the stakes rise. Wheeler excels at creating a sense of suspense, and just when you think you know where the plot is headed, he introduces a new twist or challenge for the characters.

The pacing does have its moments of slowness, particularly in the early chapters, where there’s a significant amount of world-building and exposition. However, these sections are necessary for laying the groundwork for the larger conflicts and for establishing the emotional stakes of the narrative. Once the plot gains momentum, it’s difficult to put the book down, with several action sequences and emotional moments that make the latter half of the story particularly gripping.

Character Development
The characters in The Violence of Sound are compelling, multifaceted, and deeply human. Each character brings their own personal struggles to the table, and their internal conflicts are just as important as the external ones. Whether it’s dealing with the horrors of war, grappling with the ethics of magic, or questioning loyalties, Wheeler does a fantastic job of giving his characters depth and making their motivations believable.

One of the central figures in the novel is Ronan, a soldier who is deeply scarred by both the violence he’s witnessed and the violence he’s committed. His journey is one of redemption and self-realization, as he grapples with the consequences of his actions in a world that seems to demand ever more bloodshed. His internal struggles are relatable, and Wheeler explores them with empathy, making Ronan a sympathetic and engaging protagonist.

Other characters, such as Cella, a mage with a mysterious past, and Lynna, a warrior with a sense of duty and honor, add further layers to the story. Their arcs are thoughtfully developed, and the relationships between the characters are complex, filled with both camaraderie and tension. The interplay between these characters and their evolving dynamics adds an emotional depth to the plot that goes beyond mere action and adventure.

Themes
One of the central themes of The Violence of Sound is the destructive power of violence and its far-reaching consequences. Wheeler explores how violence not only devastates lives but also leaves deep emotional and psychological scars. The title of the novel itself speaks to this—the "sound" of violence echoes through the characters’ lives, shaping their decisions and influencing their paths.

The book also delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the gray areas of morality. The characters are often forced to make difficult choices, and the lines between right and wrong are blurred. This exploration of moral ambiguity adds depth to the story and makes the characters' journeys feel authentic and relatable.

Magic plays a significant role in the novel, and the way Wheeler ties it to the themes of power and responsibility is compelling. The sound, as a force that can heal or destroy, serves as a metaphor for the ways in which individuals and societies wield power and the consequences of that power when it is used recklessly.

Writing Style & Tone
Wheeler’s writing is rich and evocative, capturing both the beauty and the brutality of his world. His prose is thoughtful, and he has a knack for drawing readers into the emotional heart of the story. The pacing of the book, while initially slow, allows for careful character development and world-building, making the payoff more rewarding later on. The tone of the novel is somber, reflective, and often heavy with a sense of impending doom, fitting the novel’s themes of war, loss, and the violence that permeates the world.

The action scenes are well-executed, blending strategic depth with visceral impact. Wheeler balances moments of high tension with quieter, introspective scenes that allow the reader to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Criticism
While The Violence of Sound is a well-crafted and engaging novel, some readers might find the pacing a bit too slow in the early sections. The world-building, though rich, can occasionally feel overwhelming, especially for those who are not familiar with the intricacies of Wheeler’s universe. The slow buildup may test the patience of readers looking for faster action, but the payoff in terms of plot and character development is substantial.

Additionally, while the characters are generally well-developed, some secondary characters could have been given more depth. In particular, some of the supporting cast members feel like they exist primarily to serve the plot, rather than being fully fleshed-out individuals in their own right.

Conclusion
The Violence of Sound is a dark, immersive fantasy novel that tackles important themes of violence, power, and morality while also offering a gripping plot, complex characters, and a richly realized world. Jeff Wheeler does an excellent job of blending emotional depth with high-stakes conflict, creating a story that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. While the pacing can be slow at times, the novel’s intricate world-building and character-driven narrative make it a rewarding experience for readers who enjoy rich, atmospheric fantasy.

For fans of epic fantasy that doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of human nature, The Violence of Sound is a must-read.

A fun and engaging follow-up to a fascinating fantasy! Highly recommended! Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

A brilliant follow-up. I always have a stellar time with Jeff's books and The Violence of Sound was no different.

All I can say right now is WOW!!! Jeff Wheeler, you outdid yourself this time!! I Loved the first book, but I was enthralled with this book. I would have finished this book earlier, but life happens…. I became emotionally invested in McKenna and Rob’s relationship. I’m rooting for them and am terrified that it may be irrecoverably changed in the next book. The use of magic and technology together is fascinating in that you can imagine how life was during the earliest civilizations. To me, this was Star Wars meets LOTR meets Blade Runner and for a geek like me, it was love at page one! This will be an amazing series to become immersed in, highly recommend!!

I really wanted to like this book, but I feel as though it’s just not for me. It could be great for a lot of people, but the writing is just not my style, storytelling is just not my style, and I feel like I couldn’t connect with the story because of how complicated it was. I do think it was very creative, and a very interesting story, but there were so many names, and too many aspects of the world building that I couldn’t connect with and couldn’t remember. Despite all this, I do see the quality of the writing. I feel as though it is kind of reminiscent of Brandon Sanderson‘s writing, and a good book. I also recognize it’s just not something I would enjoy.

This book picks up where The Invisible College left off, so if you did not read book one, please do so as it will set the stage for what occurs here. We have the highly anticipated continuation written as only Jeff Wheeler can in the format that keeps the story linear along the with the chapter setting pages in Isaac Berrow’s voice. The chapter headings denote whose point of view is going to take center stage. The very British feel of the book in the names and dialogue fits right in with the storyline.
If you had predictions of what was to come after reading book one, some of those do come true. Robinson continues to be the hero, reluctant to revel in any fame or glory, and totally devoted to McKenna. McKenna has come a long way in her relationship with Robinson as his wife, but the storyline will have her reverting to her self-doubts. We have a mysterious character introduced who has powers that you won’t anticipate, and a villain who remains as such. Love the storyline of the devices that Robinson is creating and how this brings about actions that take the storyline to places imbued with tension. Oh, and that epilogue! I personally cheered and then thought better of what that meant as to what is to come in book three! Need book three very soon!!!

Lots of twists and turns: every time something seems to go horribly wrong, something else happens that seems to sort things out, only for something new going horribly wrong again, and the cycle starts again. The readers are definitely being kept on tenterhooks, and not quite sure how the story is going to unfold.
In true Jeff Wheeler fashion, a love story is never far away: as Rob's and McKenna's is in the foreground, and it certainly draws the reader in.
The entaglement and conspiracies between the Invisble College, the military, the business world and the strannik and his minions keep the readers hooked, while tyring to understand how it all fits in, with bits of extra information given through the book, but never so much as to give the game away.
I look forward not only to reading the sequel, but also to going back and re-read the series again once I finish the last book, so that I can make proper sense of all the hints that have been dropped throughout the series, in light of the full revelations that are sure to come with the end of the last book. Pretty much the same as with all the other of Jeff Wheeler's fantasy series.

Book Title: The Violence of Sound Author: Jeff Wheeler Genre: Science Fiction- Fantasy
Robinson and McKenna Hawksley begin their life together as winter looms with the danger of another season of Aesir attacks on humanity. Robinson, a magician blessed with the ability to create new inventions, and McKenna, a linguistic ace who suffers from deafness, form an intriguing duo. Her love for words and affinity for languages bring the reader to wonder why she was blessed with such abilities that she will never hear.
Professor Robinson has developed an invention with the potential to reduce human casualties in the war between humans and the mysterious Aesir. The Invisible College, akin to the military-industrial complex, is led by General Colsterworth from the military and the Master of the Royal Secret, the highest-ranked sorcerer and the titular head of the college.
It appears the army has stolen the invention and engaged others to manufacture a lamp that lights up when the enemy is near. The general employs several schemes and individuals to stop the Hawksley family from obtaining a patent. Will the General succeed in his aims? What a way to start a honeymoon. The General may even order a hit on the couple. The newlyweds' honeymoon has all the trappings of an extended attack by the representatives of the armed forces.
Not all is bleak, as Robinson is rewarded with an elevated rank in the sorcerers’ guild. The dynamics of a totally deaf woman using her tremendous lip-reading ability add another layer of excitement to the race for a patent while humans prepare for the winter warfare of the Aesir. The Aesir are immortal but can be killed. They cannot lie, but there seem to be workarounds. There are interesting twists and turns as the winter attacks begin. A ring is discovered that allows the wearers to communicate over long distances. What a cliffhanger we endure at the end. This story is fantasy writing at its best. I can hardly wait for the next volume in the series.

Jeff Wheeler totally nailed it with Violence of Sound! I absolutely loved watching Robinson and McKenna’s relationship grow—those two are just so adorable together. Every moment between them felt so real, and I found myself rooting for their connection the whole way through.

And the drama? Oh my gosh, SO GOOD. Just when things seem to be calming down, General Colsterworth pops up and throws everything into disarray. I expected Robinson and McKenna to be the main focus, but Colsterworth’s plotting added such an exciting layer of tension!

If you love stories with heart, high stakes, and characters you can’t help but get attached to, this book is for you. But...fair warning - there is a cliffhanger at the end which will leave you (and me) hanging. Still, it’s a must-read, and I can’t wait for book 3!

Big shoutout to NetGalley and the publisher, 47North, for letting me read this eARC! All thoughts and opinions here are my own.

I'm in love with this magical steam-punk world! After reading the first book I couldn't wait to read this one, and it didn't disappoint. The descriptive language paints beautiful pictures from snow covered mountains and turbulent water to hot summer days in crowded cities. His settings not only give a view of this world, but also set the mood for the novel by giving us hints of what the characters are feeling and what events could be coming next. I also like the heroine of this book. She is a deaf woman who is strong, intelligent mature and bold; definitely a great role model. I look forward to seeing how the details and loose ends tie together in the next book!

This was a strong sequel in the Invisible College series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. I thought the characters continued to feel like they were supposed to and was engaged with the storyline being told. Jeff Wheeler always does a fantastic job in writing this and am excited to read more.