Continuing listening to these old favorites, Menolly's hard core that lies underneath her quiet, self-effacing manner is even more apparent. This book only lasts a week (a fact that always surprises me when it's emphasized at the end), but in that week's span, Menolly is continually torn between people telling and showing her that she has a right to exist and to be herself, and her internalized doubt from her parents' utter dismissal of her talents and her joy. When she finally speaks of her past to her new friends it's such a relief as a reader.

Spoiler

And in the end, Menolly gets everything -- a rank within the Harper Hall, a pretty wide network of friends, and a place that appreciates her for her earnest hard work as well as her musical talents.

It's incredibly satisfying.

And not a whiff of romance in sight. So for those readers looking for a strong teen main character without romance, this is a good one.