The King’s Conservatorium by Emma Cameron

Title: The King’s Conservatorium

Author: Emma Cameron

Genre: Fantasy/Junior Fiction

Publisher: Wombat Books Australia

Published: 3^rd September 2025

Format: Paperback

Pages: 184

Price: $16.99

Synopsis: In the Kingdom of Elatha, where music and song are outlawed, orphaned brothers Garlan and Cadell flee abusive foster parents. Like many people in their world, they make their way in life by living on the road. Thirteen-year-old Garlan, deemed too young to care for his brother, takes risks and grapples with breaking rules as they evade authorities.

Yearning to sing, Garlan dreams of the world beyond Elatha’s walls that his parents told him about. It’s rumoured that no one has survived attempts to cross the wall that runs along the border of Elatha. Those who were caught trying were arrested and sent to the king’s mines for life.

Every night, Garlan quietly sings to Cadell, who is mute. Threatened with separation, the boys make a life-changing decision to embark on a dangerous journey. Though there is no certainty, the Other Side offers a chance to nourish their hearts. Their frightening escapade leads to opportunities they never imagined. It also means they must make the most heart- breaking decision of all.

~*~

After their parents die, Cadell and Garlan are taken in by the worship house in their village until a couple, Uncle Barlow and Aunt Sapph take them. But things aren’t that perfect, so they run from the abuse, hoping to get over the wall and into the part of the kingdom that allows music. But first, they need to get beyond Elatha’s walls. Garlan is thirteen, on the cusp of adulthood in this medieval-esque world. He’s determined to get his brother, Cadell, who is whip smart, but can’t speak, to safety.

But the journey is dangerous, and they don’t know who they can trust. Plus, they’re travellers, so they can only stay in one village for four nights, which the King’s Guard takes note of to hurry people along. It’s not clear why, it’s presented as the way things are and always have been. It’s a world where music is illegal, and where it has power in the hidden patches it remains.

As Garlan forges forward to get him and Cadell over the wall and towards the King’s Conservatorium, things get dangerous. They need to be careful, because there’s a chance they could be sent back to the abusive home they’ve come from or the worship house. Or even be separated. The entire story is about their escape, the relationship, and what it means to work together, to love family, and to ensure each other’s safety in dangerous times.

It’s not without its dangers, but because of the audience this novel is aimed at, some of it feels toned down, or lightly touched on to ensure sensitive readers aren’t upset. Yet, reading between the lines, there is something awful going on beneath the surface, and Cadell and Garlan are probably coping with it based on what people have told them, and how they have been brought up, at least until they went to the worship house. There are some things that happen that are shocking, but nonetheless work well as they all move the story along. This is all to make sure things keep moving, which helps make this an engaging book that I’m sure people will enjoy reading, and that could work well as a read-aloud or class read.

The reader is encouraged to fill in the gaps of things that happen, to imagine what Garlan is describing and to empathise with the brothers. Cadell’s inability to speak means a lot of people underestimate him, and think he can’t do anything. He’s a very interesting character, because he’s the quiet achiever, the quiet presence and strength that drives the novel and shows that we should never underestimate people. Or assume what they can do based on how they present. This is what representation means – showing people the reality of a disability, but also showing that it doesn’t define them. That whilst some things might be hard for them, there will be skills and talents they have. People just have to look hard to see them, and be patient. Then you can see what these people can really do.

It’s a novel with heart and sacrifice, with something important to say about equality and diversity. It reflects how society sees and treats people who are different from the assumed norm, and the different ways people accept, or don’t accept them and what they can do. This is a great book for junior fiction readers, and early middle grade readers who enjoy quests, journeys and music. It’s a book that I think readers will enjoy, and hope it makes people smile. It’s got a power behind it that is quiet, that has something powerful to say about inclusion, family and sacrifice.