A Chorus Rises

A Song Below Water Novel

By: Bethany C. Morrow

Narrated by: Cherise Boothe, Eboni Flowers

"Narrator Eboni Flowers creates the perfect voice for the charismatic Naema in this thoughtful story meshing magic and media." (AudioFile Magazine)

The Latest Novel from YA Sensation Bethany C. Morrow

Meet Naema Bradshaw: a beautiful Eloko, once Portland-famous, now infamous, as she navigates a personal and public reckoning where confronting the limits of her privilege will show Naema what her magic really is, and who it makes her.

Teen influencer Naema Bradshaw has it all: she’s famous, stylish, gorgeous - and she’s an Eloko, a charismatic person gifted with a melody that people adore. Everyone loves her - until she's cast as the villain who exposed a Siren to the whole world.

Dragged by the media, and canceled by her fans, no one understands her side: not her boyfriend, not her friends, not even her fellow Eloko. Villified by those closest to her, Naema heads to the Southwest where she is determined to stage a comeback...to her family, her real self, and the truth about her magic. What she finds is a new community in a flourishing group of online fans who support her.

At first, it feels like it used to - the fandom, the adoration, the community that takes her side - but when her online advocates start targeting other Black girls, Naema will realize that - for Black girls like her - even the privilege of fame has its limits. And only Naema can discover the true purpose of her power, and how to use it.

“A watery and melodic crossroads of the real and the mythic, A Chorus Rises lures readers with its seductive and beautifully Black siren song. An enthralling tale of Black girl magic and searing social commentary ready to rattle the bones.” (Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times best-selling author of The Belles series)

A Chorus Rises is a timely confrontation of the evolving nature of popularity in a society that chooses "exceptions" and rewards "model minorities".

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Teen

©2021 Bethany C. Morrow (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Important character growth

I had a hard time listening to the narration of the main character at the beginning of the book. If you also struggle to listen to a skilled voice perfectly capturing dramatic teen girl whining, keep with it. The narration tone grows with the character.

Until the very end

I disliked the main character until the very end. Great story that kept you enthralled. With social commentary embedded.

Way to make me love (like) the villain. 😂

I HATED Nyeema in the first book. And she deserved it. And while I can’t say I adore her now, this character development was beautiful. Five Stars.

This is the tea

It’s the character development for me!!!! As a black woman who grew up being called the exception I deeply resonated with this story of self discovery and growth. I loved this more than expected and am grateful it exists!

Great narration

I enjoyed the sequel to the story, it was a little slow to start, but developed more into who Naema (sp?) is. I think the best part is the narration, the differentiation in character voices is impeccable, her transitions are smooth, and the individualized inflections used for each gives the characters personality.