12 books featuring enchanted musical instruments
Music has always held a mystic allure—the ability to touch the soul, stir emotions, and create worlds. But what if the music itself held power beyond the notes, the rhythm, and the melody? What if an instrument, crafted with magic, could change the course of fate, awaken ancient forces, or summon untold magic? In these 12 captivating books, enchanted musical instruments are not just tools for creating sound—they are instruments of power, transformation, and adventure.
1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
In The Night Circus, the circus itself is a magical realm, and the musicians who perform there are not exempt from this enchanting atmosphere. A particular character, the enchanting musician, plays instruments whose sounds stir the heart and weave spells. Music in this world isn’t just entertainment—it’s a bridge to another world, and the instruments used are imbued with the same magical allure as the circus itself, creating a soundtrack for the impossible.
2. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
In The Name of the Wind, music is at the heart of Kvothe’s magic. The lute he plays is far more than just an instrument—it’s a tool of creation, capable of both enchanting and healing through its melodies. Kvothe’s mastery of music goes beyond mere skill; the notes he plays are laced with magic, carrying power that can shape the world around him. The deep connection between music and magic is woven into the very fabric of this spellbinding tale.
3. The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
In The Black Prism, music plays a hidden but essential role in the magical system of the world. The protagonist, Gavin Guile, uses an enchanted instrument to channel his powers, and it’s not just any instrument—it’s one that manipulates light itself. In a world where color and sound are tightly linked, the right note can create dazzling, deadly effects. The music is a form of magic that extends far beyond the musical scale, proving that the sound can change the very fabric of the universe.
4. The Song of the Shiver Barrens by Michelle McLean
In The Song of the Shiver Barrens, the magic of music is both literal and deeply transformative. The enchanted instruments used by the characters in this world have the power to control spirits, summon the dead, and alter reality itself. The instruments aren’t mere objects—they are repositories of ancient, mystical knowledge. When played, they resonate with magic that binds the living and the dead, creating both beauty and danger.
5. An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
In An Enchantment of Ravens, magical instruments play an important role in the enchanting world of faeries. The protagonist, Isobel, is a talented portrait artist who becomes entangled with the faerie prince, but it’s the music that acts as the key to unlocking the magic around her. Instruments like the fae’s silver violin carry powers that stir emotions, bend time, and manipulate fate. Music in this world is more than just sound—it is magic with the power to control hearts and minds.
6. The Clockwork Dynasty by Daniel H. Wilson
In The Clockwork Dynasty, the focus isn’t entirely on music, but the presence of an enchanted, sentient violin plays a pivotal role. Crafted by ancient creators, this violin is more than an instrument—it is a relic of magical technology, its music carrying the power to manipulate time and awaken hidden knowledge. The violin’s melodies echo through the story, pulling the characters deeper into a web of secrets, invention, and the impossible.
7. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
In The Bone Season, music and magical instruments intertwine with the art of dreamwalking and clairvoyance. The main character, Paige, and her allies use enchanted instruments in their struggle against a powerful, unseen enemy. The music, drawn from ancient and mystical sources, is capable of unlocking forbidden powers, connecting the physical world with the dreamscape. These instruments are more than just objects of beauty—they are vessels of great power.
8. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
In The Raven Boys, the magical power of music is woven throughout the story, especially in the character of Ronan Lynch, whose ability to bring things from dreams into reality is triggered by the music of his environment. Though not always “enchanted” in the conventional sense, the music in this world has a strange, powerful connection to the supernatural. The music they play, the hum of a hidden instrument, calls forth forces beyond their control—sometimes beautiful, sometimes terrifying.
9. The Folk of the Air Trilogy by Holly Black
In The Cruel Prince and its sequels, the music of the fae plays a pivotal role in shaping the magical realms. Faerie instruments—such as lyres, harps, and horns—carry deep enchantments that bind the listener’s will and manipulate their emotions. In a world where power is always at play, the right melody can open doors to forbidden realms or send curses through the air. Music becomes a form of subtle, but potent, control, a weapon wielded with grace and deadly intent.
10. The Orphan’s Song by Belle Whittington
The Orphan’s Song introduces an enchanted violin that not only plays the most beautiful music but holds a deep, dangerous secret. This violin can open portals to other worlds and is linked to the protagonist’s mysterious past. The music it plays resonates with ancient magic, capable of transporting listeners into realms of shadow and light. The haunting melodies draw them into a battle for survival and redemption, where music is as much a weapon as it is a source of hope.
11. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
In The Nightingale, music is used as a subtle but powerful form of resistance in a world torn apart by war. While not magical in the traditional sense, the violin in this story serves as an enchanted instrument of the soul—playing a pivotal role in the survival of the characters. Its music carries emotional magic, sparking hope and stirring the deepest parts of the heart, bringing strength to those in the darkest moments. The enchantment is in the resilience of the human spirit, made manifest through song.
12. A Song for a New Day by Sarah Pinsker
In A Song for a New Day, music becomes both the lifeblood of resistance and a form of powerful, subtle magic. The protagonist, a talented musician, plays an enchanted instrument in a world where surveillance and control are pervasive. The music acts as a form of rebellion, a way to unlock hidden powers, and a symbol of freedom. With each note, the protagonist and their allies fight back against a world that seeks to suppress their magic—and their music.
Final Thoughts
Music has the power to heal, to transform, and to connect us to things beyond our understanding. In these 12 books, musical instruments are not simply objects—they are imbued with magic, holding the power to change lives, summon ancient forces, and open doors to new worlds. Each enchanted instrument in these stories is a unique conduit for both beauty and power, reminding us that sometimes the right note can change everything.
Are you ready to tune into these magical melodies? Or perhaps you’d like more recommendations to discover the magic of sound in literature? 🎶✨
