Cinderella. Evita. Millie. Glinda. Elle.

Fifteen-year-old Lyric Teague sings like an angel and has already played all the great musical theater roles—in the privacy of her bedroom. Haunted by her mother’s death, she is too timid and insecure to chase her dreams or form any friendships.

After Alto High School announces a fall production of Les Misérables, the shy teenager finally steps into the spotlight and auditions for the role of the neglected, impoverished Eponine. After all, she’s perfect for the part, having felt unwanted and unseen her whole life.

When others hear Lyric’s lovely voice, their reactions confuse her. Les Misérables’ director sees her as a pretty ingenue. Her longtime crush, Nick Bowman, starts flirting with her, and the enigmatic Cai Shipley delights in pushing her buttons. She must also contend with castmates who resent a newbie like her for landing a lead role.

Lyric is suddenly receiving a lot of attention for a girl who’s always felt invisible. With opening night approaching, she wonders how anyone can see her as the beautiful, desirable Cosette when she feels like the plain, unwanted Eponine.

But I’m Eponine marks the first book in the Altoverse series.

Christine Dzidrums