"The Orphan Sky is a gripping, forceful novel that compels the reader onward. Well written and edited, the colorful descriptions and poignant relationships are haunting. As visceral and exotic as any spy novel and as authentically convincing as The Kite Runner, The Orphan Sky adroitly marries Cold War history with intrigue and young love."—New York Journal of Books
"The Orphan Sky is a timeless story of redemption and destiny, as authentic, disturbing, and brilliant as The Kite Runner. Both stories take place at the same time but on opposite sides of the Afghanistan war. The Orphan Sky’s description of events in Azerbaijan and Afghanistan are at the roots of the contemporary battle between the West and the terrorist forces of radical Islam."—Los Angeles Review of Books
"Leya, who grew up in the Communist Soviet Union and later defected to the United States, has written a refreshingly nuanced novel of Russia, complete with wonderful classical and jazz music influences."—Publishers Weekly
"A Musical Escape from Tyranny"—The Melanie Phillips Show
"From tragedy springs author's search for identity and freedom."—Chicago Tribune
"It's the voice of Ella Leya that first grabs you. Throaty and with a dark timbre, its velvet surface occasionally tinged with flashes of sunlight, it is an instrument perfectly suited for her intimate expressiveness."—Los Angeles Times
“Inside the packaging of Ella Leya's "Russian Romance" is a picture of the Azerbaijan-born, Southern California-based vocalist/pianist cradling a small, dove-like bird in her hands. It's a fitting image to portray the delicate, calmly passionate and mysterious beauty of her music. Leya writes melodies that are as much influenced by gypsy and classical music as they are infused with folk and jazz sensibilities. Leya's voice is a marvel of sophisticated allure... "Russian Romance," absent of pop concessions, is a captivating CD.”—Billboard Magazine
“Ella Leya sings with a tenderly mournful voice, in exquisite arrangements that merge chamber music, Russian and Central Asian touches."—Jon Pareles, New York Times
"Ella Leya: American Jazz By Way of Azerbaijan."—NPR Weekend Edition with Scott Simon
"Ella Leya's Long and Winding Road: A Musical Journey, With Accompaniment By Liza Minnelli, A Rabbi From Berkley And A Little Boy's Enduring Spirit."—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune