“Vibrant imagery, jaw-dropping set pieces, sizzling romantic tension, and unstoppable heroine Kallia bring this ambitious debut novel to spectacular life. Fans of Caraval and The Night Circus will be delighted!” – Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn In a city covered in ice and ruin, a group of magicians face off in a daring game of magical feats to find the next … game of magical feats to find the next headliner of the Conquering Circus, only to find themselves under the threat of an unseen danger striking behind the scenes.
As each act becomes more and more risky and the number of missing magicians piles up, three are forced to reckon with their secrets before the darkness comes for them next.
The Star: Kallia, a powerful showgirl out to prove she’s the best no matter the cost
The Master: Jack, the enigmatic keeper of the club, and more than one lie told
The Magician: Demarco, the brooding judge with a dark past he can no longer hide
Where Dreams Descend is the startling and romantic first book in Janella Angeles’ debut Kingdom of Cards fantasy duology where magic is both celebrated and feared, and no heart is left unscathed.
“[A] spellbinding melody of a book, and the true magic is how Angeles puts all the best parts of an enrapturing theatrical performance onto paper and ink. From the gripping twists in the first pages all the way to the final, heartbreaking crescendo, Where Dreams Descend will surge you to your feet in a standing ovation.” – Sara Raasch, New York Times bestselling author of the Snow Like Ashes trilogy
more
I’ve wanted escapism in my fiction more than ever this year, and Dreams delivered! Set in a rundown city, magicians compete using actual magic to become the headliner of the mysterious Conquering Circus. Kallia, a showgirl who grew up performing in a nightclub, is easily the most talented contestant, but faces many other obstacles because she is a woman, and this sort of magic is considered only suitable for men.
I’ll start by saying the imagery is delightful in this book. Imagine Phantom of the Opera and Moulin Rouge came together to write a YA fantasy, and this is what you would have. There is the darkly dangerous club owner, a handsome and troubled young judge with his own past and agenda, and of course, Kallia, with her sassy attitude and plethora of dresses and costumes, all beautifully described. I really enjoyed sinking into such a world of mystery and glamour.
It should be noted that this is the first book of a duology, and I have to admit that I felt it hard at the end. I won’t spoil anything, but I was left with the story needing to continue. I wanted more answers than what I got, but I imagine that book two will provide a lot more answers, and hopefully just as much glamour.
[A] spellbinding melody of a book, and the true magic is how Angeles puts all the best parts of an enrapturing theatrical performance onto paper and ink. From the gripping twists in the first pages all the way to the final, heartbreaking crescendo, Where Dreams Descend will surge you to your feet in a standing ovation.
“A princess with claws who wishes for wings.” I completely devoured Where Dreams Descend! The cover snagged me first, the description of Moulin Rouge meets Phantom of the Opera ensured it was at the top of my TBR, and the first line (which I’ll let you discover for yourself when it comes out Aug 25th) kept me enthralled!
Janella Angeles created a lush magical world in Glorian that kept me guessing until the last page of the book. Kallia is a heroine that anyone who’s ever strived for more can relate to, and she does it with the perfect mix of grit and sass. I can’t wait for book 2 to arrive so I can stay up all night, immersed in the world of Glorian and it’s magical trickery.
It’s startling how good this book is. I was immediately drawn in by the promise of a Phantom of the Opera mood, and that mood is exactly what I got, and more. This is a stunning book, with lush world building, gorgeous prose, fascinating magic, and exciting characters with depth, dimension, and secrets. I also adored the slow-burn romance. I’m afraid to say too much because SPOILERS, but I absolutely cannot wait to read the sequel and find out what happens next.
Note: This review contains NO spoilers
Well… Not bad at all. I actually did a read-along with the book and audiobook. And, DANG, it made this read even more entertaining and enjoyable. The narrators brought this book to “life.” Where Dreams Descend is a debut novel by Janella Angeles filled with a good amount of mystery and magic. For being the first book in the duology, there was an abundant amount of introduction of this world and characters which made this an intriguing and poignant read. However, the pace at the start was slow and it felt a bit random; but, I just had to continue reading since I was already sucked in with its charm.
In addition to this introduction, I felt that there could be more character development for the entire “cast,” in particular the “supporting cast.” With that, I feel that it would have given more depth to those secondary characters, and to their journey and “performances.” Moreover, the way the book is set up as “Acts,” I think it was fitting for its theme and the plethora of information this book provided to set up the story. Yes, it felt confusing at the start, but then, as I continued reading, the story continued to develop and gained focus. I would have to agree with some other reviews that Where Dreams Descend had the feel of Phantom of the Opera and Moulin Rouge musicals, and Christopher Nolan’s Prestige. I did find the intertwining of card suits, into the magic and mysticism of the story, made it enchanting. I also liked that the developing romance was so subtle that it was a slight “gasp” when the first sign(s) of romance came about… Ha! Overall, this is a decent first novel for Janella Angeles’ debut as an author.
In regards to the narrators of the audiobook, I absolutely loved their narration of this story. Their reading added to the melodrama by their changing the inflections of their voices to match the characters and the tone of the story’s atmosphere. They read at a good pace despite the beginning being slow. They made up for that as their animated voices added to the storytelling.
All in all, Where Dreams Descend is a debut novel filled with beguiling and captivating storytelling. It is a good start for new author Janella Angeles. I look forward to reading and listening to Where Night Breaks, the sequel and final title in the Kingdom of Cards duology. I just might find myself becoming a fan of author Janella Angeles’ books!
Reviewer: Jasmine
i had a really good time reading this!! i was in a slight slump for two weeks so i definitely had a hard time getting into this but once i did it was so entertaining. i read a ton of fantasy but this one seemed really unique to me with the performance aspect of it. i also loved all of the characters so much. kallia and demarco are truly the duo i never knew i needed. their dynamic is probably why i loved this book so much, and i cant wait to see how their story continues in the next book. also jack?? his character was so interesting and i’m really hoping for more of him in book two. the setting of the city of glorian was really well done in my opinion, it was well developed while also still maintaining the eerie and mysterious vibe. the only thing i really felt like this book was missing was maybe more going on at times?? it would get dull sometimes and be harder to get through, but overall it didn’t ruin the read for me at all. definitely recommend checking this out!!
Oh. My. God.
Now this is what I’m talking about! Janella Angeles set high expectations with her pitch of “Phantom of the Opera” times “Moulin Rouge” times “The Night Circus”.
And she delivered. This book was a perfect balance of romance, mystery, and fierceness. Kallia is (by far) one of my most favorite heroines I’ve ever read, and Daron, one of the most mysterious. I’ve never been so entranced by any book since Caraval, and this book had all of the flair and magic of Stephanie Garber’s game.
The writing was VERY lyrical and even dark sometimes. At first, I wasn’t sure if Kallia would end up with Jack or not – wasn’t even sure if I did or didn’t want them to end up together. However, as soon as Daron was introduced, I knew who Kallia would be in love with (I found myself another book boyfriend as well). Aaros was a comforting figure – he was the sidekick Kallia needed. Her magic matched her fiery demeanor and style.
The few foods that Janella Angeles included sounded delicious as well! I noted the breakfast Kallia had before she left Hellfire House – cinnamon cakes drizzled with honey. Delicious! That’s not the only thing Angeles included that was real, I could touch it. Kallia’s daring dresses and the locations were so detailed without being overly so (like most authors have a tendency of doing).
Jack tries to rescue her from someone – or something – at the end. I can’t wait to see who the devil behind the scenes is! And the fact that Daron was stealing Kallia’s magic (whether knowingly or not) was a BIG twist that I never saw coming. I was VERY shocked and feel betrayed that we have to wait until June of next year before we get the sequel (of course, I know – on average – it takes a year to write, edit, and publish a book). It’s a very unique story and I can’t wait to see where Kallia’s (and Daron’s) story continues on from here!
This was a stunning YA fantasy – simmering and elegant and mysterious, with a heroine I loved every step of the way and some incredibly endearing side characters (the thief and the lead performer were special favorites). Every single performance sparkled on the page, and the book sung with lyricism and drama. While I didn’t love how much of the logic and gears of the story were kept in the shadows, even after the grand finale (truly, what is going on in that town?), I loved how lush this world was, and honestly, I’m never not going to be into a book about a magic circus. This was marketed as being perfect for fans of The Night Circus, but to me it actually felt like Caraval meets Throne of Glass.
Have you ever decided that you’re reading a book simply based on the cover because that is what initially drew me to this story. I am not even going to act like it wasn’t the case. Then I heard that this was a Phantom of the Opera meets Moulin Rouge, and I knew that I instantly needed this book in my life.
This book centers around three incredibly strong characters who are sort of caught in a love triangle. I saw sort of because parts of it fits the bill but not in the way that you would expect, so if love triangles aren’t your thing, don’t worry this one will still be a go for you.
Kallia is our fierce and relentless female protagonist. She stars as the main attraction for Jack’s nightly shows. When Kallia learns of a magical competition being held by the Conquering Circus in a nearby town, she desires nothing more than to prove her magical abilities. There’s one small problem? The women are typically the assistants, but Kallia refuses to allow the patriarchal tradition keep her from proving her magical abilities to all (heck yes to female magicians!). What I didn’t anticipate is the metamorphosis of Kallia’s character from this gullible and impressionable girl to this ruthless competitor that holds nothing back.
Daron Demarco is on of the judges in the competition. He has this mysterious and brooding aura about him. We know that he used to be this masterful magician but stopped performing two years prior. Rumors swirl, but the truth isn’t revealed until the very end. I definitely teetered back and forth on whether his character was friend or foe.
Jack is the stereotypical over the top performer that all of the females flock to. Think of the male peacock with the best plumage and feather ruffles and there you go. That’s Jack. Anyways, my biggest issue with Jack’s character is that we only see one side of him: trying to control Kallia. I just felt that his character lacked depth, and besides all of the over the top showmanship, he made my skin crawl. (There very well may have been the author’s intention, and if so, bravo on the delivery)
The world building and magic in this one will be everything that you were waiting for. It’s lush, intricate, complex, and for lack of a better word, magical. The magic in this book is not the cheap parlor tricks that you think of with street magicians. What Kallia is capable of is incredible. The stakes are high. But most importantly, the magic comes at a cost. Every time the magicians wield their magic, it costs a piece of them, and I always think that is incredibly important when it comes to magical systems. If magic is an entity of you, wielding it must come at a price.
Overall, if you’re look for a beautifully crafted story bursting with magic and a strong, independent female who refuses to let the men get her down, then Where Dreams Descend is the book you need.
Thank you to Wednesday Books for my blog tour invite and for providing a review copy. Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing an advanced listening copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
Lavish and opulent in a way that feels warmly familiar yet demands your attention. There are secrets upon secrets, a girl who’s boldly ambitious, and truly riveting stage magic. I didn’t want the show to stop.
“Not all magic is good magic.
Few people can use it, even fewer are born to it. Since the closing of Zarose Gate, our world has toyed with the magic that poured into the air generations ago, turning the insignificant into the extraordinary. The human into the divine.
But even within the divine lies ugliness.”
I’ve said it before, for those of you who follow me.. I don’t read a lot of books that call magic wielders magicians. Somehow, though they’re no different than wizards or sorcerers, the simple change of term conjures something different in my mind.. those of stage performers pulling rabbits out of hats or playing card tricks.. basic illusions that rely on sleight of hand, misdirection, and so forth.
All that aside, I still try not to be too influenced by my own internal prejudices. If a story sounds interesting, I try to give it a chance even if something about it normally keeps me away.. and ‘Where Dreams Descend’.. the first book in the Kingdom of Cards series by Janella Angeles.. is absolutely one of those titles.
Not only are the magic wielders called magicians, the story is sort of rooted around a circus and that’s also something that just doesn’t normally draw my attention. As a child, as much as anyone else.. I was fascinated with the Big Top and all the ‘magic’ within.. as an adult, not so much.
“Some mirrors are like windows designed to be more convincing than others. You should always approach them with care. Always think before trusting your reflection.”
The Conquering Circus is in town.. a traveling act accompanying a sort of reckless ringmaster who deals in magic and sensationalism.
In a city that has been veritably locked away from prying eyes for years, the mayor has invited a competition called Spectaculor in an attempt to draw business and tourists.. thereby infusing money into their economy. A select group of magicians will pass the auditions and get into the running to become the next headliner for the circus, but there are biases at play from the start.
It seems, a woman’s place in the magic world is in service, while men are meant to perform for crowds of admirers. Unfortunately, Kallia is unconvinced. Powerful in her own right and with little left to lose, she’ll do anything to win.. even ignoring the threats and disappearances that stack up around her.
On the run from her mentor and mastor, the keeper of the club she’s lived and worked in for longer than she can recall, the mystery of him is beginning to unfold when she meets Demarco, the brooding, withdrawn young judge who has left the business far ahead of retiring age for reasons unknown.. and his past is slowly coming to light.
“..opportunity was the last thing on Daron’s mind when he reassessed the Alastor Place–more a cemetery of dreams than the stage to make them come alive.”
I really went into this story without a lot of expectation. To be fair, I was a little concerned it wouldn’t live up to the hype the masses were pouring onto it, but it’s a beautifully engaging story told in methodically paced measures.
The imagery is dreamlike at times and those dreams aren’t always pleasant, but they’re constantly swirling, drawing the reader deeper into the tale. Angeles is an eloquent wordsmith the likes of which I experience rarely. In fact, I can think of only a handful I’ve read amongst current authors in the last year and most of them are indie writers, still trying to reach the greater audience.
Interestingly, though the story is about a circus and magicians, the cover put me in mind of Phantom of the Opera.. and I do feel like there are parallels here. There’s the young gifted star, the master behind the proverbial curtains, and those around her that seem to further inspire her hunger for freedom. In addition to them, the competition between the field of magicians is intense. The game is dangerous to begin with, heightened by those predispositions, and infusing by what appears to be a powerful, malevolent force.
Though Jack is arguably a villain, it was impossible to truly dislike him. Even without explanation for the decisions he made along the way, he was constantly in conflict and I continued to feel like the choices he made were what he believed to be the best options for those close to him.
Demarco, oh the lovely tortured soul.. this character is my cup of tea. He carries guilt, doubt, and self-loathing like they’re strapped to his person. I felt like he wanted to connect, even if everything he said and did seemed to say the opposite. Special mention to Aaros who I found to be a darling. I enjoyed the fact the mc could be paired with someone loyal who was a brilliant friend and never tried to become more.
“Games between magicians always get cutthroat. You mix the primal urge to win and the ability to do the impossible, and it ends in chaos.”
Honestly, I was desperate to know all of their stories. Not just the path they were on currently, but where they came from, what pain lie behind them in their wake, and whether retribution or betrayal would line the acts of their futures. The supporting characters are vibrant and rich, their personalities distinctive enough to create a feeling of investment in me.
Angeles isn’t afraid to get a little dark, nor is she afraid to risk the characters we come to like. I definitely have unanswered questions and I’ll be looking for enlightenment in the next book, but despite the mild cliffhanger, there is still a finality to the book.. which is something I deeply appreciate. It’s like having the author believe in her work enough to know we’re coming back for more.. no matter what.
I absolutely loved it and if you like powerful writers with a graceful flow.. I think you will too.
(More reviews like this at Betwixt The Sheets.)
Vibrant imagery, jaw-dropping set pieces, sizzling romantic tension, and unstoppable heroine Kallia bring this ambitious debut novel to spectacular life. Fans of Caraval and The Night Circus will be delighted!
Janella Angeles steals the 2020 show with her fiercely imagined debut starring larger than life characters, a dangerous world alive with magic, and a dizzying dose of grab-a-fainting-couch-and-swoon-away romance!
Where Dreams Descend is a glamorous dark gem of a tale, sparkling with romance, magic, and intrigue. Readers will be captivated by prima donna Kallia as the mystery is slowly unmasked. Bravissima!
Kallia has only ever known the gilded cage of the Hellfire House performing as a showgirl in the main attraction. Learning her magic from The Master, Jack, Kallia knows that there are secrets he doesn’t dare reveal. When word of Spectaculore—a magic contest taking place in the mysterious city of Glorian—reaches Hellfire House, Kallia is ready to seize her opportunity, and when she runs away ready to embrace her talents, Jack knows Kallia is not yet ready to face what’s waiting in the cold and shadows of a forgotten city.
A couple years ago The Daring Demarco was a rising star in the magical world, but a show gone wrong forced him to give up his magic and retreat into anonymity. Now, he’s found himself in Glorian as a judge for Spectaculore. His reasons for being in the city are his own, but there’s no escaping what’s lurking within.
Where Dreams Descend is one of those debuts that just sparkles. The tantalizing magic and the world it inhabits draws you right into the story. Kallia’s determination to break free of her gilded cage and seeing her embrace her talents on her own merit will keep readers glued to the page. The magic, as it’s presented, is dazzling and I always love when writers put some kind of competition in place in a story because I think it’s a great opportunity to highlight the magic of a world.
To me, the whole story is caught up in the idea of illusion. It’s completely true that things are not entirely as they seem. I liked the idea of the city of Glorian having a mysterious past, that no one talks about, that no one remembers, and I wanted to dig right in and get to the heart of it. This works as far as the times when Kallia is our narrator because there is so much of the outside world that she doesn’t know herself that readers get to learn it with her.
The book switches to Demarco’s point of view at times as well, and in contrast to Kallia’s, he’s someone who has grown up with magic, its laws and rules. It was both interesting to see Kallia through someone else’s eyes—seeing her confidence—and to get a kind of authoritative side to the magical world—which pretty much forbids women from performative magic.
Where things falter, however, is the way the story dances around actually giving out any concrete information. There’s a vagueness about everything. Likened to smoke and mirrors if we’re keeping up the magical analogy. It’s difficult to know where you’re supposed to look if even Kallia—with whom the whole story revolves around—is kept in the dark about what’s really going on. There were some secondary characters and ideas that didn’t feel fully realized in a satisfying way. Especially the friendship Kallia forms with her assistant Aaros,
With that being said, I think this first book acts as a really good introduction and set up for what’s to come next. The strength of the ending makes me willing to put up with some unanswered questions, and withhold some judgements, because I’m really excited to see how things continue in part two of this duology.
Where Dreams Descend is the first book in Janella Angeles’ Kingdom of Cards series. This is not a light, easy read. It is a deep and immersive story that pulls you into a secretive and frighteningly fantastical world. This is the kind of novel that leaves you with a book hangover, and you’re glad for it. Long after the story ends, you find yourself thinking about Kallia and Jack, mirrors, Damon and his loss, the city and its secrets, and the patriarchy that needs to be turned on its head.
Kallia is an ambitious and fiercely independent magician who refuses to adhere to the patriarchal demands of society. She knows her talent outshines the men, and entering a competition in the mysterious town of Glorian, a place she has always felt drawn to, proves the best way to reach her goals. I love Kallia’s confidence and her feminist attitude. She flees from the constraints of living and working for a man and strives to be free. Free from the constraints of society, and free from the rules of men.
“A cage…Not a home. A gilded place of false friends and stolen time. Any lingering fondness felt fabricated, syrupy-sweet taste she tried ridding from her tongue, for none of it had been real.”
Kallia has to face her past and Jack, her enigmatic and controlling master/friend/more? Jack is the owner of Hellfire House where Kallia lived and headlined. Think Moulin Rouge with magic!! Total Perfection! Except, though Kallia was pampered, she could not leave.
“How wonderful it must’ve been, to come into this life with the searing blaze of choice…It was only too easy to imagine how such a life might’ve changed her. To have had the power of choice over the glory of power.”
The relationship between Jack and Kallia is complex and confusing. A cross between toxic and sexy, controlling and oppressive, I couldn’t decide for the majority of the book if Jack was a sexy protector or a scary stalker, and I loved it. I’m curious to learn more about their relationship and Jack’s story in future books.
The story starts off slow, though the magical elements captivate from the start and compel you to read more. The setting is also enticing. It’s magical, mysterious, and deadly, which contrasts with the joviality and frivolity usually associated with the circus and magic competitions. Angeles’ style creates vivid and visceral descriptions of the town, the people, and the magic, which made for an exciting, immersive, and heart-pounding read.
Keep in mind, the magic depicted in the book isn’t just magic. It’s…well… magical. It’s like a fantastic and entrancing mix of music, dancing, circus-like performances, and magic. Fireballs whirling through the air, spectral images created in thin air, birds sweeping through a room only to disappear into ash – these are only a few of the fascinating yet scary magical acts that occur in the novel. The fact that the story takes place mostly in a town with a secret and dangerous past adds to the spectacular and suspenseful story.
As the competition in Glorian progresses and Kallie proves to be the strongest competitor, people begin disappearing. This is a town with secrets filled with people with even more secrets, and that makes for an intriguing story. As I read, I wanted to know more about the town and the people in it, from the sarcastic tailor to the amazingly talented women from the circus that Kallia befriends. I wanted to know why people were disappearing or injured and how it related to Glorian’s past, Kallie, and the mysterious judge, and retired magician, Daron.
Daron, attractive yet unapproachable, has secrets of his own, and as Kallia breaks through his walls, the reader learns precisely why he doesn’t practice magic. Daron is a fascinating character from old magic, and I enjoyed the slow-burning romance that developed between Kallia and Daron. They are alike in many ways, from their aversion to mirrors to their dreams of freedom.
And then there is Aaros, Kallia’s assistant and one of my favorite characters! He is a loyal and supportive friend to Kallia, and his witty banter with her and with Daron is charming. He brings a levity to the story (that I love) while still standing out as a strong and memorable character. Oh, and did I mention he’s a thief?
This story is an absolute delight to read. It has exceptional (and magical) world-building, unique and often morally ambiguous characters, vivid imagery, a suspenseful and unique plot, and an ending that I didn’t expect. The feminist themes are the cherry on top of this wickedly entertaining cake! Thanks so much to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
3.5-4 Stars
Where Dreams Descend is the debut novel from author Janella Angeles. With a unique and intriguing plot, readers are sure to devour this book in just a single sitting.
When I first stumbled upon Where Dreams Descend, I was immediately intrigued by the cover. It was really unique and had me wanting to know more. So, of course, when I read the synopsis for this story, I knew I had to get my hands on it.
Where Dreams Descend is a promising debut fantasy novel. It’s well written and I really liked the world this author created. I found the characters to be interesting, and I definitely wanted to know more. This story had a ton of fun elements to it. I loved the intrigue, the magic and the darkness of the characters past. For the most part, the story was paced well and the fact that the chapters were pretty short, led me to devour this book rather quickly.
What can I say about Where Dreams Descend? The characters are strong and their world is fascinating. There is a love triangle, which of course kept things interesting. The Phantom of The Opera & Moulin Rouge vibe was a definite hit for me. There’s magic and intrigue. Moments that will keep you guessing and leave you with a million and one questions. And of course, an ending that will leave you dying to know what happens next.
If you’re a fan of YA Fantasy and are looking for something a little different, this book is for you. This series has a ton of potential and I’m looking forward to seeing how it will all come together in the end.
Magic, mystery, elaborate shows, a pinch of romance, and an edge of luring darkness make this into an exciting read, which doesn’t let go even at the last page.
Kallia is the showgirl at an unique gambling club beyond a mysterious forest. She was found abandoned in the forest and taken in by the owner years ago. Now, the owner’s son, Jack, resides over the club and is known as The Master, not only for his position, but his talent in magic is unprecedented. And he’s been teaching Kallia, who also has an extraordinary affinity for magic, for years. Despite Kallia’s luxurious life, she never is allowed to go beyond the club’s outer walls. Night after night, she sits on the roof of the greenhouse and stares at the town on the other side of the dangerous forest, wishing she could find a way to escape her golden cage.
And that’s where the story starts. Even at almost 450 pages, this book is packed with plot…one that doesn’t nearly end even by the end of the book. Kallia is a character to love. She might be trapped, but she has a personality as sharp as her wit. Her desire to flee is more than understandable, and her attitude when she leaves her cage is so strong, it’s hard to decide whether she’ll be to love or hate. But her heart is true gold and it shines through at every twist and turn. Her attitude is an armor she desperately needs in this very deadly game.
Kallia is up against many things. Obviously, she has no clue about her past, but interestingly enough, this isn’t really something that concerns her or even takes much of this book. She’s concentrated on her future and escape. Jack, the Master she runs from, is more than a force to be dealt with, not only because his power far surpasses everyone else. He’s dark, is a secret in every shape and form, and yet, he dances on a strange edge of whether he is truly to hate (who could blame Kallia for that?) or maybe not. It’s a rich tension, which doesn’t even come close to being resolved by the end of this first book.
Then, there’s another magician, a young judge in the magical contest Kallia later finds herself in. He’s got all the makings to be her romantic interest, but has secrets and problems of his own. This one holds a huge shocker at the end and had me wondering if there will be romance in this direction after all. (But it’s hard to believe there isn’t, either!) Again, it’s tension pure.
That’s only the beginning of a very colorful stage of many characters, big and small. Each one dances their own tune, and each leaves an impression. There’s so much going on and so much mystery that it makes a spectacular show. After all, that’s what these characters are mostly about—amazing an audience with illusions coated beyond truth and lies. And the delicious darkness which lurks in the shadows guarantees that this show has only begun.
Yep, I can’t wait to get my hands on book two when it finally comes out. I received an ARC and enjoyed reading every page.
I had high hopes for this book because let’s face it…who couldn’t use a little bit of magic in their lives right now? While the premise was intriguing and the blurb drew me in, I found the whole book overall kind of confusing. Set in a magical world, it was never quite clear to me if it is total fantasy or a side location to the real world. People were “normal” but also magical, there were strange connections between the characters, and there was a whole lot of drama. It wasn’t plot drama per se, but personal drama and angst. But I never got a good grip on the characters to understand why they were so emotional with each other. I’m all for fantasy and magic stories, but this one, unfortunately, did not do it for me. Other readers may have a different experience and come out with a completely different perspective, so I would still say if fantasy is your thing, give it a try. This review was written based on a digital ARC of the book.
Kallia has broken free from Jack and the life of performing at Hellfire House to enter a contest for the Conquering Circus. She almost doesn’t make it, being a female in a male-driven world and competition. Thankfully, Daron Demarco sees something in her. And thus begins the tale which is riddled with disasters from the very start.
When I requested this to review from St. Martin’s, I didn’t know this was a book 1, which was a bit disappointing when I got to the end with no resolution. I’m not a fan of cliffhangers, but I will be anxiously awaiting book 2 because I feel like we had just gotten into some very important things. Also, I’ve been chasing the high of The Night Circus since I read it last year, and it’s not quite. That isn’t to say anything negative about this book, I just don’t feel it’s a fair comparison.
I can’t quite tell if Jack is being a jerk because there’s something we don’t know that spells doom for Kallia, and we haven’t gotten to it because this story isn’t finished. Or if he is being a jerk because he is jealous that Kallia is spending time with someone else. I didn’t love his constant meddling, but if he’s doing it for reasons other than jealousy, then I can see reason. I will have to hold out judgment on him. I adore Aaros as her assistant and friend. I want to see more of him, and I want more in life for him. He understands her perfectly, and I see a lifelong friendship with those two. I love Demarco, and I want to see where things with him can go for Kallia. And I really liked the reporter, Lottie. She could have a book all her own, and I would read it the day it released.
This book is highly character-driven, but mostly with just the main characters, as the other magicians in the competition are just there. We were given Kallia’s performances, and that was it. And while they were magical, and we are supposed to *know* she is the best one here, it would have been fun to “watch” the other performers, even in their giant-flop-glory. I feel that sometimes we had too much fluff, things that seemed repetitive, and didn’t move the story forward. Then other times, we were at a place without really knowing how we got there. There wasn’t a balance.
I think there is promise in the series, and I think as new books are released, the writing will become fine-tuned, and readers will get more out of the series. This was a fun read, I liked that when she was on stage, Kallia was the badass she promised she was. It’s nice seeing a female take stage in this male-driven world where magic can make things happen, and I want more of it.