Under the cover of darkness, you’ll find yourself becoming increasingly obsessed with the alluring and seductive notes of this story. This is an intricate love song between the book and the reader, one expertly composed by a phenomenal author. Not only does Janella Angeles seamlessly weave together a fantasy where illusions seem to have more power than reality itself, but she executes each scene with the grace of a dancer gliding across the stage. If you’re looking for romantic tension, you need look no further than this book. If you’re looking for a story of a young woman who wants more than what she has, yet still craves the dark comfort of her former home…then this is the tale you want to read. Building to an incredible crescendo, Where Dreams Descend is going to keep you on your toes until the very end. You might also be a little weird about mirrors after… Just saying.
The Conquering Circus is looking for its newest headliner and a group of intrepid young magicians have gathered to battle it out for the coveted spot. They find themselves not only battling each other, but some unforeseen and dangerous force behind the scenes. Each act takes on new risk, and as the body count begins to rise three magicians must face their dark secrets or succumb to the darkness that will inevitably come for them. There’s Kallia, a showgirl with enormous power who wants to prove herself no matter the cost. Jack, the enigmatic keeper of the club, whose lies blend in as well as the truth. Finally, there’s Demarco, a judge with a dark past knocking on his door. There’s no telling who’s going to survive this game of illusion and flame.
Described in one word, this book is SHOWSTOPPING. I was wrapped up in it from the first page, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. This is the kind of story that you stroke the spine of when you’re looking for something new to read. Nothing else will compare to it. There is a dark and smoky quality to it that feels as though you’re watching (even though you’re reading) something play out on a screen. The descriptions and world building in this book are magnificent, and there is a beautiful illusion of opulence. I couldn’t stop thinking about the imagery or symbolism at play, and often simultaneously.
Some of my favourite books uncover more questions than they give answers, and for those of you who love it as well, this book has so much more going on that we even know. There’s so much more yet to uncover, and the mystery only deepens at the end of this book. A stage is definitely being set. By whom, or what…we’re yet to find out.
When I first started looking into this book, it was pitched to me as Moulin Rouge meets Phantom of the Opera, and I can definitely see why. This story is fraught with romantic tension, and some of the best I’ve seen in stories. It’s the almost kisses, the kisses, the holding, all of it! *sigh* It’s so wonderful. Be still my little heart. Although everything is still very early, I know that there’s going to be a clear division between readers as to who they want to end up together.
This story truly shines in character development. Kallia is headstrong, but very naive. This certainly gets her in trouble quite a bit, and despite her cleverness, she’s playing a game with someone who knows what cards she’s holding. On the other hand, she blasts through that sexist glass ceiling with power. She’s confident in herself, and refuses to kowtow to insecure men. I took DELIGHT in this so much. Then we get to Jack. Oh my goodness, there’s so many questions I have. He becomes so much more enigmatic as this story progresses, with small bits of tenderness. Demarco is so tortured and reserved, and that’s all I will say.
The magic system is interesting, and I must say that I’m dying to know more about it. It’s definitely more complex than I was expecting because this is a world where you are either born with magic (which has become a rarity), or you acquire magic through practice. This will certainly alter how much power you have, but what fascinated me more had to do with the practice of the magic itself. Particularly as it pertains to mirrors. I have many questions there, Janella!
I could honestly keep this review going all day and talk about much more, but for now, suffice to say that you should get this to the top of your TBR pile. I don’t have enough adjectives in my vocabulary to describe how enticing and appealing this book is. The ending left me with a *gasp emoji face*. This story is no doubt a 10/10 for me. Truly a spectacular read.
Where Dreams Descend is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of August 25th 2020.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
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 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.
