This review is of an advanced reader's copy. Many thanks to Wednesday Books!

A romp through displays of magic and ambition with some constantly teased mysterious pasts & twisty minds? Sign me up! Not to mention the cover has some shinies on it.

This wasn't a perfect read, it had some off pacing, loose strings, odd ends, and somewhat two-dimensional characterizations, but it was definitely fun read with some electric lines. The visual descriptions were right up my alley as well, and who can resist a cut-throat competition with some circus aspects? Not I! Once I started it was hard to put down, not to mention the ending. I won't say too much more here in deference to spoilers, but it was quite the cliffhanger.

I have plans to get my hands on the sequel when it comes out.

There are some YA cliches with romance as a big part of the second half, which isn't quite my jam, but the setting and background here have so much potential. The world in Where Dreams Descend simply begs to be explored.

Overall it is a fascinating story that carries you along at a fast pace. I recommend for fans of books like Caraval or Wicked Saints.

I will have a more in-depth review on my blog later this month.