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btwnprintedpgs 's review for:
Where Dreams Descend
by Janella Angeles
If you've had an itch for magical performances, fantastical circuses, and a bit of mystery - you've come to the right place!
Where Dreams Descend is a slow burn masterpiece that brings to life a forgotten city, filling it with magic and intrigue. I fell in love with the magic of this world and the beauty of the performances - I hung onto every detail, every wonderful moment. I loved how well this world was built and the prose is probably the biggest reason this book gets my love! The mystery also lends itself to the plot. I appreciate that this book isn't all just one big hullabaloo - the author gives events time to breathe, lets the dust settle, and then drops the other shoe when you least expect it. It's both terrifying and fantastic. Because of this, I've honestly been unable to get this book out of my head!
On top of the beauty of the magical world, I love Kallia. I appreciate how she just storms through these crowds of people who are ready to tear her apart and performs so amazingly that they're just struck with awe. She is a badass protagonist who refuses to take anyone's crap, and yet we grow to know her weaknesses and understand her fears. Yes, she can be immature at times, and she doesn't always ask the right questions, but I love her and the Conquering Circus crew for being amazing, powerful women who crash through the obstacles society puts in their way.
Where Dreams Descend is the first book in a duology. With all the mystery and secrets, it's clear that much of this book is setting up for its sequel. And that's fine. However, I wish there was a lot more communication between characters and more character development for Daron and Jack. There's so much left unsaid that it becomes frustrating at points, especially with Jack. As much as I loved the tension that's present with both of them and Kallia (for very different reasons), I feel like their characters could have been explored more, at least for the eyes of the reader. I predict, and pray, that the sequel will be more focused on Daron or Jack in order to round out the series, as this book was very much Kallia's book, with Daron as the side act.
As a whole, Where Dreams Descend is a strong debut that builds up slowly, layering up drama, mystery, and magic for you to marvel at by the end. I'm desperate to get my hands on book two (even though book one isn't even out yet, ahh!!), and I'm excited to unlock whatever secrets Jack and Glorian hold!
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Overall: 4/5
GoodReads: 3.85/5
eARC obtained via Wednesday Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
- Review byBetween Printed Pages
Where Dreams Descend is a slow burn masterpiece that brings to life a forgotten city, filling it with magic and intrigue. I fell in love with the magic of this world and the beauty of the performances - I hung onto every detail, every wonderful moment. I loved how well this world was built and the prose is probably the biggest reason this book gets my love! The mystery also lends itself to the plot. I appreciate that this book isn't all just one big hullabaloo - the author gives events time to breathe, lets the dust settle, and then drops the other shoe when you least expect it. It's both terrifying and fantastic. Because of this, I've honestly been unable to get this book out of my head!
On top of the beauty of the magical world, I love Kallia. I appreciate how she just storms through these crowds of people who are ready to tear her apart and performs so amazingly that they're just struck with awe. She is a badass protagonist who refuses to take anyone's crap, and yet we grow to know her weaknesses and understand her fears. Yes, she can be immature at times, and she doesn't always ask the right questions, but I love her and the Conquering Circus crew for being amazing, powerful women who crash through the obstacles society puts in their way.
Where Dreams Descend is the first book in a duology. With all the mystery and secrets, it's clear that much of this book is setting up for its sequel. And that's fine. However, I wish there was a lot more communication between characters and more character development for Daron and Jack. There's so much left unsaid that it becomes frustrating at points, especially with Jack. As much as I loved the tension that's present with both of them and Kallia (for very different reasons), I feel like their characters could have been explored more, at least for the eyes of the reader. I predict, and pray, that the sequel will be more focused on Daron or Jack in order to round out the series, as this book was very much Kallia's book, with Daron as the side act.
As a whole, Where Dreams Descend is a strong debut that builds up slowly, layering up drama, mystery, and magic for you to marvel at by the end. I'm desperate to get my hands on book two (even though book one isn't even out yet, ahh!!), and I'm excited to unlock whatever secrets Jack and Glorian hold!
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Overall: 4/5
GoodReads: 3.85/5
eARC obtained via Wednesday Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
- Review byBetween Printed Pages