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biatryce's review against another edition
3.0
While the second installment of the Cirque Americain series was not as captivating as the first, it was still enjoyable.
This time, we dive into the world of magicians and, again, Gwenda Bond did her research on the history of stage magic and especially the women involved in it. Looking up the names of the women she referenced was fascinating. I really enjoy this extra layer that she adds when many authors would use fictional characters.
I also like that, though this book is a continuation of the story introduced in Girl on a Wire, it is told by a new character/narrator. However, the two girls are very similar and it doesn't read as an entirely new voice.
The romance was predictable, like in the last book. There's not much to say about it other than it's the typical YA, unnecessary romance. It was cute, but it didn't really add anything either.
Still, I love this series. It is easy and quick to read. It is empowering to young female readers, with the added bonus of giving real world examples to look up to. It explores gender identity with one character and has a diverse cast, which I really thought was a nice inclusion.
This time, we dive into the world of magicians and, again, Gwenda Bond did her research on the history of stage magic and especially the women involved in it. Looking up the names of the women she referenced was fascinating. I really enjoy this extra layer that she adds when many authors would use fictional characters.
I also like that, though this book is a continuation of the story introduced in Girl on a Wire, it is told by a new character/narrator. However, the two girls are very similar and it doesn't read as an entirely new voice.
The romance was predictable, like in the last book. There's not much to say about it other than it's the typical YA, unnecessary romance. It was cute, but it didn't really add anything either.
Still, I love this series. It is easy and quick to read. It is empowering to young female readers, with the added bonus of giving real world examples to look up to. It explores gender identity with one character and has a diverse cast, which I really thought was a nice inclusion.
kiaramedina's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. *Thank you Netgalley and Skyscape for this eARC*
This book felt a little dry as I read it and I ended up skimming the last 50% or so. The magic (ha ha) of the first book didn't extend to this one and it fell flat.
Moira is an okay character, but honestly, I would've much rather read a book that centered around Dita. Moira lacked the spunk and character of Jules in Girl on a Wire. Throughout the book, Moira seems to patronize her father, treating him as if he were the child. She continuously acted like she was the only one who had any sense, and most everyone around her did whatever she wanted them to.
The whole book felt forced, like it was trying to hard to get me to sympathize with characters, to guess what happened next, or even to figure out who was good or bad. It relied heavily on Girl on a Wire (which I did not remember all too well) to tell it's story. And the romance felt forced as well, I never liked the love interest and didn't feel any attachment to him as the story progressed.
Girl in the Shadows is not an awful book by any means. It has topics of gender identity and consent among other things, but it's too forced and shallow to be very entertaining.
This book felt a little dry as I read it and I ended up skimming the last 50% or so. The magic (ha ha) of the first book didn't extend to this one and it fell flat.
Moira is an okay character, but honestly, I would've much rather read a book that centered around Dita. Moira lacked the spunk and character of Jules in Girl on a Wire. Throughout the book, Moira seems to patronize her father, treating him as if he were the child. She continuously acted like she was the only one who had any sense, and most everyone around her did whatever she wanted them to.
The whole book felt forced, like it was trying to hard to get me to sympathize with characters, to guess what happened next, or even to figure out who was good or bad. It relied heavily on Girl on a Wire (which I did not remember all too well) to tell it's story. And the romance felt forced as well, I never liked the love interest and didn't feel any attachment to him as the story progressed.
Girl in the Shadows is not an awful book by any means. It has topics of gender identity and consent among other things, but it's too forced and shallow to be very entertaining.
foreveryoungadult's review
Graded By: Mandy C.
Cover Story: Flash Sheet
BFF Charm: Heck Yes
Swoonworthy Scale: 6
Talky Talk: School of Carolyn Keene
Bonus Factors: The Cirque American, Magic
Relationship Status: Season Ticket Holder
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Flash Sheet
BFF Charm: Heck Yes
Swoonworthy Scale: 6
Talky Talk: School of Carolyn Keene
Bonus Factors: The Cirque American, Magic
Relationship Status: Season Ticket Holder
Read the full book report here.
chelsaat's review
4.0
I'm really enjoying Gwenda Bond's Cirque Americain series; they're just fun, fast, feminist reads. If you're like me and enjoy magic and circus intrigue with some cute romance thrown in, give these books a try.
samantha_randolph's review
5.0
"Moira Mitchell is ready to take the floor as a magician, following in her father's footsteps. However, her father has forbidden her against her wishes, so she snatches an invitation to join the famous Cirque American without him knowing. While at the Cirque, Moira discovers she has more than illusions and slights up her sleeve...she has real magic. As she learns more about her magic, she encounters danger, mystery, and romance." Full review at Fresh Fiction: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=60494
diamondxgirl's review
5.0
Join the discussion over at Tales of the Ravenous Reader!
The magic business will never fully embrace a woman. It isn't what the audience wants. You can never be a magician, Moira.
Not hard to imagine why Moira feels like she is in her father's shadow...It's also not hard to imagine why she would run away in order to prove herself. So when Moira arrives at the great Cirque American, she's not going to take no for an answer, even if she fumbles her audition thanks to some unexpected magic.
Girl in the Shadows is set in the same world as Girl on a Wire but is the best of both worlds, as it's a standalone within a the series. I'm obsessed with this style of writing (see Break Me Like a Promise and The Glittering Court) because you do not have to read the previous installment to read this book (though you definitely should, because it's great!). The characters return as secondary characters in Moira's story, helping her to understand what is going on when her magic tricks suddenly feel a bit more real. I definitely need a novella on the famous Roman Garcia! Oh, and the description of Dita's outfit was begging to be recreated (what can I say, I love the vaudeville style).
Your magic is dangerous.
Moira is a risk-taker and will have you concerned for her safety throughout the book (at one point, the Ringmaster ups the insurance policy). I love Gwenda's description of the magic tricks and illusions, giving us a peek behind the curtain. I also love that Moira stumbles along the way as she's learning. I also appreciate Gwenda's spotlight on lesser known female circus acts, as if to throw it back in Moira's dad's face!
I was in trouble with this beautiful rogue.
Oh boy, I'm such a sucker for Dez, the damaged, bad-boy knife thrower who instantly sets off Moira. He's sassy and a sweet talker and I fell as hard as Moira did. Their story would not be the same without the twist Gwenda tosses in partway through and I found myself obsessed with finding out what happens next for the two of them.
Oh, Houdini, if you could see me now. The truly unholdable girl. Here goes everything.
If you're not convinced yet, there's also a comic series headed our way featuring the characters and the world. Come back soon for our review on it, too!
The magic business will never fully embrace a woman. It isn't what the audience wants. You can never be a magician, Moira.
Not hard to imagine why Moira feels like she is in her father's shadow...It's also not hard to imagine why she would run away in order to prove herself. So when Moira arrives at the great Cirque American, she's not going to take no for an answer, even if she fumbles her audition thanks to some unexpected magic.
Girl in the Shadows is set in the same world as Girl on a Wire but is the best of both worlds, as it's a standalone within a the series. I'm obsessed with this style of writing (see Break Me Like a Promise and The Glittering Court) because you do not have to read the previous installment to read this book (though you definitely should, because it's great!). The characters return as secondary characters in Moira's story, helping her to understand what is going on when her magic tricks suddenly feel a bit more real. I definitely need a novella on the famous Roman Garcia! Oh, and the description of Dita's outfit was begging to be recreated (what can I say, I love the vaudeville style).
Your magic is dangerous.
Moira is a risk-taker and will have you concerned for her safety throughout the book (at one point, the Ringmaster ups the insurance policy). I love Gwenda's description of the magic tricks and illusions, giving us a peek behind the curtain. I also love that Moira stumbles along the way as she's learning. I also appreciate Gwenda's spotlight on lesser known female circus acts, as if to throw it back in Moira's dad's face!
I was in trouble with this beautiful rogue.
Oh boy, I'm such a sucker for Dez, the damaged, bad-boy knife thrower who instantly sets off Moira. He's sassy and a sweet talker and I fell as hard as Moira did. Their story would not be the same without the twist Gwenda tosses in partway through and I found myself obsessed with finding out what happens next for the two of them.
Oh, Houdini, if you could see me now. The truly unholdable girl. Here goes everything.
If you're not convinced yet, there's also a comic series headed our way featuring the characters and the world. Come back soon for our review on it, too!
gio_shelves's review
2.0
I received this book through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review
It's a 1.5. I'm sorry, but this is really full of tropes and I want to read something enjoyable. Now that I have time to read I don't want to use it to torture myself with books that have more tropes than pages.
I'll try to keep it short:
- the characters are flat. There's not much space for characterisation of whatsoever and I think that overall there was no growth for the main character nor the secondary ones. There was a lot of romance considering that these people are in love after a couple of weeks spent together and that bothered me, mainly for two reasons:
> there was nothing that justified the romance. The characters are not really fleshed out nor well developed, so there couldn't be chemistry. How can you ship two people when they don't have a personality? (Spoiler: you don't.)
> the romance was a giant trope itself: insta-lovey, kind of bad boy with a girl who doesn't even try to resist his charm, but obviously the bad boy can be redeemed. That doesn't work anymore.
- there was no world-building. I mean, the MC has "powers" because she's part of this...secret society? Big magical family? I don't even know what they are! We don't know why they have these powers, what these powers can and cannot do, which are their limits, how they came to be...nothing, literally!
- it was all rather predictable
- bad writing
"Dez grinned down at me, breathtakingly cocky and, yes, still rakish."
This was the MC at 9 percent. How can one be "breathtakingly cocky"? It's quite obvious that this didn't start in the best way for me. Obviously, the guy started flirting with her after two seconds. Maybe 1.7 seconds actually.
(And in about 3.7 seconds they were going on a secret, special date.)
And then, a few pages later, we had something like "yer a wizard, Harry"?
I'm sorry, but this was so juvenile! The writing, the plot, the characters and the romance, everything was extremely fast paced that it was impossible for me to like any of it. Things kept happening but nothing really stayed with me. Really juvenile.
"I nodded against his freshly T-shirted chest. “He might say no.”"
Guys, freshly T-shirted. I. Can't. Even.
Overall this is a big no for me.
It's a 1.5. I'm sorry, but this is really full of tropes and I want to read something enjoyable. Now that I have time to read I don't want to use it to torture myself with books that have more tropes than pages.
I'll try to keep it short:
- the characters are flat. There's not much space for characterisation of whatsoever and I think that overall there was no growth for the main character nor the secondary ones. There was a lot of romance considering that these people are in love after a couple of weeks spent together and that bothered me, mainly for two reasons:
> there was nothing that justified the romance. The characters are not really fleshed out nor well developed, so there couldn't be chemistry. How can you ship two people when they don't have a personality? (Spoiler: you don't.)
> the romance was a giant trope itself: insta-lovey, kind of bad boy with a girl who doesn't even try to resist his charm, but obviously the bad boy can be redeemed. That doesn't work anymore.
- there was no world-building. I mean, the MC has "powers" because she's part of this...secret society? Big magical family? I don't even know what they are! We don't know why they have these powers, what these powers can and cannot do, which are their limits, how they came to be...nothing, literally!
- it was all rather predictable
- bad writing
"Dez grinned down at me, breathtakingly cocky and, yes, still rakish."
This was the MC at 9 percent. How can one be "breathtakingly cocky"? It's quite obvious that this didn't start in the best way for me. Obviously, the guy started flirting with her after two seconds. Maybe 1.7 seconds actually.
(And in about 3.7 seconds they were going on a secret, special date.)
And then, a few pages later, we had something like "yer a wizard, Harry"?
I'm sorry, but this was so juvenile! The writing, the plot, the characters and the romance, everything was extremely fast paced that it was impossible for me to like any of it. Things kept happening but nothing really stayed with me. Really juvenile.
"I nodded against his freshly T-shirted chest. “He might say no.”"
Guys, freshly T-shirted. I. Can't. Even.
Overall this is a big no for me.
queenjuly's review
2.0
2.5 stars.
*deep sigh* Okay guys. I'm actually very conflicted about this book and I'm now here to tell you why.
At the first glance, this had everything I knew I would love:
Circus setting? Check.
Knive-throwing bad boy? Check.
A little dash of magic? Check.
(Sounding a bit like a more romance-focused version of 'The Night Circus'? Shameful check.)
But, I am an experienced reader and after years of frustration and wasted potential, I know better than to trust an intriguing premise. So I've tried the first few chapters and was pleasantly surprised - the main character was foxy (don't even ask from which corner of my brain I produced that word) enough to make me like her, while having an instant chemistry with her love interest, who actually seemed pretty decent with a rogueish streak (gods, I love those). At first, everything seemed to develope just as I wanted it to be, but of course, I wouldn't have given this book 2.5 stars, if that had lasted.
First, my most hated trope of all freaking time happened - insta luuuuve *screams for four hours straight*
I hate hate hate HATE insta love with a burning passion. I do not believe you can fall in love after a few days, unless there are really crazy circumstances (and I mean, crazy as in magic, potions and the apocalypse). Lust on the first sight? Absolutely. But love? Naaaaah.
Granted, there was a reason why they were moving so fast - on one hand, it was part of the plot (which also excused why Dex sounded like such a fuckboy sometimes), on the other hand, it also benefitted the plot on a contextual level, meaning, some of the scenes just worked better with them as a couple as opposed to them just courting each other.
While the insta-love was annoying, I could quickly get over my grudge after seeing how cute Dex and Moira were. I really liked their characters and their chemistry, although they made some choices that had my eye twitching.
But the thing I could not get over in the end was the weakness of the plot itself. It was just so... confusing. Not to mention absurd. The subplots lacked in depth as well and while there was some good dialogue and a few memorable quotes, the writing suffered from tired clichées and cringy cheesiness.
To sum it up, I was neither disappointed (low expectations, people) nor bored out of my mind, let alone screaming in agony and fury - for most of the time I was merely left with a sense of "meh".
The characters and the setting had great potential, but the rest was just a tad to immature and dare I say silly for my taste. It's a book that won't stay with me and that's fine, except for the fact that Dex was such a good character and he and Moira were such a cool couple and their wasted potential is honestly so heartbreaking.
*deep sigh* Okay guys. I'm actually very conflicted about this book and I'm now here to tell you why.
At the first glance, this had everything I knew I would love:
Circus setting? Check.
Knive-throwing bad boy? Check.
A little dash of magic? Check.
(Sounding a bit like a more romance-focused version of 'The Night Circus'? Shameful check.)
But, I am an experienced reader and after years of frustration and wasted potential, I know better than to trust an intriguing premise. So I've tried the first few chapters and was pleasantly surprised - the main character was foxy (don't even ask from which corner of my brain I produced that word) enough to make me like her, while having an instant chemistry with her love interest, who actually seemed pretty decent with a rogueish streak (gods, I love those). At first, everything seemed to develope just as I wanted it to be, but of course, I wouldn't have given this book 2.5 stars, if that had lasted.
First, my most hated trope of all freaking time happened - insta luuuuve *screams for four hours straight*
I hate hate hate HATE insta love with a burning passion. I do not believe you can fall in love after a few days, unless there are really crazy circumstances (and I mean, crazy as in magic, potions and the apocalypse). Lust on the first sight? Absolutely. But love? Naaaaah.
Spoiler
Why waste such good chemistry on a kiss within the first third of the novel??? I mean, whyyyyyyyyy. For the record, I don't have anything against early kisses, I don't like the declarations of love that follow after. And a sentence like "You're obviously too good for me" is exactly that.While the insta-love was annoying, I could quickly get over my grudge after seeing how cute Dex and Moira were. I really liked their characters and their chemistry, although they made some choices that had my eye twitching.
But the thing I could not get over in the end was the weakness of the plot itself.
Spoiler
I mean, come on. A secret society of brainwashed people worshipping an abusive asshole and his latest victim in their poorly executed quest of finding a magical object that would restore said society to its former glory?To sum it up, I was neither disappointed (low expectations, people) nor bored out of my mind, let alone screaming in agony and fury - for most of the time I was merely left with a sense of "meh".
The characters and the setting had great potential, but the rest was just a tad to immature and dare I say silly for my taste. It's a book that won't stay with me and that's fine, except for the fact that Dex was such a good character and he and Moira were such a cool couple and their wasted potential is honestly so heartbreaking.
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic book, loved being with this group again, with some new characters! Great book, great story! So enjoyable!
dani_reviews's review
4.0
This is the second book in a series. Read my review of the first book, Girl on a Wire, here.
In Girl on a Wire, we were introduced to the Cirque American and Jules Maroni, a wire walker. In Girl in the Shadows, we return to the Cirque American with Moira Mitchell, daughter of a world-renowned Vegas magician and aspiring magician herself. Banned from entering the profession by her dad, Moira ran away to join the circus and prove herself. Despite a rough start, she was taken in by Nancy Maroni, Jules’ grandmother, who recognised something special in Moira. Moira quickly discovered that the magic she wanted to practice was not so much a trick, and that she was part of something bigger that went back many generations.
Oh, and that damn coin caused problems. Again.
Technically, I received a digital copy of this book for review, but I ended up getting the audiobook on release day because I was enjoying the story so much and had to do a lot of driving recently, so listening to it was the best way for me to keep reading. That should say something. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both books in this series so far, with their mysteries, intriguing characters and rich worlds. I was once again kept guessing, and while some of my guesses were confirmed, the way in which they came to pass was completely unexpected.
Like Jules, Moira had a stubbornness that I can only imagine is necessary for a life performing. They were both determined to prove themselves and set themselves apart from their famous parents. However, Moira took stubbornness to a new level, resulting in carelessness that put her and others in danger. That being said, she did have to be a little ingenious to think up illusions, so I had to forgive her.
Where Remy had a quiet surety about him, Dez was charm itself. In a way, he was that cocky guy hiding behind bravado that girls often fall for in stories. He had all the lines, and Moira even tried to stay away from him because she recognised his “type”. But he was an actual sweetheart, proven early on by his grand gesture to me, if not necessary to Moira at first. He came a long way, but still had room to grow further past the end of the story, and I loved him for it.
It was hard to figure out who the bad guys were, and even by the end, there was some uncertainty. In fact, I think the story benefited from this, as life isn’t clearly delineated between Good and Bad. Actually, there was one person who was very clearly Evil at the end, and after what he did to someone (that made me freak out a little), I don’t feel at all bad about what happened to him.
One thing that bothered me is the role of Raleigh. I felt like he was almost positioned as a love triangle option, but nothing came of that. It felt like Bond wasn’t sure what to do with him other than the part he played in helping the story along, so she threw in at the beginning that he might be a possibility for Moira.
I mentioned a character possibly being bisexual last time, and she confirmed that she thought she was this time. I really appreciated that she was learning about herself, as while some people know their sexuality pretty easily and quickly, some people take time learning who they are. I also really loved that she was still working through her grief from the tragedy in the previous book.
It’s also worth noting that all of the main characters had very different and very interesting backgrounds. The Garcias were a Latino circus family, the Maronis were European (including Jules’ mom being Russian), and Dez was African American. This rich background was not overly stressed in the story (i.e. forced) but was natural, showing that it can be done. In fact, it added so much to the story itself. Diversity is NORMAL.
Once again, Bond showed how much research she did into the circus world and its history. I adored all the tributes to past performers and magicians, especially the women who worked with little recognition in a predominantly man’s world. (The women were typically shoved to the side as assistants.) These factual tidbits added a realness to the story.
I hope this isn’t the last we see of the Cirque American, as I am definitely impressed with what Bond has built up! This has been an all-round great couple of books so far, and I very seriously recommend them to anyone who has any interest in the circus. (Don’t worry, they’re fairly light on scary clowns!)
In a sentence
Girl in the Shadows continues a year after Girl on a Wire with the same level of mystery and rich history that was so enjoyable in the first book.
In Girl on a Wire, we were introduced to the Cirque American and Jules Maroni, a wire walker. In Girl in the Shadows, we return to the Cirque American with Moira Mitchell, daughter of a world-renowned Vegas magician and aspiring magician herself. Banned from entering the profession by her dad, Moira ran away to join the circus and prove herself. Despite a rough start, she was taken in by Nancy Maroni, Jules’ grandmother, who recognised something special in Moira. Moira quickly discovered that the magic she wanted to practice was not so much a trick, and that she was part of something bigger that went back many generations.
Oh, and that damn coin caused problems. Again.
Technically, I received a digital copy of this book for review, but I ended up getting the audiobook on release day because I was enjoying the story so much and had to do a lot of driving recently, so listening to it was the best way for me to keep reading. That should say something. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both books in this series so far, with their mysteries, intriguing characters and rich worlds. I was once again kept guessing, and while some of my guesses were confirmed, the way in which they came to pass was completely unexpected.
Like Jules, Moira had a stubbornness that I can only imagine is necessary for a life performing. They were both determined to prove themselves and set themselves apart from their famous parents. However, Moira took stubbornness to a new level, resulting in carelessness that put her and others in danger. That being said, she did have to be a little ingenious to think up illusions, so I had to forgive her.
Where Remy had a quiet surety about him, Dez was charm itself. In a way, he was that cocky guy hiding behind bravado that girls often fall for in stories. He had all the lines, and Moira even tried to stay away from him because she recognised his “type”. But he was an actual sweetheart, proven early on by his grand gesture to me, if not necessary to Moira at first. He came a long way, but still had room to grow further past the end of the story, and I loved him for it.
It was hard to figure out who the bad guys were, and even by the end, there was some uncertainty. In fact, I think the story benefited from this, as life isn’t clearly delineated between Good and Bad. Actually, there was one person who was very clearly Evil at the end, and after what he did to someone (that made me freak out a little), I don’t feel at all bad about what happened to him.
One thing that bothered me is the role of Raleigh. I felt like he was almost positioned as a love triangle option, but nothing came of that. It felt like Bond wasn’t sure what to do with him other than the part he played in helping the story along, so she threw in at the beginning that he might be a possibility for Moira.
I mentioned a character possibly being bisexual last time, and she confirmed that she thought she was this time. I really appreciated that she was learning about herself, as while some people know their sexuality pretty easily and quickly, some people take time learning who they are. I also really loved that she was still working through her grief from the tragedy in the previous book.
It’s also worth noting that all of the main characters had very different and very interesting backgrounds. The Garcias were a Latino circus family, the Maronis were European (including Jules’ mom being Russian), and Dez was African American. This rich background was not overly stressed in the story (i.e. forced) but was natural, showing that it can be done. In fact, it added so much to the story itself. Diversity is NORMAL.
Once again, Bond showed how much research she did into the circus world and its history. I adored all the tributes to past performers and magicians, especially the women who worked with little recognition in a predominantly man’s world. (The women were typically shoved to the side as assistants.) These factual tidbits added a realness to the story.
I hope this isn’t the last we see of the Cirque American, as I am definitely impressed with what Bond has built up! This has been an all-round great couple of books so far, and I very seriously recommend them to anyone who has any interest in the circus. (Don’t worry, they’re fairly light on scary clowns!)
See this review in its natural environment, Dani Reviews Things.