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sunlit_music's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Where Dreams Descend is a whirlwind of magic, illusions, mystery and suspense - a book that grabs you and won't let you put it down until you've finished it.
Plot - Kallia is a young woman magician who escapes from the club Hellfire House to make her own way as a magician. But sexism is rife in the world of magic, and she's going to have to persevere against sexist and contemptuous male magicians who would love nothing better than for her to fail.
She's not alone though. Along the way, she makes friends with outspoken and fiery Canary (a young woman who is a skillec circus performer), Aaros (thief and charming magician's assistant), and falls in love with quiet, kind magician judge, Daron Demarco.
Will she be able to evade her former mentor Jack before it's too late?
Characters - oh my gosh. I *loved* Kallia. Loved her determination, her grit, her confidence, her bravery, her willingness to give Aaros a second chance without letting him take advantage of her kindness. I know she's arrogant, but in her case, it's kind of warranted? She's so brilliant at magic, and she works hard at it! I like how she likes gardening and making musical instruments play songs too, it's just so lovely and wholesome.
Aaros is pure delight - cheeky, charming, fun, playful and wily. He is so underrated! I would read a whole book about him, even if the book had no plot and was just about his day to day life. He's a loyal friend to Kallia, and makes this book extra special.
Canary - I'm so surprised more people don't mention her, they just talk about the love interests. Canary is so spunky, honest and forthright. What's not to like about her? She has great rapport with Kallia, and it's nice to see women friendships that are friendly without being toxic.
Daron Demarco is a really sweet love interest. It's so refreshing to see outgoing Kallia pursuing quiet, reserved Demarco. He's always looking out for Kallia, and does his best to protect her and give her good advice. He's just so adorable and steadfast, I love him so much.
Jack - OH MY GOD. He is literally one of the most frightening and well written antagonists ever. I understand him, feel sorry for him, admire his skill in magic, but I also hate the entitled way he treats Kallia.
Ira - Ira has my heart, you know that. An older woman who reads cards and sews like a dream, and doesn't take nonsense from Aaros? Instant favourite.
Ending - the ending is a cliffhanger. But it's not a cliffhanger that devastates you or doesn't make any sense. It makes perfect sense, and left me even more excited for the next book.
In short: read this book if you love suspense, romance or fantasy. You won't regret it!
Plot - Kallia is a young woman magician who escapes from the club Hellfire House to make her own way as a magician. But sexism is rife in the world of magic, and she's going to have to persevere against sexist and contemptuous male magicians who would love nothing better than for her to fail.
She's not alone though. Along the way, she makes friends with outspoken and fiery Canary (a young woman who is a skillec circus performer), Aaros (thief and charming magician's assistant), and falls in love with quiet, kind magician judge, Daron Demarco.
Will she be able to evade her former mentor Jack before it's too late?
Characters - oh my gosh. I *loved* Kallia. Loved her determination, her grit, her confidence, her bravery, her willingness to give Aaros a second chance without letting him take advantage of her kindness. I know she's arrogant, but in her case, it's kind of warranted? She's so brilliant at magic, and she works hard at it! I like how she likes gardening and making musical instruments play songs too, it's just so lovely and wholesome.
Aaros is pure delight - cheeky, charming, fun, playful and wily. He is so underrated! I would read a whole book about him, even if the book had no plot and was just about his day to day life. He's a loyal friend to Kallia, and makes this book extra special.
Canary - I'm so surprised more people don't mention her, they just talk about the love interests. Canary is so spunky, honest and forthright. What's not to like about her? She has great rapport with Kallia, and it's nice to see women friendships that are friendly without being toxic.
Daron Demarco is a really sweet love interest. It's so refreshing to see outgoing Kallia pursuing quiet, reserved Demarco. He's always looking out for Kallia, and does his best to protect her and give her good advice. He's just so adorable and steadfast, I love him so much.
Jack - OH MY GOD. He is literally one of the most frightening and well written antagonists ever. I understand him, feel sorry for him, admire his skill in magic, but I also hate the entitled way he treats Kallia.
Ira - Ira has my heart, you know that. An older woman who reads cards and sews like a dream, and doesn't take nonsense from Aaros? Instant favourite.
Ending - the ending is a cliffhanger. But it's not a cliffhanger that devastates you or doesn't make any sense. It makes perfect sense, and left me even more excited for the next book.
In short: read this book if you love suspense, romance or fantasy. You won't regret it!
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism, Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, and Toxic relationship
jeanniea's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
A slow read. Ending was disappointment. Too much of a cliffhanger.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, Sexism, and Stalking
Minor: Confinement
theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Considering how often I talk about loving Caraval and The Night Circus, I can see now why so many people recommend this book to me. It really has the same vibes. And sometimes that's all it has: vibes.
There were definitely great chunks of this book that went over my head - but I can't be upset, because TNC did the exact same thing. I think this is the kind of story you'd need to read a few times to understand entirely, but it did suck me in. It was slow-going at certain moments, but the magic and the characters certainly captured my attention.
It's actually very rare when I like every character that a book presents. However, Where Dreams Descend made me fall in love with every single one of them - even the villain (or maybe especially the villain? If he even IS the villain????) Not even one character seemed unnecessary.
I'm a sucker for being kept on the edge of my seat and this book did just that. I really can't wait to pick up the sequel and find out what happens next, because I'm truly dying to know at this point!
There were definitely great chunks of this book that went over my head - but I can't be upset, because TNC did the exact same thing. I think this is the kind of story you'd need to read a few times to understand entirely, but it did suck me in. It was slow-going at certain moments, but the magic and the characters certainly captured my attention.
It's actually very rare when I like every character that a book presents. However, Where Dreams Descend made me fall in love with every single one of them - even the villain (or maybe especially the villain? If he even IS the villain????) Not even one character seemed unnecessary.
I'm a sucker for being kept on the edge of my seat and this book did just that. I really can't wait to pick up the sequel and find out what happens next, because I'm truly dying to know at this point!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
thenovelmaura's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was our May pick for the Violent Queens Book Club, because we wanted to read a book by an AAPI author. I've been wanting to read this one for a while now and I'm glad we only have to wait until October for the sequel. Like many first books in a duology, you're left with more questions than answers and I need to know what happens next! I wrote my own description for this one because I wasn't loving the official version, so here it goes:
Raised in a secluded club called Hellfire House, Kallia is a powerful magician who wants to make her mark on the world. While plenty of men make their living as successful stage magicians, female performers tend to disappear or fade into obscurity. So when Kallia hears about a competition to find the next headliner of the Conquering Circus, she sets out for the mysterious city of Glorian, determined to put on a show-stopping performance. Little does she know that she'll have to contend with sexist judges, her controlling ex-mentor, and a cursed city that seems to be causing the accidents and disappearances that are befalling her competitors.
I'll start by saying that I love an arrogant main character as long as they have the skill to back up the attitude. And Kallia earned every haughty sneer and challenge she threw out! She was almost always the most powerful person in the room and she knew it, so it was frustrating to see how the odds were stacked against her. Her assistant was another standout character and I had to smile every time Aaros graced us with his presence.
The world-building was solid; this book takes place in a very isolated setting so I'd like to see more of Soltair in the sequel. I got a good sense of a few key locations, but the rest of the land isn't discussed in detail. I also took issue with the pacing at the end of the book and thought the last hundred pages could have been condensed down to keep things as action-packed as the first few Acts. But again, the grande finale was suitably dramatic and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the sequel! Don't miss this one if you're looking for magic, a foreboding atmosphere, and a slow-burn romance.
Raised in a secluded club called Hellfire House, Kallia is a powerful magician who wants to make her mark on the world. While plenty of men make their living as successful stage magicians, female performers tend to disappear or fade into obscurity. So when Kallia hears about a competition to find the next headliner of the Conquering Circus, she sets out for the mysterious city of Glorian, determined to put on a show-stopping performance. Little does she know that she'll have to contend with sexist judges, her controlling ex-mentor, and a cursed city that seems to be causing the accidents and disappearances that are befalling her competitors.
I'll start by saying that I love an arrogant main character as long as they have the skill to back up the attitude. And Kallia earned every haughty sneer and challenge she threw out! She was almost always the most powerful person in the room and she knew it, so it was frustrating to see how the odds were stacked against her. Her assistant was another standout character and I had to smile every time Aaros graced us with his presence.
The world-building was solid; this book takes place in a very isolated setting so I'd like to see more of Soltair in the sequel. I got a good sense of a few key locations, but the rest of the land isn't discussed in detail. I also took issue with the pacing at the end of the book and thought the last hundred pages could have been condensed down to keep things as action-packed as the first few Acts. But again, the grande finale was suitably dramatic and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the sequel! Don't miss this one if you're looking for magic, a foreboding atmosphere, and a slow-burn romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
nastashastarr3's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
offictionandfantasy's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Bullying, and Stalking
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Confinement
Minor: Gore, Grief, and Violence
marta_correia's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Misogyny, and Sexism
madamepincers's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Sexism, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
lorie336's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Was this really a cross between Moulin Rouge & The Phantom of the Opera? I saw hints. Why was this classified as YA when it read in my opinion at an adult level or is it getting harder for me to distinguish between the two?
The weaving of this tale of Kallia wanting to break out of her cocoon and own the world was magical. I love these gray characters especially Aaros, he is someone I need in my life, and the secrets these characters hold close to the vest which had me turning the pages wanting to know them.
The secrets Kallia won't share, the city of Glorian hiding one, Jack not exactly lying, but burying secrets to protect Kallia, and Daron Demarco seeking answers, secrets he withholds only to reveal them later, some willingly while another unwillingly and possibly unknowingly to him.
The relationships, adventure, the magic system, the questions that are answered or lead to more questions are purely a beautiful illusion for this author and I am excited for the sequel!
The weaving of this tale of Kallia wanting to break out of her cocoon and own the world was magical. I love these gray characters especially Aaros, he is someone I need in my life, and the secrets these characters hold close to the vest which had me turning the pages wanting to know them.
The secrets Kallia won't share, the city of Glorian hiding one, Jack not exactly lying, but burying secrets to protect Kallia, and Daron Demarco seeking answers, secrets he withholds only to reveal them later, some willingly while another unwillingly and possibly unknowingly to him.
The relationships, adventure, the magic system, the questions that are answered or lead to more questions are purely a beautiful illusion for this author and I am excited for the sequel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Violence
Moderate: Grief and Toxic relationship
castorstarr's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I would die for Aarvos
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Eye horror