Where Dreams Descend – Book Review

Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles

Wow, it has been a long time since I’ve written a blog, and an even longer time since I’ve penned a book review. My apologies. As with many of us, my life went (and is still going) a bit crazy since lockdown started earlier this year. I’ve had some struggles and some wins, but I have still been reading. My reading habits have shifted this year, as I do not currently have a commute I spend listening to audiobooks, but I am still on track to get through 65 books this year. And one of my recent reads was Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles.

I’ve wanted escapism in my fiction more than ever this year, and Dreams delivered! Set in a rundown city, magicians compete using actual magic to become the headliner of the mysterious Conquering Circus. Kallia, a showgirl who grew up performing in a nightclub, is easily the most talented contestant, but faces many other obstacles because she is a woman, and this sort of magic is considered only suitable for men.

I’ll start by saying the imagery is delightful in this book. Imagine Phantom of the Opera and Moulin Rouge came together to write a YA fantasy, and this is what you would have. There is the darkly dangerous club owner, a handsome and troubled young judge with his own past and agenda, and of course, Kallia, with her sassy attitude and plethora of dresses and costumes, all beautifully described. I really enjoyed sinking into such a world of mystery and glamour.

It should be noted that this is the first book of a duology, and I have to admit that I felt it hard at the end. I won’t spoil anything, but I was left with the story needing to continue. I wanted more answers than what I got, but I imagine that book two will provide a lot more answers, and hopefully just as much glamour.