Where Dreams Descend
A Novel
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4.1 • 9 Ratings
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Step into a dazzling world of magic, romance, and danger where daring magicians compete for glory in a mysterious circus game.
In a city covered in ice and ruin, a group of magicians face off in a game of magical feats to find the next headliner of the Conquering Circus. But as the acts become more risky and magicians start disappearing, three competitors are forced to confront their secrets before darkness strikes again:
Kallia, a powerful showgirl determined to prove she's the best.
Jack, the enigmatic club keeper hiding more than one lie.
Demarco, the brooding judge with a dark past catching up to him.
Where Dreams Descend is a startling and romantic fantasy debut by Janella Angeles. The first book in the Kingdom of Cards duology, it weaves a captivating tale where magic is both celebrated and feared, and no heart is left unscathed.
"Vibrant imagery, jaw-dropping set pieces, sizzling romantic tension, and unstoppable heroine Kallia bring this ambitious debut novel to spectacular life." - Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn
"[A] spellbinding melody of a book... From the gripping twists in the first pages all the way to the final, heartbreaking crescendo, Where Dreams Descend will surge you to your feet in a standing ovation." – Sara Raasch, New York Times bestselling author of the Snow Like Ashes trilogy
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Although Kallia routinely dazzles audiences at Hellfire House, where she performs magic as a masked showgirl, the brown-skinned 17-year-old dreams of headlining her own act. After the Conquering Circus announces a contest in the city of Glorian to find their next star, she asks the House's master her mentor and benefactor, Jack for permission to participate. Jack refuses, citing Kallia's inexperience and Glorian's danger. Undaunted, Kallia steals a horse and heads for the city, where she befriends charming thief Aaros, who assists with her audition. Several judges protest, claiming that stage magic is solely for men, but she secures a spot thanks to advocacy from ringmaster Erasmus Rayne and judge Daron Demarco, a roguish 18-year-old magician whose career was cut short by tragedy. When contestants start disappearing, Kallia's detractors blame her; Kallia, however, fears that a vengeful Jack is responsible. Formidable female characters and spectacular set pieces mark this ambitious series launch from debut author Angeles. Sketchy worldbuilding and a soapy villain diminish drive, but the central puzzle and Kallia and Daron's burgeoning romance provide sufficient tension to hold readers rapt. Ages 14 up.
