seven late night thoughts with zoe

Welcome to a way overdue book review of an ARC I have been reading since june 2020! I can’t be the only one who thought i would be super productive during quarantine, reading many books and writing everyday but instead strayed in the same outfit for days on end without washing my hair and watching almost entirely everything that was on netflix right? Well this is why and how I entered a, what I like to call pandemic slump, and did not read a single book during all this time!

A few weeks ago, for those who don’t know, I’ve started business college. Somehow, in the midst of all the projects, exams and paper I have, I’ve found the time to FINALLY finish reading the ARC of ”Where Dreams Descend” by Janella Angeles.

*Please note that I have received a complementary ARC from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.*

The Review;

In this mysterious and magical debut by Janelle Angeles, we follow our main character Kallia, a feminine, strong and powerful magician who will not let other people define who she is. The story follows Kallia has she enters a magician contest despite the unapproval of the master, Jack, of where she resides; the hellfire house. Upon arrival to the strange and mysterious city of Glorian where secrets are everywhere, the story unravels quickly to many twists and turns. The city is not what she thought it would be and the people aren’t as welcoming has she might have hoped. Kallia’s journey is an important one. everyday she fights for gender equality and for recognition as the powerful magician she is. Despite angering many with her determination to win the ”Spectaculore” contest, Kallia does not let anything stop her, she shows no fear.

While reading, we meet many intriguing characters who bring many mysteries and questions with them, especially, Daron. An ex-magician who doesn’t perform anymore who is now judge of the competition and who the town likes to share many rumours as to why he doesn’t perform anymore. A forbidden romance arises between Daron and Kallia but neither of them dares to make the first step, too many secrets and mysteries are keeping them apart.

What is Daron’s secret? What is the town’s secret? Why was Jack so against Kallia’s entering the competition? Will he figure out she left the house of hellfire for Glorian? Who will win the competition? Will Kallia make it through?

If a magical and whimsical setting about a mysterious town and forbidden romance is something that interest you then you should definitely give this one a shot. Janelle Angeles’ debut did not disappoint. I will be anxiously waiting for the sequel, When the Night Breaks, which is expected to come out early June 2021!

Suggestions;

Three trilogies and two standalone books you might be interested in if you liked ”Where Dreams Descend”

OR

If you like these then you might like ”Where Dream Descend”

1. Caraval, Legendary and Finale by Stephanie Garber
2. Ace of Shades, King of Fools and Queen of Volts by Amanda foody
3. The Last Magician, The Devil’s Thief and The Serpent’s Curse by Lisa Maxwell
4. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
5. Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody

Thanks for reading and until next time xoxoxox -zoe