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bookish_withsky's review against another edition
4.0
Really a 4.5
I loved this book. Kallia’s affinity towards fire really does go along with her own personality very well and I adore her! This book has a touch of feminism, ‘anything you can do I can do better’, a love triangle, enemies to lovers, kind of lovers to for sure enemies, and such a magical atmosphere. I’m so happy I happened to be approved for the arc of the second book, because I will be immediately reading it
I loved this book. Kallia’s affinity towards fire really does go along with her own personality very well and I adore her! This book has a touch of feminism, ‘anything you can do I can do better’, a love triangle, enemies to lovers, kind of lovers to for sure enemies, and such a magical atmosphere. I’m so happy I happened to be approved for the arc of the second book, because I will be immediately reading it
des_reads's review against another edition
Maybe I'll revisit this book, but it just wasn't catching my attention.
qkat's review against another edition
3.0
This book started out real slow. Half the time I was reading it, I couldn’t figure out what was going on. There wasn’t enough world building for me to grasp the magic system thoroughly. About halfway through the book, the story started to form and get a little interesting. Parts of the book reminded me a lot of “Phantom of the Opera”, but in a more juvenile way. I sort of want to know what happens next in the second book, but a part of me is torn about really wanting to know or really not caring. I might need a re-read to decide what direction I am leaning to.
danielled75's review against another edition
4.0
Where Dreams Descend is the first book in the Kingdom of Cards duology.
We are introduced to Kallia and Jack at the Hellfire House, a place run by Jack, no one really knows who he is or what it is he does, but Kallia is the star of the show there. Jack has offered to teach Kallia about magic and how to properly wield it. Jack hears the patrons whisper about this magical competition in the nearby city of Gloian. Little does he know that KIllia also know about this competition and wants to join in.
Jack has warned Kallia many times about leaving the house and going to Glorian, but Kallia ignores the warnings and heads for the competition
Once in Gloriana, Killia finds out things are not as easy as she thought they would be. Being the only female magician to enter does not have the favor in her odds. She doesn't let that stop her, that just makes her more determined to win the competition.
There are a few other characters that make an impact on Kallia, none more than the Daring Demarco who happened to be the youngest of the judges. He has some secrets of his own and to why he's in Gloriana and why he chooses to not use is magic.
When events take place during the competition that turn dangerous and unexplainable it's clear that there is something else going on but no one is quite sure what it is or why.
I did enjoy how the author made the city dark and grey, and the contrast of Kalllia and her outfits both on and off the stage. Kallia seems to be that beacon in a storm, you just couldn't take your eye’s off of her and I think she wanted to make sure that Kaillia stood out like she did.
There is a small bit of romance in the book, but it's not a focal point.
I didn't know what to expect going into this book. I did enjoy this book, and look forward to the second one when it's out
We are introduced to Kallia and Jack at the Hellfire House, a place run by Jack, no one really knows who he is or what it is he does, but Kallia is the star of the show there. Jack has offered to teach Kallia about magic and how to properly wield it. Jack hears the patrons whisper about this magical competition in the nearby city of Gloian. Little does he know that KIllia also know about this competition and wants to join in.
Jack has warned Kallia many times about leaving the house and going to Glorian, but Kallia ignores the warnings and heads for the competition
Once in Gloriana, Killia finds out things are not as easy as she thought they would be. Being the only female magician to enter does not have the favor in her odds. She doesn't let that stop her, that just makes her more determined to win the competition.
There are a few other characters that make an impact on Kallia, none more than the Daring Demarco who happened to be the youngest of the judges. He has some secrets of his own and to why he's in Gloriana and why he chooses to not use is magic.
When events take place during the competition that turn dangerous and unexplainable it's clear that there is something else going on but no one is quite sure what it is or why.
I did enjoy how the author made the city dark and grey, and the contrast of Kalllia and her outfits both on and off the stage. Kallia seems to be that beacon in a storm, you just couldn't take your eye’s off of her and I think she wanted to make sure that Kaillia stood out like she did.
There is a small bit of romance in the book, but it's not a focal point.
I didn't know what to expect going into this book. I did enjoy this book, and look forward to the second one when it's out
becca_cheyanne's review against another edition
4.0
This book is written almost like a play and is broken out into acts. It took me awhile to really get bought in, which is why I've set it at a 4/5. The "stage" gets set but for most of the book you just get more and more questions with hardly any answers. Then the last 10% of the book is a flurry of action. The ending sets you up to dive right into book 2.
I enjoyed the view of magicians in this story, I hope book 2 starts giving more answers. The author hooked me just enough to want to find out.
I enjoyed the view of magicians in this story, I hope book 2 starts giving more answers. The author hooked me just enough to want to find out.
cmdufresne's review against another edition
3.0
How do you rate a book that has no conclusion?
I love books with a lot of mystery, but you have to eventually pull back the curtain. Enjoyed the world, and the characters, the plot kept building and building, twists and questions emerging...and then nothing was answered. This is less book 1 of a series and more part 1 of a 2 part book. Enjoyed it enough to read the second, but definitely hoping there will be some kind of resolution.
I love books with a lot of mystery, but you have to eventually pull back the curtain. Enjoyed the world, and the characters, the plot kept building and building, twists and questions emerging...and then nothing was answered. This is less book 1 of a series and more part 1 of a 2 part book. Enjoyed it enough to read the second, but definitely hoping there will be some kind of resolution.
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5
I really really liked this book. I loved the main character and the world. There were some moments that confused me and that were hard to follow. I am so excited for the second book to come out and to see what happens next.
REREAD 6/9/22
4.5/5
Loved it as much as I did when I first read it, just had to reread it before apparently rereading the sequel that I forgot I had read.
I really really liked this book. I loved the main character and the world. There were some moments that confused me and that were hard to follow. I am so excited for the second book to come out and to see what happens next.
REREAD 6/9/22
4.5/5
Loved it as much as I did when I first read it, just had to reread it before apparently rereading the sequel that I forgot I had read.
gweste's review against another edition
4.0
Okay so I really liked this book but I didn’t read it super closely. When they were explaining the lore of the place I was getting confused and I’m honestly still not sure what the hell happens with the mirrors. Overall however I liked the characters but I didn’t love the overall premise - if you look at the story arc it’s an exposition, escape, competition, and then multiple things happen and go wrong, and then there’s a big cliff hanger. I liked a lot of it but I didn’t feel like the stakes were high enough. The books main driving force was Kallia and Demarco’s love, in my opinion. While I liked the mystery and the way the chapters perspectives moved around - I don’t know. Something isn’t sitting right with me.
annamickreads's review against another edition
I'm going to return to this at a later date when my concentration is better!! I love the concept (anything "Moulin Rouge" and Night-Circus-esque is up my alley) but I do not have the bandwidth right now