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A review by sunlit_music
Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles
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