⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Don't you love when a book that wasn't even on your radar ends up in your hands and you end up blowing through the whole thing in one weekend? Because that's exactly what happened here.
"Sixteen-year-old Sorina has spent most of her life within the smoldering borders of the Gomorrah Festival. Yet even among the many unusual members of the traveling circus-city, Sorina stands apart as the only illusion-worker born in hundreds of years. This rare talent allows her to create illusions that others can see, feel and touch, with personalities all their own. Her creations are her family, and together they make up the cast of the Festival's Freak Show.
But no matter how lifelike they may seem, her illusions are still just that–illusions, and not truly real. Or so she always believed...until one of them is murdered.
Desperate to protect her family, Sorina must track down the culprit and determine how they killed a person who doesn't actually exist. Her search for answers leads her to the self-proclaimed gossip-worker Luca. Their investigation sends them through a haze of political turmoil and forbidden romance, and into the most sinister corners of the Festival. But as the killer continues murdering Sorina's illusions one by one, she must unravel the horrifying truth before all her loved ones disappear."
- from Storygraph
-
My friend recommended this book when I needed a last minute read for a challenge prompt, and I'm so glad because I LOVED this book. The magic system was unique, the setting and atmosphere were so interesting and detailed, and the concept of "found family" took on a whole new meaning. The high fantasy setting and political undertones weren't too much to follow or figure out, which for me is a big positive. If you love the dark circus vibes, this will absolutely be the book for you. I found myself anticipating a twist, but then got double-twisted and was completely shocked. This is definitely a "you can't trust anyone" kind of book, but I like that because it keeps me on my toes.
-
Prompts completed:
2022 Monthly Keyword Reading Challenge (City)
2022 Once Upon a Book Club Reading Challenge (A cover in your favorite color)
-
Content Warnings: Murder, Death, Grief, Torture
Comments