Review by Booklist Review
Hellfire House's main attraction, the magician Kallia, burns to leave her act and club owner Jack for a bigger life out in the world. The magicians' competition in Glorian is the spark that starts her journey, despite female magicians only being allowed on stage as assistants. She is reluctantly accepted in the competition, with the dubious support of elite magician Daron "Daring" Demarco, who has secrets of his own, igniting a clash between Jack, Daron, Kallia, her friends, the competition judges, and the city of Glorian itself. Despite a somewhat clunky start, readers will find themselves quickly immersed in this quirky, well-paced tale of danger, adventure, and magic. It is told in four acts, each with a subtitle foreshadowing what is to come. The enigmatic ending reassures fans that the mysteries have answers that are yet to be discovered, and that there is more to come in the second part of this Kingdom of Cards duology. Give this to those who enjoyed Cole's Arcana Chronicles or Powell's Game of Triumphs twosome.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
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. Agent: Thao Le, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. (Aug.)■
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up--Kallia, 17, is an enticing showgirl, a crowd favorite who uses her magic just enough to make the audience want more. Her powers are stronger than what she uses in her act, and as she grows in skill and confidence, she wants more. She longs to test her skills beyond Hellfire House, beyond the forest, in the mysterious city of Glorian. But Jack, the master of Hellfire House, won't let Kallia leave, and won't tell her why. Kallia escapes, and once in Glorian, finds herself in a magic competition as one of the few female magicians who can hold her own. With the help of the community she builds, her assistant, Aaros, and even the mysterious judge, Demarco, Kallia finds herself able to show her true power. She also becomes embroiled in an unseen force that's killing magicians and endangers them all. Angeles's deep commitment to world-building means that this debut novel has atmosphere galore. It's lush and amazing at every turn, with fire, smoke, mirrors, costumes, and more--but it comes at the expense of solid characterizations and plotting. VERDICT A beautifully diverse cast of characters that doesn't receive the same attention as the rich setting, but readers will be too distracted by the spectacle to care.--Jennifer Miskec, Longwood University, Farmville, VA
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In a world where men dominate the stage, Kallia is determined to win a magicians' contest. Kallia is the showgirl magician star at Hellfire House, descending each night from a chandelier and inspiring awe in patrons. It's the only home she's known; she was left in the cursed Dire Woods as a baby. Club master Jack favors her above all others and acts as her mentor. Despite this, Kallia feels called to Glorian, the city beyond the cursed woods surrounding them, where she's learned of a competition for magicians. Jack won't hear of it, but when Kallia discovers he has been lying to her, she can no longer stomach staying put. She arrives in a city that's colder and less friendly than she'd imagined and barely makes it into the competition. Soon she's a controversial star, wowing the audience and inspiring ire in the judges in equal measure. But as her confidence grows, so does her fear of Jack's returning and taking all of it away. When horrible things begin to befall competitors, Kallia's caught in the middle. Glorian is awash with stunning scenery and spectacle, and Kallia enchants as a flawed and fiery lead, armed with tricks and witty banter. As the romantic tension ratchets up, so deepen the mysteries. Readers will ache for the next installment. Most characters seem to be white; Kallia is brown skinned. A lush, captivating blend of The Phantom of the Opera and fresh, new magic. (Fantasy. 14-adult) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
