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BUZZFEED, "29 YA Fantasy Books We Can't Wait To Read In 2020"
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KIRKUS, "Best YA Fantasy and Science Fiction of 2020"
THE NERD DAILY, "The Most Anticipated 2020 Book Releases" and "20 SFF YA Debuts To Watch Out For In 2020"
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"A lush, captivating blend of The Phantom of the Opera and fresh, new magic. ...As the romantic tension ratchets up, so deepen the mysteries. Readers will ache for the next installment." - KIRKUS (Starred Review)
"Readers will find themselves quickly immersed in this quirky, well-paced tale of danger, adventure, and magic. 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." - BOOKLIST
"Formidable female characters and spectacular set pieces mark this ambitious series launch from debut author Angeles." - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"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." - SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
"Perfect for fans of Moulin Rouge and The Phantom of the Opera, Angeles' debut is spectacular, spectacular!" - BUZZFEED
"If you’re looking for a spectacle of a read, look no further than Where Dreams Descend, which is so atmospheric you will feel like your world is sparkling." - BITCH MEDIA, 25 YA Novels Feminists Should Read in 2020
"A lush tale of love, lies, and magic – and one of the most memorable YA fantasies you’ll read this year." - CULTURESS
"This is an intricate love song between the book and the reader, one expertly composed by a phenomenal author. Not only does Janella Angeles seamlessly weave together a fantasy where illusions seem to have more power than reality itself, but she executes each scene with the grace of a dancer gliding across the stage." - THE NERD DAILY
"The perfect summer fantasy read." - POPSUGAR
"An absolute success. ...It met every expectation and more. This story was unbelievable and so much fun to read." - YA BOOKS CENTRAL
"A sweeping, atmospheric debut, Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles is perfect for fans of Caraval." - THE YOUNG FOLKS
"Janella Angeles steals the 2020 show with her fiercely imagined debut starring larger than life characters, a dangerous world alive with magic, and a dizzying dose of grab-a-fainting-couch-and-swoon-away romance!" - Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Wolves
"Where Dreams Descend is a glamorous dark gem of a tale, sparkling with romance, magic, and intrigue. Readers will be captivated by prima donna Kallia as the mystery is slowly unmasked. Bravissima!" - Julie C. Dao, author of Forest of a Thousand Lanterns
"Vibrant imagery, jaw-dropping set pieces, sizzling romantic tension, and unstoppable heroine Kallia bring this ambitious debut novel to spectacular life. Fans of Caraval and The Night Circus will be delighted!" - Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn
"[A] spellbinding melody of a book, and the true magic is how Angeles puts all the best parts of an enrapturing theatrical performance onto paper and ink. From the gripping twists in the first pages all the way to the final, heartbreaking crescendo, Where Dreams Descend will surge you to your feet in a standing ovation.” – Sara Raasch, New York Times bestselling author of the Snow Like Ashes trilogy
04/01/2020
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