Debut novelist Janella Angeles describes Where Dreams Descend as a mashup of The Phantom of the Opera, Moulin Rouge, and The Night Circus. As a longtime fan of Broadway and musicals, she knew she wanted to write a book that was inspired by the musical that first made her fall in love with musical theater, which is Phantom of the Opera. As a result, we have been gifted with the gorgeously haunting story that is Where Dreams Descend.
The story centers around Kallia, a talented magician who has only known the world of Hellfire House and its mysterious master, Jack. The reader quickly discovers that Jack has been altering Kallia’s memory to trap her into remaining at Hellfire House, and Kallia quickly escapes his clutches. She travels to the city of Glorian, where a magical competition is taking place, with the intention of entering the competition and making a name for herself in the highly competitive world of magicians.
Where Dreams Descend is an excellent commentary on gender norms and equality. Kallia is tough, headstrong, and even a little bit cocky, but is undeniably a talented magician. Even so, she has to fight twice as hard to be heard and acknowledged as a competitor. It is far too relatable for women today, knowing that they could be more talented than a male counterpart and still having to work so much harder to be recognized. This book particularly addresses sexism in the entertainment industry, seen not only in Kallia needing to work much harder than her male competitors for recognition, but also in Jack’s manipulation of Kallia from a young age. The relationship between Kallia and Jack is very reminiscent of the relationship between Christine and the Phantom; Jack is obviously a mentor to Kallia is, like the Phantom, but the lines that define the relationship are blurred. There are times where it seems to border on romantic, and at others more familial. It is one of many aspects that contribute to the overall mystery within the novel.
I could talk about this book for hours. The best part is that the second installment in the duology is scheduled to release in June 2021!! I cannot wait to get my hands on it and find out the conclusion to Kallia’s amazing story.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Frequently bought together
$10.79
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14
In Stock
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
Gorgeous fantasy world you won’t want to leave!
I’ve been looking forward to this book for so long, and it didn’t disappoint.First of all, this book is gorgeous. From the cover to the prose to the magical world, the extravagance of the book takes over.This book was described as a modern Phantom of the Opera, and I got major Phantom of the Opera vibes in places, especially when Jack - the magician who would be the Phantom in this retelling - keeps appearing in mirrors. But the book is so much more than just a retelling. The magic system is spectacular, and the mysterious ruined city divided into four Houses represented by suites of cards hints at so much more backstory that I hope the author will explore in the second book.When Kallia learns that her employer and closest friend - the master magician known as Jack and the owner of Hellfire House, the club where she works - has been lying to her and messing with her mind, she escapes.She’s grown up in isolated Hellfire House and knows nothing of the outside world, except that the nearest city, the ruined Glorian, is opening its doors for a competition for magicians. And thanks to Jack’s training, Kallia’s a magician who can compete with the best.But everyone has secrets - Jack, Kallia, her new mysterious and sexy mentor, even the city itself. And someone seems willing to bring down the competition at any cost, making the body count rise.Kallia is independent and headstrong, but finds herself drawn to the mysterious Demarcos, who’s there to judge the competition. There’s sexual tension between them almost immediately, so of course he’s picked to be her mentor. But Jack, who can conjure a version of himself through mirrors, keeps showing up and ruining the moment.This book ends on a major cliffhanger, which I didn’t mind because of the reveals along the way. I’ve fallen in love with this world and these characters. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Top reviews from other countries
maria
Muy bueno
Reviewed in Spain on November 20, 2021
maria
Reviewed in Spain on November 20, 2021
Images in this review
Cristiana
Totally worth the hype!
Reviewed in Spain on February 7, 2022
Cristiana
Reviewed in Spain on February 7, 2022
However, if you push past the first 100/150 pages, you'll get used to the author's writing and instantly hooked. Kallia brought on a show and Demarco, especially at the end, got me surrendered to him.
And the book, as obvious, finished in a cliffhanger and now I'm dying to read the next. What actually just happened?! I have so many question needing to be answered. And also, the Master, Jack? There's not enough words in the planet that will describe my loathe and love for him. He's the villain but also, he's lovable and I have no idea what to do with my feelings for him.
Images in this review
