REVIEW {Pantomime by Laura Lam)

Title: Pantomime
Author: Laura Lam
Publisher: Strange Chemistry
Publication Date: February 5, 2013
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Source: via NetGalley for review

R. H. Ragona’s Circus of Magic is the greatest circus of Ellada. Nestled among the glowing blue Penglass—remnants of a mysterious civilization long gone—are wonders beyond the wildest imagination. It’s a place where anything seems possible, where if you close your eyes you can believe that the magic and knowledge of the vanished Chimaera is still there. It’s a place where anyone can hide. Iphigenia Laurus, or Gene, the daughter of a noble family, is uncomfortable in corsets and crinoline, and prefers climbing trees to debutante balls. Micah Grey, a runaway living on the streets, joins the circus as an aerialist’s apprentice and soon becomes the circus’s rising star. But Gene and Micah have balancing acts of their own to perform, and a secret in their blood that could unlock the mysteries of Ellada.

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A secret wrapped in a mystery, wrapped in a love story, wrapped in circus magic. Now wrap all of that up into a beautifully written story and you have Pantomime.

I admit, I was blown away by this book. I absolutely loved it. All of it. The summary does exactly what it is supposed to do, describe the story. And it does that well. But when you begin reading Pantomime, you are pleasantly shocked with a pretty big secret that you would never guess from reading that summary. I honestly don't know to write up a good review without giving anything away!

The world slightly confuses me. It never actually gives you a date for when all of this takes place. It seems to be a mixture of historical (think nobles, big dresses & Lords and Ladies) and the future. There is magic and tales of ancient people who vanished. An odd combination, but it works! The descriptions of the world painted a lovely picture inside my mind.

This was my first "circus" book. I've never read about anything that had to do with circus acts. I loved it. You could picture the acts in your head like you were really there watching them. I can't wait to dive into more circus themes now!

I'm not sure if there is plans for a second, but I hope and pray there will be. Pantomime leaves you wanting more. It ends with a cliffhanger! I can't wait to find out what happens next. The anticipation just may be to much to handle..

If you love the circus, magic and unfolding mysteries, then this is the book for you! I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!