Pantomime

by Laura Lam

Release Date: February 5, 2013

Summary:
R. H. Ragona’s Circus of Magic is the greatest circus of Ellada. Nestled among the glowing blue Penglass—remnants of a mysterious civilisation 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

Rating: 4 Stars


Review:
This is a really different story in many ways!

In the beginning I felt quite lost, being thrown into the middle of the story. But Lam's clever way of telling the story, going back and forth between the past and the present kept things interesting- kept me guessing. As the story unfolds many things fall into place and quite a few questions were answered- though many still weren't

The world building is fabulous. I really was amazed by it. Lam really thought of every detail. Love the steampunk feel to it!
The very restrictive society, the lore of old places, different countries, the circus and creatures all were intricately woven together and beautifully described.


The story is told from Mica/Gene POV. In the beginning I found her unbelievable naive- and because of that a bit annoying. But more and more her strengths were showing... and I ended up really liking her. Essentially this is about her journey trying to find out who she is and where she is from. Mica is goodhearted and honest and tries to do what is right. Discovers love and friendship in different places.
I love her relationship with her brother and the times they spent together, her coming of age with many familiar problems and other challenges is told in wonderfully. All her fears and regrets are believable.

Drystan was my favorite character from the beginning. He is sharp, honest, witty and mysterious. And even after reading this- I still have a bunch of questions about him.

The character building is really great as well. Really well done, there are no black and white characters. One of the examples is the mother - while I thought of her as a cold heartless monster for most of the book, we are told how she is upset about Mica's disappearance and it made me reconsider her entirely.
The circus comes to life through Lam's great artistry. The character building make it real and believable.

Lam's prose is beautiful. I am looking forward for more of her work.

My biggest issues were the first 20% of the book, the fact that I was kinda lost and the pacing was quiet slow as well.
Secondly I am left with load of questions and it's gonna be while until the next book is released!

Overall a unique beautiful and atmospheric novel!
I cant wait for the next one!

ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in return for a honest review. Thank you!




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