I actually read this when it first came out and was not really into it. I had high hopes, but it was kind of slow for me and I reluctantly read the story. Now, a few years later, I can really appreciate the story! I think the characters are more developed than I noticed at the time. I think the slow pace was meant to be, because it gives the reader time to create feeling with the author's world building. I do think this still was 3.5/5 stars and not my favorite book of all time, but I appreciated it more than back when I gave it 2 stars!

I really enjoyed the storyline in world building in the novel. I also really liked the characters. I thought this was a solid read, and I will definitely be reading more by this author.

This was a magical and musical dream of a book. I loved this book. Thoroughly enjoyed the authors style of writing.

Where Dreams Descend was a very slow burning book that I had a very hard struggle with. I really couldn't relate or immerse myself in the characters or the storyline much. Not quite sure if it had anything to do with the writing or the fact that it was so slow for me. I was very disappointed at this, as it was described as 2 novels that I absolutely loved! I can see the relations to them, but the feel wasn't there. I would say this is a good recommendation for the teens and YA who enjoy the fantasy storyline and have the time to invest in a slower burn.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have elected not to read and review this book due to time constraints. Thank you for the opportunity.

When I see Moulin Rouge and Phantom of the Opera in the pitch, I know I have to read! It gave me more Night Circus vibes (which is a book I love, so that's a complement) than the two pitched stories, but it had a really rich, dark atmosphere that I enjoy from this kind of novel. The writing style was lovely to read and created such a captivating tone, but I wanted a little more from the world-building and character-development.

Wasn’t able to finish this one. I had a really hard time getting into. Read very slow and didn’t capture my interest.

I put this book on my TBR as soon as I saw it had a magic circus but I honestly don’t really know how I feel about it. I didn’t dislike it but I can’t say I fell in love either. I promptly forgot the book almost as soon as I finished it so clearly something wasn’t engaging my brain, but I finished it so there’s that? To be honest, I think it had a lot to do with the amount of mysteries going on. I started losing interest the longer they were drawn out but I had just enough interest to keep reading. All the pieces were there too. The vibes were on point, the worldbuilding enticing. The characters intriguing (mostly). But it wasn’t quite enough for me to really want to stick it out after finishing it. I think I’d recommend it to certain readers but don’t think I’ll read the sequel myself.

I’ve tried several times to read this one, even got a hardback copy but I just can’t get into it. The cover is stunning though and I hope to give it another try in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

First of all can we talk about this cover!! 😍😍😍 SOOOO BEAUTIFUL!!

I truly don't know how I feel about this book… I can definitely see how the description of "The Phantom of the Opera meets Moulin Rouge" is very fitting. I enjoyed many elements of the books but is what somewhat slow for my taste. I wasn't able to fully immerse myself into the book until the very last part.

Don't get me wrong, the characters were amazing, as well as the setting and the writing was impeccable. It was just the pacing that throw me off. I truly enjoyed it but I would only recommend it if you are prepared to push through and be rewarded with an amazing ending.

I really enjoyed this book I gave it a four out of five stars. The first part I didn’t think I would enjoy it but I was hoping it would get better. Which it did get better, and I really enjoyed it. I totally recommend this book.

This book is the start of an adventure. It captures you in the beginning and may have you thinking the story will go one way. By the time act two starts, it can feel like you are suddenly in a different book. The story is beautifully told and I can’t help but wonder what happens in book two.

This book was amazing and I can’t wait to read the second book. The characters, the storytelling, and the cover also were awesome

I was so thankful to receive an arc of this book from the publisher and netgalley. I love the way the author imagined this world and look forward to sharing my favorite parts with my friends who are currently reading this series!

A beautiful and lush book, reminiscent of The Phantom of the Opera and The Night Circus. It's whimsical and dreamy and a little flat but fun.

i enjoyed this one, and the settings and descriptions were so beautiful! I am very excited to continue on with this series and see what else this author does with everything she has laid down!

A solid debut that deserves a higher rating than I'm giving it, but I felt like it all could have moved faster. The world was interesting and the plot, overall, well developed, but the pacing needed some work to really hold my interest.

I will not be giving feedback on this book as I couldn’t really get into it but I think others may enjoy it.

I am a huge fan of the Phantom of the Opera. So it should come as no surprise that I jumped - not fell - into love with this book. It was everything I hoped it would be and more.

I feel like I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if the pacing were more consistent. That being said, I didn't dislike it, I just probably won't be picking up the next book.