The premise of the story sounded really intriguing because it seemed like a crossover between Caraval and Phantom of the Opera. I expected an creative world-building, but I did not really get it because it is rarely explained. The characters of the novel are also unlikable. I do like the layout of the novel and the mystery component was the book’s strength. However, there was very little answers because it was setting up for a sequel that I am still contemplating on whether I should read it. Still, I recommend this for fans of Sing Me Forgotten, Ruinsong, and Pf Metal and Wishes!

I started reading this book and found that it was not for me. It didn't seem fair for me to review a book that I didn't finish.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This book was very hard to get through. It started off promising. I loved the intro but as the story went on it good lackluster. I originally DNF’d the book but ended up rereading it since I got approved for the second ARC. The story wasn’t enjoyable until towards the end. The best part was the competition and the mystery. The main character was not likable.

I enjoyed this book so much, it even surprised me myself.

The biggest and most amazing draw for me was the writing. Angeles manages to make you invested from page one, and throws you into an atmospheric and strange world you instantly can't get enough of.

I loved the style, the pacing, the words, the pictures they drew in my head.

And the characters were layered, complex, intriguing. There's a wonderful balance between plot, magic, atmosphere and action, as well as character development and world building. Kallia especially was intriguing, and a very human mess of contradictions while she hides her doubts and fears during the competition and get fight for her right to be where she wants to be.

I am definitely looking forward to reading the second book in this series, and to read more by this author.

This book has a lush setting and beautiful prose, exquisite world building, and deeply woven character building. There is darkness and power. There is intrigue and mysticism. All of these things wrap you up and want you to keep reading. Until it doesn't. While I thoroughly enjoyed the first part of this book by the end I was just left feeling a certain way. I was left looking for a purpose and confused. And ultimately I left not liking the heroine. She's acts like a petulant teenager, and I could not empathize with her. I have nothing against characters who are young, but if there is no growth than what's the point of the character. I will purchase the second book because I do want to see if a lot of my issues rectify and I do think the premise of the book is great.

For a book that promised Moulin Rouge meets Phantom of the Opera with a sprig of the Magicians thrown in, I was expecting a lot more then what was delivered. I could see a lot more of a Caraval or Night Circus comparison. The world building held a lot of promise but we had far too little interactions with it.
I found our heroine to be obnoxious once we hit the main stride of the story. Her behavior was extremely contradictory and her abilities come across as quite overpowered.
I wanted to DNF this title several times but there was something about it that kept me going. There were really good moments with atmosphere. The idea was interesting but the execution did not work for me.

Sadly, this book was not for me. I couldn’t get into the plot, and I think it’s because I was comparing to Caraval. Maybe this one will draw my interest in the future because I so wanted to love this book. The premise sounds amazing and I just couldn’t get into it at the time I was choosing to read it. This had nothing to do with the author or book itself. I firmly believe in right book right time, and sadly this was not the right time for me

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was so good and it was nothing like what I have read before. It was a little slow at times but other then that, I though it was great. I liked the storyline and I also liked all the characters. This book was not what I expected either. It was a little dark at times but I am all for that. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in the series.

This was a book with a lot of potential, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. I thought the atmosphere was really great, but I felt like the characters were kept at a distance from the reader and consequently, I didn't really engage with their story. I will be picking up the sequel as the book ended on a really interesting note and I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoyed The Night Circus or The Prestige, but for me, it was a bit disappointing.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is a very debuty debut. Lots of predictable twists, nearly pantomime-level formed characters, and big giant plot holes you can fall through. That being said, the world building was gorgeous, the setting was pretty well developed, and Kallia is a great main character (even if she's a heroine like so many other YA heroines). She's sassy, independent, and has great fashion sense. I feel like this book could be described as 50% predictable YA, 50% decadent world of magic and allure. If you're a plot-driven reader, maybe give it a pass. If you're a fan of world building and magical sumptuousness, give it a try. And bear in mind, the second half is leagues better than the first.

I recently had the pleasure of reading Janella Angeles's spectacle of a novel, WHERE DREAMS DESCEND -- and I absolutely fell in love.

With magical prose, lush descriptions, and a heavy dose of glitter, it's fun. It's romantic. It truly is a showstopper of a story.

Plus... this COVER?! Is it not one of the most stunning covers you've ever seen?! And Book 2's cover is just as pretty. 😍

What a way to kick off 2022. If you're looking for a show -- something to keep you entertained, or simply dose you in glitter and engross you in its world -- then I can't recommend WHERE DREAMS DESCEND enough.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on Where Dreams Descend because the cover was so beautiful. However, I am so conflicted about this book. The start was slow. I stopped reading it once, then picked it back up and powered through with a buddy read.

Janella Angeles, a Filipino-American writer, started her writing journey with fanfiction. She lives in MA and works in publishing as well as being an author!

The writing style led to a great, atmospheric tale. I felt like I was walking the streets of Glorian. It was a great story with very immersive settings and characters. The plot, while slow to start, really picked up by the end and I couldn't put it down, nor did I want to! I had to see what would happen with the final performance!

The characters were all fleshed out with their own voices. Kallia was fiery and a woman taking on the world. Jack was dark, handsome, but you couldn't tell if he was good or bad. Daron was so sweet and considerate, but was he good? Aaros was probably my favorite. He ended up being Kallia's assistant and kept me laughing. I'd love to see him have his own story!

Overall, I enjoyed Where Dreams Descent. The beginning was slow and hard to keep my attention, but now that I have finished, I can't wait to read the sequel! I would give it a try if you love circus-themed books!

4 starts. Enjoyed the characters, the magic & the pacing. One of the first books in a long time where the romance and the will they, won't they didn't take way from the over all plot of the book. Cannot wait to continue

Between the cover and the book being pitched as “Phantom of the Opera meets Moulin Rouge”, I was all over this story. I had seen some early reviews about the ending, so I wanted to wait until I had both books in my hands…alas, this has been a struggle. And I’m wondering if three stars is too high of a rating.

I liked Kallia well enough. She knows she wants something different and is ready to fight for the chance to get it. Demarco was aloof and loyal and more times than not, seemed confused. Jack was a mysterious nightmare and the small glimpses we got from him are likely what kept me reading. Oh, and Kallia’s assistant Aaros might have been the best part, but he faded away quickly.

Plot wise, I don’t even know. There are loads of things mentioned and then never again, the world building is non-existent, I have no idea wtf is going on with the magic system, and all of the other magicians slash competitors are basically nameless faces in the background. However, I will say that it’s all quite atmospheric and I loved that.

Overall, I wanted a lot more, but something kept me reading. I’m hoping that there will be a lot of explaining in the next book because the last 20% or so was pretty amazing and has made me quite eager to continue. Fingers crossed.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for giving me the opportunity to review this book. I admit in my joy at joining NetGalley I may have been overzealous in my requesting numbers. As this book has already been published, I am choosing to work on the current upcoming publish date books in my que.
I have finally got around to reading this and I regret not getting to it sooner, it had a bit of a slow start, but then I was drawn in and I could barley put it down.

I found this to be an enjoyable read, keeping me on my toes throughout. The storyline was written well and flowed seamlessly. I look forward to reading more by this author!

I'm not quite sure how to feel about this book--I liked the book, but bristled at what's basically domestic abuse between the Master and Kalia (her constantly looking over her shoulder; him stalking her; her cutting herself off from people because she's afraid he'll do something to them). Even if he had his reasons (which are never fully explained, even at the end of the book), it's a really crappy way to go about it. I felt the sexual tension between Demarco & Kalia more than some people, but then Angeles really pulls her punches. (Have they done more than heavy kissing? Sounds like it, but no details beyond disheveled hair and slightly askew clothes.)

For a magical competition, we learn nothing about the other judges and other contestants; same for the Conquering Circus. I understand Kalia and Demarco are the focus, but at the expense of everyone else who was introduced. The system of magic could've used a little more definition. This was clearly a setup for the sequel, which I'll still read.

Initial Thoughts
Alright, I admit I sat on this book. I received an ARC in April of 2020 and waiting until book 2 was out before I read it. But, my delay was not from lack of interest! I just hate to wait for sequels!

Some Things I Liked
World building and magic system. I really liked the almost historical fantasy world. It felt familiar but also unique. Also, the magic was quite interesting.
Phantom of the Opera vibes. Loved that. But, I wanted more Jack.

One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
I think I’m rooting for the wrong love interest? I’m team Jack but I have a feeling you’re not supposed to root for him. He is basically a villain but he’s definitely the more interesting of the two choices.

Series Value
I will read the next book. This one ended in a way that left me wanting more.

One tiny thing to note is that I finished this book about a week ago and I’ve already forgotten quite a bit. I’d recommend binging this duology because it was not terribly memorable.

Final Thoughts
I’m definitely excited to keep reading. This was a magical debut and I hope the ship I’m rooting for sails in book 2.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A promising start from a new young adult author! This had moulin rouge/greatest showman vibes. I really enjoyed the tone of writing and the pacing, the characters were also interesting! I am excited to read more.

The cover was great but couldn’t get into the story. I do think others might connect to this one more. Three stars.