First I would like to say how much I love janella’s writing and how I can see her potential and skill coming off the page from this duology. That being said let’s get into this review.

Okay the first thing I want to talk about was the pacing of this book, at least the first half was a lot slower than I anticipated for this book. Mostly going off now I devoured book one in a whole day and everything was Bam. Bam. Bam. Here it felt very slowed down, but I pushed through and I’m so glad that I did.

The character growth was absolutely amazing, I was particularly obsessed with Jack’s story arc. He changed so much, he was my favorite in book one and it definitely transferred to book two. Jack and Kallia’s relationship changed so much too , even though I was big shipper of them I love where their story left off and I mean her and Daron are just too sweet to compare to anything else.

I loved how janella continued the world into the mirrors and just how complex it was, definitely a duology I think everyone should read and want to read.

The only thing I wish was Daron and Kallia’s story to not be rushed in the last 30%, I really wanted more of them together so I could really feel that angst that was portrayed. Other than that I loved this book.

Also, I know things can change between this arc and final copies. So please give it a read, I know I’ll be rereading.

Where Dreams Descend was one of my favorite books last year. It was an absolute page-turner that I couldn't put down, so ever since finishing that book, I was waiting with bated breath for the conclusion to its duology! And this book came in with so many surprises and twists that I didn't see coming. I absolutely couldn't predict which way this book would go, and some of the characters surprised me as well (in a good way)! I just came to love Kallia (and Demarco) even more. I even enjoyed getting to know Jack more, which is something I never thought I'd say. I do wish we would have been able to see the re-union between Kallia and Demarco much earlier, but that's my only complaint really.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to St. Martins Press for providing me this arc via Netgalley!
This was one of the arcs I was most excited to receive and it did not disappoint. This book confirmed what the first one suggested, that this is one of my favorite duologys of all time.
The introduction of a brand new world, as well as new characters was very smooth and the twists kept on coming.
The revelation that Vain was Eva was kind of predictable, but I still enjoyed it. I loved her friendship with Kallia and the interactions with her brother.
Speaking of Demarco, I loved his character in this sequel just as I had in the first book. His relationship with Kallia was still amazing and I loved seeing him give up on his magic.
I hated Jack on the first book but here he really confused me - props to the author for that. I loved getting to know more about his past and realizing his other side (still very team Demarco, tho).
The only thing I was sorry for in this book was not seeing more of Aaros, I missed him.
In conclusion, I loved this book, and this duology in general, and really recommended everyone getting their hands on this.
Keep em coming Janella.

When Night Breaks is an epic conclusion to the duology! I personally enjoyed this one more than Where Dreams Descend. We pick up where we left off at the end of Where Dreams Descend and the magic in this book was awesome, I loved the characters and how the story wrapped up.

2.5 stars. I wish I could put my finger on exactly why I was so let down by this, but I can’t really. I struggled to connect with the plot throughout this finale. The first 70% felt very slow and uninteresting. I think there was just too much new information thrown at me, it was hard to understand the mechanics of the new setting, and the characters and relationships I loved so much in WDD were either very limited or different. The only new character I felt a connection to was Vain, and that still wasn’t very much. Plus I really thought I would be getting more from Jack. I found the final showdown to be very confusing and I’m still not entirely sure what happened and how it all works. And the ending just fell flat. Overall, just did not live up to my excitement and I’m sad that I didn’t enjoy this as much as I was hoping. Will still look out for this author’s books in the future.

3.5 stars
I wasn't to into the first book. And it's beennso long since I read it that I couldn't really.get into this one. Maybe I would like it better as a duology that I would binge read.
It picks up right after the first book.
Kallia must figure out her place in the new world she's in and learn the answers of her magic.
Demarco is trying to find kallia and his sister.
Jack is still someone you don't know if you can trust.

When Night Breaks is an intense and immersive conclusion to the Kingdom of Card duology! The story picks up where Where Dreams Descend left off with Kallia and Jack in a world beyond the mirror they fell through. An alternate version of Glorian, Kallia and Jack face stakes that, if possible, are even higher than the first book. In the meantime, Demarco remains in Glorian frantically searching for any clues to Kallia’s whereabouts as Kallia tries to survive in her new surroundings and find a way home.

The story is captivating and immersive and so vivid. I love the author’s writing style and how quickly the story pulls you in. This is a unique world of magic, wonder, and danger, and the shows, the magic, and the fanfare are dazzling, vividly described, and easy to imagine. Everything is larger than life and glamorous and heightened, but nothing is as it seems. This concept of illusion versus reality is fascinatingly explored throughout the story, especially considering how much these lines blur. Kallia can’t trust anything or anyone, even the man she came through the mirror with.

I love that Jack’s character was expanded on in this book because I was so intrigued by him in the first book. Why does he try to confine Kallia? Is he good or bad? What are his true motives? This book delves more into his past, his connection to Kallia, his motives, and more. I like that he is so morally grey, and you never know if you should love or loathe him (though, I admit I LOVE him!!). His story is fantastic, as is Kallia’s.

Kallia is a great protagonist, and she goes through so much in this duology. I love her strength and grit and the way she faces her troubles head-on. Kallia is a survivor, and she is sharp, astute, and a bit cunning. These traits come in handy in this alternate world where competition is fierce and deadly, magic is incomparable, and deception is at an all-time high. Her character arc is so well done, and I enjoyed her growth throughout the duology.

We are introduced to many new characters in this alternate world, each mysterious and full of secrets. I thought I’d be disappointed that some of my favorite minor characters from the first book didn’t have bigger roles in this book (they’re in the book, just not a ton), but the new characters made up for it. Kallia and Jack meet some intriguing people in the alternate Glorian, and I enjoyed learning more about them, how they got there, and their roles in the story. Happily, has a large role in the story even though he is not with Kallia.

The story switches from Kallia to Demarco’s experiences, so you learn a lot about what happens after the debacle in Glorian. Demarco, who is still in Glorian, is relentless in his search for Kallia, and I love that he never gives up on her. His journey to find out more about Glorian, its history, and its connection to Kallia’s disappearance is so intriguing, and Demarco quickly learns that there are some secrets that powerful people don’t want revealed. Demarco’s journey is dangerous, but his love for Kallia fuels him.

Finally, I want to mention the author’s skillful use of symbols, imagery, and foreshadowing throughout the book, all of which add to the suspense and intrigue. Mirrors, in particular, are a strong symbol in the duology, and the imagery brings the setting alive. If I were still an English teacher, I would totally use passages of this book to teach these literary elements and show how much they add to the story.

I’m so thankful to NetGalley and Wednesday books for giving me an advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. This was one of my most aniticipated reads of the year, and I really enjoyed it.

Thank you so much netgalley for providing an arc!!

When Night Breaks” is the perfectly captivating and imaginative sequel to Janella Angeles’s debut “Kingdom of Cards” duology. With endless descriptions of extraordinary marvels such as magician’s tricks and illusions, jaw-dropping performances, and baroque, flashy fashion; and I was easily immersed into the new mirror version of Glorian that Kallia and Jack come across on the other side of the mirror they fell through. Questions are answered, but also lead to more questions as Kallia navigates this new world full of talented magicians and an untrustworthy ruler and as Demarco works to find his way to get Kallia back.

Also, I am in awe of the writing, the world and the characters the author has created,
I really like the worldbuilding, and how the author had created a world that has the capability of making us vicariously live through it.
The magic and romance pair so well together in this finale, I wish it would never end.

I received an e-arc of When Night Breaks by Janella Angeles from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Where Dreams Descend when I read it last year. I would recommend re-reading the first book or reading a recap before going into When Night Breaks,I didn't reread and found I forgot a lot of details which took away from my enjoyment of the story.
When Night Breaks follows the aftermath of the events of Where Dreams Descend and concludes the duology.
I was here for the slow burn romance and mutual pining between the love interests, but I felt that maybe the slow burn was a little too slow in this book. The magic system and circus atmosphere were amazing, and I think fans of Caraval will definitely have fun with this series.
3/5 stars.

#WhenNightBreaks #NetGalley #Edelweiss
An excellent follow up. The story picks right up where it left off. I really enjoy the characters and setting from these novels.

I enjoyed reading this book. I thought the characters were well developed and the plot moved at a pace that felt appropriate. I would like to read other books by this author in the future.

Where Dreams Descend was full of mystery and magic. Thankfully When Night Breaks picks up pretty close to right where the last one left off and starts working to unfold their world and answering my questions from book 1. I found book 1 to be on the slower side, but that is not true for book 2. This douology truely is one continuous story and deserves to be read together.

When Night Breaks continues to follow Kallia, Jack, and Daron, but with a lot more Daron (yay!!).

Moving away from the competition angle the story still kept the vibe of marvellous showmanship that I loved about the first book.

When Night breaks the exciting waited sequel to when Dreams Descend. It left off on a hook of an ending from when Dreams descend. When Kallia is taken away from the spectalore. Some could say kidnapped through mirrors. So Kallia's mentor Daron Demarco hunts for her with Lottie a news reporter and he just can't seem to find her. Rumors come around and soon mysterious things are happening. Meanwhile someone named Jack walked back into Kallia's life. From the Mirror's who knows. Soon finds out that life is very different where she ended up. Big question where did she end up? Why is it different. Surprises await and of course magic awaits. New characters arrive Vain, Malice, Ruthless, Roth and more... More visuals and more interest on where Kallia ended up.

This is a duology and it is amazing the hype from what I expected after the first book is just as amazing.

Given to me by netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow being back in this magical world was absolutely breathtaking. The way this is written brings the words to life around you. We meet some amazing new characters that you can’t help but love. It was so hard to figure out who I love more Demarco or Jack…Kallia is once again lost and trying to figure out how to overcome all that is thrown her way and save those she loves. While I feel there were still a few questions after reading this, I think this sequel is one of the best sequels I have had the pleasure of reading.

If you like Stephanie Garber and Laini Taylor than I believe you will love this series

Where Dreams Descend was a well-written magical story and I was so excited to get to read an arc of When Night Breaks! The sequel picks up where the first book ended. After the competition ends in a disaster, Daron's main priority is to find Kallia, the contestant he fell for, and goes on a dangerous journey to find her. For Kallia, she is feeling lost in a mirrored world of Glorian and must navigate with Jack, who has the answers but cannot always be trusted. The beginning was a little slow for me but I overall enjoyed the story! This was a beautiful conclusion to the Kingdom of Cards duology and I can't wait to see what Janella Angeles writes next!

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an arc of this book!

When Night Breaks by Janella Angeles was amazing. Now that the world is established, I really feel like Angeles was able to work on making the pacing fast but not too fast, the surprising elements surprising, and literally I would not change anything about this book.

Kallia is an amazing main character and oh my gosh, her character!!! Her confidence, outfits, the journey she has to go through in this book. . .simply perfectly written. Demarco is amazing as well, I'd read a whole prequel about him and Eva.

Honestly, I seriously disliked Jack in the first book but in this one. . .I think some opinions will be changed.

Overall, the worldbuilding felt stronger in this one, which is really what I wanted. I would love to know more about Soltair but I think some new things made up for it. I will miss Kallia and Demarco and hope Janella writes more books in this world!!

*4.5 stars rounded up

I love this duology so much. The first book was actually my first ARC ever, and that holds so much value to me.
I thought this sequel was amazing. It was so different from the first book, but also so similar. There were so many changes made, from setting to even the characterization of some characters, but it still largely made sense.
I did think everything was a bit hard to follow. It was impossible to figure out whose story to trust, but not in a fun, unpredictable way, just in a “please tell me so I’m not confused” way. I also thought there was a decent bit that was pretty predictable, but only close to the beginning.
I really loved all of the new magic showcased and all of the new, complex characters. I don’t really want a spin-off novel for anyone just yet (I’m not a fan of those), but I was so committed to everyone’s story. I feel like it wouldn’t be hard to tell who my favorite character is now given that she’s amazing (a new performer). Angeles also always does a beautiful job with magic, and also CLOTHING. I love it when authors take a moment to detail every outfit, and Janella Angeles is amazing at this. (Angeles said there were more Hadestown vibes in this installment too and I totally agree)
Overall, this was just such a satisfying sequel. It was a bit hard to keep track of, but a beautiful and satisfying conclusion to this duology!

Here we go! The finale in the duology by Janella Angeles. The story picks up right where the first book left off with the competition ending in disaster and famous ex show-man Daron Demarco’s fall from grace being on the front page. Daron however has bigger concerns, mainly how to find his sister who he thought was gone and the contestant he fell in love with, Kallia. Kallia on the other hand is reeling from falling through a mirror and being stuck with the one boy who is so full of secrets and lies she can barely discern if he can be trusted, Jack. Kallia is stuck in a new place and must work together with the one guy who has hurt her in ways she never thought but maybe there is more to him and her than she ever knew. Filled with magic, romance, and secrets, this is a conclusion that wraps up Kallia and Daron’s journey but leaves it open for Jack’s journey. The story definitely sweeps away any potential for the Kallia/Jack relationship being a thing ( I really preferred this pairing but oh well), they do start to build a friendship and start to learn to trust one another. The relationship between Kallia and Daron is very clear and there is no question that these two people are in love with one another. Overall, a nice ending to the story, and I am excited to see Jack’s story if the author continues!

*Thanks Netgalley and Wednesday Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

The competition has come to a disastrous end but little matters to Daron beyond finding Kallia, the contestant he fell for. Kallia has never felt more lost, mourning everything and everyone she left behind. Only Jack, the magician who has all the answers but can’t be trusted, remains at her side. Will they survive?

Love, love this duology. Kallia is a terrific character. Sassy, bold, dazzling and unapologetic. Not sure if any of the male characters actually deserve her..... This book is a bit slower than the first book but there are many, many surprises and twists once it gets going. A wonderful, magical book.

Thanks to the publisher for providing this arc.

*Spoiler free, 4.5 stars*

I was looking forward to this book the second I finished Where Dreams Descend. The first book leaves things on the precipice, the darkness almost revealed, the curtain just about the flung back. I wanted to know more. I was so pumped to be back in this world, and I could not wait to see what I would think of it.

Gosh, I love this duology so much. This is everything that I wanted out of the sequel.

The way that Janella writes is just spectacular. It's lush and downright gorgeous. It makes everything dazzle, the glamor and intrigue of the world seeming to seep into my very veins. She's just a talented writer, I could gush about it forever.

The way that this book reveals the secrets kept in Where Dreams Descend, but presents new ones of it's own, how it creates the same dazzling showmanship that made the first book as incredible as it was, but makes it completely different and entirely it's own, was spectacular. I loved how it continued, and built, on the plot of the first book. It gave new secrets, new schemes, to uncover. There's so much more discover, so many more corners of this world to uncover. It's brilliant. The worldbuilding, just dang. The way it's vast, yet claustrophobic at the same time (yes, a weird description, but it fits). It's so good.

And the characters, oh my gosh I love Kallia so much. I love her confidence, the way she strides into everything with her head held high. Her talent that just drapes over her. I love Daron and his desperation to make things right and his yearning for the people he loves. I love the side characters, both old and new, and everything that they added to the book. And they added so much.

And the freaking foreshadowing. There was a moment that my jaw dropped because the way clues were dropped was downright amazing. Like, it was genius and brilliant and so, so good. I absolutely loved how the story twisted, and where it went.

I am not quite sure what I think of the climax, like actual climax scene. I'm not quiet sure what I didn't 100% love about, but I think it was built up to be this big dramatic moment, and a couple pieces didn't completely slot in for me. But that's alright, because the overall book, and the overall climax, were amazing!

Also, I want a [redacted] and [redacted] book.

I love this duology so much. It's dazzling in everything that it does. It's so, so good.