My Thoughts: Pantomime by Laura Lam

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.

*ARC received from NetGalley* 

This is going to be a mini review- Pantomime is a difficult novel to speak on, as there are a number of things I could not say without spoiling.

When I first read the synopsis for Laura Lam's Debut Pantomime I was intrigued but uncertain if it was truly something I would enjoy. You must understand that I do not particularly like fantasy novels. I often find myself bored with them and they are just not my thing. However, Pantomime drew my interest, partially with the cover (because it is absolutely gorgeous), and the circus aspect really had me curious.

While Pantomime was not completely what I was expecting, I did know what was coming. I had read a few spoilers while I was looking into the book (which were disappointing to find out). However, I cannot say that I was incredibly shocked to discover the major twist that makes up this novel. I will say, it is slightly shocking, but you kind of see it coming. It is not an extreme revelation, and after reading the first few pages, you would most likely guess what's to come.

While some would describe Pantomime as a fantasy, I am not sure I would describe it as such. While it does have a fantastical feel to it, I would say it was more of a coming of age story. A story about coming to terms with who you are, and accepting it. I think this is the major theme of Pantomime. Both Gene and Micah both find themselves in Pantomime and it was magical.

Laura Lam does a wonderful thing with the characters in Pantomime. They are great. Gene and Micah are strong individuals, both with trials of their own. The secondary characters also add to the story. Often these characters can sometimes feel like they are just filling space. I did not get this feeling.

Overall, I really enjoyed Pantomime and I am looking forward to future books in this series. Because yes, there will be future books, and I am incredibly excited to read them.

~Happy Reading Everyone.