by Rachel Vincent
Published by MIRA
expected release date: September 29, 2015
genre: Adult, Mythology, Supernatural, Fantasy (dark),
**received e-arc from publisher and netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Summary (Goodreads): When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger's Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus black-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah in her black swan burlesque costume is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she's forced to "perform" in town after town.
But there is breathtaking beauty behind the seamy and grotesque reality of the carnival. Gallagher, her handler, is as kind as he is cryptic and strong. The other "attractions"—mermaids, minotaurs, gryphons and kelpies—are strange, yes, but they share a bond forged by the brutal realities of captivity. And as Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, she'll discover a strength and a purpose she never knew existed.
Renowned author Rachel Vincent weaves an intoxicating blend of carnival magic and startling humanity in this intricately woven and powerful tale.
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book right from the start. This is a dark look at what happens when humans get scared and decide the only solution is to round up anything that is not 100% human and imprison them one way or another.
*I wasn't as bothered by things that made this dark the way others were. They were highly disturbing but that is what made this book so great. If the author hadn't shown how bad the cryptids had it, the rest of the story wouldn't of had the same meaning.
*The reveal of how Delilah was still 100% human but had cryptid abilities was interesting. I'm not as familiar with what she is (really trying not to spoil here) so I was glad that it was well explained.
*I had an idea of what Gallagher was and it was another good reveal for the reader and the others that were around when it took place.
*I liked his and Delilah's relationship. I was glad Delilah did just auto trust everyone around her that showed her a bit of kindness once she was caged.
* I liked the oracles and how they brought everything full circle from Delilah's past to the present.
Overall, I'm looking forward to this series. While I'm not sure where the author is going to go with the next book I'm interested enough to find out. With the way things ended and with the cryptids looking for lost family it seems like it can only go bad but here's hoping there's enough good to counterbalance them.
Rating: 4.5
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