Review: Pantomime by Laura Lam

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

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 Chimeras 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.

MY TAKE:
I don't think I've ever read a book quite like Pantomime before.

In Pantomime, Micah Grey is adjusting to life as an aerialist and circus worker at a circus. However, he is keeping a secret from everyone, even the one he cares about the most. When his secret comes to light, everything changes quickly.

In the first few chapters, it was easy enough for me to guess what Micah's secret was and his connection with Iphigenia Laurus. It was also easy enough to see who his love interest would be. However, despite some obvious plot twists, there were a lot of new things in the series that kept my interest.

The story is set in a place and time that is kind of like Victorian England, but with some modern conveniences. The magic and folklore of Ellada was a little bit messy and random to me, but the idea of the Penglass was interesting to me. Micah's secret was also a lot different for me and made for a more interesting love triangle. However, most of the romantic scenes between him and one of the characters made me feel a little bit uncomfortable and uncertain as I don't really read books or stories that have a similar nature or plot.

The writing was okay for me, overall, although there were parts that were a little clunky for me, particularly in the beginning.

Thanks to NetGalley and Strange Chemistry for the e-ARC. Publication date of Pantomime is on February 5, 2013.

THE GOOD:

1. Micah's secret is pretty original for a YA book.
2. It's a different kind of love triangle.
3. Even without the love triangle, the book has an interesting premise.

THE BAD:

1. Very conservative readers might be bothered by some stuff in this book.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

The food was marvelous - sandwiches of the freshest white bread filled with various cheeses, cucumbers, crisp lettuce, salmon, smoked meats, and thinly sliced fruit.

READ IT IF:

1. You are fascinated by the circus.
2. You like quirky characters.
3. You are looking for a new twist to the classic love triangle.

RATING:


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