Published by: Mira, September 29th 2015
Genre: Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 429
Format: Ebook
Source: Mira, via Netgalley
From New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent comes a richly imagined, provocative new series set in the dark mythology of the Menagerie…
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
From New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent comes a richly imagined, provocative new series set in the dark mythology of the Menagerie…
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
I did not know what to expect from this, which is probably why I put off reading it for so long despite it being written by one of my auto-buy authors. I've seen reviews calling it literary which ... I do understand, as it raises questions about humanity, but it's very firmly fantasy, which made me happy.
Circus, supernatural creatures, and deep questions about what it means to be a sentient being? Hell yes. Honestly, this book does so many things so well, and I don't have enough time to praise them. But I want to touch on the main character, suddenly finding her rights stripped, suddenly being property of a menagerie, and being put in a position where she could have dropped all that, forgotten her situation, because of her relationship with one of her captors. AND SHE NEVER DID. Even as she liked the guy, she was aware of his position of power, of the imbalance, and that was never romanticised, which was perfect. Handled so well.
The writing is strong as always, but the storytelling in this is immense and blew me away. I love the characters and the relationships between them (not necessarily romance either, more friendships and familial bonds) but I'm amazed by how unique and creative this book is. I want to read the next one!
Characters ★★★★★
Setting/world ★★★★★
Writing ★★★★★
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