In 2019 my health started going down hill and I didn't take into consideration what that would mean for my book reviewing. Sadly, I've been trying to play catch up for years and it's been affecting my ability 5o keep up with present day tasks. So I greatly apologize for this but I am going to clear out all these older review books and focus on present day. I will come back and update this review if I end up reading the book, which is very possible as a lot of these books are still ones I would like to read, I just don't think the pressure looming over me is helpful. Thank you for giving me a chance to early read these books and I am so sorry I wasn't able to provide what was needed.

Where Dreams Descend was filled with the most unique and intriguing world building paired with a strong and captivating main character. The gorgeous cover drew me in but I quickly became invested in Kallia’s dream to be free, to be more. The pacing was superb, the mysteries and twists perfectly placed but the magical atmosphere truly took center stage in this one.

This was such a fun read. I love the authors character work here. It was so refreshing to read after reading a challenging book that I ended up DNFing. I love the world and the plot really kept me turning the pages late into the night and that’s all we readers really want in a book

I really enjoyed this book for the most part. The story had a nice flow, and the writing was clear and engaging. The characters were relatable, and their journey kept me invested. While it didn’t push any boundaries, it was a fun and entertaining read that I’m glad I picked up.

Stunning imagery, accessible fantasy vibes and a cover to die for! This was a winner for sure. I don’t often read magical anything but this one worked for me

This dazzling debut by Janella Angeles is a whirlwind of magic, mystery, and drama, weaving together an unforgettable story that's as enchanting as it is dark. Where Dreams Descend immerses readers in an atmospheric world brimming with lush prose, an air of whimsy, and an undercurrent of shadows, perfectly capturing its Phantom of the Opera meets Moulin Rouge allure.

The romance is tantalizing, though its direction remains deliciously uncertain—will there be a love triangle or an even more complex entanglement? For now, I'm holding off on declaring my allegiance to any particular ship.

The gripping finale left me yearning for more, practically begging for the sequel in a flurry of anticipation. Angeles's storytelling talent is undeniable, and I wouldn't be surprised to see this book become a standout in the YA fantasy genre.

If you’re drawn to atmospheric reads with compelling female leads and a touch of theatrical flair, you’ll want to add Where Dreams Descend to your collection. And let’s be honest—you’ll love having that stunning cover grace your bookshelf.

eARC was kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles follows Kallia, a talented young magician who dreams of escaping her controlling master and proving that she’s more than just a performer. When she enters a high-stakes competition, she’s thrust into a dangerous world where nothing is what it seems and everyone has their own hidden agenda.

The world-building in this book is beautiful, the author does a great job of creating a setting that feels both enchanting. Kallia is a strong and complex protagonist, driven by her desire for freedom but also wrestling with her own fears and insecurities. There’s a bit of romance too, though it takes a backseat to the drama and tension of the competition and Kallia’s personal growth.

The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat, and the pacing is solid throughout. While some of the characters could have been developed a bit more, the mysteries surrounding them kept me intrigued. The atmosphere is the real standout here, it’s the kind of book that you can lose yourself in, with dark, glittering magic around every corner.

I wanted to read this book so much when I requested it, and then when I started it the mood was just gone. I was hoping to feel an immediate interest or connection like with Caraval, but it just felt a little flat to me. I may try again later to see if it was just a mood or the book itself.

Really enjoyed this! The cover is super cool as well. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read early!

Have not had a chance to read this yet, but will keep it on my list for a rainy day! Appreciate being offered the reading copy!

With The Night Circus being one of my favorite books, I guess it was inevitable not to gravitate towards a book set in a magical circus. I was very intrigued by the idea of the remote club run by a magician with the power to alter memories and whose star is a showgirl with her own powers who wants to know the world beyond those walls. There is a twist in one of the first chapters that piqued my curiosity, but my interest waned once Kallia leaves the club to join a magical competition in the strange city of Glorian. From there, the plot started to bore me, something that wasn’t helped by the childish and lackluster romance between Kallia and Demarco (you were rude, apology accepted, now apologize again, apology not accepted, now I’m the rude one). The only things I somewhat enjoyed were the opening chapters and the friendship between Aaros and Kallia, but I have no intention of finishing this duology.

Where Dreams Descend is unfortunately not for me. I had tried this book and set it down in hopes of one day coming back to it, but now it is time to mark as DNF.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy in exchange my honest review.

I actually read this when it first came out and was not really into it. I had high hopes, but it was kind of slow for me and I reluctantly read the story. Now, a few years later, I can really appreciate the story! I think the characters are more developed than I noticed at the time. I think the slow pace was meant to be, because it gives the reader time to create feeling with the author's world building. I do think this still was 3.5/5 stars and not my favorite book of all time, but I appreciated it more than back when I gave it 2 stars!

I really enjoyed the storyline in world building in the novel. I also really liked the characters. I thought this was a solid read, and I will definitely be reading more by this author.

This was a magical and musical dream of a book. I loved this book. Thoroughly enjoyed the authors style of writing.

Where Dreams Descend was a very slow burning book that I had a very hard struggle with. I really couldn't relate or immerse myself in the characters or the storyline much. Not quite sure if it had anything to do with the writing or the fact that it was so slow for me. I was very disappointed at this, as it was described as 2 novels that I absolutely loved! I can see the relations to them, but the feel wasn't there. I would say this is a good recommendation for the teens and YA who enjoy the fantasy storyline and have the time to invest in a slower burn.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have elected not to read and review this book due to time constraints. Thank you for the opportunity.

When I see Moulin Rouge and Phantom of the Opera in the pitch, I know I have to read! It gave me more Night Circus vibes (which is a book I love, so that's a complement) than the two pitched stories, but it had a really rich, dark atmosphere that I enjoy from this kind of novel. The writing style was lovely to read and created such a captivating tone, but I wanted a little more from the world-building and character-development.

Wasn’t able to finish this one. I had a really hard time getting into. Read very slow and didn’t capture my interest.