Vandemere offers an intriguing concept—a 1930s circus fantasy—but struggles with execution. The protagonist, Vandy, is difficult to root for due to his objectification of women and lack of character growth. Supporting characters feel stereotypical, and the circus setting lacks vibrancy and depth.

The novel also mishandles sensitive topics, particularly in its portrayal of Shorty, a character with dwarfism, which comes across as exploitative. Pacing is uneven, bogged down by excessive flashbacks and scattered plot points.

Despite its potential and appeal to horse enthusiasts, Vandemere fails to deliver compelling characters or meaningful storytelling.

Kimberley D. Tait's Vandemere audiobook is an enthralling exploration of ambition, betrayal, and the elusive search for meaning Tait masterfully weaves a narrative that is both sharp and emotionally resonant. The audiobook format elevates the experience, thanks to an exceptional narration that captures the nuance of Tait’s prose and brings her characters to life. The narrator’s ability to shift tones seamlessly between moments of tension, introspection, and wit makes the listening experience deeply immersive. What sets Vandemere apart is its balance of a fast-paced, plot-driven narrative with rich character development. Tait invites readers to question the costs of success and the value of authenticity in a world dominated by appearances.

I enjoyed the book. Can't wait to read the second book to continue it. I liked how had it mystery and magic mixed together in a weird way.

Arc -audio from netgalley.
This book had its ups and downs, I loved the scene setting and attention to detail when describing the circus, but sometimes it went off on tangents. The main character Vandemere covers a lot of flashbacks as well as being in the alternate mindset with the magie. His ability was interesting, and I would have liked to delve into this a bit more. I got fed up with the police officer daughter Ellen while he was in hospital and felt she should have been featured less. Also, how did nurse Steel not hunt him down with the weakness he had. I will have to hunt down the next book now as I need to know what happens next.

Listening to this audiobook was very interesting. I think that it brought a lot of light and personality into the story that I personally don't think I would have captured reading it on my own. However, even though it got me through reading it, I'm not sure if the narrator's voice was what I would've chosen for some characters. It became a little distracting at times.

I do enjoy that this is a historical fiction novel that takes place in the 1930s. I liked the idea that this story was about a young man, a rider, who is a part of a traveling circus with a lot of drama tied to him. His mother, Bonnie, was a tarot card reader in the same circus. Vandemere inherits supernatural abilities. He's pretty much warned not to use them. However, as he gets older, he finds his mind itching to use them. It takes a while to get into the whole story. I think, for the most part, the book started fairly slowly for me. The idea of what life looked like for some traveling Romanian gypsies back then is also very interesting. You get a small idea of what that culture looked like at that time (given it is historical fiction). This book does have a fair amount of profanity for a YA book. I'm not sure if the YA community had changed their guidelines, but it is just something I noticed while listening.

I'm not sure where this story will lead us in book #2. However, this definitely could not be left as a standalone, at least I don't think so. You potentially could stop at this book, but you'll leave yourself with lots of unanswered questions. Vandemere also has a lot of growing up to do, which becomes obvious later on in this story. I think I need to try sitting down and reading this in text format. My mind could change with the entirety of the story again, and moving forward to the next book.

Rating & Tropes
☆☆☆.75/5 round up to 4
➷Circus
➷1930s
➷Outcasts
➷Mysterious Magic

-Quick description-
We follow Venderemere ( Vandy ) and the travelling circus he works for as a trick rider around 1930’s USA. His mother still works with the circus as a tarot card reader and we get to learn about his heritage and the magic he possesses that has been pasted down through the generations.

-My thoughts-
This was a completely new type of book for me I finished it in one sitting on audio speed 2x. I found the narrator comfortable to listen to. I really enjoyed getting to know Vandy and his horses and as horses are my favourite animal I throughly enjoyed every time they made an appearance in this book I also enjoyed the 1930’s circus theme. The characters were all very well written and fleshed out and all have strong personalities that were easy to differentiate from one another. This story feels unique to me and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for my ALC and a huge thank you to Kimberley D. Tait.
Also reviewed on Goodreads, StoryGraph,Fable and Instagram (post coming soon) @read.with.rue

I really loved this story. I really fell in love with Vande and his horses. It was really interesting following his story and seeing him struggle with his magic and life. The characters definitely were well written and I definitely developed different feelings towards each of them. I was really sucked into the story and wanted to know more! I love a carnival/circus setting so this was perfect for me, especially with the trick riding. I would be very interested in reading the next book in the series!

I was given an free ebook copy of this work in return for an honest review. I really enjoyed reading the story but it started to find it hard going. I was then offered a audio book copy and found that much better.

The narrator does an excellent job really bringing the setting of the story and it's characters to life.

I was drawn in by the cover art and I really wanted to enjoy the story. But often times I found I was having to re read or re listen to bits to really make sense of things. It felt like it lost its way .

I like another reader who reviewed it not sure that it belongs in the young adult category due to the amount of triggers.

Over all it's definitely a story that evokes the old west, slices of life and of a young man coming into his own

I had read a few reviews on goodreads prior to starting my own audiobook journey reading Vandemere - a fair few were roasting the main character himself, Vandy. I was worried about how he will be portrayed and if I too will dislike him as a protagonist, as i'm not the biggest fan of men particularly when they are objectifying woman and have no respect towards woman. I had to keep reminding myself that this story is set in the 1930's so the behaviour of this was more normalised, and Vandy is also a teenager. Keeping all that in mind I didn't end up hating him as a character and it actually really helped me set the scene for that moment in time. As there isn't a huge discussion on when this is set, his behaviour really builds that setting for you.

As this is labelled as a YA, I do have a stereotypical idea of what a YA book looks like to me, and mentioning a few things in this book don't radiate YA to me. That is a personal opinion and I enjoy reading YA books to avoid all the smutty language and swear words, as a bit of a palette cleanser. When i'm hearing the words like cock, and descriptive stuff about how it looks in his pants I had to pause for a moment and remind myself this was a YA novel.

Overall, the plot has been amazing. I think it is incredibly unique and I've never heard of anything along the lines of circus fantasy, paranormal sort of possession vibe. Then there were lots of deaths and it just was a very interesting fascinating read, as I was trying to figure out how these characters died and if Vandy himself is doing these during his "black outs". I think if the story was set in modern time, i'd probably want the male characters to be less ugh. Dad raping his own daughter and her being proud of it, yikes! Then another male character forcing another one into sleeping with him as she "loved him".... those two elements were not my favourite but I did like that Vandy was not standing for either of them and did feel bad for the girls!

I am intrigued to experience book 2!!

Kimberley D. Tait’s Vandemere is an evocative and enthralling novel that immerses readers in a world of intrigue, ambition, and personal discovery. Experiencing this story through the audiobook format elevates the narrative, allowing the listener to feel deeply connected to the characters and their journey.
Kimberley D. Tait crafts a cast of characters who are as complex as they are engaging. The protagonist is compelling, with layers of vulnerability, ambition, and resilience that unfold beautifully throughout the story. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding depth and texture to the narrative. Their relationships, fraught with tension, loyalty, and betrayal, are masterfully written, keeping the listener emotionally invested from beginning to end.
The setting of Vandemere is richly imagined, blending elements of grandeur with an undercurrent of mystery and danger. Kimberley D. Tait's descriptions are vivid, painting a world that feels alive and dynamic.

The audiobook is brought to life by a narrator Kyle Shive who perfectly captures the tone and essence of the story. Kyle Shive delivers a nuanced performance, with distinct voices for each character, making it easy to follow the dialogue and feel immersed in their individual personalities. The pacing is spot-on, balancing the tension and emotional beats with an intuitive understanding of the narrative’s rhythm. The narrator’s ability to convey subtle emotions adds an extra layer of depth to the story, making key moments even more impactful.
Kimberley D. Tait’s writing is both eloquent and accessible, with prose that flows effortlessly while carrying emotional weight. Her dialogue feels natural and authentic, and her ability to weave themes of identity, ambition, and redemption into the narrative is impressive. The story strikes a perfect balance between introspection and action, ensuring that the listener remains engaged throughout.
As an audiobook, Vandemere is a thoroughly engaging experience. The combination of Kimberley D. Tait’s compelling story and the narrator’s stellar performance creates an immersive journey that is hard to pause. Whether you’re commuting, relaxing, or multitasking, this audiobook will transport you into its world and hold your attention until the final moments.
Vandemere is a testament to Kimberley D. Tait’s storytelling prowess, and the audiobook format enhances the experience in every way. With its captivating characters, intricate world-building, and exceptional narration, this is a story that will resonate with listeners long after it ends. As the first part of a duology, Vandemere sets the stage for an exciting continuation, and I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley, AudioBee Productions, and Kimberley D. Tait for providing me with an ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the audio arc.

This book follows Vandy Petruska, a trick rider in a traveling circus during the 1930s.
As Vandy begins to experience increasingly sinister and inexplicable events, he realizes that the bad luck in his life is not simply a coincidence. His ancestors, who emigrated to America on the back of a trick horse (that he is named after), brought something dark with them—an evil force that now threatens his very existence.

I did enjoy this book, however it took me around half the book to get properly invested. A lot of the characters were very interesting, which I enjoyed.

This book would probably be a good fit for you if you like fantasy novels set in circuses, that contain dark magic.

This book couldn’t quite wrap up the ending the way I would’ve wanted it to, but that’s probably why there’s a second book.

This was interesting. I liked the narrator enough. It all held my attention and I love the weird stuff. I especially loved the story of the scorpion.

3 stars!

The plot, backstory, and premise of Vandemere are genuinely interesting, and they hooked me from the start. But if I’m being honest, the only reason I got through this book was because I listened to an audiobook, instead of actually reading it.

I really enjoyed the complexity of the characters—especially Vandy’s mother, Bonnie Petruska (what a fascinating woman!), and Shorty, Vandy’s friend and colleague at the circus. The way characters constantly challenge your assumptions — are they good? Are they bad? — is something I appreciated. None of them, except for maybe Sal (Vandy’s bully) and Jake (Bonnie’s boyfriend), could be defined as purely good or evil. That was nice.

As for the audiobook itself, I have mixed feelings. Kyle Shive’s narration was solid in some areas but… not so much in others. His female character voices were also… not great. Almost every woman except Bonnie had a high-pitched, nasally tone that grated on my nerves. It was distracting. Also, some dramatic scenes, like Vandy’s fall or his emotional anguish after being injured, didn’t land as they should have, which threw off the pacing for me.

Speaking of pacing, it was hit-or-miss. Some parts dragged, while others were almost perfectly timed, but still lacked something. It made the overall experience a bit uneven. The world-building, however, was a highlight. I loved the whole concept of the Magière being passed down the line of Petruskas, their ability to look into the past and future, etc.

So although I’m curious about Fire Horse and the mystery surrounding that burning horse, I’m not sure I’ll be diving into the sequel any time soon.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and narrator for this audiobook.

This was a really interesting book! The setting is a 1930s traveling circus, with Vandy being the main character. He is trick rider that has been part of the circus for years, with his mother who is a Tarot cars reader. This book has magic and demons and a possible family curse. This book definitely kept my interest and I can't wait to read book 2.

So, this was a bit on the strange side. Vandemere (Vandy) is a horse rider/trainer in a traveling circus. He is from a long line of circus workers, and his Mom is still very involved, reading tarot cards, etc. She is very well known, and usually has a line of people waiting for her… She’s very talented, but it seems like her son may have a bit of this in his blood too! Lots of drama. Lots of lust for a girl on the team who has absolutely NO interest in him. Then there’s a whole other side to this book…one that deals with the paranormal, or maybe mind-reading? And then there are the demons and a possible family relationship with a rival adult. Very interesting. Very different. And, somewhat addictive. I am still not totally sure how I feel about this book, but I am looking forward to book #2 and hope more will be revealed. It took me a while to get invested but I finally did and now want to see where it goes.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of the audiobook.

As a reader, I was captivated by “Vandemere” from the very first page. Set in the 1930s American Southwest, this historical fantasy follows 17-year-old Vandemere Petruska, a trick rider in a traveling circus with a complicated magical inheritance.

The book’s most compelling aspect is Vandemere’s internal struggle with his supernatural abilities. Every time he uses his inherited tarot magic, he blacks out, which lands him in the middle of a mysterious missing child case. His journey of self-discovery is raw and intense, exploring themes of family legacy and personal identity.

The atmospheric world-building is extraordinary. Tait’s writing transports you to a gritty, dust-choked landscape where the line between reality and supernatural is razor-thin. The circus setting feels incredibly authentic, populated by vivid, memorable characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an audio arc of this book.
Vandemere is a wonderful historical fantasy set against the backdrop of 1930s American Southwest. The attitudes and language of that time really come through and the narrator truly took me back in time whilst listening. The wide array of accents to convey different characters and emotions was truly artful. It really felt as though this audiobook had a full cast thanks to the wide range of the narrator, Kyle Shive.
Unfortunately for me, historical settings are a bit hit or miss and personal this story really didn't vibe well with me. The characters were multi-faceted thanks to the amazing narration but I really didn't empathise or care for any of them. The main character Vandemere seem really juvenile and naïve even though he was supposed to be in his late teens.
The connection to the police officer that tried to arrest Vandemere at the beginning of the book felt like it came out of left field as well. It wasn't cohesive to the story at all!
Another gripe I had with this book is that Vandemere is listed as part of the Circ de Tarot duology but the author explicitly states that each book can be read as a standalone. However, knowing the direction and conclusion of book 1 that seems really unlikely. I feel that if you pick up book 2 without the context of book 1, you will be really lost.

Vandemere by Kimberly D. Tait had a lot of potential but just didn't work for me. The book has a beautiful cover. It has a really interesting premise. I struggled to really feel the setting. I couldn't picture where the characters were and what their surroundings looked like. The characters were pretty bland. And all of the house details really made things feel slow. The audiobook was really good though. The narration fit the story perfectly.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
This book was a bit of a challenging read for me.
I liked how it started off in some action and I felt like the setting was well done. I definitelygot the 1930s feel from the outset.
I didn't love the pacing though. It slowed down a lot after the open and was pretty info dumpy in internal monolog after that.
I liked the backstories and some of the storylines had a nice emotional impact, but the character archetypes did feel pretty cookie cutter generic in the early stages. Pretty girl who's mean, buff bully, mom with the angry boyfriend and gangly arrogant kid protagonist.
I will say that the magic intrigued me and kept me going for most of the book, even amongst all the horse and animal talk that went on for a bit too long. The magic seemed to elude me just right at the beginning for me to question "wait, where is this going, I need to know" and was very interesting throughout. I think the narration switch in those times was very good as well, gave it a sense of foreboding that I could viscerally feel. I liked the narrator personally.
Overall I think it was good enough but a few things reworked could have made it much better.

I enjoyed this audiobook and I'm glad I got to listen to it! Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley.

Things I loved:
-The narrator, Kyle Shive, from AudioBee Productions, was probably the best narrator I've yet to encounter. All characters sounded different, tones and accents were perfectly on point. A pleasure to listen to.
-The book was set in 1930's American southwest, and the author executed this very well.
-The magic! or magie, I guess. Just everything supernatural. It was very cool and eerie at times.
-Vandy (main character)'s backstory and how it was gradually revealed, and his relationships to other characters.
-The cover! Couldn't find out who did it, but come on, it's ridiculously gorgeous! How could I not want to listen to a book with that cover?

Things I didn't care for:
-At times I couldn't locate the plot. The book was never boring, interesting stuff was happening all the time, but eventually the story didn't come off as very cohesive.
-Vandy as a character. He definitely grew up a lot during the book, but at times his inner monologue was just annoying.
-The fact that the book ended so soon! There were a ton of intriguing mysteries left unsolved that I need the answers to. Luckily, book 2, Fire Horse, is already out!

Read if you like coming-of-age-stories, historical fiction and dark magic.