Unfortunately a DNF for me

At 15% in, I'm finding myself just uninterested in the plot and really disliking Vandy, the main character. I really wanted to love this....but sadly it is not for me.

From the very first page, Tait’s writing captivates with evocative descriptions that transport readers to the gritty, dust-choked landscapes of the Southwest. The circus setting, with its mesmerizing performances and raw human grit, is richly detailed, and the atmosphere feels almost tangible. Vandy’s world is one where the line between reality and the supernatural is thin, and Tait masterfully plays with this boundary throughout the story.

One of the most striking aspects of Vandemere is its exploration of family legacy and inherited power. The concept of "magic isn’t the only thing he inherited" runs deeply through the narrative. Vandy’s ancestors—their choices, triumphs, and mistakes—cast long shadows on his present. As he comes to terms with the truth about his family's past, readers are drawn into a generational saga of fate, choice, and the weight of ancestry.

The supporting cast is another highlight of Vandemere. From the colorful members of the traveling circus to his Romanian family’s ghostly presence, each character is fully realized with unique personalities and motivations. Tait introduces them with deft strokes, ensuring they feel lifelike and memorable.

Vandemere is not without its darker themes. The story’s depiction of life in the 1930s is unflinching in its honesty. Grit, hardship, and struggle permeate the narrative. Violence, coarse language, self-harm, and sexual situations are present, adding layers of realism but also serving as potential triggers for sensitive readers. Tait’s approach to these subjects is thoughtful but unyielding, underscoring the harsh realities of the era.

This book is a historical fantasy novel taking place in the 30's following the male lead Vandemere Petruska, a teenager at his 17th year of life who is travelling the country with a circus. His is charismatic as he has inharated his mother's tarot reading/ magic. They are references to his father none magical side. His mother is a more prominant figure in the book. Vlady walks in life trying to discover his identity, heritage, and of course his struggles with his supernatural abilities. I had the opportunity to read it via audiobook form and the narrator travels you through the atmospheric world set by Kimberley.

Thank you NetGalley and Kimberley D. Tait for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

I don’t really know what’s happening but it was a fun, descriptive story, the world is fascinating, the wiring is talented and the plot is unique. I am just feeling a bit confused and I’m guessing that’s what the next book is for. I’d recommend this though.

I'll be publishing my review on Goodreads and StoryGraph 27th December and on Tik tok most likely will add to a monthly wrap up post with review the beginning of January

I listened to this one so quickly. I liked the world building and back story of Vandemere and his circle. His troubled past with his mother and father play and important role in his development. I loved the circus setting and all of the different interesting characters. I am a sucker for paranormal stories-this one satisfied my needs! Kyle Shive brings a light tone for the young Vandy. I can't wait to listen to book 2 in the series! Thank you NetGalley and Kimberley D. Tait for the advanced listener copy. All opinions are my own.

I'm going to need to read a physical copy before leaving my final review as I got a little confused at times with the audiobook. That said, I enjoyed what I heard so far and will leave my final review on goodreads once I have the chance to read it in full.

(4.0 Stars)

This was a YA modern fantasy based in the 1930's. I liked it. The story was engaging and interesting. The characters are unique and well developed. The pace was good throughout the book, and the end made me want to read the next book in the series.

I read the audiobook version of this and the narrator did a good job. His voice is soothing, so sometimes the dramatic scenes lacked that sense of "urgency" you might otherwise get from just reading it. But overall he was very good. The women and children voices were also done well (not always true with some male narrators), so it was easy to distinguish the dialog. I do hope the next book (Fire Horse) is also done as an audiobook.

This book should appeal to younger readers, or those who prefer character-driven fantasy in a modern setting. It has magic, young romance, teen angst, and don't forget about The Circus.

Full Disclosure: This book does use the term "Gypsy" to describe people. I know today many (but not all) Romani people consider this to be a slur. I do not think the author meant to use this as a pejorative. The author also includes other disclaimers about some disturbing content. Again, this is not graphic in detail as this is a YA novel, but it is included.

So, this was a bit on the strange side to be honest.

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!

He’s also very talented with the horses. He learned how to ride when he was very young, when his father taught him. (As I was reading, I was scared for him!) 🫣
Learning how to do flips, etc…

So, Vandy is just a kid, (17, I think) and we open up with him doing some card tricks (trying to make a quick buck), but with the WRONG people…

Lots of drama. Lots of lust for a girl on the team who has absolutely NO interest in him. LOTS of F*** bombs…I mean like a thousand times…which to me is inaccurate. This book takes place in the 1930’s. My family that grew up during that time would NEVER use that language, and were always insulted if any of us did…

And, the mother is no example for him either. (And I’m not just saying this…it’s literally written into the book…) Her choice of men leaves a lot to be desired…

But 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…

Very interesting. Very different. And, somewhat addictive.

If you can get past the f-bombs and are ok with some paranormal stuff, this is a good read! Looking forward to book #2.

3 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 4!

#Vandemere by #KimberleyDTait and narrated nicely by #KyleShive.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the author #KimberleyDTait for an ARC of the audiobook.

It looks like this was released in 2023, so maybe the audiobook was just released? Not sure…but hopefully you can find it on shelves already!

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Thank you NetGalley for the ALC of this novel.

1.5 stars, rounded up.

I truly, truly hate leaving bad reviews. Just wanted to put that out there before I start.

First and foremost, the narrator here is incredible. I listen to audiobooks daily and this is the best narrator I’ve listened to in at least the past month. Accents are very well done and different characters have clear and distinct voice.

This novel has so much potential. The circus aspect works well here, the magic system is interesting, and I was actually getting in to the story towards the end.

Unfortunately, I can’t get past the main character’s inability to have an interaction with a female of any age or relation to him without objectifying them. There was a period of the story where it felt like that was the entire plot. It’s excessive to say the least.

To go along with that point, the main characters virginity is brought up frequently for seemingly no purpose. He’s a 17 year old boy so to some extent it’s a believable hyperfixation, but this was also excessive to the point that’s it’s noteworthy.

I understand that this is a duology but I would have appreciated more of the plot to unfold in book one. I feel like things only started taking off in the last 30% of the novel. Again, I really enjoyed the plot once it started taking off.

Overall, I would read book two just because I am interested in the plot. I would not feel comfortable recommending this, however, due to the excessive objectification of women.

I really enjoyed the audio rendition of Vandemere and especially loved the male narrator's voice acting abilities as he brought life to the protagonist. I can't wait to hear (or read) the next book in this series and I know I won't be let down!

I requested this book because of the synopsis. First point, I feel like there should have been some type of warnings because of the predatory nature of part of the book, and other things. I feel like this actually took away a bit from the novel. I listened to the audio book version of this novel, and the narrator did a great job making it come to life. The book was a circus theme with a dash of magic thrown in. Vandy was an interesting character that started as a trick rider in the circus, only later to be given some magical abilities. That also unfortunately marked Vandy for death. I loved the way the scenes were described. I enjoyed most of the characters, and their development. I am looking forward to more from this author because this book did not give me the closure as an independent novel would.

Thank you Net Galley ARC

3 stars (would’ve been 4 had I have read this rather than listening to the audiobook as I felt the narration was a bit slow…and dragging…and I had to speed it up) However, that being said, this is a spellbinding mix of drama and personal discovery, wrapped in a circus-themed world full of intrigue and magic. The vivid imagery and enchanting twists keep you hooked, though some moments had me a bit lost. Still, the unique setting and captivating characters make it a delightful book, perfect for anyone who loves a touch of whimsy with their drama.
Can’t wait to read the second book in this duology to round out the series.

I was drawn to this story by the cover and the premise of a lightly magical, circus-themed story. I enjoyed the narration of the audiobook and felt the narrator did well to represent the story and the rather unlikeable protagonist.
The story follows Vandemere “Vandy” an angry, self-assured teen who performs as a trick rider in a travelling circus in 1930’s America. His father (famous horse trainer) taught him all his performance skills, and later abandoned him. Meanwhile Vandy has received some magical ‘gifts’ from his (famous tarot reading) Romanian mother’s lineage. As readers, we follow Vandy as his inherited magie becomes stronger and seems to have him marked for death.

With thanks to the publisher for the listening review copy, via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

I enjoyed the descriptive world building, including the interesting backstories. This book seems to be building towards the second installment (as it is a duology), although I would have appreciated more closure in this story.

Unfortunately, there were too many predatory elements in this book, that I felt took away from the storyline and vivid descriptions. There are many trigger warnings for this story and I would not recommend this book for all readers who enjoy magical realism, or coming-of-age stories.

This was a different view of the psychic from the circus but I loved the pov and the character development. It is a good YA book for coming of age but also overcoming. I didn’t relate to the character but it was a good easy read.

Thank you NetGalley and Kimberly D Tait for this ARC Audio Copy!

I saw the cover of this book and just knew that I had to read it and the cover is so well fitting for this story. The MMC is a 17 yr old boy who was born and raised in the circus and trained by his brutal father to be a trick rider. His mother is an Romanian immigrant and has some magical abilities that she passes on to her son and mysterious things start happening when he is forced to use his magic.

I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next one. The narrator did a great job with all of the characters and really helped you feel immersed in the world and in Vandy's head.

Though this is a YA book it does not really read as YA, there are heavy topics and situations, and though the character is young, it is really well done story that is great for adults as well.

A very unique setting and atmosphere.
The characters were very well written.
I loved the circus..
The narration was wonderful.

I enjoyed this book. The circus setting gave caraval vibes (one of my favorite books). I do think the book was a little long with some information that felt a little unnecessary to me. Overall, a very interesting read.

Thank you for providing me with a copy of Vandemere as an audiobook.

Overall I enjoyed reading this book and found it really interesting. The story is really unique, and I loved the following of the circus and the imagery of circus life, especially the paranormal aspect which fit really nicely. However I think that some themes are definitely on the older end of YA so may not be as suitable for younger readers. I also found the main character Vandy to be a little bit annoying in places and quite consistently making poor decisions which felt a little bit too convenient for the plot. Some of his opinions of the women in his life are also very misogynistic which makes him less likeable, especially as a main character.

Thank you to @netgalley and the author for providing this free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
 
This historical fantasy book is a genre-bending story that includes elements of family drama, magical realism, and eventually murder mystery. Set in a circus in the 1930s, the story follows 17-year-old Vandy, a trick rider in the circus who’s inherited a cursed magical ability to see into the minds of men and beasts. Over the course of the story, Vandy must come to terms with using his magic as it becomes necessary against an invisible enemy that wants him dead.
 
The world-building is very unique and interesting. All of the main characters are well developed with compelling backstories, and each plays a key role in the story. Even Vandy’s relationship with his horses is well detailed and adds an additional heartwarming element to the story. The book ends on an exciting cliffhanger with just enough unresolved conflict to make readers want to know what becomes of Vandy in the follow-up book, Fire Horse!
 
Narrator Kyle Shive does a wonderful job bringing the circus and characters so vividly to life. He infuses a lot of emotion into the dialogue and provides distinct and authentic character voices, making for an enjoyable listening experience that’s very easy to follow!
 
Please be advised that there are some possible triggers (mostly minimally depicted), including sex, violence, and profane language.

I listened to the audiobook version of Vandemere to listen to. Kyle Shive is the narrator and he does a fabulous job narrating. It just felt a bit disconnected to me as the character he is portraying is Vandy who is 17 and the narrator sounds like he’s in his 30’s. That aside, he has a lovely voice for books.

The story and writing itself was great. It follows Vandy/Vandemere who is a trick rider for a circus that travels all over and is set in the 1930’s. Love the historical aspects and the magical system. There’s a lot of suspense, some violence, language, sexual situations and mention of sexual assault. Not sure I’d classify this as YA but borderline YA/NA maybe?

It gets a bit clunky in spots, jumps around too much in parts but overall, it definitely draws the reader into the mystery and storyline. It ends on a cliffhanger and will need to wait for book 2 to release.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of the audio for Vandemere