Where Dreams Descend

Gr 9 Up–Kallia, 17, is an enticing showgirl, a crowd favorite who uses her magic just enough to make the audience want more. Her powers are stronger than what she uses in her act, and as she grows in skill and confidence, she wants more. She longs to test her skills beyond Hellfire House, beyond the forest, in the mysterious city of Glorian. But Jack, the master of Hellfire House, won’t let Kallia leave, and won’t tell her why. Kallia escapes, and once in Glorian, finds herself in a magic competition as one of the few female magicians who can hold her own. With the help of the community she builds, her assistant, Aaros, and even the mysterious judge, Demarco, Kallia finds herself able to show her true power. She also becomes embroiled in an unseen force that’s killing magicians and endangers them all. Angeles’s deep commitment to world-building means that this debut novel has atmosphere galore. It’s lush and amazing at every turn, with fire, smoke, mirrors, costumes, and more—but it comes at the expense of solid characterizations and plotting.