Shadowplay (Micah Grey Trilogy, #2)

by Laura Lam

[Angie]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

I liked Pantomime, but I kind of loved Shadowplay! Micha and Drystan are away from the circus and have taken refuge with an old magician. His theater is in disrepair and he hasn't put on a show in fifteen years. In exchange for a place to stay, Micha and Drystan agree to be trained as magicians in order to bring in some funds for the theater. Then Cyan shows up. She's also a runaway, but for different reasons. She has her own abilities that she can bring to the group. They start with street magic and a few séances, but soon they're scheduled to duel with an old rival. A challenge than could make or break their show. Meanwhile, Micah discovers more about the circumstances surrounding his birth, and gets recruited to a very important mission.

I have to start with the romance. Shadowplay has one of the most adorable romances that I've ever read. I think it's fairly obvious who the love interest is going to, but I won't mention their name in case it is a spoiler. However, I was so happy for Micah to get a second chance at love, especially with someone he doesn't have to hide from. Things start slowly with a longing glance here, and an arm around the shoulder there. Soon they're sharing passionate kisses and getting to know each other better in other ways. I felt my insides turn to goo. They are just so sweet together!

Shadowplay did have me a bit worried in the beginning. Micah had already been forming some theories about himself in the previous book, but now he's having visions and can speak to someone who knows more about what he is. Where my worry came in was where Micah thought he might not be human. Why does the intersex character have to be something other than human? Can't he just be special based on his actions and character? However, as the story moves forward and Micah learns more, it's revealed that his physical condition is not linked to the extra something that he is. That's all about his ability to light up the Penglass and some other things that appear throughout the book.

I absolute loved all of the magic and illusion throughout Shadowplay. We get some behind the scenes information about some of the tricks as Micah and Drystan train. Then we get to see their entire performance during the duel, as well as a séance. I liked the theater setting much more than the circus, and it was a lot of fun to read about the magic. The plot also picked up the pace this time. Someone is following Micah, but who and why? On top of that Micah is going to be an important player in bringing Chimaera back into the world, but will he survive it?

Shadowplay does end on a cliffhanger. It's a bit dire, but I have faith things will work out, otherwise there wouldn't be a third book!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.