Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles

Where Dreams Descend (Kingdom of Cards, #1)

by Janella Angeles

In a city covered in ice and ruin, a group of magicians face off in a daring game of magical feats to find the next headliner of the Conquering Circus, only to find themselves under the threat of an unseen danger striking behind the scenes.

As each act becomes more and more risky and the number of missing magicians piles up, three are forced to reckon with their secrets before the darkness comes for them next.

The Star: Kallia, a powerful showgirl out to prove she’s the best no matter the cost.

The Master: Jack, the enigmatic keeper of the club, and more than one lie told.

The Magician: Demarco, the brooding judge with a dark past he can no longer hide.

Where Dreams Descend is the startling and romantic first book in Janella Angeles debut Kingdom of Cards fantasy duology where magic is both celebrated and feared, and no heart is left unscathed.

Reviewed by pagingserenity on

4 of 5 stars

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Thank you NetGalley for an arc but WTF was that ending? I can't believe I have to wait until 2021 to read the next book.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved Kallia and her fierceness and how magic was woven into the plot. And I also loved how the story alluded to many modern day issues and struggles (like how women have to work harder to be taken seriously).

But there's something off about either the world building or the pacing. I'm generally a one sitting reader but I found myself willingly taking breaks between chapters. The story was intriguing and beautifully written from the very beginning but I didn't really get fully pulled in until about the halfway mark.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 12 May, 2020: Finished reading
  • 12 May, 2020: Reviewed