WHERE DREAMS DESCEND - Janella Angeles {Reaction Review}

"May the best Magician win."

Happy New Year!

2021 just rolled in and I started the year with a bang by reading Janella Angeles’ debut and the first book of Kingdom of Cards Duology - Where Dreams Descend! (I love duologies! I need more of it in my life tbh.)

I mean, a Phantom of the Opera-esque story written by a Filipina author?! My PH Phan heart rejoices! When I saw that gorgeous cover though, it’s game over for me. I must read this.

 I'm so late to the party but no matter, because Where Dreams Descend definitely is a spectacular way to kickstart the year! I tried so hard to savor this book and make it last but I ended up finishing it way too quickly.

I already had a live-tweet reading thread on Twitter (see it here) but with the amount of feelings I have, here’s more of my in-depth thoughts on this riveting debut!

Add Where Dreams Descend on Goodreads

SYNOPSIS:

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.

Not gonna lie. The comparison to The Phantom of the Opera hooked me but it also made me a bit wary. I was so excited to delve into this but ended up putting off reading because I was so scared to end up not liking it. Turns out, all my worries were for naught because I absolutely LOVED every bit of it. Let me count the ways:

🌹 THE BREATH-TAKING COVER 🌹

Gorgeous Owlcrate edition!
Photo by author Janella Angeles

Starting with the most obvious one, I mean JUST LOOK AT THAT BEAUTY. Truth be told, I first saw Owlcrate’s edition and just fell in love because it’s SO BEAUTIFUL I wanted to weep. I was a bit disappointed to learn that it’s an exclusive edition and since then, been trying to get my own copy. Almost got one but someone beat me into it lol sayang.

Nonetheless, I got myself a hardcover which is no less stunning (thanks to Fullybooked and Kat @ herbookishside for helping make it possible!). It definitely falls in the top 10 prettiest titles on my shelf.

🌹 LUXURIOUS STORYTELLING & WORLDBUILDING 🌹

Fantasy books take up little space in my bookshelf (that consists mostly of contemporary titles). It’s a genre that I really would love to get into but to be honest, sometimes I find them too daunting or my brain cells are too fried to properly absorb new worlds.

That is why it’s such a relief how quickly I clicked with Solaria and its magical and societal structure. This is attributable to Janella’s storytelling which didn’t feel like information overload on every page. Instead, she purposely introduced it to us through Kallia who is otherwise new to the world too and allowed us to learn about Glorian and its ~history naturally.

This also says a lot about the author’s writing which is so rich and lush that it painted so many colorful portraits in my head. I understand that some people might consider it as “purple prose” but I absolutely adored the extravagance of it. I swear it has so many lines and dialogue that I wanted to rip out of the page and put in a frame (I didn’t, of course. But the temptation!).

The way it was told was gripping and the show-stopping revelations unfolded like magic right before your eyes. Its mystery angle has that balance of “omg whaaaaat” and “aha!” which made the ride more thrilling as more things fell into place. Of course, the last few twists were just really me tripping over the surprises and reveals and THAT ultimate cliffhanger maam im- Just...bravo!

🌹 THE VIBRANT CHARACTERS 🌹

I personally believe that these well-written characters contributed to the bulk of the story’s charm. This and the way their dialogues were woven seamlessly are just *chef’s kiss* 

• KALLIA (The Star)
  
  
  "I don't play games that way. Only the threatened are desperate enough to stoop to sabotage. I'm the best. I have no reason to cheat."
  
  How can I possibly start describing the shine of Kallia? I’ll just say that she exudes BIG LEO ENERGY (fite me).  She’s ambitious, confident, and powerful in more than one aspect. But it doesn’t mean that she can’t also be radiant, alluring, and sensual. Having read so many empowered women across genres, my most favorite ones are those who prove that beauty and fierceness are not mutually exclusive. Kallia is definitely one of them.
  
  Bonus points because she’s a WOC who KNOWS and unapologetically flaunts what she has - refusing to dim herself just to ease the discomfort of men’s fragile egos (more of this later). We stan!
  
  
• JACK (The Master)
  
  
  "If you want more, I'll give you more. Far more than this place ever could. Come back home. Let me show you."
  
  We are first introduced to the mysterious, brass-knuckled Hellfire House owner Jack who gave off the Phantom vibe right off the bat. While he mostly stayed in the background (heh) for most of the book, his eerie presence was consistently felt throughout the story through Kallia.
  
  Like the Phantom, I have mixed feelings towards him because we don’t tolerate any kind of manipulation and gaslighting in this household but ugh, there really are parts when you can see how he cared for Kallia despite the obvious red flags. But then again, still, no excuses.
  
  Outside of the romance though, I’m excited to learn more about him in the next installation (especially after THAT reveal which I already had a tingling of early on but was still surprised when it unraveled). 
  
  
• DEMARCO (The Magician)
  
  
  He noticed the cheers rising louder around him, the spectacle no doubt growing more fantastical by the second, but he was fixed on her alone, unable to bring himself to look back to the sky.
  
  Let me swoon first. Okay done. The best thing I liked about Daron Demarco is that he wasn’t built as a traditional alpha male and I think that’s a very important aspect in the story. This doesn’t make him any less weak of a character though (Shut up, Jack). We stan men who KNOW how to properly apologize and value consent and RESPECT WOMEN.
  
  He actually reminds me of Peeta Mellark (my bb). He is strong in his own way and while it does not directly reflect the strength of the main character (or if the main character is presented as more powerful), he still served as a subtle lifeline for the MC in other aspects.
  
  UGH I just love non-toxic masculinity and I HAVE A SOFT SPOT FOR EMPATHETIC SUPPORTIVE BOIIS OKAY.
  
  
• AAROS (The Assistant)
  
  
  "Trust me, I know what it's like to live on excuses with the hope that nobody catches on. Eventually someone does."
  
  Excluding the main characters, Aaros is DEFINITELY MY FAVORITE. How do I even start?! In summary, Aaros is either Kallia’s Kuya (older brother) or the child of Kallia and Demarco, there’s no in between. I’m sorry, I don’t make the rules.
  
  I appreciated how he’s fiercely protective of Kallia and their unlikely friendship is one of the biggest things I enjoyed in the story (more of this later). Newsflash: Yes, men and women can be just friends. I got so soft over the little things he did to show his support and care and just by being an overall wholesome friend.
  
  On top of that, I LOVE how he’s the number one Kallia-Demarco shipper, I’m not even kidding 😂 Also, whether interacting with Kallia or Demarco, he definitely has the best lines in the book. It's hard to pick a favorite quote! Every time he’s on page, I just KNOW I’m gonna go “haha this boii” or “huhu this boii” with everything that comes out of his mouth.
  
  Not required but if ever there will be an Aaros-Canary romance in book two, I’m definitely all for it, just saying.
  
  
• CANARY (The Entertainer) and the Conquerors
  
  
  "And what exactly are you proving? You don't often find good people in this business, but when you do, it's precious. Nearly impossible."
  
  Speaking of, I really enjoyed the role of Canary and the rest of the Conquering Circus girls. Admittedly, I was a bit wary of how Janella would proceed with her character because there’s enough groundwork for rivalry there. Yet, true to the book’s messaging, I AM SO GLAD IT DIDN’T HAPPEN. Canary and Juno and all the girls proved to be worthy a̶l̶l̶i̶e̶s̶ friends and I’m all for it! The way they made Kallia an honorary member of the tribe in solidarity makes my heart warm.
  
  The entire gang actually reminded me of the Hunters of Artemis and my Greek mythology loving heart is delighted huhu
  
  
• SIDE CHARACTERS and ~VILLAINS
  
  
  "In games like this, it's so much more than winning and losing. There's a lot of ugliness we hide from those who fill the seats." (Juno)
  
  Aside from those mentioned above, other characters brought the story more to life and I enjoyed getting to see bits and pieces of them: Ira, Aunt Cata, Lottie, and the most interesting of them all - Eva.
  
  While I would’ve liked to see more of Kallia’s competitors to give them more depth, the establishment of the bad GUYS (literally) was pretty solid and straightforward. They’re all the same, with their backward thinking and misogynistic views. Yes, this includes Erasmus (the ringleader) despite favoring Kallia because we all know he’s just in it for the jazz. Pfft.
  
  

🌹 RELEVANT CORE THEMES & MESSAGES 🌹

Where Dreams Descend’s messages were pretty clear and well-written. From the place of women in society to pushing the limits for your goals, I found everything spot on and I couldn’t help but do a little “YES!” in my head every time a particularly punching line comes along.

• WOMEN EMPOWERMENT, FEMINISM, and SEXISM
  
  
  "Magician or not, we've always lived in a series of clubs we're not allowed to enter. We're told we're simply lucky to be in the room, as long as we stay quiet."
  
  
  This is the most evident theme throughout the story and the most relevant one, if I do say so myself. Right from the very first page, we are hit with an article talking about how women fit in the shadows of the magical realm - and the consequences faced by those who try to step up to the spotlight.
  
  
  With the backdrop of a competition expected to be exclusively for males, it provided so many opportunities to display the prevalent sexism in society (both within the story AND in reality) - how men still look down on women’s capabilities and moreso, how much they try to box them up especially when these ladies show far more potential than them. 
  
  
  It was even explicitly stated in the book - a theory that women originally carry much more power but are forced to take the safer route, caging them in roles for labor magic because it is what’s deemed acceptable. While I dislike the thought of domestic life (or women who find purpose in nurturing a home) being treated as something less than those of girl bosses, in the universe of Soltair, girls aren’t even given enough opportunity to choose.
  
  
  Ultimately, I think “women empowerment” lies in them being able to freely decide what they want to be without being oppressed or shunned for these decisions. Kallia unabashedly pushing through these patriarchal bonds despite what people say is a big step towards the right direction.
  
  
  As a woman ~struggling~ to find her place in a predominantly masculine world where you feel like you have to constantly prove yourself and work twice as hard just to earn a spot at the table (career-wise and passion-wise), this representation means SO MUCH. 
  
  
  Hey Google, play “The Man” by Taylor Swift.
  
  
  

• FRIENDSHIP and ALLYSHIP
  
  
  "What are you doing?"
  "Helping you keep  everything together. You don't need to be alone to do that."
  
  
  Another expression of the first theme is the concept of allyship and the friendships built along the way. The concept of "not doing things alone" and value of others is reiterated multiple times.
  
  
  In line with men being traditionally the ones delving in performance magic, the most that a woman can achieve without being shunned onstage is being an assistant instead (this has an entire backstory in the book but won’t spoil here). That, or opting for completely different careers like that of the Patrons of the Great.
  
  
  With Aaros (and even Demarco), we are presented with males whose egos are not fragile; men who do not mind playing second fiddle to a powerful woman who rightfully deserves the spotlight. WE NEED MORE OF THESE MEN.
  
  
  We also need more male-female friendships because 👏 they 👏 exist 👏 and Kallia-Aaros embodies it beautifully. I have to admit that there are parts where I went 👀 but I completely see them as platonic friends, siblings at most.
  
  
  I also mentioned earlier how there’s groundwork for a potential Kallia-Canary rivalry but pitting women against other women is getting so old and I’m glad we didn’t go down that route. In fact, it even went the complete opposite with the Conquerors having Kallia’s back and her supporting them in turn. WE LOVE TO SEE SISTERHOOD IN PLAY.
  
  
• AMBITION and GOALS
  
  
  "Make no mistake, I know I don't have to prove a single thing to them. What matters most is what I prove to myself. Giving up would be an insult to everything I know I'm capable of. And I've already come this far."
  
  
  Speaking of these women, there is no lack of drive and motivation in the story when it comes to pushing for their goals and fighting for their rightful spot in a male-dominated society. I am in so much awe because of how these women bravely took off to pursue their dreams despite knowing how terribly hard it would be for them. I wish I had the same confidence and courage 😭
  
  
  In a story filled with intrigue and mystery, it is not surprising how each character had their own agendas and motivations. From Kallia’s desire to take centerstage to Erasmus’ goal to give a show like no other, seeing their various courses of action on how to get there makes you reflect on your own moral codes. How far would you go to make sure you succeed? What are you willing to sacrifice?
  
  

🌹 THE SIZZLING ROMANCE 🌹

This was not a game anymore. It stopped being one for him a long time ago.

I’m a romance reader okay so obviously I have to create a separate segment for this (lol) That semi enemies-to-lovers and THE ELECTRIC TENSION between Demarco and Kallia (heh quite literally)? OHMIGOD. I absolutely LOVED every bit of it especially the PALPABLE banters!!! ("Move from the door, please." "Make me." MAAM I SCREAMED-)

However, this level of pining and YEARNING didn’t stop even when they finally succumbed to their feelings but have to keep things under wraps. The longing glances, the fleeting touches, the sneaking away, the dancing - LORD, THE DANCING.

I’ve already said it earlier but it’s worth reiterating that the dynamic between these two is my thing! They’re both strong in their own measures and while the spotlight is on Kallia’s capabilities, it’s important to note that there were still several opportunities for Demarco to pull through for her. Balance key!

Anyway I’m too whipped for Kallia-Demarco and if we don’t get a HEA for them, I’m rioting.

This doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the spicy triangle between Jack-Kallia-Demarco, though. I think some of my favorite parts involve The Door (Yes, the semi-opened door and the one-sided door. No, I’m not spoiling anything, go read it yourself) because those scenes WERE GOLDEN. Janella, you’re killing me.

🌹 THE CHARMING EASTER EGGS 🌹

I know that Where Dreams Descend is marketed as a cross between The Phantom of the Opera x Moulin Rouge x The Night Circus so there’s obviously hints of those which are SO MUCH FUN to identify. Well, mostly Phantom ones because I’m not very familiar with the latter two (have to remedy that soon!)

But aside from that, whether intended by the author or not, I personally ~felt other cool familiarities. Some might be a stretch but here we go:

• THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA:
  
  
  
  
  
  - The Jack-Kallia-Demarco triangle nods to Phantom-Christine-Raoul
  - The Chandelier (😏)
  - Jack mentoring Kallia vs. the Phantom being Christine’s teacher and Angel of Music
  - Erasmus and Mayor Eilin, similar to Monsieur André and Monsieur Firmin
  - The presence and vitality of mirrors in both stories
  - Hellfire House where Kallia headlined vs. Opéra Garnier where Christine starred
  - The part after Kallia’s first performance with all her flowers + seeing Jack while Demarco’s outside as a nod to The Mirror scene
  - Demarco's "We're dancing, not committing a crime." vs Raoul's "It's an engagement, not a crime."
  - The final performance with hints of The Point of No Return (this movie version feels closer)
  
  
• THE HUNGER GAMES
  
  
  
  
  
  - Kallia & Katniss as Girls on Fire (I’M HERE FOR IT 🔥)
  - Kallia’s audition is reminiscent of Katniss's first private session (Kallia’s "I'm relieved you all know how to laugh. I wasn't so sure when you were cowering in your seats." vs. Katniss’ “Thank you for your consideration”)
  - Demarco & Peeta because we stan empathetic men who support fiery women
  - Kallia and Demarco being uncanny allies like Katniss and Peeta
  - Spectaculore and The Hunger Games = cutthroat competition to death ?
  - Erasmus and Mayor Eilin as gamemakers
  - Canary gives Johanna Mason vibes. I said what I said.
  - Aaros gives Finnick x Cinna vibes
  
  
• OTHER ~ REFERENCES
  
  - Pride & Prejudice: Kallia-Demarco just gives the charged Lizzie-Darcy tension ugh. I mean, this confrontation scene is SO THEM especially The Door Scene. And when Demarco said "Because I think I've offended you enough times. It's only fair I give you my full name so you can spit upon it at your leisure.", it reminded me so much of Darcy lol
  
  
  
  
  
  - Enchanted: The "I thought you didn't dance." "Never said I couldn't." exchange is so Giselle and Robert during the ball scene huhu my heart
  
  
  - The Greatest Showman: The showmanship of the Conquering Circus and Erasmus pulling all the stops to deliver a bomb show!
  
  
  - Tangled: Kallia up on the roof, looking over the Direwoods and wanting to go to Glorian while being shut off by Jack when she asks about it reminded me of Rapunzel.
  
  
  - Beauty and the Beast: The roses and garden, magical mirrors, being held “captive”, powering through dark woods on horseback, the works.

If this long review/analysis/word vomit didn’t express how much I loved this book, I don’t know what will but all I can say is I AM SO GLAD I DISCOVERED THIS (albeit a bit late) and I can’t wait for the next part (especially after that cliffhanger, JANELLA WHY)

Also, I *need* that gorgeous Owlcrate hardcover edition (if you know anyone willing to let go of their copy lemme know!) and an ARC of the finale: When Night Breaks. Who do I have to summon? Book gods, make it happen 😭

If you’ve reached this part then wow congratulations. Also, that probably means you’re as hooked as I am so please leave a comment or send me a message and let’s discuss (whether it’s a dissection of the WDD scenes or theories for WNB heh more of mine below)

PS. Again, THE DOOR SCENES. You’re welcome.

Get your copy of Kingdom of Cards #1: Where Dreams Descend via your outlet of choice here and add Kingdom of Cards #2: When Night Breaks on Goodreads while we all wait together for August 2021!

5/5 rating! :)

BONUS! PREDICTIONS and WISHLIST

🌹 Spoilers for Where Dreams Descend! 🌹 

I’m no seer but because I still have lots of words in me, here’s some predictions I have for When Night Breaks - the second part of this duology (+ some things I want to see):

• More exploration of the magic system. Again, I preferred this slow pace of unravelling Soltair’s history but I understand other readers’ qualms that the magic wasn’t as fleshed out as it could’ve been so I’m definitely looking forward to learning more about it.
• The ~disturbance in the East. Not sure if it’s just a red herring or if it’s connected with the things happening in Glorian but I def would like to see Aunt Cata and the Patrons in action!
• The schools and neighboring towns. They were mentioned in passing but maybe we’ll get to see more of Valmont Brothers and Queen Casine’s Academy. Even the other places in the map?
• Zarose Gate. I am so sure this won’t be the last we’ll be hearing of Zarose and this gate. Besides, this ties nicely to the next point especially with the mention of Zarose and “going underground” 👀
• Hadestown. It was hinted that book two will have nods to Hadestown (another musical I haven’t been fully immersed yet, but soon) and based on what I know of the show, it totally makes sense! Also, my Greek mythology loving heart is already excited heh
• More deaths. Less of a wish but more of a prediction. I’m sure the stakes are higher in the next book and I won’t be surprised with some deaths. I won’t be ready for it though, for reals. If it parallels the Phantom of the Opera’s sequel (Love Never Dies), we know of a main character's death. I believe Hadestown also has a sad conclusion :( I don’t think Kingdom of Cards will have *that* tragic ending but I’m getting scared because of Janella’s tweets. PLEASE DON’T DO THIS TO ME I’M BEGGING HUHU
• Demarco-Kallia reunion. (related to above) This HAS TO HAPPEN. HEA endgame please.
• Aaros-Kallia reunion. This also HAS TO HAPPEN. I need these friends reunited!
• Demarco-Aaros-Lottie. Won’t say more but this should be interesting!
• A Lottie exposé on female magicians. Need some hard-hitting journalism on page.
• More of the Conquerors. With the competition over, I wonder how else could the Conquering Circus be incorporated in the story. Maybe Erasmus has something to do with it? Also, I need to see Juno revived :(
• Aaros-Canary. Might be far-fetched but if this happens, THANK YOU.
• More Jack. I know I said I’m lukewarm about him BUT I think his role will be more prominent in book 2 and I’m excited to learn more about him, his past, and the truth behind his lies.
• Sire. Same with the previous one because I need answers!
• Kallia’s backstory. I’m sure we'll learn more about her on the finale and my gut says she definitely has a connection with one (or more???) of the Glorian houses. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for her (and us!)
• Eva. ‘Nuff said.

🌹    🌹    🌹

Janella Angeles is a Filipino-American writer and bestselling author of WHERE DREAMS DESCEND. Her writing journey began with many trips to the library and a whole lot of fanfiction. Since then, she’s never stopped looking for magic, and enjoys getting lost in any form of great storytelling.

Connect with her through Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok (big chaotic booktok energy!), and her website here!