Common Sense Media Review
By Amanda Nojadera
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dramatic tale of female magician in dangerous competition.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
WHERE DREAMS DESCEND follows Kallia, a powerful showgirl-turned-magician who escapes from Hellfire House, the club she performs at every night, after discovering that Jack, her teacher and the master of the club, has been lying to her. After making her way through the cursed Dire Woods to the icy and dangerous city of Glorian, Kallia joins a group of magicians in a daring competition for a chance to join the Conquering Circus. She may be the only female magician participating, but she's on a mission to prove she's the best. As the tasks become riskier and the magicians begin mysteriously vanishing, Kallia suspects that Jack is responsible, and fears that he'll force her to return to Hellfire House. Does Kallia have what it takes to win the competition and earn her freedom?
Is It Any Good?
This dramatic but slow-paced start to Janella Angeles' mysterious fantasy duology tackles sexism and highlights the importance of perseverance. Kallia is passionate, ambitious, and independent. She rises above the criticism from her fellow competitors and judges and refuses to let them win no matter how many times they try to set her up for failure. Angeles vividly describes Glorian and the Conquering Circus, but there are few details about the rest of this world or how magic operates in it. Readers will be left wondering why Glorian is a cursed city, and there's no explanation regarding the unseen force harming the magicians. While the ending is shocking, Where Dreams Descend predictably ends with a cliffhanger to set the scene for the sequel, which will hopefully answer all the questions to this mystery.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the magic in Where Dreams Descend. How does this novel compare with other magical stories?
How do the characters demonstrate perseverance, communication, and trust? Why are these important character strengths?
What do you think of the cliffhanger at the end? Will you read the next story in the series?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Wednesday Books
- Publication date : August 25, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 464
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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