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_marina_'s review against another edition
4.0
Well, well, well Ms. Lam, I must say I’m impressed. The first book was just okay, but this... isn’t like anything I’ve ever read.
And it’s so wonderfully queer.
*4.5 out of 5.
And it’s so wonderfully queer.
*4.5 out of 5.
ashley_elizabeth's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Still really enjoying this series, though I admit in some ways I did not care for this entry as much as the first. I found Micah's character to be inconsistent, which threw me off, and at times a bit overdramatic (though I realize he is a teen and going through A LOT). What I loved, though, were the new setting of the theater and a major city; the new secondary characters; and getting more of the backstory of Chimaera and the Alder. I am eager to see where this story takes us and our big finale!
tien's review against another edition
4.0
Please note this is a review of book 2 in the series and may include some spoilers of book 1
There is something behind the world of Circuses and Theatres, aren’t there? The glamorous and magical façade which overlay who-knows-what! The possibility is endless. And this is what appeals of this series, most especially when you see the author’s illustrative reviews of the books (Pantomime / Shadowplay). Those beautiful illustrations just makes you curious of the wonders you’d come across in these stories.
Shadowplay began just where Pantomime left off. We got to see Micah & Drystan eluded their pursuers and sought refuge in an old unused theatre; a theatre with the history of glittering magic shows. Thence began their adventure into the world of show business. All is not well, however, in this world. Not only are Micah & Drystan being shadowed by suspicious characters, they also need to avoid detection by their audiences, and at the same time, be ever so successful to ensure their survival is met. On top of this, as one question of Micah’s background is answered, ten more surfaced. This mystery is getting more intriguing and at the same time, frustrating because you feel like you’re getting nowhere!
The big picture of Shadowplay is the same as that of Pantomime, run away and hide in plain sight. I just loved the world and to an extent, the main characters, that I quite enjoyed this book too. I love the premise of the real magic (aside for the magic shows) and Micah’s mysterious background which I hope will all be revealed in the next book (it can’t come fast enough!).
The feud between the magicians, Maske and Taliesan, is somewhat reminiscent of the feud in [b:The Prestige|239239|The Prestige|Christopher Priest|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1386924582s/239239.jpg|1688160] by Christopher Priest. There were points of differences but I can’t help but feel a bit disappointed by this feud due to some similarities that I don’t think I loved the book as much as I wanted to.
Overall, whilst it was an easy read and I quite enjoyed being immersed in Ellada, Shadowplay has the feeling of a ‘filler’ sort of books; the ‘in-between’ sort of place. I have ten thousand more questions to be answered and I have very high hopes for the reveal-all -fingers crossed, in the next book. Especially seeing how this book was ended … we are being led on a merry chase.
Thank you, Strange Chemistry for copy of the eARC via NetGalley
There is something behind the world of Circuses and Theatres, aren’t there? The glamorous and magical façade which overlay who-knows-what! The possibility is endless. And this is what appeals of this series, most especially when you see the author’s illustrative reviews of the books (Pantomime / Shadowplay). Those beautiful illustrations just makes you curious of the wonders you’d come across in these stories.
Shadowplay began just where Pantomime left off. We got to see Micah & Drystan eluded their pursuers and sought refuge in an old unused theatre; a theatre with the history of glittering magic shows. Thence began their adventure into the world of show business. All is not well, however, in this world. Not only are Micah & Drystan being shadowed by suspicious characters, they also need to avoid detection by their audiences, and at the same time, be ever so successful to ensure their survival is met. On top of this, as one question of Micah’s background is answered, ten more surfaced. This mystery is getting more intriguing and at the same time, frustrating because you feel like you’re getting nowhere!
The big picture of Shadowplay is the same as that of Pantomime, run away and hide in plain sight. I just loved the world and to an extent, the main characters, that I quite enjoyed this book too. I love the premise of the real magic (aside for the magic shows) and Micah’s mysterious background which I hope will all be revealed in the next book (it can’t come fast enough!).
The feud between the magicians, Maske and Taliesan, is somewhat reminiscent of the feud in [b:The Prestige|239239|The Prestige|Christopher Priest|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1386924582s/239239.jpg|1688160] by Christopher Priest. There were points of differences but I can’t help but feel a bit disappointed by this feud due to some similarities that I don’t think I loved the book as much as I wanted to.
Overall, whilst it was an easy read and I quite enjoyed being immersed in Ellada, Shadowplay has the feeling of a ‘filler’ sort of books; the ‘in-between’ sort of place. I have ten thousand more questions to be answered and I have very high hopes for the reveal-all -fingers crossed, in the next book. Especially seeing how this book was ended … we are being led on a merry chase.
Thank you, Strange Chemistry for copy of the eARC via NetGalley
vtmichelle's review against another edition
4.0
Cliffhangers... I hate you. And the third book hasn't even been announced yet!
gavinbro's review against another edition
4.0
Omg I don’t know why it took me so long to read this book when it was so freaking good! A wonderful continuation of the series with new fantastic characters and twist ending I did not see coming!! It was amazing once again! I can’t wait to start the final book!
libgremlin's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this even more than the first one. Micah continues to be fantastic intersex rep, the worldbuilding gets a bunch more page time, the story arc is solid. I really enjoyed how Micah's relationships with Drystan (romance) and Cyan (bonding over shared identity/supernatural abilities) were handled, I enjoyed Maske as a character because he was complicated, I enjoyed that the focus was less on Micah coming to terms with his identity but how his past (being socialised as a girl and now living as a boy) still affected him in certain situations, especially in his friendships, and how he navigated that. I am on to the next already and can't wait to see how it all ends!
leah_reads's review against another edition
4.0
4.5*
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!
*Received in exchange for an honest review*
*Thanks goes to Strange Chemistry*
*May contain spoilers for Pantomime*
Ahhhhh I loved this book! Having read and really enjoyed Pantomime I was so eager to get my hands on Shadowplay. I don't think I've quite calmed myself down enough to be writing this review yet. It felt like such a different book from Pantomime yet so similar. I really enjoyed Laura's first book but this one blasted it straight out of the water. It's in this book that I fully fell in love with Micah and Drystan, Cyan and Maske. I feel like I've left some best friends behind in the pages of Shadowplay and I hope that we will be reunited in the future.
Shadowplay picks up where Pantomime left off - Micah and Drystan are in hiding following the death of Bil. They're wanted for his murder but Shadows are also stalking Micah in order to return him to his home as Lady Iphigenia Laurus. They seek refuge with the once great magician, Jasper Maske. Shocking and thrilling events unfold which keep readers on their toes and wondering about what is to come next for these characters. I often found myself with yet another case of 'just one more chapter...' whenever I went to put the book down with so many chapters endings urging you to read on. I really couldn't get enough of Micah's story.
Laura's second novel draws in more the fantasy feel with further introductions to the chimera and the future that faces Micah. It was so thrilling to be drawn so entirely into this world. I felt like this place existed as I was reading it, and felt disappointed yet relieved (to an extent) that it doesn't. With certain characters with such powers unfurling, I'm really excited to see where Lam takes this. I loved seeing the developments in the relationships between Micah and Drystan, and I also loved seeing the budding friendship of our four protagonists - in particular, the mysterious Cyan. This book held so much emotion and excitement - it really is an unputdownable read.
The further exploration of Micah as an intersex character was so interesting to me as a past MA student and I found myself wishing that I could go back to write an essay on both Pantomime and Shadowplay. Laura handles the topic of the discrimination and repression of those that are intersex so well and sensitively. Micah's anxiety, worries and attempts to look for explanations are so heartfelt and emotional. Micah is constantly searching for answers as to why he was born the way he is. I found this so difficult to read; to see a character that has had the notion that to be intersex is to be unnatural so deeply ingrained that he can't see how beautiful he truly is. How being intersex is entirely normal and natural. It's the first series that I've read that deals with this issue and it's done beautifully.
I adored this book. Shadowplay is thrilling, page-turning, captivating and so emotional. I couldn't put it down. With the promise of a gaslight fantasy, Laura Lam certainly doesn't let us down. Props to you, Laura - I loved it!
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!
*Received in exchange for an honest review*
*Thanks goes to Strange Chemistry*
*May contain spoilers for Pantomime*
Ahhhhh I loved this book! Having read and really enjoyed Pantomime I was so eager to get my hands on Shadowplay. I don't think I've quite calmed myself down enough to be writing this review yet. It felt like such a different book from Pantomime yet so similar. I really enjoyed Laura's first book but this one blasted it straight out of the water. It's in this book that I fully fell in love with Micah and Drystan, Cyan and Maske. I feel like I've left some best friends behind in the pages of Shadowplay and I hope that we will be reunited in the future.
Shadowplay picks up where Pantomime left off - Micah and Drystan are in hiding following the death of Bil. They're wanted for his murder but Shadows are also stalking Micah in order to return him to his home as Lady Iphigenia Laurus. They seek refuge with the once great magician, Jasper Maske. Shocking and thrilling events unfold which keep readers on their toes and wondering about what is to come next for these characters. I often found myself with yet another case of 'just one more chapter...' whenever I went to put the book down with so many chapters endings urging you to read on. I really couldn't get enough of Micah's story.
Laura's second novel draws in more the fantasy feel with further introductions to the chimera and the future that faces Micah. It was so thrilling to be drawn so entirely into this world. I felt like this place existed as I was reading it, and felt disappointed yet relieved (to an extent) that it doesn't. With certain characters with such powers unfurling, I'm really excited to see where Lam takes this. I loved seeing the developments in the relationships between Micah and Drystan, and I also loved seeing the budding friendship of our four protagonists - in particular, the mysterious Cyan. This book held so much emotion and excitement - it really is an unputdownable read.
The further exploration of Micah as an intersex character was so interesting to me as a past MA student and I found myself wishing that I could go back to write an essay on both Pantomime and Shadowplay. Laura handles the topic of the discrimination and repression of those that are intersex so well and sensitively. Micah's anxiety, worries and attempts to look for explanations are so heartfelt and emotional. Micah is constantly searching for answers as to why he was born the way he is. I found this so difficult to read; to see a character that has had the notion that to be intersex is to be unnatural so deeply ingrained that he can't see how beautiful he truly is. How being intersex is entirely normal and natural. It's the first series that I've read that deals with this issue and it's done beautifully.
I adored this book. Shadowplay is thrilling, page-turning, captivating and so emotional. I couldn't put it down. With the promise of a gaslight fantasy, Laura Lam certainly doesn't let us down. Props to you, Laura - I loved it!
mothreadsbookssometimes's review against another edition
3.5
It feels like a different story entirely from the first book. Other than the characters’ names, you could say this was the first book of the series and I’d believe you.
The tone/writing of this book is so different from the first one. It’s way less British, more politically correct (which doesn’t make any sense for a sheltered, rich noble, and only serves as a way to make Lam not seem like a bigot).
A lot of info-dumping, too. There was a character backstory dump, like, every other chapter.
The good thing is, even though the story picks up immediately after the first book, Lam provides a lot of refreshers (names, events, relationships).
A lot more spelling/grammar mistakes. Jesus Christ, the author uses the phrases “his/her eyes wide and dark” TOO MANY TIMES!
The story really picks up at the end; the rest is kind of slow. I like the mythology element and the incorporation of Anisa’s visions.
The tone/writing of this book is so different from the first one. It’s way less British, more politically correct (which doesn’t make any sense for a sheltered, rich noble, and only serves as a way to make Lam not seem like a bigot).
A lot of info-dumping, too. There was a character backstory dump, like, every other chapter.
The good thing is, even though the story picks up immediately after the first book, Lam provides a lot of refreshers (names, events, relationships).
A lot more spelling/grammar mistakes. Jesus Christ, the author uses the phrases “his/her eyes wide and dark” TOO MANY TIMES!
The story really picks up at the end; the rest is kind of slow. I like the mythology element and the incorporation of Anisa’s visions.
beetlehound's review against another edition
2.0
While I enjoyed the concept, the writing seems very basic and could do with a few more strong rounds of editing.