Pantomime - Laura Lam

[goodreads]

Title: Pantomime
Author: Laura Lam
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.5/5
# pages: 392
Date read: October, 2012

R. H. Ragona's Circus of Magic is the greatest circus of Ellada. Nestled among the glowing blue Penglass - remnants of a mysterious civilisation long gone - are wonders beyond the wildest imagination. It's a place where anything seems possible, where if you close your eyes you can believe that the magic and knowledge of the vanished Chimaera is still there. It's a place where anyone can hide.

Iphigenia Laurus, or Gene, the daughter of a noble family, is uncomfortable in corsets and crinoline, and prefers climbing trees to debutante balls. Micah Grey, a runaway living on the streets, joins the circus as an aerialist's apprentice and soon becomes the circus’s rising star.

But Gene and Micah have balancing acts of their own to perform, and a secret in their blood that could unlock the mysteries of Ellada

Erin Morgenstein could have learned a few pointers from Laura Lam. "Pantomime" has all the magic and mystery of "The Night Circus", but fortunately it isn't just limited to the atmosphere here, but extends to the characters and plot as well.

I loved reading about Micah's life - both at the circus and how he came to be there. As the reader will quickly discover, "Pantomime" isn't written in chronological order, and in the beginning, the chapters switch between relating Micah's story, before and after starting the circus.

However, probably my favourite element of the story is the universe that Laura Lam creates. I know there's SO much more to discover about Ellada in general and Penglass in particular. Fortunately I know there's a second book on the way, and I can't wait to read it.

"Pantomime" is very obviously the first book in a series. Very few questions are answered, and while clues are given, I'm hoping for some definite facts in the next book. That's a minor flaw though, and in general I absolutely adored the book :) I can definitely recommend it!