When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger's Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus black-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah in her black swan burlesque costume is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she's forced to "perform" in town after town.
But there is breathtaking beauty behind the seamy and grotesque reality of the carnival. Gallagher, her handler, is as kind as he is cryptic and strong. The other "attractions"—mermaids, minotaurs, gryphons and kelpies—are strange, yes, but they share a bond forged by the brutal realities of captivity. And as Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, she'll discover a strength and a purpose she never knew existed.
My Thoughts :
I really like this author and have enjoyed so many of her books over the years. This one was on my wishlist quite a while until I grabbed it in a sale on Audible. The last couple of days I have been listening to it as much as possible whenever I had time. There was something about this one that made it very addictive even if, at the end, I didn't think it was a five star book. Because while this was well written, unusual, exciting and definitely worth reading, I have to rate it against Rachel's other books and this one just doesn't reach that high standard.
A great concept. One that may or may not of been done before but definitely has an unique twist to it. I liked the idea from the beginning, even if I couldn't completely follow what the 'Reaping' was and what exactly happened (I think it was harder to follow via Audible). Delilah was a wonderful character, like so many more from this author. Strong, fierce and fearless. Another character to admire and root for.
The first half of the book was very exciting and I was addicted but as things started to get into the end stage I didn't find the story as compelling. For some reason it turned into what I had expected all along and the lack of surprise or a twist in the tale make me a little disappointed. Also the book ended like it was a one off but looking around I see that this is at least to be a trilogy. So now I am left unsure about my feelings for the book altogether.
Definitely worth reading, please don't let me put you off with my ramblings. This was a great read and a nice audible. There was some very good storytelling in this book and it was exactly what I expected from the author. I look forward to seeing what the rest of this trilogy involves and what the author has in store for the Menagerie.
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