Title: Menagerie
Series: Menagerie Book #1
Stand Alone Title: yes
Author: Rachel Vincent
Genre: Fantasy
Blurb: From New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent comes a richly imagined,
provocative new series set in the dark mythology of the Menagerie…
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 big-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath
her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah 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.
Renowned author Rachel Vincent weaves an intoxicating blend of carnival
magic and startling humanity in this intricately woven and powerful tale.
Favorite quote(s): “What you do is important to the world. Who you are is important to me. You are worth fighting for, and I will fight for you. But you have to be willing to compromise until the time is right.”
“If I’d eaten anything tonight, you’d be wearing it. Consider that my official opinion of your business model.”
Thoughts: Menagerie is unlike any other book you’ve ever read….a very original, interesting read that captures your imagination and interest. Delilah thinks she’s just an average human girl until a visit to the menagerie with her friends has her witnessing some of the cruelty that goes on behind the scenes. From there she becomes vengeance itself….and draws attention to some very unhuman abilities she didn’t even know she had. From there her whole life changes. She becomes nothing more than another animal as the staff at the menagerie try to take all of her human dignity and attempt to strip her of everything…even her name. But Delilah is strong, and she’s not alone. You quickly get caught up in what’s going on and where things will end.
I’ve loved reading Rachel Vincent since I first picked up her Shifters series years ago, and she proves that talent yet again with Menagerie. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Rating: A
