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Vandemere
"... Tait's writing pulls the reader into Vandy's world with striking descriptions that vividly capture the settings, and introduces the characters in a few deft strokes, making them lifelike and believable ... A promising historical fantasy series debut ..."-- Kirkus Reviews
Trick rider in a traveling circus , seventeen-year-old Vandemere (Vandy) Petruska is caught between two worlds. As Vandy Davidson , he lives the legacy of the father who abandoned him, performing on his beloved horses in the circus ring. But he’s also his Romanian mother’s son. As Vandy Petruska , he seeks to deny the tarot magie his mother has gifted to him. But as the magie’s power over him grows stronger, he becomes aware that the bad luck in his life isn’t an accident. When his Romanian ancestors immigrated to America on the back of a trick horse, they brought something with them. Something evil. Now this evil is attacking him , and Vandy will have to learn to accept his mother’s magie if he is ever going to defeat the entity that has marked him for death.
Set against the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the 1930s American Southwest, Vandemere is a lyrical coming-of-age story that infuses magical realism into a young man’s journey towards manhood.
Vandemere is part one of a duology and the first book in the series. For the best experience, the author suggests reading Vandemere first. Fire Horse is the second book of the series. It is possible to read the books out of sequence but not recommended.
This book is a gritty depiction of life in the 1930s American Southwest. It includes but is not limited to violence, coarse language, sexual situations, and self-harm. Some of its darker themes might be triggering to sensitive readers. Please use discretion when deciding if this book is right for you.
Trick rider in a traveling circus , seventeen-year-old Vandemere (Vandy) Petruska is caught between two worlds. As Vandy Davidson , he lives the legacy of the father who abandoned him, performing on his beloved horses in the circus ring. But he’s also his Romanian mother’s son. As Vandy Petruska , he seeks to deny the tarot magie his mother has gifted to him. But as the magie’s power over him grows stronger, he becomes aware that the bad luck in his life isn’t an accident. When his Romanian ancestors immigrated to America on the back of a trick horse, they brought something with them. Something evil. Now this evil is attacking him , and Vandy will have to learn to accept his mother’s magie if he is ever going to defeat the entity that has marked him for death.
Set against the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the 1930s American Southwest, Vandemere is a lyrical coming-of-age story that infuses magical realism into a young man’s journey towards manhood.
Vandemere is part one of a duology and the first book in the series. For the best experience, the author suggests reading Vandemere first. Fire Horse is the second book of the series. It is possible to read the books out of sequence but not recommended.
This book is a gritty depiction of life in the 1930s American Southwest. It includes but is not limited to violence, coarse language, sexual situations, and self-harm. Some of its darker themes might be triggering to sensitive readers. Please use discretion when deciding if this book is right for you.
337 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2023
23 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
December 17, 2024
Narrated by Kyle Shive
Sorry to say this one was not for me. It follows circus brat Vandy, who does tricks on horses and also has magic of some form thanks to his gypsy blood?
It's set in 1930s Southwest USA, but aside from a few references to the heat I never really felt it. The language - particularly as it was first person narration - didn't seem to suit the setting at all and there wasn't enough description of the environment for me to fall into the location.
Aside from that, the characters weren't great. Vandy is an arrogant kid determined to hate everyone and everything, and he actually kinda cries a lot for someone constantly being told 'you don't have to be tough all the time!' I guess those more familiar with teenage boys might be kinder to him, but to me he was an unlikable protagonist. The rest all seem pretty stereotypical, with the bully, the mean girl, and the mum's awful boyfriend all here, along with more. I didn't warm to any of them at all.
Horse lovers will enjoy the amount of detail in this story, but it was too much for me. It detracted a bit from the story, I felt, because there were so many descriptions I almost had to google horses to work out what was what. It slowed down a story that already felt rather dragging.
The narration I had to bump up to double speed, and the accents were AWFUL. Vandy's mother's accent seem to fluctuate between Spanish, Russian, German, and who knows what else. Some of the other voices put on were terrible, and I hated the tonal change for Vandy's visions. It just rubbed me the wrong way. Would not listen to this narrator again. But I can see from other reviews that I'm in the minority for that, so listen to a sample yourself before taking my word for it.
The pace was too slow for me, and I think the setting never changing added to the dull feel of the story. I just didn't really care about anything being related. It felt more like it wanted to be historical fiction, and the 'magie' element was more of a gimmick that seemed out of place.
Perhaps horse fans will get more out of this, and those who prefer slower fantasy and who have more time for angsty teenage boys. It really wasn't for me at all.
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
Sorry to say this one was not for me. It follows circus brat Vandy, who does tricks on horses and also has magic of some form thanks to his gypsy blood?
It's set in 1930s Southwest USA, but aside from a few references to the heat I never really felt it. The language - particularly as it was first person narration - didn't seem to suit the setting at all and there wasn't enough description of the environment for me to fall into the location.
Aside from that, the characters weren't great. Vandy is an arrogant kid determined to hate everyone and everything, and he actually kinda cries a lot for someone constantly being told 'you don't have to be tough all the time!' I guess those more familiar with teenage boys might be kinder to him, but to me he was an unlikable protagonist. The rest all seem pretty stereotypical, with the bully, the mean girl, and the mum's awful boyfriend all here, along with more. I didn't warm to any of them at all.
Horse lovers will enjoy the amount of detail in this story, but it was too much for me. It detracted a bit from the story, I felt, because there were so many descriptions I almost had to google horses to work out what was what. It slowed down a story that already felt rather dragging.
The narration I had to bump up to double speed, and the accents were AWFUL. Vandy's mother's accent seem to fluctuate between Spanish, Russian, German, and who knows what else. Some of the other voices put on were terrible, and I hated the tonal change for Vandy's visions. It just rubbed me the wrong way. Would not listen to this narrator again. But I can see from other reviews that I'm in the minority for that, so listen to a sample yourself before taking my word for it.
The pace was too slow for me, and I think the setting never changing added to the dull feel of the story. I just didn't really care about anything being related. It felt more like it wanted to be historical fiction, and the 'magie' element was more of a gimmick that seemed out of place.
Perhaps horse fans will get more out of this, and those who prefer slower fantasy and who have more time for angsty teenage boys. It really wasn't for me at all.
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
November 8, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free eaudio-arc of this book. It is readily available to read for anyone if you're interested.
This was an interesting read. It started off mainly earning about the main character and his background in the traveling circus, though I thought that it would focus a little more on the circus life than what it did. The story took a sort of paranormal/mystery turn towards the middle of the book, which was a good twist and played well into the story.
There is a book 2 to the series which I am interested in reading. However, I think I will wait for the audiobook for it as well as I did enjoy the narration.
This was an interesting read. It started off mainly earning about the main character and his background in the traveling circus, though I thought that it would focus a little more on the circus life than what it did. The story took a sort of paranormal/mystery turn towards the middle of the book, which was a good twist and played well into the story.
There is a book 2 to the series which I am interested in reading. However, I think I will wait for the audiobook for it as well as I did enjoy the narration.
January 24, 2025
#Vandemere #NetGalley Thank you to Netgalley and Kimberley D Tait for the ALC
This is an easy 5-star read for me.
Listening to Vandemere was an absolute delight, largely thanks to Kyle Shive's incredible narration. He did an excellent job portraying the full range of emotions the protagonist experiences throughout his journey, from moments of despair and pain to awe and hope. The voice acting truly brought the story to life and made it even more immersive.
Vandemere follows seventeen-year-old Vandy Petruska, a trick rider in a travelling circus, as he grapples with his dual heritage and the dark forces that haunt him. Living as Vandy Davidson, he honours his father’s legacy, performing on horseback in the circus ring. But as Vandy Petruska, he wrestles with the tarot magie inherited from his Romanian mother, a power he tries to reject until he realizes that the misfortune in his life is no coincidence.
Set in the gritty 1930s American Southwest, this lyrical coming-of-age tale blends magical realism with personal growth as Vandy confronts an ancient evil tied to his family’s past. To survive, he must embrace the very magie he’s long denied.
The story explores darker themes like violence, self-harm, and sexuality, making it a raw and intense depiction of life during that era. Vandemere is the first part of a duology, promising more to come in this captivating series.
The book reminded me of one of my favourite Stephen King novels, Joyland. Both stories are coming-of-age tales, rich with emotion, mystery, and a sense of discovery. Like Joyland, Vandemere captures that bittersweet, nostalgic feeling of youth while weaving in elements of intrigue and wonder.
I’m eagerly anticipating the second book in this duology and sincerely hope it will be available in audio format soon, with Kyle Shive as the narrator! His performance has set a high bar, and I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds next.
This is an easy 5-star read for me.
Listening to Vandemere was an absolute delight, largely thanks to Kyle Shive's incredible narration. He did an excellent job portraying the full range of emotions the protagonist experiences throughout his journey, from moments of despair and pain to awe and hope. The voice acting truly brought the story to life and made it even more immersive.
Vandemere follows seventeen-year-old Vandy Petruska, a trick rider in a travelling circus, as he grapples with his dual heritage and the dark forces that haunt him. Living as Vandy Davidson, he honours his father’s legacy, performing on horseback in the circus ring. But as Vandy Petruska, he wrestles with the tarot magie inherited from his Romanian mother, a power he tries to reject until he realizes that the misfortune in his life is no coincidence.
Set in the gritty 1930s American Southwest, this lyrical coming-of-age tale blends magical realism with personal growth as Vandy confronts an ancient evil tied to his family’s past. To survive, he must embrace the very magie he’s long denied.
The story explores darker themes like violence, self-harm, and sexuality, making it a raw and intense depiction of life during that era. Vandemere is the first part of a duology, promising more to come in this captivating series.
The book reminded me of one of my favourite Stephen King novels, Joyland. Both stories are coming-of-age tales, rich with emotion, mystery, and a sense of discovery. Like Joyland, Vandemere captures that bittersweet, nostalgic feeling of youth while weaving in elements of intrigue and wonder.
I’m eagerly anticipating the second book in this duology and sincerely hope it will be available in audio format soon, with Kyle Shive as the narrator! His performance has set a high bar, and I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds next.
November 17, 2024
I am sad to be having to write a negative review for an indie fantasy book, but there were just two too many elements of this that didn’t work for me.
This book is set in the 1930s at a circus. It has light fantasy elements and the plot revolves around the people working at this circus, and eventually spirals into a mystery.
We follow Vandamere, Vandy, a 17 year old trick rider, as our main character. I did not enjoy reading from his POV mainly because of the way he objectifies women. There is a lady, Sylvia, who also works at the circus who is constantly being ogled and lusted over by Vandy, and every other women he interacts with is compared to Sylvia in their physicals aspects. Eg: “She wasn’t as slim as Sylvia” I found this to be really aggravating and sadly it persisted throughout the book.
Ellen was a character I truly didn’t know what to make of, and the intent of her character was very unclear to me. Furthermore there is a character who is a dwarf named “Shorty” and even if you wanted to link this to how little people were treated in that time period, it still felt insensitive to me. Especially since I feel like the book lacked any criticism of the mistreatment prominent in Circuses at that time.
Throughout this book there were some questionable things regarding consent and certain relationships that were alluded to, that I found uncomfortable.
While I understand that this book is part of a duology, I would have liked to have gotten more closure from it, otherwise they should have just been combined into one book, not two. The way it reads now doesn’t quite feel like a satisfying story on its own.
I would like to end on a positive, by saying that I did enjoy the backstory, and thought this was well developed. Some of these scenes I found genuinely stirring and emotional. Also, the writing style is very readable, I listened to this whole audiobook in one evening.
I mean no disrespect to any of the people involved in the making of this book. These are simply things that made this a challenging reading experience for me.
Thank you NetGalley for an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is set in the 1930s at a circus. It has light fantasy elements and the plot revolves around the people working at this circus, and eventually spirals into a mystery.
We follow Vandamere, Vandy, a 17 year old trick rider, as our main character. I did not enjoy reading from his POV mainly because of the way he objectifies women. There is a lady, Sylvia, who also works at the circus who is constantly being ogled and lusted over by Vandy, and every other women he interacts with is compared to Sylvia in their physicals aspects. Eg: “She wasn’t as slim as Sylvia” I found this to be really aggravating and sadly it persisted throughout the book.
Ellen was a character I truly didn’t know what to make of, and the intent of her character was very unclear to me. Furthermore there is a character who is a dwarf named “Shorty” and even if you wanted to link this to how little people were treated in that time period, it still felt insensitive to me. Especially since I feel like the book lacked any criticism of the mistreatment prominent in Circuses at that time.
Throughout this book there were some questionable things regarding consent and certain relationships that were alluded to, that I found uncomfortable.
While I understand that this book is part of a duology, I would have liked to have gotten more closure from it, otherwise they should have just been combined into one book, not two. The way it reads now doesn’t quite feel like a satisfying story on its own.
I would like to end on a positive, by saying that I did enjoy the backstory, and thought this was well developed. Some of these scenes I found genuinely stirring and emotional. Also, the writing style is very readable, I listened to this whole audiobook in one evening.
I mean no disrespect to any of the people involved in the making of this book. These are simply things that made this a challenging reading experience for me.
Thank you NetGalley for an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2025
i had to keep reminding myself this was set in 1930, the shit they were letting slide yikes !!
loved the journey though
loved the journey though
December 18, 2024
This story had a lot more promise than it gave, honestly. The concept was really fun, a circus in the 1930s, Romanian trick horse riders, a dark curse that may or may not be sentient darkness. Unfortunately it just wasn't written very well. There was a lot of weird dialogue and at least half the story was in flashbacks, but not in any specific order or reason. Flashbacks just came and went, seemed like an afterthought to explain whatever was currently going on plot-wise. I didn't care for the narrator, either. His voice was fine in normal narration but any time a character started talking, the voices were LOUD and screechy. It felt out of place and not how I'd imagined the characters to emphasize any particular word/phrase. Also, it's a little startling when the narrator just starts screeching out of nowhere. This is probably better as a normal read vs listen. There could have been a lot more polishing in this and it would have been a lot better. The circus felt more like a setting/afterthought than having any real influence on the story, which is what I was hoping for. It could have taken place in any time or setting and wouldn't have changed the story much. Side characters were flat, but I liked the male main character overall.
January 4, 2026
If you’re looking for the kind of epic depression era saga that so many recent books have tried to be before collapsing under their own weight, this one’s for you.
It’s got it all - the colorful cast of circus performers, mysterious magical family history, a sixteen year old boy who actually acts believably his age (he swears! he lusts! he makes poor life choices!), travel, and the deus ex machina chance encounters that propel the story forward.
It’s the first half of a duology, so you won’t get a full ending here, but the stopping point is logical and you won’t feel like you just read an introduction to the real story.
The audiobook is very well done - good differentiation of characters and a believable voice for Vandy as the eyes through which we see it all unfold.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
It’s got it all - the colorful cast of circus performers, mysterious magical family history, a sixteen year old boy who actually acts believably his age (he swears! he lusts! he makes poor life choices!), travel, and the deus ex machina chance encounters that propel the story forward.
It’s the first half of a duology, so you won’t get a full ending here, but the stopping point is logical and you won’t feel like you just read an introduction to the real story.
The audiobook is very well done - good differentiation of characters and a believable voice for Vandy as the eyes through which we see it all unfold.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
December 2, 2024
3 stars (would’ve been 4 had I have read this rather than listening to the audiobook as I felt the narration was a bit slow…and dragging…and I had to speed it up) However, that being said, this is a spellbinding mix of drama and personal discovery, wrapped in a circus-themed world full of intrigue and magic. The vivid imagery and enchanting twists keep you hooked, though some moments had me a bit lost. Still, the unique setting and captivating characters make it a delightful book, perfect for anyone who loves a touch of whimsy with their drama.
Can’t wait to read the second book in this duology to round out the series.
Can’t wait to read the second book in this duology to round out the series.
November 4, 2024
1.5
Beautiful cover, interesting writiing but sadly this book ended up not being for me. I loved the beginning of it but it got confusing and unsatisfying by the middle till the end of the book. I really wanted to love this one.
Beautiful cover, interesting writiing but sadly this book ended up not being for me. I loved the beginning of it but it got confusing and unsatisfying by the middle till the end of the book. I really wanted to love this one.
August 30, 2025
I was optimistic about this book going into it due to its promising plot, but ultimately felt disappointed by the pacing and lack of detail the book provided. The historical fantasy element was interesting, and the circus setting should have been a refreshing skew on a realistic fantasy element. However, unfortunately, I found the setting, plot and characters didn’t really live up to my expectations.
I enjoyed hearing about Vandemere’s horse antics, but the setting outside of his immediate reference to the circus ultimately fell flat. The other characters fell into stereotypical roles within a circus but didn’t really bear any significance on the narrative. Vandy’s character confused me as his laid back attitude often felt too manufactured to the point that his reactions to multiple events within the plot felt out of place. I never really warmed up to his style but am willing to look past it as my own preferences rather than necessarily the writing. However, I found this particular vibe to be consistent with each of the characters we get to know throughout this book.
I found the plot felt both too rushed and also quite slow. The entire plot of the book feels like it could have been cut down to be an introductory half of the book and largely just felt like a massive prologue for the second book. By the end of this one, there is no real conclusion to any of the plots started throughout the book and I don’t feel particularly interested in continuing the series to see the conclusions because of how little set up there was for the majority of them. I understand that Vandemere is meant to be very affected by his past, but too much of the book was focused around flashbacks to events in his past that just felt like an excuse to push exposition on the reader. Because so much of the narrative was spent with Vandemere reminiscing about his past, I still feel like most of his feelings about those people didn’t really make sense and could have done with more about his qualms with everyone in the present. It might have helped to explain his outright refusal to listen to his mum’s advice when it came to the magie, as he continuously tells the reader that his mother turned away from the magie which made her opinion invalid on it, despite the fact she spends most of the book trying to urge him to use the magie which he also pushes against whilst also using the magie in his tricks.
I had to double check that this book wasn’t written by a man considering the outrageous physical descriptions given for female characters. I understand the desire to try and write from the perspective of a 17 year old boy, but there needs to be a line between exploring that and just limiting your female characters for no reason. It felt so demeaning to hear these descriptions used for absolutely no betterment of the plot or the characters. The female characters ultimately had no purpose in the book except to be either the ‘deadbeat’ mother of the main character, or objects of desire for Vandemere. The descriptions were out of place with the plot and ultimately took me out of the story which didn’t help my desire to continue. The other characters felt like further stereotypes, including the popular guy going out with the popular girl (who Vandemere is obsessed with and hates for ‘settling’ for the popular guy when Vandemere, who repeatedly objectifies her and tells nothing of her personality, could of course treat her better), and even going so far as to have the mother’s boyfriend being Vandy’s biggest hater without ever really giving the reader any reason as to why he hates Vandemere so much.
Lastly, I think a lot of my issues came directly from the narrator of the audiobook as his tone was often at odds with what was happening within the plot. His accents for some characters were borderline offensive - my biggest example being Vandy’s mother. The narrator gave her no fixed accent and I feel we went on a tour of the whole of Europe each time she had a line, despite the fact that the story deals quite consistently with the racism faced by those with Romanian origins. I found the other accents to have been quite out of place considering the generic whiny teen voice given to Vandemere and found they took me out of the story quite a bit.
Overall, while I enjoyed the premise of the story and don’t regret reading, I struggled to find positives for the book which is ultimately why I have had to give this story 1.5 stars.
NetGalley ARC
I enjoyed hearing about Vandemere’s horse antics, but the setting outside of his immediate reference to the circus ultimately fell flat. The other characters fell into stereotypical roles within a circus but didn’t really bear any significance on the narrative. Vandy’s character confused me as his laid back attitude often felt too manufactured to the point that his reactions to multiple events within the plot felt out of place. I never really warmed up to his style but am willing to look past it as my own preferences rather than necessarily the writing. However, I found this particular vibe to be consistent with each of the characters we get to know throughout this book.
I found the plot felt both too rushed and also quite slow. The entire plot of the book feels like it could have been cut down to be an introductory half of the book and largely just felt like a massive prologue for the second book. By the end of this one, there is no real conclusion to any of the plots started throughout the book and I don’t feel particularly interested in continuing the series to see the conclusions because of how little set up there was for the majority of them. I understand that Vandemere is meant to be very affected by his past, but too much of the book was focused around flashbacks to events in his past that just felt like an excuse to push exposition on the reader. Because so much of the narrative was spent with Vandemere reminiscing about his past, I still feel like most of his feelings about those people didn’t really make sense and could have done with more about his qualms with everyone in the present. It might have helped to explain his outright refusal to listen to his mum’s advice when it came to the magie, as he continuously tells the reader that his mother turned away from the magie which made her opinion invalid on it, despite the fact she spends most of the book trying to urge him to use the magie which he also pushes against whilst also using the magie in his tricks.
I had to double check that this book wasn’t written by a man considering the outrageous physical descriptions given for female characters. I understand the desire to try and write from the perspective of a 17 year old boy, but there needs to be a line between exploring that and just limiting your female characters for no reason. It felt so demeaning to hear these descriptions used for absolutely no betterment of the plot or the characters. The female characters ultimately had no purpose in the book except to be either the ‘deadbeat’ mother of the main character, or objects of desire for Vandemere. The descriptions were out of place with the plot and ultimately took me out of the story which didn’t help my desire to continue. The other characters felt like further stereotypes, including the popular guy going out with the popular girl (who Vandemere is obsessed with and hates for ‘settling’ for the popular guy when Vandemere, who repeatedly objectifies her and tells nothing of her personality, could of course treat her better), and even going so far as to have the mother’s boyfriend being Vandy’s biggest hater without ever really giving the reader any reason as to why he hates Vandemere so much.
Lastly, I think a lot of my issues came directly from the narrator of the audiobook as his tone was often at odds with what was happening within the plot. His accents for some characters were borderline offensive - my biggest example being Vandy’s mother. The narrator gave her no fixed accent and I feel we went on a tour of the whole of Europe each time she had a line, despite the fact that the story deals quite consistently with the racism faced by those with Romanian origins. I found the other accents to have been quite out of place considering the generic whiny teen voice given to Vandemere and found they took me out of the story quite a bit.
Overall, while I enjoyed the premise of the story and don’t regret reading, I struggled to find positives for the book which is ultimately why I have had to give this story 1.5 stars.
NetGalley ARC
May 7, 2025
Well this was intense :')
I liked the story... but it wasn't really my favourite. This book is about a boy called Vandemere, after a horse on which his family ran away in. They're horseback riders and work on a circus. However, he has some sort of magic monster inside of him that he can't control, making him black out and hurting himself. In a nutshell, people get hurt and he tries to figure out where his powers fit into all of this.
I felt it was quite heavy and the ending didn't really make me want to read the next one... but I do applaude the narrators' job in the audiobook.
I liked the story... but it wasn't really my favourite. This book is about a boy called Vandemere, after a horse on which his family ran away in. They're horseback riders and work on a circus. However, he has some sort of magic monster inside of him that he can't control, making him black out and hurting himself. In a nutshell, people get hurt and he tries to figure out where his powers fit into all of this.
I felt it was quite heavy and the ending didn't really make me want to read the next one... but I do applaude the narrators' job in the audiobook.
November 16, 2024
A strong beginning to a series! The book ends on quite the cliff hanger so I will be reading book 2 whenever I can get my hands on an audio version!
this is a book with a few triggers (r@pe is the major one) so be weary of that. The plot is good! I do think it started off really strong, I was intrigued by the magic in here but I do think I would have gotten a little lost in the plot if I had read this physically so listening to audiobook was the right call for me. The narrator was great, he did a good job bringing the book to life. The plot did start to fizzle out a bit by the end but I think it's because the author was trying to set it up as a duology.
I'm still not sure if I would put this in the YA section, it does have some scenes in it that makes me think it may be better suited for older YA like 16 and up.
Overall a really good book if you enjoy circus themed books with a magical twist.
Thank You Netgalley and Kimberley D. Trait for a copy of the audiobook!! All opinions are my own!
this is a book with a few triggers (r@pe is the major one) so be weary of that. The plot is good! I do think it started off really strong, I was intrigued by the magic in here but I do think I would have gotten a little lost in the plot if I had read this physically so listening to audiobook was the right call for me. The narrator was great, he did a good job bringing the book to life. The plot did start to fizzle out a bit by the end but I think it's because the author was trying to set it up as a duology.
I'm still not sure if I would put this in the YA section, it does have some scenes in it that makes me think it may be better suited for older YA like 16 and up.
Overall a really good book if you enjoy circus themed books with a magical twist.
Thank You Netgalley and Kimberley D. Trait for a copy of the audiobook!! All opinions are my own!
February 4, 2025
Summary
What We Like
Real Talk
Book Dragon Rating
Vandemere is a coming-of-age story about a teenage boy living in 1930s Southwest America, working for a two-bit circus as a trick pony-rider.
Caught between the legacies of his parents, he struggles to find his identity between the two scraps of his ancestry that he’s still connected to out on the touring circuit. He takes his estranged father’s name and all the tricks he took the time to teach him, performing as Vandy Davidson; but he can’t deny his Romanian roots. Especially as the magie he inherits from his mother allows him to finally confront the evil that followed his family’s emigration from Romania.
Following the disappearance and death of a child who had been visiting the circus, Vandy’s special gifts come under scrutiny. He must grapple with the where he belongs and whether he can trust his magie.
What We Like
The Narrator - At first, we were concerned that Kyle Shive’s voice might be too mature for Vandemere’s teenage character. Rich and smooth it may be, but that typically isn’t how we think of most 16/17 year old boys. However, he grew on us as the voice of Vandemere. With skillful transitioning between narrative and dialogue, he gives personality to Vandy’s moments of teen angst and distinction to side characters.
The Memories - Vandy’s retellings of significant moments in his life, like when his dad proclaimed he would be a trick rider and subsequently his dad’s abandonment of their family, are heartbreaking. They are deftly woven into significant moments of the story without it feeling like a disruption to the momentum of the plot.
The Circus - We wanted more of the circus life! The glimpses into the other performers and interactions between them left us wanting more!
Real Talk
The Magic - The rules of magie are a little unclear. Vandy is able see visions of events that occurred in a person’s past and seems to have an intuition he himself doesn’t quite understand. Despite having his mother living with him at the circus, she is cryptic at best when discussing the magie. The curse and shadowed spectre that threaten him are described, but not necessarily explained.
The Ending - Understanding that there is a sequel (‘Fire Horse’), this ending still feels too abrupt. It lacks resolution in a way that makes it feel like a single book has been split in half, rather than resolution to book one that bring larger questions to answer in Book 2.
The G Word - Time for some really real talk and some spoilers to give the context... We, at BonDrac Studios, are not experts in Romani culture. However, we’ve done some learning and listening to those from Romani backgrounds, and what we’ve learned is enough to have concerns over some of this book’s content.
Book Dragon Rating
The unfortunate use of Romani culture and persecution, with the (less significant but still relevant) poorly formed ending have lead us to giving 2/5 Book Dragons. There is an interesting circus-related story to be told here, but it needs more development and a sensitivity review.
February 2, 2024
“Vandemere” is the first book in the new Circ de Tarot Series by Kimberley D. Tait revolving around a trick rider in the circus, 17-year-old Vandemere Petruska. I was impressed by every aspect of this book from the excellent writing to the character development to the plot and I am sure that other readers will feel the same.
The main character of the story is a young man who is caught between two different worlds. As Vandy Davidson, he performs his trick riding in the circus where his father also performed before he abandoned Vandy and his mother. On the other side of the coin, there is Vandy Petruska, the son of his Romanian mother, who is trying to ignore the magic that has been passed down to him. Unfortunately for Vandy, it becomes apparent to the reader that this magic has a power over him that he will not be able to ignore or deny and it is starting to come after him. When his ancestors first came to America with their horses, they brought something very dangerous with them and now Vandy must come to terms with his magic ability or he will never be able to win over this invisible enemy that wants him dead.
“Vandemere” is an excellent story that combines magic with the life of a young man who wants nothing more than to avoid it. As he attempts to live his life on his terms, Vandy is forced into many unwelcome situations that bring a lot of danger to him and his friends due to the darkness living inside him. By combining the present story with flashbacks into his family’s past, the author has woven an intricate tale that should not be missed.
Kimberley Tait is an excellent writer, which is very apparent as you turn the pages. The world built in this story is exciting and powerful. The descriptions of the lives of people in the circus are mesmerizing and accurate. The animals add so much to this story as we see the relationship that the main character has with the horses he rides. The character development in the story is exceptional and every single character is important to the story. From an old woman on a bus to the other circus people every single character is given a personality and background that we can see and learn from.
Vandy is a wonderful protagonist that the reader will come to care deeply for as we see him struggle to make sense of his past and his present. As the story ends, the author has set it up perfectly for a continuation. There are just enough questions left to make any reader want to see what happens to Vandy next. I would like to note that the story does contain some dark themes such as violence, sex, and language and if anyone is sensitive to such topics, this might be a book that you should pass on.
“Vandemere” by Kimberley D. Tait is an excellent book that I would recommend to all. With vivid descriptions, wonderful characters, and an intricate storyline that will leave the reader wanting more, it is a story that will grab onto you from the first page and never let go. I am anxious to get started on reading the second book in the series. 5 Stars!!
The main character of the story is a young man who is caught between two different worlds. As Vandy Davidson, he performs his trick riding in the circus where his father also performed before he abandoned Vandy and his mother. On the other side of the coin, there is Vandy Petruska, the son of his Romanian mother, who is trying to ignore the magic that has been passed down to him. Unfortunately for Vandy, it becomes apparent to the reader that this magic has a power over him that he will not be able to ignore or deny and it is starting to come after him. When his ancestors first came to America with their horses, they brought something very dangerous with them and now Vandy must come to terms with his magic ability or he will never be able to win over this invisible enemy that wants him dead.
“Vandemere” is an excellent story that combines magic with the life of a young man who wants nothing more than to avoid it. As he attempts to live his life on his terms, Vandy is forced into many unwelcome situations that bring a lot of danger to him and his friends due to the darkness living inside him. By combining the present story with flashbacks into his family’s past, the author has woven an intricate tale that should not be missed.
Kimberley Tait is an excellent writer, which is very apparent as you turn the pages. The world built in this story is exciting and powerful. The descriptions of the lives of people in the circus are mesmerizing and accurate. The animals add so much to this story as we see the relationship that the main character has with the horses he rides. The character development in the story is exceptional and every single character is important to the story. From an old woman on a bus to the other circus people every single character is given a personality and background that we can see and learn from.
Vandy is a wonderful protagonist that the reader will come to care deeply for as we see him struggle to make sense of his past and his present. As the story ends, the author has set it up perfectly for a continuation. There are just enough questions left to make any reader want to see what happens to Vandy next. I would like to note that the story does contain some dark themes such as violence, sex, and language and if anyone is sensitive to such topics, this might be a book that you should pass on.
“Vandemere” by Kimberley D. Tait is an excellent book that I would recommend to all. With vivid descriptions, wonderful characters, and an intricate storyline that will leave the reader wanting more, it is a story that will grab onto you from the first page and never let go. I am anxious to get started on reading the second book in the series. 5 Stars!!
December 31, 2024
Kimberley D. Tait’s Vandemere is an evocative and enthralling novel that immerses readers in a world of intrigue, ambition, and personal discovery. Experiencing this story through the audiobook format elevates the narrative, allowing the listener to feel deeply connected to the characters and their journey.
Kimberley D. Tait crafts a cast of characters who are as complex as they are engaging. The protagonist is compelling, with layers of vulnerability, ambition, and resilience that unfold beautifully throughout the story. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding depth and texture to the narrative. Their relationships, fraught with tension, loyalty, and betrayal, are masterfully written, keeping the listener emotionally invested from beginning to end.
The setting of Vandemere is richly imagined, blending elements of grandeur with an undercurrent of mystery and danger. Kimberley D. Tait's descriptions are vivid, painting a world that feels alive and dynamic.
The audiobook is brought to life by a narrator Kyle Shive who perfectly captures the tone and essence of the story. Kyle Shive delivers a nuanced performance, with distinct voices for each character, making it easy to follow the dialogue and feel immersed in their individual personalities. The pacing is spot-on, balancing the tension and emotional beats with an intuitive understanding of the narrative’s rhythm. The narrator’s ability to convey subtle emotions adds an extra layer of depth to the story, making key moments even more impactful.
Kimberley D. Tait’s writing is both eloquent and accessible, with prose that flows effortlessly while carrying emotional weight. Her dialogue feels natural and authentic, and her ability to weave themes of identity, ambition, and redemption into the narrative is impressive. The story strikes a perfect balance between introspection and action, ensuring that the listener remains engaged throughout.
As an audiobook, Vandemere is a thoroughly engaging experience. The combination of Kimberley D. Tait’s compelling story and the narrator’s stellar performance creates an immersive journey that is hard to pause. Whether you’re commuting, relaxing, or multitasking, this audiobook will transport you into its world and hold your attention until the final moments.
Vandemere is a testament to Kimberley D. Tait’s storytelling prowess, and the audiobook format enhances the experience in every way. With its captivating characters, intricate world-building, and exceptional narration, this is a story that will resonate with listeners long after it ends. As the first part of a duology, Vandemere sets the stage for an exciting continuation, and I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley, AudioBee Productions, and Kimberley D. Tait for providing me with an ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberley D. Tait crafts a cast of characters who are as complex as they are engaging. The protagonist is compelling, with layers of vulnerability, ambition, and resilience that unfold beautifully throughout the story. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding depth and texture to the narrative. Their relationships, fraught with tension, loyalty, and betrayal, are masterfully written, keeping the listener emotionally invested from beginning to end.
The setting of Vandemere is richly imagined, blending elements of grandeur with an undercurrent of mystery and danger. Kimberley D. Tait's descriptions are vivid, painting a world that feels alive and dynamic.
The audiobook is brought to life by a narrator Kyle Shive who perfectly captures the tone and essence of the story. Kyle Shive delivers a nuanced performance, with distinct voices for each character, making it easy to follow the dialogue and feel immersed in their individual personalities. The pacing is spot-on, balancing the tension and emotional beats with an intuitive understanding of the narrative’s rhythm. The narrator’s ability to convey subtle emotions adds an extra layer of depth to the story, making key moments even more impactful.
Kimberley D. Tait’s writing is both eloquent and accessible, with prose that flows effortlessly while carrying emotional weight. Her dialogue feels natural and authentic, and her ability to weave themes of identity, ambition, and redemption into the narrative is impressive. The story strikes a perfect balance between introspection and action, ensuring that the listener remains engaged throughout.
As an audiobook, Vandemere is a thoroughly engaging experience. The combination of Kimberley D. Tait’s compelling story and the narrator’s stellar performance creates an immersive journey that is hard to pause. Whether you’re commuting, relaxing, or multitasking, this audiobook will transport you into its world and hold your attention until the final moments.
Vandemere is a testament to Kimberley D. Tait’s storytelling prowess, and the audiobook format enhances the experience in every way. With its captivating characters, intricate world-building, and exceptional narration, this is a story that will resonate with listeners long after it ends. As the first part of a duology, Vandemere sets the stage for an exciting continuation, and I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley, AudioBee Productions, and Kimberley D. Tait for providing me with an ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2026
This book is so different from my norm, and it was a breath of fresh air. Although the book centers around life in the Southwest in the 1930's not much has changed how people treat one another. Vandy is a 17 Trick Horse rider in the circus. Vandy has some serious anger and abandonment issues. Not to mention he is a testy, hormonal young man who still hasn't lost his "V-card", yup his annoying, arrogant, defiant attitude definitely fits the bill.
What I found interesting about Vandy's character is that he is named after the Trick Horse his ancestors rode in their quest for freedom. Unfortunately for Vandy his ancestors came into the US with more than tricks and magic but something sinister that has been plaguing his bloodline for generations. The lore behind his family is that a family member on his mother's side drank some poisoned well water and began having visions and hallucinations that was chalked up to a side effect of the poison lake water.
Now Vandy is experiencing the same visions and blackouts as his ancestors, but he refuses to believe in the magic that flows through his bloodline because the magic makes him forgetful and possibly do bad things; but is the magic from his familial line the cause of all of Vandy's angst?
Vandy's character begins to escalate as the story progresses. Something is targeting him and hurting those around him. He is convinced it is the magic passed down to him, but his unreliable, alcoholic mother thinks otherwise. This story delves into the supernatural and occult with Vandy's mother being a fortune teller at the circus as well as Vandy not only having visions but coming face to face with an entity that comes in the form of people he knows or inhabits them for a time to relay its threats toward Vandy and the people he cares about.
There were some dark undertones in this story: Abandonment, Alcoholism, Suicide, Child Harm/Murder, Mention of R*pe, Child neglect. So, check the trigger warnings on this on.
Overall, yes Vandy is a hard character to like but understanding his age, what he is dealing with at home with his neglectful mother, his father abandoning him, an evil entity hunting him and those around him and not to mention he is still a virgin and can't give it away if he tried cause the girls aren't interested. All except one who is the only one interested in giving him a chance. Vandy is in a very precarious situation and before he can move forward; he first need to understand his family's legacy as well as the events surrounding their demise many decades ago.
I'm looking forward to book 2 to see how Vandy will defeat the evil that is hot on his heels. Now is the time for him to man up and do what his ancestors know he can do. He simply needs to believe in the magic flowing in his veins and believe in himself
What I found interesting about Vandy's character is that he is named after the Trick Horse his ancestors rode in their quest for freedom. Unfortunately for Vandy his ancestors came into the US with more than tricks and magic but something sinister that has been plaguing his bloodline for generations. The lore behind his family is that a family member on his mother's side drank some poisoned well water and began having visions and hallucinations that was chalked up to a side effect of the poison lake water.
Now Vandy is experiencing the same visions and blackouts as his ancestors, but he refuses to believe in the magic that flows through his bloodline because the magic makes him forgetful and possibly do bad things; but is the magic from his familial line the cause of all of Vandy's angst?
Vandy's character begins to escalate as the story progresses. Something is targeting him and hurting those around him. He is convinced it is the magic passed down to him, but his unreliable, alcoholic mother thinks otherwise. This story delves into the supernatural and occult with Vandy's mother being a fortune teller at the circus as well as Vandy not only having visions but coming face to face with an entity that comes in the form of people he knows or inhabits them for a time to relay its threats toward Vandy and the people he cares about.
There were some dark undertones in this story: Abandonment, Alcoholism, Suicide, Child Harm/Murder, Mention of R*pe, Child neglect. So, check the trigger warnings on this on.
Overall, yes Vandy is a hard character to like but understanding his age, what he is dealing with at home with his neglectful mother, his father abandoning him, an evil entity hunting him and those around him and not to mention he is still a virgin and can't give it away if he tried cause the girls aren't interested. All except one who is the only one interested in giving him a chance. Vandy is in a very precarious situation and before he can move forward; he first need to understand his family's legacy as well as the events surrounding their demise many decades ago.
I'm looking forward to book 2 to see how Vandy will defeat the evil that is hot on his heels. Now is the time for him to man up and do what his ancestors know he can do. He simply needs to believe in the magic flowing in his veins and believe in himself
October 6, 2023
I received a free copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.
First, I made a big mistake by starting this book at 8 o'clock at night, because the next thing I knew, it's midnight and I have work in the morning. Honestly, the only reason it took me as long as it did to finish was because of a 40 hour work week that does not understand the vital imperative of reading a book straight through.
I really enjoyed this novel. I think it can count as an urban fantasy--it takes place in our world, during the Depression, and contains magic, though it does not follow the usual tropes seen with a typical urban fantasy. The magic is vague and mental and there are no elves or vampires, just a teen boy who both knows his place in the world and feels utterly alien and alone within it. While Vandy has his friends and circus family in Shorty, Jimmy, Dodger, and many of the others, he still feels like a bit of an outcast among a crew of people who were already outcasts to the "normal" people living in the towns they visited. Vandy has Gypsy blood and inherited a gift from his mother that leaves him with visions, blackouts, and the uncanny ability to read people.
When a murder occurs, he is the prime suspect of a local officer who is desperate to find someone to blame...and who also guesses that Vandemere is more than just a trick rider desperate for acceptance and love. He doesn't want to admit that Vandy may be the key to solving the crime.
The writing becomes flowery at times: purple prose that is beautiful and acceptable from the first person perspective of a teenager who is trying to make sense of his world and sees himself as a main character. He even mentions several times that he is the star attraction of the circus. Through his eyes, we get a glimpse at the tenuous and migrant lives of the circus, desperately trying to eke out a living in the parched landscape of Oklahoma. It was easy to imagine the cracked, hard-packed earth and dead grasses wilted beneath a glaring sun and the bright, vibrant performers who use grease paint and spangled costumes to hide their weariness.
Vandy's life is not an easy one, but he had the trust of his beloved horses, the awe of the crowd, and was content until a single chance encounter brings the big top down on him and threatens his friends, family, his career, and his life. Though he fears the magie that courses through his veins, it might be the only thing that can save him from the darkness stalking him.
First, I made a big mistake by starting this book at 8 o'clock at night, because the next thing I knew, it's midnight and I have work in the morning. Honestly, the only reason it took me as long as it did to finish was because of a 40 hour work week that does not understand the vital imperative of reading a book straight through.
I really enjoyed this novel. I think it can count as an urban fantasy--it takes place in our world, during the Depression, and contains magic, though it does not follow the usual tropes seen with a typical urban fantasy. The magic is vague and mental and there are no elves or vampires, just a teen boy who both knows his place in the world and feels utterly alien and alone within it. While Vandy has his friends and circus family in Shorty, Jimmy, Dodger, and many of the others, he still feels like a bit of an outcast among a crew of people who were already outcasts to the "normal" people living in the towns they visited. Vandy has Gypsy blood and inherited a gift from his mother that leaves him with visions, blackouts, and the uncanny ability to read people.
When a murder occurs, he is the prime suspect of a local officer who is desperate to find someone to blame...and who also guesses that Vandemere is more than just a trick rider desperate for acceptance and love. He doesn't want to admit that Vandy may be the key to solving the crime.
The writing becomes flowery at times: purple prose that is beautiful and acceptable from the first person perspective of a teenager who is trying to make sense of his world and sees himself as a main character. He even mentions several times that he is the star attraction of the circus. Through his eyes, we get a glimpse at the tenuous and migrant lives of the circus, desperately trying to eke out a living in the parched landscape of Oklahoma. It was easy to imagine the cracked, hard-packed earth and dead grasses wilted beneath a glaring sun and the bright, vibrant performers who use grease paint and spangled costumes to hide their weariness.
Vandy's life is not an easy one, but he had the trust of his beloved horses, the awe of the crowd, and was content until a single chance encounter brings the big top down on him and threatens his friends, family, his career, and his life. Though he fears the magie that courses through his veins, it might be the only thing that can save him from the darkness stalking him.
February 11, 2025
Came for the tarot, left with Sylvia's boobs.
First and foremost, I listened to this as an audiobook, as a matter of fact, the first audiobook I ever listened to, so I admit that my opinion might be a bit influenced by the format.
But if I had to actually read this I would probably have dropped it halfway in.
This book is an introduction to the next one (which I will not be reading), many "first books" are, but this is a bit too much. What was intended to be the climax was poorly executed and the story felt utterly flat. We didn't even get an introduction to the magic but just to the problem. This book could have been twenty pages long and added to the next one, making it a stand-alone.
Murakami wanna-be (derogatory)
I initially liked the portrait of Vandy as a teenager. I don't agree too much with those who say that teens and sexual things should never meet: teens are hormonated , discovering sexuality... they are not pure angels. But this? This was too much, and this was uncomfortable to read (worst, to hear, I felt violated each time). It was systematical, Sylvia meant one thing: two hours of horny descriptions.
1935?
Genuine question, why is this book set in 1935? And most importantly, where is it shown to us?
This felt so out of the blue, there is not a single detail that immersed us in the period, and not a single reason either. This is particularly upsetting because it's such a delicate time, it baffles me that nothing was mentioned.
Shock value my ass
Sometimes you can just tell when something is there to serve a purpose, in this case, to add shock value... and it was so obvious here. Everything that happened felt flat, every single event seemed scattered around with the sole purpose of lengthen the book and adding shock value
The only thing I command of this book is the proper representation of horses, something we rarely see, so it was like a breath of fresh air!
But yeah, as I said in the very beginning, I came for the tarot and found almost none, the book was boring and the characters insufferable, I will not with the second book.
November 12, 2024
Vandermere
Or Vandy as he is often called, is a trick rider for a traveling circus. He is kind of a lonely, angry teenager struggling with two sides of himself. The Del Davidson side, following in his father’s footsteps, he is the most fearless and amazing trick rider there is. We get glimpses of how this side was formed via memories of Vandy’s early years. Vandy is shaped by his interactions with Del who taught him to be high-achieving and tough.
“You’re going to get hurt Vandy. I wish I can protect you from all the sharp edges of the world but I can’t. You’re going to fall off that horse and then you’re going to get banged around. With any luck, you’ll come out a lot stronger than you were when you went in. Life is a battleground. The sooner you learn to fight your way out of it. The sooner you learn there is nothing to be afraid of. You are going to end up hating me for making you do this but I promise I’ll always be around to dust you off.” (Transcribed from audiobook, please excuse typos.)
Bonnie Petruska, his mother, had differing opinions on how Vandy should be raised. The fights and Del’s ensuing departure, left Vandy feeling like he is to be blamed, he is unworthy and he is unwanted. Bonnie is not quite herself anymore, now a drunk and hooking up with a carnie that despises Vandy.
The Petruska’s magie or psychic abilities that Vandy was avoiding, is getting strong now that he is older. It’s gotten him tangled up in a missing girl’s murder investigation. Does he embrace this side of himself and learn to wield it or will he be destroyed by it?
Vandemere’s character development is written well and the various character’s backstories are interesting. Kimberley D. Tait provides a good visual for a typical traveling circus, down to the various circus animals.
This story is young adult but there are mentions of r@pe, descriptions of intimate touches and discussions of death.
This book ends on a cliffhanger. Vandemere must venture on to find the truth about the Magie in Fire Horse (Circ de Tarot #2). I look forward to listening to the conclusion of Vandemere’s story.
Kyle Shive does a great job narrating the audiobook. His voice is soothing. He enunciated each word and used different voices for the different characters. I will definitely keep an eye out for other titles he narrates.
Lastly, a big thank you to Kimberley D. Tait and Netgalley for providing the ALC of this book.
TROPES/ THEMES: magic, psychic abilities, coming of age
Or Vandy as he is often called, is a trick rider for a traveling circus. He is kind of a lonely, angry teenager struggling with two sides of himself. The Del Davidson side, following in his father’s footsteps, he is the most fearless and amazing trick rider there is. We get glimpses of how this side was formed via memories of Vandy’s early years. Vandy is shaped by his interactions with Del who taught him to be high-achieving and tough.
“You’re going to get hurt Vandy. I wish I can protect you from all the sharp edges of the world but I can’t. You’re going to fall off that horse and then you’re going to get banged around. With any luck, you’ll come out a lot stronger than you were when you went in. Life is a battleground. The sooner you learn to fight your way out of it. The sooner you learn there is nothing to be afraid of. You are going to end up hating me for making you do this but I promise I’ll always be around to dust you off.” (Transcribed from audiobook, please excuse typos.)
Bonnie Petruska, his mother, had differing opinions on how Vandy should be raised. The fights and Del’s ensuing departure, left Vandy feeling like he is to be blamed, he is unworthy and he is unwanted. Bonnie is not quite herself anymore, now a drunk and hooking up with a carnie that despises Vandy.
The Petruska’s magie or psychic abilities that Vandy was avoiding, is getting strong now that he is older. It’s gotten him tangled up in a missing girl’s murder investigation. Does he embrace this side of himself and learn to wield it or will he be destroyed by it?
Vandemere’s character development is written well and the various character’s backstories are interesting. Kimberley D. Tait provides a good visual for a typical traveling circus, down to the various circus animals.
This story is young adult but there are mentions of r@pe, descriptions of intimate touches and discussions of death.
This book ends on a cliffhanger. Vandemere must venture on to find the truth about the Magie in Fire Horse (Circ de Tarot #2). I look forward to listening to the conclusion of Vandemere’s story.
Kyle Shive does a great job narrating the audiobook. His voice is soothing. He enunciated each word and used different voices for the different characters. I will definitely keep an eye out for other titles he narrates.
Lastly, a big thank you to Kimberley D. Tait and Netgalley for providing the ALC of this book.
TROPES/ THEMES: magic, psychic abilities, coming of age
January 16, 2025
[2.5 Stars] Set in a 1930s circus, this book reminds me of the book "Night Circus," the film "Nightmare Alley," and, of course, "American Horror Story: Freak Show." Though not quite the same in story line and plot, these were the images that floated through my head while listening to this audiobook. During this storyline, we follow 17 year-old, Vandy as he navigates the magical world under the big top and the real world that has familial magic woven through.
What drew me most into this book was the lyricism in the writing. It was peaceful to listen to, and found myself clinging to the words. I also found the main character, Vandy, to be quite pleasant.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the disclaimer at the beginning, which goes more in-depth than the one on the back cover. I think it really sets a good age range suggestion and goes into enough detail to really prepare readers what they might experience.
In terms of set-up, this book reminded me of "Catching Fire," in that it kind of feels like a filler book, and by the end, you know that you have to read the next one to really understand what's going on. And "Catching Fire," is very much like this; it's the second book in the trilogy. When it comes to "Vandemere," this is the first book in a duology and there is a disclaimer stating that this book could be read as a standalone novel. I found that the book was lacking intrigue. There were a couple of plot lines, such as the missing girl and the dark voice within, but I felt like they were both brought to an anticlimax that left me wanting more.
When it comes to the audiobook specifically, I really liked the narrator. I thought he did an excellent job with the distinguishing different voices, and I really liked how his voice sounded. Personally, he kind of sounded like Ren McCormack in “Somebody’s Eyes,” from Footloose: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording.)
Overall, I look forward to listening to (or reading) the next book because I feel like there was a lot unsaid in this first and want to know more about the magie that keeps influencing things.
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC.
What drew me most into this book was the lyricism in the writing. It was peaceful to listen to, and found myself clinging to the words. I also found the main character, Vandy, to be quite pleasant.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the disclaimer at the beginning, which goes more in-depth than the one on the back cover. I think it really sets a good age range suggestion and goes into enough detail to really prepare readers what they might experience.
In terms of set-up, this book reminded me of "Catching Fire," in that it kind of feels like a filler book, and by the end, you know that you have to read the next one to really understand what's going on. And "Catching Fire," is very much like this; it's the second book in the trilogy. When it comes to "Vandemere," this is the first book in a duology and there is a disclaimer stating that this book could be read as a standalone novel. I found that the book was lacking intrigue. There were a couple of plot lines, such as the missing girl and the dark voice within, but I felt like they were both brought to an anticlimax that left me wanting more.
When it comes to the audiobook specifically, I really liked the narrator. I thought he did an excellent job with the distinguishing different voices, and I really liked how his voice sounded. Personally, he kind of sounded like Ren McCormack in “Somebody’s Eyes,” from Footloose: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording.)
Overall, I look forward to listening to (or reading) the next book because I feel like there was a lot unsaid in this first and want to know more about the magie that keeps influencing things.
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC.
December 6, 2024
So, this was a bit on the strange side to be honest.
Vandemere (Vandy) is a horse rider/trainer in a traveling circus. He is from a long line of circus workers, and his Mom is still very involved, reading tarot cards, etc…
She is very well known, and usually has a line of people waiting for her…
She’s very talented, but it seems like her son may have a bit of this in his blood too!
He’s also very talented with the horses. He learned how to ride when he was very young, when his father taught him. (As I was reading, I was scared for him!) 🫣
Learning how to do flips, etc…
So, Vandy is just a kid, (17, I think) and we open up with him doing some card tricks (trying to make a quick buck), but with the WRONG people…
Lots of drama. Lots of lust for a girl on the team who has absolutely NO interest in him. LOTS of F*** bombs…I mean like a thousand times…which to me is inaccurate. This book takes place in the 1930’s. My family that grew up during that time would NEVER use that language, and were always insulted if any of us did…
And, the mother is no example for him either. (And I’m not just saying this…it’s literally written into the book…) Her choice of men leaves a lot to be desired…
But then there’s a whole other side to this book…one that deals with the paranormal, or maybe mind-reading?
And then there are the demons…
Very interesting. Very different. And, somewhat addictive.
If you can get past the f-bombs and are ok with some paranormal stuff, this is a good read! Looking forward to book #2.
3 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 4!
#Vandemere by #KimberleyDTait and narrated nicely by #KyleShive.
Thanks to #NetGalley and the author #KimberleyDTait for an ARC of the audiobook.
It looks like this was released in 2023, so maybe the audiobook was just released? Not sure…but hopefully you can find it on shelves already!
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Vandemere (Vandy) is a horse rider/trainer in a traveling circus. He is from a long line of circus workers, and his Mom is still very involved, reading tarot cards, etc…
She is very well known, and usually has a line of people waiting for her…
She’s very talented, but it seems like her son may have a bit of this in his blood too!
He’s also very talented with the horses. He learned how to ride when he was very young, when his father taught him. (As I was reading, I was scared for him!) 🫣
Learning how to do flips, etc…
So, Vandy is just a kid, (17, I think) and we open up with him doing some card tricks (trying to make a quick buck), but with the WRONG people…
Lots of drama. Lots of lust for a girl on the team who has absolutely NO interest in him. LOTS of F*** bombs…I mean like a thousand times…which to me is inaccurate. This book takes place in the 1930’s. My family that grew up during that time would NEVER use that language, and were always insulted if any of us did…
And, the mother is no example for him either. (And I’m not just saying this…it’s literally written into the book…) Her choice of men leaves a lot to be desired…
But then there’s a whole other side to this book…one that deals with the paranormal, or maybe mind-reading?
And then there are the demons…
Very interesting. Very different. And, somewhat addictive.
If you can get past the f-bombs and are ok with some paranormal stuff, this is a good read! Looking forward to book #2.
3 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 4!
#Vandemere by #KimberleyDTait and narrated nicely by #KyleShive.
Thanks to #NetGalley and the author #KimberleyDTait for an ARC of the audiobook.
It looks like this was released in 2023, so maybe the audiobook was just released? Not sure…but hopefully you can find it on shelves already!
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Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
January 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for gifted copy. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Listening to this audiobook was very interesting. I think that it brought a lot of light and personality into the story that I personally don't think I would have captured reading it on my own. However, even though it got me through reading it, I'm not sure if the narrator's voice was what I would've chosen for some characters. It became a little distracting at times.
I do enjoy that this is a historical fiction novel that takes place in the 1930s. I liked the idea that this story was about a young man, a rider, who is a part of a traveling circus with a lot of drama tied to him. His mother, Bonnie, was a tarot card reader in the same circus. Vandemere inherits supernatural abilities. He's pretty much warned not to use them. However, as he gets older, he finds his mind itching to use them. It takes a while to get into the whole story. I think, for the most part, the book started fairly slowly for me. The idea of what life looked like for some traveling Romanian gypsies back then is also very interesting. You get a small idea of what that culture looked like at that time (given it is historical fiction). This book does have a fair amount of profanity for a YA book. I'm not sure if the YA community had changed their guidelines, but it is just something I noticed while listening.
I'm not sure where this story will lead us in book #2. However, this definitely could not be left as a standalone, at least I don't think so. You potentially could stop at this book, but you'll leave yourself with lots of unanswered questions. Vandemere also has a lot of growing up to do, which becomes obvious later on in this story. I think I need to try sitting down and reading this in text format. My mind could change with the entirety of the story again, and moving forward to the next book.
Listening to this audiobook was very interesting. I think that it brought a lot of light and personality into the story that I personally don't think I would have captured reading it on my own. However, even though it got me through reading it, I'm not sure if the narrator's voice was what I would've chosen for some characters. It became a little distracting at times.
I do enjoy that this is a historical fiction novel that takes place in the 1930s. I liked the idea that this story was about a young man, a rider, who is a part of a traveling circus with a lot of drama tied to him. His mother, Bonnie, was a tarot card reader in the same circus. Vandemere inherits supernatural abilities. He's pretty much warned not to use them. However, as he gets older, he finds his mind itching to use them. It takes a while to get into the whole story. I think, for the most part, the book started fairly slowly for me. The idea of what life looked like for some traveling Romanian gypsies back then is also very interesting. You get a small idea of what that culture looked like at that time (given it is historical fiction). This book does have a fair amount of profanity for a YA book. I'm not sure if the YA community had changed their guidelines, but it is just something I noticed while listening.
I'm not sure where this story will lead us in book #2. However, this definitely could not be left as a standalone, at least I don't think so. You potentially could stop at this book, but you'll leave yourself with lots of unanswered questions. Vandemere also has a lot of growing up to do, which becomes obvious later on in this story. I think I need to try sitting down and reading this in text format. My mind could change with the entirety of the story again, and moving forward to the next book.
October 25, 2024
Book one
The first book shows vandy the main character as a cocky, angry teenager, he hates pretty much everyone and is angry at the world. He has been abandoned by everyone who claimed to love him. Vandy is a circus performer who ends up on the wrong side of a supernatural force that seems intent on killing him.
Vandy is Roma and carries the family magic called the magie, he can read people's thoughts and feelings which leads him into trouble. Vandy isn't very likeable in the first book but you do feel for him, the racism, bullying and harassment he suffers. There are some difficult and disturbing scenes and experiences which can be an uncomfortable read but it was life was like at the time. Vandy suffers a fall from his horse causing severe injuries which leave him hospitalised and alone apart from Ellen, a townie who stubbornly refuses to leave him alone.
The book is well written, descriptive and compelling.The imagery is compelling, you can almost smell the circus animals, and feel the thrill of performing on horse back.
Book two
Fire horse is Vandys redemption arc, he learns to love himself and those around who care, he realises no one is perfect and he is worthy of love. He has to go to the father who abandoned him, trying to run from the supernatural force that is chasing him. With the help of an indigenous farm hand called chuck he rebuilds both his broken body and mind. He wants to mend his relationship with his father but hisfather is a broken man. Vandy takes matters into his own hands and goes head to head with the supernatural force, which makes him realise not everything is his fault.
The circ de tarot duet is a coming of age story with heartbreak, love, drama, found family and a hint of the paranormal. I really enjoyed reading it. The author created such an atmospheric world set in the American South in thr 1930s.
The first book shows vandy the main character as a cocky, angry teenager, he hates pretty much everyone and is angry at the world. He has been abandoned by everyone who claimed to love him. Vandy is a circus performer who ends up on the wrong side of a supernatural force that seems intent on killing him.
Vandy is Roma and carries the family magic called the magie, he can read people's thoughts and feelings which leads him into trouble. Vandy isn't very likeable in the first book but you do feel for him, the racism, bullying and harassment he suffers. There are some difficult and disturbing scenes and experiences which can be an uncomfortable read but it was life was like at the time. Vandy suffers a fall from his horse causing severe injuries which leave him hospitalised and alone apart from Ellen, a townie who stubbornly refuses to leave him alone.
The book is well written, descriptive and compelling.The imagery is compelling, you can almost smell the circus animals, and feel the thrill of performing on horse back.
Book two
Fire horse is Vandys redemption arc, he learns to love himself and those around who care, he realises no one is perfect and he is worthy of love. He has to go to the father who abandoned him, trying to run from the supernatural force that is chasing him. With the help of an indigenous farm hand called chuck he rebuilds both his broken body and mind. He wants to mend his relationship with his father but hisfather is a broken man. Vandy takes matters into his own hands and goes head to head with the supernatural force, which makes him realise not everything is his fault.
The circ de tarot duet is a coming of age story with heartbreak, love, drama, found family and a hint of the paranormal. I really enjoyed reading it. The author created such an atmospheric world set in the American South in thr 1930s.
January 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook.
Vandemere is the first book in the two-part series Circ de Tarot. It tells the story of seventeen year old Vandemere Petruska who grew up in a traveling circus. As a young boy under his now estranged father's tutelage, Vandy developed his trick riding skills and now has his own show in the circus. He also inherited a psychic ability from his mother, and someone is warning him not to use this ability, else Vandemere could lose the people he loves the most. While the story is set in the American southwest during the 1930s, parts of the book, particularly those concerning Vandy's time as a child, are told in flashbacks.
The story gets a bit dark at times which can be upsetting to some readers, and in the audiobook, the narrator provides a content warning about some of the grittier content in the book. Some of these topics include animal abuse, child sexual abuse, and sexual content. Considering the recent controversy over library books in some school districts, librarians should carefully consider whether this book would be appropriate for their students.
While I did enjoy the book as a whole, it does feel like the book is suffering from an identity crisis. There are so many different story lines going in throughout the book. There's a murder, racism, a love interest, a bully, a family curse, a father who abandoned his wife and son, a drunk, careless mother and her abusive boyfriend. It feels like the author was trying to accomplish too much in one book.
Kyle Shive's created a unique voice for each character which brings the story to life. However I had a difficult time buying the mother's supposedly Romanian accent.
I would recommend for teens age 16+.
This is a review of the audiobook.
Vandemere is the first book in the two-part series Circ de Tarot. It tells the story of seventeen year old Vandemere Petruska who grew up in a traveling circus. As a young boy under his now estranged father's tutelage, Vandy developed his trick riding skills and now has his own show in the circus. He also inherited a psychic ability from his mother, and someone is warning him not to use this ability, else Vandemere could lose the people he loves the most. While the story is set in the American southwest during the 1930s, parts of the book, particularly those concerning Vandy's time as a child, are told in flashbacks.
The story gets a bit dark at times which can be upsetting to some readers, and in the audiobook, the narrator provides a content warning about some of the grittier content in the book. Some of these topics include animal abuse, child sexual abuse, and sexual content. Considering the recent controversy over library books in some school districts, librarians should carefully consider whether this book would be appropriate for their students.
While I did enjoy the book as a whole, it does feel like the book is suffering from an identity crisis. There are so many different story lines going in throughout the book. There's a murder, racism, a love interest, a bully, a family curse, a father who abandoned his wife and son, a drunk, careless mother and her abusive boyfriend. It feels like the author was trying to accomplish too much in one book.
Kyle Shive's created a unique voice for each character which brings the story to life. However I had a difficult time buying the mother's supposedly Romanian accent.
I would recommend for teens age 16+.
This is a review of the audiobook.
December 29, 2024
3 stars!
The plot, backstory, and premise of Vandemere are genuinely interesting, and they hooked me from the start. But if I’m being honest, the only reason I got through this book was because I listened to an audiobook, instead of actually reading it.
I really enjoyed the complexity of the characters—especially Vandy’s mother, Bonnie Petruska (what a fascinating woman!), and Shorty, Vandy’s friend and colleague at the circus. The way characters constantly challenge your assumptions — are they good? Are they bad? — is something I appreciated. None of them, except for maybe Sal (Vandy’s bully) and Jake (Bonnie’s boyfriend), could be defined as purely good or evil. That was nice.
As for the audiobook itself, I have mixed feelings. Kyle Shive’s narration was solid in some areas but… not so much in others. His female character voices were also… not great. Almost every woman except Bonnie had a high-pitched, nasally tone that grated on my nerves. It was distracting. Also, some dramatic scenes, like Vandy’s fall or his emotional anguish after being injured, didn’t land as they should have, which threw off the pacing for me.
Speaking of pacing, it was hit-or-miss. Some parts dragged, while others were almost perfectly timed, but still lacked something. It made the overall experience a bit uneven. The world-building, however, was a highlight. I loved the whole concept of the Magière being passed down the line of Petruskas, their ability to look into the past and future, etc.
So although I’m curious about Fire Horse and the mystery surrounding that burning horse, I’m not sure I’ll be diving into the sequel any time soon.
Thank you Netgalley, the author and narrator for this audiobook.
The plot, backstory, and premise of Vandemere are genuinely interesting, and they hooked me from the start. But if I’m being honest, the only reason I got through this book was because I listened to an audiobook, instead of actually reading it.
I really enjoyed the complexity of the characters—especially Vandy’s mother, Bonnie Petruska (what a fascinating woman!), and Shorty, Vandy’s friend and colleague at the circus. The way characters constantly challenge your assumptions — are they good? Are they bad? — is something I appreciated. None of them, except for maybe Sal (Vandy’s bully) and Jake (Bonnie’s boyfriend), could be defined as purely good or evil. That was nice.
As for the audiobook itself, I have mixed feelings. Kyle Shive’s narration was solid in some areas but… not so much in others. His female character voices were also… not great. Almost every woman except Bonnie had a high-pitched, nasally tone that grated on my nerves. It was distracting. Also, some dramatic scenes, like Vandy’s fall or his emotional anguish after being injured, didn’t land as they should have, which threw off the pacing for me.
Speaking of pacing, it was hit-or-miss. Some parts dragged, while others were almost perfectly timed, but still lacked something. It made the overall experience a bit uneven. The world-building, however, was a highlight. I loved the whole concept of the Magière being passed down the line of Petruskas, their ability to look into the past and future, etc.
So although I’m curious about Fire Horse and the mystery surrounding that burning horse, I’m not sure I’ll be diving into the sequel any time soon.
Thank you Netgalley, the author and narrator for this audiobook.
December 10, 2024
From the very first page, Tait’s writing captivates with evocative descriptions that transport readers to the gritty, dust-choked landscapes of the Southwest. The circus setting, with its mesmerizing performances and raw human grit, is richly detailed, and the atmosphere feels almost tangible. Vandy’s world is one where the line between reality and the supernatural is thin, and Tait masterfully plays with this boundary throughout the story.
One of the most striking aspects of Vandemere is its exploration of family legacy and inherited power. The concept of "magic isn’t the only thing he inherited" runs deeply through the narrative. Vandy’s ancestors—their choices, triumphs, and mistakes—cast long shadows on his present. As he comes to terms with the truth about his family's past, readers are drawn into a generational saga of fate, choice, and the weight of ancestry.
The supporting cast is another highlight of Vandemere. From the colorful members of the traveling circus to his Romanian family’s ghostly presence, each character is fully realized with unique personalities and motivations. Tait introduces them with deft strokes, ensuring they feel lifelike and memorable.
Vandemere is not without its darker themes. The story’s depiction of life in the 1930s is unflinching in its honesty. Grit, hardship, and struggle permeate the narrative. Violence, coarse language, self-harm, and sexual situations are present, adding layers of realism but also serving as potential triggers for sensitive readers. Tait’s approach to these subjects is thoughtful but unyielding, underscoring the harsh realities of the era.
One of the most striking aspects of Vandemere is its exploration of family legacy and inherited power. The concept of "magic isn’t the only thing he inherited" runs deeply through the narrative. Vandy’s ancestors—their choices, triumphs, and mistakes—cast long shadows on his present. As he comes to terms with the truth about his family's past, readers are drawn into a generational saga of fate, choice, and the weight of ancestry.
The supporting cast is another highlight of Vandemere. From the colorful members of the traveling circus to his Romanian family’s ghostly presence, each character is fully realized with unique personalities and motivations. Tait introduces them with deft strokes, ensuring they feel lifelike and memorable.
Vandemere is not without its darker themes. The story’s depiction of life in the 1930s is unflinching in its honesty. Grit, hardship, and struggle permeate the narrative. Violence, coarse language, self-harm, and sexual situations are present, adding layers of realism but also serving as potential triggers for sensitive readers. Tait’s approach to these subjects is thoughtful but unyielding, underscoring the harsh realities of the era.
December 4, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC of this novel.
1.5 stars, rounded up.
I truly, truly hate leaving bad reviews. Just wanted to put that out there before I start.
First and foremost, the narrator here is incredible. I listen to audiobooks daily and this is the best narrator I’ve listened to in at least the past month. Accents are very well done and different characters have clear and distinct voice.
This novel has so much potential. The circus aspect works well here, the magic system is interesting, and I was actually getting in to the story towards the end.
Unfortunately, I can’t get past the main character’s inability to have an interaction with a female of any age or relation to him without objectifying them. There was a period of the story where it felt like that was the entire plot. It’s excessive to say the least.
To go along with that point, the main characters virginity is brought up frequently for seemingly no purpose. He’s a 17 year old boy so to some extent it’s a believable hyperfixation, but this was also excessive to the point that’s it’s noteworthy.
I understand that this is a duology but I would have appreciated more of the plot to unfold in book one. I feel like things only started taking off in the last 30% of the novel. Again, I really enjoyed the plot once it started taking off.
Overall, I would read book two just because I am interested in the plot. I would not feel comfortable recommending this, however, due to the excessive objectification of women.
1.5 stars, rounded up.
I truly, truly hate leaving bad reviews. Just wanted to put that out there before I start.
First and foremost, the narrator here is incredible. I listen to audiobooks daily and this is the best narrator I’ve listened to in at least the past month. Accents are very well done and different characters have clear and distinct voice.
This novel has so much potential. The circus aspect works well here, the magic system is interesting, and I was actually getting in to the story towards the end.
Unfortunately, I can’t get past the main character’s inability to have an interaction with a female of any age or relation to him without objectifying them. There was a period of the story where it felt like that was the entire plot. It’s excessive to say the least.
To go along with that point, the main characters virginity is brought up frequently for seemingly no purpose. He’s a 17 year old boy so to some extent it’s a believable hyperfixation, but this was also excessive to the point that’s it’s noteworthy.
I understand that this is a duology but I would have appreciated more of the plot to unfold in book one. I feel like things only started taking off in the last 30% of the novel. Again, I really enjoyed the plot once it started taking off.
Overall, I would read book two just because I am interested in the plot. I would not feel comfortable recommending this, however, due to the excessive objectification of women.
November 3, 2024
4.5⭐️
Wow! I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would! I’ve mentioned many times that I’m not a history person in my fiction.. but sometimes books come along that are set in an earlier time period and it just hits! This is one of those books.
I read another review that labeled it as an urban fantasy and I absolutely agree. I am thankful to have gotten an audio ALC for free from Netgalley and the author to enjoy which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
I enjoyed the narrator who did a great job with his narration especially with our MMC who embodies and angry teenager. The author really brings him to life and he has these special abilities in a regular world.
Circuses freak me out a bit and this was no exception but it was in such an entertaining way.
This book came out a little over a year ago and I’m so surprised it didn’t get more attention. Im not sure if the audiobook just came out and that’s why it was on NetGalley or what but I’m glad it was!
I’m going to get myself a physical copy to have on hand and o think you should too!
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
Wow! I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would! I’ve mentioned many times that I’m not a history person in my fiction.. but sometimes books come along that are set in an earlier time period and it just hits! This is one of those books.
I read another review that labeled it as an urban fantasy and I absolutely agree. I am thankful to have gotten an audio ALC for free from Netgalley and the author to enjoy which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
I enjoyed the narrator who did a great job with his narration especially with our MMC who embodies and angry teenager. The author really brings him to life and he has these special abilities in a regular world.
Circuses freak me out a bit and this was no exception but it was in such an entertaining way.
This book came out a little over a year ago and I’m so surprised it didn’t get more attention. Im not sure if the audiobook just came out and that’s why it was on NetGalley or what but I’m glad it was!
I’m going to get myself a physical copy to have on hand and o think you should too!
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
November 13, 2024
Vandemere by Kimberley D Tait (book 1 in the Circ de Tarot duology). I enjoyed the narrator, Kyle Shive, but I did speed the audio slightly as he enunciates each and every word which was just a little too slow for me.
The book is set in America during the 1930’s and follows a travelling circus. The main character is 17-year-old trick rider Vandemere (Vandy) Petruska. His father, Del Davidson, is a famous horse trainer and from a young age Vandy was taught to perform. He also received certain magical gifts from his mother, Beth Petruska, who is a famous tarot reader. Del has left the family and Vandy feels responsible.
When his Romanian ancestors immigrated to America generations previously with a special trick horse (named Vandemere, who he is named after), they also brought something evil with them. Now this evil is attacking him. Vandy has always tried to suppress the magic powers that he has as he feels that it is a dark and scary presence, but lately he has been having blackouts and he has started seeing visions.
His mother tells him she cant protect him anymore and he needs to go live with his father, but the circus is the only life he knows.
This book was okay but I think it was more about laying the foundation for what will still happen in book 2, Fire Horse. I look forward to seeing what will happen to Vandy and his horse.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audio of this book.
The book is set in America during the 1930’s and follows a travelling circus. The main character is 17-year-old trick rider Vandemere (Vandy) Petruska. His father, Del Davidson, is a famous horse trainer and from a young age Vandy was taught to perform. He also received certain magical gifts from his mother, Beth Petruska, who is a famous tarot reader. Del has left the family and Vandy feels responsible.
When his Romanian ancestors immigrated to America generations previously with a special trick horse (named Vandemere, who he is named after), they also brought something evil with them. Now this evil is attacking him. Vandy has always tried to suppress the magic powers that he has as he feels that it is a dark and scary presence, but lately he has been having blackouts and he has started seeing visions.
His mother tells him she cant protect him anymore and he needs to go live with his father, but the circus is the only life he knows.
This book was okay but I think it was more about laying the foundation for what will still happen in book 2, Fire Horse. I look forward to seeing what will happen to Vandy and his horse.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audio of this book.
February 20, 2025
2.5/5⭐
This left me so mixed feeling and with an aftertaste that reminded me somehow of the vibe of Beautiful creatures (nothing common in the books just the vibe for me was this)
Vandy is an arrogant teenager, unhappy with his life, the girls who don't like him, his mother, his mother's boyfriend, his father, his boss.... in general with 90% of the people that are around him.
The beginning was really goo and was promising interesting book but .. nope.
It lost me with the not well explained (and hardly mentioned) magics system. That Curse of his I couldn't figure it out. His obsession with Sylvia - too much .... As well I don't understand why was such a big deal his virginity?
The whole memory line flashbacks left me confused most of the time as they were not connected to the current time and the event happening. The memory of the 3-year-old Vandy was a joke and quite exaggerated - I don't thing a 3 year old can think this way or remember in such a details.
The first 6 chapter mention no magic.... Is it a fantasy...? With magic?
The side characters are unmemorable.
The pacing is not constant.
The positive thing was the narrator - he was great.
If one asks me I would not recommend the book and most probably will not continue with the next one despite the cliffhanger.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This left me so mixed feeling and with an aftertaste that reminded me somehow of the vibe of Beautiful creatures (nothing common in the books just the vibe for me was this)
Vandy is an arrogant teenager, unhappy with his life, the girls who don't like him, his mother, his mother's boyfriend, his father, his boss.... in general with 90% of the people that are around him.
The beginning was really goo and was promising interesting book but .. nope.
It lost me with the not well explained (and hardly mentioned) magics system. That Curse of his I couldn't figure it out. His obsession with Sylvia - too much .... As well I don't understand why was such a big deal his virginity?
The whole memory line flashbacks left me confused most of the time as they were not connected to the current time and the event happening. The memory of the 3-year-old Vandy was a joke and quite exaggerated - I don't thing a 3 year old can think this way or remember in such a details.
The first 6 chapter mention no magic.... Is it a fantasy...? With magic?
The side characters are unmemorable.
The pacing is not constant.
The positive thing was the narrator - he was great.
If one asks me I would not recommend the book and most probably will not continue with the next one despite the cliffhanger.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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