Carnival Fantástico

by Angela Montoya

An unputdownable romantasy following a young woman posing as fortune-teller at a magical traveling carnival, where the handsome boy who once broke her heart resurfaces and warns her that carnival is more sinister than it appears.

Welcome to the Carnival Fantástico, a spectacle of magic and mischief, and the perfect haven for a runaway. Using her tricks and razor-sharp wit, Esmeralda becomes the carnival’s resident fortune-teller, aiming for the lead role in the Big Top Show. Success would mean freedom from her former employer, the commander of the King’s army.

Ignacio has defected from the army and is on the hunt for evidence of his father’s corruption. But the last thing he expects to find on his father’s trail of lies is the only girl he’s ever loved, spinning false fortunes at a traveling carnival.

Perhaps fortune has thrown them together for a reason. They strike a deal: she’ll help him expose his father if he helps her secure the main act. But old feelings don’t die easily, and the commander’s secret isn’t the only thing they’ll need to confront.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Romantasy, Young Adult Fantasy, Fiction, Teen

Unknown Binding

Expected publication February 3, 2026

Reviews

[jenny reads a lot]

A sinister carnival, a thief pretending to be a fortune teller, and a handsome boy from her past?

Yes, Please!


| TikTok | IG |

Thank you Joy Revolution for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

[Azanta (azantareads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OKAY TEA THIS WAS SO EXCELLENT. THIS is what i thought Caraval was gonna give. charming main characters omg

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OOOOH WOW!!!!

Isn't it a great feeling when one of your most anticipated releases is not only not a disappointment but also is completely fantastic and you loved every second???

I absolutely loved this!

The two POV characters, Esmeralda and Ignacio are both drawn to the mysterious carnival for different reasons and work to figure out its many secrets.

I am a sucker for any book with a carnival-type setting (despite not liking carnivals at all myself) and I loved the vibrancy and the mysterious atmosphere of the Carnival Fantástico. It was definitely giving me vibes of Caraval which is high praise as Caraval is one of my all time favorite books. There's a sense of wonder, fun enchantments, and a slight undercurrent of mystery. I loved seeing Ignacio and Esmeralda put the pieces together and learn about the carnival.

The romance was interesting in that the romance does not happen on page but happened prior to the events of the book and ended badly. There's a slight ex-to-more romance but it definitely doesn't take over the story. I liked the connection between the two of them and they had a lot of fun banter as well.

The book was very well written as well. The writing was atmospheric and compelling and made the story come to life, especially the evocative way the carnival was described.

I also loved that this was a stand-alone fantasy (though I am 100% DOWN for spending more time in this world!).

I absolutely loved this book. I've had this author's first book on my TBR for ages and I'm definitely going to read it soon.

[Dahlia (ofpagesandprint)]

Carnival Fantástico is a darkly enchanting and whimsically romantic YA romantasy with captivating characters, a propulsive plot, and a beautiful romance.

I had the honor of beta-reading this book, and it instantly swept me into a world of dark magic, spellbinding love, and a wonderful ostrich. The characters were terrific with wonderful development, and the romance is one of my favorites—emotional and heartwarming, with lots of tension, banter, and slow burn. The circus was stunningly described and filled with whimsy, magic, and secrets. The pacing was great, and the story finished with a tender, twisty ending. Fans of The Night Circus, Revelle, and Hotel Magnifique will adore this funny, swoony, lovely story. Carnival Fantástico was truly fantastic.

[Basma · Rating 3 out of 5]

this had SO much potential and unfortunately was just not executed super well. I had a similar experience with one of this author’s other books and I fear her writing just might not be for me. The stories always feel a tad underwhelming in story arcs and like some fine tuning to be a 4 or 5 star read

in the positives, I LOVED the Carnival and the magic of this book. My instinct was to compare it to Caraval and as far as carnivals goes, this one is so much better. I also really loved the plot and the twists we got!!

However, my biggest issue with this book is that the main tension between our characters for like 70% of the story is the SIMPLEST miscommunication. I can let a miscommunication trope slide but this was their only source of conflict and it was almost corrected like six times and then they just stopped talking?? It just felt like a cop out to add some sort of angst between our romantic leads and I needed so much more. I also feel like because of this, the characters don’t get fleshed out as much and we really missed out on an excellent romance. The potential was there!! If they learned to talk!!

[Jenna Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited for this as a long standing fan of the Night Circus. While the imagery, mystery, and lore were enjoyable, the second chance romance was extremely overbearing and interfered with the flow of progression of a somewhat predictable main story. If you love sappy obnoxious childish romance, you may enjoy this more than I did.

[AshleysReadingRoom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was NOT on my August hopefuls but Angela Montoya is a priority read author for me and bet I was not waiting when I got the ARC approval email. This story is dual POV following Esmeralda and Ignacio. Esmeralda ran away nearly a year ago from her former employer but her contract at the carnival is nearly at an end and so is her safety. Her hope is to get selected to be the lead act which means the yearly contract won’t apply to her and she can stay as long as she wants.

Ignacio, her former lover and past employers’ son, finds himself in Carnival Fantastico to find evidence against his father. Together the two work to help each other out, but what they uncover is beyond what they could have ever imagined. If you enjoyed books like Revelle or Caraval and you like your magic with a bit of underlying darkness and you want to scream JUST KISS ALREADY Carnival Fantastico comes out on February 3rd and you should add it to your TBR.
In the meantime, if you want to get better acquainted with Angela and dive into her other stories, she does have a few out!

Sinner’s Isle is perfect for those that loved the movie Sinbad growing up.

A Cruel Thirst is a great choice for fans of Legend of Zorro!

[Rmplift, Rachel Phillips · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF



Free copy from NG

[Gemma Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the premise of this, as I'm always a fan of romantic pairings with a more rougish female lead and a more uptight male lead. So for her to be a scam artist that had run away with the circus, that was right up my alley.

However, this didn't quite hit the mark for me. There were several mysteries or problems hinted at, as far as the circus being possibly evil, or at least not what it seemed, the reason behind the war that was being fought, the reason for their initial breakup, etc, and I guessed what was happening with all of them pretty early on. I thought the miscommunication that led to their break up was drawn out too long, it was pretty obvious early on what had gone on there, so I thought their relationship development suffered for it. I never fully got the connection between them. That being said, I did like the setting of the magical evil carnival. I felt like for a standalone novel it was maybe trying to do too much, with a class war, a war war, an evil god, etc. I think it would have been more successful if it was only about the evil carnival.

The ending's explanation for everything just felt like too much of a reach. An entire war was being fought between two countries to power the magic of the carnival? It seems like after years and years all the other people in the army or government would have figured out that the war was totally pointless? This is why I thought the whole war plot was unnecessary, it would have worked just as well to have an evil ringmaster in cahoots with the god solely for his own eternal youth and fame.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved absolutely everything about this book. I'm a sucker for a book centered around a circus, and a magical circus at that, completely sold. This book had mystery, tension, second chance romance, sinister undertones, and lovable characters. Estefan the Ostrich might be my favorite creature ever.

Ignacio and Esmeralda are perfection. Esmeralda has huge abandonment issues that she tries to work through throughout the story, and Ignacio really struggles with not feeling like he's good enough. They are quite the pair, but the love that they have for each other is so strong, I really loved their journey. I really loved that Esmeralda was such a strong female character, she had her flaws and her insecurities, but she really put herself forward in accomplishing the things that she wanted/needed. Ignacio was so romantic and sweet and charming. I just wanted to give him a big hug through most of his inner dialogue.

The mystery behind the magic is such an interesting thing, I don't want to go on too much about it before release date, but it was a fantastic part of the story and the reasonings behind the happenings in the story.

If you like a magical circus story, with some darkness and romance thrown in, this will be such a great read for you. I absolutely loved it! This comes out February 3rd 2026, absolutely gives this a read!

*This ARC was given by Random House Children's Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

[CAM · Rating 4 out of 5]

ᴀᴛᴛɴ ꜰᴀɴꜱ, ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ, ᴀɴᴅ ꜰɪᴇɴᴅꜱ:
Looking for something whimsical, wonderful, kicking-your-feet and hugging-your-book adorable?
𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗼.

Angela Montoya is the queen of delightful reads.
𝘈 𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘦𝘭 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 gave me all the Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer-meets-Zorro vibes, and 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘰 brings that same energy: plucky heroines, broody boys, and huggable side characters- this time with 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘭 vibes.

think:
✨ 𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳-𝘣𝘰𝘮𝘣 𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘴
✨ 𝘤𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳
✨ 𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴
✨ 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘱𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘺
✨ 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴
✨ 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘴
✨ 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦

We follow a jailbird escapee chasing fame beneath the big top, and her childhood ex-lover, the stoic son of the King’s army commander.

Mix in mystery, political intrigue, silly-sweet banter, and a wondrous (and sometimes sinister) carnival setting, and you’ve got yourself a swoony, sparkling, utterly enchanting standalone YA romantasy.

[Nelly]

need asap <3

[mai ༉‧⋆˚.]

This sounds incredible, pls give me 💳💳💳

[Rhiannon Green · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I need to come to terms with the fact that I am just not cut out for YA books. There have been some that I thought did a pretty good job of minimizing the YA feel, like Heartless Hunter and Powerless, but they are the exception and not the rule.

I found myself really struggling with this book and it all goes back to the above. I think when you have a decent plot and story, but it's overpowered by the "silliness" of the dialogue, my brain just shuts off. I have said many times that I love comic relief, especially when an author can bring appropriate levity in otherwise heavy stories. But I think when it's constant, it cheapens the story itself.

This book is very similar to Caraval in my opinion. And I thought at first this might be a better version of that idea. It possibly could have been, but as stated, the constant cheesiness of the dialogue ruined that for me. I felt like with the removal of the few curse words and the minimal references to sex, I could have let my elementary age daughter read this. And while there is certainly a place for that, it's just not for me.

For younger age ranges, teens and very young adults, give this one a shot. But I need to stick to non-YA reads from now on.

[Risa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2026, and it was a letdown.

This is one of those books where the potential is there, but was not reached.


The magical circus is the only reason I kept reading to be honest. Almost nothing else about the story really came together for me, or stood out to me in a compelling way.

There were a few plot holes in this book that were rather unfortunate. And even though this is a fantasy novel, there are certain elements that were just too far out of the realm of believability for me to buy into it.

Also, the plot twist was pretty obvious, and some parts about it annoyed me.

When it comes to the characters, there was nothing new or different about their personalities. The part that bothered me the most about them was their dialogue—it was so stilted and unnatural. And the dialogue did not fit the time period at all.


The writing was mid at best, there’s nothing special about it. There is way too much telling and not enough showing, and the author overexplains things that don’t need to be explained (especially through dialogue). It all read very heavy-handed to me.

I should note I read the eARC of this book, so it’s possible that improvements will be made for the final version. (And I hope that is the case.)

I can’t say if I would pick up another book by this author in the future. Maybe, if the concept interests me enough.



NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:

- I really like the magic introduced thus far, from the prizes to the traveling ways of the circus. It reminds me a lot of the Night Circus (even down to the sunset to sunrise hours of operation). Not sure how original it is, but I’m here for it.

- It says the ticket agent never turned anyone away…so then what was the point of the rules provided on page one?


- So I finished the first chapter (in Esmeralda’s POV), and I think the stakes could be more fine-tuned (which could very well happen since I’m reading the eARC). First Esmeralda says she wants to be a Big Top performer so she can make more money, so when she leaves the country, she won’t be broke (but she makes it clear she could sneak out of the country with what she already has). Then she says she wants to be a Big Top performer because people like her (criminals, I believe) end up having to join the military once they leave the circus (which everyone who isn’t a Big Top performer must do after one year). I think it should be one or the other—and if it’s the former, or just wanting to save more money, then I think the stakes would be higher if she didn’t even have enough coin to get out of the country. Otherwise, why wouldn’t Esmeralda, a thief, not just take her chances, leave the country, and thief in the new place (as opposed to joining the military)?


- Maybe it just wasn’t as noticeable in Esmeralda’s opening chapter because I was intrigued by the whimsy of the circus, but Ignacio’s chapter has a lot of telling rather than showing, right off the bat.

- Would not surprise me if Ignacio’s father had his mother killed so he could become the king’s commandante.

- This opening chapter for Ignacio is just a whole lot of backstory. It’s too much to start with for a bit we literally just met.


- I appreciate that he recognizes the ink that was used in the note he found in his father’s office… but that feels…kind of silly? Like, it’s obvious he ties the ink to his former love (which we all know is Esmeralda); but wouldn’t it make more sense if he recognized her handwriting instead? I mean, IDK if this special ink will play a bigger role in the story later on, but familiar handwriting is way more believable, in my opinion.

- I’ve finished the second chapter (in Ignacio’s POV), and I feel like it not only needed more (because it’s mostly just his backstory in regards to his father), but also I never felt like he was truly in danger of being caught when his father comes home early. I like the suspense of that, but I feel like him jumping out the window into a rose bush, and no one noticing him at all, felt too easy (even with the claim that the tree by his window was cut down). I just wanted more, so hopefully once he gets to the circus, things will pick up.


- It would’ve been more compelling if Esmeralda hadn’t been invited to compete, and instead had to earn on of the last couple spots in the competition.


- The weasel mask as a sign that he’s a soldier is a nice detail.


- I’m confused as to how Ignacio was knocked unconscious via an egg of all things.


- The dialogue is cringey and stilted at times, which is a shame.


- So Esmeralda worked as the commandante’s spy from age 10 to 18, living with them and thus becoming friends with Ignacio. Feels a bit random that the military leader would hire a kid as a spy she was caught stealing from him, but sure.


- Ch9: Why are we repeating the information about how circus acts can only stay for a year unless they were main acts—we know this already!


- Ugh, I like the ringmaster as a character, but his dialogue is also stilted at times.

- Why isn’t the ringmaster making Ignacio sign a contract to work at the circus? That makes no sense.


- The circus is magical—why can’t it build itself?


- I like that the ringmaster took Esmeralda’s stolen jewels, making her need to be the lead act even more dire, but I still think the stakes could’ve been clearer before then.


- The letters between Dovie and Pigeon are sort of anti-climatic.


- “Nepotism”? What time period is this story set in?


- Not even a third in (31%), and we’ve mentioned at least three or four times that the ostrich likes sparkles. It’s a fun detail, but it doesn’t need to be repeated this many times!


- “If you think you can come here and arrest me for skipping town before the indenture to your father is up…” This line should’ve stopped after arrest me. It’s lines of dialogue like this, where the speech is so unnatural because the author wants to tells us stuff, that makes me annoyed. Like I’m legit considering DNFing because the writing is subpar.


- Wait, so the ringmaster doesn’t care that Ignacio was an officer??? After just lecturing Esmeralda about having an officer in the circus??? That makes no sense. (Don’t get me wrong—I’m sure the ringmaster has some nefarious secrets up his sleeves, but his actions still need to (appear to) be consistent.)


- About a third into the novel, and I think it’s fair to say that something nefarious is going on with not only the ringmaster Angel, but with Ignacio’s dad and/or Gabriel (who also have access to this magic) as well.


- I really do like the idea of these letters between Esmeralda and Ignacio, but they really just aren’t landing for me. Like I understand how they have history with each other, but it feels forced—it doesn’t feel natural, their past love and lingering feelings for each other doesn’t feel believable. Rather than feeling immersed in this story, I feel like I’m watching the author playing with Barbies, and it’s only a matter of time before she forces them to kiss.


- I’m not 44% into the book (having read through chapter 20), and for the most part, the story is still pretty dull, excluding the magical circus (only because I naturally love that kind of setting). The dialogue in particular still feels stilted and unnatural in a lot of places, and this author has a habit of telling way more than showing.

- HOWEVER, chapter 20—where Ignacio speaks to Ringmaster Angel (who knows who his father is, and says he didn’t write letters to his father), and then sees his father’s right-hand general enter the circus, only to head towards Esmeralda’s tent—was the most compelling chapter thus far. And I actually look forward to seeing what happens next for once!


- I just realized one of the letters between Dovie and Pigeon is from 1917?! The dialogue in this novel does NOT sound like how people spoke in the early 20th century! Not at all!! Yikes!!!


- I feel bad for the Sanchez sisters, as it’s obvious something evil is going on with the magic of the circus. (Maybe involving the creature Ignacio saw in the mirror.) Honestly the sinister circus is the only thing that’s keeping me reading at this point.


- I like the idea of Ignacio performing with Esmeralda because the crowd likes him as her lover. That’s cute, how his loving look at her isn’t an act.


- Yeesh, poor Paco going up in flames.

- I’m willing to bet it was Ignacio’s mother who told him about the gods that he doesn’t remember.


- I will say that I like all the queer rep in this book!


- Dang, so people aren’t only betting on who will be the main act, but who will suffer an accident next. I get that it’s supposed to be dark, but i don’t understand why people would bet on the latter??


- 65% ish in: Interesting—so Esmeralda never wrote her that goodbye letter. It was clearly Ignacio’s father who set this all up. That’s a nice little twist.

- “Turns out I like messy things” is a cute line.


- A fun house with mirrors that show past memories is cool!

- Uh oh, this “treasurer” must be the monster. Hopefully Camilla will be okay!



- So I actually really like the story about how the Valerio brothers made a deal with a god. And it sounds like the ringmaster and Ignacio’s father are those brothers (who assuredly made bargains with the god to live forever). And the commandante is the brother who tried to leave for love.

- My only question about this is why the hell Ignacio has no memory of the stories his mother would tell him until now, when the mirror god shows him the memory of his mother telling him the story? I mean, it was pretty obvious that this would be the case when Ignacio kept claiming that certain names sounded familiar to him (so the clue dropping is there). But in the context of the story, I don’t understand how he could forget this memory.



- Uh oh, it sounds like the commandante may be here at the final competition!
- Ch39: Yep, I was right.



- I know there was blood, and it hurt, but it felt a bit too easy that Ignacio could just rip Emeralda’s lips apart after they were magically sealed shut.


- I can appreciate the idea of Esmeralda defeating the general, but it’s a bit unbelievable that she would manage to punch her so easily. This is the commandant’s right-hand general, who Ignacio has made very clear is difficult to take down. For Esmeralda to land a blow on her, and then the general to slip and fall off the trapeze feels a bit too easy and convenient (especially when Ignacio failed to beat her in a fight). I actually think it would’ve been more believable for Esmeralda to have stolen and shocked her with the electric baton, and THAT be the reason that the general falls.



- This feels like a giant plot hole to me: I understand Ignacio’s explanation that “the rule-breakers and disqualified performers are enough to exchange for the magic that powers the carnival,” and I can appreciate that the ringmaster needs to make a star sacrifice of his own to maintain his power. But competitors are be killed off one by one based off the magic going wrong, not based off their abilities; and thus, one act wins because all the others are killed off, not because that one act is a better performer. Thus, what makes them more of a star than anyone else who was (wrongfully) disqualified? How does that prove that they are of equal exchange compared to the ringmaster?

- Also, a connecting plot hole: I liked that the ringmaster would age without a sacrifice. BUT the whole point of him choosing a new lead act was so they could run the circus for a while (and then mysteriously disappear). So why would he suddenly start aging rapidly now? Wasn’t the plan that he had the new lead act perform for a bit than disappear (to fulfill his sacrifice) like what happened to Melanie? [Note: This gets explains later on in the book. But it feels rather convenient. Why does he suddenly just start aging now? Why not earlier in the book, or before the book even started?]



- A bit easy of a solution that they just needed to smash all the mirrors. And the god couldn’t stop them.


- 87% in: The ringmaster reveals that he and Ignacio’s father are the Valerio brothers. DUH!!! It was so obvious!!!

- What I DON’T like, however, is that the ringmaster said he had nothing to do with Ignacio’s father and didn’t want him anywhere near here…when it was clearly a lie that he had anything to do with the ink. In theory I’m not mad about the ringmaster lying, but I also don’t understand why he lied about it to Ignacio first, and is now being so open with him while the commandante begs him not to be. It’s inconsistent. Also, why have him blatantly lie to the reader when he’s gonna be truthful later (without any reason to have a change of heart)?


- I do like that Olivera is an anagram for Valerio. But omg the way the author has the ringmaster say that is dialogue is SO HEAVY-HANDED. First of all, why would the commandante use anything even remotely close to that last name if he wanted his real identity to stay hidden? And second, the author does not need to tell us every little secret she’s planted in the book—let eagled-eyed readers try to figure that out on their own. (Right now, it comes across as the author winking and nudging the reader, in hopes of getting a pat on the back for her cleverness. It’s so cringey.)


- I like the detail that the carnival takes a bit of essence from every guest that passes by the mirrors.


- Okay so the ringmaster is late on his last payment, which explains why he turned gray so quickly. That still doesn’t explain why Esmeralda is his “salvation” versus anyone else whose routine was sabotaged in the Running. Other than her having main character energy, why is she the only star who can be sacrificed? (I’m still caught up on the fact that the other acts didn’t lose, they were taken out by the magic.)


- I mean, it’s pretty obvious to the reader that the man behind the goat mask is either Gabriel or Camilla. I will say that I like the use of costumes throughout this book.


- 91% in: She’s just now realizing the the ringmaster’s crystal-blue eyes were an identical match to the commandantes? Not saying either her or Ignacio should’ve known sooner that they were brothers, but the description feels so specific that I’m surprised it didn’t come up sooner.


- I think the commandante would have been a far more compelling character is he had been more of a loving father to Ignacio. We open this book with Ignacio (and Esmeralda) hating the man, and rightfully so. So to now have him saying he did all this stuff to obey the god so that he wouldn’t go after Ignacio just felt… hollow. Because Ignacio says how mean and cruel and scary his father was when he was growing up…what about that suggests he wanted to protect him? Yeah sorry, I don’t buy it.

- I do like, however, that the commandante took Melanie away to try and weaken his brother so that he could take him down. I do like that.


- I appreciate the scene where Ignacio rushes back in to help Esmeralda, and it’s his father who knocks the ringmaster off first. And the brothers are trapped inside when the circus collapses.

- The commandante crawling out of the wreckage (bleeding from the stomach) is interesting…and for him to have the strength to drag his brother out too is kinda hard to believe. I mean, I appreciate him then confessing his crimes… but really? Just because his rebellious son called him a coward moments before? It feels a bit unbelievable. (Not that he would regret it, but because nothing in the man’s actions up until the big reveal felt like he regretted it, or even cared about Ignacio at all.)

- Chapter 57: Wait—that’s the END end? That was a really abrupt ending, Like yes, everything got wrapped up in theory…but it was like all of sudden it’s three months later and we’re basically just told that the bad guys lose, the good guys win, and our two main characters are in love, all in the span of three pages. I don’t mind what happens, but I feel like this chapter could’ve been fleshed out more, even by simply fleshing out what Camilla’s family farm looks like. (I mean seriously, even the Acknowledgements section is longer than that ending!)


Overall thoughts:
- Ugh. I was so excited for this book. And it has SO MUCH potential. But it wasn’t very good. I wouldn’t say it was bad by any means, but I absolutely, unequivocally would have DNFed this book if it wasn’t for the magical circus—I was interested in finding out what was going on with that, and that was literally it.

- The characters were fine (mediocre)—there was nothing new about their personalities that I haven’t read in other YA fantasy novels. The part that bothered me the most about them was their dialogue—it was so stilted and unnatural. AND the dialogue did not fit the time period AT ALL. The only good thing about the characters is that there is a lot of queer rep in this book (even if those relationships are only briefly shown on page).

- The plot was interesting only in terms of the circus. The magical ink this was cool, until we find out that it was the ringmaster all along (I still don’t understand why the author had the ringmaster lie about it not being him, only for him to tell the truth at the end?). The competition that the performers were in was sort of anti-climatic, and I didn’t understand why the ringmaster was using magic to eliminate players—wouldn’t he want to see which performer has natural star power? Because it felt like he (through the magical sabotage) was deciding who he wanted to be the star, rather than having it play out naturally/with fan votes. So I didn’t understand why Esmeralda was considered his equal and no one else was.

- The writing was mid at best. I’ve heard that this author does a lot of telling in her other books, so I think that’s just her writing style. For many readers, that’s probably fine (especially for younger teen readers, they may even prefer it). But I think the writing could’ve been a lot stronger. Especially since our two main characters were supposed to be in their late teens, but they acted and sounded like they were in their early teens a lot of the time.

[Gali · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Carnival Fantástico" by Angela Montoya is a magical YA romantasy following two star-crossed lovers whose paths cross again. I love books that take place in a carnival, and this one didn’t disappoint. It’s a fabulous story chock-full of magic, mayhem, and mystery.

Esmeralda has run away from her master, the commander of the King’s army, and become the fortune-teller at a magical traveling carnival. The carnival isn’t your typical circus—it’s alive and moves from one place to another. To enter, one must pay the ticket fee, wear a costume, and be young at heart.

Unfortunately, the contract for the carnival’s performers lasts only a year. After that, they must leave the safety of the carnival. To stay on, Esmeralda must earn the lead act in the Big Top Show by passing the three challenges of the contest. The competition is fierce, as many covet the spot.

Ignacio, the son of the commander of the King’s army, has defected from the army. His investigation into his father’s corruption leads him to the carnival—and to Esmeralda. They were once friends and lovers, but circumstances tore them apart. Each believes the other abandoned them, and they fight the attraction that still simmers between them.

The two strike a deal: she’ll help him in his search for evidence in exchange for his help in the contest. Soon, they discover that the carnival holds its own sinister secrets, and nothing is as it seems.

I enjoyed this book very much. The magic, the world-building, the mythological stories, the mystery, and the developed romance all add flavor to the tale. The premise is brilliant. It may not be original, but the execution and twists make it shine. The writing is evocative, bringing the magical setting vividly to life—I could see myself there, wandering from one attraction to another.

The story alternates between Esmeralda’s and Ignacio’s POVs. I loved their nicknames for each other—dove and pigeon. Esmeralda is prickly, pushy, and sarcastic, forced to rely only on herself. She’s desperate to become the main act, as so much is at stake if she fails. She’s clever, strong, resourceful, and dazzling—and with the help of her friends, she changes and learns the true meaning of friendship.

Ignacio is sweet and honorable but struggles with his own self-worth. He’s rigid and organized, used to seeing the world in black and white, and must learn to let go. The misunderstanding between the two main characters may take too long to resolve, but that’s alright—it makes the resolution more satisfying.

Between chapters, there are notes the two exchanged in childhood, foreshadowing the present. I loved their interactions and the slow build-up of sexual tension. There’s also a vibrant supporting cast—not least the ostrich’s antics, which made me smile.

The circus itself feels like another character. I adored Esmeralda’s relationships with her friends Camila and Gabriel, especially her playful greeting with Camila: “You are the bee’s knees. You are the cat’s meow.”

The story starts at a steady pace before the plot picks up momentum. The book explores elitism, abandonment, friendship, family dynamics, found family, and moral conflicts. It has the charm of The Night Circus with the darkness of Caraval. If you combined both books into one, you’d get Carnival Fantástico. It’s that good!

I loved this book and recommend it to fans of magical circuses, endearing characters, and pure magic. I love going to circuses—but this is not a circus I’d have liked to visit...

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review in my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2025...

[Maxwell]

This book had its up and its downs. I’m going to be totally honest, it was hard for me to get through the start of the book. Luckily, how it starts is less important than how it ends, and I was very happy with the ending.

The hook of this book is the past between the two main characters and unfortunately the miscommunication in the book. I don’t the miscommunication trope, and it’s rarely done in a way that isn’t frustrating. This book didn’t do it any better. It fell into the pit fall trap of just interrupting the conversation between them that could potentially clear it up for plot or for petty reasons.

One book that I think did this trope better was For She is Wrath by Emily Varga. Nonetheless , I kept on going on because I’m not a quitter. I’m glad I continued because once you got past this the book had a lot to offer. It was funny, what little we saw of the side characters was heart warming, and the mystery was good. I liked the use of the letters the two main characters wrote to each other when they were younger as a plot device. It was good in Divine Rivals and it was good here. It prevented things from getting to info dumpy while leaving more to the past instead of just shoving it all up front.

Once the miscommunication was resolved, the book picked up and really shined. The relationship between Esmeralda and Ignacio was engaging, the action was great, the sense of dread with each accident was tense. The atmosphere was both electric and unsettling, and that sense of something under the surface just wasn’t right kept me on edge. All of this is to say the landing stuck. The climax was action packed and it kept you guessing. The puzzle clearing up and all of the twists were fun, and for a standalone, the ending pacing was a little choppy but, I can excuse that if the plot is engaging, which it was.

Ultimately, the ending was a nice wrap up and everyone who deserved to be punished was punished. I wish this book had more time to marinate, but I’m glad it didn’t overstay its welcome. I always think a good ending can save a bad start, and a bad ending can ruin a promising future. This ended well and ultimately recovered the whole book for me. A lot of my issues with it comes from personal preference, but I give this a solid 3.5 stars rounded up to a 4. Thank you so much NetGalley for the arc. I’ll be keeping an eye on miss Montoya’s work in the future.

[IllyrianShadowsinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Angela Montoya. I'm going to start with that. I got A Cruel Thirst as an ARC, and I've been obsessed since, even though she only published two books, which is why I was so excited to read this one.
Pros
1) Amazing writing style! Immersive in the way of a high fantasy, it gives Priory of the Orange Tree with a simpler plot, and amusing, interesting characters
2) Well-fleshed-out side characters! Characters like the Strong Sisters made me both sympathize and hate them, while Gabriel was so cute and adorable at first, I CAN'T. If you've ever watched Tangled, the Series, basically, Gabriel is Varian and Varian is Gabriel. That's all you need to know.
Have I convinced you to read the book yet? Because I just convinced myself all over again.
3) Carnival setting - I love carnival settings. The use of whimsy and danger on a thin edge is always thrilling, paralleling what we expect (fun) with what lies behind any human creation (corruption and decay).
4) Good central romance - Ignacio and Esmeralda had real chemistry, which is sadly lacking in most books these days, where desire substitutes real connection, but this does! Dovie and Pigeon? The nicknames?! I have lost the ability to can.

Cons:
1) The plot felt a little too much like Caraval to me, but with a twist that it's a performer's point of view. Angel gave Legend vibes, Esmeralda was a mix of Tella and Scarlett, and all the side characters genuinely could have been put in Caraval, and they wouldn't be out of place. Esmeralda's stage name was even "La Paloma Blanca." The Dragna sisters' mom was named Paloma! It threw me off and made me a little uncomfortable, too, to feel like one of my favorite books was essentially just being copied by one of my favorite authors.
2) The names. The Big Top for the people at the top of the circus rankings, for example, struck me as unoriginal, and the fact that the soldiers were called the Blackbirds felt uninspired and more than a little bit melodramatic. (Also, I just really didn't like the name Ignacio, because my mind kept conjuring up a kid I used to know named Iggy.
He is not good romantasy material)

Overall, this was a good book; it's just that some parts of it grated on me, like the similarities to Caraval, but the fast pace and good character development made up for that to create a satisfying read good for anyone searching for another magic carnival to fill them with light!

I received an ARC for an honest review.

[clairetweetie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*thanks to Netgalley and Random House Children’s Books for sharing with me this arc, and thanks to the author Angela Montoya for this story! this is my completely honest review*

4.25⭐️

Carnival Fantastico is such a exciting and lovely read for me 🎪✨ i went into it wanting something engaging and immersive, and it really delivered 🫶

the overall pacing felt just right for my taste, moving at a medium to slightly fast pace that kept me interested without ever feeling rushed.
and i really appreciated that this is a solid standalone. a lot happens throughout the story, and i never felt bored, and everything still wrapped up in a satisfying way at the end 📖💫

the romance is a major part of the story, and honestly, it completely worked for me ❤️ the second-chance romance between fmc esmeralda and mmc ignacio is handled so beautifully 💕
the foundation of their relationship felt emotional and genuine, and the childhood love / penpal element added such a touching layer 🥹🥹❤️
i usually don’t gravitate towards second-chance romance that much (just personal preference 🥹), and rarely do I cry over romance in a book, but this one actually got to me!!! 🥹🥰🥰i teared up more than once, which really surprised me 💌

i also liked the dual pov!! being able to sit in both esmeralda’s and ignacio’s thoughts made it so much easier to connect with them and understand their emotions 💭🤍 i really liked both of them as characters (they are both extremelly likable characters 🫶) and found myself rooting for them the entire time 💛

the mystery element of the story also worked really well for me 🔍✨ i liked how carefully the truth was revealed. the pacing of the mystery felt very intentional, keeping me curious without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.

overall, carnival fantastico was such a solid and satisfying read 🫶
i honestly wasn’t expecting it to be this exciting, emotional, romantic, and well-paced, so i was really surprised in the best way!! 💕💕
i would really recommend this if you like a romantic, circus/carnival themed YA fantasy romance🎪📚✨

[Cyn P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to start by thanking the publication team and NetGalley for an early chance to read Carnival Fantastico by Angela Montoya, one of my favorite authors. I've highly enjoyed her other books, and so this was kind of a dream to get a chance to read her latest story well before the publication date!

Without giving any spoilers, in this second-chance romance fantasy, we follow our two main characters, Esmeralda and Ignacio. Common in Montoya's work, our FMC is strong, self-sufficient, and a little stubborn. Esmeralda has left her old life behind to try to make it on her own within the tent of Carnival Fantastico. Due to some miscommunication, she and her old flame, Ignacio, had left on bad terms, thinking the other had deserted them. Ignacio is similarly trying to make it on his own terms and not under his father's thumb, and ends up in the same Carnival to look into how to stop what may be an unnecessary war.

I think Montoya does a really fun job at painting our setting, the plot, and our characters. As she often does in her other work, she blends humor into every part of the story. Still, she lets the serious moments have their space, moments about loneliness, hurt, loss, and parents who either disregard their child or rule their child under an iron fist. All of this was mixed into a plot that, in some regard, was predictable but entertaining and engaging. I appreciate how she makes the reader laugh quite literally out loud.

I don't have a legitimate way to rate books, but this one I would give a 3.5 and not a flat four. I enjoyed the writing as expected, but this isn't my favorite of her works. Sinner's Isle ranks as my favorite in my personal opinion. I still highly recommend Carnival Fantastico for a fun read about a couple finding their way back to one another in a nefarious carnival.

I will read anything Montoya gives us, and I am already looking forward to more!

[Matt (Kaitlin) Kroeger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book (thank you to the author and publisher). My review reflects my honest impressions and neither the author nor publisher solicited my review. Content and pacing may differ slightly from the final published version.

Carnival Fantástico is a charming, imaginative fantasy that blends whimsy, danger, and second-chance romance inside a magically unpredictable traveling carnival. While it took me a bit to warm up to the story, around the 60% mark the momentum really kicked in and from that point on, I was fully invested.

What stands out most is Esmeralda. She’s wonderfully sharp-witted, messy in a relatable way, and sassy in all the best moments. Her mix of bravado and vulnerability gives the story heart, and she carried every scene she was in. Ignacio, meanwhile, brings all the yearning. He’s loyal and full of unresolved feelings that make their interactions spark. He tries to be broody but comes across as more lovable. Their complicated history threads through the book in a way that adds emotional depth without overwhelming the plot.

The world itself is vibrant and fun, full of magical oddities, enchanted carnival attractions, and twists that keep you wondering just how far the spectacle will go. The writing style is simple, approachable, and easy to fall into, making this an enjoyable, low-effort read even when the pacing early on feels a bit slow. The plot leans slightly YA in tone and the romance is cozy, gentle, and focused more on longing glances, emotional tension, and soft moments than any spice. Perfect for readers who prefer tenderness over heat.

While I likely won’t reread or purchase a physical copy, I genuinely enjoyed the journey and found it to be a cute, magical story with standout characters and a heartwarming second-chance arc. Fans of whimsical fantasy settings, cozy-romance energy, and carnival-themed magic will especially appreciate this one.

[Victoria ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carnival Fantástico was everything I wanted Daughter of the Burning City and Caraval to be.

The main characters are both charming yet flawed. It's rare that I meet an FMC that doesn't annoy me in some way, but Esmerelda was truly a breath of fresh air ( especially for a YA Fantasy). I loved that she was sharp - a young woman built on jagged edges. She's loud, determined, and sure of who she is. Her flaws feel believeable, given her age and history and I love that.

The same could be said of our MMC. His reservations and insecurities are understandable when given his upbringing.

Not gonna lie, though. Estefan the Ostrich was my favorite character. I have no shame and will not apologize. He deserves the world (and all the shiny things).

The humor and banter made me snicker, and truthfully, in terms of standalone fantasy wrap-ups, the ending felt believable. It wasnt over the top. It wasn't something that felt pulled out of left field. Instead, it felt like a story that progressed naturally to its endpoint and wrapped up neatly.

My biggest criticism would simply be that the story could have been more. The plot felt strong enough to easily be a duology, and I would have loved to see more development or build-up in the love story of our main characters that would have only been possible if the story had been split into two books, allowing the author to build on the world she's so beautifully crafted.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

CARNIVAL FANTÁSTICO by Angela Montoya (Feb 3, 2026)

Thank you Netgalley, Delacorte, and GetUnderlined for the earc

In Carnival Fantástico, magic and mischief collide. Esmerelda is the in-house fortune teller who wants to be chosen for a lead role. Ignacio is on the hunt for proof of his father's corruption, which leads him to the carnival. There he finds, Esmerelda, the girl who broke his heart. Together, they strike a deal. She'll help expose his father if he helps her get chosen for the lead role.
CARNIVAL FANTÁSTICO is a YA romantasy. With its CARAVAL (Garber) flair, this book is enchanting and magical. From the beginning, the descriptions stuck out to me, and the story flowed really well. I loved how illustrious this was, and the way the author wrote. This dual pov story is dripping in all things past, present, and everything that makes up Esmeralda and Ignacio. These two characters are likeable and the chemistry between them didn't seem forced.
As the story played out, the action picked up. A lot happened in this with the dazzling promises, and every magical thing (good or bad) that happened, conspiracy that ran deeper than the characters could see.
CARNIVAL FANTÁSTICO is more than just a fantasy novel, it's a fast-paced tale filled with enchantments, bickering, and drama. Highly recommend. Also, love the cover so much.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

Carnival Fantástico is a mysterious novel full of enchantments and chilling secrets. Esmeralda is charming, witty, and unapologetic, which is my favorite kind of main character. This story pulled me in from the beginning with its balance of wonder and danger.

I loved the sinister aura of the carnival, the mysterious magic, and the stories built on myths. I loved the inclusion of the notes passed between Dovie and Pigeon — giving the reader insight into their childhood and romance. I loved the tension and banter between Ignacio and Esmeralda and their unwavering commitment to their goals.

I thought the pacing of the story was well done, with the changing POVs helping to move along the plot. I wish characters like Camila and Gabriel were more developed. While integral to the plot, the story focused so much on the two main characters that the side characters came off more like props than players in the story. I also thought some of the worldbuilding, like the war, was unnecessary. It took away from the plot’s focus and made it a bit confusing to follow at times.

Overall, this was a fun and exciting read akin to Caraval. Readers are sure to be enthralled by Carnival Fantástico’s enchantments and dark magic!

Thank you to NetGalley, Joy Revolution, and Random House for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this ARC via Netgalley.

Esmerelda ran off with the Circus Fantastico after her breakup with Ignacio, and she's been doing just fine as a fortune teller - with the help of the circus's magic cards. Now she has the chance to stay past her contracted year by competing for a spot as a performer. But then Ignacio arrives at the circus, searching for whoever wrote a letter to his father with a special ink he's only seen in the circus advertisements, and the two find themselves having to work together as the competition becomes deadly.

I love anything circus, and this had shades of The Night Circus and Divine Rivals: a mix of the historical and the fantastical, creating a world that feels magical. The relationship between Esmerelda and Ignacio was one of opposites attract, with Esmerelda being the forceful yet flighty one and Ignacio being more routine and rule-bound. I enjoyed all the characters in the circus, though not all of them felt fully fleshed out. The mystery of the magic ink and the circus enchantments came together nicely at the end.

[Tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this was a fun, whimsical read!

I always love a good magical circus story, so I was so excited to get my hands on this book. And this story did not disappoint in that regard!

I loved the whimsy and magic that came with the circus. It was so good, especially once the more sinister magic started to show through the cracks. I was really invested in figuring out what was going on!

I appreciated that we got dual POVs from both Esmeralda and Ignacio. It was lovely to see them come into their own as individuals and as a couple with the potential for a second chance at romance. Their banter was really fun to read, and seeing them rebuild their relationship was a lovely thing.

Speaking of characters, I really liked this cast of characters a lot! It was really fun to see them all interact with each other, and figure out who was working with who, and who could and couldn’t be trusted.

While I will say that a lot of the twists weren’t that big of a surprise, I still enjoyed seeing how the story continued to unfold in the aftermath of them all.

I would definitely recommend this novel for anyone that wants to enjoy a circus book that was fun and easy to read!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House/Joy Revolution for allowing me to read the eARC!

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC read - Angela Montoya makes me believe in magic and love - a perfect YA fantasy for the winter TBR! But for real I want cotton candy that tastes different for every bite. That is just one of the tricks and treats at this magical (and malicious?!?!) carnival where Esmeralda is a fortune teller who must become a lead act to change her future and secure her freedom. Only her first love Ignacio (whose father imprisoned Esmeralda and who believes she betrayed him!?!??) stands in the way. Or maybe he’s the key to her winning. Or maybe nothing is as it seems. Dun dun dun!! Top-tier banter, oodles of charm, expert world-building, political intrigue, ghastly carnival scares, friendship and found-family, and swoony first love are all wrapped in an action-packed adventure. The twists and turns are incredible - I wasn’t sure who to trust!! Angela Montoya’s voice has the verve of romcoms and the intricate beauty of the best fantasy. She has become one of my all-time favorite authors. So while you’re waiting for this book check out her laugh-out-loud vampire action-adventure swoonfest A CRUEL THIRST, one of my fave books of 2024.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Thank you to Joy Revolution Publishing for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!**

Carnival Fantástico is definitely a ride. I mostly enjoyed it, but I had a few problems with the writing and plot.

I found the plot to be pretty enjoyable and mostly engaging, but the beginning was really hard to get through. I almost DNF'd at around 15% because I was bored. I'm glad I stuck with it, though, because I was very invested for the rest of the story.

However, I found the writing style to be slightly annoying. For one, I never would have known it took place in the 1900s unless the book explicitly said so. Both the dialogue and the world felt too modern. Also, the characters' dialogue is quite repetitive sometimes, and there were quite a few repeated words/descriptions to the point where I was annoyed.

Something about the romance fell flat for me, but I can't put my finger on why.

Overall, I mostly enjoyed it, but there were a few issues that really lessened the enjoyment for me.

[Nefertiti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me gripped all day. The dual POV that kept the story flowing as well as little snippets of Ignacio and Esmeralda’s past before they were torn apart for the year before the main story takes place was captivating. Even though the main characters were so young they were forced to grow up so fast because of the environments and the situations their parents threw them into that ultimately led them to finding each other. I honestly didn't think there was any resolving the rift that separated these two young lovers but when the truth actually comes out and it’s grander than what I could’ve imagined, I’m happy their love transcended it. The magic was unique and beautiful but mysterious and chilling and we find out why and what it costs. The world building and imagery is chef’s kiss, I felt like I was on the train or at the carnival with them most of the time, if not all the time. This book made me feel happiness, sadness that brought me to tears and relief that felt like a weight was being lifted off my shoulders when it was the character’s weight to bear. Amazing book!

[Danielle Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this novel prior to its release date. I give this a 4.5/5 stars rounded up to 5/5. There was absolutely nothing wrong with this book at all, the plot was fantastic and mystical in the best way and the characters were fabulous and well written. The romance was beautiful and heart wrenching, and - although miscommunication is my LEAST favorite trope - I thought the author did a good job of bringing everything together well between the two main love interests. I found myself frustrated at times wanting to FORCE the FMC and MMC to just TALK, but I think that is just a “me” thing as a reader. I LOVE a good carnival book, and this one exceeded all my expectations! The magic was so well written and I simply could not put the book down until I was finished! I would definitely recommend this book to others, especially those who loved The Night Circus or the Caraval series!