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Carnival Fantástico
Carnival Fantástico by Angela Montoya, is a dual-POV YA romantasy pitched as Hotel Magnifique meets These Violent Delights, in which Esmeralda Montero, a thief pretending to be a fortune-teller, competes for the starring role at a magical traveling circus in the hopes of gaining the wealth and respect she's always longed for. But when the irritatingly handsome boy who once broke her heart resurfaces and warns her that carnival is more sinister than it appears, Esmeralda must decide whether fame and fortune are worth their deadly price.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published February 3, 2026
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8263 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
October 14, 2025
OKAY TEA THIS WAS SO EXCELLENT. THIS is what i thought Caraval was gonna give. charming main characters omg
January 4, 2026
GOSH do I love me a book with Carnival vibes😩 I eat stuff like this up EVERY. SINGLE. DAMN. TIME. ✨
Think Caraval and the Night Circus. Whimsical, mysterious, and messes with your head in the best way possible. With of course…romance😛.
Esmeralda and Ignacio took my breath way. Both in a good and bad way. Good because they were just so baby I wanted to protect the both of them with all my heart. And bad in the fact that I was literally fighting them in my head for not kissing and making up already LOL.
Overall this was a wonderful story. Plot twist certainly twisted. And the universe was just magnificent. As always, Angela Montoya does an amazing job crafting such a beautiful world. I feel like there’s more in store for this universe and I can’t wait🫣
GO ADD THIS TO UR TBR OR UR DANIAPHOBIC🙅🏻♀️
Tropes to expect🎟️:
-carnival setting
-second chance
-friends to lovers
-forced to work together
-YA
Think Caraval and the Night Circus. Whimsical, mysterious, and messes with your head in the best way possible. With of course…romance😛.
Esmeralda and Ignacio took my breath way. Both in a good and bad way. Good because they were just so baby I wanted to protect the both of them with all my heart. And bad in the fact that I was literally fighting them in my head for not kissing and making up already LOL.
Overall this was a wonderful story. Plot twist certainly twisted. And the universe was just magnificent. As always, Angela Montoya does an amazing job crafting such a beautiful world. I feel like there’s more in store for this universe and I can’t wait🫣
GO ADD THIS TO UR TBR OR UR DANIAPHOBIC🙅🏻♀️
Tropes to expect🎟️:
-carnival setting
-second chance
-friends to lovers
-forced to work together
-YA
January 28, 2026
Carnival Fantástico by Angela Montoya
Book Blurb: dual-POV YA romantasy pitched as Hotel Magnifique meets These Violent Delights, in which Esmeralda Montero, a thief pretending to be a fortune-teller, competes for the starring role at a magical traveling circus in the hopes of gaining the wealth and respect she's always longed for. But when the irritatingly handsome boy who once broke her heart resurfaces and warns her that carnival is more sinister than it appears, Esmeralda must decide whether fame and fortune are worth their deadly price.
Rating: ****
Feels: Joy, Amusement, Curiosity, Puzzlement
Style: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Romantasy, Young Adult Fantasy
First published February 3, 2026 : 464 pages
Charm, wonder and a little bit of magic was sprinkled throughout this enchanting read. Esmeralda tug at my heart strings with her desire to be chosen, adored and wanting to be the main attraction at the Carnival Fantástico. I loved the little glimpses we got into her childhood and her blooming romance with Ignacio as they both grew up. He felt like all the green flags and I most definitely wanted him to get his happily ever after. Having the two thrown back together under the big top with all the mysterious going ons kept me entertained and glued to my book. Fanciful, Lucious and puzzling fun !!! I adored this read !!!
Favorite Quote: "He is not my anything." Not anymore. Once Ignacio Olivera had been her everything.
This book has:
Second Chance Romance
Love Letters
Grumpy x Sunshine
Friends to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Magical Carnival
Book Blurb: dual-POV YA romantasy pitched as Hotel Magnifique meets These Violent Delights, in which Esmeralda Montero, a thief pretending to be a fortune-teller, competes for the starring role at a magical traveling circus in the hopes of gaining the wealth and respect she's always longed for. But when the irritatingly handsome boy who once broke her heart resurfaces and warns her that carnival is more sinister than it appears, Esmeralda must decide whether fame and fortune are worth their deadly price.
Rating: ****
Feels: Joy, Amusement, Curiosity, Puzzlement
Style: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Romantasy, Young Adult Fantasy
First published February 3, 2026 : 464 pages
Charm, wonder and a little bit of magic was sprinkled throughout this enchanting read. Esmeralda tug at my heart strings with her desire to be chosen, adored and wanting to be the main attraction at the Carnival Fantástico. I loved the little glimpses we got into her childhood and her blooming romance with Ignacio as they both grew up. He felt like all the green flags and I most definitely wanted him to get his happily ever after. Having the two thrown back together under the big top with all the mysterious going ons kept me entertained and glued to my book. Fanciful, Lucious and puzzling fun !!! I adored this read !!!
Favorite Quote: "He is not my anything." Not anymore. Once Ignacio Olivera had been her everything.
This book has:
Second Chance Romance
Love Letters
Grumpy x Sunshine
Friends to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Magical Carnival
November 15, 2025
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.
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.
Read
July 27, 2024Carnival 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.
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.
February 3, 2026
‘carnival fantástico’ was exactly as it advertised - fantastic!! I had such a fun time with this book and I loved all the messages within it!
I read this author’s previous work ‘a cruel thirst’ last year and even in just a single book, the author’s writing has improved tremendously. the issues that I had with her previous work were not a problem in this story and I truly believe she has improved so much!!
I really liked our two main characters, esmeralda and ignacio, both together and individually. I felt like they both had very distinct personalities and that we got to know them as characters through the story. they were flawed and selfish, but also considerate and protective. these characterizations made them feel like real people and like someone I want to root for!
the second chance romance in this was super cute and I loved reading their past intersections and just how adorable they were as teenagers. it made my heart melt!
lastly, I really loved the plot itself. as a huge fan of the caraval series, it was so much fun to read a story with a similar setting but was still different enough to stand on its own. the pacing was perfect, the climax didn’t feel dragged out or cut short, and I felt content with the ending when I finished this standalone.
thank you to NetGalley, Joy Revolution, and the author for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I read this author’s previous work ‘a cruel thirst’ last year and even in just a single book, the author’s writing has improved tremendously. the issues that I had with her previous work were not a problem in this story and I truly believe she has improved so much!!
I really liked our two main characters, esmeralda and ignacio, both together and individually. I felt like they both had very distinct personalities and that we got to know them as characters through the story. they were flawed and selfish, but also considerate and protective. these characterizations made them feel like real people and like someone I want to root for!
the second chance romance in this was super cute and I loved reading their past intersections and just how adorable they were as teenagers. it made my heart melt!
lastly, I really loved the plot itself. as a huge fan of the caraval series, it was so much fun to read a story with a similar setting but was still different enough to stand on its own. the pacing was perfect, the climax didn’t feel dragged out or cut short, and I felt content with the ending when I finished this standalone.
thank you to NetGalley, Joy Revolution, and the author for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you so much to Joy Revolution Books and Underlined for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I always have so much fun with Angela Montoya's books, and Carnival Fantástico was no exception. I love how enchanting (and sinister) the circus vibes here felt. Ignacio and Esmerelda's love story was so freaking cute. I am a sucker for second chance romances, and I thought their romance was really well integrated into the overall plot. I love the letters that were included in the book between the two of them when they were children--those were adorable. The humor and slapstick comedy was also very fun, and very Angela. I found myself laughing or chuckling several times throughout this book at the dialogue in particular. I think this might be my favorite book of hers yet! I'd rate this book 4.5 stars rounded up.
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I always have so much fun with Angela Montoya's books, and Carnival Fantástico was no exception. I love how enchanting (and sinister) the circus vibes here felt. Ignacio and Esmerelda's love story was so freaking cute. I am a sucker for second chance romances, and I thought their romance was really well integrated into the overall plot. I love the letters that were included in the book between the two of them when they were children--those were adorable. The humor and slapstick comedy was also very fun, and very Angela. I found myself laughing or chuckling several times throughout this book at the dialogue in particular. I think this might be my favorite book of hers yet! I'd rate this book 4.5 stars rounded up.
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
2.75 stars
This was just...okay.
A really interesting storyline but nothing wowed me here. The characters were okay, if a bit annoying at times. The magic was pretty cool, though it could be confusing.
And it was just too young for me. The characters are 18, almost 19, so I was initially hoping this story would have a little more maturity to it, but that wasn't the case here. Just no real depth, no emotional maturity, the language was really young, etc.
I think Angela Montoya just isn't for me, but I do think younger audiences will really enjoy this.
2.75 stars
This was just...okay.
A really interesting storyline but nothing wowed me here. The characters were okay, if a bit annoying at times. The magic was pretty cool, though it could be confusing.
And it was just too young for me. The characters are 18, almost 19, so I was initially hoping this story would have a little more maturity to it, but that wasn't the case here. Just no real depth, no emotional maturity, the language was really young, etc.
I think Angela Montoya just isn't for me, but I do think younger audiences will really enjoy this.
December 18, 2025
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!!
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!!
January 26, 2026
3.75 star
this book was everything i wanted Caraval to be
a book full of magic and whimsy!
my favourite thing about fantasy is that you get to experience places and worlds that are so different and full of enchantment, the perfect escape for someone like me that is always daydreaming and this book gave me all of that.
if you enjoyed Caraval, i'm certain you would love this book because this carnival was packed with wonders!
this book was everything i wanted Caraval to be
a book full of magic and whimsy!
my favourite thing about fantasy is that you get to experience places and worlds that are so different and full of enchantment, the perfect escape for someone like me that is always daydreaming and this book gave me all of that.
if you enjoyed Caraval, i'm certain you would love this book because this carnival was packed with wonders!
August 19, 2025
DNF
Free copy from NG
Free copy from NG
December 8, 2025
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.
August 21, 2025
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!
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!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2025
*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🎪📚✨
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🎪📚✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Magically sinister. Carnival Fantastico is great for fans of Caraval or Water for Elephants, but the vibes and lore are much more sinister than either of those. Esmeralda works hard to find her place in the carnival to dazzle the audience and feel loved, while Ignacio starts off lost as to how to bring his militarily powerful father to justice. Both Esmeralda and Ignacio have cause to believe the other walked away from their relationship, yet the carnival has a mysterious way of bringing them together again in a sort of alliance. Much at the carnival is not as it seems and events feel suspiciously off from the beginning. Emotions are high with action and intrigue nonstop from chapter one. I could hardly put it down. A bit of historical fiction based with a 1920s backdrop, love story at the center, and meaningful deception throughout, the truth behind the magic is shocking and heartbreaking with deathly answers. Love it and will surely read more from Montoya.
Thank you to Random House Children's, Joy Revolution, Netgalley, and my local indie bookstore Cavalier House Books for early access to the book.
Thank you to Random House Children's, Joy Revolution, Netgalley, and my local indie bookstore Cavalier House Books for early access to the book.
January 7, 2026
*4.5 (not an average of the below)
Setting: 4.5
Characters: 4.5
Plot: 3
Personal Enjoyment: 4.5
Binge-ability (aka how addicting): 4
Setting:
I honestly love a magical carnival book and this one did not disappoint. It had magic and mystery which kept me wanting to read
Characters:
Angela's characters are probably one of my favourite thing about her books, I feel like she really writes them in a real & authentic way (her mmc's are some of my favs) and the banter is so fun to read. Esmeralda is so confident and sure of herself and Ignacio is definitely a simp (and we love it). The only thing i wish we had a little bit more of was some more moments of dialogue/banter between our two main characters
Plot:
An enjoyable plot probably just a bit more predictable if you read a lot/it is obviously catered to young adults so this could just be as expected
Personal Enjoyment:
This book is definitely a good time
Binge-ability (aka how addicting):
I felt like the book was really engaging and it kept me wanting to keep picking it up.
If you liked Divine Rivals or Caraval you could definitely enjoy this book
Tropes:
*second chance romance
*childhood friends
*magical circus
*dual pov
*thank you to Penguin Teen Canada for the ARC
Setting: 4.5
Characters: 4.5
Plot: 3
Personal Enjoyment: 4.5
Binge-ability (aka how addicting): 4
Setting:
I honestly love a magical carnival book and this one did not disappoint. It had magic and mystery which kept me wanting to read
Characters:
Angela's characters are probably one of my favourite thing about her books, I feel like she really writes them in a real & authentic way (her mmc's are some of my favs) and the banter is so fun to read. Esmeralda is so confident and sure of herself and Ignacio is definitely a simp (and we love it). The only thing i wish we had a little bit more of was some more moments of dialogue/banter between our two main characters
Plot:
An enjoyable plot probably just a bit more predictable if you read a lot/it is obviously catered to young adults so this could just be as expected
Personal Enjoyment:
This book is definitely a good time
Binge-ability (aka how addicting):
I felt like the book was really engaging and it kept me wanting to keep picking it up.
If you liked Divine Rivals or Caraval you could definitely enjoy this book
Tropes:
*second chance romance
*childhood friends
*magical circus
*dual pov
*thank you to Penguin Teen Canada for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Carnival Fantastico was amazing.
I absolutely adore Angela's writing.
Emeralda and Ignacio both have their flaws, and they both can be a bit annoying at times, but I think you have to really try to understand why they acr the way they do. Both of them have been hurt tremendously, and they're both running away. In order to get away, you can't always keep people close.
Miscommunication is an ick for me, and this seemed like an easy fix if they'd just both admit the truth. But like I said, you have to try to understand them to understand the miscommunication.
I loved Esmeralda's friends. They added a bit of humor and love to the story.
I don't feel like the story lagged anywhere, and I was engaged throughout. I honestly would like to take a deep dive into the lore that was woven into Esmeralda and Ignacio's story.
Carnival Fantastico is incredibly unique, which I believe makes it all the more enjoyable. The magic, the world, the characters. It's all created by her imagination, and is beautifully written.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the golden egg. It reminded me of the frying pan from This Cruel Thirst.
I absolutely adore Angela's writing.
Emeralda and Ignacio both have their flaws, and they both can be a bit annoying at times, but I think you have to really try to understand why they acr the way they do. Both of them have been hurt tremendously, and they're both running away. In order to get away, you can't always keep people close.
Miscommunication is an ick for me, and this seemed like an easy fix if they'd just both admit the truth. But like I said, you have to try to understand them to understand the miscommunication.
I loved Esmeralda's friends. They added a bit of humor and love to the story.
I don't feel like the story lagged anywhere, and I was engaged throughout. I honestly would like to take a deep dive into the lore that was woven into Esmeralda and Ignacio's story.
Carnival Fantastico is incredibly unique, which I believe makes it all the more enjoyable. The magic, the world, the characters. It's all created by her imagination, and is beautifully written.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the golden egg. It reminded me of the frying pan from This Cruel Thirst.
November 23, 2025
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.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2026
Thank you to Joy Revolution and Random House Children's Books for the advanced copy! You can pick up Carnival Fantástico on February 3, 2026.
I love a book that serves me equal doses of whimsy and emotional devastation. From the get-go, Angela Montoya establishes this glittering, dazzling mood, and much like the guests of the Carnival Fantástico, we the readers feel drawn in and tempted by the magic at hand. But not everything is as it seems.
The story follows two young lovers who meet again after a devastating separation, each believing the other left them for better opportunities. Esmeralda, our spirited, emotionally closed-off FMC, ran away to the Carnival after escaping the home she worked in for over a decade. Meanwhile, Ignacio believes Esmeralda robbed him and left him for someone better after he refused to disobey his father and run away with her.
Fate throws the two together once again in the Carnival, both of them changed for better and worse. How can they reconcile the past while also battling the present dangers creeping over the Carnival? Performers are dying or disappearing, but the show must go on.
Esmeralda is so dearly and relatably flawed as a character. She's so desperate to prove that she's worthy of attention and love, even from adoring strangers. Meanwhile, the one person who sees her completely and loves her for who she truly is stands right there, desperate to win her back but scared to be hurt again. Watching Ignacio and Esmeralda grow closer once again, healing the pain between them, was just delicious.
And, all of this wonderful character work and relationship building occurs against this beautiful (or corrupted?) backdrop of the Carnival. We have a magical competition, death-defying feats, evil gods and immortals, and so much more.
All in all, if you love second chance romance with deadly whimsy and emotional devastation, this is the book for you!
I love a book that serves me equal doses of whimsy and emotional devastation. From the get-go, Angela Montoya establishes this glittering, dazzling mood, and much like the guests of the Carnival Fantástico, we the readers feel drawn in and tempted by the magic at hand. But not everything is as it seems.
The story follows two young lovers who meet again after a devastating separation, each believing the other left them for better opportunities. Esmeralda, our spirited, emotionally closed-off FMC, ran away to the Carnival after escaping the home she worked in for over a decade. Meanwhile, Ignacio believes Esmeralda robbed him and left him for someone better after he refused to disobey his father and run away with her.
Fate throws the two together once again in the Carnival, both of them changed for better and worse. How can they reconcile the past while also battling the present dangers creeping over the Carnival? Performers are dying or disappearing, but the show must go on.
Esmeralda is so dearly and relatably flawed as a character. She's so desperate to prove that she's worthy of attention and love, even from adoring strangers. Meanwhile, the one person who sees her completely and loves her for who she truly is stands right there, desperate to win her back but scared to be hurt again. Watching Ignacio and Esmeralda grow closer once again, healing the pain between them, was just delicious.
And, all of this wonderful character work and relationship building occurs against this beautiful (or corrupted?) backdrop of the Carnival. We have a magical competition, death-defying feats, evil gods and immortals, and so much more.
All in all, if you love second chance romance with deadly whimsy and emotional devastation, this is the book for you!
January 29, 2026
this is such a hidden gem??? haven’t really heard much about this book coming out (feb 3, 2026 i think) but the reviews were solid and i got an arc so!!!
this was really good, i was pleasantly surprised and will now check out anything this author writes🥹 i’m not a big carnival person in general, they freak me out so i don’t really touch books that has to do with it- ie ‘night circus’ and ‘caraval��, so i imagine if you’re fans of those, especially caraval you’d love this- buttttt the synopsis interested me. (i do think the comps for this book were ‘hotel magnifique’ and ‘these violent delights’ however have not read them so can’t say if they’re good comps)
we get a mysterious plot with a darker underbelly at hand with interesting magic, and really lovable characters
this was an example of SUCH a good YA book that as an adult reading it, it was still mature. the characters were well rounded, likable, their actions and desires made sense. and the writing was descriptive and the prose sucked me in. i actually really enjoyed the dual pov (third person pov thank god) because our FMC and MMC (Esmeralda and Ignacio) were their own people with their own personalities and ambitions and i adoreddddd their tension and emotions for each other. (lowkey miscommunication trope went hard for this because it actually worked). like i ship them so hard they were so cute 😭
the plot was strong, i was immediately interested in it (this just took me longer to read because i’ve been playing more video games lately) or else this would have been something i read in two days as its fast paced but you feel like you’re there with them and all the twist and turns. like this book felt long in a great way, a lot happened that flowed together and made me want to keep reading
i would def recommend this, just wish the epilogue was longer that ending was heart wrenching and sweet <3
*ARC courtesy of netgalley*
this was really good, i was pleasantly surprised and will now check out anything this author writes🥹 i’m not a big carnival person in general, they freak me out so i don’t really touch books that has to do with it- ie ‘night circus’ and ‘caraval��, so i imagine if you’re fans of those, especially caraval you’d love this- buttttt the synopsis interested me. (i do think the comps for this book were ‘hotel magnifique’ and ‘these violent delights’ however have not read them so can’t say if they’re good comps)
we get a mysterious plot with a darker underbelly at hand with interesting magic, and really lovable characters
this was an example of SUCH a good YA book that as an adult reading it, it was still mature. the characters were well rounded, likable, their actions and desires made sense. and the writing was descriptive and the prose sucked me in. i actually really enjoyed the dual pov (third person pov thank god) because our FMC and MMC (Esmeralda and Ignacio) were their own people with their own personalities and ambitions and i adoreddddd their tension and emotions for each other. (lowkey miscommunication trope went hard for this because it actually worked). like i ship them so hard they were so cute 😭
the plot was strong, i was immediately interested in it (this just took me longer to read because i’ve been playing more video games lately) or else this would have been something i read in two days as its fast paced but you feel like you’re there with them and all the twist and turns. like this book felt long in a great way, a lot happened that flowed together and made me want to keep reading
i would def recommend this, just wish the epilogue was longer that ending was heart wrenching and sweet <3
*ARC courtesy of netgalley*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved the traveling circus setting of Carnival Fantástico, a wondrous place of magic, fun, and performers with unexplained abilities and, underneath it all, the disconcerting presence of a sinister force. The deadly stakes and mysterious history of the carnival made this book a compelling read. The pacing is moderate at first, as the story introduces the characters and central conflicts, and then ramps up as Esmeralda and Ignacio get closer to discovering the truth, culminating in a thrilling final act.
This is a dual POV and Esmeralda and Ignacio are such a fun "opposite attracts" couple. I loved the letter exchanges between the two that established their childhood friendship as it evolved into something more. Despite the miscommunication that tore them apart, the two reluctantly team up to expose Ignacio's father—and the forced proximity leads to plenty of tension filled moments between the two. It was so funny how they both try (and fail) to ignore their attraction to each other! Their romance is sweet and wholesome.
The supporting characters, especially Gabriel and the Sánchez sisters, are so lovable and well fleshed out with their own motives and backstory.
I love that the author took inspiration from books like Stephanie Garber's Caraval and yet this story clearly differentiates itself, especially in the writing style. Carnival Fantástico felt more grounded in reality than Caraval and leaned into humourous moments. Overall, this story was a ton of fun and full of romance, magic, action, and emotional moments.
Thank you to Random House Children's Books | Joy Revolution for the digital copy!
This is a dual POV and Esmeralda and Ignacio are such a fun "opposite attracts" couple. I loved the letter exchanges between the two that established their childhood friendship as it evolved into something more. Despite the miscommunication that tore them apart, the two reluctantly team up to expose Ignacio's father—and the forced proximity leads to plenty of tension filled moments between the two. It was so funny how they both try (and fail) to ignore their attraction to each other! Their romance is sweet and wholesome.
The supporting characters, especially Gabriel and the Sánchez sisters, are so lovable and well fleshed out with their own motives and backstory.
I love that the author took inspiration from books like Stephanie Garber's Caraval and yet this story clearly differentiates itself, especially in the writing style. Carnival Fantástico felt more grounded in reality than Caraval and leaned into humourous moments. Overall, this story was a ton of fun and full of romance, magic, action, and emotional moments.
Thank you to Random House Children's Books | Joy Revolution for the digital copy!
August 20, 2025
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.*
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.*
February 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Childrens' and Angela Montoya for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.
I saw Ms. Montoya speak during Library Journal Day of Dialog and was very intrigued by her description of the book. I enjoyed The Night Circus (a lot!) and was really hoping that this sort of a YA version of that. Happy to say that that's a pretty good (loose) description. Think Night Circus, Caraval, that sort of mystical magical carnival vibe. The magic was so beautiful and the carnival itself was absolutely gorgeously described. The performers didn't seem like filler or fluff and the atmosphere was literally sparkling.
Ignacio and Esmeralda were great characters other than their massive lack of communication. That's a sticky trope for me so once it popped up it was hard to ignore, and then it comes back, and back, and... back again. On the other hand, the yearning and pining and longing was palpable and thick enough to set your teeth into. The closure they eventually got was more satisfying than in Cruel Thirst OR Sinner's Isle. So I guess it made it all worth it.
I can't even begin to say how nice it was to have a standalone fantasy. As much as I find the setting compelling and the worldbuilding satisfying and the characters relatable it's sometimes a relief not to have signed up for three more books. Brava Ms. Montoya. I'll be recommending.
4 stars
I saw Ms. Montoya speak during Library Journal Day of Dialog and was very intrigued by her description of the book. I enjoyed The Night Circus (a lot!) and was really hoping that this sort of a YA version of that. Happy to say that that's a pretty good (loose) description. Think Night Circus, Caraval, that sort of mystical magical carnival vibe. The magic was so beautiful and the carnival itself was absolutely gorgeously described. The performers didn't seem like filler or fluff and the atmosphere was literally sparkling.
Ignacio and Esmeralda were great characters other than their massive lack of communication. That's a sticky trope for me so once it popped up it was hard to ignore, and then it comes back, and back, and... back again. On the other hand, the yearning and pining and longing was palpable and thick enough to set your teeth into. The closure they eventually got was more satisfying than in Cruel Thirst OR Sinner's Isle. So I guess it made it all worth it.
I can't even begin to say how nice it was to have a standalone fantasy. As much as I find the setting compelling and the worldbuilding satisfying and the characters relatable it's sometimes a relief not to have signed up for three more books. Brava Ms. Montoya. I'll be recommending.
4 stars
January 15, 2026
Magic comes at a cost..👀
This unique and mystical story sucked me right in. So many riddles, questions and tricks that have you second guessing at what you think this book is about. Many secrets and shocking reveals. Dual POV. The way the author describes the carnival is so wondrous. It is like you can see it, feel it and hear it. The yearning between the MCs is intense! 🥵
Welcome to Carnival Fantastico!! You must follow the rules listed!! A place for people to forget about the war and the suffering. Just NEVER ask where the magic comes from.
We have the alluring Esmeralda (Dovie) who is hiding at the carnival and working as a fortune teller in order to save money so she can leave the country. She keeps her heart encased in ice all because of the boy she loved broke it. That boy is, Ignacio (Pigeon) who is determined to find proof of the horrors and mysteries he witnessed during his very short time in the Blackbirds. His search takes him to the carnival where the girl who broke his heart just happens to be. Ignacio becomes aware that not everything is as it seems at the carnival.
Wickedness blankets this carnival and it feeds.
🎡Aztec Lore
🎩Second Chance Romance
🕊️Devious Magic
🎡Mayhem at Every Turn
🎩Childhood Sweethearts
🕊️Chaotic FMC & Stoic MMC
🎡Angst & Heartbreak
🎩Unreliable Characters
Thank you to the author, Joy Revolution and NetGalley for this e-ARC for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This unique and mystical story sucked me right in. So many riddles, questions and tricks that have you second guessing at what you think this book is about. Many secrets and shocking reveals. Dual POV. The way the author describes the carnival is so wondrous. It is like you can see it, feel it and hear it. The yearning between the MCs is intense! 🥵
Welcome to Carnival Fantastico!! You must follow the rules listed!! A place for people to forget about the war and the suffering. Just NEVER ask where the magic comes from.
We have the alluring Esmeralda (Dovie) who is hiding at the carnival and working as a fortune teller in order to save money so she can leave the country. She keeps her heart encased in ice all because of the boy she loved broke it. That boy is, Ignacio (Pigeon) who is determined to find proof of the horrors and mysteries he witnessed during his very short time in the Blackbirds. His search takes him to the carnival where the girl who broke his heart just happens to be. Ignacio becomes aware that not everything is as it seems at the carnival.
Wickedness blankets this carnival and it feeds.
🎡Aztec Lore
🎩Second Chance Romance
🕊️Devious Magic
🎡Mayhem at Every Turn
🎩Childhood Sweethearts
🕊️Chaotic FMC & Stoic MMC
🎡Angst & Heartbreak
🎩Unreliable Characters
Thank you to the author, Joy Revolution and NetGalley for this e-ARC for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Carnival Fantastico is pure magic.
From the very first page, this story swept me into a world of glittering illusions, dangerous bargains, and secrets hidden behind velvet curtains. The carnival setting is lush and immersive—you can practically see the performances, hear the music, smell the sweets, and feel the tension humming beneath the magical attractions.
What truly made this book shine for me were Ignacio and Esmeralda. Carnival Fantastico ia told in their alternating POV. this dual perspective allows more insight into them - layers, flaws, emtions, and all. Their emotions and motivations make them easy to connect with. The romance simmers with just the right mix of longing and tension, while the stakes continue to rise in ways that kept me quickly turning pages.
Carnival Fantastico captures that rare feeling of wanting to race to the end while also never wanting it to be over. Whimsical yet dark, romantic yet sharp, this is a story that lingers long after the final chapter.
If you love romantasy, rich atmosphere, and and a story that is sure to sweep you off your feet—this one is not to be missed.
From the very first page, this story swept me into a world of glittering illusions, dangerous bargains, and secrets hidden behind velvet curtains. The carnival setting is lush and immersive—you can practically see the performances, hear the music, smell the sweets, and feel the tension humming beneath the magical attractions.
What truly made this book shine for me were Ignacio and Esmeralda. Carnival Fantastico ia told in their alternating POV. this dual perspective allows more insight into them - layers, flaws, emtions, and all. Their emotions and motivations make them easy to connect with. The romance simmers with just the right mix of longing and tension, while the stakes continue to rise in ways that kept me quickly turning pages.
Carnival Fantastico captures that rare feeling of wanting to race to the end while also never wanting it to be over. Whimsical yet dark, romantic yet sharp, this is a story that lingers long after the final chapter.
If you love romantasy, rich atmosphere, and and a story that is sure to sweep you off your feet—this one is not to be missed.
February 4, 2026
This book has so many elements. There is the sweet romance between Esmeralda and Ignacio. The banter and slowburn between the two kept me smiling. Esmeralda character is such a resilient young woman. She is stoic, hides her true feelings. She yearns for freedom, and is task oriented to achieve it by any means.
Then there is sweet Ignacio, kind hearted, Brave and truth seeker. He is on the run, running from his father and his expectations.
Let’s talk about Angel the Ringmaster and Carnaval Fantastico. This traveling Circus is filled with dangerous illusions and an unexpected twist.
The plot twist in the book, I surely did not see it coming.
This was such a fun, I really enjoyed the first love connection Esmeralda and Ignacio.
❤️❤️❤️
“You must know that I’ve always loved you. I never stopped. Not for one second. Even when I tried to quit you, my heart must have known the truth. That our love is real. It’s not some enchanted thing.”
❤️❤️❤️
This was such a FANTASTIC Read!
Thank you NetGalley, Joy Revolution publishing, and Angela Montoya for the opportunity to read this advance reader copy.
Then there is sweet Ignacio, kind hearted, Brave and truth seeker. He is on the run, running from his father and his expectations.
Let’s talk about Angel the Ringmaster and Carnaval Fantastico. This traveling Circus is filled with dangerous illusions and an unexpected twist.
The plot twist in the book, I surely did not see it coming.
This was such a fun, I really enjoyed the first love connection Esmeralda and Ignacio.
❤️❤️❤️
“You must know that I’ve always loved you. I never stopped. Not for one second. Even when I tried to quit you, my heart must have known the truth. That our love is real. It’s not some enchanted thing.”
❤️❤️❤️
This was such a FANTASTIC Read!
Thank you NetGalley, Joy Revolution publishing, and Angela Montoya for the opportunity to read this advance reader copy.
November 28, 2025
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.
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.
January 22, 2026
Fantastically magical with a whimsical and dazzling flair
Come one, come all! Step into the carnival that lives up to its name, for a dreamy fog that transcends reality. Ride the fun rollercoaster to unravel mysteries and an enchanting love story.
Esmeralda is strong-willed, charismatic, and a troublemaker. Ignacio grew up as a sheltered kid, obedient, and generous. These childhood sweethearts ended their relationship with each blaming the other for their disappearing act.
Ignacio is flying off the coop to unmask the corrupt Comandante (his father). His first lead is the carnival where he bumps into Esmeralda. They get a hunch that not all that glitters is gold…smoke and mirrors at play?
Together they can solve the riddles on love, corruption, and betrayal. He can help her become Lead Act and she will answer his questions...
Come one, come all! Step into the carnival that lives up to its name, for a dreamy fog that transcends reality. Ride the fun rollercoaster to unravel mysteries and an enchanting love story.
Esmeralda is strong-willed, charismatic, and a troublemaker. Ignacio grew up as a sheltered kid, obedient, and generous. These childhood sweethearts ended their relationship with each blaming the other for their disappearing act.
Ignacio is flying off the coop to unmask the corrupt Comandante (his father). His first lead is the carnival where he bumps into Esmeralda. They get a hunch that not all that glitters is gold…smoke and mirrors at play?
Together they can solve the riddles on love, corruption, and betrayal. He can help her become Lead Act and she will answer his questions...
February 1, 2026
Angela Montoya perfectly blends young adult fantasy, romance, & drama to create a fascinating story about love, power, survival and friendship. The story is filled with adventure and lots of action but also a steady stream of tension to keep readers invested. Esmeralda and Ignacio had a bond destroyed by lies but was restored by the love they shared for each other. One important takeaway from the book was not every path we take will be easy and sometimes the challenges we face are a result of our own actions. If you’re looking for an exciting new read about a magical traveling carnival, stolen souls, dark family secrets, and friends-turned-enemies to lovers you should read this book!
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