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Acts of Violet
A DAZZLING NEW NOVEL FROM NATIONAL BESTSELLING AND GMA BOOK CLUB PICK MARGARITA MONTIMORE, AUTHOR OF
OONA OUT OF ORDER
“[A] twisty, genre-defying family drama…Reminiscent of Taylor Jenkins Reid's Daisy Jones & the Six.” --Shelf Awareness (starred review)
Nearly a decade ago, iconic magician Violet Volk performed her greatest trick vanishing mid-act. While Violet sought out the spotlight, her sister Sasha, had to be the responsible one. But Sasha can never seem to escape her sister’s tumultuous orbit. Then there’s Cameron Frank, determined to finally get his big break hosting a podcast devoted to all things Violet—though keeping his job hinges on an exclusive interview with Sasha, the last person who wants to talk to him. As the ten-year anniversary approaches, the podcast picks up steam, and Cameron’s pursuit of Sasha becomes increasingly intrusive. Meanwhile, Sasha begins to experience an unsettling series of sleepwalking episodes and coincidences, which all lead back to Violet. Pushed to her emotional limits, Sasha must finally confront the most painful truths about her sister, and herself, even at the risk of losing everything.
Alternating between Sasha’s narration and Cameron’s podcast transcripts, interspersed with documents that offer a tantalizing peek at Violet herself, Acts of Violet is an utterly original, propulsive story of fame, deception, and forgiveness that will make you believe in magic.
“[A] twisty, genre-defying family drama…Reminiscent of Taylor Jenkins Reid's Daisy Jones & the Six.” --Shelf Awareness (starred review)
Nearly a decade ago, iconic magician Violet Volk performed her greatest trick vanishing mid-act. While Violet sought out the spotlight, her sister Sasha, had to be the responsible one. But Sasha can never seem to escape her sister’s tumultuous orbit. Then there’s Cameron Frank, determined to finally get his big break hosting a podcast devoted to all things Violet—though keeping his job hinges on an exclusive interview with Sasha, the last person who wants to talk to him. As the ten-year anniversary approaches, the podcast picks up steam, and Cameron’s pursuit of Sasha becomes increasingly intrusive. Meanwhile, Sasha begins to experience an unsettling series of sleepwalking episodes and coincidences, which all lead back to Violet. Pushed to her emotional limits, Sasha must finally confront the most painful truths about her sister, and herself, even at the risk of losing everything.
Alternating between Sasha’s narration and Cameron’s podcast transcripts, interspersed with documents that offer a tantalizing peek at Violet herself, Acts of Violet is an utterly original, propulsive story of fame, deception, and forgiveness that will make you believe in magic.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2022
314 people are currently reading
34686 people want to read
About the author
Margarita Montimore
4 books1,531 followersMargarita Montimore is the author of The Dollhouse Academy, Asleep from Day, Acts of Violet, and Oona Out of Order, a USA Today bestseller and Good Morning America Book Club pick.
After receiving a BFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College, Margarita worked for over a decade in publishing and social media before focusing on the writing dream full-time. Born in Soviet Ukraine and raised in Brooklyn, she currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and dog.
After receiving a BFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College, Margarita worked for over a decade in publishing and social media before focusing on the writing dream full-time. Born in Soviet Ukraine and raised in Brooklyn, she currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,984 reviews
June 29, 2022
So disappointed.
What I liked:
I was intrigued by the story from the beginning. It's the story of magician Violet Volk, who disappeared mid-act ten years previously, and no one knows what happened to her, not even her sister Sasha. Podcaster Cameron Frank is exploring the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, and won't stop until he uncovers the truth.
I love the podcast angle, and as I listened to the audiobook version of this, the production value is stellar. There are multiple narrators and different effects used for the podcast, telephone interviews, etc. This made the book come to life and I was truly intrigued and captivated...for the first 75%.
What Didn't Work
This is a very slow unraveling, very slow. It's more of a character study of Sasha and the effects Violet's career and disappearance have had on her life. We go around in circles for a long time with Sasha's sleepwalking, anxiety, and everything going into the troubles she's having in her life.
This would not have been so awful had the payoff in the end been worth it. But it WAS NOT. The ending sucked big time. The "closure" is not satisfying to me in the least, and I honestly couldn't figure out what the author was going for here.
Lots of people have really enjoyed this book, and for the production value, I really liked it too. The plot just went in a bizarre direction that I didn't care for at all and couldn't justify a higher rating with that nonsense. It felt like a huge waste of my time.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
What I liked:
I was intrigued by the story from the beginning. It's the story of magician Violet Volk, who disappeared mid-act ten years previously, and no one knows what happened to her, not even her sister Sasha. Podcaster Cameron Frank is exploring the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, and won't stop until he uncovers the truth.
I love the podcast angle, and as I listened to the audiobook version of this, the production value is stellar. There are multiple narrators and different effects used for the podcast, telephone interviews, etc. This made the book come to life and I was truly intrigued and captivated...for the first 75%.
What Didn't Work
This is a very slow unraveling, very slow. It's more of a character study of Sasha and the effects Violet's career and disappearance have had on her life. We go around in circles for a long time with Sasha's sleepwalking, anxiety, and everything going into the troubles she's having in her life.
This would not have been so awful had the payoff in the end been worth it. But it WAS NOT. The ending sucked big time. The "closure" is not satisfying to me in the least, and I honestly couldn't figure out what the author was going for here.
Lots of people have really enjoyed this book, and for the production value, I really liked it too. The plot just went in a bizarre direction that I didn't care for at all and couldn't justify a higher rating with that nonsense. It felt like a huge waste of my time.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
January 31, 2025
Black smoke coming out from my overcooked brain cells: can you smell it? Nope, only people I have meeting right now who stare at me when I secretly read the last chapter of the book can smell it! ( I always mix pleasure with business and reading is my one of the best pleasures)
I’m a little dizzy, dazzled, confused after this readathon ( I couldn’t stop reading and I’m out of breath and grey cells right now) But this is so obvious to suffer from those side effects after reading second book of “Oona out of order” ! She likes to push the buttons, exploring unseen, taking us sci-fi tours, forcing us to use our brain parts that we never use before!
This book is not only mystery of missing magician or is not about magic! It’s also not only about parallel universes, astral travel, liminal vortex! It’s about sisterhood, love, resentments, rivalry, regrets, family, self growth, second chances!
This is one of the best mash up of different genres. It starts as a family drama, mystery and speculative sci-fi, fantasy, historical fiction ( true history of magicians) genres involve into equation.
The writing style was fascinating. Instead of Sasha’s POV, we follow up the background stories and characterization of Violet V via Cameron Frank’s podcasts, the letters of Sasha and her husband Gabriel written for Violet, the articles, the website emphasizing Violet’s a big fraud, the emails between Cameron, the studio representative who pushes him to convince Sasha for interview and Cameron’s other correspondences with a mysterious guy who gives important and top secret information about Viola’s disappearance and Quinn’s ( Violet’s niece) emails: she’s digging out to find out what her parents Sasha and Gabriel keeps from her about her eccentric aunt!
Let’s take a quick look to this brilliant and unconventional plot:
Sasha inherited her mother’s hair salon, staying in the same town, living in the same house, keeping the same phone number with the hope of reconnecting with her sister: the famous Violet Volk who vanished in mid-act at the theater ten years ago without a trace.
There are theories that she was running away from dangerous people or she’s involved in illegal activities. Some people still think she planned this all to be immortal. But her sister Sasha keeps secrets about her for years, rejecting to talk about sister even though Cameron Frank-the famous podcaster making special ten episodes for the anniversary of her sister’s disappearance pushes harder to make an interview with her.
Sasha’s daughter Quinn who is about to leave the house for college acts suspicious about her mother’s actions. She’s sure her mother doesn’t tell her everything about their family.
As we read more: we learn so many new things about eccentric Violet Volk: she’s attention seeker. She knows how to impress people. She’s diva. The people think she’s the pure magic. She’s relentless, straightforward, provocative, volatile! She is not ashamed of who she is. But that brings out the biggest question: who is the real Violet Volk? Did she recreate herself? Is she an illusion? Is she big fat liar, a fraud? Or is she a person trying too hard to find her place in the earth?
I loved polar opposites sisters love-hate relationship!! I loved the gripping, mysterious, engaging story telling! Even though my head hurts, the book absolutely earned five fantastic sci-fi, magical disappearance stars from me!
So many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for sharing this amazing digital reviewer in exchange my honest opinions.
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I’m a little dizzy, dazzled, confused after this readathon ( I couldn’t stop reading and I’m out of breath and grey cells right now) But this is so obvious to suffer from those side effects after reading second book of “Oona out of order” ! She likes to push the buttons, exploring unseen, taking us sci-fi tours, forcing us to use our brain parts that we never use before!
This book is not only mystery of missing magician or is not about magic! It’s also not only about parallel universes, astral travel, liminal vortex! It’s about sisterhood, love, resentments, rivalry, regrets, family, self growth, second chances!
This is one of the best mash up of different genres. It starts as a family drama, mystery and speculative sci-fi, fantasy, historical fiction ( true history of magicians) genres involve into equation.
The writing style was fascinating. Instead of Sasha’s POV, we follow up the background stories and characterization of Violet V via Cameron Frank’s podcasts, the letters of Sasha and her husband Gabriel written for Violet, the articles, the website emphasizing Violet’s a big fraud, the emails between Cameron, the studio representative who pushes him to convince Sasha for interview and Cameron’s other correspondences with a mysterious guy who gives important and top secret information about Viola’s disappearance and Quinn’s ( Violet’s niece) emails: she’s digging out to find out what her parents Sasha and Gabriel keeps from her about her eccentric aunt!
Let’s take a quick look to this brilliant and unconventional plot:
Sasha inherited her mother’s hair salon, staying in the same town, living in the same house, keeping the same phone number with the hope of reconnecting with her sister: the famous Violet Volk who vanished in mid-act at the theater ten years ago without a trace.
There are theories that she was running away from dangerous people or she’s involved in illegal activities. Some people still think she planned this all to be immortal. But her sister Sasha keeps secrets about her for years, rejecting to talk about sister even though Cameron Frank-the famous podcaster making special ten episodes for the anniversary of her sister’s disappearance pushes harder to make an interview with her.
Sasha’s daughter Quinn who is about to leave the house for college acts suspicious about her mother’s actions. She’s sure her mother doesn’t tell her everything about their family.
As we read more: we learn so many new things about eccentric Violet Volk: she’s attention seeker. She knows how to impress people. She’s diva. The people think she’s the pure magic. She’s relentless, straightforward, provocative, volatile! She is not ashamed of who she is. But that brings out the biggest question: who is the real Violet Volk? Did she recreate herself? Is she an illusion? Is she big fat liar, a fraud? Or is she a person trying too hard to find her place in the earth?
I loved polar opposites sisters love-hate relationship!! I loved the gripping, mysterious, engaging story telling! Even though my head hurts, the book absolutely earned five fantastic sci-fi, magical disappearance stars from me!
So many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for sharing this amazing digital reviewer in exchange my honest opinions.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
June 12, 2022
3.5*
A magician that disappears!? Beat that, Houdini!🎩🐇🪄
Violet Volk was a famous magician. Picking up magic tricks as a child she was immediately hooked! Creating magic was her passion and performing her tricks gave her the chance to do what she loved the most.
Until the day she vanished….
It’s now the ten year anniversary of her disappearance and Cameron Frank is hoping his podcast featuring the disappearance will give him the boost he needs in his career. If only he can get Violets’ family to get on board.
I’m split down the middle on this one.
What worked:
* loved the large cast of narrators. The more the merrier. (imo)
* I thought the podcast sections were well done and had a completely different sound quality with real depth.
What fell short:
* I thought it was too long. And moved at a crawl.
* Let down by the ending.
I think anyone who enjoys multiple narrators and a podcast format will enjoy this audio 🎧
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
A magician that disappears!? Beat that, Houdini!🎩🐇🪄
Violet Volk was a famous magician. Picking up magic tricks as a child she was immediately hooked! Creating magic was her passion and performing her tricks gave her the chance to do what she loved the most.
Until the day she vanished….
It’s now the ten year anniversary of her disappearance and Cameron Frank is hoping his podcast featuring the disappearance will give him the boost he needs in his career. If only he can get Violets’ family to get on board.
I’m split down the middle on this one.
What worked:
* loved the large cast of narrators. The more the merrier. (imo)
* I thought the podcast sections were well done and had a completely different sound quality with real depth.
What fell short:
* I thought it was too long. And moved at a crawl.
* Let down by the ending.
I think anyone who enjoys multiple narrators and a podcast format will enjoy this audio 🎧
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
June 22, 2022
I had high hopes for this one. The title is clever and I looked forward to the audiobook with its stellar cast. And it was a fabulous production. The combo of podcast and other media like emails and text messages with the narrative from the past and present was compelling. What happened to Violet Volk??? Unfortunately the story itself is lacking and the end is much too abrupt and just weird. If I had read this in print, I would have awarded just three stars. The audio production earns an additional star.
A big thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A big thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2022
2.75 rounded up... I can't even believe I finished this & probably shouldn't have - I kept reading to find out what happened to the title character & was so, so very disappointed by the ending. Most of the characters were rather unlikeable and this just kept dragging on & on. Can't recommend at all...
September 28, 2022
About halfway through, I remember thinking to myself "my rating is going to depend a lot on what we find out about Violet's disappearance." And it does.
This story has a lot of moving parts and some complicated relationships. The core relationship is between the missing Violet and her sister Sasha. There's bad blood between them and the story spends the most time establishing the layers of that relationship. The push and pull of rivalry, competition, care, and past hurts. Since Violet is absent from the story (except for a brief appearance at the end that I'll get to), Sasha is by far the most intimate picture of her and that is not a flattering view. Which is why, in the middle of the story, I wondered why we should care beyond maybe a little closure. Which is when the story turned into a logical puzzle for me rather than one where I cared about Violet for herself.
And at least the puzzle was an interesting one. Um. Until you find out and then it turns out it wasn't that interesting after all. At least to me. The author dances around a lot and waves a lot of moving pieces around with the different viewpoints and vignettes and voices telling what they know of Violet. And there's some skullduggery as well that was interesting (until we get to the reveal and it wasn't so much). So the dancing around is entertaining. Violet is an interesting person and getting the layers of her manufactured personas and all these different perspectives of her was engaging.
Less engaging was Sasha's sanctimonious daughter, Quinn. She's the epitome of the wise millennial letting all the adults know what's virtuous and good. Only the author took all the possible shortcuts with her vegan this and environmental that and the haughty lectures about resources and consciousness. Is there a stock of these characters in some warehouse, somewhere? Any chance we can set fire to that thing and make authors go the long-way around to signal character virtue? Yes, yes, Quinn is great and how dare these adults try to have any input whatsoever about her in any way. Sigh.
Anyway, the mystery turns out to be none of the interesting options and instead leans into the and now Sasha is fine with things and happy whatever. So it was the cheapest possible option, is what I'm saying.
So yeah, I'm not a fan of the final reveal. I'm going to give this three stars because I was entertained along the way, even if the payoff was weak. I get the feeling that this is supposed to be deep and say things about the masks we wear and how we manufacture our self-image all the time or something. But it's the kind of deep you get in freshman dorms before they've learned anything useful and want to impress each other or in bars just as everyone settles in for the duration and someone asks "hey, am I really me, or am I just who I think is me?" I wasn't drunk enough to find it deep, I suppose.
A note about the audiobook: The audio production is fantastic, with a lot of talented actors contributing to the work. It really worked and worked well, even if the deepthroat guy was way creepier than I liked. I definitely recommend that if you're going to take a shot at this, that you get the audiobook version.
A note about Chaste: There's no sex in this. Violet is a promiscuous, polyamorous bisexual and they talk a lot about her various exploits, but not in explicit terms. So I consider this pretty chaste.
This story has a lot of moving parts and some complicated relationships. The core relationship is between the missing Violet and her sister Sasha. There's bad blood between them and the story spends the most time establishing the layers of that relationship. The push and pull of rivalry, competition, care, and past hurts. Since Violet is absent from the story (except for a brief appearance at the end that I'll get to), Sasha is by far the most intimate picture of her and that is not a flattering view. Which is why, in the middle of the story, I wondered why we should care beyond maybe a little closure. Which is when the story turned into a logical puzzle for me rather than one where I cared about Violet for herself.
And at least the puzzle was an interesting one. Um. Until you find out and then it turns out it wasn't that interesting after all. At least to me. The author dances around a lot and waves a lot of moving pieces around with the different viewpoints and vignettes and voices telling what they know of Violet. And there's some skullduggery as well that was interesting (until we get to the reveal and it wasn't so much). So the dancing around is entertaining. Violet is an interesting person and getting the layers of her manufactured personas and all these different perspectives of her was engaging.
Less engaging was Sasha's sanctimonious daughter, Quinn. She's the epitome of the wise millennial letting all the adults know what's virtuous and good. Only the author took all the possible shortcuts with her vegan this and environmental that and the haughty lectures about resources and consciousness. Is there a stock of these characters in some warehouse, somewhere? Any chance we can set fire to that thing and make authors go the long-way around to signal character virtue? Yes, yes, Quinn is great and how dare these adults try to have any input whatsoever about her in any way. Sigh.
Anyway, the mystery turns out to be none of the interesting options and instead leans into the and now Sasha is fine with things and happy whatever. So it was the cheapest possible option, is what I'm saying.
So yeah, I'm not a fan of the final reveal. I'm going to give this three stars because I was entertained along the way, even if the payoff was weak. I get the feeling that this is supposed to be deep and say things about the masks we wear and how we manufacture our self-image all the time or something. But it's the kind of deep you get in freshman dorms before they've learned anything useful and want to impress each other or in bars just as everyone settles in for the duration and someone asks "hey, am I really me, or am I just who I think is me?" I wasn't drunk enough to find it deep, I suppose.
A note about the audiobook: The audio production is fantastic, with a lot of talented actors contributing to the work. It really worked and worked well, even if the deepthroat guy was way creepier than I liked. I definitely recommend that if you're going to take a shot at this, that you get the audiobook version.
A note about Chaste: There's no sex in this. Violet is a promiscuous, polyamorous bisexual and they talk a lot about her various exploits, but not in explicit terms. So I consider this pretty chaste.
December 5, 2025
This author is not your typical contemporary author. She writes outside of the box. She challenges readers to look at the world differently and maybe just imagine that anything can happen because magic makes it possible. If you haven’t read her yet, consider her previous book, “Oona Out of Order.” Review below, if interested.
This story is told through varying formats. Flashbacks. Podcast transcripts. Emails. Letters. Interviews. Newspaper articles. And, a narration by Sasha, the sister of Violet.
And, for all those characters who write, speak or reflect within this story, there is an underlying question throughout – what happened to Violet? The next question being, will readers ever know what happened to Violet by the end of the book? (No spoilers from me.)
Quick read with a bit of mystery, and family drama and an unfortunate abrupt and ambiguous ending.
Oona Out of Order Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This story is told through varying formats. Flashbacks. Podcast transcripts. Emails. Letters. Interviews. Newspaper articles. And, a narration by Sasha, the sister of Violet.
And, for all those characters who write, speak or reflect within this story, there is an underlying question throughout – what happened to Violet? The next question being, will readers ever know what happened to Violet by the end of the book? (No spoilers from me.)
Quick read with a bit of mystery, and family drama and an unfortunate abrupt and ambiguous ending.
Oona Out of Order Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 22, 2021
ACTS OF VIOLET is fresh, fun and fascinating escapism about the ultimate escape artist--I couldn't put it down as I tried to stay on top of Montimore's authorial sleight of hand. As with her bestselling debut, this is another skillful blend of genres, from moving family drama and twisty thriller to insightful social commentary on fame, feminism, magic and media. Smart, suspenseful and always tantalizing, ACTS OF VIOLET will be your perfect summer read.
January 26, 2023
3.75⭐ for originality
I am a big fan of magicians, so I was excited for this one.
Violet is a famous magician that mysteriously vanished during an act. Was it intentional or did something sinister happen?
Now it's the 10 year anniversary of her disappearance and people want answers, well most people. Her estranged sister, Sasha, isn't too keen on learning what happened to Violet. Nor is she keen on speaking to Cameron, the podcast host. Can he convince her to be interviewed and maybe solve this mystery together?
The podcast transcripts of what fans and haters thought of Violet was my favorite part.
I am so glad I listened to this one! I enjoyed everything about the audio, especially the extra sound effects that made the story come alive. Fabulous performance by Brittany Pressley, Amy McFadden, Dan Bittner, Fred Berman, Hillary Huber, Johnny Heller, Katharine Chin, Ramon de Ocampo, Suzanne Toren, and Alejandro Ruiz. I love when there are multiple narrators because it makes the story flow along nicely. On the longer side at 11 hours and 9 minutes, but easy to follow at 2x. Definitely listen to this one if you can.
Overall, I was really invested in the story and I just had to know what happened to Violet. I am happyish with how it all played out. I'd be excited to read/listen to more work from this author in the future.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio USA, Margarita Montimore and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
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I am a big fan of magicians, so I was excited for this one.
Violet is a famous magician that mysteriously vanished during an act. Was it intentional or did something sinister happen?
Now it's the 10 year anniversary of her disappearance and people want answers, well most people. Her estranged sister, Sasha, isn't too keen on learning what happened to Violet. Nor is she keen on speaking to Cameron, the podcast host. Can he convince her to be interviewed and maybe solve this mystery together?
The podcast transcripts of what fans and haters thought of Violet was my favorite part.
I am so glad I listened to this one! I enjoyed everything about the audio, especially the extra sound effects that made the story come alive. Fabulous performance by Brittany Pressley, Amy McFadden, Dan Bittner, Fred Berman, Hillary Huber, Johnny Heller, Katharine Chin, Ramon de Ocampo, Suzanne Toren, and Alejandro Ruiz. I love when there are multiple narrators because it makes the story flow along nicely. On the longer side at 11 hours and 9 minutes, but easy to follow at 2x. Definitely listen to this one if you can.
Overall, I was really invested in the story and I just had to know what happened to Violet. I am happyish with how it all played out. I'd be excited to read/listen to more work from this author in the future.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio USA, Margarita Montimore and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
May 15, 2025
Intricately woven and masterfully paced, Acts of Violet is the story of a world-famous magician gone missing. Creating characters that are simultaneously self-absorbed and endearing might be a tall order in a lesser writer’s hands, but Montimore rises to the challenge and then some. I read the whole thing in forty-eight hours, so desperate was I to solve this hypnotic, striking mystery. This one is not to be missed.
November 8, 2022
4.5 rounded up to 5 for GR! HIGHLY reco this as an audiobook 🙌🏼🎧 it has a full cast (hello, DAISY JONES & THE SIX vibes) and is also written partly as a podcast which makes it so easy and interesting to digest.
also… i truly do not understand the bad reviews this book is getting?!?!?! it was SO creative—a woman magician who is infamous and a trailblazer in the male-dominated industry goes missing in the middle of a magic show. is she dead? is it all an act? i mean cmon!!!! i was hooked from the first chapter and found myself listening to it every time i had 10-15 minutes to kill.
i really really liked this book. only two issues—the middle dragged a bit for me and i didn’t really love the main female MC/sister of the missing magician. but i was thinking of this book every time i put it down.
the ending is what seems to make it or break it for people… but i asked every person who didn’t like the ending what they wanted to happen instead and they couldn’t give an answer soOooOooOo 🤔 i didn’t have an issue with it at all! like most of the book, it was creative and almost all of my questions were answered and i was still surprised. that’s all i’m saying 🤐
pick this up on audio, go in with an open mind and you’ll enjoy it… and thank me later 💖🫶🏼
also… i truly do not understand the bad reviews this book is getting?!?!?! it was SO creative—a woman magician who is infamous and a trailblazer in the male-dominated industry goes missing in the middle of a magic show. is she dead? is it all an act? i mean cmon!!!! i was hooked from the first chapter and found myself listening to it every time i had 10-15 minutes to kill.
i really really liked this book. only two issues—the middle dragged a bit for me and i didn’t really love the main female MC/sister of the missing magician. but i was thinking of this book every time i put it down.
the ending is what seems to make it or break it for people… but i asked every person who didn’t like the ending what they wanted to happen instead and they couldn’t give an answer soOooOooOo 🤔 i didn’t have an issue with it at all! like most of the book, it was creative and almost all of my questions were answered and i was still surprised. that’s all i’m saying 🤐
pick this up on audio, go in with an open mind and you’ll enjoy it… and thank me later 💖🫶🏼
July 22, 2022
Okay, firstly, I listened to the audio and it was fantastic! Very entertaining with noise effects and all sorts of different people narrating! This story follows the disappearance of Violet Volk, a female magician of famed notoriety, both for her astounding magical abilities and her off-stage antics. After nearly a decade of her being gone, we start the story with Sasha, her sister.
Sasha lived on the fringes of Violet’s spotlight her whole life, and loved her little family and quiet life. This story is told back and forth in time through a series of interviews, podcasts, articles, emails, letters, and from Sasha’s long suffering perspective.
I really enjoyed all of the different perspectives! It takes quiet a while to get there, but by the end of things, despite finding Violet to be deeply unlikeable and finding Sasha to be a martyr and self-pitying, I did eventually enjoy the conclusion.
Having said that, if I read this instead of listening to the audio, I doubt that I would have stayed so entertained. I highly recommend listening to the audio if you read this, it really helped with the pacing and being pulled in to the story that I would have found the hard copy lacking!
Sasha lived on the fringes of Violet’s spotlight her whole life, and loved her little family and quiet life. This story is told back and forth in time through a series of interviews, podcasts, articles, emails, letters, and from Sasha’s long suffering perspective.
I really enjoyed all of the different perspectives! It takes quiet a while to get there, but by the end of things, despite finding Violet to be deeply unlikeable and finding Sasha to be a martyr and self-pitying, I did eventually enjoy the conclusion.
Having said that, if I read this instead of listening to the audio, I doubt that I would have stayed so entertained. I highly recommend listening to the audio if you read this, it really helped with the pacing and being pulled in to the story that I would have found the hard copy lacking!
August 2, 2022
If you can get the audio book of this book I would highly recommend. It has an array of different characters and since it’s based on a podcast and a disappearance I was highly invested in this read. This will be a book that either you will love or you will not but I really enjoyed it.
May 11, 2022
What a pleasantly magical surprise! Heading into ACTS OF VIOLET I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m glad I decided to pick this one up.
Violet Volk is notorious for her successful career as a magician, but the circumstances surrounding her mysterious public disappearance has left her fans utterly baffled. Violet’s life is an enigma to those who followed her career, but even her own family can’t fully grasp who the real Violet is.
Much like Montimore’s debut novel, OONA OUT OF ORDER, her latest release is uniquely fresh and this genre-bending novel is difficult to peg down. While there is a solid mystery with elements of magical realism, at its heart this is a story of sisterhood and the repercussions of living in the limelight.
If you’re looking for an audiobook for those summer strolls, ACTS OF VIOLET will certainly deliver. The story truly came alive with a full cast audio recording. The podcast transcripts and background sound effects added so much to the story. I’d highly recommend this format!
ACTS OF VIOLET raises some interesting questions and aspects are left up for interpretation making this a fantastic summer book club selection!
RATING: 4/5
PUBLICATION DATE: July 12, 2022
A big thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Violet Volk is notorious for her successful career as a magician, but the circumstances surrounding her mysterious public disappearance has left her fans utterly baffled. Violet’s life is an enigma to those who followed her career, but even her own family can’t fully grasp who the real Violet is.
Much like Montimore’s debut novel, OONA OUT OF ORDER, her latest release is uniquely fresh and this genre-bending novel is difficult to peg down. While there is a solid mystery with elements of magical realism, at its heart this is a story of sisterhood and the repercussions of living in the limelight.
If you’re looking for an audiobook for those summer strolls, ACTS OF VIOLET will certainly deliver. The story truly came alive with a full cast audio recording. The podcast transcripts and background sound effects added so much to the story. I’d highly recommend this format!
ACTS OF VIOLET raises some interesting questions and aspects are left up for interpretation making this a fantastic summer book club selection!
RATING: 4/5
PUBLICATION DATE: July 12, 2022
A big thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2022
I read Oona Out of Order in 2020 and loved it. It was exactly the escapist fun that I needed at the time. When I saw that Margarita Montimore had a new book coming out, I knew I had to read it. Special thank you to Flatiron for an advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
Acts of Violet was FANTASTIC.
The format is a family drama story interspersed with podcast episodes, newspaper headlines, and interviews. It’s a bit like Daisy Jones… but less VH1 Behind the Music and more True Crime podcast.
The writing is compulsively readable. To me, Montimore’s writing is the kind of writing that pulls me out of a reading slump and doesn’t let me put it down. She is now an auto buy author for me.
I enjoyed this book a lot! The ending threw me a bit, but it didn’t change the reading enjoyment. Rounding up to 5 stars.
Acts of Violet was FANTASTIC.
The format is a family drama story interspersed with podcast episodes, newspaper headlines, and interviews. It’s a bit like Daisy Jones… but less VH1 Behind the Music and more True Crime podcast.
The writing is compulsively readable. To me, Montimore’s writing is the kind of writing that pulls me out of a reading slump and doesn’t let me put it down. She is now an auto buy author for me.
I enjoyed this book a lot! The ending threw me a bit, but it didn’t change the reading enjoyment. Rounding up to 5 stars.
June 30, 2022
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired and on bookstagram.
I just don't think it's possible for me to give this a normal review, because I just want to buy 100,000 copies of the audiobook of Acts of Violet and give it to everyone I know. While the book itself is just phenomenal, an instant 5 star for me, the audiobook takes it into the ten star category. It's like listening to an actual podcast, one that I would have instantly subscribed to and waited impatiently for.
Violet Volk is a famous, elusive magician and Sasha is her normal sister. Only, nothing is normal about the Volks, not since Violet performed her final magic trick, disappearing into thin air, never to be seen again. The ten year anniversary of her final trick is coming up, it's a time that Sasha dreads and Violet's fans, included Sasha's daughter, look forward to with endless hope for her return. With the anticipation heightened and the date looming, someone has started a hashtag that alludes to Violet's return and it brings up all the feelings Sasha has long buried. With a podcast covering her disappearance and the search for her after, Sasha must confront her feelings about the past and the magic within her she's long denied.
Acts of Violet was one of the most joyful audiobooks I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. There's music, multiple narrators, and, of course, Margarita Montimore's incredible story at the heart of it all. The plot is unique, the characters fully developed, and the storyline told through multiple formats, which kept me engaged from start to finish. Switching between present, past, podcasts, and emails, Montimore takes readers through a memorable journey about Violet, told by those closest to her. We see the everlasting impact she's left on their lives and the hole that her leaving has left. While it seems quite ominous, the heart of the story is what really moved me as I read and it's one you must discover yourself.
With lighthearted humor and familial relationships that moved me to tears, Acts of Violet is a multifaceted story that I will never forget. It's the kind of book that feels like you could read again and again, it could never get old. Even better, for those, like me, who want something fresh and new, Montimore has done that with Acts of Violet. It's realistic and fantastical, with incredible references to slight of hands and magic tied in with the real life magic of self, love, family, and friendships. I cannot say enough good things about this book, I am just so flabbergasted by how fun it was. Acts of Violet is impossible to forget, impossible not to love, and a truly standout 2022 release.
ARC provided.
I just don't think it's possible for me to give this a normal review, because I just want to buy 100,000 copies of the audiobook of Acts of Violet and give it to everyone I know. While the book itself is just phenomenal, an instant 5 star for me, the audiobook takes it into the ten star category. It's like listening to an actual podcast, one that I would have instantly subscribed to and waited impatiently for.
Violet Volk is a famous, elusive magician and Sasha is her normal sister. Only, nothing is normal about the Volks, not since Violet performed her final magic trick, disappearing into thin air, never to be seen again. The ten year anniversary of her final trick is coming up, it's a time that Sasha dreads and Violet's fans, included Sasha's daughter, look forward to with endless hope for her return. With the anticipation heightened and the date looming, someone has started a hashtag that alludes to Violet's return and it brings up all the feelings Sasha has long buried. With a podcast covering her disappearance and the search for her after, Sasha must confront her feelings about the past and the magic within her she's long denied.
Acts of Violet was one of the most joyful audiobooks I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. There's music, multiple narrators, and, of course, Margarita Montimore's incredible story at the heart of it all. The plot is unique, the characters fully developed, and the storyline told through multiple formats, which kept me engaged from start to finish. Switching between present, past, podcasts, and emails, Montimore takes readers through a memorable journey about Violet, told by those closest to her. We see the everlasting impact she's left on their lives and the hole that her leaving has left. While it seems quite ominous, the heart of the story is what really moved me as I read and it's one you must discover yourself.
With lighthearted humor and familial relationships that moved me to tears, Acts of Violet is a multifaceted story that I will never forget. It's the kind of book that feels like you could read again and again, it could never get old. Even better, for those, like me, who want something fresh and new, Montimore has done that with Acts of Violet. It's realistic and fantastical, with incredible references to slight of hands and magic tied in with the real life magic of self, love, family, and friendships. I cannot say enough good things about this book, I am just so flabbergasted by how fun it was. Acts of Violet is impossible to forget, impossible not to love, and a truly standout 2022 release.
ARC provided.
July 22, 2022
this book is truly MAGICAL!! seriously confused by the low-ish goodreads rating? i can see how some aspects may not be everyone's cup of tea, but i drank it up!
Violet Volk wasn't your average magician, she was a superstar! but her greatest act was the last one she performed, when she disappeared during a live show, never to be seen again. set in the 90s and early 2000s, this story follows multiple characters and timelines surrounding Violet to discover what actually happened to her. was this part of an illusion for her to leave the spotlight? was there foul play? was it another illusion gone wrong? or does she possess actual magic?
this book touches on grief, sisterhood, limelight, family, rivalry, and so much more. the author did a fabulous job infusing multiple genres and creating an utterly unique story that will leave you wanting more. if you are able to, i HIGHLY recommend listening to the audiobook.
Violet Volk wasn't your average magician, she was a superstar! but her greatest act was the last one she performed, when she disappeared during a live show, never to be seen again. set in the 90s and early 2000s, this story follows multiple characters and timelines surrounding Violet to discover what actually happened to her. was this part of an illusion for her to leave the spotlight? was there foul play? was it another illusion gone wrong? or does she possess actual magic?
this book touches on grief, sisterhood, limelight, family, rivalry, and so much more. the author did a fabulous job infusing multiple genres and creating an utterly unique story that will leave you wanting more. if you are able to, i HIGHLY recommend listening to the audiobook.
January 14, 2022
Part mystery, part family drama, Acts of Violet is all magic. Best selling author Margarita Montimore brilliantly combines first person narrative, podcast transcripts, personal letters, and more to create a story that’s impossible to put down about what happens when the world’s most famous magician vanishes and leaves her sister to deal with the aftermath. Much like one of Violet’s magic tricks, you’ll find yourself in awe until the final reveal.
June 13, 2022
SAD FACE SIGH :(.
.
I LOVED Oona Out of Order. Loved. It was one of my top books of 2020. So, seeing that Montimore was coming out with a new novel, I was absolutely PSYCHED. Plus, this premise is dynamite - cue increased heart rate and anticipation galore!
.
However - I did not enjoy this book. I hate saying that because I feel like it had so much potential, but sadly, it just never went anywhere? And I am not sure I even understand what did happen. What I felt was mystery and intrigue was never solved, and never explained. Maybe that was the purpose? But I didnt dig it.
.
What I did like was the audiobook! This is a full cast and the narrators are brilliant, so major props to that. I'm off to read other reviews and see if maybe there is a different perspective or I missed something. But for right now, I am just majorly bummed about it all.
.
I LOVED Oona Out of Order. Loved. It was one of my top books of 2020. So, seeing that Montimore was coming out with a new novel, I was absolutely PSYCHED. Plus, this premise is dynamite - cue increased heart rate and anticipation galore!
.
However - I did not enjoy this book. I hate saying that because I feel like it had so much potential, but sadly, it just never went anywhere? And I am not sure I even understand what did happen. What I felt was mystery and intrigue was never solved, and never explained. Maybe that was the purpose? But I didnt dig it.
.
What I did like was the audiobook! This is a full cast and the narrators are brilliant, so major props to that. I'm off to read other reviews and see if maybe there is a different perspective or I missed something. But for right now, I am just majorly bummed about it all.
September 11, 2022
I was so excited to read ACTS OF VIOLET after reading author Margarita Montimore’s previous novel, Oona Out Of Order and having it become a favorite book of 2020 for me.
While I didn’t have the physical copy, I listened to the audiobook and loved that it featured a diverse cast of narrators that really brought the story to life, including Brittany Pressley, Amy McFadden, Dan Bittner, Fred Berman, Hillary Huber, Johnny Heller, Katharine Chin, Ramon de Ocampo, Suzanne Toren, and Alejandro Ruiz.
The audiobook was completely immersive and took the reader on quite the journey, making it a great escape read once again.
*many thanks to Flatiron/Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review
While I didn’t have the physical copy, I listened to the audiobook and loved that it featured a diverse cast of narrators that really brought the story to life, including Brittany Pressley, Amy McFadden, Dan Bittner, Fred Berman, Hillary Huber, Johnny Heller, Katharine Chin, Ramon de Ocampo, Suzanne Toren, and Alejandro Ruiz.
The audiobook was completely immersive and took the reader on quite the journey, making it a great escape read once again.
*many thanks to Flatiron/Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review
January 23, 2022
a very different book for me and I’m so happy I took the chance on it 😄 full review to come 🥰
September 8, 2022
All build-up, no payoff. So disappointing. A fabulous concept squandered by mediocrity.
June 16, 2022
Ok so this is a tough one for me to mentally pin down because I loved a lot of bits of it but it just didn’t end up working for me entirely. I absolutely loved the mixed media format of storytelling, we get letters, emails, a podcast script, news reports as well as a more traditional narrative interwoven together. It made for a really interesting listen and I very much enjoyed the voice acting from the audiobook that made the podcast interviews sound like interviews and all the different character voices. It was super fun that way.
However, something just didn’t quite mesh for me and unfortunately, I think it was just that I didn’t end up liking Violet herself so couldn’t really care about her disappearance in any way.
Acts of Violet follows the ten year anniversary of the disappearance of Violet Volt, a popular stage magician who went missing right in the middle of a show. Violet left behind a sister with her own family and many fans who speculate about what might have happened to the seemingly magical woman.
We are mostly following the story from the sister’s point of view. She is a regular person who wasn’t on the best terms with Violet when she disappeared and now finds herself harassed for her method of grief and seeming inaction and non-support in finding her sister. She’s a likable if kind of dull main character.
I think however, we are supposed to be fascinated and intrigued by the stories of Violet and I just wasn’t. She seemed completely unlikable to me in almost any scenario she was in and maybe its because I hate toxic family, but I just couldn’t deal with her. I hated that her sister wouldn’t speak ill of her so strongly to her own daughter that her daughter turned on her. Like you can talk bad about bad people. There is a reason you kept them apart just tell your daughter.
I really don’t want to get into spoilers and what not so I will avoid talking about the general plot too much but it was pretty interesting in a vague way but well telegraphed to me at least what would be happening. The format definitely kept the mystery more interesting though so I really did enjoy that.
I will also say this: it's, I guess, pretty minor but I noticed it and found it kind of weird: Montimore included some diversity in this book with LGBT+ relationships which is nice. However, her Bi/Pan characters all have terrible relationships that include non-monogamy. All of them. While the one straight relationship at the center was healthy and monogamous. This isn’t the best representation or really what I want to see exclusively for my LGBT rep. Not a big issue but maybe do better next time!
Otherwise, I still found the story pretty interesting but I just didn’t quite love it. There were tons of elements I should love but didn’t all connect the dots. I think if you loved Oona out of Order you could love this and I think its worth a shot if you like the style and the premise. The audiobook was great with multiple narrators.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
However, something just didn’t quite mesh for me and unfortunately, I think it was just that I didn’t end up liking Violet herself so couldn’t really care about her disappearance in any way.
Acts of Violet follows the ten year anniversary of the disappearance of Violet Volt, a popular stage magician who went missing right in the middle of a show. Violet left behind a sister with her own family and many fans who speculate about what might have happened to the seemingly magical woman.
We are mostly following the story from the sister’s point of view. She is a regular person who wasn’t on the best terms with Violet when she disappeared and now finds herself harassed for her method of grief and seeming inaction and non-support in finding her sister. She’s a likable if kind of dull main character.
I think however, we are supposed to be fascinated and intrigued by the stories of Violet and I just wasn’t. She seemed completely unlikable to me in almost any scenario she was in and maybe its because I hate toxic family, but I just couldn’t deal with her. I hated that her sister wouldn’t speak ill of her so strongly to her own daughter that her daughter turned on her. Like you can talk bad about bad people. There is a reason you kept them apart just tell your daughter.
I really don’t want to get into spoilers and what not so I will avoid talking about the general plot too much but it was pretty interesting in a vague way but well telegraphed to me at least what would be happening. The format definitely kept the mystery more interesting though so I really did enjoy that.
I will also say this: it's, I guess, pretty minor but I noticed it and found it kind of weird: Montimore included some diversity in this book with LGBT+ relationships which is nice. However, her Bi/Pan characters all have terrible relationships that include non-monogamy. All of them. While the one straight relationship at the center was healthy and monogamous. This isn’t the best representation or really what I want to see exclusively for my LGBT rep. Not a big issue but maybe do better next time!
Otherwise, I still found the story pretty interesting but I just didn’t quite love it. There were tons of elements I should love but didn’t all connect the dots. I think if you loved Oona out of Order you could love this and I think its worth a shot if you like the style and the premise. The audiobook was great with multiple narrators.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
June 1, 2022
I received this book from Flatiron Books through a Goodreads Giveaway.
More than anything else I found this book to be incredibly boring. I can typically finish a book in 1-3 days and this one took me 3 weeks because I kept putting it down again. I kept waiting for something to happen and it never really did. The ending was unsatisfying and even from a science fiction perspective, did not make sense. The characters were childish and annoying. I kept forgetting that Quinn was supposed to be a senior in college because she is written like a 13 year old. I found the multiple perspectives and different media to be distracting and unnecessary. This book read like nonfiction, but of course it was all made up.
This was simply not at all what I expected and I had to force myself to finish it. Not for me, sorry!
More than anything else I found this book to be incredibly boring. I can typically finish a book in 1-3 days and this one took me 3 weeks because I kept putting it down again. I kept waiting for something to happen and it never really did. The ending was unsatisfying and even from a science fiction perspective, did not make sense. The characters were childish and annoying. I kept forgetting that Quinn was supposed to be a senior in college because she is written like a 13 year old. I found the multiple perspectives and different media to be distracting and unnecessary. This book read like nonfiction, but of course it was all made up.
This was simply not at all what I expected and I had to force myself to finish it. Not for me, sorry!
June 24, 2022
3.5 stars
Violet Volk is a charismatic, cryptic, cunning magician who is always in the spotlight for one reason or another. No one can deny her showmanship and magical abilities, but who truly knows Violet? Certainly not her family.
When she disappears during a stage show, the world is set agog. Upon the eve of the 10 year anniversary of her disappearance, her mystery is still a hot topic; the public sensationalist reaction one that her sister and family could do without and were hoping put behind them. But the mystifying nature of Violet’s disappearance is haunting her sister Sasha, who is struggling with not only her traumatic and estranged relationship with her sister, but also her own bizarre occurrence of some form of sleepwalking.
This unusual magic realism story is rather unorthodox in its plot. It’s part family drama, part mystery with fantastical elements, with sci-fi flourishes mixed in. I listened to this story courtesy of NetGalley and MacMillan Audio and the assortment of voices really made for a realistic and impactful listening experience. The format of the book provides podcast episodes, newspaper articles and interviews, in addition to multiple points of view.
I did find the pace a bit slow at some points and wasn’t personally a fan of the amount of expletives and ample discussion of sexual orientation. I found some characters to be rather frustrating and didn’t fully understand Sasha’s stubborn reticence to any discussion with her adult daughter about Violet, especially when it was causing a rift between them.
The plot raises various questions and issues, but ultimately is leading up to a grand final reveal. Unfortunately, I found the conclusion to be rather abrupt, unbelievable and somewhat unsatisfying. The story was undoubtedly creative and unique, but also bizarre without much rhyme or reason. It was entertaining, but could have been so much more.
Violet Volk is a charismatic, cryptic, cunning magician who is always in the spotlight for one reason or another. No one can deny her showmanship and magical abilities, but who truly knows Violet? Certainly not her family.
When she disappears during a stage show, the world is set agog. Upon the eve of the 10 year anniversary of her disappearance, her mystery is still a hot topic; the public sensationalist reaction one that her sister and family could do without and were hoping put behind them. But the mystifying nature of Violet’s disappearance is haunting her sister Sasha, who is struggling with not only her traumatic and estranged relationship with her sister, but also her own bizarre occurrence of some form of sleepwalking.
This unusual magic realism story is rather unorthodox in its plot. It’s part family drama, part mystery with fantastical elements, with sci-fi flourishes mixed in. I listened to this story courtesy of NetGalley and MacMillan Audio and the assortment of voices really made for a realistic and impactful listening experience. The format of the book provides podcast episodes, newspaper articles and interviews, in addition to multiple points of view.
I did find the pace a bit slow at some points and wasn’t personally a fan of the amount of expletives and ample discussion of sexual orientation. I found some characters to be rather frustrating and didn’t fully understand Sasha’s stubborn reticence to any discussion with her adult daughter about Violet, especially when it was causing a rift between them.
The plot raises various questions and issues, but ultimately is leading up to a grand final reveal. Unfortunately, I found the conclusion to be rather abrupt, unbelievable and somewhat unsatisfying. The story was undoubtedly creative and unique, but also bizarre without much rhyme or reason. It was entertaining, but could have been so much more.
July 5, 2022
The best books are written in a style that pays homage to their subjects...a con man book written like it's running a con, a mystery written mysteriously...or in this case, with the flourish of a magician pulling off a trick you can't quite figure out.
Almost nothing can be said about this book without giving something away, so I'll just say this...I was GLUED to the pages of this in a way I haven't been caught up in a mystery in so long I can't remember the last time. Most mysteries, no matter the genre they're in, I just don't...care that much about which way they turn out? This, I cared about deeply, compulsively. And more than that, I wanted to know Violet, the way you want to know a beautiful girl on a first date where you get a glimpse of a little...something about her. And you're desperate to know more.
The twist at the end is a thing of beauty. Because it twists in the way you expect, then the way you don't expect, and then it blasts them both out of the water and leaves you staring, bare and raw, into the face of your own assumptions about power and feminism.
It's a trick. It's real magic. This book is both.
Almost nothing can be said about this book without giving something away, so I'll just say this...I was GLUED to the pages of this in a way I haven't been caught up in a mystery in so long I can't remember the last time. Most mysteries, no matter the genre they're in, I just don't...care that much about which way they turn out? This, I cared about deeply, compulsively. And more than that, I wanted to know Violet, the way you want to know a beautiful girl on a first date where you get a glimpse of a little...something about her. And you're desperate to know more.
The twist at the end is a thing of beauty. Because it twists in the way you expect, then the way you don't expect, and then it blasts them both out of the water and leaves you staring, bare and raw, into the face of your own assumptions about power and feminism.
It's a trick. It's real magic. This book is both.
May 6, 2022
I really like how this is formatted, with podcast episodes woven throughout the story. I also like the premise of a magic act gone wrong and found the description as well as the beautiful cover to be huge draws to the novel. The story consists of a lot of build-up to a reveal at the end, a style that I find works best with a lot of suspense and a killer finale. I felt myself checking out a little bit during the book, but a great ending would’ve won me back. Unfortunately, the conclusion left a lot to be desired and made me roll my eyes so hard.
I listened to an audiobook of this novel. I liked the little sound effects that were used to distinguish podcast episodes from narrative parts and thought the narrators did well. It sounded like one of the narrators had a slight echo that made it somewhat difficult to comprehend their speech above 1.25x speed. Also, the warped voice used for an anonymous guest on the podcast was near impossible to understand.
I received an ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I listened to an audiobook of this novel. I liked the little sound effects that were used to distinguish podcast episodes from narrative parts and thought the narrators did well. It sounded like one of the narrators had a slight echo that made it somewhat difficult to comprehend their speech above 1.25x speed. Also, the warped voice used for an anonymous guest on the podcast was near impossible to understand.
I received an ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 4, 2022
3.5/5
I really enjoyed the fresh concept here, I’ve not read many books about magicians and definitely not many about one that disappears, and NOT as part of their act. So this one had me interested before I even started listening and it kept me engaged initially, but my interest waned as things progressed. Let me back up and speak to the audio version because it was really outstanding. You have a full cast narrating and since there are podcast episodes those were really well done. I think this format on audio really served to reel me in and as my lack of interest in the plot itself continued to decrease, I was so impressed by the narrators performances I felt like I had ti keep listening. In the end I struggled with wanting more, I was left feeling unsatisfied and that’s never the way I want to feel when I finish a book. So overall mixed feeling here, if you decide to try this yourself I highly recommend going the audio route!
I really enjoyed the fresh concept here, I’ve not read many books about magicians and definitely not many about one that disappears, and NOT as part of their act. So this one had me interested before I even started listening and it kept me engaged initially, but my interest waned as things progressed. Let me back up and speak to the audio version because it was really outstanding. You have a full cast narrating and since there are podcast episodes those were really well done. I think this format on audio really served to reel me in and as my lack of interest in the plot itself continued to decrease, I was so impressed by the narrators performances I felt like I had ti keep listening. In the end I struggled with wanting more, I was left feeling unsatisfied and that’s never the way I want to feel when I finish a book. So overall mixed feeling here, if you decide to try this yourself I highly recommend going the audio route!
May 28, 2024
"There aren't enough eye-rolls in the world."
Preach. I feel like my eyes got the best workout ever today. Problems wouldn't have existed if everyone just fucking talked to one another. Still, I enjoyed the heck out of this. The audiobook was really freaking good.
11/10 recommend.
June 3, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the audio version of this book. This book is not one I would normally pick out and read for myself. However I fell in love with the book cover and the name of the book. I am so happy I received the audio version of the book. I was able to really get the full experience the author was going for. I am impressed with the book and the sisters point of view and then the podcasters point of view. I highly highly recommend listening to the audio version of this book it really pulls the entire book together and makes it one of the best books I have listened to!!
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