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The Pale Chronicles #1
Barnum's Angel
GOLD AWARD, 2023 BEST HISTORICAL FANTASY
- The Historical Fiction Company, Book of the Year Awards
To some, Lily was just a beautiful little girl. To others, she was a freakish albino who ate live chickens in a freak show. Charles Darwin called her his impossible girl and tried in vain to classify her. P. T. Barnum called her his angel and tried to take advantage of her.
But the creature Barnum thought to turn into a money-making feature attraction is neither girl nor angel. She is something other, a species of unimaginable abilities, with the power to destroy—or save —our world. The power is hers alone, but only the strange blood coursing through her veins will decide when and how to unleash a power she struggles every day to control.
From the cold, barren shores of Tierra del Fuego and the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle to the bustling crowds of Victorian London, Lily's story—and her quest—unfolds in a thrilling historical fantasy for all ages from award-winning author Len Boswell.
- The Historical Fiction Company, Book of the Year Awards
To some, Lily was just a beautiful little girl. To others, she was a freakish albino who ate live chickens in a freak show. Charles Darwin called her his impossible girl and tried in vain to classify her. P. T. Barnum called her his angel and tried to take advantage of her.
But the creature Barnum thought to turn into a money-making feature attraction is neither girl nor angel. She is something other, a species of unimaginable abilities, with the power to destroy—or save —our world. The power is hers alone, but only the strange blood coursing through her veins will decide when and how to unleash a power she struggles every day to control.
From the cold, barren shores of Tierra del Fuego and the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle to the bustling crowds of Victorian London, Lily's story—and her quest—unfolds in a thrilling historical fantasy for all ages from award-winning author Len Boswell.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2022
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95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 3, 2023
Burnham’s angel is both a humorous historical fiction and a fantasy based on characteristics of well-known historical figures. We meet Charles Darwin and we get a personal view into what he’s like. The ambitious P. T. Barnum who runs the famous Barnum and Bailey Circus also plays a major role. This novel was written by the prolific Len Boswell.
Charles Darwin in his journey on the Beagle, makes collections of a number of different unique organisms. He encounters a mysterious figure who gives him an egg covered in barnacles that capture Darwin’s interest. He asks Darwin to take the egg back to England with him. During the journey Darwin loses the egg and thus begins the mystery. During a trip to the theatre to watch P.T. Barnum, Darwin sees the beautiful Lily transform into a horrific animal. Darwin ends up housing Lily and he conducts research with her permission to determine if she is a new species. In the meantime, Barnum, for different reasons, wants Lily to return to his circus. He engages the police who during their search encounter an individual who resembles Lily but behaves in a completely different manner.
The thing I love most about this book is the character development. We meet and become personally acquainted, with such famous figures as Charles Darwin, and P. T. Barnum. There is even a cameo appearances by Charles Dickens who is on the lookout for people upon which to base his characters. The story is a work of fiction but the known personality traits of these characters are incorporated into a fascinating work of fiction. This is a very unique approach.
The story of time is of a fascinating romp into a world of speciation, and whether or not, there are actually individuals of different species who live among us. How do they cope? How do they conceal themselves? On one side we have Darwin trying to define and help the species, while on the other side, Barnum is trying to exploit them. Fantasy it may be here, but the issue will be very real if a new species is ever discovered.
This is a fascinating novel, especially for those that know the characters and what they achieved in their lifetime. It is a personal look their personality traits and determination. I give this book a five on five mainly because it is unique and fascinating. I’d like to thank NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for providing me a digital copy of this work. I provide this review voluntarily.
Charles Darwin in his journey on the Beagle, makes collections of a number of different unique organisms. He encounters a mysterious figure who gives him an egg covered in barnacles that capture Darwin’s interest. He asks Darwin to take the egg back to England with him. During the journey Darwin loses the egg and thus begins the mystery. During a trip to the theatre to watch P.T. Barnum, Darwin sees the beautiful Lily transform into a horrific animal. Darwin ends up housing Lily and he conducts research with her permission to determine if she is a new species. In the meantime, Barnum, for different reasons, wants Lily to return to his circus. He engages the police who during their search encounter an individual who resembles Lily but behaves in a completely different manner.
The thing I love most about this book is the character development. We meet and become personally acquainted, with such famous figures as Charles Darwin, and P. T. Barnum. There is even a cameo appearances by Charles Dickens who is on the lookout for people upon which to base his characters. The story is a work of fiction but the known personality traits of these characters are incorporated into a fascinating work of fiction. This is a very unique approach.
The story of time is of a fascinating romp into a world of speciation, and whether or not, there are actually individuals of different species who live among us. How do they cope? How do they conceal themselves? On one side we have Darwin trying to define and help the species, while on the other side, Barnum is trying to exploit them. Fantasy it may be here, but the issue will be very real if a new species is ever discovered.
This is a fascinating novel, especially for those that know the characters and what they achieved in their lifetime. It is a personal look their personality traits and determination. I give this book a five on five mainly because it is unique and fascinating. I’d like to thank NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for providing me a digital copy of this work. I provide this review voluntarily.
September 22, 2022
Of all the subgenres of fantasy that I have never quite got, people who turn into dragons is probably the one that most perplexes me. I get dragons as dragons, be they intelligent or monstrous they are intriguing and majestic alpha predators (they're quite boring but they make sense). Equally I understand the story potential and emotional depth of lycanthropy, as metaphor and in and of itself - losing control, turning into a beast. But people turning into dragons - well its a bit like that 80's cartoon where a bloke turns into a car. Where do all the bits go?
If I had realised that Barnum's Angel was broadly related to that subgenre I probably wouldn't have read it. It turns out that it is trying its hardest to be grounded and real, and as such is trying to do a bit of counter-history by slipping its esoteric mutant heroine into a story with Charles Darwin and Barnum in it (and if you're going to be in Victorian London then Charles Dickens is bound to make an appearance). The basic story is that of a low key King Kong, freakshow performance gone wrong mixed with a slightly strange coming of age of this girl with wings who slowly gets stranger and stranger. The narrative is straightforward enough, and its a brisk read, but I still don't understand the broad appeal of the premise, and it is clearly the start of some kind of series which will have more dragon people and an endless battle for supremacy via mutating barnacles and.... well sorry I'm out.
If I had realised that Barnum's Angel was broadly related to that subgenre I probably wouldn't have read it. It turns out that it is trying its hardest to be grounded and real, and as such is trying to do a bit of counter-history by slipping its esoteric mutant heroine into a story with Charles Darwin and Barnum in it (and if you're going to be in Victorian London then Charles Dickens is bound to make an appearance). The basic story is that of a low key King Kong, freakshow performance gone wrong mixed with a slightly strange coming of age of this girl with wings who slowly gets stranger and stranger. The narrative is straightforward enough, and its a brisk read, but I still don't understand the broad appeal of the premise, and it is clearly the start of some kind of series which will have more dragon people and an endless battle for supremacy via mutating barnacles and.... well sorry I'm out.
October 7, 2022
The Best Book I’ve Read This Year
Len Boswell is a magnificent writer and Barnum’s Angel is his best novel yet. Set primarily in 1840s England, the novel unfolds a tale of the mysterious Lily, a beautiful young albino woman with wings and burgeoning powers. For the showman P.T. Barnum, Lily is the ultimate attraction; for Inspector Charles Field of Scotland Yard, she is his greatest work of police detection, and for the naturalist Charles Darwin, she is a daunting challenge to the intricate theories he is developing.
As a result, Lily serves as a curiosity in so many ways, ranging from base prurience to garden-variety entertainment to psychological rumination to scientific observation. While this novel is rife with intellectual and sociological intimations, Barnum’s Angel possesses two Boswell mainstays: it is funny and addictively readable. The scene at the Royal Pavilion Theatre in London is a stunner, a tour-de-force of tension, humor, perspective, and spectacle. In fact, the reader will find many encounters – whether they be at freak shows, in parlors, or at Darwin’s Down House – that are visibly thrilling and stylistically pithy.
The finger-waggling Inspector Field serves as a constant source of amusement as he doggedly moves the investigation forward with his droll cajoling and bullying. Field’s investigation draws all the players together, including the sword-wielding Abyssinian Biniam Sahle, who covets the flesh and bones of albinos, talismans said to be imbued with magical powers.
Beyond Barnum and Darwin, other historical notables of the era are wonderfully drawn, particularly that late night sardonic stroller Charles Dickens and the increasingly corpulent wit William Makepeace Thackeray. The story builds deliciously as the motivations of the spectacle-obsessed Barnum, the money-hungry Field, and the scientifically driven Darwin coalesced in a memorable climax.
Barnum’s Angel is everything readers want from great literature, since it upends our expectations by leaps of imagination even while grounding the work through masterful writing, dialogue, and character development. By setting the novel in an era where wonders still seemed possible even as logical explanations for those wonders were being feverishly formulated, Boswell has transported us to grand elevations.
Considering her experiences with Darwin in retrospect, Lily explains, “I sometimes thought he would have been very pleased if he could have crafted a well-reasoned sentence that would cause me to evaporate before his eyes.” Boswell’s alchemy is that his thousands of well-crafted sentences suffused with historical authenticity conjure remarkable visions before the reader’s eyes. Great stuff!
Len Boswell is a magnificent writer and Barnum’s Angel is his best novel yet. Set primarily in 1840s England, the novel unfolds a tale of the mysterious Lily, a beautiful young albino woman with wings and burgeoning powers. For the showman P.T. Barnum, Lily is the ultimate attraction; for Inspector Charles Field of Scotland Yard, she is his greatest work of police detection, and for the naturalist Charles Darwin, she is a daunting challenge to the intricate theories he is developing.
As a result, Lily serves as a curiosity in so many ways, ranging from base prurience to garden-variety entertainment to psychological rumination to scientific observation. While this novel is rife with intellectual and sociological intimations, Barnum’s Angel possesses two Boswell mainstays: it is funny and addictively readable. The scene at the Royal Pavilion Theatre in London is a stunner, a tour-de-force of tension, humor, perspective, and spectacle. In fact, the reader will find many encounters – whether they be at freak shows, in parlors, or at Darwin’s Down House – that are visibly thrilling and stylistically pithy.
The finger-waggling Inspector Field serves as a constant source of amusement as he doggedly moves the investigation forward with his droll cajoling and bullying. Field’s investigation draws all the players together, including the sword-wielding Abyssinian Biniam Sahle, who covets the flesh and bones of albinos, talismans said to be imbued with magical powers.
Beyond Barnum and Darwin, other historical notables of the era are wonderfully drawn, particularly that late night sardonic stroller Charles Dickens and the increasingly corpulent wit William Makepeace Thackeray. The story builds deliciously as the motivations of the spectacle-obsessed Barnum, the money-hungry Field, and the scientifically driven Darwin coalesced in a memorable climax.
Barnum’s Angel is everything readers want from great literature, since it upends our expectations by leaps of imagination even while grounding the work through masterful writing, dialogue, and character development. By setting the novel in an era where wonders still seemed possible even as logical explanations for those wonders were being feverishly formulated, Boswell has transported us to grand elevations.
Considering her experiences with Darwin in retrospect, Lily explains, “I sometimes thought he would have been very pleased if he could have crafted a well-reasoned sentence that would cause me to evaporate before his eyes.” Boswell’s alchemy is that his thousands of well-crafted sentences suffused with historical authenticity conjure remarkable visions before the reader’s eyes. Great stuff!
March 21, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Barnum's Angel is a compelling and well written fantasy series opener by Len Boswell. Released 6th Oct 2022, it's 285 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The second book in the series, The Barnacle's Son, will also be available on KU after release in 3rd quarter 2023.
Well written alternate history speculative fiction is a joy, and this is quite a good one. The characters are three dimensional and believable, the background settings are immersive and complete, and the dialogue is witty and flows well. Darwin and P.T. Barnum figure heavily, and the secondary characters, settings and occurrences are so well intertwined around a framework of real history that it's not always clear where real history shades over into fiction.
This would make a nice series for fans of historical fantasy, alternate history worlds, political history, and fans of the Victorian fantasy/mutant subgenre (with dragons). I was blown away by the depth of verisimilitude and world building.
Four and a half stars. Really quite good. There are aspects of gothic horror and some explicit violence and descriptions, so more sensitive readers should be aware.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Barnum's Angel is a compelling and well written fantasy series opener by Len Boswell. Released 6th Oct 2022, it's 285 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The second book in the series, The Barnacle's Son, will also be available on KU after release in 3rd quarter 2023.
Well written alternate history speculative fiction is a joy, and this is quite a good one. The characters are three dimensional and believable, the background settings are immersive and complete, and the dialogue is witty and flows well. Darwin and P.T. Barnum figure heavily, and the secondary characters, settings and occurrences are so well intertwined around a framework of real history that it's not always clear where real history shades over into fiction.
This would make a nice series for fans of historical fantasy, alternate history worlds, political history, and fans of the Victorian fantasy/mutant subgenre (with dragons). I was blown away by the depth of verisimilitude and world building.
Four and a half stars. Really quite good. There are aspects of gothic horror and some explicit violence and descriptions, so more sensitive readers should be aware.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 6, 2022
When PT Barnum comes across and Artist Shell with a beautiful little girl name Lily that his heart does Bing have been doing half demon he thinks wink wink and gets the man to enter a contract with him so she can be in his show. Unfortunately after the very first show she proves to be more than the public can hang out though an NDN will be the only one who can save it. This was a lot of book and I don’t know how the author came up with the story but kudos to her. Not only was the descriptions excellent the drama was high in the story moved along swiftly I totally enjoyed this book I love historical fiction and this is now amongst one of my favorites. when the book 1st started I kept waiting for the wink wink just joking she’s normal but when it never came that just made for a much better book. If you love historical science fiction then you love Barnum‘s angel. I am not even really into science-fiction and I absolutely loved it! I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
November 20, 2022
Barnum's Angel (The Pale Chronicle's Book 1)
By Len Boswell
2022
A LibraryThing Early Reviewers book.
After a slow, Dickensish overly descriptive start, I really fell into this unique story. Set in the historical backdrop of 1800s England, the reader is led through the plot by historical figures such as Charles Darwin and P.T. Barnum. Both personages are involved with a child - billed as an angel, or is she a dragon. One man wants to put her on display to profit off of her, the other aims to study and protect her.
I was impressed with how the novel progressed (after the slow intro). The author has made me feel for the characters, care and love for some, contempt for others; and it shows that he, the author, has done his homework regarding the time and place of the story. The ending was a bit abrupt, but the first book in a series can be that way. I look forward to reading book two in the future.
4 1/2 stars.
By Len Boswell
2022
A LibraryThing Early Reviewers book.
After a slow, Dickensish overly descriptive start, I really fell into this unique story. Set in the historical backdrop of 1800s England, the reader is led through the plot by historical figures such as Charles Darwin and P.T. Barnum. Both personages are involved with a child - billed as an angel, or is she a dragon. One man wants to put her on display to profit off of her, the other aims to study and protect her.
I was impressed with how the novel progressed (after the slow intro). The author has made me feel for the characters, care and love for some, contempt for others; and it shows that he, the author, has done his homework regarding the time and place of the story. The ending was a bit abrupt, but the first book in a series can be that way. I look forward to reading book two in the future.
4 1/2 stars.
October 10, 2022
This book has left me speechless. I finished and then sat back and asked myself "what the heck did I just read?" Based on the synopsis I was not prepared for what unfolded within the pages. The sheer audacity of what Boswell did was nothing more than astonishing. To take something so austere as Victorian England, the beginnings of Scotland yard, and the renowned English naturalist Charles Darwin, and introduce such an element of fantasy truly unsettled me.
In truth though, I liked it. While fantastical, the story flowed brilliantly. There was such a great interspersing of historical elements which only enhanced the story. What began as a quest for the truth turned into a police chase of epic proportions. Lily will haunt you long after you finish this one. Hopefully Boswell doesn't wait to long to get book two to us!
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley.
In truth though, I liked it. While fantastical, the story flowed brilliantly. There was such a great interspersing of historical elements which only enhanced the story. What began as a quest for the truth turned into a police chase of epic proportions. Lily will haunt you long after you finish this one. Hopefully Boswell doesn't wait to long to get book two to us!
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley.
January 29, 2023
Writing historical fantasy is a complicated undertaking. It demands attention to historical accuracy and requires the ability to create a fictional world that contains all the drama, chaos, romance, and moral questions of the real world. Len Boswell has done that and more.
Barnum’s Angel is the story of Lily – part human and part something else – and her story is just beginning. The showman, P.T. Barnum, and the scientist and naturalist Charles Darwin find themselves at odds over who or what Lily is and what is to be done about and with her. Lily, however, has a mind of her own, and we end this first volume of the series firmly convinced she is not going to be easily controlled.
There’s much to ponder in this novel, and a great deal to enjoy. Highly recommended.
Barnum’s Angel is the story of Lily – part human and part something else – and her story is just beginning. The showman, P.T. Barnum, and the scientist and naturalist Charles Darwin find themselves at odds over who or what Lily is and what is to be done about and with her. Lily, however, has a mind of her own, and we end this first volume of the series firmly convinced she is not going to be easily controlled.
There’s much to ponder in this novel, and a great deal to enjoy. Highly recommended.
August 30, 2022
Barnum's Angel by Len Boswell was a fun book and is apparently the first in a series.
The book was very fast-moving and really held my interest.
It is the story of a young albino girl from birth through adulthood.
The extensive and various storylines that involve albinism are why this series is called the Pale Chronicles.
I loved the use of real characters throughout this fiction, such as PT Barnum and Charles Darwin.
I enjoyed the book and would certainly be open to reading Book #2, whenever it comes along.
Thanks to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
The book was very fast-moving and really held my interest.
It is the story of a young albino girl from birth through adulthood.
The extensive and various storylines that involve albinism are why this series is called the Pale Chronicles.
I loved the use of real characters throughout this fiction, such as PT Barnum and Charles Darwin.
I enjoyed the book and would certainly be open to reading Book #2, whenever it comes along.
Thanks to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
September 3, 2022
Read through NetGalley. I read this book while I was on a cruise ship sailing around Ireland, the land of fairies and leprechauns. So somehow all the "magic" in this book seemed to fit right in with my surroundings. This is certainly a book that will hold your attention and have you turning page after page to find out what happens next. And then comes the Epilogue. Well, let me. just say that if you didn't believe before the epilogue, you will after. I won't even try to describe the story because it would be too hard to do without giving away critical plot events. I will just say I would highly recommend that you read this book.
September 13, 2022
Barnum's Angel by Len Boswell is a wonderful story and thankfully is only the first in a series to come.
Throughout the story we get to follow a young albino girl, Lily, throughout her life as a carnival attraction piece.
It is a fast paced read which holds the reader's attention easily. The story is intriguing, and the characters are well written, my favorites are Charles Sickens and Charles Darwin. The Authors' writing style is out of this world. The descriptions and plot keep you sucked in and left wanting more. I would recommend this book and do look forward to what comes next.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Throughout the story we get to follow a young albino girl, Lily, throughout her life as a carnival attraction piece.
It is a fast paced read which holds the reader's attention easily. The story is intriguing, and the characters are well written, my favorites are Charles Sickens and Charles Darwin. The Authors' writing style is out of this world. The descriptions and plot keep you sucked in and left wanting more. I would recommend this book and do look forward to what comes next.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
December 28, 2025
Almost 3 Stars…
Although the story was okay, it certainly didn’t wow me. It started out catching my interest and having potential to be a great story, but never seemed to quite get there. I read the Kindle version while listening to the book on Audible. This was the first narration I’ve listened to narrated by AI. Because it is not read by a human, the intonation (especially conversation by characters) was off a bit, and I missed the way a human reader would differentiate between the different speaking characters. The AI reader isn’t able to distinguish which form of homophones should be used, and my being an English teacher became someone obsessed with the mistakes.
Although the story was okay, it certainly didn’t wow me. It started out catching my interest and having potential to be a great story, but never seemed to quite get there. I read the Kindle version while listening to the book on Audible. This was the first narration I’ve listened to narrated by AI. Because it is not read by a human, the intonation (especially conversation by characters) was off a bit, and I missed the way a human reader would differentiate between the different speaking characters. The AI reader isn’t able to distinguish which form of homophones should be used, and my being an English teacher became someone obsessed with the mistakes.
October 5, 2022
Barnum's Angel (The Pale Chronicles Book 1) by Len Boswell is a magical fun story about an albino girl named Lily who is a carnival attraction piece.
I totally enjoyed this book I normally don't care for historical fiction but this is by far a favorite. I'm so happy I took a chance at it.
This is certainly a book that will hold your attention and have you turning page after page to find out what happens next.
Thank you to the NetGalley, the author and publishers for an e-arc of Barnum's Angel.
I totally enjoyed this book I normally don't care for historical fiction but this is by far a favorite. I'm so happy I took a chance at it.
This is certainly a book that will hold your attention and have you turning page after page to find out what happens next.
Thank you to the NetGalley, the author and publishers for an e-arc of Barnum's Angel.
October 9, 2022
I've always loved stories about the strange and curious, so of course, I knew I'd like this book from the get go. And, I was right! It's a very well-balanced mix of historical fiction and fantasy, with the setting of P.T. Barnum's "freakshow", starring an albino girl named Lily. There's murder and mystery and best of all, dragons! What more could a girl ask for.
Overall, it felt just long enough to tell the story as it should be told, and just short enough for the reader to remain engaged.
Overall, it felt just long enough to tell the story as it should be told, and just short enough for the reader to remain engaged.
March 9, 2025
Enjoyable
The story had me interested from the beginning. I was drawn by the characters which were well developed by the author and the inclusion of several historical figures. I very much enjoyed those. The author kept the story alive and consistent with mingling of alternate histories and realistic scenes from a London that was and could have been. I intend to read the sequels as soon I am able.
The story had me interested from the beginning. I was drawn by the characters which were well developed by the author and the inclusion of several historical figures. I very much enjoyed those. The author kept the story alive and consistent with mingling of alternate histories and realistic scenes from a London that was and could have been. I intend to read the sequels as soon I am able.
September 28, 2022
Let me start by saying the writing isn't terrible. Its quick, interesting, and definitely a great fit for the target audience. I just don't think I'm part of that audience. I love dragons but I love them when they stay animalistic and nonhuman. I'm also not overly find of modern ish fantasy.it can be done well, but its not something I gravitate towards unfortunately.
October 4, 2022
This is the interesting start of a new fantasy series. It's a bit slow at times but I loved the world building and think that it was well plotted.
Good character development and storytelling. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Good character development and storytelling. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 6, 2022
Barnum’s Angel was a great read. The story is about Lily, an albino oddity sought by the great Barnum. Even though it contains references to some real historic people the story is pure fantasy. It is a captivating tale that will hold your interest and keep you reading to see what happens next.
Thank you, NetGalley and Black Rose Writing, for this advanced copy.
Thank you, NetGalley and Black Rose Writing, for this advanced copy.
December 31, 2022
This was not my normal genre so the reason for the four stars. After I was into the book a little ways I really got into the story line. I found that I really enjoyed this book. For me it was just a slow starter as it was not my normal read. I would like to read the following books. I think I may have added a topic to my favored list.
January 3, 2025
If you are looking to escape your reality for a few hours, Barnum's Angel is the perfect book. What could be better than beginning on the HMS Beagle with Charles Darwin, traveling a bit with P.T. Barnum, and chasing a dragon/angel through Victorian London? If you enjoy historical fantasy, you should try this one. It's a great way to distract your brain for a few hours...pure escapism.
January 10, 2026
The title alone made me want to read this. I am a fan of historical fiction, a fan of fantasy fiction and have an interest in P T Barnum so for me it was a must have at 99p. If life had allowed, I would have read this in one sitting. This is a page turner with tension, humour and growth for the main character Lily. I will definitely buy the next book in the series
August 7, 2022
What a truly wonderful story and apparently the start of a series. Wonderful characters galore such as PT Barnum, Charles Dickens and Charles Darwin. The author has a unique way of blending true facts about the above people and seamlessly compliment the story. A rare and one of a kind tale. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 8, 2022
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Although a bit farfetched, I enjoyed its book for its imaginative and horrifying dragon-type predator and the journey of P.T. Barnum trying to harness this powerful young woman. Odd, but somehow mesmerizing writing.
Although a bit farfetched, I enjoyed its book for its imaginative and horrifying dragon-type predator and the journey of P.T. Barnum trying to harness this powerful young woman. Odd, but somehow mesmerizing writing.
April 15, 2023
fun and imaginative
Takes a lot to impress us as readers but this story was well crafted, historically accurate, engaging, and suspenseful. We will definitely be reading other novels by this author.
Becca and Jessica
Takes a lot to impress us as readers but this story was well crafted, historically accurate, engaging, and suspenseful. We will definitely be reading other novels by this author.
Becca and Jessica
March 9, 2025
very very different and engaging
Well written and nice pacing. Cast of characters real and fictitious are weaved seamlessly in this fanciful tale. Highly recommend and sequel worthy.
Well written and nice pacing. Cast of characters real and fictitious are weaved seamlessly in this fanciful tale. Highly recommend and sequel worthy.
November 26, 2025
Not what I expected
This was not what I expected. Its different, and an interesting concept. I am sure I the world there are thousands of undiscovered species. But maybe not quite like lilly.
This was not what I expected. Its different, and an interesting concept. I am sure I the world there are thousands of undiscovered species. But maybe not quite like lilly.
August 18, 2022
This was an incredible read that I just could not put down. Well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters. I didn't want it to end.
November 26, 2022
Recommended page turner original setting story & characters!;) looking forward to see what next book will be about?;)
June 27, 2025
Fun Read
I enjoyed the intertwining of famous figures and the story as a whole. It is a fun historical fantasy journey.
I enjoyed the intertwining of famous figures and the story as a whole. It is a fun historical fantasy journey.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews