Review Detail

4.8 1

The Magi Menagerie

Young Adult Indie 440

Gives me The Last Magician vibes

August 27, 2021 (Updated: June 15, 2026)

Overall rating

4.8

Writing Style

4.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

Historical adventure based in 1906? Check. A lovable, diverse cast representing different religions, races, and sexual orientations? Check. A romantic subplot with "forbidden love" between two men in a time when homosexuality was illegal? Check. I am SO in love with this book! I went in with low expectations since I wasn't familiar with the author but I was able to get my hands on an ARC and fell in love! The only thing I didn't like was that it left off on a cliff hanger and now I have to wait for book two. I definitely recommend it for fans of Shadow & Bone / Six of Crows, The Last Magician, and Gail Carriger's work.

Good Points

* I love how Kale Lawrence described everything so elegantly. The writing was very atmospheric.
* I'm a sucker for found family tropes and this book delivered.