Carnival Fantástico by Angela Montoya
Publisher description: An unputdownable romantasy following a young woman posing as fortune-teller at a magical traveling carnival, where the handsome boy who once broke her heart resurfaces and warns her that the carnival is more sinister than it appears.
Welcome to the Carnival Fantástico, a spectacle of magic and mischief, and the perfect haven for a runaway. Using her tricks and razor-sharp wit, Esmeralda becomes the carnival’s resident fortune-teller, aiming for the lead role in the Big Top Show. Success would mean freedom from her former employer, the commander of the King’s army.
Ignacio has defected from the army and is on the hunt for evidence of his father’s corruption. But the last thing he expects to find on his father’s trail of lies is the only girl he’s ever loved, spinning false fortunes at a traveling carnival.
Perhaps fortune has thrown them together for a reason. They strike a deal: she’ll help him expose his father if he helps her secure the main act. But old feelings don’t die easily, and the commander’s secret isn’t the only thing they’ll need to confront.
My thoughts: As the story opens, readers get the sensation of wandering into a magical place filled with spectacle and thrills along with a not insignificant amount of deception. We see the carnival through Esmeralda’s eyes initially and it’s like she’s pulling the curtain aside for us.
We also get to see from Ignacio’s perspective though. The alternating chapters slowly fill in the background and context for the two crossing paths again. There are bits and pieces from the past being dropped into the storyline that really shows the development of their relationship from childhood when they exchanged letters.
Esmeralda appears to be confident and sure of herself, but actually doesn’t even understand why others would choose to be her friend. She has a boatload of horrible thoughts and memories banging around in her head. She’s not alone in that though. Ignacio also has harmful thoughts bouncing around in his head. Even though they have very different personalities, they are both concerned about being worthy.
The carnival is filled with animals and people of all kinds and is dazzling and a little breathtaking. At times it is also incredibly horrifying, but there are also a few moments of humor. I particularly enjoyed Esteban, the giant ostrich that wreaks havoc whenever there are bright shiny objects around.
The story is chock full of action and magic, but it is showcases many different types of relationships. There is love between friends, family members, and of course there is romance too. Some of the interactions are straight-forward, but several have multiple layers and complexities. There is love that betrays and love that brings healing.
Recommendation: Get it soon especially if you enjoy seeing a kaleidoscopic setting with a few thrills and chills in your romantasy.
Publisher: Joy Revolution
Pages: 464
Review copy: Purchased at local indie
Availability: On shelves now