Couldn’t Put It Down—Literally!

I downloaded Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre last night based purely on the gorgeous cover and the intriguing description. I didn’t plan to be up into the early hours, but here we are—hooked and sleep-deprived in the best way.

This book had me flipping pages nonstop. The suspense was so well done—it really kept me on my toes, always wanting to know what would happen next. I’d say the story leans more into the YA space, which isn’t usually my go-to, but clearly that didn’t matter. The characters pulled me in, the magic had me intrigued, and the pacing never let up.

For some reason, I kept picturing The Greatest Showman as I read. The way Brandie June describes the theatre, the performances, and the atmosphere—it created such vivid visuals in my head. I felt like I was actually there, watching it all unfold under the stage lights.

The dynamic between Violet and Iris added a real emotional depth, and Alec brought just the right amount of mystery and romantic tension without taking over the plot. All the characters felt real and distinct, and the theatre itself almost felt like a character too.

This book honestly took me by surprise. If you’re after a story that sweeps you away, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theater was such a good read. It's been a while since I last read something that placed such an emphasis on family, specifically sisterhood, and this book made me reflect on my relationship with my own sister---think Elsa and Anna or Scarlett and Donatella.

Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre takes place in a family-owned theater (obviously), but it's not just any theater. The Ashmore family, consisting of sisters Violet and Iris, their uncle Leo, and an assortment of actors and stage crew, put on dazzling shows infused with illusions and slight-of-hand tricks. They are joined by a new member, Alec, who owes a debt to a bounty hunter. Alec is tasked with searching the theater for conjurers, people who are able to create things using their magic.

One thing I loved so, so much about this book was the importance of sisterhood. Violet and Iris have such a sweet and healthy relationship. They encourage each other, spend time with each other, and support each other through everything. When Violet feels overshadowed by Iris, they have a healthy conversation, where Iris says, "You are the most special person in the world to me, Vi, and if I can do anything for you, it is to make sure you see that in yourself"

Another thing that was great about this novel was the magic! I loved reading about the different tricks and illusions, especially the world Alec created for Iris. I did have a bit of trouble remembering the differences between an Illusionist, a Conjurer, and a Prism, but I was still able to understand pretty much everything.

I also have to mention that each chapter starts off with an excerpt from Violet's play, Leo's journal, or laws and scientific publications from the fictional world, which I thought was a great touch.

I'd say that this book is perfect for fans of Caraval, or anyone who enjoys sisterhood, magic, and romance.

Magic at the Dragonfly Theatre - Feedback

Thank you NetGalley, CamCat books and Brandie June for providing me with a copy of Magic at the Dragonfly Theatre.

I really enjoyed Magic at the Dragonfly Theatre. The magical elements instantly drew me in and I couldn’t put the book down. The characters and the development of the plot kept me engaged for the entire book. I was happily surprised a few times throughout this book. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys standalone fantasy stories. Overall, I would give this 4 stars.

With the stunning cover and magical synopsis, I was intrigued to pick this book up on NetGalley and I’m so happy I did. Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre was such a fun and fantastical read, I truly felt immersed while reading the entire time. The world building was simple yet interesting with the unique magic system, war politics, and vivid descriptions. I’m obsessed with how Brandie June was able to weave magic and theatre-life so seamlessly throughout the entire book. The inclusion of newspaper clippings of the ongoing war, characters’ diary entries, and the screenplays that are featured at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre was a nice touch to keep me engaged with the story. Not only was I intrigued with the illusionist theatre shows, but I also enjoyed reading about all the characters. The heartwarming found family and sister bond was always delightful to read. I enjoyed the small crumbs of romance the story explores through the sisters’ separate love interests, Harmon and Alec. I also appreciated Brandie June for including important themes like acceptance of oneself, chosen family, dreaming big, and most importantly, empathy for others. Though I felt the epilogue was too short (I needed more!!), wanting more background information on some side characters (I was so intrigued by them!), and the beginning being a tad bit slow to get through, I really enjoyed this story and would highly recommend. I’ll definitely be picking up a copy once it’s released later this year!

Brandie June’s Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre is a spellbinding blend of theatrical glamour, hidden magic, and sibling devotion, set against the gilded backdrop of a world where artistry and sorcery collide. With its lush prose and intrigue-laced plot, this novel feels like The Night Circus meets Moulin Rouge!, but with a fiercely original twist.

Violet Ashmore is a standout protagonist—an aspiring playwright with a dangerous secret: she possesses forbidden magic that could force her into a brutal war, the same one that claimed her parents. While her sister Iris commands the stage with dazzling performances (and sleight-of-hand tricks to divert attention from Violet), the sisters’ bond is tested when Alec Morgan, a debt-bound bounty hunter, infiltrates their theatre on a mission that threatens to expose everything.

June’s world-building is exquisite, painting the Grand Dragonfly Theatre as both a sanctuary and a gilded cage, where spotlights hide shadows and every performance could be a deception. The magic system—subtle yet high-stakes—adds tension, particularly in Violet’s struggle to reconcile her art with her power. Alec’s conflicted loyalties (and growing affection for Iris) add delicious layers of romantic and moral tension, though the true heart of the story remains the Ashmore sisters’ fierce, complicated love.

While the pacing occasionally meanders in the middle acts, the climax delivers a satisfying payoff, blending betrayal, sacrifice, and the transformative power of storytelling. Themes of artistic expression as resistance and the cost of protection resonate deeply.

4.5 stars

Magic at the GDT is a story about two sisters, Violet and Iris. Their story begins when they are really young and their mother is taken away from them. Because of this, they grow up at the beautiful Dragonfly Theatre. This place is full of beautiful illusions and sets, and their uncle and the crew organize unforgettable shows that make one question whether the illusions were created with magic because they seem so real.

In their world, the line between magic and illusions is thin. There are people who can conjure real objects and people who can just illude others that they did. The former are coveted by the crown because they are useful in the war, so Conjurors must be careful not to make their skills known.

Violet and Iris are really different. While Violet is reserved and likes to keep to the shadows, Iris has a great charisma and is the star of the shows. Most of all, Violet is a Conjuror, and Iris tries to do her best to protect her sister from being taken away to fight in the far. Iris can't do any magic but she is awesome at sleight-of-hand tricks.

There were three povs, because Violet and Iris aren't the only main characters. The third pov character was Alec, a young man who used to be a thief and who tries to get in the good graces of the people at the theatre because he has a goal. He is a spy, and he is set on finding a Conjuror among the crew.

The story was simple and not super long and it was a nice read. Reading it really felt like reading/imagining a play in a theatre or a even a movie (I could really see this book made into one). I could feel the affection that the author has for the theatre and for writing scripts.

I think anyone who loves magic words, theatre and fantasy would enjoy this book. I am a bit sad that all the worldbuilding, magic and the characters's arcs weren't expanded more. I wanted to know more about the war and the parents as well. Sometimes things felt solved too quickly, theatrically, I would say. But I realize this was the choice of the author, to make the story feel like a play that one could devour in a few hours. I could really see this having a sequel, though! I would read it.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

This is a story about magic, family and a hint of love. Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre follows two sisters and their uncle in a different world where Magic exists. We watch the bond of sisterhood grow stronger and strong between Iris and Violet as the story evolves. The theater troupe is full of wonderful “oddities” and showcases how differences make each person unique. While the book is a quick read, I kept swiping to find out what would happen next, I found myself wanting more at the end of the book. I would recommend this book to nearly anyone.
Thanks to CamCat Books & NetGalley for the ARC :)

4.5 Stars. This book instantly drew me in with the vivid setting and characters. The magic form was also attractive. I could not put it down- the plot and character development kept me engaged.

At times, the plot was predictable but I didn’t mind it. The climax at the end also seemed a bit more dramatic than needed - without giving spoilers away, I did see a few plot holes which could have made the ending more simple. Overall though, none of this changed my mind on how much I loved this book. I could picture the vibrant Dragonfly Theater and would love a sequel.

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️

Wow what a read. I would first like to thank NetGalley and Brandie June for this beautiful digital ARC! I am beyond blessed to be able to read this early! Now for the fun part.

Since the very beginning of the book, I was truly captivated, not only by the characters, the plot and the writing style. There was a fun yet tense tone within the writing. You can truly tell that this book had heart and each character have their own soul. Now, speaking on the plot, I will say that it was very fast paced (imo) There were some moments where things slowed down to get a bit more context. There are some ups and downs within the book that may have people tense and or emotional. (trigger warning: death, kidnapping, torture) but not in a gory sense and something that would make you uncomfortable. It’s barely brushed on, but it is there. The grand dragonfly theater is a monumental structure that houses a vast majority of people that are one family. When family gets too much and a new person joins, it begins to question what is the definition of family? What is love? How can I accomplish it outside of this ideology or family. Through the ups and downs, the lies in the thievery family always prevails no matter the setting.

The characters:
The characters were absolutely lovable, yet conflicting. Whilst reading this, I understood the plot in the rules of the characters played however I would definitely love to know a bit more of a backstory on the “side” characters and how they got to where they are. Now for the development within the characters, I will say that it was beautiful! There were some moments where certain characters were questionable and I’m glad that they came full circle! Mrs. June knows how to write a character that you will dislike and then end up, loving lol!
I truly love the sister bond that the two main character shared because it shows that with a sibling and or a best friend you will never truly be alone in the world as long as you have family.

Piggybacking off family; this book resembled to me that just because you are not blood that does not mean you cannot be family. I feel that a lot of time society forgets that your friends and your community are just as much as your family as your actual blood relatives and this book really set the tone for exactly that. This was truly beautifully written in a sense that you will always have somebody as long as you have yourself!! no matter where you are or who you are with you are never truly alone.

The romance:
There is a tad bit of romance within the book, but nothing too crazy. Which is just my type of romance (imo) I loved how everything played out within the end, and the characters found themselves, but also the other person. This book does not have spice in it so if that’s something that you were looking for this will may not be for you, but give it a try anyway! But I am personally glad it does not have spice in it because the way that it was written. It has bits and pieces of cute romance, but I love how it was not the main plot.

If you were looking for something that is fast paced, magical, historical fiction with a tiny bit of romantic than this book will definitely be for you!

Thank you so much NetGalley for the arc for this book.

Be ready to be taken on a whimsical journey at the Dragonfly Theatre. I loved the theatre setting and the magic system. It was a super easy read and I’m hoping we get more books set in this world.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me take you into the marvelous review of this shimmering story filled with magic, dangers and twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat! But I'll keep the spoilers to myself so I don't ruin the show for you!

In all honesty, it's been so long since the last time I had so much fun with a romantasy. Every time it seemed like something was missing or underdeveloped and when it ended it just felt like a finished task and nothing else. But with Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theater, the story remained with me and I caught myself re-playing it in my head like a show I wanted to watch again and again.

The story tells us about a world divided between Illusionists - those who can summon illusions -, Conjurors - those who can create matter - and people like you and me, with no power. There's been a war going on for several centuries and Conjurors are demanded to enlist in it, and those who don't are either dragged by force or killed in the process.

The problem is that the younger sister that we'll follow in the story, Violet, has Conjuror abilities, which her older sister, Iris, and their uncle are working hard to keep hidden so she's not taken into war. And what's the best place to keep a Conjuror hidden?
Under layers of illusions, in the Dragonfly Theater, where people pay to get their eyes tricked.

To make it all worse, Alec, our MMC, is hired by a mercenary to work in the theater and gather proof that Iris, the older sister, is a Conjuror. Looks like a lot, doesn't it? Well, it's way more than that and it's gonna shock you and you're not ready for it.

I also need to talk about the fact that here we have one of the rarest things in fantasy books ever: a healthy sibling relationship, and not just that, but healthy *family* relationships. It's a breath of fresh air to see sisters supporting each other instead of being enemies or rivals, and to see parents and guardians acting like proper adults and helping the teenagers to solve conflicts instead of causing them. Just because of that, it became one of my best readings of 2025.

The writing quality is superb. It's rich without being too complicated and it does wonders in taking you both into deep dialogues and intricate theater performances. It's the type of YA that can easily break barriers and turn into a mature audience favorite - like it happened to me. The author doesn't underestimate nor patronize its public, using nuances of the language to take you into this magical trip.

But it wouldn't be a romantasy if I didn't mention the FMC, the MMC and the couple dynamic: Alec is sneaky and cunning but ingenious, while Iris is smart and extroverted but impetuous, turning their interactions so adorable that I got myself smiling while reading their banter. And it was such a good surprise that in the social background, the MMC was the one with little money and influence, turning the characters’ roles even more interesting.

The cherry on top are the snippets of the world we see at the beginning of each chapter, with quotes from newspapers, diaries and screenplays, giving us a broader vision of the world without having to take us by hand to each place.

I'm usually very hard on my reviews but I can't find a single bad thing about this book. I loved every second of it and all the elements are weaved flawlessly. I'll definitely make sure to trophy Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theater in my shelf as soon as it releases, without a doubt.

Goodreads review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7515847718

I was lucky enough to read this ARC of Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre and WOW.

I absolutely loved this book, I just didn’t want to put it down.

Following the lives of Iris and Violet as they grow up in the care of their uncle. Iris spends her life trying to protect her sister who keeps herself in the background in fear of her magic abilities being found out and suffering the same fate as their mother.

When Alec, the young boy starts at the theatre to obtain secret information for the Bounty Hunter to which he owes a great debt, the life of the Ashmore sisters is turned up side down.

This story captured me in so many ways from the vivid descriptions of the theatre which reminded me of the fantastic sets, acrobatics and story telling of Cirque du soleil a villain I hated and wanted to fail and complex relationships between families. I found myself relating to violet with the want to be confident and brave like Iris.

Thank you for letting me read this ARC it was beautifully written!

I wish this was a liiiiittle better. I loved the premise and was super excited to pick this up, hoping it was something like Hotel Magnifique. I was a little disappointed. The story and characters were fine, I didn’t have any issue with the magic system, my biggest thing was the writing. It was very basic, to the point where I was questioning why I was reading this. Not everything needs to be super flowery, purple prose but this was so basic and non-descriptive it really took away from the magic of the story for me.

ARC provided by NetGalley

I got this and instantly read it. The title and cover description i couldn't not read it right away. And i wasnt disappointed. The magic system was intricate yet simple . This book was a perfect example of less is more. Great job.