This story had a lot more promise than it gave, honestly. The concept was really fun, a circus in the 1930s, Romanian trick horse riders, a dark curse that may or may not be sentient darkness. Unfortunately it just wasn't written very well. There was a lot of weird dialogue and at least half the story was in flashbacks, but not in any specific order or reason. Flashbacks just came and went, seemed like an afterthought to explain whatever was currently going on plot-wise. I didn't care for the narrator, either. His voice was fine in normal narration but any time a character started talking, the voices were LOUD and screechy. It felt out of place and not how I'd imagined the characters to emphasize any particular word/phrase. Also, it's a little startling when the narrator just starts screeching out of nowhere. This is probably better as a normal read vs listen. There could have been a lot more polishing in this and it would have been a lot better. The circus felt more like a setting/afterthought than having any real influence on the story, which is what I was hoping for. It could have taken place in any time or setting and wouldn't have changed the story much. Side characters were flat, but I liked the male main character overall.

This was a fun, whimsy book filled with intrigue, magic and mystery. The story was interesting and kept me engaged throughout the book. I lived the setting of the circus and the imagery was fantastic. The history of Vandemere and his family was intriguing, and I enjoyed Vandy’s character development. I also appreciated that every character ended up playing an important role in the plot. I listened to the audiobook version of this and thought the narrator did a great job. I look forward to the second book.

Vandermere is a book that gives you a very intriguing glimpse behind the scenes of the circus life for a "villager" like me.
Vandy is a typical teenager whose life is led by not so typical problems.
He is a descendant of a long line of a magically gifted, Romanian family . None have lived to ever grow old. Is the inherited magic a gift or a dangerous curse? So far it seems like a curse. I'll have to listen /read the second book "Firehorse" to find out what's going on.
Well narrated with much enthusiasm.

We follow our teenage MC as he tries to figure out his place in the world. He has a special power passed down through his family line they call the Magie. Something is coming for him and people are dead.
.
My only real criticism is that I feel like this book could have been a novella or the duology could have been one book.
But now for the good stuff, I really liked the magic system it’s not super detailed but it doesn’t need to be simplicity is perfect for this story. The characters we follow are likeable but morally grey enough to keep you interested and the plot has hooked me, I’m sure these books are on KU so I’ll definitely be picking up book two.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction sprinkle in a similar vide as one dark window and you have this but much better 😍
Please check trigger warnings as there is some content readers might wish to avoid.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with a copy for review through NetGalley

Vandy Petruska inherited Magie’s power from his mother but he experiences too much bad luck. His father taught him to ride and at 17 he is a trick rider in a traveling circus. Set in the 1930s American Southwest we follow Vandy’s life.

Well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Good characters in this well paced novel. His father abandoned him but why? What entity has marked him for death?

Narrated by Kyle Shive

Sorry to say this one was not for me. It follows circus brat Vandy, who does tricks on horses and also has magic of some form thanks to his gypsy blood?

It's set in 1930s Southwest USA, but aside from a few references to the heat I never really felt it. The language - particularly as it was first person narration - didn't seem to suit the setting at all and there wasn't enough description of the environment for me to fall into the location.

Aside from that, the characters weren't great. Vandy is an arrogant kid determined to hate everyone and everything, and he actually kinda cries a lot for someone constantly being told 'you don't have to be tough all the time!' I guess those more familiar with teenage boys might be kinder to him, but to me he was an unlikable protagonist. The rest all seem pretty stereotypical, with the bully, the mean girl, and the mum's awful boyfriend all here, along with more. I didn't warm to any of them at all.

Horse lovers will enjoy the amount of detail in this story, but it was too much for me. It detracted a bit from the story, I felt, because there were so many descriptions I almost had to google horses to work out what was what. It slowed down a story that already felt rather dragging.

The narration I had to bump up to double speed, and the accents were AWFUL. Vandy's mother's accent seem to fluctuate between Spanish, Russian, German, and who knows what else. Some of the other voices put on were terrible, and I hated the tonal change for Vandy's visions. It just rubbed me the wrong way. Would not listen to this narrator again. But I can see from other reviews that I'm in the minority for that, so listen to a sample yourself before taking my word for it.

The pace was too slow for me, and I think the setting never changing added to the dull feel of the story. I just didn't really care about anything being related. It felt more like it wanted to be historical fiction, and the 'magie' element was more of a gimmick that seemed out of place.

Perhaps horse fans will get more out of this, and those who prefer slower fantasy and who have more time for angsty teenage boys. It really wasn't for me at all.

With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC

A trick rider in a traveling circus, Vandemere Petruska’s life is far from perfect. HIs mother is a drunk, his father left, and he inherited his mother’s tarot magic. Stuck between two worlds, Vandemere struggles to reconcile the two. Every time he uses his magic, he blacks out and doesn’t remember what happened. As a result, at 17, he finds himself in the middle of a missing child case. Will he learn to embrace his magic or will it destroy him?

Narrator, Kyle Shive’s intonations and narrative style are well done and work well with the author’s writing style. He does a great job of bringing the characters to life. The characters are authentic, enjoyable, and well drawn. The plot is unique and engaging. The world building is well done and works well with the ongoing plot. Readers who like historical fiction, magical realism, carnival fiction, and mysteries will want to pick this one up. Recommended for library collections where such audiobooks are popular.

Okay, I had complicated thought with this one but it’s still fun and quick yet haunting in some ways

Kimberley D. Tait’s Vandemere offers an intriguing premise and a glimpse into the complex world of the circus life and gypsies. While the storyline holds promise, it doesn’t entirely deliver the gripping narrative one might hope for. The pacing of the plot wavers, with moments of intrigue occasionally overshadowed by slower or overly detailed sections.

That said, Tait’s insight into the circus life adds authenticity to the story. Overall, Vandemere is a passable read, but it may not leave a lasting impression on those looking for a truly compelling storyline.

Sadly DNF'd this one.. I didn't like the narrator and that just heightened my dislike of the main character. I wasn't engaged and didn't want to keep going just to end up rating it lower

2.5
I loved the cover of this and premise also. I wanted to love this but ended up feeling a little deflated.

Perhaps due of the POV of a teenager, the MC seemed to be overly absorbed with women as objects and there seemed to be so much focus on virginity. Fair enough if there was more of a point to it, but it just didn’t seem to flow but will make me cringe each time. This also brought the book a little past its “YA” category for me and more so New Adult because of the content.

The writing style reminded me of Sebastien de Castell’s in the Spellslinger series and needless to say that’s always enjoyable.

The magic system is interesting and refreshing to a degree. The pacing was not fast but wasn’t tediously slow and the characters were well developed. The plot though… it took rather longer before the actual plot started.

The cliffhanger ending is also just enough for me to read the next.

The beginning of the book started out interestingly enough and the fantasy aspects were present right away. The mystery aspects took a while to appear. I knew something was supposed to “happen”, and it wasn’t until halfway through the book that we got into what the real mysteries were.

The main Character, Vandy was charismatic and interesting for the most part. I read this book via audiobook thanks to Netgalley. Vandy was supposedly  taught by his father to be tough and not cry, so I found myself wondering why there were times when he seemed almost whiney. The voice was perfect for this character aside from those few contrary moments.

I loved all of the side characters. They just fit! I would love a bit more backstory from some of them!

I wish we got to learn more about the magic of the tarot, seeing as how the series is called Circe de tarot and all. I feel like we only just touched in this particular magic, and it was so interesting!

Generally, in a series, book one leaves off with a few unanswered questions to que up book two… but I still have so many questions! I am so invested in Vandy, however, that I can’t wait to read the second book! I need some answers, and im hoping they appear in the second book. I’ve also heard some great things about the second in this duology and I’m chomping at the bit 😉 Get it?

This is a very good new adult book that’s a mix of historical fiction, magical realism, and mystery. The author perfectly captures the magical and mysterious setting of carnival life, as well as the emotions of a young boy trying to find his identity while battling the duty he feels toward his family and dreams for his own life. Other themes/tropes of this book include: 1930s American southwest, fortune telling, tarot magic, psychic abilities, and coming of age.

Vandy’s Romanian ancestors brought an evil with them when they immigrated to America and now it’s searching for him. Despite this, he’s not interested in embracing the magic that could save him. Vandy just wants to continue excelling in his career as a trick rider in the circus. He has to start accepting the magic and psychic abilities that he inherited from his mother in order to defeat the entity that has marked him for death.

I really enjoyed this audiobook! The narrator is very good and really embodies the personality of an angry 17 year old boy. There are a lot of dark themes in this book (abuse, mention of SA, murder) so be mindful before beginning it. This book is different from what I normally read but I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion!

Vandemere by Kimberley D. Tait is a promising historical mystery with an atmospheric setting and a solid premise. Tait's writing creates a vivid sense of place, immersing readers in the tension and intrigue of the story. The characters are intriguing, though they could benefit from deeper development to fully connect with the reader. While the plot is engaging, some twists feel a bit predictable, and the pacing occasionally lags in the middle. Nonetheless, the book is an enjoyable read for fans of historical fiction with a touch of mystery, offering enough suspense to keep you turning the pages.

“Vandemere,” by Kimberley D. Tait

This book is a day-to-day sort of vibe of a circus performer who sees visions against his will. Not a lot of stuff happens in the book action wise, but the plot is very interesting. I liked how this book felt like a change of pace from the other books I read, not quite a cozy read but not a book that has a bunch of romance, tropes, action, etc. I love circus themed stuff, and it was a very cool read, can’t wait to read book 2 and find more about his dad. I got the audiobook version, and it was well paced, and I liked the narrator, solid audiobook in my opinion. 3 out of 5 stars.

-Psychic
-Circus
-1930’s Southwest

Thank you for the free copy, Netgalley.

Unfortunately a DNF for me

At 15% in, I'm finding myself just uninterested in the plot and really disliking Vandy, the main character. I really wanted to love this....but sadly it is not for me.

From the very first page, Tait’s writing captivates with evocative descriptions that transport readers to the gritty, dust-choked landscapes of the Southwest. The circus setting, with its mesmerizing performances and raw human grit, is richly detailed, and the atmosphere feels almost tangible. Vandy’s world is one where the line between reality and the supernatural is thin, and Tait masterfully plays with this boundary throughout the story.

One of the most striking aspects of Vandemere is its exploration of family legacy and inherited power. The concept of "magic isn’t the only thing he inherited" runs deeply through the narrative. Vandy’s ancestors—their choices, triumphs, and mistakes—cast long shadows on his present. As he comes to terms with the truth about his family's past, readers are drawn into a generational saga of fate, choice, and the weight of ancestry.

The supporting cast is another highlight of Vandemere. From the colorful members of the traveling circus to his Romanian family’s ghostly presence, each character is fully realized with unique personalities and motivations. Tait introduces them with deft strokes, ensuring they feel lifelike and memorable.

Vandemere is not without its darker themes. The story’s depiction of life in the 1930s is unflinching in its honesty. Grit, hardship, and struggle permeate the narrative. Violence, coarse language, self-harm, and sexual situations are present, adding layers of realism but also serving as potential triggers for sensitive readers. Tait’s approach to these subjects is thoughtful but unyielding, underscoring the harsh realities of the era.

This book is a historical fantasy novel taking place in the 30's following the male lead Vandemere Petruska, a teenager at his 17th year of life who is travelling the country with a circus. His is charismatic as he has inharated his mother's tarot reading/ magic. They are references to his father none magical side. His mother is a more prominant figure in the book. Vlady walks in life trying to discover his identity, heritage, and of course his struggles with his supernatural abilities. I had the opportunity to read it via audiobook form and the narrator travels you through the atmospheric world set by Kimberley.

Thank you NetGalley and Kimberley D. Tait for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

I don’t really know what’s happening but it was a fun, descriptive story, the world is fascinating, the wiring is talented and the plot is unique. I am just feeling a bit confused and I’m guessing that’s what the next book is for. I’d recommend this though.

I'll be publishing my review on Goodreads and StoryGraph 27th December and on Tik tok most likely will add to a monthly wrap up post with review the beginning of January

I listened to this one so quickly. I liked the world building and back story of Vandemere and his circle. His troubled past with his mother and father play and important role in his development. I loved the circus setting and all of the different interesting characters. I am a sucker for paranormal stories-this one satisfied my needs! Kyle Shive brings a light tone for the young Vandy. I can't wait to listen to book 2 in the series! Thank you NetGalley and Kimberley D. Tait for the advanced listener copy. All opinions are my own.