I enjoyed the cast of characters in the Granx Dragonflg Theatre. This coming of age story focuses on three main characters and how their story intertwines. This is paired with the exploitation by the government of those who can perform true magic. Forced to fight in a war or spend life hiding magical giftings, some of the characters in this story hide in plain sight. For anyone who loves the magic of the theater and everyone else who loves being fooled by a magician, this story is full of fantastical drama.

Magic at the Dragonfly Theatre was a lovely read that really brought a fun, fresh perspective to YA fantasy.

As acknowledged in her author notes this is truly a love letter to the theatre and I enjoyed the elements of sisterhood bonds and found family.
A certain plot with Alec (no spoilers) and watching characters having to make tough decisions along with sweetly developed romances made this an easy page turner.

The only thing I wished for reading this was more in-depth views of both main and side characters. It would have taken this book from good to great for me!

Thanks to NetGalley, CamCat Books, and Brandie June for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Sisterly love, self sacrifice, romance and found family.
Plenty going on and some good points. A few areas for improvement.
The 3 person POV removes a little bit of mystery that comes from a more unreliable single person narration. Good for some reasons like the plot moves quickly, bad for others like taking away some suspense.

The 3 POV characters are well enough developed but the side characters some of whom were very intriguing could have done with some more attention.

The love and passion for the stage and theatre shone through making it for a lovely believable world in a fantastical setting, however a little more world building and history outside the theatre and the sisters would have been welcomed as well.

A nice cozy ready.

This book is filled with the feeling of Caraval ,divine rivals , and the theater atmosphere of the phantom of the opera.
I loved iris and violets protective sisterly bond.
Also the romances between violet and Harmon and iris and Alec were quite well done. It felt necessary to the plot and storyline.
Overall i really enjoyed this book! It’s the perfect light fantasy book!

Very mild swearing ( maybe once or twice)
Lgbtq+ themes ( one mention of a side character )
Light kissing

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!!

Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre promises exactly what the title entails. Pure magic greets you with every turned page, starting with the magnificent theatre and ending with each spectacular and special character.

I loved every point of view, which doesn’t happen often, having had the opportunity to glimpse into the main characters’ individual stories.

Iris and Violet’s relationship is incredibly beautiful and it’s inspiring to see what a unique connection those sisters share.

I also enjoyed Alec’s story and how, when he was put in the position to do the right thing, his morality overruled his fear.

My favorite character has to be Leo though, I absolutely loved him. His charisma, bravery, loyalty to his family and found family and his bubbly personality were a few of the amazing traits this beautiful character had.

Even though this was spectacularly written, I would have like to know a bit more about the war going on and maybe have a map for visual reference, but other than that I immensely enjoyed reading it!

I can’t wait for it to be published and recommend to all my fantasy loving friends!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Brandie June for this amazing ARC in exchange an honest review!

Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of this book.

I didn't expect much from this book but am very glad to be wrong. It sucked me in straight away and I couldn’t put it down by the end.

I loved both Violet and Iris and loved their relationship with each other. It was so lovely to see their sisterly bond. The theatre was so magical that I longed to see it for myself and experience a show there! The descriptions of the theatre sets and illusions were so vivid that I could easily see myself standing right in the room along with all the characters.

Harmon and Leo were my favourite characters. They were so wholesome and stable in Violet and Iris’s life and just cuties all around!

I really enjoyed the way magic worked in this as well with the 2 different types and loved the twists and turns that the story took with it. I didn’t see one of the twists coming at all actually which I liked, as I like to be surprised by a book.

Overall I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking for something that is easy to read but will suck you in to a lovely magical world and give you all the emotions!

ARC review

This is a feel-good, quick-read with a whimsy and easy vibe. A cute palate cleanser with found-family and no chili peppers.

I did wish there was slightly more development for the characters, especially some of the unique supporting cast.

This was such a lovely, refreshing YA novel! I loved the setting and atmosphere, although I would definitely enjoy some more worldbuilding and a wider cast for this book—side characters appeared too briefly and were too unimportant for the story development. Perhaps if we only had one or two POVs, there would be more room for the side characters and worldbuilding.
Despite an existing threat in the story, I didn't feel much pressure from it, and the story felt quite relaxed and cozy (it's a very different book by content and setup, but the mood really reminded me of The Starling House—there is a threat, MCs fight through it, but you still feel like it's just a nice relaxing book for an autumn read...).
Again, I think the lack of any sort of tension and longing comes from the way too many POVs—sometimes not knowing what half of the cast is doing is a good thing. Otherwise, there is very little left to imagination. I still enjoyed this book and I am glad I read it, but I don't feel like there was a lot of mysteries to solve and dangers to duck.

Theatrically-themed books are my favorite kind of book. Unforgettable magic and a cast of intriguing characters that can steal your heart abound here. The Grand Dragonfly Theatre is my new home.

Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theater introduces a fresh and imaginative magic system, separating conjurers—those with real, tangible magic—from illusionists, who rely on deception and performance. The story takes place during a time of war, where the government is hunting down conjurers to weaponize them, and a theater owned by an illusionist becomes a place to offer enjoyment in a time of war.

One of the central characters is a conjurer in hiding, and her storyline has real emotional weight. I appreciated the underlying themes of survival, resistance, and identity. The world-building is creative, and the moral tension between illusion and reality adds an interesting layer.

However, the pacing really slowed things down for me. I found it difficult to stay fully engaged, and at times the plot felt like it was dragging. That said, I still think the premise is strong, and readers who enjoy slower, more atmospheric fantasies might really enjoy it.

What a whimsical, heartfelt delight! Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre is the kind of story that feels like stepping into a hidden world full of velvet curtains, whispered spells, and long-lost dreams. I was enchanted from the first page.

The setting is absolutely magical—rich with detail and charm, like a love letter to old theaters and the people who keep them alive. The characters shine with heart and complexity, especially the protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery and creative revival had me both teary-eyed and grinning.

There’s a lovely blend of gentle magic, mystery, and emotional resonance that reminded me of The Night Circus but with its own unique warmth and voice. The themes of legacy, belonging, and second chances are handled beautifully.

This is a book to savor, to escape into—and to come away from believing in a bit of everyday magic.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I adored this one.

"Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre" by Brandie June is a delightful addition to the realm of middle-grade fantasy. From the very first page, the enchanting atmosphere of the Grand Dragonfly Theatre pulls you in. The story centers around a young protagonist who discovers the hidden magic behind the theatre and embarks on a journey filled with adventure, friendship, and self-discovery.

June's writing is vivid and engaging, effortlessly transporting readers into a whimsical world where anything is possible. The characters are well-crafted and relatable, each bringing their own charm to the narrative. The themes of bravery, creativity, and the power of believing in oneself resonate throughout the story, making it not just a magical adventure but also a heartwarming tale.

One of the standout elements of the book is how it beautifully balances humor and heartfelt moments. The friendships forged within the theatre's walls highlight the importance of community and support, which adds an extra layer of depth to the plot.

Additionally, the mystical aspects of the story are woven seamlessly into the narrative, with clever twists that keep you guessing and invested in the outcome. The pacing is just right, ensuring that readers are engaged from start to finish.

Overall, "Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre" is a charming and imaginative read that is sure to captivate both young readers and adults alike. Brandie June has created a magical world that invites everyone to embrace their creativity and explore the wonders that lie just beneath the surface of everyday life. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a delightful escape into the world of magic and imagination!

In Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theater, we get to go on a journey with Violet and Iris Ashmore, two sisters at the brink of adulthood. We follow them as they struggle to carve out their own way in life. Violet—a shy and cerebral girl with magical powers to hide—longs to get out of her sister's shadow, and earn herself a name and professional reputation in her own right as a playwright. Iris—a beautiful and charismatic actress—is torn between her own desire for freedom and independence, and her duty as an older sister to protect her family. They are joined by Alec—a conman turned spy tasked with exposing the family’s secret—who intends to see his task through without catching feelings. (Maybe it’s not much of a spoiler, that with this, he fails spectacularly.)

The sisterly bond between the two main characters is one of the strengths of the book. Their relationship is layered, rich, and well-illustrated; as they bicker, snoop-through each other’s belongings, and scheme each other closer to achieving their goals. Their relationship is wholesome and still believable. Throughout the whole book, they do everything to support each other and always have each other’s backs. The girls' relationship with their respective love-interests was adorable as well. We got to witness two different dynamics, but both of them were entertaining.

The magic system illustrated in the book is interesting and well-incorporated. You can feel the magic permeating the world, witness how it affects situations from the life-transforming to the mundane. The use-cases of the illusions could get really inventive.

The first half of the book is slower as we get to explore the world. It’s a real cosy fantasy, where we can enjoy spending time with the characters as we get to know them better. In the second half the story picks up pace though, with more action and more twists. (Some of these I could guess at the very beginning of the book, but the journey to uncovering them and how they affected the characters’ lives was still fun.)

Though the story didn’t have me spellbound, it was a decent read. My main qualm is probably with the cartoonishly evil villain, and how during the big resolution at the end some (to me) obvious solutions were willfully ignored in order to make the story work. I also would have enjoyed it if the whole socio-political milieu—that we are regularly reminded of with decrees and newspaper-clippings—was better explored and brought to a conclusion or some advancement. However, I understand that this probably wasn’t in the scope for a cosy-romantasy read.

Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre is Brandie Junes love letter to theatre.

It is a heartfelt story about two sisters, and how far we would go to protect those we love.
Violet and Iris are just children when their mother is taken away from them, which leads them to grow up at the extravagant Dragonfly Theatre.
A place full of misfits, wether snake charmer or acrobat, wether real magic or fake, they are family and family protects each other.
Which is of the most importance to Iris in a world in which her sisters magic makes Violet property of the crown and if found out would get her conscripted to the same war that stole away their parents.
But not all is well in the Grand Dragonfly Theatre. Alex Morgan ows a debt for his freedom, will he discover the theatres secrets and damn all of his inhabitants or is his role in this story destined to take another path.

Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre is the book to read if you want the intensity and feeling of a theatrical play but the literary structure of a book. It will pull you into its grasp with its extravagant setting, exciting worldbuilding, compelling characters, lavish costumes and captivating plays.

This book was wonderfully charming.
I enjoyed the world building, the magic system, and the play woven throughout.
The relationship between Iris and Violet is beautiful. Violet hides from the world and Iris thrives on stage, but they love and support each other.

Brava!! 5 Stars. Thank you, NetGalley, for sending me this arc.

Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre is a true ode thespians. A bit of Moulin Rouge meets Greatest Showman meets Grishaverse, Iris and Violet are two sisters forced into hiding after their parents, both Conjurors, are taken into custody and forced to fight a war on behalf of the king.

This novel really took me by surprise. The world Brandie June created fully immerses readers into the magic of the theatre, and yes pun completely intentional. By the end, I found myself wanting to attend any performance at the Dragonfly, especially Celestial Love. Brandie, please make that happen!

I may add to this as I gather more of my thoughts, but wow am I in need of an encore. It’s been a true pleasure.

Thank you to NetGalley and CamCat Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.


“Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre” is a lush, heartfelt, and tender story about magic, family, loyalty, and what lengths we’ll go to protect those we love. It is set against the extravagant Grand Dragonfly Theatre, full of misfits and found family. Whether gifted as a snake charmer or acrobat, the troupe delights in brightening the lives of those around them - whether through real magic or illusions.

This book has been likened to other performance-based fantasy novels, such as The Night Circus or Caraval. It is true that June weaves a rich and tantalizing picture of theatre life, camaraderie, and joy of the stage. Her characters embody the best of live theatre, the integrity of showmanship, and the magic of performance. The author being a former actress is no surprise. It practically seeps from the pages. Passion is contagious.

The characters are heartfelt and earnest. Perhaps a little too earnest. Even the so-called antagonist is no real antagonist, his moral dilemma not fleshed out in a way that feels entirely believable. A moment with another character that could’ve been misconstrued as hurtful - though not unkind - is later brushed off as a simple misunderstanding.

The writing, though lush, is sparse. Important history and world building is brushed over. And just like the antagonist, the story itself lacks the deeper substance required to put it among other comparable novels, such as The Night Circus (albeit Morgenstern spends perhaps a little too much time with worldbuilding). This is to say that the novel’s greatest fault lies not in what June writes but in what she doesn’t write.

A little more nuance, a little more history, a little more moral greyness. I have nothing against the kind of easygoing, romantic adventure stories Dragonfly Theatre sits amongst - in fact, it is high up there for escapism and indulging the softer sides of oneself - but let us never buy into the idea that

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!
Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre by Brandie June is a riveting tale of family, love, and the enchanting magic of theatre. This story feels like a heartfelt love letter from the author to her own theatrical roots, and it shines through on every page. I thoroughly enjoyed stepping into the vibrant world of Meriton and the small Isle of Ily. From the very first page, I was completely immersed in this magical setting.
The story follows two sisters, Iris and Violet, who are still reeling from the loss of their parents—victims of a cruel monarchy that forces those with the rare ability to conjure permanent illusions to fight in its war. Now living with their uncle, the owner of the Grand Dragonfly Theatre, the sisters grow up leading very different lives. Iris becomes the star of the stage, while Violet hides in the shadows with a magical gift that must be kept secret at all costs.
Their world is turned upside down when Alec, hired by a bounty hunter sent to track down magic users, enters the scene. Initially loyal to his mission, Alec realizes there is more to the life at the grand theatre. Now he has to decide between his loyalty or his heart.
This story captivated me from beginning to end. The world-building was rich, the characters were compelling, and the themes of family, love and identity were beautifully done. My only complaint is that the book was too short—I wanted more time in this magical world Brandie June created!

A magical tale of two sisters growing up in a beautiful theater surrounded by talented performers, including their uncle Leo, who was left with the task of raising them. The Grand Dragonfly Theater sounds like a magical, mysterious place. This magical read is comparable to the Caraval series and includes found family, secrets, a touch of romance, and a surprise twist I didn't see coming.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eArc.

If you're looking for a sweet and fun fantasy read, Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre fits the bill perfectly. Set in a world where those born with the magical gift of conjuration are considered property of the king, sisters Violet and Iris are forced to live with their uncle at the Dragonfly Theatre after their conjurer parents are taken by the royal guards.

I absolutely loved the setting--there's something magical about a story set in a theatre and this book is no exception! The dynamics of the theatre crew, the excitement of the performances, and the charm of the magic tricks all come together to create something really special.

I also really enjoyed the character relationships in this book. June did an amazing job of portraying family bonds and love--it felt real and healthy and believable. The romantic subplots were also very sweet.

My only criticism of the book is that it did feel quite surface-level at times. While in some ways I appreciated this (it allowed this book to be a very accessible and quick read), I did also find myself wanting a bit more depth and as a result wasn't super invested in the plot or characters. This isn't an inherently bad thing, but if you are looking for a book with a highly developed magic system and worldbuilding you might be disappointed.

Overall, I think that Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre would be a great option for anyone looking for a whimsical, easy-to-read standalone fantasy novel and I do recommend it.