I've recently been craving something that could give me a sense of magic and secrets all with the mystery of something the likes of "Caraval"
and "Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre" did not disappoint. With a unique magic system, set against a backdrop of war and conscription for those with power, we focus in on a theatre filled with mystery, family and the fantastical.

The backdrop of an illusionist theatre created a fantastical and whimsical feel. and the characters within truly have the most heartwarming relationships. Im obsessed with the friendship and family tensions, and the themes of found family, I also loved how both sisters went on a journey of self acceptance and discovery. Whilst the romance within these pages is heartwarming, what I really adored was the development of the sisters relationship.

Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre is a fun, immersive and magical read but oh my is it emotional at times.

Thank you to NetGalley and CamCat books for the ARC!

Magic at the Grand Dragonfly theater is a fun and easy read, but it also manages to pack an emotional punch.

The world and setup of this story are both very clever. The magic system is easy to understand, which it needs to be because within 300 pages there is only so much explaining that can be done, but the author manages to explain the system clearly within a chapter. Within that same chapter it also immediately becomes clear to us what is at stake, and it is also one of the most tense chapters of the whole book, dragging you in right away. Well done to the author there!

While both sisters have love interests, the real story in this book is about the love they have for each other and the love of family, both found and real. The romance subplots were interesting in and of themselves, but also manage to be relevant for the plot.

The excerpts from different pieces of writing that exist within the world we're in at the start of the chapters are a fun and clever way to learn a bit more about the world.

Some things that were mentioned in the story seemed to have no further relevance. An example of this is when Iris gets remarks about being unchaperoned as a young woman in the city, this doesn't seem to have any further bearing on the story and could've been left out. This my only real critique of the book though, and it is alltogether small.

The story wraps up nicely and left me satisfied. At the same time there's more than enough material for a possible sequel, which I would definitely read if it ever happens! There is more world to explore here.

Good for fans of:
- YA
- Standalones with a clear and satisfying ending
- Found family
- Romance subplots with real relevance and consequences for the plot

I ultimately DNF'd at 50%. The magic system was interesting, the theatre being incorporated with the world was fun, and the premise was intriguing. However, in execution, it fell flat for me. The romance is what really led to me DNFing it, because it was so weak, yet was the crux for the biggest conflict. Likewise, the story just felt one dimensional, despite being 50% in. I agree with other reviewers' complaints that the writing was basic, which contributed to this issue.
I think this book could have benefited from expanding the characters and the world, which would have lent itself to a more well rounded story.

This story was, in a word, magical! The magical system of the world was intriguing, a split of illusions and conjuring. The backdrop of a horrible long on-going war that forces those with conjuring magic into servitude of the crown sets an ominous feeling.

The world definitely pulled in elements of the late 1800's. The setting on the small isle and within the Dragonfly Theatre itself was picturesque and beautiful, while the city was cold and industrial.

The cast of characters at the Dragonfly are like a family of misfits that blend together and make it a magical space. Each has their own talent and delightful personality. The dynamic of Violet and Iris's relationship is wonderful, truly the epitome of sisters.

The plot was both cozy and mysterious, there was so much tension, danger, and delight. Just a wonderfully delightful story.

☆ 4/5 ☆

With its stunning cover and magical synopsis, I was immediately drawn to this book —and I’m so glad I picked it up. Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre is a whimsical and immersive read that completely pulled me into its world.

I’m obsessed with how Brandie June seamlessly blends theatre life and magic throughout the story. The inclusion of newspaper clippings about the ongoing war, characters’ diary entries, and excerpts from the Grand Dragonfly Theatre’s screenplays added such a creative and engaging layer to the narrative. The illusionist theatre performances were fascinating, and the characters were equally compelling.

I especially loved the heartwarming themes of found family and the strong sisterly bond at the center of the story with Iris and Violet. The subtle romantic threads—through the sisters’ connections with Harmon and Alec—were sweet and well-paced. I also appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of themes like self-acceptance, chosen family, and coming of age.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves magical theatre, rich world-building, and heart-filled fantasy. Fans of the Night Circus would love this book!

Thank you Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an absolutely wonderful read! I love this book dearly, and feel so thankful to have been able to read it early. The characters, their stories, and the mood of this book have stuck with me since I finished reading it. I could honestly speak about it all for a long time, but for now these are my overall thoughts:

Story
First off, I really enjoyed everything about this story! Many elements of the story felt real and relatable in some way. I was invested in the world and the stakes each character was up against. The ending was satisfying, but skillfully left me thinking about the characters and their stories after the book was finished.
I felt that the magic was written well and fit very nicely into the world. The stakes and character-building based on the magic system were effective. I really enjoyed the concept of different magic users and what that meant for each character!

Characters
I enjoyed all of the characters! I cared about them and felt very connected to them. Many of the characters were relatable in one way or another, and I was invested in their stories and the conflicts they were facing. I wouldn’t have minded more attention paid to secondary characters, and more interaction between the main and secondary characters. However, what was present in the book was still effective!
Something that is important to me in books that I read is that the antagonist is written well, and I thought the author did an excellent job with this! Even though I had strong feelings about the antagonist, I was excited to have them in a scene because I knew it was going to be interesting.
I thought that the romance was given a good balance with the rest of the relationships and the story. It was not the main focus, and instead developed along with the characters and the story. To me, the romantic relationships were satisfying, fit the characters, and written well!

Setting
I really love the setting and mood of this book! I thought it fit the story nicely, and the feelings of the environment (the weather, the theatre, the house and gardens) have stuck with me. I mostly wish we had gotten more detailed descriptions, such as details of the interiors. What we did have in descriptions gave me a strong idea of the mood and setting, I just would have loved more details to get a better vision. Beyond this, there was certainly still many effective ways in which the setting was developed. I still felt immersed in the world through descriptions of the world around the characters, beautifully described outfits, etc.!

Writing
I enjoyed the writing style! It felt easy to read, and I was able to follow along with everything that happened. I thought that the pacing was well done, I didn’t feel stuck in one part for too long or that something moved along too quickly. Each character had their own voice, and I could tell that great attention was given to bringing each character to life. Personally, I loved the vignettes and excerpts at the beginning of each chapter! They added a great deal to the world-building, and felt relevant to story every step of the way.

Oh this book! This book is a masterpiece! Brandie June is a total genious! Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre is a masterpiece of a book.

I love a found family, but it is just as good - and perhaps even rarer - to have a blood family that love each other. A healthy sibling relationship in stories is sadly so unusual. Iris and Violet truly love each other, and while they bicker at times, it is clear that they would do anything for the other. Just as rare is the parent-child relationship the sisters have with their uncle. It's great to have a family that care about each other, protect each other. They are a delight to read. Some of the side characters are not as fleshed out as they could be; some were paper thin, which is a shame because they all had the promise to be so much more.

Alex was a refreshing take on the MMC, poor, down on his luck and determined to do whatever he had to in order to protect his own family and make good.

The twist as to what is actually going on behind the curtain at the theatre is a delight and like any good end of act, tilts everything you think you know and forces you to look anew at what is going on. The magic, the blurring of 'illusion' and 'Illusion' was a delight.

The ending is hopeful but not perfect, and all the better for it. This world still has plenty of story to tell and I hope the author comes back to this world if not these characters exactly.

A fun, fast little book that was a delight.

This has Where Dreams Descend and Caraval vibes. There’s a haunted theatre, gothic vibes, low fantasy/magical realism. I really felt transported. The character embarks on a really coming of age journey that felt authentic. The illusionists were fascinating and Alec is WOW.

This book was awesome. I started because the cover iw gorgeous and I stayed for the magical realism! Violet and Iris were fantastic, Alec was dreamy! The secrets and scheming and magic were awesome.

Reviewer’s note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre is a delightful mix of mystery, self-discovery, and soft magic set against the backdrop of a glamorous, slightly haunted theatre. Brandie June creates a rich atmosphere with velvet curtains, masked performers, and secrets hidden in every wing of the stage.

The protagonist’s journey is heartfelt and sincere—a coming-of-age story that explores identity, acceptance, and finding one’s voice in a world full of illusions. The theatre setting is gorgeously realized, brimming with personality and just the right amount of eerie charm. I especially loved the theatrical metaphors used throughout the narrative—clever and meaningful without being heavy-handed.

While I was completely drawn in by the setting and the emotional arc, I would have liked a bit more clarity and development around the magic itself. The story leans more into whimsical atmosphere than structured fantasy, which works, but left me curious for a little more detail. A couple of the side characters also felt like they had untapped potential.

Still, this is a beautifully written, gently magical tale perfect for readers who enjoy stories about performance, personal growth, and the quiet courage it takes to be seen.

Recommended for fans of:
• Magical realism with a theatrical twist
• Found family and identity journeys
• Lush, cozy, slightly gothic settings
• Character-driven fantasy with heart

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars) |
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. It was such a great story with strong writing. I could not put it down! The magical elements made the story so interesting. 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.

Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre is, quite fittingly, magical. It’s a whimsical and heartfelt story about two sisters, Iris and Violet, who live with their uncle in the enchanting (and infamous) Grand Dragonfly Theatre—a place where illusions captivate the audience and create unforgettable performances.

In this world, illusionists craft shows through magical illusions, which are harmless and legally accepted. Conjurors, on the other hand, can create real, tangible objects—magic with weight and consequence. Because of their abilities, Conjurors are required by law to serve a five-year term under King Edmund IV.

Iris believes she has no magical gifts, while Violet believes she is a Conjuror—at least, that’s what their uncle has led them to believe. As the story unfolds, it’s revealed that Iris is actually a Prism, a rare and powerful individual who can amplify the magic of others—particularly illusionists.

Meanwhile, Alec, a young man who starts working at the Grand Dragonfly, is secretly helping a bounty hunter track down a suspected Conjuror. But as his connection to Iris deepens and he begins to question his mission, he finds himself caught between duty, love, and loyalty.

This story is full of charm, wonder, and emotional depth—a perfect read for anyone who enjoys magical realism, sibling dynamics, and richly imagined worlds.

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 :)