Pantomime
first in a gorgeous magical trilogy about a circus performer, set in Victorian Scotland
by L.R. Lam
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Pub Date 11 Sep 2025 | Archive Date 11 Sep 2025
Hodder & Stoughton | Hodderscape
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Description
'A VIBRANT TALE' LEIGH BARDUGO
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Dragonfall comes the first in a gaslamp fantasy trilogy about a circus aerialist's quest to escape his past and decipher the magical prophecy that will shape his future.
🎪 In a land of lost wonders, the past is stirring once more . . . 🎪
When Micah runs away from a debutante's life at home and joins the circus, he harbours two secrets. One: he was born between male and female. And two: he may have powers last seen in mysterious beings from an almost-forgotten age.
As Micah discovers the joy of flight as an aerialist, courting his trapeze partner, Aenea, and confiding in the mysterious white clown, Drystan, he finally feels free. But the circus has a dark side, and Micah's past isn't done with him.
Meanwhile, the strange 'ghost' of a woman with damselfly wings whispers to Micah that only he can help magic return to the realm, and he fears she may be right . . .
Micah has much to learn, and he must do it quickly - before his past and future collide, with catastrophic consequences.
A gorgeous and inventive fantasy with queer elements, inspired by Victorian Scotland. L.R. Lam weaves a coming-of-age tale, stirrings of first love, and prophetic whispers into this unforgettable first installment of the Micah Grey series.
READERS LOVE IT
'Lushly written and beautifully imaginative' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'It was beautiful, exciting and thought provoking' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'The worldbuilding was so deeply immersive' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A luscious, intricately imagined tale of identity, love, terror, freedom and magic' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I was hooked from the start and enjoyed the rollercoaster all the way to the end' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781399750943 |
| PRICE | £20.00 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 336 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 16 members
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1346045
Did someone say gaslamp circus? Because I heard it and RAN.
This was an amazing book and everything fit exactly where it was supposed to go
Pantomime is a beautifully written story that blends magic, mystery, and identity in a way that feels fresh and compelling.
Micah's struggle with not fitting into society’s mold is something that feels universal, and it gave the story a strong emotional core. The theme of belonging runs throughout the book, and I found myself really connecting with it. Lam’s writing style is lyrical and infinitely readable, one of those books you can just sink into. The dual timelines worked well, weaving together the past and present in a way that kept me engaged without ever feeling confusing.
The circus setting is wonderfully vivid and easy to picture. It felt alive, colorful, and just the right amount of strange. While I do wish Ellada as a whole had been fleshed out a little more, the circus more than made up for it as the main backdrop.
I'm so, so glad Lam was able to revisit this story. I can't wait to read more in Micha's tale!
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