Menagerie

Rachel Vincent

Sep 2016 · The Menagerie Series Book 1 · MIRA

About this ebook

A young woman makes a shocking self-discovery when she visits a traveling carnival in this dark contemporary fantasy by a New York Times bestseller.

When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger’s Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus big-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she’s forced to “perform” in town after town.

But there is breathtaking beauty behind the seamy and grotesque reality of the carnival. Gallagher, her handler, is as kind as he is cryptic and strong. The other “attractions” —mermaids, minotaurs, griffins and kelpies—are strange, yes, but they share a bond forged by the brutal realities of captivity. And as Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, she’ll discover a strength and a purpose she never knew existed.

Renowned author Rachel Vincent weaves an intoxicating blend of carnival magic and startling humanity in this intricately woven and powerful tale.

Praise for Menagerie

“Well-paced, readable, and imaginative.” —New York Times Book Review

“Delilah is magnificent in her defiance of injustice, and the well-wrought background for her world sets the stage for her future adventures in this captivating new fantasy series.” —Publishers Weekly

“A dark tale of exploited and abused others, expertly told by Vincent.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Vincent summons bold and vivid imagery with her writing, especially with the otherworld aspects of the carnival.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Vincent creates a fantastic world that is destined to pique your curiosity . . . As Delilah Marlow slowly uncovers a side of herself that she never knew existed, you’ll sympathize with her . . . desperate to see her succeed.” —RT Book Reviews, Top Pick

Ratings and reviews

I bought this book on Audible when it first came out and never listened to it. It wasn’t until I joined a readers challenge that I decided to dig into it. I purchased it on my kindle and all I can say is I’m kicking myself for not delving into it when I originally bought it. This book is hard to read at times because of the parallels in the real world. There is a lot of darkness in this book but the world building is done beautifully. The plus side to waiting to read this book is the sequels are already written, I can’t wait to delve into the next one.

intense

what an emotional ride!

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent loves good chocolate, comfortable jeans, and serial commas. She’s older than she looks and younger than she feels, but is convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan. Now absorbed in the dark, tangled loyalties of her UNBOUND world, as well as the travails of a teenage banshee in her SOUL SCREAMERS world, Rachel can be found online at www.rachelvincent.com or urbanfantasy.blogspot.com.