Author Rachel Nightingale builds a fascinating world around the idea of how dramatic players might really gain their inspiration using the Italian forms of the Commedia dell’Arte (Harlequin, Columbine, Pierrot etc...).
Small town girl, Mina, longs to see her brother Paolo one more time. However, he left years before to travel with a group of players and has never returned home since. When a troupe arrives she is given the opportunity to join them and determined to find her brother again, she agrees to go.
However, as soon as Mina joins the Gazini players she realizes she is surrounded by danger. From the Harlequin leader, Uberto, whose riddles hold an edge of menace, to potential boyfriend, Dario, the grieving Lisette, and the selfish vain Isabella, there seems to be few, if any, the girl can trust.
Mina has a unique gift - in a world where creating anything off the approved path is considered a violation of the law, she can create one-of-a-kind stories from her own mind. In doing so she connects with a mystical heaven-like (and in some areas hell-like) place called Tarya. Accessing Tarya is one way the players assume their roles when on stage and in Mina's case it is how she learns to create a backdrop scenery for the players.
There is a lot of mystery added to this fantasy, as well as an ominous menace throughout as Mina navigates her way through the relationships of all the players. You'll find yourself thinking "NO Mina don't trust that person!" as the story unfolds.
The reveals of the player's true characters pushes Mina along her path until finally she must make the decision - commit to the troupe and the player lifestyle or walk away without answers to her brothers' disappearance.
Mina, like many young people on a quest, exhibits some very naive ideas on how the larger world operates. That's okay in a first book, journey-quest, and at least she doesn't commit the cardinal sin of blurting out to untrustworthy individuals her secret, that she is Paolo's sister. As a reader too it fits with her character which is a bit headstrong and relentless on doing what she thinks is right.
This first book in the series is more about the mystery itself, building the world (where creating is punishable), and how the connection to Tarya both destroys and uplifts the people.
This well written and crafted world really draws you into the society. It reads a lot like a mystery which did distance me a little from connecting with the characters just because I, like Mina, was distrustful of them too!
The ending is very satisfying, a large piece of the puzzle is put into place so while this is the first of a trilogy, go ahead and dive in.
Beautiful cover too.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2019
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2017
Top reviews from other countries
Shell
Vivid, beautiful and engrossing tale
Reviewed in Australia on November 24, 2018Diane Murray
A Journey into the Fantasy of Discovery
Reviewed in Australia on July 7, 2017Sarena
Vivid worldbuilding and inspirational storyline
Reviewed in Australia on March 29, 2020
Elizabeth Jane Corbett
A rare treat for lovers of fantasy, storytelling and theatre
Reviewed in Australia on July 8, 2017