Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Spectacle by Rachel Vincent

Series: Menagerie #2
432 p.
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Published: 5/30/17
Source: From NetGalley and Publisher for review.
In this riveting sequel to New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent's acclaimed novel Menagerie, Delilah Marlow will discover that there is no crueler cage than the confines of the human mind… 
When their coup of Metzger's Menagerie is discovered, Delilah and her fellow cryptids find their newly won freedom brutally stripped away as they are sold into The Savage Spectacle, a private collection of "exotic wildlife." Specializing in ruthless cryptid cage matches, safari-style creature hunts and living party favors, the Spectacle's owner, Willem Vandekamp, caters to the forbidden fetishes of the wealthy and powerful. At the Spectacle, any wish can be granted—for the right price.

But Vandekamp's closely guarded client list isn't the only secret being kept at the Spectacle. Beneath the beauty and brutality of life in the collection lie much darker truths, and no one is more determined than Delilah to strip the masks from the human monsters and drag all dark things into the light.
My thoughts:

I loved the first book which honestly caught me by surprise. I had high hopes for this one and I was not disappointed. Those worrying about sophomore syndrome need not worry. While our intrepid cryptids find themselves in similar but in some ways more dangerous circumstances, one which none is expected to survive, we find ourselves once again captured (in a good way) by the story and how it all plays out. There is no cliffhanger but there is a huge open ending which will make you salivate for more of the tale. I, for one, cannot wait to read the next book in this series, *grabby hands*, even though it may not be written yet. Yes, you can safely say I really loved this book.

My only niggle would be with Delilah herself. While I feel that she has placed the bulk of the responsibilities on keeping the other cryptids alive, I also feel that she should share in that responsibility. They have as much or more at stake and it is also a bit of an insult to think that they are not capable of the task of at least helping her out as an equal. That is where I felt she sort of resembled her captors, but I do think she made strides in that area a tiny bit. Still, it is a minor niggle.

I do not want to tell too much or I'll spoil the book (or even the one that came before) but I will say this: I feel you need to pay attention to the prologue in the book. I have a feeling it will play an important role in the coming books and not just this story.

In conclusion, I feel that this series needs to be read in order. It makes sense and this one builds on the first book. You get fully introduced to Delilah who is our protagonist and why she is important to the menagerie. I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I highly recommend this series to those that love a good fantasy.

🎪

55 comments:

  1. Oh it's adult? I thought this was YA

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    1. Well, I think YA can really get into this one but the major players are adult so... adult. :)

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  2. I started this one today. I loved the first book so much. I'm so glad to have this one in my hands, finally! :-)

    Melanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads

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  3. For some reason I avoided book 1 but I hear both books are amazing. I need to rethink this lol

    For What It's Worth

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    1. Oh you so need to rethink. :) I think you'll like it even if you don't love it.

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  4. I've never read Rachael Vincent. But this sounds good. Thanks!

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    1. I still need to finish her shifter series. I enjoyed it, just got behind. I'd say try this series first.

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  5. Everyone keeps raving about this series. I am worried about the dark stuff. Thinking of you and sending hugs.

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    1. It is dark, but I don't think it is too dark since they keep trying for the light.

      Thanks! ((HUGS)) <3!

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  6. I'm so excited to read this one!!! I have it waiting for me on my kindle :D

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  7. I have heard so much great things about this series. I didn't realise it was paranormal.

    Totally Addicted to Reading

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  8. I've been waiting to see what readers make of this before launching into this series so I am so excited that you loved this! I can't wait to pick it up, especially since I adore fantasy. Wonderful review!!

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  9. I've been kinda going back and forth on these- I saw Menagerie and it looked good and I just saw a Spectacle review yesterday that said it was really dark- which I don't necessarily mind but I just haven't been sure. So I'm still kinda on the fence but leaning more and more towards giving these a try... I like the sound of all the creatures.

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    1. I don't mind dark at all (I usually like it) but I didn't consider these as dark as some that I have read. However, I may not be the best judge for darkness. :)

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  10. Good to know there is no slump and it is every bit as powerful as book one and leaves thing in a good place heading into book three.

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    1. I think it does. But then I was really ready to read this one. :)

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  11. Sometimes I do skim the prologue and I do realize that I should probably pay more attention to it. Great review!

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    1. I know several people who do so I thought I should mention it is important. :)

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  12. Oh I have had the first book on my wishlist since it came out. Now I know I need to get both - Love when a second book is just as good. Great review!!

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  13. another positive review! Seems like this should be on my priority TBR list

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  14. The sophomore book in a series is always nerve-wracking. Will it keep the momentum going or become just filler? So glad this one didn't fall into that trap!
    Tanya @ Girl Plus Books

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    1. I'm usually not a worrier of the sophomore book and this one is good! :)

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  15. I read a review of Spectacle yesterday which said it was really really dark and disturbing. I loved Rachel Vincent's writing in "My soul to Take" and wanted to get Menagerie but everyone saying it's too dark has been putting me off. Maybe I should give it a try and see for myself! Great review :)

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    1. Well, I do like dark so perhaps I'm not the one you should listen to if you don't care for dark, but honestly I didn't see how it was too dark. I've read MUCH darker. Perhaps my basis for comparison is different than others.

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  16. I struck out with her Shifter series. Maybe I'll have better luck with this one. I'll see if I can find it at the library.

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    1. Hm... I need to finish the other shifter series just to see if I liked it as much as the first books in that series...

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  17. I didn't know about this series, but it does sound like something I could like so I'll have to check out book one :) Thanks for the review!

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  18. I have been curious about this series but I wasn't a fan of this authors Shifters series. You have me curious though!

    A lovely review! http://www.obsessionwithbooks.blogspot.com

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    1. I need to finish that series. I've heard mixed things about the later books in that series.

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  19. I need to read this series. This cover, though, it's odd in a fascinating way.

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  20. Ooo, I've been curious but hesitant..you pushed me over :)

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    1. *evil laugh*

      I hope you do enjoy it at least as much as I have.

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  21. Get it off that maybe list and onto that library list. :D

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  22. Wow, I didn't even know about this book. Sounds good.

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  23. I loved Menagerie and can't wait to get my hands on this. I need more of Delilah and the cryptids.

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    1. I know what you mean, I couldn't wait to read this one!

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  24. I'm hearing very good things about this book and series. That's great! Thanks for sharing about it and that you enjoyed it so highly. :)

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  25. I never read the first book, but this cover! Love it! I might have to check this series out!

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  26. I agree... both books must be read to understand the full picture. And it was just as good as the first. My heart broke for Delilah, but I'm glad she has people around her to support her. I am DYING for the next book!

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Thanks for commenting! I ❤ comments!