Reviews

Menagerie by Rachel Vincent

jobird's review

5.0

09/08/17: Even better the second time. :) You know it is a good book when after you finish it you hug it :P Does anyone else do this?

26/11/15: Wow that was not what I expected. I look forward to seeing where the story will go.

hoboannie's review against another edition

5.0

Fantastical alternate reality. Loved the many creatures from all mythologies that were imprisoned in the menagerie and the reason they were there was a fresh and well-told concept. Audio version is wonderful and it's the kind of story that kept me sitting in parking lots long after I should have gotten out of my car.

javalenciaph's review against another edition

5.0

Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Note: This ARC was provided by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

I've never read any of author Rachel Vincent's other works before, but what an introduction to both her writing and her new series Menagerie was! She created this fantastical world within what we would consider normal surroundings along with a cast of vividly described characters who were simply fascinating. Once you enter the world Delilah resides in, it's difficult to look away, almost as if you were actually standing in Metzger's Menagerie and trying to not be mesmerized by everything around you. The story is dark and haunting and there are moments that make you cringe. These creatures are treated as if they weren't worthy to be treated humanely simply because they weren't human, yet the actual humans were more inhumane in their behavior, making them more than qualified to be locked up in cages forever.

Delilah Marlowe is a captivating female lead character. Her world as she knows it is thrown completely off its axis and she's left with no other choice but to adapt to her new circumstances. Yet, she never allows herself to be broken, barely bending even when she knows it'll be more beneficial for her. Her compassion for others remains even as she's stripped of almost everything else. Her relationship with Gallagher captures your attention because it's one that makes you curious as to what truly is going on between the two of them and how it will play out as the series continues. There were certainly far more surprises than I was expecting as the book went on, and I couldn't help but wonder what stories the other creatures of the menagerie were waiting to tell. Menagerie was an enchanting five-plus-starred read and a 2015 favorite. ♥

cgreaderbee's review against another edition

2.0

I was torn by how I felt about this book. On one hand, the concept was very interesting. But overall, the writing and the characters were not my favorite. I wanted to keep reading it to find out what would happen. But I did not connect with the characters - I felt a disconnect with the dialogue and relationships forming and to me it did not feel natural or engaging. It felt awkward and at times over-the-top.
At this time, I don't really plan on reading the second book, after looking through some reviews suggests the sequel mirrors the general plot line of this book.

inkshadows's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

emleemay's review against another edition

4.0

If monsters could look like humans, and humans could look like monsters, how could anyone ever really be sure that the right people stood on the outside of all those cages?

3 1/2 stars. If it wasn't for the slightly messy and rushed ending, this would be a solid four stars. One thing is sure about Ms Vincent - she knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat.

[b:Menagerie|18350798|Menagerie (Menagerie, #1)|Rachel Vincent|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440778866s/18350798.jpg|25947391] presents a paranormal alternate reality that is unlike anything I've ever read. It's creative, it's fantastical, but the most notable thing about it is just how convincing it is. Vincent is skilled at taking the unbelievable and making you believe in it. And that makes for a story that is compelling, infuriating and scary.

In this world, a wide variety of supernatural creatures all known as cryptids have no fundamental rights. They are imprisoned, collected for private use, exploited and mistreated. They cannot own property or hire a lawyer. In the eyes of the law, they are less than animals. And Metzger's Menagerie is a travelling carnival where you can go and look upon these caged creatures.

When Delilah Marlow visits the carnival, she witnesses the injustices suffered by the cryptids (everything from mermaids to minotaurs). The cruel treatment sparks a rage that brings out a monster lurking under the surface of Delilah's human appearance - a monster even she didn't know existed. Suddenly accused of being a cryptid living in hiding, Delilah begins to lose everything.

"People think they are masters of the universe because they'vre conquered the skies, and the seas, and the heavens. Because they can kill with the press of a button and speak to anyone else on the planet, any time they like. But there are things older and wiser than humanity. Things more powerful and significant. Love, and loss, and birth. Pain, and bliss. Vengeance.

Vincent builds up the story excellently. It is creepy and awful. Imagine one day discovering you were something "else", a something that stripped you of all human rights and property. In [b:Menagerie|18350798|Menagerie (Menagerie, #1)|Rachel Vincent|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440778866s/18350798.jpg|25947391], it is completely believable. And it is frightening to realise how helpless Delilah is.

From then on, Delilah's life gets worse. We meet an array of fascinating characters and some of the most despicable. Delilah must try to salvage some dignity, stay alive, and figure out exactly what she is before it's too late.

I have to issue a warning - there is violence and rape in this book. The latter is not graphic, but still may be upsetting. The violence, on the other hand, does get quite graphic and gory. While I think older teens may be able to enjoy [b:Menagerie|18350798|Menagerie (Menagerie, #1)|Rachel Vincent|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440778866s/18350798.jpg|25947391], it is clearly aimed at adults.

But I really enjoyed it. It's a fast-paced, engrossing and thrilling book.

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bluebeereads's review against another edition

Nope, not for me. Don't get me wrong, this is not bad in the least. It's just not for me.

barefoot_james's review against another edition

4.0

First book in the Menagerie series.

This is a very dark and mature urban fantasy. The world building is terrific and the characters are well developed. The horror that the protagonist finds herself caught up in unfolds at a steady pace; however, the ending feels a little rushed.

There is considerable violence and sexual predation in the story but they are not gratuitous.

tawnieblue's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

augustgreatsword's review against another edition

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5