Spotlight: 5 Reasons to Read the Kingdom of Cards Series

If you didn’t know, October is Filipino-American Heritage Month. As a Filipino-American myself, I always want to amplify the voices of other Filipino authors. Last year, I had posted a spotlight on Janella Angeles’ debut novel, Where Dreams Descend, and it just so happens that the sequel, When Night Breaks, was released earlier this month. I felt compelled to spotlight Janella’s fabulous work again, so I thought I’d list 5 reasons why you should read the Kingdom of Cards series!

When I first heard about this series and that it was described as a mix of The Phantom of the Opera, Moulin Rouge, and The Night Circus, I knew I had to read it. The Night Circus is a favorite book of mine (and well-beloved here at teatimelit!). I’ve always loved Moulin Rouge, and I first read The Phantom of the Opera when I was 10, so all three stories of inspiration were ones I knew well. Right away I was drawn into the world of mystery and magic, and when someone asks for me a recommendation for a diverse fantasy, Where Dreams Descend is absolutely my first choice!

If you haven’t read it yet, but you’re curious about the series, here are my 5 reasons why you should pick it up!

Intricate World Building

I am such a sucker for some intricate world-building. Especially in a fantasy novel. I need the world to be fully developed and rich and detailed in order for me to fully immerse myself in the story. I love the world of Glorian and all of the intricacies that Angeles put into the series. You can tell that she spent a lot of time developing this world before the story even began because of how detailed everything is. This world is fully realized which makes it all the more interesting!

Strong Female Characters and a Diverse Cast

From Kallia, to Canary, to Aunt Cata, to Lottie, there is no shortage of strong female characters in the Kingdom of Cards series. These are characters who have a strong sense of self, know their worth, and don’t put up with crap from anyone. Sexism and misogyny are two main themes in the book, and it’s so wonderful to see all of these strong women breaking down barriers and paving the way for others. One of my biggest pet peeves in the fantasy genre is that authors can create these intricate worlds filled with magic and impossible creatures and yet they have, usually, a completely white cast of characters. Angeles, understanding the importance of representation, created a world and cast filled with diverse characters. It truly adds to their stories as their struggles are relatable to poc readers, even if these characters live in a fictional world.

The Bold Imagery and Descriptive Writing

I am a huge fan of Angeles’ writing style! It’s descriptive and lush and dramatic, pulling you right into the drama from the start. I personally, am a fan of descriptive writing (which makes sense when you think about how Les Misérables is one of my favorite books), and I think that Angeles does a great job of vividly painting a picture of the world without going overboard. I found it so easy to picture exactly what was happening in the book whether the characters were in Hellfire House, the streets of Glorian, or Kallia’s greenhouse. The lush writing only added to the overall atmosphere of the book.

A Compelling Mystery

At the beginning of Where Dreams Descend we’re told that magicians are disappearing. But not just any magicians —  female magicians are disappearing and only female magicians. And with female magicians already being in short supply, it doesn’t seem like a coincidence. If you like a bit of mystery, the mystery of why female magicians are disappearing and the origins of Glorian, as well as the founding families, should keep you interested from start to finish.

The High Stakes Drama and Theatrical Inspiration

When a book or series is said to be inspired by The Phantom of the Opera, Moulin Rouge, and Hadestown, you’re going to expect high stakes, lots of drama, and theatricality. And the Kingdom of Cards series certainly delivers! There’s obviously a sense of drama and theatrics during the magical competition itself, but those elements are not exclusive to those parts of the book. Everything happening in Glorian is a performance, and that is clear throughout the story. Those theatrics help build the tension, leaving you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

So there you have it! My 5 reasons why you should read the Kingdom of Cards series by Janella Angeles! If you’ve read the series, I would love to hear your thoughts and favorite things about the series. If you haven’t read it yet, I hope that this post inspires you to do so!