The Electrical Menagerie

The Celestial Isles, Book 1

By: Mollie E. Reeder

Narrated by: Travis Baldree

The Electrical Menagerie, a one-of-a-kind robotic roadshow, is bankrupt. Sylvester Carthage, illusionist and engineer, has the eccentric imagination the Menagerie needs to succeed creatively - but none of the people skills. Fast-talking Arbrook Huxley, meanwhile, has all the savvy the Menagerie needs to succeed commercially - but none of the scruples.

To save their show, Carthage and Huxley risk everything in a royal talent competition, vying for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform for the future celestial queen. In this stardust- and spark-powered empire of floating islands and flying trains, the Electrical Menagerie's bid at fame and fortune means weathering the glamorous and cutthroat world of critics, high society, and rival magicians - but with real conspiracy lurking beneath tabloid controversy, there's more at stake in this contest than the prize.

Behind the glittery haze of flash paper and mirrors, every competitor has something to hide...and it's the lies Carthage and Huxley tell each other that may cost them everything.

©2018 Mollie E. Reeder (P)2019 Mollie E. Reeder

Magical fun circus feel

I really enjoyed this story and I loved the way it was read. The reader really helped bring it all to life for me.

good light fantasy

I was attracted to this one because of the subject matter. Basically it's a traveling illusion show. What I got was a wonderful mix of fantasy and political commentary. As is always the case with this type of book, I expected a rehash of the same old plotlines, but that's not the case here. I can't go into too much detail, as it would spoil the fun. The narration here is spot on, and Travis Baldree's Scottish accent is marvelous. He switches between characters with ease, although his reading is a bit fast. You should try this one, at least for the really cool electricals and illusions that are contained in the story. I received a review copy free at my request in exchange for an unbiased review.

Fun, humor, life lessons, and all the feels!

This book was a delightful combination of fun, humor, life lessons, and all the feels. I loved the vivid descriptions of the Electrical Menagerie and other acts, which felt a bit reminiscent of The Night Circus. Carthage and Huxley were such interesting characters to get to know as more and more was revealed about their pasts and family dynamics. And as a pair, they had so many humorous interactions due to their opposing personalities and touching moments of increased understanding. The puzzle of the mysterious "accidental" deaths surrounding the competition really kept me intrigued, and I couldn't get enough of the cool world-building, especially the electricals (yay Dominic!) and the awesome trains that ran on invisible rails between floating islands.

The narrator absolutely brings the story to life with tons of personality and distinctive voices for each character. I think Carthage's accent was my favorite :) His engaging portrayal kept me on the edge of my seat - sometimes nervous, sometimes laughing, occasionally tearing up... For you audiobook fans out there, this one should definitely go on your list!

I would highly recommend The Electrical Menagerie for anyone who would enjoy a fun, big top-centered adventure with dynamic characters and a new world to explore.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.*

Surprising and capturing

I was surprised when I first began the audio book. I am new to audio books and wasn't sure if I would enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the paperback. However, I was pleasantly surprised and was really captured by all the voices used in the story (what talent, to change accents so often and quickly!). I'm impressed. Well done!

Carthage, of course, was my favorite accent, but I have to say that Huxley was actually the voice that I was impressed by the the most. The narrator cleverly gives him his own unique inflection and phrasing, which I think is really hard to do in your "own" accent.

This is such a clever story, and it moves quickly so there's never a dull second. The world is created with care and precision, it has a familiar sense to it, but it's all new and wonderful. The characters' goals are well defined and the ending is... sensational. ;) I can't wait for more adventures with these two boys!

Beautiful story

I don't usually read books like this, but I was hooked instantly. These characters are so real and the reading is phenomenal.