SFF

Miraculum

Polis. Feb. 2019. 320p. ISBN 9781947993419. $26. FANTASY
COPY ISBN
Post presents a novel with similar supernatural elements as Erin Morgenstern's modern classic The Night Circus, featuring plenty of money men and the seductively strange. But where Morgenstern memorably paints a world of beautiful magic and tragic love, Post delves into the ugliness of the struggle to achieve self-determination within it. She uses a third-person omniscient voice to offer many perspectives on lice-ridden, moonshine-soaked carnie life but ultimately focuses on protagonist Ruby Chole, tattooed lady and enchantress of serpents, vs. antagonist Daniel Revont, a singular geek with bespoke suits and a preternatural power of persuasion. As Ruby learns more of her own powers and Daniel employs his for casual, destructive cruelty, the path to their showdown intertwines with a mutual realization that they understand each other better than anyone else ever could.
VERDICT Night Circus fans will inevitably find this a cousin of their favorite, but readers of Katharine Dunn's Geek Love or Neil Gaiman's American Gods are more likely to enjoy it.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?