Menagerie

When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger's Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus big-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer.

Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she's forced to "perform" in town after town.

But there is breathtaking beauty behind the seamy and grotesque reality of the carnival. Gallagher, her handler, is as kind as he is cryptic and strong. The other "attractions" — mermaids, minotaurs, griffins, and kelpies — are strange, yes, but they share a bond forged by the brutal realities of captivity.

And as Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, she’ll discover a strength and a purpose she never knew existed.

Renowned author Rachel Vincent weaves an intoxicating blend of carnival magic and startling humanity in this intricately woven and powerful tale.

Praise for Menagerie

Well-paced, readable, and imaginative. — New York Times Book Review

Delilah is magnificent in her defiance of injustice, and the well-wrought background for her world sets the stage for her future adventures in this captivating new fantasy series. — Publishers Weekly

A dark tale of exploited and abused others, expertly told by Vincent. — Library Journal, starred review

Vincent summons bold and vivid imagery with her writing, especially with the otherworld aspects of the carnival. — Kirkus Reviews

Vincent creates a fantastic world that is destined to pique your curiosity . . . As Delilah Marlow slowly uncovers a side of herself that she never knew existed, you'll sympathize with her . . . desperate to see her succeed. — RT Book Reviews, Top Pick