Menagerie by Rachel Vincent

Menagerie Vol 1

Synopsis

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 black-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer.

Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah in her black swan burlesque costume 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, gryphons 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.

Impressions

Cooool!
I was surprised in a very good way. Didn't think at all I would be hooked so fast. The story is well written with blood, suspense, racism, question about differences, acceptance, love, the value of a life… A lot of very modern questions cleverly hidden into a great story.

Like the plot with the Ménagerie full of mythological or fantasy creatures that are abused and badly treated. It's not a fairy tale, it's dark and probably closer to the reality than expected. :-)

The characters are interesting. Not at all princess or prince material but people with moral, value even if they are full of darkness and flaws. Gallagher has picked my curiosity with his nick name and his abilities. Would be great to know more about him in the sequel. He is not at all what I was expected and imagining at the beginning of my read. He is like a modern old fashion chevalier.

And Delilah is a female character very strong. Even in adversity, she doesn't break her spirit. Of course, she is pretty shield from the ugliness by Gallagher because you can only guess what atrocities are inflicted to creatures that "normal" people think are freaks. As we are all "normal"… Rolling my eyes here.
The author says something cool about us having a part of ugliness or having an inside beast in all of us. Guess, I like her way of thinking.

Great tale told with creativity and true words. Really like it!
Can't wait for the sequel! :-)

Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.