A trick rider in a traveling circus, Vandemere Petruska’s life is far from perfect. HIs mother is a drunk, his father left, and he inherited his mother’s tarot magic. Stuck between two worlds, Vandemere struggles to reconcile the two. Every time he uses his magic, he blacks out and doesn’t remember what happened. As a result, at 17, he finds himself in the middle of a missing child case. Will he learn to embrace his magic or will it destroy him?

Narrator, Kyle Shive’s intonations and narrative style are well done and work well with the author’s writing style. He does a great job of bringing the characters to life. The characters are authentic, enjoyable, and well drawn. The plot is unique and engaging. The world building is well done and works well with the ongoing plot. Readers who like historical fiction, magical realism, carnival fiction, and mysteries will want to pick this one up. Recommended for library collections where such audiobooks are popular.

Okay, I had complicated thought with this one but it’s still fun and quick yet haunting in some ways

Kimberley D. Tait’s Vandemere offers an intriguing premise and a glimpse into the complex world of the circus life and gypsies. While the storyline holds promise, it doesn’t entirely deliver the gripping narrative one might hope for. The pacing of the plot wavers, with moments of intrigue occasionally overshadowed by slower or overly detailed sections.

That said, Tait’s insight into the circus life adds authenticity to the story. Overall, Vandemere is a passable read, but it may not leave a lasting impression on those looking for a truly compelling storyline.

Sadly DNF'd this one.. I didn't like the narrator and that just heightened my dislike of the main character. I wasn't engaged and didn't want to keep going just to end up rating it lower

2.5
I loved the cover of this and premise also. I wanted to love this but ended up feeling a little deflated.

Perhaps due of the POV of a teenager, the MC seemed to be overly absorbed with women as objects and there seemed to be so much focus on virginity. Fair enough if there was more of a point to it, but it just didn’t seem to flow but will make me cringe each time. This also brought the book a little past its “YA” category for me and more so New Adult because of the content.

The writing style reminded me of Sebastien de Castell’s in the Spellslinger series and needless to say that’s always enjoyable.

The magic system is interesting and refreshing to a degree. The pacing was not fast but wasn’t tediously slow and the characters were well developed. The plot though… it took rather longer before the actual plot started.

The cliffhanger ending is also just enough for me to read the next.

The beginning of the book started out interestingly enough and the fantasy aspects were present right away. The mystery aspects took a while to appear. I knew something was supposed to “happen”, and it wasn’t until halfway through the book that we got into what the real mysteries were.

The main Character, Vandy was charismatic and interesting for the most part. I read this book via audiobook thanks to Netgalley. Vandy was supposedly  taught by his father to be tough and not cry, so I found myself wondering why there were times when he seemed almost whiney. The voice was perfect for this character aside from those few contrary moments.

I loved all of the side characters. They just fit! I would love a bit more backstory from some of them!

I wish we got to learn more about the magic of the tarot, seeing as how the series is called Circe de tarot and all. I feel like we only just touched in this particular magic, and it was so interesting!

Generally, in a series, book one leaves off with a few unanswered questions to que up book two… but I still have so many questions! I am so invested in Vandy, however, that I can’t wait to read the second book! I need some answers, and im hoping they appear in the second book. I’ve also heard some great things about the second in this duology and I’m chomping at the bit 😉 Get it?

This is a very good new adult book that’s a mix of historical fiction, magical realism, and mystery. The author perfectly captures the magical and mysterious setting of carnival life, as well as the emotions of a young boy trying to find his identity while battling the duty he feels toward his family and dreams for his own life. Other themes/tropes of this book include: 1930s American southwest, fortune telling, tarot magic, psychic abilities, and coming of age.

Vandy’s Romanian ancestors brought an evil with them when they immigrated to America and now it’s searching for him. Despite this, he’s not interested in embracing the magic that could save him. Vandy just wants to continue excelling in his career as a trick rider in the circus. He has to start accepting the magic and psychic abilities that he inherited from his mother in order to defeat the entity that has marked him for death.

I really enjoyed this audiobook! The narrator is very good and really embodies the personality of an angry 17 year old boy. There are a lot of dark themes in this book (abuse, mention of SA, murder) so be mindful before beginning it. This book is different from what I normally read but I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion!

Vandemere by Kimberley D. Tait is a promising historical mystery with an atmospheric setting and a solid premise. Tait's writing creates a vivid sense of place, immersing readers in the tension and intrigue of the story. The characters are intriguing, though they could benefit from deeper development to fully connect with the reader. While the plot is engaging, some twists feel a bit predictable, and the pacing occasionally lags in the middle. Nonetheless, the book is an enjoyable read for fans of historical fiction with a touch of mystery, offering enough suspense to keep you turning the pages.

“Vandemere,” by Kimberley D. Tait

This book is a day-to-day sort of vibe of a circus performer who sees visions against his will. Not a lot of stuff happens in the book action wise, but the plot is very interesting. I liked how this book felt like a change of pace from the other books I read, not quite a cozy read but not a book that has a bunch of romance, tropes, action, etc. I love circus themed stuff, and it was a very cool read, can’t wait to read book 2 and find more about his dad. I got the audiobook version, and it was well paced, and I liked the narrator, solid audiobook in my opinion. 3 out of 5 stars.

-Psychic
-Circus
-1930’s Southwest

Thank you for the free copy, Netgalley.

Unfortunately a DNF for me

At 15% in, I'm finding myself just uninterested in the plot and really disliking Vandy, the main character. I really wanted to love this....but sadly it is not for me.

From the very first page, Tait’s writing captivates with evocative descriptions that transport readers to the gritty, dust-choked landscapes of the Southwest. The circus setting, with its mesmerizing performances and raw human grit, is richly detailed, and the atmosphere feels almost tangible. Vandy’s world is one where the line between reality and the supernatural is thin, and Tait masterfully plays with this boundary throughout the story.

One of the most striking aspects of Vandemere is its exploration of family legacy and inherited power. The concept of "magic isn’t the only thing he inherited" runs deeply through the narrative. Vandy’s ancestors—their choices, triumphs, and mistakes—cast long shadows on his present. As he comes to terms with the truth about his family's past, readers are drawn into a generational saga of fate, choice, and the weight of ancestry.

The supporting cast is another highlight of Vandemere. From the colorful members of the traveling circus to his Romanian family’s ghostly presence, each character is fully realized with unique personalities and motivations. Tait introduces them with deft strokes, ensuring they feel lifelike and memorable.

Vandemere is not without its darker themes. The story’s depiction of life in the 1930s is unflinching in its honesty. Grit, hardship, and struggle permeate the narrative. Violence, coarse language, self-harm, and sexual situations are present, adding layers of realism but also serving as potential triggers for sensitive readers. Tait’s approach to these subjects is thoughtful but unyielding, underscoring the harsh realities of the era.

This book is a historical fantasy novel taking place in the 30's following the male lead Vandemere Petruska, a teenager at his 17th year of life who is travelling the country with a circus. His is charismatic as he has inharated his mother's tarot reading/ magic. They are references to his father none magical side. His mother is a more prominant figure in the book. Vlady walks in life trying to discover his identity, heritage, and of course his struggles with his supernatural abilities. I had the opportunity to read it via audiobook form and the narrator travels you through the atmospheric world set by Kimberley.

Thank you NetGalley and Kimberley D. Tait for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

I don’t really know what’s happening but it was a fun, descriptive story, the world is fascinating, the wiring is talented and the plot is unique. I am just feeling a bit confused and I’m guessing that’s what the next book is for. I’d recommend this though.

I'll be publishing my review on Goodreads and StoryGraph 27th December and on Tik tok most likely will add to a monthly wrap up post with review the beginning of January

I listened to this one so quickly. I liked the world building and back story of Vandemere and his circle. His troubled past with his mother and father play and important role in his development. I loved the circus setting and all of the different interesting characters. I am a sucker for paranormal stories-this one satisfied my needs! Kyle Shive brings a light tone for the young Vandy. I can't wait to listen to book 2 in the series! Thank you NetGalley and Kimberley D. Tait for the advanced listener copy. All opinions are my own.

I'm going to need to read a physical copy before leaving my final review as I got a little confused at times with the audiobook. That said, I enjoyed what I heard so far and will leave my final review on goodreads once I have the chance to read it in full.

(4.0 Stars)

This was a YA modern fantasy based in the 1930's. I liked it. The story was engaging and interesting. The characters are unique and well developed. The pace was good throughout the book, and the end made me want to read the next book in the series.

I read the audiobook version of this and the narrator did a good job. His voice is soothing, so sometimes the dramatic scenes lacked that sense of "urgency" you might otherwise get from just reading it. But overall he was very good. The women and children voices were also done well (not always true with some male narrators), so it was easy to distinguish the dialog. I do hope the next book (Fire Horse) is also done as an audiobook.

This book should appeal to younger readers, or those who prefer character-driven fantasy in a modern setting. It has magic, young romance, teen angst, and don't forget about The Circus.

Full Disclosure: This book does use the term "Gypsy" to describe people. I know today many (but not all) Romani people consider this to be a slur. I do not think the author meant to use this as a pejorative. The author also includes other disclaimers about some disturbing content. Again, this is not graphic in detail as this is a YA novel, but it is included.

So, this was a bit on the strange side to be honest.

Vandemere (Vandy) is a horse rider/trainer in a traveling circus. He is from a long line of circus workers, and his Mom is still very involved, reading tarot cards, etc…
She is very well known, and usually has a line of people waiting for her…

She’s very talented, but it seems like her son may have a bit of this in his blood too!

He’s also very talented with the horses. He learned how to ride when he was very young, when his father taught him. (As I was reading, I was scared for him!) 🫣
Learning how to do flips, etc…

So, Vandy is just a kid, (17, I think) and we open up with him doing some card tricks (trying to make a quick buck), but with the WRONG people…

Lots of drama. Lots of lust for a girl on the team who has absolutely NO interest in him. LOTS of F*** bombs…I mean like a thousand times…which to me is inaccurate. This book takes place in the 1930’s. My family that grew up during that time would NEVER use that language, and were always insulted if any of us did…

And, the mother is no example for him either. (And I’m not just saying this…it’s literally written into the book…) Her choice of men leaves a lot to be desired…

But then there’s a whole other side to this book…one that deals with the paranormal, or maybe mind-reading?
And then there are the demons…

Very interesting. Very different. And, somewhat addictive.

If you can get past the f-bombs and are ok with some paranormal stuff, this is a good read! Looking forward to book #2.

3 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 4!

#Vandemere by #KimberleyDTait and narrated nicely by #KyleShive.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the author #KimberleyDTait for an ARC of the audiobook.

It looks like this was released in 2023, so maybe the audiobook was just released? Not sure…but hopefully you can find it on shelves already!

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Thank you NetGalley for the ALC of this novel.

1.5 stars, rounded up.

I truly, truly hate leaving bad reviews. Just wanted to put that out there before I start.

First and foremost, the narrator here is incredible. I listen to audiobooks daily and this is the best narrator I’ve listened to in at least the past month. Accents are very well done and different characters have clear and distinct voice.

This novel has so much potential. The circus aspect works well here, the magic system is interesting, and I was actually getting in to the story towards the end.

Unfortunately, I can’t get past the main character’s inability to have an interaction with a female of any age or relation to him without objectifying them. There was a period of the story where it felt like that was the entire plot. It’s excessive to say the least.

To go along with that point, the main characters virginity is brought up frequently for seemingly no purpose. He’s a 17 year old boy so to some extent it’s a believable hyperfixation, but this was also excessive to the point that’s it’s noteworthy.

I understand that this is a duology but I would have appreciated more of the plot to unfold in book one. I feel like things only started taking off in the last 30% of the novel. Again, I really enjoyed the plot once it started taking off.

Overall, I would read book two just because I am interested in the plot. I would not feel comfortable recommending this, however, due to the excessive objectification of women.

I really enjoyed the audio rendition of Vandemere and especially loved the male narrator's voice acting abilities as he brought life to the protagonist. I can't wait to hear (or read) the next book in this series and I know I won't be let down!

I requested this book because of the synopsis. First point, I feel like there should have been some type of warnings because of the predatory nature of part of the book, and other things. I feel like this actually took away a bit from the novel. I listened to the audio book version of this novel, and the narrator did a great job making it come to life. The book was a circus theme with a dash of magic thrown in. Vandy was an interesting character that started as a trick rider in the circus, only later to be given some magical abilities. That also unfortunately marked Vandy for death. I loved the way the scenes were described. I enjoyed most of the characters, and their development. I am looking forward to more from this author because this book did not give me the closure as an independent novel would.

Thank you Net Galley ARC