Pantomime
by L.R. Lam
A Whimsical, Wistful, and Wonderfully Unique Tale of Identity,
Magic, and Belonging
Pantomime by Laura Lam is a beautifully written and
emotionally rich fantasy novel that follows the journey of Micah Grey, a
character unlike any I’ve read before. Told in a dual timeline, the narrative
masterfully weaves Micah’s life before and after
joining the circus, offering readers both an intimate backstory and a front-row
seat to his unfolding transformation.
From the very first page, I was drawn to Micah—not just because of who he
is, but because of how deeply real he feels. Micah is
intersex, and the way Lam handles his identity is deeply respectful, sensitive,
and powerful. His pain, his yearning for acceptance, and his courage in hiding
and surviving in a world that would never fully understand him—it all leapt off
the page. You feel the ache in every choice
he makes, especially in the moments he longs to speak his truth but can’t. His
relationships—especially with Aenea—are tender, fragile, and layered with both
affection and an ever-present distance, shaped by the secrets he must keep.
The circus setting is both vivid and enchanting, filled with wonder and
quiet danger. Lam paints it with whimsical charm and underlying melancholy,
making it the perfect backdrop for Micah’s story. The dual narrative enhances
the emotional depth, revealing how he becomes who he is, while simultaneously
following his search for a place to belong.
I also have to applaud the worldbuilding. From the snippets of lore and
history that begin each chapter to the mysterious remnants of magic—the
“Vestige,” the haunting presence of the “ghost,” the Penglass globes, and the
mythical beings like the Alder and the Chimera—it all adds a layer of ancient
mystery that lingers behind every scene. It’s just enough to keep you intrigued
while leaving you hungry for answers. I can’t wait to explore more of this
world in the rest of the trilogy.
Highlights:
·
A protagonist who is bold, vulnerable, and
wholly unforgettable
·
A delicately told story of gender identity,
handled with nuance and care
·
Beautiful prose that captures both the wonder
and cruelty of the world
·
A mysterious magical undercurrent that raises
fascinating questions
Pantomime is a rare kind of book—one that is both
whimsical and deeply human. It doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of being
different, nor does it downplay the magic of embracing who you are. This is a
story that celebrates the courage it takes to live authentically, even in the
face of fear.
Micah Grey is truly one of a kind, and I can’t wait to follow where his
story leads next.
A Whimsical, Wistful, and Wonderfully Unique Tale of Identity,
Magic, and Belonging
Pantomime by Laura Lam is a beautifully written and
emotionally rich fantasy novel that follows the journey of Micah Grey, a
character unlike any I’ve read before. Told in a dual timeline, the narrative
masterfully weaves Micah’s life before and after
joining the circus, offering readers both an intimate backstory and a front-row
seat to his unfolding transformation.
From the very first page, I was drawn to Micah—not just because of who he
is, but because of how deeply real he feels. Micah is
intersex, and the way Lam handles his identity is deeply respectful, sensitive,
and powerful. His pain, his yearning for acceptance, and his courage in hiding
and surviving in a world that would never fully understand him—it all leapt off
the page. You feel the ache in every choice
he makes, especially in the moments he longs to speak his truth but can’t. His
relationships—especially with Aenea—are tender, fragile, and layered with both
affection and an ever-present distance, shaped by the secrets he must keep.
The circus setting is both vivid and enchanting, filled with wonder and
quiet danger. Lam paints it with whimsical charm and underlying melancholy,
making it the perfect backdrop for Micah’s story. The dual narrative enhances
the emotional depth, revealing how he becomes who he is, while simultaneously
following his search for a place to belong.
I also have to applaud the worldbuilding. From the snippets of lore and
history that begin each chapter to the mysterious remnants of magic—the
“Vestige,” the haunting presence of the “ghost,” the Penglass globes, and the
mythical beings like the Alder and the Chimera—it all adds a layer of ancient
mystery that lingers behind every scene. It’s just enough to keep you intrigued
while leaving you hungry for answers. I can’t wait to explore more of this
world in the rest of the trilogy.
Highlights:
·
A protagonist who is bold, vulnerable, and
wholly unforgettable
·
A delicately told story of gender identity,
handled with nuance and care
·
Beautiful prose that captures both the wonder
and cruelty of the world
·
A mysterious magical undercurrent that raises
fascinating questions
Pantomime is a rare kind of book—one that is both
whimsical and deeply human. It doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of being
different, nor does it downplay the magic of embracing who you are. This is a
story that celebrates the courage it takes to live authentically, even in the
face of fear.
Micah Grey is truly one of a kind, and I can’t wait to follow where his
story leads next.
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