Synopsis
An unputdownable romantasy following a young woman posing as fortune-teller at a magical traveling carnival, where the handsome boy who once broke her heart resurfaces and warns her that carnival is more sinister than it appears.
Welcome to the Carnival Fantástico, a spectacle of magic and mischief, and the perfect haven for a runaway. Using her tricks and razor-sharp wit, Esmeralda becomes the carnival's resident fortune-teller, aiming for the lead role in the Big Top Show. Success would mean freedom from her former employer, the commander of the King's army.
Ignacio has defected from the army and is on the hunt for evidence of his father's corruption. But the last thing he expects to find on his father's trail of lies is the only girl he's ever loved, spinning false fortunes at a traveling carnival.
Perhaps fortune has thrown them together for a reason. They strike a deal: she'll help him expose his father if he helps her secure the main act. But old feelings don't die easily, and the commander's secret isn't the only thing they'll need to confront.
THE HEART-STOPPING NEW ROMANTASY FROM ANGELA MONTOYA, AUTHOR OF A CRUEL THIRST, PERFECT FOR FANS OF CARAVAL AND THE NIGHT CIRCUS.
Welcome to the Carnival Fantástico, a spectacle of magic and mischief, and the perfect haven for a runaway. Using her tricks and razor-sharp wit, Esmeralda becomes the carnival's resident fortune-teller, aiming for the lead role in the Big Top Show. Success would mean freedom from her former employer, the commander of the King's army.
Ignacio has defected from the army and is on the hunt for evidence of his father's corruption. But the last thing he expects to find on his father's trail of lies is the only girl he's ever loved, spinning false fortunes at a traveling carnival.
Perhaps fortune has thrown them together for a reason. They strike a deal: she'll help him expose his father if he helps her secure the main act. But old feelings don't die easily, and the commander's secret isn't the only thing they'll need to confront.
THE HEART-STOPPING NEW ROMANTASY FROM ANGELA MONTOYA, AUTHOR OF A CRUEL THIRST, PERFECT FOR FANS OF CARAVAL AND THE NIGHT CIRCUS.
Details
03 February 2026
9781785309090Imprint: Ink Road
Reviews
Set in a magical romantasy world, this unputdownable, fast-moving novel for 14+ year olds weaves magic, secrets and second chances into its unceasingly exciting plot.
The circus is a fantastic setting for thrillers, horrors and monstrous stories, so much can be hidden by the spectacle they are expected to present that no-one remembers to look behind the scenes. This is exactly what has happened for Esmerelda [in Carnival Fantastico].
A wonderful, fantastical romance story. . . With plenty of crossed wires, tummy-churning (clean) romance and lots of sparkle and magic, this is a gripping and enigmatic love story which will have you guessing until the very end.
