3.5 stars. This is a really tricky book to review. The plot is simple, and generally plays second fiddle to the exploration of character and identity for the main character, Micah Grey. On my edition of the book, the blurb doesn't specify that Micah and Iphegenia "Gene" Laurus are the same person, but you find this out pretty early on and it's in the revised description. The circus personalities and acts, many with secrets of their own, both reflect and influence Micah's inner struggle to come to terms with who he/she is. I suppose you could call the plot something of a slow burn, though it barely simmers for most of the book and only explodes into life in the last few chapters. Despite that, I never found myself bored - the characters and their relationships, especially Micah, were enough to drive the story, plus the little hints of mystery and conspiracy scattered throughout. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with the ending, although it was good to see Drystan come into his own - he's a brilliantly ambiguous character - and I liked the way the author didn't pull any punches when it came to the fates of the characters. Too little of the mystery was resolved, leaving very little idea where the plot is headed for the rest of the trilogy. The descriptions and Micah's inner monologue were well-written, although I did find the dialogue a little clunky in places, and the gritty nastiness of the world and many of the characters was fantastically drawn. I never felt the circus performers in all their shapes, sizes and freakishness (including Micah's own issues) were thrown in for shock value, which was something I had initially worried about from what I knew of the book and its topics. Overall, I enjoyed this and I will definitely be continuing with the series.

Iphigenia is growing up as a young girl in one of the higher classes of Elada. Being treated as a girl, but feeling as a boy. It makes Iphigenia, who likes to be called Gene, having a much more complicated life than any other young girl OR boy around her. One night, she finds out her already complicated life is a total lie. No other option than to flee home and wander around the streets as Micah Grey. Eventually, Micah becomes part of the circus as an aerialist. Being the middle of pranks and spot at the beginning, he gradually gains the respect of the other artists. But when everything finally seems to be in place, her past is catching up with him. The story is told from the perspective of Iphigenia / Gene / Micah. Some chapters are set in the period before fleeing home; others are set after fleeing home and they are alternated in the whole book. This makes you get to know the details of the whole story slowly and when most needed. I have to admit, this book was a cover buy. But come on, the cover is beautiful (Yes, that’s my excuse)! The only sad thing is that you can easily see fingers on it. But hey, that’s life! Like I said, I intentionally just bought the book for its cover. So I had no clue what the book was about, what genre it was, ... No clue at all. Well, I figured that it had to have something to do with a circus because of the gorgeous design on the front. But therefore I had no idea the story setting was a totally different world. And that was a bit confusing at the beginning. Once you get the structure of the new world, you’ll wish that world would exist in real life. Sadly, it doesn’t. I absolutely loved and enjoyed reading Pantomime! Laura Lam has created fantasy, that’s written like I’ve never read before. I can’t wait to reenter the magical world of Micah Grey.

Gene is born both male and female and displays magical abilities from years past. After being betrayed by her parents she joins a circus as Micah Grey.This is the first in a trilogy and I really recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Night Circus. It is fantasy and magic rolled into one. I totally loved all three.