Review of Spark and Carousel by Joanne Hall

Spark and Carousel by Joanne Hall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed this book. It's very different to a lot of fantasy I've read, in that the main characters include a teenage boy who can't control his magic powers, Spark, and an older girl who befriends him when he hides in the big city. Carousel is a street rat, a waif who has grown up under the protection of a (mostly) benevolent underworld baron, and who aspires to work in a brothel.
It's also much more than that. There are different kinds of magic: that practised by the immortal, green-eyed mages, and Telesian magic, based in blood. Magic itself is morally neutral, but when humans use or misuse it, it can be destructive and dangerous. So Spark does harm because he can't control his powers, or his emotions; at the opposite extreme is creepy blonde aristocrat Allorise Carey, who uses power for entirely selfish ends, and is the ultimate mean girl.
The two Mages who come to rescue - or punish - Spark are amongst my favourite characters: Kayall, the man, is a peacock who loves good clothes, sleeping with men and women, and beer. Elvienne, an older woman, is more austere, but she is a strong and powerful character.
The story builds to a satisfying conclusion. I became involved in the fate of the eponymous hero and heroine; Carousel in particular is strong and likeable, much more than a victim of her impoverished circumstances. And the city itself is like a character in the story, with a believable history that is hinted at.



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