Dare to dream. Dare to believe. Dare to embrace your legacy.
In the land of the Vale, the grand city of Pivot stands as a symbol of progress, where science has replaced the old ways of magic.
Seventeen-year-old Pascal has grown up within the warm embrace of the Skystead Home for Orphaned Children, sheltered from the harsher truths of the world. That care has left him yearning to explore, to see, to feel, and to experience all that lies undiscovered.
Even whispers of disappearing children cannot keep Pascal from wandering beyond the orphanage walls.
Alongside Paloma, a street-savvy former gang leader haunted by her past, and Pierrot, a quiet and enigmatic companion, Pascal begins to experience the wider life of Pivot. Together, the three are drawn to the city’s vibrant carnival and to a puppet theater where the legend of the Harlequin is retold, stories that linger in a world that claims to have left magic behind.
Beyond the lights and laughter, unease spreads across the Vale. Children vanish. Rumors circulate. And the boundary between myth and reality begins to blur.
As the world around them grows darker, Pascal and his friends are pulled into a mystery far larger than they imagined, testing their trust and courage to the breaking point.
The Harlequin’s Legacy follows three unlikely friends as their bond is tested by a world growing darker.
Step into a world where the stories we tell become the dangers we face.
Andrés Rosas Hott is a Chilean-born, Stockholm-based storyteller whose creative path has wound through animation studios, commercial directing, and the halls of Konstfack, Sweden's University of Arts, Crafts and Design, where he earned his master's degree in Graphic Design and Illustration. His years spent crafting animated and live-action commercials sharpened an instinct for visual narrative that now pulses through every page of his fiction. The Harlequin's Legacy is his debut novel, a YA fantasy that reimagines the legendary Harlequin figure within a richly original mythology. Blending the wonder of classic fantasy with a searching exploration of courage, identity, and what it means to claim your own story, the novel invites readers to venture far beyond the ordinary. It is the first book in a planned series. When he isn't building worlds on the page, Andrés can be found in Stockholm with his wife and two sons, a reminder that the best stories often begin at home.
I read this book as part of a challenge to take my reading a bit out of my comfort zone. I don't usually read YA and this one definitely falls in that category, and ultimately that was the main reason I feel I didn't get on well with it. I wasn't invested in either the story or the characters, and felt that I wanted a bit more depth to both, and certainly a bit more movement in the earlier stages of the story. There was a noticeable shift somewhere beyond the 50% mark where all the excitement was contained, while I personally found much of the earlier part of the book to be a little boring.
The writing was technically pretty good, and the pacing decent, so even though the book wasn't for me, I was still able to get through it pretty easily and quickly. If you like YA and coming-of-age fantasy and stories filled with heroes and carnivals, I'd definitely say to take a look at The Harlequin's Legacy and see if it sounds like your thing. As it's not my usual thing, in the interests of fairness, I am not providing a star rating for this book.
“The best heroes learn to remain true to their hearts. They stand on their convictions even when times get tough, and they never give up on themselves or their friends.” This is a lovely fantasy novel by a first time author. There is found family, loyalty, friendship, and perseverance. Although this is for a YA reader, any age can enjoy this entertaining book. There’s wonderful imagery and the characters are so likable. There are a couple of good twists in the story too.
Aimed at a YA audience, The Harlequin’s Legacy is an engaging coming-of-age story surrounding three children: Pascal the dreamer, Paloma the leader, and Pierrot the ever-silent reader. Throughout the first installment of the series, the group must unveil the strange events happening in their orphanage and the growing number of children disappearing in their city, Pivot.
There is a lot to love in this book - a vibrant carnival aesthetic, interesting magical enemies to fight our heroes on their quest, a heartwarming found-family dynamic between the main cast, and an overarching plot that promises an exciting sequel. As well, the mini illustrations at the start of each chapter are beautifully drawn and incredibly useful for envisioning different settings and backdrops.
While the plot can sometimes steer into predictable situations and twists, I believe it suits the YA audience and did not diminish my reading experience. My biggest gripe with this book is a lack of focus on Paloma and Pierrot as main characters; Pascal’s backstory is largely intertwined with the overarching plot, but Paloma and Pierrot’s felt largely ignored (other than the occasional mention or use to justify their actions without substantial development). I hope to see their characters become more fleshed out in the coming installments.
I will absolutely be keeping tabs on this series as it continues to come out! Thank you to Netgalley and Red Moon Publishing for a copy of the book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!
4.5 rounded up
A trio of teenagers embark on a quest of self-discovery: the acrobatic orphan Pascal, the petty criminal Paloma, and the ever-silent juggler Pierrot.
The land of Vale once believed in the wonders of magic, but now has fallen under the sway of logic and reason. Or triad of leads escape the bounds of their orphange in pursuit of adventure at the nearby carnival, a place where they can discover both where they came from and who they can become. Throw in a mystery revolving missing children, and we have quite the adventure on our hands!!
This is a really sweet tale that pulls imagery from Commedia dell'Arte theatre productions. Whimsy and magic and wonder fill the pages, as our leads set out to find a place to belong. Each has their own pains and traumas to overcome and unique experiences that color their reactions. Even when their similarities are at the forefront, each character still felt like themselves.
This story is a tribute to youth and the shift into adulthood, that tumultuous and exciting time when one discovers who they want to be. The writing is delightfully descriptive and whimsical, perfectly matching the tone of wonder this novel sets out to create.
Readers of all ages would get something out of this story, be it validation of present aging or a nostalgic reminiscing to one's own youth. While darker things do pop up in the book—like extreme poverty, -- and all manner of violence—younger audiences wouldn't be put off or alarmed. Horrible things happen to people of all ages, pretending that isn't the case causes far more harm than good.
Additionally, if you enjoyed the book Inkheart or the film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnasus, I think you'd have a lovely time here.
The Harlequin's Legacy is a good-versus-evil adventure story with a heavy dollop of found-family goodness, but despite my overly simplified description, Andrés Rosas Hott adds a level of depth that surpassed my expectations.
The story revolves around three main characters: the friendly, positive and athletic dreamer Pascal; the streetwise but untrusting leader of a gang, Paloma; and the silent and sensitive, yet wise and instinctive Pierrot. The trio begin the book trying to navigate the social dynamics of life in an orphanage, trying to avoid trouble and handle the resident bullies, and ends with them fighting to save the world they know from the powers of darkness. I enjoyed both halves of the book, the slower-paced character study to build the world, and the rollercoaster ride after the proverbial "s" hit the fan throwing that meticulously-built world into chaos.
Andrés has a descriptive writing style that really helps to breathe life into the Orphanage and the town of Pivot, making them feel vibrant and lived in, instead of just a mere backdrop for the story. This level of description also extends to the characters, rounding them out into three dimensions, strengthening the connection that we as readers feel to not only the main protagonists, but also the supporting cast.
For me personally, this would be a four-star review because I enjoyed it a lot and was invested in the characters, but there were a few tropes and clichés that made some points a little too predictable. However, I'm not the target audience for this YA & Teen book, and taking that into consideration, I think this book solidly delivers for that market, and I've given it five-stars.
Will I read future books in this series to see how it progresses? You bet!
This story is full of adventure. The kids in the book are wanting to move on with their lives and find out what is out in the big wide world; and they can't wait to get out in the world and find their place. The book begins with Pascal and a orphanage full of kids led by Mistress Alma. Pascal routinely treks around the forest just outside the orphanage imagining what his life will be like outside the forest someday. Pierrot and Paloma enter the orphanage on different days but Pascal, Paloma, and Pierrot become the trio that do everything together. The orphanage is part of the town of Pivot and the trio are granted access to go to the Carnival and perform. But kids in Pivot are not safe alone so they must be accompanied at all times. Children in Pivot are disappearing at an alarming rate.
This story is full of love, courage, good versus evil, bravery, and loyalty. Our trio of friends do everything in their power to extinguish the evil that has come to the town of Pivot and learn a lot about themselves and the power within themselves. They also learn a bit about their pasts too. I think all ages will enjoy reading about the adventures of Pascal, Paloma, and Pierrot.
I received an advance copy from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Harlequin's Legacy by Andrés Rosas Holt is a compelling novel about identity and love, exploring how the past shapes our present. The characters especially Paloma are so rich and have an emotional depth that make it an engagingly rich read. Highly recommend!
The Harlequin's Legacy by Andrés Rosas Hott Genre: YA Fantasy / Coming-of-Age Adventure Published: October 2024 by Red Moon Publishing Pages: ~340 Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars) Andrés Rosas Hott's debut novel bursts onto the YA fantasy scene like a hidden carnival at dusk full of twinkling lights, shadowy secrets, and an irresistible pull toward wonder in a world that's tried to forget it. Set in the land of The Vale, where the gleaming city of Pivot represents relentless scientific progress and old magic is dismissed as myth, the story follows three orphaned teenagers whose lives are forever changed by curiosity, friendship, and a mystery that refuses to stay buried. At the center is Pascal, a 17-year-old dreamer who's spent his life safely cocooned in the Skystead Home for Orphaned Children. Restless and imaginative, he craves experiences beyond the orphanage's walls. His companions complete a perfectly mismatched trio: Paloma, the fierce, no-nonsense leader shaped by a tough past on the streets, whose guarded heart hides deep loyalty; and Pierrot, the quiet, observant one whose silence carries weight and whose small actions often speak louder than words. When the three sneak out to explore the vibrant carnival just outside Pivot complete with acrobats, performers, and a mesmerizing puppet theater that keeps the legend of the Harlequin alive they stumble into something far greater than a night of fun. Rumors of children vanishing from The Vale grow louder, and the friends' innocent adventures entwine with a darker truth that tests their trust, courage, and sense of self. What makes this book shine is how seamlessly Hott blends classic fantasy tropes with genuine emotional depth. The world-building is vivid and contrasting: Pivot's sleek, rational streets versus the carnival's chaotic, enchanting energy creates a tangible tension between "progress" and lingering magic. The Harlequin legend is reimagined beautifully not as a simple trickster, but as a symbol of stories, performance, legacy, and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself. Themes of courage, identity, self-discovery, loyalty, perseverance, and found family emerge organically through the characters' trials, never feeling forced or preachy. Pascal's optimism drives the group forward, but his growth feels authentic as he confronts real fear and responsibility. Paloma's arc is especially compelling her toughness softens in vulnerable moments, revealing layers of pain and strength that make her relatable and inspiring. Pierrot's quiet presence adds mystery and heart; his understated role reminds us that strength isn't always loud. Their bond evolves from shared rebellion to unbreakable support, evoking the best of YA friendships in books like The Raven Cycle or early Harry Potter warm, funny, and fiercely protective. Hott's prose is accessible yet evocative, with descriptive flair that brings the carnival to life (lights flickering like captured stars, the scent of popcorn and possibility) while keeping the pace brisk. Early chapters build atmosphere and character patiently, then ramp up into suspenseful twists, heartfelt confrontations, and moments of genuine peril. There's darkness here differences, shadows, stakes that matter, but it's balanced with hope, humor, and the uplifting message of daring to dream, believe, and claim your legacy. At around 340 pages, it feels satisfying as a standalone while teasing an exciting series ahead. This isn't grimdark or overly complex; it's wholesome, enchanting YA fantasy with middle-grade crossover appeal perfect for readers who want adventure with heart, emotional resonance, and a touch of magic in a skeptical world. If you're tired of repetitive tropes and crave a fresh take on found family, mystery, and rediscovering wonder, The Harlequin's Legacy delivers in full. A strong, heartfelt debut that lives up to its tagline: Dare to dream. Dare to believe. Dare to embrace your legacy. Highly recommended for fans of coming-of-age fantasy with mystery and unbreakable friendships. I finished it smiling, and already eager for what's next. 5/5 stars.
Thank you, Red Moon Publishing & NetGalley for the arc of this book! Below is my honest opinion!
3.5 stars
I think lovers of Guillermo del toro films & the cult childhood classics like 'The secret of Moonacre" and "Inkheart' will find a deep love for this book. This book reads much younger in my opinion than is mentioned. Our main character is 17 but I could not picture him more than 12-13 at most, the story holds more of a whimsy charm to it than anything, which is not bad at all. I think it would have fit better to make him younger, working better with the story ideas and themes.
I did thoroughly enjoy this book, and besides the age not fitting, I would say my other other qualm is the pacing of the writing and story flow. However, I do think this is a gem!
Although I’d say this story is aimed at middle school age, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and finished it over a couple of days. There was so much about it to enjoy. It’s a great adventure story with plenty of themes to explore: friendship, loyalty, ruthlessness, bullying, good and evil, deception, fear and anxiety, abandonment, finding your own tribe. I highly recommend it.
In the city of Pivot children aren’t safe going out alone. There is something out there that is taking children. So the town guards are strict with rules and the governor is enforcing children be with a chaperone. We have an orphanage that is in the country side and Mistress Alma is the house mother. All the children love her and they are treated well. But there are some for instance Pascal, who is an older boy who dreams of what it is like to be outside the Forrest that surrounds the estate, what it is like to fly in an airship or travel to far away places. In the city of Pivot we have Paloma who is the leader of the Rejects. It is her own crew of orphans, runaways and rule breakers that live on the street. Go on the adventures of Pascal and Paloma as they both try to survive in a world that is against them. Where their friends are their family and they will do anything to protect them. Where bullies are dealt with immediately and no child different or not is left feeling alone. The book does touch on childhood trauma from parent abandonment, or death, government abuse and facilities housing children abuse those that live there. Torture, fight scenes with magical creatures of the night, spirits and demons walking the land or hiding in the shadows. Story is full of adventure and you teenage love and spirit to be free or anywhere else then where they aer right now. Get lost this int city of Pivot and go with Pascal and his friend on an adventure that just may change their lives forever and answer questions and bring to light some secrets.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.