Circus of Souls, Book One: Vitalia

Vitalia delivers a vivid, eerie world with plenty of dark whimsy, and Eliza Benner’s imagination is undeniably captivating. The concept of a circus bound by secrets and soul magic is fascinating, and there are moments where the atmosphere really shines.

For me, though, the pacing felt uneven. Some chapters pulled me in completely, while others dragged or left me wanting more clarity. The characters have strong potential, but a few emotional beats didn’t land as deeply as I hoped.

Still, it’s an intriguing start to a series with a unique vibe and striking worldbuilding. If you enjoy dark circuses, soul touched magic, and stories that lean into the uncanny, this one is worth a look... Even if it didn’t fully sweep me away.