This review originally posted at More Than Just Magic 
 I need to start this post out with a note about the back cover copy you see above. Some may consider this a spoiler. I don't think it is because you find out about it within the first few chapters and I think they do this book a disservice by hiding this bit of information from potential readers. 
 The cover copy makes it seem like Pantomime is about two characters - Gene Laurus and Micah Grey. What it is actually about is one intersex teen. Raised as a girl, Gene, has never felt quite right in high class society. So when she hears her parents discussing an upcoming surgery to solve her "problem" she decided to run away. Out in the real world she begins dressing as a boy and joins the travelling circus that's in town as a trapeze artist in training. The chapters alternate from Micah's experience in the circus and Gene's life leading up to her great escape. It's pretty obvious right away that these two characters are one in the same and by not mentioning that Micah/Gene is intersex this book is ignoring one of its most important themes - to stay true to oneself. None of this is a reflection on Laura Lam's writing but I thought this was a point that needed to be made. 
 Now onto the book itself! 
 Pantomime reminded me of The Night Circus or Water for Elephants. There's just something about circus novels. They're mysterious and magical and there's something unknown or forbidden about them. Pantomime is no exception. Pantomime is an incredibly beautiful, atmospheric read. Especially the circus itself. The imagery is so vivid I could genuinely picture the trapeze act, the carnival, the freak show. All of it. 
 In addition to the imagery I also loved Gene and Micah - though for very different reasons. I liked Gene because she's so head strong and independent. There are things society expects of her, but she just doesn't conform. She likes to climb trees, and play with the boys. But I also liked Micah because he's so relataeble. He's not 100% sure who is and what he wants to be and he is terrified being out on his own. 
 My one complaint about this book is that sometimes the pacing is quite slow. There's a lot of detail and the revelation could sometimes feel a bit sluggish. Things happen at their own pace and as lovely as the writing is, sometimes you just want to get on with the story. There will be a sequel - Shadowplay - so I'm hoping now that the world and background has been established the story's pace will pick up. 
 Recommendation: An beautifully written novel that takes you deep into the mysterious world of a travelling circus. The protagonist is sure to steal your heart - both as Micah and Gene. Highly recommended for fans of The Night Circus and similar novels.