This captivated me from the first page!
Rating: 4/5
Janie Morgan is independent and a traveling loner until she meets Andrew, a like-minded dreamer with aspirations of constructing his invention. Their friendship strengthens as they team up and gig their talents for money to travel to Fimaldi Hunu, a place where each of them feel certain they’ll find optimal success and happiness.
By a serendipitous encounter on a train, they hear about auditions for a circus that pays wages and travel. And after taking inventory of Janie’s amateur aerialist skills and Andrew’s unique musicianship, they decide it’s worth a shot to try out and capitalize on the opportunity. Why not get paid and travel for free?
But this intriguing circus has some lore surrounding it, and the ringmaster runs a tight ship. Can Janie and Andrew survive the stops the circus makes in unusual towns, keep up with the seasoned performers of the troupe, and manage not to get kicked out? Or worse, Janie slowly realizes… separated.
I received a copy of The Mandevilles' Marvelous Marvels from the author, J.E. Miller. In return for an honest review. Thank you so much for this opportunity!
This was such a unique read! I really wasn’t sure what to expect besides knowing this was about a circus. But this captivated me from the first page!
This was such a unique read!.... this captivated me from the first page!
We follow Janie, who’s been a drifter, often traveling alone. That is until she meets Andrew, who feels the same way. Together they travel and find gigs making their way to Fimaldi Humu. But during one of their travels, they hear word of a traveling circus and decide to audition. However, the ringmaster runs a tight ship, if they mess up they’re out. Janie worries more about getting kicked out, and potentially getting separated from Andrew.
At first, this appeared to be a basic story about two drifters joining the circus. But this quickly became so much more interesting as secrets come out around the circus and the lore around the location of their first show. These details entranced me even further, and I couldn’t wait to keep reading.
...this quickly became so much more interesting as secrets come out around the circus and the lore around the location of their first show.
The pacing was simply great, flowing so well. I drifted (hehe see what I did there… I know I'm a dork) through the chapters. Before long I found myself at the end of our story. But I wanted more! I couldn’t believe it was over, but I was so happy to see the story would be continuing in a sequel. I already can’t wait!
I loved all the characters we meet, especially one we get to meet at the circus, Daniel. He stole my heart! I was so happy to see Daniel’s character, someone with down syndrome, working in the circus, but in an act that wasn’t set to make fun of his disability.
I was so happy to see Daniel’s character, someone with down syndrome, working in the circus, but in an act that wasn’t set to make fun of his disability.
I think this would be a great read for anyone who enjoys the circus and a little magical realism. I genuinely enjoyed this one and can’t wait for the sequel to come out!
Comments