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darklings's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jasper I'll get u outta there sweetie đđ
lisafleck353's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
maddieandherbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
4.5 stars, rounded down.
Set in Victorian England, this story followed Nell, a nineteen-year-old girl who was born with birthmarks all over her, deemed a âfreak of natureâ by those in her home community. When Nellâs father sells her to Jasper Jupiterâs Circus of Wonders, Nell is distraught. Over time, she begins to love her performance and those in the circus, though. She becomes bold and shining as she discovers what she was meant to do and finds her place in the world.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book! I love circus/carnival settings, so I thought it was great. The characters were all very interesting, and very different. I liked how they all had their own distinct thoughts and aspirations, and everything was very clear (nothing was very confusing surrounding the characterâs motivations and thoughts). I especially liked Nellâs character; she really grew into herself, and I enjoyed watching her story play out. Stella was also an interesting character, and I liked how she was protective over the other women in the circus. There werenât any female rivalries which I appreciated as well. I initially was a bit disappointed by the end of the book, but after thinking about it a bit more, it's a pretty fitting ending for the story, and it makes sense for all of the characters.
The plot was very intriguing, and the book never really slowed down. It held my attention all the way through to the end! Everything felt very atmospheric, and over all, I really enjoyed this book!
4.5 stars, rounded down.
Set in Victorian England, this story followed Nell, a nineteen-year-old girl who was born with birthmarks all over her, deemed a âfreak of natureâ by those in her home community. When Nellâs father sells her to Jasper Jupiterâs Circus of Wonders, Nell is distraught. Over time, she begins to love her performance and those in the circus, though. She becomes bold and shining as she discovers what she was meant to do and finds her place in the world.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book! I love circus/carnival settings, so I thought it was great. The characters were all very interesting, and very different. I liked how they all had their own distinct thoughts and aspirations, and everything was very clear (nothing was very confusing surrounding the characterâs motivations and thoughts). I especially liked Nellâs character; she really grew into herself, and I enjoyed watching her story play out. Stella was also an interesting character, and I liked how she was protective over the other women in the circus. There werenât any female rivalries which I appreciated as well. I initially was a bit disappointed by the end of the book, but after thinking about it a bit more, it's a pretty fitting ending for the story, and it makes sense for all of the characters.
The plot was very intriguing, and the book never really slowed down. It held my attention all the way through to the end! Everything felt very atmospheric, and over all, I really enjoyed this book!
anouk90's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
geovanachi's review against another edition
4.0
The ending was rushed⌠i was waiting for the man to be revealed to be his old friend whoâs coming back to revenge but it turns out he was nothing? So why he let him leave like this? Who will pay the debt????
Anyway it was a good read.. horrifying but good nevertheless.
Anyway it was a good read.. horrifying but good nevertheless.
kleonard's review
4.0
The newest big entry into circus lit, Circus of Wonders delves into the social model of disability, the Victorian obsession with "freaks" and difference, and the relationship between the body and class in the period. Nell's father sells her to a traveling circus, and while she rails against being betrayed, she soon finds a place, albeit an uneasy one, amid the other performers in the show. Made the star attraction after just a few weeks, Nell catapults the circus to fame as it sets up shop in London. But rivalries and jealousy and guilt and pride will bring down the entire enterprise, leaving Nell to consider how she really feels about her differences and abilities, and what she wants from life. This would be a good book club read, focusing on disability and bodily difference,
amberbamberness's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful and depressing. A reminder that happy endings arenât real. Nothing lasts forever.
snugglestream's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0