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_carly_'s review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Trafficking, Animal cruelty, Slavery, Physical abuse, and Ableism
Moderate: Sexual assault
mikaelaandherbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved how this circus-themed novel combatted the typically romanticized view of circuses with the reality of how circuses both exploited and empowered (at the expense of others) those within the industry. I also liked the integration of historical facts, without basing the fictional circus troupe on any real life people. While the actual story is entertaining, I didn't find it as great as the overarching critique of circuses.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body shaming, and Ableism
Moderate: Kidnapping, Trafficking, and War
ellereadsbookslike's review
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Nell has always felt different because of the birthmarks that speckle the skin all over her body. The only person that doesn't treat her differently is her older brother, but he is engaged to be married and Nell knows she cannot rely on him forever. But when Jasper Jupiter's Circus of Wonders arrives in her village, her life is about to change forever...
I am a big fan of both books set in Victorian England and Circuses so right of the bat this book is right up my street. The Victorians, and the queen they are named after, really were obsessed with 'oddities' so setting the story in that time period couldn't be more perfect. This is a book that fans of the history of circuses will enjoy as there's lots of mentions about other very famous circuses and performers from that time.
This book is a multiple POV and even though Jasper isn't particularly a very likeable character, I think I enjoyed his POVs the most. I'm a fan of books that show the world from the 'villain's' point of view and I enjoyed seeing into Jasper's thoughts. Also Jasper's chapters were very much used for exposition.
There's a lot of mystery elements to this story although for me the reveal is definitely a bit underwhelming and built up to be more than it is. But I adored the ending. I obviously won't spoil it but I thought it was really clever and it definitely averted my expectations.
I am a big fan of both books set in Victorian England and Circuses so right of the bat this book is right up my street. The Victorians, and the queen they are named after, really were obsessed with 'oddities' so setting the story in that time period couldn't be more perfect. This is a book that fans of the history of circuses will enjoy as there's lots of mentions about other very famous circuses and performers from that time.
This book is a multiple POV and even though Jasper isn't particularly a very likeable character, I think I enjoyed his POVs the most. I'm a fan of books that show the world from the 'villain's' point of view and I enjoyed seeing into Jasper's thoughts. Also Jasper's chapters were very much used for exposition.
There's a lot of mystery elements to this story although for me the reveal is definitely a bit underwhelming and built up to be more than it is. But I adored the ending. I obviously won't spoil it but I thought it was really clever and it definitely averted my expectations.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Trafficking, War, and Kidnapping
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