A review by azrah786
The Circus Infinite by Khan Wong

4.0

 [This review can also be found on my BLOG]

**I received a proof copy from Angry Robot Books in exchange for an honest review**

CW: violence, blood, gore, injury, torture, medical trauma/content, body horror, confinement, death, xenophobia, alcohol/drug use, emotional abuse, acephobia
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A great space fantasy adventure that at its core is a story about acceptance and finding where you truly belong.

The Circus Infinite follows Jes, a mixed-species fugitive who has run away from the Paragenetic Institute of the 9-Stars, a research organisation that has been experimenting on him and his ability to control gravity.
With a bounty on his head he escapes to a far off moon, Persephone-9, where he finds refuge with a circus troupe and does his best to lay low and make a new life for himself. However, with great powers come those who wish to manipulate said powers and Jes soon becomes mixed up with the local crime boss who leaves him with two choices – compliance or a ticket back to life as a lab rat.

From the endearing found family at its heart to the great queer representation and fascinating supernatural abilities, there was so much about this book that I loved!

First and foremost it was wonderful seeing an asexual panromantic protagonist whose identity and experiences were not shied away from on page. The fact that Jes also has empathic powers further enhanced how this representation was explored and Wong wove this through the overarching storyline brilliantly.

"...sometimes we have to choose which feelings to focus on. Focus on the love and let that guide you. The rest will sort itself."


The story for the most part takes place in one corner of the vast universe that Wong has imagined and while the handful of locations we come across are beautifully described I do feel like this element of the worldbuilding could have been fleshed out a little more. I absolutely loved all the parts that took place in the circus though, it had me wishing I could experience it all for real!

What really helped shape everything were the various species of the 9-Star System, making up society that we are introduced to and their individual customs and cultures. They not only gave the circus its magic and wonder but the interactions of the different communities brought to light a handful of important discussions around the themes of power and prejudice.

"He likes the way he looks all dressed up, but he's also a little embarrassed. It doesn't really feel like him. But, he reasons, who is that anyways? For so many years he's been controlled by everyone else. Shouldn't he take the chance to be someone new?"


There is a predominantly light tone to the story however, there are also some very dark and grim moments too. Interspersed amongst the primary storyline are flashbacks of Jes’ past, including some of his time at the Institute, which gave more context to the plot as well as Jes’ personality and the versatility of his powers (which were so cool but also horrifying at times).
Though these moments also helped to add nuance to the character relationships in the book that were beautifully written and developed. The found family aspect is so wholesome and I really loved following Jes on his journey of finding trust, love and acceptance in others.

The only issue that I had was that within the last 100 pages or so the story seemed to lose its flow a little. Big parts of the plot were solved so easily that it made everything seem rushed when compared to the rest of the book.

That aside this was a really entertaining read with a good balance of character driven narrative and action and I would welcome more stories set in this universe or with these characters in the future!
Final Rating – 4/5 Stars 
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