Hello, guys. I’ve got my first review of 2017 for you! If you like supernatural creatures, curious carnivals, deadly monsters and a bit of romance then this books is just for you.
Freeks by Amanda Hocking
My rating:
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I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Mara is traveling with her mother and the rest of the carnival to yet another location where they are promised a nice check of money for the entertainment they can provide. What could go wrong in this little, seemingly friendly if a bit strange town?
It seems quite a lot. Starting with some strange vision, disappearing member of the troop and a brutal attack on another. But there are also good things in this town, especially for Mara. Or rather one thing that’s of particular interest to Mara – a rather interesting guy with a curious glint in his eyes.
I was surprised that I enjoyed this book so much. When I see a book about circus or carnival I’m not instantly dragged to it, but the books blurb (and the cover) were so intriguing that I couldn’t resist. I’m not disappointed, which is perfect since I already have two of Amanda’s books on my TBR list and not I’m just a step closer to actually reaching for them ;).
Anyway, there are several things I liked about this book. First of all – the setting – the carnival and the 80’s and the little town close to a dangerous swampland. All mysterious and interesting. Add to that the magical and supernatural members of the carnival itself – a fire wielder, ghost whisperer, strongman that is definitely supernatural. And the town’s people aren’t so normal either. Well, they seem so at first.
The mystery doesn’t disappoint, although there are several things that were rather predictable, but I didn’t mind since it still read well and smoothly.
And the romance, well yes it is a love at first sight thing, but it felt like a crush at first, so it was rather reasonable and I did like the dynamic between Mara and Gabe. It was enjoyable and looked like a start of something bigger and not an instant “I can’t live without you” thing and I like it.
Even though this novel seems to be a stand-alone story I kind of wish to know what else might await these people, what other adventures, how will the romance blossom (or maybe it won’t) and what other curiosities they might find on their journeys.
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To sum it up – an enjoyable, fast read (for 400 pages) that I’d recommend to everyone who likes young adult stories with a lot of supernatural.
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If you’d like to stalk the author a bit, here’s where you can find Amanda Hocking:
Author Website | Twitter @Amanda_Hocking
Facebook | Author Blog | Pinterest | GoodReads
How cool! Thanks for alerting me to this new circus novel. I love circus stuff 🙂
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It was my second circus novel in a short time and I kind of want more now too, especially with supernatural stuff around.
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Yes, there’s some great circus novels out there, I’m kinda bummed they weren’t the big thing like vampires and dystopians lol. Maybe their time is coming 😉
I’m working on a circus novel, I hope to get it published, but still very much a work-in-progress. But I like “Night Circus”, “Water for Elephants”, and I’ve wondered about “That Time I Joined the Circus” but haven’t read it yet. Also, nonfiction but sooooo good, “The Ordinary Acrobat.”
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I’ve started Night Circus in December and I’ll probably finish it within a months or two. It’s visually stunning, but the actual plot is somewhat vague.
I hope you’ll finish your book! We need more circus stories 😀
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Yes, the plot kinda meanders in Night Circus, I feel like it probably could have been cleaner if some of it was cut. But still a mesmerizing storyworld 🙂
I plan to finish! I’m slowly but surely getting there.
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I love Amanda Hocking and was so upset when I didn’t get the ARC to review. I’m glad you like it. It is on my TBR right now 😀 Great review!!!
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I’m surprised I got it 😉 but I’m happy because it was good!
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I’m so glad you liked this 🙂 I have it waiting for me on my Kindle and I think it just got bumped up the list thanks to your review!
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Hehe I hope you’ll like it just as much
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I got so upset when my request for this ARC was denied. It is definitely something I’d enjoy a lot.
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I was actually surprised I got it ;-). Maybe you’ll get the book somehow
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I like the idea that the towns people seem normal at first and then turn out not to be. Thanks for this amazing review?
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Sorry about the question mark. Meant this!
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I’m glad you liked it 🙂
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