Circus, monsters and curiosities

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
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