Circus Galacticus

by Deva Fagan

Rebel. Champion gymnast. Intergalactic traveler? Trix can deal with being an orphan charity case at a snotty boarding school. She can hold her own when everyone else tells her not to dream big dreams. She can even fight back against the mysterious stranger in a silver mask who tries to steal the meteorite her parents trusted her to protect. But her life is about to change forever. The Circus Galacticus has come to town, bringing acts to amaze, delight, and terrify. And now the dazzling but enigmatic young Ringmaster has offered Trix the chance to be a part of it. Soon Trix discovers an entire universe full of deadly enemies and potential friends, not to mention space leeches, ancient alien artifacts, and exploding chocolate desserts. And she just might unravel the secrets of her own past—if she can survive long enough.

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Fiction, Adventure, Space

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

I write fantasy and science fiction for readers of all ages. I live in Maine with my husband and our dog. When I'm not writing I spend my time reading, playing video games, doing geometry, and drinking copious amounts of tea.

NOTE: My comments on books I've read are not meant to be critical reviews, but are just my own reactions. I don't generally use stars, but I do occasionally mark a book with five stars if it's one that feels like it will become a long-term favorite, because it's exactly my sort of book, and caters to my specific tastes as a reader. There are plenty of books I read and really admire that are clearly excellent books, but which are not so exactly "for me" that I give them five stars. I will unabashedly stop reading books I really don't care for, so if a book is on my read list at all it means I liked it enough to finish it.

Reviews

[Rebekah Waldorff · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was one of those books I picked up because I was avoiding housework. To be honest, about a quarter of the way in, I couldn't figure out where it was going so I read the end and then the middle. It was written in that gripping pre-teen style, with lots of whimsical words and repeated phrases. One thing that stuck out to me the most was the similarity between the 'Ring Leader' and Dr. Who, actually, even the 'big top' that they fly in seems an awful lot like a Tardis... There was also a deep undertone of something religious(not unlike Dr. Who), with the mention of two cosmic-esque powers creating the mundane and the non-mundane and then dying out while fighting each other, the interesting incorporation of 'Mrs. Three'--a non-physical being who is 'three' in 'one' who no one likes that much(ahem, trinity?). Albeit, if you like a fantasy novel that whisks you all over the universe, incorporates some very whimsical themes(e.g space and circus), and is somewhat interesting, you might find this book a well read. As it is, this one was not my cup of tea.

[Shannon (enchantedfiction) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Circus Galacticus by Deva Fagan was a cute, middle grade read. It was about an orphaned girl named Trix living at a boarding school of sorts and wasn't anything special. Then we learn that her deceased parents left her a weird space rock, and someone is after it. When a being in a breathing mask and sunglasses appears in her room one night and she fends him off, Trix wakes up the next morning, her hair suddenly having gone pink. She thinks she may be able to find answers at the Circus Galacticus which is in town and Trix was the only one to see secret writing on the poster. She falls through a mirror and her world gets turned upside down, and Trix realizes that maybe she is better than she believed herself to be.

I enjoyed reading this book, but it didn't hold anything special for me personally. I liked the idea of the Circus hopping from galaxy to galaxy to perform, and that there was someone who was constantly after Trix over what seemed like nothing. I really wanted to know more about the Mandate and how they made it so that each race of alien or being all looked the same and why. I wanted to know more of the politics of the story and the rivalry between the Mandate and the Tinkers. I understand that it's a middle grade book and the readers this story is geared towards probably wouldn't pick those things out, but as an adult reading it, it's what I wanted to know.

I also wanted to know more about the circus itself, as it seemed like it had a lot more hidden things that were eluded to but never explained. I also wanted to know more about the Ringmaster and his role in everything, because I felt like the loose explanation that the only thing keeping him alive was his connection to the Circus. It would have been interesting to see more into his life. I also wanted to know more about Trix's mother being part of the Mandate before she took off to Earth and met Trix's father. It would have been more satisfying to me if the ending had been Trix stuck with the Mandate like she was being held prisoner by her own descendants. I felt like a lot happened in the end of the story that was rushed and could have been the part of a second book.

I would be interested to see if there was going to be more to this world, although I'm not sure it would be something I would seek out to continue. It is a book I would consider keeping for my own children some day to read and enjoy.

[Hylary Locsin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: http://libraryladyhylary.blogspot.com ! Check it out for more reviews!

Being an orphan and a charity case at the prestigious Bleeker Academy for Girls isn’t an easy life for fifteen-year-old Beatrix “Trix” Ling. Although she is a talented gymnast, Trix doesn’t feel like she fits in, constantly tormented by the other girls and looked down upon by cruel Headmistress Primwell. To make it through the dreary days, Trix dreams about following in her parents’ footsteps as an astronomer. Although they were killed in an accident when she was six, Trix still remembers the stories her mom and dad told her about the stars, and can’t wait until she can leave Bleeker Academy forever and begin studying the mysteries of the universe. What Trix doesn’t realize is that she is about to leave Bleeker, and Earth, for good. As part of a school fieldtrip, Trix and the other stuck-up Bleeker girls go to see the Circus Galacticus: a mysterious and exciting show held under in a large and beautiful Big Top. While exploring the tent, and attempting to avoid Primwell, Trix discovers the truth about the circus: the performers are actually from other worlds, all across the universe, and the Big Top is their spaceship. Trix meets the charismatic and charming Ringmaster who invites her to join the rest of the troupe, leaving her humdrum life on Earth forever. Trix is ecstatic, but doesn’t realize that there is more to her life on the Big Top than cotton candy and circus acts. A dangerous presence in the universe is after her, and she must determine why before it is too late.

Set in a universe that is easily traversed via wormhole, where Earth is in a “boondock galaxy” and a strict government controls how all of the inhabitants look and act, Circus Galacticus, written by veteran author Deva Fagan, delivers a likable protagonist, interesting cast of characters, and original story that is entertaining and enjoyable for tween and teen sci-fi fans. The beginning of the novel introduces a premise that is somewhat common: Trix is an orphan who doesn’t fit in and longs for the life she had with her parents. After the first two chapters, however, the story goes in a very unique direction. The author does an excellent job of world building: describing in vivid detail the Big Top and its inhabitants and allowing the reader to experience the excitement of what they hold with Trix. There is also some interesting mythology that goes along with the universe that Trix discovers, including a centuries old conflict between two opposing powers, the key to which appears to lie in Trix’s past. Although a sequel has yet to be announced, Fagan definitely leaves the story open to at least one more novel. Hopefully Circus Galacticus is the first in a series, as it holds the potential of being something very unique and enjoyable for tween, teen and adult readers alike.

This is one of those novels that I had in my pile of “to be read” for a long time. I hadn’t heard much about it so I wasn’t in a rush to pick it up. I am often very surprised by how the novels that don’t get as much attention are some of my favorites. Circus Galacticus is well-written and truly very easy to enjoy. Deva Fagan does a great job with adding the right amount of humor to the story while still managing to portray the more serious aspects of what Trix is going through below surface level. I was intrigued from almost the first chapter, and wish that I had read this novel sooner, as I ended up really liking it. I hope that the author decides to write a sequel. I would definitely read it right away if she does!

[Lolly's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, thrilling, adventure-filled ride of a book! For anyone who's ever felt different, apart from one's peers, even a bit "alien" to everyone else, this is the book for you, no matter your age. In fact, even as an adult, I still suffer from such distant feelings. As such, I felt an immediate connection to the protagonist, Beatrix "Trix" Ling, the most real, dimensional, interesting character I've yet seen in juvenile fiction. She's adventurous, headstrong, doubtful of herself yet willing to go out on a limb anyway in order to do what's right and best. What's truly wonderful is she's the least irritating, whiny, mealy-mouthed M.C.; while she has her moments of poor behavior (and don't we all), she's the freshest breath of fresh air I've encountered. Trix is so real, so refreshing, so well-rounded, warm and lovable, I'm absolutely impatient to see more of her.

Trix has always believed she was special. After all, her parents told her so and ever since they died in a tragic space shuttle accident, knowing that they thought she was special has kept Trix going. Especially now. Trix is a charity case at a snobby boarding school, where her smart mouth and headstrong actions tend to get her into trouble. A lot. This last go-round, with the snooty Della, has cost Trix her coveted position on the school's gymnastic team and a trip to the state finals. Beaten, but not yet broken, Trix soon encounters the sinister Nyl, a strange mechanical man who's broken into Trix's room in order to steal the one thing left to her by her parents, a meteorite, a strange chunk of space rock she's promised to keep safe. Thus begins an adventure of a lifetime when Trix chases after Nyl and ends up in the middle of a circus. But this is no ordinary circus and when the charismatic young ringmaster invites her to join, Trix discovers her place in the universe is not so small as she believed. As she unlocks the secrets of her past, she encounters space leeches, new friends, ancient alien artifacts, potential conspiracies, and an exploding chocolate dessert.

Think of this book as kind of a Hogwarts in space. Indeed, if Circus Galacticus doesn't get the acclaim and notice that J.K Rowling's series received, then the good people at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt aren't doing their jobs properly. Breezy, exhilarating, fast-paced, well-imagined and excellently written, Circus Galacticus is a sure-fire winner.

[Lynette ~ Talia's Tomes ~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hesitating for a long time over giving this book 2 or 3 stars, and finally decided on two for a couple of reasons.
First the characters; they were interesting and mysterious at times, but all in all were just not all that well developed, and just plain confusing.

Second, the plot; There were times (Like when they almost get fried by a giant lighthouse, and torn to pieces by "The most evil creature the Mandate could think up") That just didn't pan out, they just weren't given the tension that a scene like that could create.

And, third, the thing that really tipped the scale: The cussing. This book is meant for 9-11 year olds, WHY was it necessary to add the cussing in, exactly? It's just illogical, and doesn't fit in with the characters and their personalities. All in all, it just seemed like Deva Fagan was trying to 'fit in' or make it more popular with the added swear words.

I'm 14, and don't really like this book.


P.S. For more reasons, this review explains in more detail most of my problems with the book: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beatrix Ling a.k.a. "Trix" is an outcast at her all-girls boarding school Bleemer Academy. Her life changes after a mysterious meteorite her parents told her to keep safe turns her hair pink and a intergalactic circus called the Circus Galacticus comes to town. Trix decides to join them to see if what the poster says is true "Want a place to belong? Then come join us at the Circus Galacticus as we have a place for you." Can she believe them? Read on and find out for yourself.

This was a pretty good YA Sci-fi Fantasy book that reminded me of the Cirque Du Solei meets Outer Space. I enjoyed checking this book out. If you are looking for an out of this world adventure, def check this book out. It is available at your local library and wherever books are sold.

[Cynthia Van der werf · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter's book- refreshingly diverse characters, engaging, funny - wonderful

[Angie Fehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taiwanese-American teen Beatrix "Trix" Ling is an orphan who is sent to Bleeker Academy, a boarding school, as a charity case. Trix is struggling to find her place not only at Bleeker but just in the world at large. Conflicts with school bullies (as in, her trying to defend herself) lead her into a heap of disciplinary action scenarios with the school admin.

When the Circus Galacticus comes to town and the ringmaster (conveniently known just as Ringmaster) offers her the chance to join the crew, it seems like a nice little escape from her social hell. That is, until she comes to find out that she's just signed onto an intergalactic circus. That's right, this roadshow hits up the whole galaxy and then some!

Trix comes to find that her new gig surprisingly holds answers to the mysteries of her own origin story. What's the deal with the meteorite her parents left her, this hunk of rock that came with enigmatic instructions to guard it with her life?

I was six years old the first time I really saw the stars. They hung sharp as broken glass in the desert sky. I jumped, trying to reach them -- they looked so close. I begged my dad to hoist me up on his shoulders, but even he wasn't tall enough. God, I can still feel that ache. I'd never wanted anything that bad.

Dad smiled and tried to make me laugh away my tears. But Mom understood. She held me so tight I can almost feel her arms, even now, nine years later. I think she was crying too. You'll reach them someday, Beatrix, she said. I promise. Then she spun me around until my head swam with stars. That's all I have left of my folks now.

The stars... and the rock.

Trix also gets caught up in intergalactic politics -- the battle between the MANDATE and the TINKERS, the Mandate being those in power who determines rules and regulations for the whole universe. They want to keep status quo through strict order and conformity. Meanwhile, Tinkers are those on the outskirts, the social outcasts who advocate for diversity, culture full of color and variety of all kinds, artistic expression, all that is beautiful and wild in life. Nyl, one of the main characters from Team Mandate, likes to argue his stance that there are dire consequences that come with allowing people to have differences within society: wars, religious persecution, crime, etc.

The battle between these two groups began generations ago. In what is now a post-war era, though the intensity of the battle has lessened some, the descendents from both sides of the original war still quietly fume. The reign of the Mandate has been replaced with the Core Governance. Different name, same desire for conformity. But Core Governance maintains that they don't support either faction (Mandate or Tinkers), their main goal is just to establish and maintain laws for the betterment of society in general. Very PC of them!

A note for teachers or homeschooling parents: the whole plot conflict regarding the divisive beliefs of the Mandate vs. the Tinkers serves as nice social commentary for today's world problems. The way author Deva Fagan handles these hot button ideas is admirable, not overly in the reader's face or preachy, just simply entertaining examples to get discussions going among middle-grade readers. Something else for educators to note, there are a few instances of very mild cursing within this story.

Attentive readers may also notice the subtle ways Fagan recreates Trix's Earth problems throughout various points of her space travels. Just one example: the school bully Della and the prickly Headmistress Primwell vs the ship bully Sirra and the prickly ship instructor Miss 3. This gives readers some food for thought -- not only can you not escape your problems by running away, but also the importance of learning to adapt to life's obstacles. You have to work on your own personal growth, not wait for others to change.

This is a perfect read for lovers of middle grade fiction, Star Trek adventures, Dr. Who humor, and Firefly, as there are elements of all of that in here! In fact, Nola, the mechanic on the Big Top ship very much reminded me of Kaylee, the mechanic from Firefly.

[Jennifer Rinehart · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm feeling very grumble-grumble-snort after reading this book. For me, it seemed that every time I got excited about something in it, by the next chapter I was disappointed because it never panned out.

Here, in no particular order is what really stirred my interest and then failed to deliver;

1. The main character - At first she was a girl at a snotty rich boarding school who gets blamed for everything and is just biding her time til she can get a gymnastics scholarship and leave. But, as the story progresses, she mostly just reacts to sitations, hardly ever asks questions even when the answers seem to be available to pretty much everyone but her. She has a mild to non-existant crush on the top guy and mostly seems pretty okay with just hanging out. In other words, I just did not get her! She pretty much runs away to live with an intergalactic circus and then it all got dull from then on out.

2. The sparkly top hatted Ringmaster or the-many-many-reasons-why-fops-are-not-sexy-or-romantic. He swung from a strange mixed up Willy Wonka man to a reclusive and closed mouthed spiritual guide. Again, I just didn't get him and couldn't understand whyTrix liked him or why everyone deferred to his opinions, why he dressed so oddly, why he liked her, why he carried a cane, what his purpose was and why he wouldn't share information with anyone but his possibly evil robot avatar thingamajig. He really was a head shaking, eye rolling ordeal for me to read about.

3. The ever changing spaceship\circus tent that was alive. I never really warmed up to the idea of it because it wasn't developed enough and the characters themselves seemed just as mystified by it.

4. Trix's dead parents. SPOILER ALERT! DON'T READ PAST THIS IF YOU WANT THE STORY TO HAVE SOME SURPRISES. There was a mystery about her parents and when the final reveal came it was kinda blah, your mom and dad were Mandate and Tinker and your mom came from a long line of evil people whose entire purpose is evildoing and killing, the end. What?! I mean just a few measly paragraphs to explain the whole reason why she could get through the magical mirror yet hadn't manifested a specialty? Not satisfying at all.

5. Magic dancing and acrobatics. So once the big reveal was over, the fact that everyone on the Circus Galactus spends their days training to dance and perform circus acts not only seemed strange, but downright bizarre. Supposedly they are on the run from the evil Mandate yet they seemed to flaunt their strange talents in a circus act? The explanation that the ringmaster gives that the best place to hide is in plain sight seemed rather silly and a downright ridiculous waste of time.

6. The evil agent of the Mandate, Nyl. Again with the cryptic statements and sillyness. He didn't seem very fear inspiring and he wasn't willing to give actual information away, all in all, rather boring. Mostly he showed up and tried to steal the rock which Trix carried around with her with the same reverance and protection of your average ham sandwich.

7. Pink hair, I got the feeling the author just wanted her character to have pink hair, because it wasn't explained and there was no real reason given for it.

8. The meteorite that her parents asked her to guard. The final reveal of it wasn't very well done and in the end, it might as well not have been there at all.

All told, I'm pretty surprised that I finished this book. Each chapter ended pretty much the way the previous did, with more questions, very little action on the part of the main characters and huge buildup to an ending that didn't make a whole lot of sense. I really wavered over giving this book two or three stars, three because I did finish it and wasn't terribly bored, but two stars because it didn't make sense and the story had such a weak ending that was very message-y, you know, trying to teach a lesson of empowerment to young women. I don't like message books that are too blatant like this.

[gremlinkitten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted to run away and join the circus? How about a galaxy-traveling circus complete with your very own Doctor Who-like Ringmaster and spaceship? Sounds pretty awesome, right? While you sadly may not be able to do that in real life, Deva Fagan's Circus Galacticus takes the reader on a voyage through the stars. Okay, so maybe reading instead of experiencing those adventures isn't quite as fun, but it's still a grand ride to hop on while I impatiently wait for my very own Doctor to show up and whisk me away to galaxies unknown and unimagined.

Meet the Earther Beatrix "Trix" Ling: miserable, friendless orphan, you know, the usual. On the surface that is. Seriously unhappy at her boarding school, she often gets into trouble due to the fact she's quick to rile and doesn't think things through before acting or speaking. After a few weird events happen to Trix, such as some strange dude breaking into her room and her hair deciding it'd like to be a cotton candy pink, the Circus Galacticus comes to town promising her some answers. Here is where the journey for Trix and the reader begins. Aliens and gadgets abound, as do allies with their own special Tinker power and enemies trying to suppress that power, a spaceship that's alive with many mysterious corridors, and too much to even begin to cover, and really, they'd be better serviced by reading the book instead of this review. This book is like Doctor Who, The X-Men, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory all tossed into a blender to make one scrump-diddly-umptous concoction. Smoothly written, the book moves at a swift pace as Trix struggles to find somewhere she belongs, make and keep friends, and to believe she deserves it. I don't believe there's a person out there that hasn't felt like an outsider at one time or another, though some more-so than others perhaps, and while Trix may make mistakes and may not always follow rules, that only makes her all the more full-bodied as a character. Except a little with the Ringmaster and the circus tent spaceship, Big Top (as much a character as anyone, if not more), the others aren't delved into as much but they each add their own quirks to make the book well-rounded.

And while I'd heartily recommend Circus Galacticus with no reservations, it isn't a perfect book by any means. Trix's age is never mentioned and at one time she describes the others as her age or a few years older. Umm, okay, I don't even know how old you are, chica, so how am I supposed to know how old everyone else is? At first, I surmised she was somewhere between 12-16 until unneeded curse words popped up, so she's probably a teenager. I finally found out how old Trix was by going to the author's site. She's 15. Call me odd, but I like to know the main character's age. The book could also have stood to have a little more meat on its bones, even as little as fifty pages tacked on. This was like a sampler platter and I wanted a full-course meal. With dessert. So many questions were left unanswered and it is just begging for a sequel to explore these more fully. And as I said before, the curse words really added absolutely nothing to the context of the scenes they were in. Other words could have been substituted easily and been more fitting. Sure there weren't many, but this is intended for middle-grade students and except for the cursing, it's good, clean fun. I'm not naive enough to think that children don't come across foul language from many sources, and even use it themselves, but that doesn't mean that books tailored for their age range should include them either.

However, I had a blast travelling through space with the crew of the Big Top. If there is a sequel, and I truly hope there is, you can be sure I'll be there for the next adventure of Circus Galacticus.

If interested, the author has up illustrations of the main characters: http://devafagan.com/circus-galacticu...

[Silver Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I admit, I picked this up just so I could fulfill a buy-one-get-one-free deal. The cover looked fancy and the description was interesting, so I picked it. This book may seem very, very boring. The trailer isn't very well made, and the back sounds like a fifth grader in space. Not the best in appearances, but, well.. I wanted a different book okay?? But then I started reading it. This book gave me a certain feeling I haven't felt before I read it and after, a feeling of magic and success. I had a smile on my face the whole time and thoroughly enjoyed every interaction.

This book is about a girl named Beatrix (Trix) Ling. She's stuck in a boarding school for girls after a very unfortunate astronaut crash, and flops her chance of going to state because of her rambunctious behavior. Then the Circus Galacticus comes along, and the Ringmaster gives her a chance to come along. The whole deal with Mandate vs. Tinker is very basic and easy to understand while also being a why did I not think of this before? feeling. There's basically one main antagonist named Nyl, though there is a group that we don't know what the deal is with yet. It's a very simple story. A fourth grader could read it. Yet the imagination behind it is just phenomenal! It's a story that you could believe in.

If you prefer books that give you a challenge, don't read this book. If you hate books that are too simple to read, don't read it. But if you are looking for a wonderful trip into a world embezzled in stars, give this book a shot.

[PopcornReads - MkNoah · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was just something about the book cover art and title that made me want to read Deva Fagan’s Circus Galacticus. I’ve known three people who previously worked in circuses, which always fascinated me. How cool it would be to have an intergalactic circus! Creatures from every galaxy coming to your hometown – WooHoo! After reading it, I can truthfully say this is going to appeal to people of all ages. After all, hasn’t everyone wanted to run away and join the circus at some point? You don’t have to be a scifi or fantasy fan to enjoy this one. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=2297.

[Michael Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quirky book very much. The conflicted character of Trix is a little like Katniss in The Hunger Games, thrust into a situation she doesn't understand and cannot control, but Trix triumphs more by luck than by Katniss-style raw power and charisma. Both let their heart control their actions, though, and for both of them things work out in the end, although Trix is left with a much less bleak happy ending than Katniss winds up with.

I just have the book to my 11-year-old son... Let's see if the weird outer-space alien stuff can help him get past the main protagonist being a girl. :)

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A romping combination of old tropes, older ideas, and creative world-building in a treatment ready to be made into a family-friendly movie. And I mean that in a bad way. Engaging, and short, so I finished it, but it made no impact on me and will leave me with no memories.

[Brittany E]

Fun! Zero percent exposition...but once you get over the whiplash, it's a good time.

[Cindi]

Beyond the Bookends Reading Challenge
May - read a book set at or about a circus or carnival

[Cornerofmadness · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a decent YA story, not great, not terrible. It’s characters needed to be a bit more fleshed out but over all I liked it. Beatrix ‘Trix’ Ling is an orphan at a snobby boarding school (naturally) and of course everyone picks on her but she is a state champion wanna be in gymnastics, which only crops up now and again when necessary and we’re more often told about it than shown.

The school ends up going on a trip to the Circus Galacticus and only Trix can see special writing on the circus poster. Also of note, her parents were astronauts who died somehow leaving her with a ‘special’ treasure, a meteor rock. Trix wakes up to someone in the dorm room trying to steal this, a man named Nyl, who warns her away from the circus and its lying Ringmaster. After she fights him off, she wakes up with pink hair.

Naturally she goes anyhow and when he chases her, she ends up backstage and meets the oh so handsome Ringmaster (he has no other name). He invites her to join them and she goes. This is what bothers me a bit. It’s not just a circus. It’s a circus that is a living star ship and they’re all aliens and she doesn’t hesitate. Yeah life sucks at school but she never gives it a second thought. She doesn’t even go back for her belongings or even think about what she left behind (she has the meteor on her). This doesn’t seem particularly realistic and that’s always a problem with this sort of thing with the paranormal or aliens, either people over react or under react (and I’m not sure what a normal reaction would be but at least thinking it over might help).

Trix makes her first friend Nola (and we’re told this ad nauseum) a girl who’s special abilities are technology related. As Trix learns there WAS intelligent design to the universe (but it’s not God), the Mandate went through the universe messing with DNA so everything in the known universe looks human with the basic human colorings/races. The Tinkers on the other hand went through and put in variation of wild sorts. After millennia of warfare both groups have all but disappeared and a Core Government exists in the more civilized parts of the universe. Nyl, naturally is the unimaginative Mandate and Ringmaster and the Bigtop (the ship) and crew are Tinker-Touched. Trix is one of them, or so she believes.

Basically the Bigtop goes around the galaxy performing its acts and they recruit other Tinkers. Here’s where the world building gets a little weak. Why are they only teenagers (besides the fact this is a YA book)? What are they planning to do? Why did the outcasts break off from Ringmaster and the rest? Why is almost everyone on this ship rich to begin with (and are escaping the public eye before the Mandate (which is making a comeback) and the government (which is slowly becoming Mandate controlled) can genetically cleanse them? I’m betting some of these questions will be answered in the next book. Even though this story is complete onto itself (thanks for that) it’s obviously part of a series.

I did like the characters even if they did need more meat on the bone. Yes Trix is the loser/can’t fit in archetype but you do want to see if she fits in with the circus or is forced on her way. I did really like the fact that Ringmaster said something to the affect of you don’t expect to fit in somewhere. You have to MAKE your own place. It wasn’t a bad book. I’d get the next one if the library gets it.

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trix is suffering through her orphaned miserable life WHEN SHE FINDS OUT THAT SHE HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN A CIRCUS FLYING PLANET TO PLANET!!!!

That's kinda how this book feels. I cared only marginally about the plot and conflict and wanted to know everything about the space opera Fagan is building. There's all kinds of drama between the supergifted kids performing in the literal flying circus. There's a cool street market that reminded me of something from Harry Potter or Neverwhere. There are the acts themselves. Trix has to figure out where she fits within the circus, wanting to perform but spending some time with the techies on crew (maybe a nice companion to Drama?). I did appreciate the dance around the issue of chosen family. It's a story about friendship and coming of age, and all the normal things middle school level books are about. Plus cool space monsters and circus window dressing.

The one thing that felt a little off was the relationship with the Ring Master. There's a definite romance element, but he also plays sort of an Aslan role, and he's technically her boss and in a protector role, along with touches of Benny from Benny & Joon. He's so mysterious, it almost crosses the line into creepy. But I can tell we're supposed to feel all romantic about the guy. Kinda weird.

Totally fun, though. This is one of my booktalks this year.

[Diane Ferbrache · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beatrix Ling (Trix) was orphaned when her astronaut parents died in a space accident. She’s incredibly unhappy in her boarding school. Her only treasure is a meteorite her dad gave her with a warning to keep it safe and secret. On a field trip to the circus, she is totally captivated by the show’s performers. After being chased by a strange scary masked man, she falls through a hidden door in the Hall of Mirrors and finds herself backstage among the freaks and clowns. She discovers that the circus is really a group of intergalactic misfits who are trying to stay just out of reach of the controlling Mandate.
This is a fairy tale, a story of an ordinary girl thrust into an unbelievable situation. Think Luke Skywalker in a circus. The Big Top is a renegade space ship that travels from planet to planet entertaining the citizens. Think the Serenity from Firefly. Unfortunately, despite engaging characters and plenty of action, there’s just something missing. The story is a bit too complicated and sometimes confusing for middle school kids, but just not intricate enough for more mature fantasy readers. The ending is a bit too contrived. Overall, it’s not bad, I just expected more.

[Kirsten · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't really like this book very much. Not very much at all. I got to page 34 before I said (aloud) "This book is terrible". It's not really terrible, I just wouldn't really recommend it to anybody. I'm going to read a little bit more to see if it gets any better...but I'm kind of disappointed. Especially after reading about how great the book is supposed to be.
But space? Really? Did we have to talk about SPACE?
And where did Earthings come from? It's sounds like the name of some blueberry smoothie.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very engaging, it's about a girl who feels out of place and is seeking somewhere to fit in in her world and so, as cliche as it may sound, she joins the circus. But this isn't just any circus but an alien safe house. Each character has unique abilities and personality traits but my favorite has got to be the ring master. This book is empowering and really drives home the idea that everyone is special in their own way.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is magical simply put. It celebrates creativity and makes me really want a space travelling circus to come and take me away to see all there is to see. That is, unless the Tardis gets to me first. We'll see.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little worried about liking this book, it looks more like a middle grade than a young adult but the idea of a circus set in space was impossible to resist and while it definitely had its flaws, I'm happy I read it. I would probably even read more of the world if I could.

[Cricket · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like a sequel please. Or a prequel...Possibly the Ringmaster's story?

[Jess N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sitting patiently for a sequel......

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Greatest Showman meets Randoms. An enjoyable read, but I would have liked more character development and depth in general.

[Ahmed Bilal · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge fan of both the Sci-Fi and fantasy, and while walking through the bookstore I came across this book and was really intrigued. After reading the back cover, it sounded like the coming of age story inside a space circus. And as crazy as it sounds, the book is that and just so much more. Being a mix of a fish-outta-water and coming-of-age story set in a backdrop of a intergalactic circus. Author Deva Fagan created such a unique world which exceeded my expectations after reading. I was able to make such a connection with the main character of Trix.
Deva Fagan broke some of the major barriers of the sci-fi fantasy aspects and dealt with some really real issues throughout. These range from as simple as trying to fit in a new environment to being an orphan and the feeling of being alone. Fagan takes some subtle steps to develop the characters and the shapes as how they may be in a school or work setting.
Overall, I would really recommend this book to all who enjoy a book with some strong messages and equally those who enjoy science fiction and fantasy novels as this book perfectly molds between both. I feel like this book is best suit for the teenage demographic from 12-18 as it may best work with the coming of age aspects and the mystical and fantastical characters. All in all, I would really recommend this book blindly to anyone interested in the concept.

[MakutaOfTheDead · Rating 4 out of 5]

When your book features a circus and the first line on the back promises "some maniac in a silver gas mask" as the antagonist, you instantly have my attention.

A very cute read overall! I'd easily recommend this to any juvenile, even young adult audiences. A story that speaks to those feeling lost or different and struggling with those issues will find comfort in the main character Trix's plight and enjoyment in her adventure through the stars. The enigmatic Ringmaster of the Circus Galacticus is an enjoyable host to the space-faring Big Top and the world-building actually leaves a lot of intrigue as to the ancient past of the cosmos involving the Tinkers, the Mandates, and the Core. The pacing does sort of go into hyper mode about 3/4ths through the book, almost as if the author had a deadline or just wanted to get to the conclusion. It's not a deal breaker, though it does surprise because there are moments where a sequel could be getting set up, but the story wraps up speedily instead.

Unfortunate, but mostly just for me specifically, as I grew attached to the book's villain Nyl and wanted to know more about him. But that's my villain-centric brain always wanting more. Still a solid, fun read.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trix seemed like a Mary Sue to me. Then the author had her make overly ridiculous decisions just to say "See she isn't. " The story had good base idea and I would have rated a 4 if Nola was the main character and Trix didn't exist.

So many things bothered me. Trix entering the Arena on a high setting after watching a skilled opponent was doing a lower level. She should have died and that would have been a satisfying ending. Sure, I was picturing something like the Fearscape from Divergent meets the training ground from Hercules, so maybe my imagination ran away with me if a inexperienced new comer could do this on hard mode.

The compacting of the ship also bothered me. What if someone was a heavy sleeper, would the ship swish them to death? It just seemed a bit lazy to create easy tension.

The tracking device was in a hair piece that she got at the market. This happens after the leeches. So how did Nyl find her then or several times before that?

I don't usually pull books apart this much, but these were so bothersome I couldn't enjoy the story. If you are less critical, then give it a try. I almost gave it 3 Stars for no romance with the Ringmaster.

[6thbreed · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't love circuses so this was kind of going out on a limb for me. It was a cross between a typical teen drama, confusing and wacky storyline, and weirdly veiled allusions to Biblical instances where it looks like they put God in the bad position and the devil in the good position? I am really sick of stories having the main creator/s be the orderly ones yet also be the big bad. Order to nature is not inherently a bad thing. Just because something has rules does not mean it is gray, lifeless, and doesn't allow for variation. Of course, the good guys have to be rulebreakers and have "eyes that you feel like you could fall into." Anyways, I was pretty over this book. I wouldn't recommend.
*Swearing is peppered throughout the book.*