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Flyboy
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda meets the speculative twists of The Night Circus in this standout debut YA novel, about a boy who visits the magic-filled circus of his dreams each night in order to escape his daily reality where his trans identity remains a secret.
After an incident at his school leaves closeted trans teenager Asher Sullivan needing stitches, his mother betrays him in the worst possible way—she sends him to Catholic school for his senior year. Now he has to contend with hideous plaid skirts, cranky nuns, and #bathroomJesus.
Nighttime brings an escape for Asher when he dreams of the Midnight Circus—the one place where he is seen for the boy he truly is. Too bad it exists only in his sleep. Or at least, that’s what he believes, until the day his annoyingly attractive trapeze rival, Apollo, walks out of his dreams and into his classroom. On the heels of this realization that the magical circus might be real, Asher also learns that his time there is limited.
In his desperation to hang onto the one place he feels at home, Asher sets both worlds on a collision course that could destroy all the relationships he cares about most. Now he must decide how far he’ll go to preserve the magical circus, even if it means facing his biggest challenge yet—coming out.
After an incident at his school leaves closeted trans teenager Asher Sullivan needing stitches, his mother betrays him in the worst possible way—she sends him to Catholic school for his senior year. Now he has to contend with hideous plaid skirts, cranky nuns, and #bathroomJesus.
Nighttime brings an escape for Asher when he dreams of the Midnight Circus—the one place where he is seen for the boy he truly is. Too bad it exists only in his sleep. Or at least, that’s what he believes, until the day his annoyingly attractive trapeze rival, Apollo, walks out of his dreams and into his classroom. On the heels of this realization that the magical circus might be real, Asher also learns that his time there is limited.
In his desperation to hang onto the one place he feels at home, Asher sets both worlds on a collision course that could destroy all the relationships he cares about most. Now he must decide how far he’ll go to preserve the magical circus, even if it means facing his biggest challenge yet—coming out.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2024
21 people are currently reading
3813 people want to read
About the author
Kasey LeBlanc
1 book39 followersKasey LeBlanc (he / him) is a children’s & young adult author whose first novel FLYBOY is forthcoming from Balzer + Bray / HarperCollins (05/14/24).
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Kasey is a graduate of Harvard College, and an alum of GrubStreet’s Novel Incubator program, where he was an Alice Hoffman fellowship recipient.
He was a 2019 finalist for the Boston Public Library’s Writer-in-Residence position and has had works published in WBUR’s Cognoscenti, them, and Writer Unboxed.
He is represented by Mollie Glick at CAA.
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Kasey is a graduate of Harvard College, and an alum of GrubStreet’s Novel Incubator program, where he was an Alice Hoffman fellowship recipient.
He was a 2019 finalist for the Boston Public Library’s Writer-in-Residence position and has had works published in WBUR’s Cognoscenti, them, and Writer Unboxed.
He is represented by Mollie Glick at CAA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 16, 2024
Beautiful. Brave and fun.
August 26, 2024
One of the most beautiful books I've ever read. Made me cry multiple times
February 17, 2025
audiobook. definitely a 10/10 listen. i enjoyed the story and it was so much fun. religious trauma is hard but i find stories like these make it a lot easier to deal with.
June 3, 2024
Well, color me impressed. The author addressed many complex topics with grace, sensitivity, understanding, and compassion. It was well written and paced. The story was unique and plotted expertly. I liked it more than I expected. The cover, while pretty, doesn't do the story justice. I may purchase a copy to use as a traveling book in LiterALLy BOOKiSh (Facebook book club).
March 22, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! As a queer person who went to a very conservative Christian highschool in the south, everything that Asher went through at school and with his grandparents hit very close to home. This, combined with the Midnight Circus as a way to escape and be yourself made this and incredibly enjoyable read. All around, it is just the kind of book that we need so much more of in the world. I loved all of the characters, and though that each of their arcs was perfectly fitting.
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the ARC!
February 1, 2024
3 out of 5 stars
I was excited to get my hands on this book. I am all about whimsical circuses where people learn about themselves. Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me.
Closeted trans teenager Asher lives a life that does not reflect who he is. His highly religious grandparents have everything planned for him: he will attend a university of their choosing, follow in his grandfather’s footsteps, and become a lawyer. Asher has no choice but to follow along with this plan because of his grandparent’s financial support. When an incident at his old school causes his mother to send him to Catholic school, he feels betrayed and as if he has lost control of his life. At this low point, Asher finds himself at an unbelievable circus in his dreams. When one of the other circus performers shows up at his school, Asher knows the circus is not just a dream. But when everything spirals out of control, Asher might lose all the most important relationships in his life.
The big thing to talk about in this book is the circus. It drew me in and, sadly, is my greatest disappointment. I expected more descriptions of the circus, but Asher joins the circus as a performer and not a patron. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this. Much of the circus is present in the book, but most with most of Asher’s time dedicated to his performances, the rest of the circus is lost to the reader. Some details appear, but I do not feel the same magic from the circus as Asher. Another problem with the circus is that it is never fully explained. I still do not understand how the circus works or its creation. It does have some fun twists, but they do not make up for the many failings.
Although I found the circus disappointing, I did enjoy the writing. I was engaged the whole time and did not struggle to make my way through this book. However, nothing stood out to me. Kasey LeBlanc created interesting characters and settings that do not meet my tastes. I became irritated with Asher and his unwillingness to see that others do not see the world in the same way. I like how Asher grew through the book, and I was less annoyed with him by the end.
Overall, I would say this book is just okay. It did not blow me away, and I did not fall in love with any aspect. I wanted to love the circus, but it did not meet my expectations.
I was excited to get my hands on this book. I am all about whimsical circuses where people learn about themselves. Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me.
Closeted trans teenager Asher lives a life that does not reflect who he is. His highly religious grandparents have everything planned for him: he will attend a university of their choosing, follow in his grandfather’s footsteps, and become a lawyer. Asher has no choice but to follow along with this plan because of his grandparent’s financial support. When an incident at his old school causes his mother to send him to Catholic school, he feels betrayed and as if he has lost control of his life. At this low point, Asher finds himself at an unbelievable circus in his dreams. When one of the other circus performers shows up at his school, Asher knows the circus is not just a dream. But when everything spirals out of control, Asher might lose all the most important relationships in his life.
The big thing to talk about in this book is the circus. It drew me in and, sadly, is my greatest disappointment. I expected more descriptions of the circus, but Asher joins the circus as a performer and not a patron. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this. Much of the circus is present in the book, but most with most of Asher’s time dedicated to his performances, the rest of the circus is lost to the reader. Some details appear, but I do not feel the same magic from the circus as Asher. Another problem with the circus is that it is never fully explained. I still do not understand how the circus works or its creation. It does have some fun twists, but they do not make up for the many failings.
Although I found the circus disappointing, I did enjoy the writing. I was engaged the whole time and did not struggle to make my way through this book. However, nothing stood out to me. Kasey LeBlanc created interesting characters and settings that do not meet my tastes. I became irritated with Asher and his unwillingness to see that others do not see the world in the same way. I like how Asher grew through the book, and I was less annoyed with him by the end.
Overall, I would say this book is just okay. It did not blow me away, and I did not fall in love with any aspect. I wanted to love the circus, but it did not meet my expectations.
September 8, 2024
I received an ARC from Edelweiss
TW: transphobia, fire/arson, hospitalization & coma, homophobia & mentioned conversion therapy, mentioned fatal car accident
3.5
"The Night Circus meets The Raven Boys" definitely pulled me in, and while I can't exactly agree that that's what Flyboy feels like, I can understand the pitch.
Conceptually, I do like this novel, and I enjoyed the circus itself. Honestly, dream magic and magical circuses are pretty much always fun, so I was happy to disappear into it and see where I wound up.
The other selling point for me boil down to the themes centering around queerness and being your authentic self, and the allowance of sweet, sweet catharsis. I'll also say that, theoretically, the romance does seem very sweet. However, it doesn't ever get explored to the degree where I actually felt invested int it.
That's a bit of a theme here. While Asher's motivations hypothetically make sense, and while it could have had great consequences, following his bad choices from the beginning on, it doesn't really explore any of that enough for it to make sense or feel purposeful. His arc doesn't get actively progressed and it made his character feel less like he was making choices and growing, than that he was going through the motions.
It's the same with the plot. While there are some cool ideas at play, everything felt so loose. Most of the ties from point to point were noting but assumptions, and instead of concrete, carved out plot points, most things got sped through with a bare minimum comment on what we're meant to get from it. That also often made the pacing feel strange. Some of the plot points didn't even get that, just were left to hang. I'm still wondering what in the world that butterfly was about, and how the past even got involved. Maybe a case of bad editing, but definitely sloppy.
TW: transphobia, fire/arson, hospitalization & coma, homophobia & mentioned conversion therapy, mentioned fatal car accident
3.5
"The Night Circus meets The Raven Boys" definitely pulled me in, and while I can't exactly agree that that's what Flyboy feels like, I can understand the pitch.
Conceptually, I do like this novel, and I enjoyed the circus itself. Honestly, dream magic and magical circuses are pretty much always fun, so I was happy to disappear into it and see where I wound up.
The other selling point for me boil down to the themes centering around queerness and being your authentic self, and the allowance of sweet, sweet catharsis. I'll also say that, theoretically, the romance does seem very sweet. However, it doesn't ever get explored to the degree where I actually felt invested int it.
That's a bit of a theme here. While Asher's motivations hypothetically make sense, and while it could have had great consequences, following his bad choices from the beginning on, it doesn't really explore any of that enough for it to make sense or feel purposeful. His arc doesn't get actively progressed and it made his character feel less like he was making choices and growing, than that he was going through the motions.
It's the same with the plot. While there are some cool ideas at play, everything felt so loose. Most of the ties from point to point were noting but assumptions, and instead of concrete, carved out plot points, most things got sped through with a bare minimum comment on what we're meant to get from it. That also often made the pacing feel strange. Some of the plot points didn't even get that, just were left to hang. I'm still wondering what in the world that butterfly was about, and how the past even got involved. Maybe a case of bad editing, but definitely sloppy.
February 20, 2025
Okay, I have to start by saying that I found the daytime/nighttime elements of this plot to be absolutely genius in the way they were used. Asher, a closeted trans boy by day, gets to be his true self at night when he wakes at the circus. I loved how this showed the contrast between Asher's daytime and nighttime lives. In one space, he felt like a stranger in his own life. In the other, there was no question about his identity or whether or not he'd be accepted. The way that made him feel was so powerfully written. I think there's a line in one scene after he's arrived at the circus when he describes being able to take a full breath for the first time. That physical relief felt palpable in that scene to me.
Additionally, the author explores so much in the differences in people's journeys. Coming out didn't feel safe to Asher, and he had a supportive friend who kept reminding him that this was okay. Even when she was unhappy with his behavior, she continued to remind him that this was his journey and no one else got to decide that for him. She also challenged him to accept that other people might feel differently or want to be more outspoken about their own identities, and that needed to be okay. I love that the book showed that range of experiences.
The romance has a sweet, slow-burn feel to it, too, that I appreciated as well. I felt like it gave me a chance to get to know both characters and see how they were right for one another.
All in all, this is such a great story, and such a powerful reminder of how lifesaving it is for people to be able to be themselves.
Additionally, the author explores so much in the differences in people's journeys. Coming out didn't feel safe to Asher, and he had a supportive friend who kept reminding him that this was okay. Even when she was unhappy with his behavior, she continued to remind him that this was his journey and no one else got to decide that for him. She also challenged him to accept that other people might feel differently or want to be more outspoken about their own identities, and that needed to be okay. I love that the book showed that range of experiences.
The romance has a sweet, slow-burn feel to it, too, that I appreciated as well. I felt like it gave me a chance to get to know both characters and see how they were right for one another.
All in all, this is such a great story, and such a powerful reminder of how lifesaving it is for people to be able to be themselves.
February 10, 2024
*Contains spoilers*
This debut YA novel has all the parts of a great story, including a twist at the end and a major conflict as a storyline that continues to be visited throughout the text. There is a touch of magical realism with a wonderful circus backdrop as Asher explores questions about his own reality. Most importantly, Flyboy is another example of the new wave of LGBTQIAP+ texts that normalizes queer identities, particularly trans.
Themes of bravery and courage are carried throughout the story that YA readers will celebrate. Although, there were some stretches in narrative that early novelists struggle with, including a too-easy argument with the grandparents as a resolution and the fire at the end that seemed to erupt out of nowhere. There are some underexplored plot lines such as Moira and Kaycee’s relationship, and, at times, Apollo could have been developed more deeply.
The strength of the text is the diverse cast of characters, real-life issues addressed through a vibrant backdrop, and the strength of family and friends.
Shout out to #NetGalley, #BalzerBray, and #HarperCollinsChildrensBooks for the ARC!
This debut YA novel has all the parts of a great story, including a twist at the end and a major conflict as a storyline that continues to be visited throughout the text. There is a touch of magical realism with a wonderful circus backdrop as Asher explores questions about his own reality. Most importantly, Flyboy is another example of the new wave of LGBTQIAP+ texts that normalizes queer identities, particularly trans.
Themes of bravery and courage are carried throughout the story that YA readers will celebrate. Although, there were some stretches in narrative that early novelists struggle with, including a too-easy argument with the grandparents as a resolution and the fire at the end that seemed to erupt out of nowhere. There are some underexplored plot lines such as Moira and Kaycee’s relationship, and, at times, Apollo could have been developed more deeply.
The strength of the text is the diverse cast of characters, real-life issues addressed through a vibrant backdrop, and the strength of family and friends.
Shout out to #NetGalley, #BalzerBray, and #HarperCollinsChildrensBooks for the ARC!
May 14, 2024
All i know is that i've spent a lifetime trying to escape the weight of gravity upon a body i never asked for
wow- i was so excited to read this when i read the summary, but gods this was much better than what i thought. i was only a few chapters in before i could tell that this book was going to be one of my new favourites, and that i would not be able to put it down- and i was right. only times i put it down was when i had some meetings during the day, but i still managed to finish all of it in a few hours-
this book was amazing- it was filled with great rep, fun characters, an incredible magic system and heartwrenching plot points. i adored getting to know each of the characters, and fuck do i wish that i could learn about this world and about these characters. i want to know what happens next so badly, and the fact that this is a standalone ngl kinda makes me sad because i adore this universe and these characters already. i cant wait to hear more from Kasey LeBlanc in the future, damn this was a good debut
wow- i was so excited to read this when i read the summary, but gods this was much better than what i thought. i was only a few chapters in before i could tell that this book was going to be one of my new favourites, and that i would not be able to put it down- and i was right. only times i put it down was when i had some meetings during the day, but i still managed to finish all of it in a few hours-
this book was amazing- it was filled with great rep, fun characters, an incredible magic system and heartwrenching plot points. i adored getting to know each of the characters, and fuck do i wish that i could learn about this world and about these characters. i want to know what happens next so badly, and the fact that this is a standalone ngl kinda makes me sad because i adore this universe and these characters already. i cant wait to hear more from Kasey LeBlanc in the future, damn this was a good debut
July 1, 2024
Asher is a closeted trans boy who goes to sleep every night dreaming of a circus, where he is himself for the first time. By day, he lives his worst nightmare: Catholic School. Then one night, he's transported to his fantasy world, where dreams and reality begin to blend.
I was skeptical during the prologue. I was promised a story that was similar to The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, but the prologue wasn't just comparable, it was downright derivative. The circus is even named, "The Midnight Circus." Which, to be fair, it probably is hard to name a circus that comes only at night...
But then the story morphs into its own.
Asher lives with his mom, a nurse who is almost never home, and cared for by his ridiculously old-fashioned and super controlling grandparents. Grandparents who drag Ash to a church designed to teach him to hate himself and pay to send him to Catholic school after an incident in which he's injured. Grandparents who, after losing their son, decided to plot out every second of their granddaughter's life, right up to her career, without ever acknowledging that she's really a he. Kasey LeBlanc presents us with a world that feels so very tense and awkward, it's amazing the kid can even remember to breathe.
The circus is a catalyst for Asher, and an addiction. It's a place he doesn't have to hide, instead he can put himself on display before an audience and not be judged. Asher becomes determined to do anything to stay. Here he begins to build his bravery, flying high above the crowd with his trapeze partner Apollo.
Apollo creates a mystery almost as big as the circus... He walks into Asher's real world classroom one day, having no memory of Asher. But Asher remembers him. And Apollo is different, having had a personality change outside the circus which leads to the question, 'what's going on here?' So you have an intriguing sublot to run alongside the mystery of the circus.
When the circus is threatened, Asher makes a series of bad choices to protect it. The thing is, we know they're bad while he's making those decisions. And the outcomes seem oddly predictable which is deeply unfortunate.
Predictability aside, this is otherwise solid writing, even if I think the plot needed a little more work. The characters are multifaceted which increases believability. This is aimed at YA which I appreciate because if literature can teach anything it might be acceptance.
I was skeptical during the prologue. I was promised a story that was similar to The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, but the prologue wasn't just comparable, it was downright derivative. The circus is even named, "The Midnight Circus." Which, to be fair, it probably is hard to name a circus that comes only at night...
But then the story morphs into its own.
Asher lives with his mom, a nurse who is almost never home, and cared for by his ridiculously old-fashioned and super controlling grandparents. Grandparents who drag Ash to a church designed to teach him to hate himself and pay to send him to Catholic school after an incident in which he's injured. Grandparents who, after losing their son, decided to plot out every second of their granddaughter's life, right up to her career, without ever acknowledging that she's really a he. Kasey LeBlanc presents us with a world that feels so very tense and awkward, it's amazing the kid can even remember to breathe.
The circus is a catalyst for Asher, and an addiction. It's a place he doesn't have to hide, instead he can put himself on display before an audience and not be judged. Asher becomes determined to do anything to stay. Here he begins to build his bravery, flying high above the crowd with his trapeze partner Apollo.
Apollo creates a mystery almost as big as the circus... He walks into Asher's real world classroom one day, having no memory of Asher. But Asher remembers him. And Apollo is different, having had a personality change outside the circus which leads to the question, 'what's going on here?' So you have an intriguing sublot to run alongside the mystery of the circus.
When the circus is threatened, Asher makes a series of bad choices to protect it. The thing is, we know they're bad while he's making those decisions. And the outcomes seem oddly predictable which is deeply unfortunate.
Predictability aside, this is otherwise solid writing, even if I think the plot needed a little more work. The characters are multifaceted which increases believability. This is aimed at YA which I appreciate because if literature can teach anything it might be acceptance.
October 10, 2024
That was a cute and powerful book about trans right and the queer community. I loved every character, except the grandparents and the brainwash kids at the school, pissing in front of Jesus (god it’s weird).
Asher is not Asher when he’s awake. He’s Ash, probably for Ashley, her dead name, because he is a boy, in a girl’s body. He knows it. He thanks his IUD to not give him menstruation, he hates his body and he has chills everytime someone says « her » or « she », but he knows it will be like that until he comes out. But not at night, because when he’s asleep, Asher comes to live in a boy’s body. And he’s happy. He’s himself. But the Midnight Circus isn’t permanent. And Asher doesn’t want that.
It was nice to see Asher trying to live as a girl when he’s awake, keep the apparence, follow the rules, be a « good catholic girl », but he just wants to sleep and join tbe Circus again, and Apollo. Well until Apollo appears for real during the day.
The touch of fantasy and magic was well played, but, I finished the book and we don’t really have an explanation on how the circus appeared. I think it’s a metaphore of the closet, like the circus contains performers but also « freaks » and those people are treated like freaks in real life for being queer. So that’s my guess. Luckily, they have each other to know they aren’t freaks, they aren’t an anomaly. They just are… them.
So I loved it. The story, the rights, the theme, the voice. The love story. The twists even. I cried when Asher did his coming out to his mom. And I wish every mom in this world to be like her.
So, in the end, if you want a good and original book about the queer community, this book is for you.
Asher is not Asher when he’s awake. He’s Ash, probably for Ashley, her dead name, because he is a boy, in a girl’s body. He knows it. He thanks his IUD to not give him menstruation, he hates his body and he has chills everytime someone says « her » or « she », but he knows it will be like that until he comes out. But not at night, because when he’s asleep, Asher comes to live in a boy’s body. And he’s happy. He’s himself. But the Midnight Circus isn’t permanent. And Asher doesn’t want that.
It was nice to see Asher trying to live as a girl when he’s awake, keep the apparence, follow the rules, be a « good catholic girl », but he just wants to sleep and join tbe Circus again, and Apollo. Well until Apollo appears for real during the day.
The touch of fantasy and magic was well played, but, I finished the book and we don’t really have an explanation on how the circus appeared. I think it’s a metaphore of the closet, like the circus contains performers but also « freaks » and those people are treated like freaks in real life for being queer. So that’s my guess. Luckily, they have each other to know they aren’t freaks, they aren’t an anomaly. They just are… them.
So I loved it. The story, the rights, the theme, the voice. The love story. The twists even. I cried when Asher did his coming out to his mom. And I wish every mom in this world to be like her.
So, in the end, if you want a good and original book about the queer community, this book is for you.
December 7, 2024
Flyboy by Kasey LeBlanc is a contemporary YA fantasy that was pitched as Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens meets The Night Circus.
I was jumping for joy when I read the synopsis of Flyboy. Ever since I read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, I've been searching for a story to fill the marquee tent shaped hole in my heart. Couple that with trans representation, and I thought the book alchemy had struck again. Unfortunately, this one didn't quite live up to my expectations.
Firstly, I craved more descriptive prose. There's endless potential when it comes to animating a whimsical, magical circus in the imagination of the reader. I wanted more of a sensory experience - á la The Night Circus. But apart from repetitive, two-dimensional descriptions of the popcorn stand, the children playing, the balloon animals, and the carousel, there wasn't much to actually transport you to this brilliant, larger-than-life circus. This dream-like place felt like any ol' regular circus. The performances graced the pages for no longer than a paragraph or two, and while we're given a vague idea of the acts - knife-throwing, acrobatics, clowning, etc., - LaBlanc stops short of transporting you to the actual stage. I wanted first night jitters, jokes, and MAGIC! The whole book is a billet doux to the art of aerial apparatus, but every time the protagonist and his partner were airborne, we're given the vague idea of flips and tricks without any true visualisation. It was disappointing, to say the least.
Like Asher, I find solace in dreams. So many people will identify with his character for various personal reasons. I found glimpses of myself in him. I think the revelation that The Midnight Circus was real actually spoiled the story for me on a personal level. I loved the idea of dreaming as a form of escapism, so the reality marred the magic. As for the secondary characters, I much preferred those outside of The Midnight Circus as they were multifaceted individuals compared to the ones working in the circus. There was so much potential to flesh the performers out. Since the whole narrative revolves around the circus showing up for those that need to escape their daily lives, LaBlanc could have delved deeper into what exactly the performers were escaping and perhaps they would have felt like living and breathing people rather than dream fillers conjured up by the protagonist.
The foreshadowment wasn't deftly executed; there was a constant predictability that hindered the plot, so I was never blown away by the revelations, and the blazing finale was anticipated. But I enjoyed Asher's growth, and watching him embrace his authentic self was inspiring and so hopeful. The presence of the butterfly was a beautiful touch - I loved the idea of metamorphosis in the circus.
Overall, this wasn't my favourite book. Not by a long shot. But I will find myself recommending it in the future, I'm sure. I'm excited to read LaBlanc's future work 🏳️⚧️🦋🎪.
Rep: trans (protagonist and secondary characters), gay, bisexual, asexual and wheelchair users.
I was jumping for joy when I read the synopsis of Flyboy. Ever since I read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, I've been searching for a story to fill the marquee tent shaped hole in my heart. Couple that with trans representation, and I thought the book alchemy had struck again. Unfortunately, this one didn't quite live up to my expectations.
Firstly, I craved more descriptive prose. There's endless potential when it comes to animating a whimsical, magical circus in the imagination of the reader. I wanted more of a sensory experience - á la The Night Circus. But apart from repetitive, two-dimensional descriptions of the popcorn stand, the children playing, the balloon animals, and the carousel, there wasn't much to actually transport you to this brilliant, larger-than-life circus. This dream-like place felt like any ol' regular circus. The performances graced the pages for no longer than a paragraph or two, and while we're given a vague idea of the acts - knife-throwing, acrobatics, clowning, etc., - LaBlanc stops short of transporting you to the actual stage. I wanted first night jitters, jokes, and MAGIC! The whole book is a billet doux to the art of aerial apparatus, but every time the protagonist and his partner were airborne, we're given the vague idea of flips and tricks without any true visualisation. It was disappointing, to say the least.
Like Asher, I find solace in dreams. So many people will identify with his character for various personal reasons. I found glimpses of myself in him. I think the revelation that The Midnight Circus was real actually spoiled the story for me on a personal level. I loved the idea of dreaming as a form of escapism, so the reality marred the magic. As for the secondary characters, I much preferred those outside of The Midnight Circus as they were multifaceted individuals compared to the ones working in the circus. There was so much potential to flesh the performers out. Since the whole narrative revolves around the circus showing up for those that need to escape their daily lives, LaBlanc could have delved deeper into what exactly the performers were escaping and perhaps they would have felt like living and breathing people rather than dream fillers conjured up by the protagonist.
The foreshadowment wasn't deftly executed; there was a constant predictability that hindered the plot, so I was never blown away by the revelations, and the blazing finale was anticipated. But I enjoyed Asher's growth, and watching him embrace his authentic self was inspiring and so hopeful. The presence of the butterfly was a beautiful touch - I loved the idea of metamorphosis in the circus.
Overall, this wasn't my favourite book. Not by a long shot. But I will find myself recommending it in the future, I'm sure. I'm excited to read LaBlanc's future work 🏳️⚧️🦋🎪.
Rep: trans (protagonist and secondary characters), gay, bisexual, asexual and wheelchair users.
July 4, 2024
I like this one! I really enjoyed a lot of the contemporary scenes, just because it was so straightforward-Ash not out as trans to his family, being forced to attend Catholic school, and having his entire life decided for him by grandparents, who are trying to force him to carry out the life his late father lived. Adding in the personal Crisis of not standing up for a trans girl at his previous school, and the guilt of not being able to be there for others was very powerful.
I honestly didn’t like a lot of the circus parts! But partly that’s because I have never been a big fan of circuses in general and clowns in particular I find positively unnerving.
Once Ash realizes that everyone who is at the circus doesn’t get to stay forever, he does what he feels like he has to do to so that nobody can leave ever again, guaranteeing himself a “safe place “to be himself without ever having to truly need to come out in the real world, which is such an incredible way to utilize a “dreamworld” that gives you a vision of yourself that you have always wanted while be scared to be yourself in the real world. It was a little challenging to read how much Asher’s choice just completely harmed a lot of people, but I think that there’s a larger conversation here on the way we avoid being our most authentic selves often has repercussions on those around us. And the way that “shortcuts” aren’t what they see.
I honestly didn’t like a lot of the circus parts! But partly that’s because I have never been a big fan of circuses in general and clowns in particular I find positively unnerving.
Once Ash realizes that everyone who is at the circus doesn’t get to stay forever, he does what he feels like he has to do to so that nobody can leave ever again, guaranteeing himself a “safe place “to be himself without ever having to truly need to come out in the real world, which is such an incredible way to utilize a “dreamworld” that gives you a vision of yourself that you have always wanted while be scared to be yourself in the real world. It was a little challenging to read how much Asher’s choice just completely harmed a lot of people, but I think that there’s a larger conversation here on the way we avoid being our most authentic selves often has repercussions on those around us. And the way that “shortcuts” aren’t what they see.
June 3, 2024
"... I'm not sure why I ever thought flying was necessary to soar. "
This book is excellent - instant YA classic for teens and adults! Packed with fantasy and real world issues. I read the entire thing in one sitting, not wanting to step away from either of the vivid day or night worlds that Kasey LeBlanc depicts in this novel.
I had the privilege of reading an early draft of Flyboy six years ago and fell in love with Asher and his ability to soar through the night sky then. This version exceeded my wildest expectations and provides an entire cast of circus performers, artists and classmates that it's impossible not to love. The antagonists in this story are just as rich and realistic. Truly a real-world magic masterpiece!
This book is excellent - instant YA classic for teens and adults! Packed with fantasy and real world issues. I read the entire thing in one sitting, not wanting to step away from either of the vivid day or night worlds that Kasey LeBlanc depicts in this novel.
I had the privilege of reading an early draft of Flyboy six years ago and fell in love with Asher and his ability to soar through the night sky then. This version exceeded my wildest expectations and provides an entire cast of circus performers, artists and classmates that it's impossible not to love. The antagonists in this story are just as rich and realistic. Truly a real-world magic masterpiece!
June 7, 2025
I LOVE THIS BOOK. i surprisingly loved asher’s real life more than the circus scenes. tho ofc i loved anything that involved apollo. i love this book. it speaks for itself when it comes to making u feel welcome as a queer person !!! i loved all the characters even the circus ones but especially i loved asher. it was so wonderful getting to experience this pivotal moment with him!!!! happy pride. that fire at the end totally caught me off guard.
im so glad his mom was so supportive. good riddance abt his grandparents. fuck thatttt. i hope he slays in chicago and all his friends and boyf live happily ever after
im so glad his mom was so supportive. good riddance abt his grandparents. fuck thatttt. i hope he slays in chicago and all his friends and boyf live happily ever after
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
Honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did in the end. It’s witty, clever, and packs an important punch. The mystery behind it all was deeply intriguing. Kudos to my favorite narrator, as well!
July 5, 2024
4,25 ⭐️
May 9, 2025
I liked it and why is the difference between 3 and 4 stars is so big :(
June 25, 2024
Such an amazing book
May 14, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley as well as the Epic Reads Insiders Team for an early-access copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Reading the synopsis of this book, I was immediately drawn in, much like the allure of the Midnight Circus that’s at the center of this new YA release. A mix between The Night Circus meets the Wayward Children series, but make it queer. What could be more enchanting!
With all of this in mind, I already went in with pretty high expectations. Because as a reader, I loved The Night Circus and similar books that have this escapism, dreamlike quality, and I was ready to be swept up by the magic of it all. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t land for me. This was trying to somehow be both a YA contemporary and a fantasy, and I just didn’t think that the two blended well. In all honesty, I was much more invested in Asher’s day-to-day struggles of attending Catholic school as a closeted trans teen, his relationship with his grandparents, and feeling confined by their expectations vs the life he really wants to live as his authentic self. I absolutely loved these moments and I think this could’ve easily just been a contemporary novel and I wouldn’t have even missed the circus element at all…and that’s saying something, coming from, again, someone who ordinarily likes books about the circus.
For me personally, what didn’t work for me was the implementation of the Midnight Circus as a whole. For the longest time, I wasn’t even sure whether the Midnight Circus was actually real or not. And then when I realized that it was and how it was starting to seep into Archer’s real life, I hated it as a trope. It just required me to suspend…SO much disbelief, because now that it’s not just a dream and it’s something that actually exists in the real world, I have so many questions. I just think the Midnight Circus would’ve worked a lot better in this story being something that only existed in Asher’s dreams. Speaking as someone who maladaptive daydreams, this would’ve deeply resonated with me a lot more, and it actually makes more sense in regard to Asher’s story for the circus to be his own form of maladaptive daydreaming as a way to mentally escape to a place where he’s able to live his “dream life.”
It also took me a while to realize that the people in the circus are all real people in everyday life like Asher who are all fighting their own battles when they’re not at the circus. It would’ve been more effective if the author wrote to this A LOT more. We get a lot of Asher seeing the circus as his safe place where he can be accepted as his true self, but not a lot from the other people in the circus. There was such a missed opportunity to write more to the found family element that the Midnight Circus encompasses, but it seemed like it was mostly just Asher who was at the center of it. I would’ve loved more scenes where the characters could all open up and talk about their home lives, where they could be more fleshed out as characters and all have their own rich backstories—where we get to know them more deeply beyond who they are when they’re in the circus.
Final thoughts: This was overall…okay. Again, I absolutely loved reading about Asher’s journey of carving out a space for himself in a world that isn’t always welcoming. I just didn’t love how the Midnight Circus was implemented into the story. For me, it would’ve elevated Asher’s story so much more if it existed solely in his dreams and was used, at first as a means of escape but gradually became the driving force for him to feel brave enough to live his authentic self in his real life too and to no longer need the Midnight Circus anymore. I think that would’ve been a lot more impactful and worked better for this kind of story.
Reading the synopsis of this book, I was immediately drawn in, much like the allure of the Midnight Circus that’s at the center of this new YA release. A mix between The Night Circus meets the Wayward Children series, but make it queer. What could be more enchanting!
With all of this in mind, I already went in with pretty high expectations. Because as a reader, I loved The Night Circus and similar books that have this escapism, dreamlike quality, and I was ready to be swept up by the magic of it all. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t land for me. This was trying to somehow be both a YA contemporary and a fantasy, and I just didn’t think that the two blended well. In all honesty, I was much more invested in Asher’s day-to-day struggles of attending Catholic school as a closeted trans teen, his relationship with his grandparents, and feeling confined by their expectations vs the life he really wants to live as his authentic self. I absolutely loved these moments and I think this could’ve easily just been a contemporary novel and I wouldn’t have even missed the circus element at all…and that’s saying something, coming from, again, someone who ordinarily likes books about the circus.
For me personally, what didn’t work for me was the implementation of the Midnight Circus as a whole. For the longest time, I wasn’t even sure whether the Midnight Circus was actually real or not. And then when I realized that it was and how it was starting to seep into Archer’s real life, I hated it as a trope. It just required me to suspend…SO much disbelief, because now that it’s not just a dream and it’s something that actually exists in the real world, I have so many questions. I just think the Midnight Circus would’ve worked a lot better in this story being something that only existed in Asher’s dreams. Speaking as someone who maladaptive daydreams, this would’ve deeply resonated with me a lot more, and it actually makes more sense in regard to Asher’s story for the circus to be his own form of maladaptive daydreaming as a way to mentally escape to a place where he’s able to live his “dream life.”
It also took me a while to realize that the people in the circus are all real people in everyday life like Asher who are all fighting their own battles when they’re not at the circus. It would’ve been more effective if the author wrote to this A LOT more. We get a lot of Asher seeing the circus as his safe place where he can be accepted as his true self, but not a lot from the other people in the circus. There was such a missed opportunity to write more to the found family element that the Midnight Circus encompasses, but it seemed like it was mostly just Asher who was at the center of it. I would’ve loved more scenes where the characters could all open up and talk about their home lives, where they could be more fleshed out as characters and all have their own rich backstories—where we get to know them more deeply beyond who they are when they’re in the circus.
Final thoughts: This was overall…okay. Again, I absolutely loved reading about Asher’s journey of carving out a space for himself in a world that isn’t always welcoming. I just didn’t love how the Midnight Circus was implemented into the story. For me, it would’ve elevated Asher’s story so much more if it existed solely in his dreams and was used, at first as a means of escape but gradually became the driving force for him to feel brave enough to live his authentic self in his real life too and to no longer need the Midnight Circus anymore. I think that would’ve been a lot more impactful and worked better for this kind of story.
June 30, 2024
It reeeaalllyy really sucks when a book you were so excited for and could have been so important to you is ruined by a dislikable protagonist and annoying fighting/miscommunication.
May 25, 2024
Ohhhhhh my 🥰 this book was wonderful! I loved every second of this read 🖤 it is hard to read in some ways because of how relatable some of the dysphoria and trauma speak is. But it’s so worth it! The midnight circus is beautiful and my imagination had the best time weaving this story into life 😍 I’m thrilled for young people to have this story! It’s so hard to imagine how different life could/would have been if there had been more of this when I was growing up. Couldn’t recommend this more 🖤🖤🖤
Want to read
November 20, 2023"Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda meets the speculative twists of The Night Circus"
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July 15, 2024
this book just changed my life. i closed it and i finally told my parents im going on testosterone. this literally just changed my life. thank you. thank you so much. i did it. i was brave like asher. my parents might not be as supportive as his mom but im never backing down. thank you for this book. thank you. thank you.
July 17, 2024
This book was incredible! At one point, my eyes were so full of tears that I could barely see the pages to keep reading. Such a unique and well-written story. I loved it!!
May 16, 2024
Ash Sullivan is forced to attend the local Catholic School in a small New Hampshire town after an incident in the girls’ bathroom. Everything about his life is awful - from the school uniforms, to being the new kid in school, to being the only trans person he knows, to being in the closet. Then he discovers the Midnight Circus in his dreams where he is his true self, Asher, and he learns how to be a flyboy - a trapeze artist. But the circus isn’t real, and every morning he must revert to wearing girls’ clothing, etc. He longs to be free so he can fly.
Kasey LeBlanc’s debut YA novel is well written and tells Asher’s story with sensitivity, wit, and very little angst. The book drags a little as LeBlanc sets the scene and introduces her characters and moves the plot along, but then pace picks up nicely. Her descriptions, particularly of the Midnight Circus, are so well drawn that, much like Asher, readers forget that the circus isn’t real.
The characters are, for the most part, well done. Readers will fall in love not only with Asher, but near the end, his mother as well. The secondary characters, while not as well drawn as Asher, but they do not detract from the story either.
The underlying issue is, of course, that Asher is trans. LeBlanc handles the issue with care and doesn’t over-emphasize his status while letting Asher tell his story in a believable way.
If you love YA romantasy and debut novels, this book should be at or near the top of your to-be-read pile.
My thanks to Balzer + Bray and Edelweiss for an eArc.
Kasey LeBlanc’s debut YA novel is well written and tells Asher’s story with sensitivity, wit, and very little angst. The book drags a little as LeBlanc sets the scene and introduces her characters and moves the plot along, but then pace picks up nicely. Her descriptions, particularly of the Midnight Circus, are so well drawn that, much like Asher, readers forget that the circus isn’t real.
The characters are, for the most part, well done. Readers will fall in love not only with Asher, but near the end, his mother as well. The secondary characters, while not as well drawn as Asher, but they do not detract from the story either.
The underlying issue is, of course, that Asher is trans. LeBlanc handles the issue with care and doesn’t over-emphasize his status while letting Asher tell his story in a believable way.
If you love YA romantasy and debut novels, this book should be at or near the top of your to-be-read pile.
My thanks to Balzer + Bray and Edelweiss for an eArc.
July 7, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. This has a really cool concept, and LeBlanc’s prose was really nice to read. I liked the rep of Asher, and Kaycee. It was interesting to see their stories intertwine in different schools. However, the overall execution left some stuff to be desired. None of the characters really had enough presence besides Ash and sometimes Kaycee. Honestly, I kinda wish the whole story was between Asher and Kaycee because Apollo kinda felt like… a nothing presence. He was promised to have conflict with Ash, I didn’t feel much tension between them both romantically, and lending to a conflict. I didn’t really feel attached to any of the characters, and felt it was hard to get invested in the story, especially in the circus intervals. The rules of the circus also didn’t make a ton of sense to me—like it’s been around since 1953 but Rene invented it? Huh?? I also was perplexed by the whole Kaycee/Asher situation in that just HOW do you mistake someone slipping on water for you physically shoving them, like the mechanics of that made no sense especially since Asher never even mentions Kaycee putting hands on him. This is a small complaint but I think the book had a number of these plot holes/character moments that didn’t come through.
Good concept and writing technique, but the overall story didn’t really hit.
Good concept and writing technique, but the overall story didn’t really hit.
January 10, 2024
Thank you, Kasey LeBlane NetGalley, for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!
I've never read a book quite like this. It truly was a beautiful story, and the way it's written, it's like the words are jumping off the page, tantalizing your senses. This book, though I'm not Trans I understand how the main character feels. I have a best friend whose parents don't support him and want nothing to do with him if he even mentions that he's a boy to them. It's sad that today we still deal with this issue, but this book was such a delight to read.
The characters and the descriptions in this book were a huge deal to me. It was like I was there with the main character every step of the way, and you can definitely smell the popcorn... and so much more.
This book is so much more than about a midnight circus but dealing with the fear of coming out to others and hoping for so much. All Asher wants to do is be free and fly, but he can't fully be himself because of the school he's in and the people around him. Of course, he has friends, but more is needed.
Thank you so much for bringing this book into my life.
I've never read a book quite like this. It truly was a beautiful story, and the way it's written, it's like the words are jumping off the page, tantalizing your senses. This book, though I'm not Trans I understand how the main character feels. I have a best friend whose parents don't support him and want nothing to do with him if he even mentions that he's a boy to them. It's sad that today we still deal with this issue, but this book was such a delight to read.
The characters and the descriptions in this book were a huge deal to me. It was like I was there with the main character every step of the way, and you can definitely smell the popcorn... and so much more.
This book is so much more than about a midnight circus but dealing with the fear of coming out to others and hoping for so much. All Asher wants to do is be free and fly, but he can't fully be himself because of the school he's in and the people around him. Of course, he has friends, but more is needed.
Thank you so much for bringing this book into my life.
May 13, 2024
Ash is a kind of compromise name between his deadname, and Asher, the boy he really is. Too scared to come out as trans, especially after a violent bathroom incident with another trans student, Ash feels even more stuffed into the closet when his controlling grandparents enroll him in a Catholic high school for his senior year. That’s when he begins to have vivid dreams of life in a circus where he can be his true self, and where he is falling in love with Apollo, with whom he is partnered as a trapeze artist. Soon his dream life is what’s most important to Ash, though he begins to wonder about how his two worlds intersect when Apollo moves in to the house next to Ash but does not seem to remember him from the circus. An intriguing use of magical realism to explore identity. EARC from Edelweiss.
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