Finvarra's Circus

by Monica Sanz, Katrina Crane (Editor)

Enter the breathtaking, magical world of Finvarra's Circus...Finvarra's Circus is coming to town, and Leanna Weston is determined to see it. Everyone knows once the circus leaves, the fairest girl in town is found dead, deformed, and heartless. Rumors say it's the handsome ringmaster, Finvarra, who steals their beauty and their hearts, but this means little to Leanna. Her heart is damaged and failing her. Surely he won't want it. She sneaks into the circus, but caught by Finvarra, he gives her a become their tightrope walker or die.Leanna accepts, and now a part of their strange family, she learns that Finvarra never meant to harm her. He needs her to stay. An ancient curse binds the troupe to their circus. They must perform forever or perish. To break the curse, Finvarra must die, and only the famed muse, the Leanan Sidhe, can kill him.Finvarra believes he's found his muse in Leanna, and Leanna can't deny the growing attraction between them. But not everyone wants freedom for the circus and they'll kill any girl suspected of being Finvarra's inspiration.With her life and the circus's on the line, can Leanna sacrifice her love to free the troupe? Will her feelings for Finvarra be their demise? Or will her heart fail her when she needs it the most?Finvarra's Circus is a young adult fantasy romance perfect for fans of The Night Circus and Caraval.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Fiction

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2016

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book...is true magic, perfect in every way possible. I fell in love with it from the very first chapter! It was this book that introduced me to the circusy-type of books. And it was this book that made me fall in love with them. This has been and will forever be the greatest, most magical, most enchanting, most beautiful story I have ever read on the internet.

Update as of 12/21/2014: I AM SO HAPPY. THIS BOOK IS GOING TO BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. NOW ALL IT NEEDS IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET PUBLISHED IN PRINT AND THE WHOLE WORLD WILL KNOW OF IT'S MAGIC.

[Ryan Predieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite, favorite book. This is the third time I’ve read it in seven years, and the magic of Finvarra’s Circus never ceases to amaze me. I’m sitting here with tears running down my face as I write this just because I feel so lucky to have been able to experience this story. The magic and love felt within these pages are unmatched. Even after reading it for the third time, it was still just as magical as the first. I already can’t wait for the next time I reread it in a few years or more, and I can again be absorbed into the majesty of Finvarra’s Circus.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this story on wattpad last summer because i was really starting to gain a huge fascination on circus's and it just so happens that it is now one of my FAVORITE STORIES OF ALL TIME.

DUN DUN DUNNN...

No but really i thought this story was Beautiful, Happy, Sad and pretty much every emotion you could think of at the same time. She really brought out all my feels and let me tell you its hard for books to really mess with my emotions. But She was able to twist them in way I didn't know possible from a book. Reason being is that this story is just simply amazing. Its just so good i cant even describe it.

The character development was not overwhelming at all and i really grew to love each and every one of them with the exception of Leanna's family and that doctor.

GOSH THEY GIVE ME CHILLS IN A BAD WAY.

But seriously i fell completely in love with Finvarra. His every word and movement just intrigued me even more then the moment before. Not to mention his lingering chemistry with Leanna and his dedication to the circus and its people.

I cant really function when i think about the story because of the chills that is gives me (This time in a good way)and all the feels it brings back. But i REALLY hope she finds a publisher! Which i think she might have already because the stories chapters got deleted but i don't want to make assumptions. EITHER WAY IF SHE DID I WILL BUY A MILLION COPIES TO HANG AROUND MY APARTMENT AND RECOMMEND HER TO EVERYONE.

Monica Sanz just became not only one of my favorite authors but my all time favorite story teller.

THIS STORY REALLY NEVER HAD A DULL MOMENT.

[Hawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this book as teenager and the impact it had on me is just impossible to put into words. I still remember it so fondly, the characters, the storytelling, the whole atmosphere is just magical, it really immerses you in its world. I‘ve never cared for anything circus related, even back then, but still this book has a special place in my heart.
Dw this isnt a spoiler (because you‘ll have no idea what i‘m talking about until you actually read up to this part), but one of my favorite scenes that really set the bittersweet vibe for the whole book is the first time she went to the circus, the way it was described, her perception and fear and wonder, how beautiful the dance was and how bitterswer the goodbye, it has so much gorgeous imagery throughout, i can still imagine it clearly. Magical is really the best way to describe this, magical and stunning. And though i no longer care for this genre, this is still a book a recomend to people who do enjoy it.

[Bruna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been on Wattpad for a couple of years and a few months ago I came across this book. First of all, I have always loved circus books, especially when they're mixed with fantasy, so I knew I would like this book. I was wrong, I didn't like it, and as cliche as this sounds, I fell in love with it. There's so many words going in my head to try and describe this book but it just leaves me speechless every time I try to type it out.

I loved seeing everything through Leanna's eyes. I won't reveal what happens but even though she has a heart condition, she's one of the strongest characters in the book and to experience that journey with her was..beautiful. You could feel the chemistry that she and Finvarra have and at times it was hard for me to put my phone down and come back to the real world.

I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a new book to read. Even if you're not into this whole fantasy genre, this story will take your breath away and by the end you'll be crying tears at three in the morning like I was :)

Maybe later I'll come back to this review and add more. But one more thing. This has become my favorite book in everything that I've read, and I've been reading since I was really young, so this shows how great of an author that Monica is. When this story becomes published, I'll be first in line to buy it.

(Brunakelly-wattpad)

[AquaRegina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. I just finished this book about ten minutes ago and..............I have no words to describe how AMAZING this book is.

When I first started reading books on Wattpad, I kept seeing this book on high rated lists so I decided to check it out. Read the description...and was not impressed. This is not the type of book that I would normally read, let alone LOVE, so I (foolishly) decided that Finvarra's Circus was not worth my time. Oh, how wrong I was!!! Today, I fanally decided that I would give it a try. And (please forgive me for sounding redundent) I AM SPEECHLESS! I really hove no words to describe how much this book sceames MAGIC. I am NOT KIDDING! This is one of the VERY VERY VERY BEST books that I have ever read. And I have read A LOT of books. (by alot I mean over 3,000).

To end this review, again, I have no words for how AMAZING and MAGICAL this book is. You just have to find out for your self. I promas that you will not be dissapointed. You very well might just get as hooked as I.

I wish you a good day (or night) and wish you,
Very Happy Reading.

AquaRegina

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was sort of a cross between Howl's Moving Castle and The Night Circus, and I like both of those books a lot, so I was pretty much guaranteed to like this. And I was surprised by how much I liked it, given my wariness of unpublished fiction by writers I don't know. Admittedly, a lot of the language was too dramatic for my taste (some descriptive phrases disrupted the flow and jerked me out of the story), but I was able to adjust to it. I would love to read an edited version, something a little more grounded. Which is sort of a strange thing to wish for, given the nature of the plot. :P

[Mickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book at first read.
All aspects of this book was beautiful and perfect. The characters were all developed with emotional insight ,personality and color. The lead female character is strong and independent. She is not like a lot of current female characters in current books (e.g. twilight) who waits around to be saved by the male lead. I love how this Sanz was able to find the right balance of magic and darkness in this book, so that the book doesn't soley focus on the fact that there is magic but is also able to have some excitement and mystery to it as well as a good storyline.
This book is a MUST read!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start by saying that this is literally the best book I've come across on wattpad, and it has raised the bar for the thousands that are posted from her on. The book is amazing in its' ability to reach out to readers with the emotion and mature writing of the author, to make readers feel as if they are watching a movie rather than simply reading a book. If I had to choose one book from wattpad to be published and bought by millions, it would definitely be this book. With that said, I cannot wait for any other reads by this incredible author.

[Maya Irena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! It's beautifully written and the description so vivid it almost like I'm watching a movie instead of reading a book. The writer sure has a talent for making beautiful stories full with moments that can make your heart squeezed, if you know what I mean =pYou can find this in Wattpad, and while you're at it, I suggest you also check her other story "the Awkward Love Song of Abigail Archer". Two thumbs up for that one too!

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5*
Very sad disappointment for my first read of the year.
I first read (part of) Finvarra’s circus in my watt pad days and I remembered this story as the outstanding one, the one that actually read like a “proper” book, and I loved the story so much. I was so excited when I saw it had been self published!!!
But sadly, the book didn’t hold up to my memories of it, and so I think my disappointment is double (disappointed cos it wasn’t a good book, and disappointed cos a story I remember fondly is now low key ruined).

I guess comparatively, this is miles better than most wattpad books are/were. However, in a world with The Night Circus, Addie Larue, The Bear and the Nightingale - this book is just not good enough. The most jarring thing was the insta-love - I mean, this book takes place over like 3 days (literally) and our main characters go from never having met to spending eternity together. Just too unrealistic. 14 year old me ate this shit up, but 25 year old me could not get past it.

It was a nostalgic to read for me, but I can’t think of too many redeeming qualities. Meh

[Katrin Hollister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review can be found on http://katrinhollister.wordpress.com

I recently finished reading “Finvarra’s Circus” by Monica Sanz (AKA DistantDreamer), and, my, what a beautiful, haunting read.

This is the second of Monica’s books I’ve read so far, with the first being “A Witchling’s Rites” (first draft and continuing on Wattpad) and I loved it from start to finish. It follows the tale of young Leanna Weston, a girl with heart problems that rendered her disabled – physically and emotionally, the latter as a result of her family’s over-protectiveness – seeking an escape when she is forced into an arranged marriage. She’s heard the wonders of Finvarra’s circus from her mother when she was alive, and coincidentally that circus was coming to town, and was to be Leanna’s salvation.

This story -- it left me reeling and breathless. I don't cry over books (unless it involves dogs, generally -- "Marley and Me" remains the only one so far) but finishing this book left me with an ache in the chest that's both exhilaration and devastation I only ever see in a truly wonderful book.

Contains some spoilers.

A magical tale involving ogres, mechanical hearts, faeries, pixies, and humans that morph into animals, Monica tossed Leanna – and us, the readers – into a thrilling world where there are no impossibilities, where love conquers all (without being too ridiculous), where Leanna is the chosen one (of her own volition), where the love is destined (but actually not that sickly). I’m not one for romance, but Monica wove it into the story as motivation for Leanna, as well as her desire for justice, and it adds strength to her character rather than being the core.

Leanna is a young girl and comes across as incredibly naïve. Although initially a little annoying as she was optimistic and sees the world in stark right or wrong, her empathy and genuine good-heartedness won me over as a reader. She may be the Chosen One, but her actions are hers and hers alone, not manipulated, and true from the heart. She remained within her own limits as a human with no magic, solving issues with her mind and not with some suddenly-awoken power, allowing her to remain relatable throughout the story. Finvarra, the broken brooding man, initially held little allure as he was distant and unpleasant. It was because Leanna was so charmed by him I began to fall for him, too. It was because Leanna ached for his hurtful past and felt his guilt that he repented in my mind; in the end, I was every bit in love with Finvarra as I was with Leanna.

The best thing – or was it the worst? – was how Monica gave Leanna and Finvarra an ultimatum where neither can be happy. They can either be alive and apart forever and the troupe returns home, or dead – and the troupe returns home. It seemed like there was never going to be a compromise that didn’t involve tears. Tears on my part, included. Oh, how my heart ached when I got to that point, for the two lovers.

To be honest, I would have been happy either way, a happy-ever-after ending or a bittersweet one. I don’t want Leanna to go back to the institutionalised her – not that I think she could, now that she had experienced truly living and can stand up for herself. The story had wound up nicely, with the twist – that Finvarra was the one who actually reanimated Aithne – I never saw coming. It was the cherry on the icing that they had the chance to be together forever, in the end, because the ultimatum was just another test for Finvarra, but if they were forever apart and knowing the other was still in love with them, and safe, it was a good ending, too, not unlike the ending to “His Dark Materials”. For me, perhaps that bittersweet ending would have been more fitting; it seems somewhat unfair that Krinard was lost to madness, Inara lost her love, Yelena lost her life, the Westons lost a daughter/sister, Luna lost so many fellow Pixies, Aithne lost her reason to live – and Finvarra and Leanna get to live happily ever after. At the same time, you can argue it’s the last shred of silver lining the characters can have.

Kudos to the writer, she knows how to immerse her readers into the world. I read non-stop for six hours (stopping only when my concentration faltered at 7:30am), entranced by Leanna learning about the circus and its dark past. Monica’s ability to really drown me in Leanna’s world is amazing. I felt part of everything, ached with her when her destiny became known, was awestruck with her in the world of magic, danced with her – the dancing. Nothing truly technical, but every bit heartfelt. It was like feeling the spirits of Leanna dancing rather than seeing the actual waving, stretching, spinning.

Something I would have liked was to see more of Machina. We hear a bit about her, but it’s all hush-hush. She makes an appearance here and there, not truly terrifying, not truly threatening. The threat came more from within Finvarra’s circus itself, where Krinard’s poison threatened Inara’s protection, where circus members are disheartened and disillusioned with Finvarra’s lead. Perhaps the intention of the author was to never truly have a Big Bad, but if Machina was intended to be that, then I wish to see more into her evil and how she is terrifying and understand Finvarra and Leanna’s fight against her.

Verdict: I haven’t read a book as mesmerising as this one in quite some time. Would recommend time and time again.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was just lovely. it wasn’t spectacularly written or provided as much detail or plot as it could have, but as a short, touching tale, it really stuck with me. it relies heavily on fate & destiny, which normally i don’t like, but it worked for this. i loved this little story.

[Kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

just as beautiful as i remember

[Caitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finvarra’s Circus by Monica Sanz is an absolute gem of a book! From the very first page, I was drawn into this captivating, whimsical world filled with magic, mystery, and unforgettable characters. The story follows Leanna, a young girl who stumbles upon the mysterious and otherworldly Finvarra's Circus, where nothing is quite what it seems. The blend of circus wonders, fae magic, and complex relationships had me hooked the entire time.

What I loved most about this book was the atmosphere—Sanz does an incredible job of creating a world that feels both enchanting and a little eerie, with every page bringing new layers to the story. The circus itself is so vivid and alive, and I could practically feel the magic swirling around with every act, every twist of the plot. The characters, especially Leanna, are wonderfully developed. Rosie is strong, curious, and deeply relatable, and her journey through the circus and its secrets was full of heart, tension, and self-discovery.

The relationships, especially the ones Leanna forms with the members of the circus, are rich and full of depth. The mix of mystery and magical realism is spot-on, and Sanz does an excellent job of blending lighthearted moments with darker, more emotional themes. I found myself caring so deeply about the characters and their fates, which made the story even more immersive.

Finvarra’s Circus is an enchanting, emotional, and beautifully written novel that transports you to a world you won't want to leave. It’s a perfect blend of magic, mystery, and heart, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who loves fantasy with a touch of whimsy. This book is a true treasure, and I’m so glad I got to experience it!

[Shaphir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, the only word that can describe this book accurately is 'magical'. I read this book on Wattpad and it's definitely one of the best books I've read on there. I think the characters and the plot were really creative. Though some bits were kind of predictable (but who cares?!). The way the whole story was written was just beautiful. And that second last and last chapter was on point! It was - as I saw someone comment - an emotional roller-coaster! The ending was perfect! I'm so glad I read this book and I highly recommend it to anyone that's interested in circus books or just a magical experience in general.

[Dayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just skimmed through a couple of pages and my heart started to ache, physically aching so badly and tears started to form in my eyes. There is something magical about this book that has not waned even as I turned into an adult. It's the kind of ache that I only experienced as a child reading, before I got weary by reality and got harder to impress. This is a hidden gem and deserves so much more recognition. I don't understand how i still get so strongly affected by it when the writing and plot are really typical? But the ache is real and i hope it stays like this for the rest of my life.

[Derya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been almost one year since I finished this amazing novel. Monica Sanz has created a world full of magic and many unique characters. There is also a quote that says, "Fear drives out magic". I cannot reveal the plot of the story, but I think you would fall in love with this novel as much as I did or maybe even more. It is my favorite fantasy novel I have ever read and I am waiting for the day I will be able to buy it.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this on Wattpad, and I must say, I was totally hooked. I will wait for updates and constantly check on "DistanDreamer's" profile or my email. And when the book was finished, I check up on more of her works. And she is simply amazing.

The world that Monica created was totally captivating and enticing, cold ans warm at the same time. The story was beautiful and magical. I'm in love with it.

[Amy Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you read the night circus, you'll like this book too. i love this book, it is such a guilty pleasure read. i read it when it was first on whattpad and again like 8 years later. i love love love. it can do no wrong. it is a great story and the charachters are great. its whimsical but also dark. I love circus books and this one is one of the reasons why.

[Aisha Aliyu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing! I remember the agonizing wait for her to upload the next chapter on wattpad. The storyline is incredible and i love it! The characters are awesome and the ending!!!!!

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reads just like a fairy tale and it is gorgeous. Not steamy, but definitely poetic, surreal and imaginative. I didn't always know what the heck was going on with the heart situation or why it was able to end the way it did, but I don't see that those were huge issues.

[Beth ~Book Loving Is My Superpower~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every heartbreaking, achingly haunting, magic & miracle affirming minute. It was beautiful, painful and every detail perfection. There might be a more detailed review to come or maybe, after living with it awhile, I might decide that that is enough.

[GreenEyedPrincess86 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic!

I first began reading this book on Wattpad. I was drawn in from chapter one and, when I learned that the book was being published, I jumped at the chance to buy it. I have never been to the circus, only seen them on TV and in movies. With that being said, Miss Sanz brought to life all the magic I imagined experiencing at the circus. The story was heart breaking at times and joy inducing at others. There were even times when I cried. The characters were relatable, especially Leanna. If you dream of magical adventures, this is a great place to begin.

[Emily zimmmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatest book I've ever read

I have never in my life read a book so magical. I read this the first time on wattpad, my first book to read on that site actually, and the images have stayed with me since. I feel as though I've seen a movie instead of reading words from a novel. I vowed to support this woman ever since. She is a tale spinner of incredible proportions and her stories are what I aspire to. The images she paints are so magical and beautiful that I cant get them out of my head. Please read this book, and please support this amazing author in all that she does.

[Monek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical, amazing, heartbreakful, pure art is what this book is Thank you so much for writing this beautiful story Monica Sanz.
I had read this book twice and will do it over and over while never get tired of it. I need a sequel not because of the ending becouse it was perfect but because I need more of this, more of them please one day get inspired and continue this story. 😭💕

[Arianna Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time I read this book was on Wattpad and as soon as I heard that she had published it I went and bought it and I read it and I read it again hence why I am here giving it a review. This book is a YA fantasy romance it has the action and love that we all drift towards for something light and fluffy. With a HEA guarantee.

[Lawren M. Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. My friend sent this book to me because I enjoy fantasy books and this one definitely held my interest. The story was fun and entertaining and the characters were lovable and I definitely caught myself rooting for them. The imagery was beautiful.

[Simmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book so magnificent, I've lost count of how many times I've indulged in it. It's beautiful and magical, I'll never read a book that made me feel this way, ever, I just know it. This book will always stay my most favourite and I'll be recommending it to every person I know!

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finvarra’s Circus- Unique Plot, Needed more pizazz

it was a slow burn but the writing was decent and the story was unique. I would have liked more tension between the characters so just having a longer story once the plot was established and the story was developing.