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The Shimmering Circus #1
Avery's Ghost
The circus keeps its secrets.
Seventeen-year-old Evelyn dreams of a career in botany, while acting as an uneasy intermediary for her hapless father and distant mother. When she’s accidentally poisoned during a fortune telling, her mother insists her only hope for an antidote is to sign the curious contract of Hart's Traveling Circus— the same place her brother, Avery, vanished before her birth.
When her father faces financial ruin, Evelyn offers to write newspaper articles from inside the circus. As she investigates, she's consumed by questions no carnie will answer. Why do the performers lie about their uncanny performances? What caused the “hideous” scars of Essence, the sideshow freak who draws portraits so vivid they nearly leap from the page?
Terrified into attempting escape by tempestuous Manager Hart, Evelyn is stopped by paralyzing pain. Undeterred, she’ll cajole and blackmail her way to the truth behind the circus mysteries and her brother's disappearance— truths that uncover long buried secrets and throw her into the crossfire of a plot with explosive consequences.
Featuring illustrations in the style of vintage circus art, Avery’s Ghost throws readers into a macabre world of secrets and magic, set against the evocative backdrop of an Edwardian circus.
Seventeen-year-old Evelyn dreams of a career in botany, while acting as an uneasy intermediary for her hapless father and distant mother. When she’s accidentally poisoned during a fortune telling, her mother insists her only hope for an antidote is to sign the curious contract of Hart's Traveling Circus— the same place her brother, Avery, vanished before her birth.
When her father faces financial ruin, Evelyn offers to write newspaper articles from inside the circus. As she investigates, she's consumed by questions no carnie will answer. Why do the performers lie about their uncanny performances? What caused the “hideous” scars of Essence, the sideshow freak who draws portraits so vivid they nearly leap from the page?
Terrified into attempting escape by tempestuous Manager Hart, Evelyn is stopped by paralyzing pain. Undeterred, she’ll cajole and blackmail her way to the truth behind the circus mysteries and her brother's disappearance— truths that uncover long buried secrets and throw her into the crossfire of a plot with explosive consequences.
Featuring illustrations in the style of vintage circus art, Avery’s Ghost throws readers into a macabre world of secrets and magic, set against the evocative backdrop of an Edwardian circus.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2022
40 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 12, 2022
* I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. *
Mitski girlies + The Night Circus lovers I’m about to put y’all on something and you won’t be disappointed. “Avery’s Ghost” by Annie Dewell is a enthralling journey of Evelyn Earle ending up being binded to the Shimmering Circus after falling ill. But the Shimmering Circus isn’t a normal circus, but one of mystery and magic. Join Evelyn in debunking the layers of secrets in the circus - including the disappearance of her older brother, Avery.
I adore these characters you guys. I literally was going through the motions with Evelyn — her social anxiety of joining the circus, the frustration of secrets, the action filled sequences. Twin sisters Rose & Rilly are such sweethearts and guardian angels to Evelyn. Even Madame Charr surprised me!!! These characters are real - with real reactions and actions and reasoning.
You guys NEED to read this ASAP or add it to your TBR!!!!! Go support Annie Dewell’s debut book, Avery’s Ghost” !!!!!!! Not only is her writing captivating and alluring, but the illustrations are gorgeous! Especially if you struggle with visualization while reading, these intriguing illustrations are a HUGE help. Keep an eye out for the sequel!!!!!!
Mitski girlies + The Night Circus lovers I’m about to put y’all on something and you won’t be disappointed. “Avery’s Ghost” by Annie Dewell is a enthralling journey of Evelyn Earle ending up being binded to the Shimmering Circus after falling ill. But the Shimmering Circus isn’t a normal circus, but one of mystery and magic. Join Evelyn in debunking the layers of secrets in the circus - including the disappearance of her older brother, Avery.
I adore these characters you guys. I literally was going through the motions with Evelyn — her social anxiety of joining the circus, the frustration of secrets, the action filled sequences. Twin sisters Rose & Rilly are such sweethearts and guardian angels to Evelyn. Even Madame Charr surprised me!!! These characters are real - with real reactions and actions and reasoning.
You guys NEED to read this ASAP or add it to your TBR!!!!! Go support Annie Dewell’s debut book, Avery’s Ghost” !!!!!!! Not only is her writing captivating and alluring, but the illustrations are gorgeous! Especially if you struggle with visualization while reading, these intriguing illustrations are a HUGE help. Keep an eye out for the sequel!!!!!!
October 20, 2022
Evelyn's father is facing financial disaster and the only way she can see to get him out is to write an article about the circus. Her investigation leads her deeper into the mysteries that encompass the circus, but her questions are not getting answered and are only leading her to more. Twists and turns await her at the Shimmering Circus and she has no choice but to follow through with her investigation, even if it means danger for her.
I just loved this book. From the characters, to the plot and the twists that come without warning, everything was so intriguing. I was hooked on learning about what the secrets to the Shimmering Circus were and found it hard to put the book down until I uncovered each one with Evelyn.
The narration was a little off for me. It was first person, but felt like it was told in a very stagnant way. While that didn't detract from the intrigue of the story, it was noticeable and a little iffy for me.
Overall rating
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just loved this book. From the characters, to the plot and the twists that come without warning, everything was so intriguing. I was hooked on learning about what the secrets to the Shimmering Circus were and found it hard to put the book down until I uncovered each one with Evelyn.
The narration was a little off for me. It was first person, but felt like it was told in a very stagnant way. While that didn't detract from the intrigue of the story, it was noticeable and a little iffy for me.
Overall rating
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 16, 2022
This historical fantasy story was fun to read from the beginning. I immediately liked the main character, Evelyn, and was eager to follow her story. I liked the side characters as well and felt like they were developed pretty well.
I do wish more of the fantasy elements and the sort of magic system had been introduced sooner. However this is the first in a series so it’s expected that there is going to be a lot of set up. The magical elements were explained well and I was even more invested in the story once introduced.
I enjoyed the story and the characters. I thought it was a fun book with the perfect amount of mystery and intrigue. The illustrations added throughout were a fine addition. I wasn’t super emotionally invested though which is why I went with four stars rather than five, but I still enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the next one.
I do wish more of the fantasy elements and the sort of magic system had been introduced sooner. However this is the first in a series so it’s expected that there is going to be a lot of set up. The magical elements were explained well and I was even more invested in the story once introduced.
I enjoyed the story and the characters. I thought it was a fun book with the perfect amount of mystery and intrigue. The illustrations added throughout were a fine addition. I wasn’t super emotionally invested though which is why I went with four stars rather than five, but I still enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the next one.
February 17, 2023
An unputdownable story
"Avery's Ghost" is the first book in the series called The Shimmering Circus written by Annie Dewell.
The plot revolves around Evelyn, a girl who is accidentally poisoned and must find a cure. To achieve that, she must sign a special contract to save herself but at what cost? Being in the Circus she comes across terrible secrets, lies and situations that change her.
This is a well-written, twisted and tightly-plotted novel that I couldn't put down because of the dark and Insidious events that happen around Evelyn. The characters are complex and dynamic, some of them have a lot of background stories that give a lot to think about. It's really enticing the author's writing style and for sure I'll continue reading the next ones.I thoroughly recommend it.
"Avery's Ghost" is the first book in the series called The Shimmering Circus written by Annie Dewell.
The plot revolves around Evelyn, a girl who is accidentally poisoned and must find a cure. To achieve that, she must sign a special contract to save herself but at what cost? Being in the Circus she comes across terrible secrets, lies and situations that change her.
This is a well-written, twisted and tightly-plotted novel that I couldn't put down because of the dark and Insidious events that happen around Evelyn. The characters are complex and dynamic, some of them have a lot of background stories that give a lot to think about. It's really enticing the author's writing style and for sure I'll continue reading the next ones.I thoroughly recommend it.
October 14, 2022
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my review.
The first person narrator's emotions are front and center, and you travel with her, as a reader, through many emotions, from panic, to confusion, to longing, and regret, and many more. If you like feeling alongside your narrator, you'll probably get swept happily into this book.
For me, I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator, so it made it a little harder to fully love the book. There were a lot of other characters that she encounters, but none of them fully resonated with me, either. There were also a lot of little mysteries along the way and rather than feeling excited to find out how everything would resolve, I found myself getting impatient, and then not that satisfied with the resolutions as they unfolded close to the end.
That said, if you like circus stories and getting wrapped up in historical, alternate worlds, this could be a good fit for you.
The first person narrator's emotions are front and center, and you travel with her, as a reader, through many emotions, from panic, to confusion, to longing, and regret, and many more. If you like feeling alongside your narrator, you'll probably get swept happily into this book.
For me, I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator, so it made it a little harder to fully love the book. There were a lot of other characters that she encounters, but none of them fully resonated with me, either. There were also a lot of little mysteries along the way and rather than feeling excited to find out how everything would resolve, I found myself getting impatient, and then not that satisfied with the resolutions as they unfolded close to the end.
That said, if you like circus stories and getting wrapped up in historical, alternate worlds, this could be a good fit for you.
January 22, 2023
Where to start with this one?
Well, it’s a period piece, so if your into an early turn-of-the-century American backdrop, then this is definitely for you.
Set in the Edwardian era, our MC, Evelyn Earle, falls ill to some kind of poison that only the traveling “Hart’s Shimmering Circus” has the antidote to. To get herself cured, her mother, a former performer of said circus, forces her daughter to sign a contract to serve in this traveling performance indefinitely. Due to some mysterious binding that prevents her from leaving, Evelyn is now trapped to work the rest of her days sewing and mending costumes for this place (or is she?). While there, Evelyn befriends a girl named Rose, her sister, and parents and soon starts to question what sort of magic has befallen onto this train and it’s performers since nothing seems to make much sense. And what’s with the red spice they keep serving in their food? All the while, it’s revealed only much later who and what this “Avery’s Ghost” plays a part to.
A slow paced book with a lot of descriptive imagery of the circus setting to get you immersed into the imaginative world that our author, Annie Dewell, has build for us. Everything is not as it seems in Hart’s circus.
For me this was very enjoyable enough read and the ending threw me for a loop, for sure. Wasn’t where I thought things were headed even though I came to the same conclusion. Avery’s Ghost wasn’t so much a paranormal entity as I’d assumed by the title, but something more… metaphorical.
Well, now it’s gotten my attention well enough to read book 2, since we’re left on a cliffhanger.
4.5/5
Well, it’s a period piece, so if your into an early turn-of-the-century American backdrop, then this is definitely for you.
Set in the Edwardian era, our MC, Evelyn Earle, falls ill to some kind of poison that only the traveling “Hart’s Shimmering Circus” has the antidote to. To get herself cured, her mother, a former performer of said circus, forces her daughter to sign a contract to serve in this traveling performance indefinitely. Due to some mysterious binding that prevents her from leaving, Evelyn is now trapped to work the rest of her days sewing and mending costumes for this place (or is she?). While there, Evelyn befriends a girl named Rose, her sister, and parents and soon starts to question what sort of magic has befallen onto this train and it’s performers since nothing seems to make much sense. And what’s with the red spice they keep serving in their food? All the while, it’s revealed only much later who and what this “Avery’s Ghost” plays a part to.
A slow paced book with a lot of descriptive imagery of the circus setting to get you immersed into the imaginative world that our author, Annie Dewell, has build for us. Everything is not as it seems in Hart’s circus.
For me this was very enjoyable enough read and the ending threw me for a loop, for sure. Wasn’t where I thought things were headed even though I came to the same conclusion. Avery’s Ghost wasn’t so much a paranormal entity as I’d assumed by the title, but something more… metaphorical.
Well, now it’s gotten my attention well enough to read book 2, since we’re left on a cliffhanger.
4.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2022
Avery’s Ghost is a fun, fantastical tale about a young girl who becomes trapped in a traveling circus with hardly anything to do except uncover the dark secrets of the traveling troupe.
Our main character, Evelyn, falls ill and is whisked away to the traveling circus for care. But this isn’t your ordinary circus. Evelyn’s mother used to perform with this magically gifted group of travelers, so she knows they can save her daughter- at a price.
We spend our time traveling with the circus as they move from town to town, uncovering secrets and revealing more and more questions about the mysterious circus manager and his true intentions, while simultaneously learning about the “talents” and magic of the performers who are trapped alongside Evelyn.
Overall, I really enjoyed Avery’s Ghost. It had some murder mystery vibes as well as a thematic resemblance to The Night Circus. 4 stars because I feel like some aspects of the story drag on too long or fail to move the plot forward, while some important backstory/character building is breezed past quite quickly. I DO think that can work in the story’s favor, especially since this is the first in the series.
The artwork and world building are absolutely stunning.
Our main character, Evelyn, falls ill and is whisked away to the traveling circus for care. But this isn’t your ordinary circus. Evelyn’s mother used to perform with this magically gifted group of travelers, so she knows they can save her daughter- at a price.
We spend our time traveling with the circus as they move from town to town, uncovering secrets and revealing more and more questions about the mysterious circus manager and his true intentions, while simultaneously learning about the “talents” and magic of the performers who are trapped alongside Evelyn.
Overall, I really enjoyed Avery’s Ghost. It had some murder mystery vibes as well as a thematic resemblance to The Night Circus. 4 stars because I feel like some aspects of the story drag on too long or fail to move the plot forward, while some important backstory/character building is breezed past quite quickly. I DO think that can work in the story’s favor, especially since this is the first in the series.
The artwork and world building are absolutely stunning.
February 17, 2023
Avery's Ghost by Annie Dewell is a thrilling and macabre tale that takes readers on a dark journey through the mysterious world of Hart's Traveling Circus. The author does a fantastic job of setting the scene with evocative descriptions and rich historical
details that transport readers to the Gilded Age. The use of vintage circus posters as illustrations adds an extra layer of charm to the story.
One of the things I appreciated about this book is the way it delves into the hidden lives of circus performers, exploring the secrets and lies that they keep. The protagonist, Evelyn, is a compelling character, determined to uncover the truth about her brother's
disappearance and the secrets of the circus, even if it means putting herself in danger.
Overall, Avery's Ghost is a captivating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you're a fan of dark mysteries with a touch of magic, then this is a book you won't want to miss.
details that transport readers to the Gilded Age. The use of vintage circus posters as illustrations adds an extra layer of charm to the story.
One of the things I appreciated about this book is the way it delves into the hidden lives of circus performers, exploring the secrets and lies that they keep. The protagonist, Evelyn, is a compelling character, determined to uncover the truth about her brother's
disappearance and the secrets of the circus, even if it means putting herself in danger.
Overall, Avery's Ghost is a captivating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you're a fan of dark mysteries with a touch of magic, then this is a book you won't want to miss.
October 23, 2022
Avery’s Ghost is the perfect read for the fall and spooky season. I was so drawn into the author’s world and how each character played a role in Evelyn’s understanding of the circus, her mother and the disappearance of her brother. Court not only is an oppressive manager and host of The Shimmering Circus, he is also the one to fear… or is there something else at play?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait for the release of the second book!
August 31, 2023
Wow!
This captures one's imagination heartily. I was a bit confused with the first chapter, but I was soon thoroughly immersed in this story. Evelyn's story almost compels you to keep reading. The characters are interesting, and their talents are incredible. I highly recommend this!
This captures one's imagination heartily. I was a bit confused with the first chapter, but I was soon thoroughly immersed in this story. Evelyn's story almost compels you to keep reading. The characters are interesting, and their talents are incredible. I highly recommend this!
January 11, 2024
(Note: Review from the paperback printed version of Shimmering Circus, not listed in Goodreads editions.)
It takes a certain light touch to approach a Dark Circus genre and tell a compelling story. Many video and fimmakers tend to the full-disclosure horror model, which demands little of its audience and tends to give the entire enterprise a cartoon quality. Annie Dewell opts instead for a literary-fiction style of puzzle box to bring us into the Shimmering Circus. Dewell tells us little about protagonist, setting, or history of this very odd circus, dropping only enough hints to leave the reader engrossed.
Some readers (the type who might prefer true crime to otherworldly horror) balk at any suggesting of the supernatural in a dark circus, insisting it's some kind of cheap literary trick to have the lion-tamer rely on sorcery to get the job done. Let's keep the scary midway strictly secular, they'd say. I am not one of those type of readers. Any tool of sci-fi, wizardry, or general-purpose fantasy can be employed as far as I'm concerned, just as long as the author is spellbinding in carrying the story forward. And Dewell aces that test.
The teenage Evelyn is trying to find clues to the disappearance in the circus many years previous of her brother Avery, and has to initially submit to the will of her apparent mother-from-hell to assemble the clues of the Shimmering Circus. It's hard to say much more without resorting to spoilers, except to say that she borrows tropes from another genre of fiction, yet never fully reveals what everything in that other environment might mean. Some of the mystery is maintained so that readers will preserve an interest in reading the following books in this series, but much of the mystery is simply the result of Dewell wanting to keep a lot under wraps. Yes, there is a "great reveal" of sorts two-thirds of the way through the book, but even that explanation leaves much unresolved.
The climax and the denouement might seem the slightest bit predictable to a careful reader, but is likely to surprise most readers. And even in the final pages, what appears to be predictable from a family dynamics standpoint, raises all kinds of questions about how Evelyn can ever search for this circus's origins. In the meantime, the scenes of a show traversing the U.S. in an Edwardian era not yet traumatized by radio, TV, and two world wars, all seem believeable, and help carry a mysterious story forward at almost breakneck speed.
It takes a certain light touch to approach a Dark Circus genre and tell a compelling story. Many video and fimmakers tend to the full-disclosure horror model, which demands little of its audience and tends to give the entire enterprise a cartoon quality. Annie Dewell opts instead for a literary-fiction style of puzzle box to bring us into the Shimmering Circus. Dewell tells us little about protagonist, setting, or history of this very odd circus, dropping only enough hints to leave the reader engrossed.
Some readers (the type who might prefer true crime to otherworldly horror) balk at any suggesting of the supernatural in a dark circus, insisting it's some kind of cheap literary trick to have the lion-tamer rely on sorcery to get the job done. Let's keep the scary midway strictly secular, they'd say. I am not one of those type of readers. Any tool of sci-fi, wizardry, or general-purpose fantasy can be employed as far as I'm concerned, just as long as the author is spellbinding in carrying the story forward. And Dewell aces that test.
The teenage Evelyn is trying to find clues to the disappearance in the circus many years previous of her brother Avery, and has to initially submit to the will of her apparent mother-from-hell to assemble the clues of the Shimmering Circus. It's hard to say much more without resorting to spoilers, except to say that she borrows tropes from another genre of fiction, yet never fully reveals what everything in that other environment might mean. Some of the mystery is maintained so that readers will preserve an interest in reading the following books in this series, but much of the mystery is simply the result of Dewell wanting to keep a lot under wraps. Yes, there is a "great reveal" of sorts two-thirds of the way through the book, but even that explanation leaves much unresolved.
The climax and the denouement might seem the slightest bit predictable to a careful reader, but is likely to surprise most readers. And even in the final pages, what appears to be predictable from a family dynamics standpoint, raises all kinds of questions about how Evelyn can ever search for this circus's origins. In the meantime, the scenes of a show traversing the U.S. in an Edwardian era not yet traumatized by radio, TV, and two world wars, all seem believeable, and help carry a mysterious story forward at almost breakneck speed.
October 21, 2022
"The circus keeps its secrets.
Seventeen-year-old Evelyn dreams of a career in botany, while acting as an uneasy intermediary for her hapless father and distant mother. When she’s accidentally poisoned during a fortune telling, her mother insists her only hope for an antidote is to sign the curious contract of Hart's Traveling Circus— the same place her brother, Avery, vanished before her birth.
When her father faces financial ruin, Evelyn offers to write newspaper articles from inside the circus. As she investigates, she's consumed by questions no carnie will answer. Why do the performers lie about their uncanny performances? What caused the “hideous” scars of Essence, the sideshow freak who draws portraits so vivid they nearly leap from the page?
Terrified into attempting escape by tempestuous Manager Hart, Evelyn is stopped by paralyzing pain. Undeterred, she’ll cajole and blackmail her way to the truth behind the circus mysteries and her brother's disappearance— truths that uncover long buried secrets and throw her into the crossfire of a plot with explosive consequences.
Featuring illustrations in the style of vintage circus art, Avery’s Ghost throws readers into a macabre world of secrets and magic, set against the evocative backdrop of an Edwardian circus."
Highly recommend Avery's Ghost! I never read the Night Circus but I hear this is perfect for fans of the Night Circus. Loved the ending especially.
Seventeen-year-old Evelyn dreams of a career in botany, while acting as an uneasy intermediary for her hapless father and distant mother. When she’s accidentally poisoned during a fortune telling, her mother insists her only hope for an antidote is to sign the curious contract of Hart's Traveling Circus— the same place her brother, Avery, vanished before her birth.
When her father faces financial ruin, Evelyn offers to write newspaper articles from inside the circus. As she investigates, she's consumed by questions no carnie will answer. Why do the performers lie about their uncanny performances? What caused the “hideous” scars of Essence, the sideshow freak who draws portraits so vivid they nearly leap from the page?
Terrified into attempting escape by tempestuous Manager Hart, Evelyn is stopped by paralyzing pain. Undeterred, she’ll cajole and blackmail her way to the truth behind the circus mysteries and her brother's disappearance— truths that uncover long buried secrets and throw her into the crossfire of a plot with explosive consequences.
Featuring illustrations in the style of vintage circus art, Avery’s Ghost throws readers into a macabre world of secrets and magic, set against the evocative backdrop of an Edwardian circus."
Highly recommend Avery's Ghost! I never read the Night Circus but I hear this is perfect for fans of the Night Circus. Loved the ending especially.
September 15, 2023
Let me start with a warning - Don't start this book unless you are prepared to buy into a whole series. This book is essentially a teaser - it creates a set of characters, creates a world with lots of interesting side plots, and it well written.
However it does not resolve the plot conflicts, answer the mysteries or bring much of anything to a conclusion. When I was young I was told a novel - a book - has a beginning and a middle and an end. This "book" has no end. The characters are interesting, the writing is good - and in the hands of a more accomplished or more ethical author, it could be a compelling first book in an ongoing series. But since the first book is reminiscent of the old Saturday afternoon cliff-hangers of an earlier age, I can only assume that later editions will follow the same path - and I can only guess how many volumes it might take to actually reach a conclusion.
I am not willing to take that chance. You have to make your own choice.
However it does not resolve the plot conflicts, answer the mysteries or bring much of anything to a conclusion. When I was young I was told a novel - a book - has a beginning and a middle and an end. This "book" has no end. The characters are interesting, the writing is good - and in the hands of a more accomplished or more ethical author, it could be a compelling first book in an ongoing series. But since the first book is reminiscent of the old Saturday afternoon cliff-hangers of an earlier age, I can only assume that later editions will follow the same path - and I can only guess how many volumes it might take to actually reach a conclusion.
I am not willing to take that chance. You have to make your own choice.
November 14, 2022
I received a free copy of this as an ARC Reader
I think the best aspect of the novel was the unique circus setting and time period; both of which made me want to step into a similar world, and experience other stories from the circus. Incorporating fantasy elements with the circus is something which should happen more often in fantastical novels.
Admittedly, this is not my favourite type of novel as I generally prefer darker books which have an older group of readers as the target audience. That being said, I believe that this book is more than sufficient for readers at a middle school level.
Much room was left for development, and I bet that future installments in this series will be more exciting and action focused while still keeping the same characters who totally suited this unique setting.
I think the best aspect of the novel was the unique circus setting and time period; both of which made me want to step into a similar world, and experience other stories from the circus. Incorporating fantasy elements with the circus is something which should happen more often in fantastical novels.
Admittedly, this is not my favourite type of novel as I generally prefer darker books which have an older group of readers as the target audience. That being said, I believe that this book is more than sufficient for readers at a middle school level.
Much room was left for development, and I bet that future installments in this series will be more exciting and action focused while still keeping the same characters who totally suited this unique setting.
March 30, 2025
Finally, some answers lol
The first part was getting really dragged out because I wanted answers too. What was going on? Finally people started to talk.
Yes, I enjoyed the ride with the circus and all its mysterious magic...I mean talents.
I would definitely continue this series if I could. I can't put money into books, sadly. Thank you for letting me read this one for free.
My old car has to keep running. Last month was a $300 bill. This month, I don't know if I can do it. Another $280 quoted, plus summer tires put on and an oil change. I rent. These things cannot be done where I live. No, no one to help...lol.. I know the questions people always ask about such things in life. People are very fortunate to have others who can help.
Anyways, I am thankful for the free books I get from The Fussy Librarian, Bookbub and Hello Books. They are often only the first book in a series that is free but I'm used to it. I read and enjoy and move on.
The first part was getting really dragged out because I wanted answers too. What was going on? Finally people started to talk.
Yes, I enjoyed the ride with the circus and all its mysterious magic...I mean talents.
I would definitely continue this series if I could. I can't put money into books, sadly. Thank you for letting me read this one for free.
My old car has to keep running. Last month was a $300 bill. This month, I don't know if I can do it. Another $280 quoted, plus summer tires put on and an oil change. I rent. These things cannot be done where I live. No, no one to help...lol.. I know the questions people always ask about such things in life. People are very fortunate to have others who can help.
Anyways, I am thankful for the free books I get from The Fussy Librarian, Bookbub and Hello Books. They are often only the first book in a series that is free but I'm used to it. I read and enjoy and move on.
February 12, 2023
“Avery's Ghost” by Annie Dewell is a novel that belongs to an unusual genre – it’s a historical circus fantasy novel. As the title promises, the plot is complex, mysterious, and full of strange people and happenings. The protagonist, young Avery, is forced to join a traveling circus and soon discovers that the circus hides many dark secrets.
This novel contains many unexpected twists and turns that will keep the reader on edge and wondering what will happen next. The story was a bit dark for me but I appreciated the fact that the author portrays people with mental disabilities in a sympathetic way. Fans of books like “The Night Circus” will most likely enjoy this novel.
This novel contains many unexpected twists and turns that will keep the reader on edge and wondering what will happen next. The story was a bit dark for me but I appreciated the fact that the author portrays people with mental disabilities in a sympathetic way. Fans of books like “The Night Circus” will most likely enjoy this novel.
February 20, 2023
Avery's Ghost by Dewell is the perfect first book in a series for a promising series.
The tale has a dark tone and it is loaded with mysterious events that mingle together and make a fun and catchy read for any type of reader, not only for those interested in ghosts and macabre sequences of events.
The plot flows flawlessly and smoothly and the ending is unexpected and surprising. It leaves readers wanting more and that is why I would definitely read the following stories in the series.
Actually, when it seems the story would become to be dull, a new adventure or twist in the plot arrives on the scene and surprises us all again.
The tale has a dark tone and it is loaded with mysterious events that mingle together and make a fun and catchy read for any type of reader, not only for those interested in ghosts and macabre sequences of events.
The plot flows flawlessly and smoothly and the ending is unexpected and surprising. It leaves readers wanting more and that is why I would definitely read the following stories in the series.
Actually, when it seems the story would become to be dull, a new adventure or twist in the plot arrives on the scene and surprises us all again.
January 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, I found it really cosy and felt completely absorbed in what I was reading. The period and circus have clearly been well researched, resulting in a detailed and interesting story. I could really picture the setting; this was definitely aided by the beautiful illustrations throughout. I love how the secrets and magic tie in with the overall storyline. I did guess the ending early on, but this didn’t ruin the story for me in any way. In particular, I enjoyed the depth in which the mother-daughter dynamic is explored between the protagonist and her mother.
September 14, 2024
I absolutely loved everything about this book.
The characters are fascinating and varied, and the author sets the stage of each event so well you can feel the emotions, smell the popcorn and cotton candy, and fall in love with the main character, Evelyn, a young girl with high aspirations to be a botanist. There are characters you will despise and then love, love and then despise.
A great read. Can't wait to read the sequels. This one went right onto my favorites shelf.
The characters are fascinating and varied, and the author sets the stage of each event so well you can feel the emotions, smell the popcorn and cotton candy, and fall in love with the main character, Evelyn, a young girl with high aspirations to be a botanist. There are characters you will despise and then love, love and then despise.
A great read. Can't wait to read the sequels. This one went right onto my favorites shelf.
March 25, 2023
This is not what I normally read, but the title and cover caught my eye, so I decided to try it. At first I thought it was a ghost mystery, but it turned out to be quite different. Well-drawn characters and vivid settings, along with mysterious dialog, had me turning the pages. Very nicely written. I enjoyed it.
January 19, 2025
A bizarre story
The character of Evelyn is difficult to like, but she has been manipulated all her life by her parents. She is forced to join the Shimmering Circus. The history of the odd manager, performers and those who befriend Evelyn are revealed as the story unwinds. A bit slow.
The character of Evelyn is difficult to like, but she has been manipulated all her life by her parents. She is forced to join the Shimmering Circus. The history of the odd manager, performers and those who befriend Evelyn are revealed as the story unwinds. A bit slow.
November 30, 2022
Interestingly different. Though I admit it didn't catch my attention at first soon it became more and more intriguing trying to unravel the stories amd the mystery. Definitely can't wait for the next one.Last but not least definitely enjoyed the illustrations whenever they appeared.
January 3, 2023
slow burn but worth it
This one was compared to The Night Circus and that’s what drew me in. Really the only comparison is they both take place in a circus. Still, I enjoyed it and will most likely continue on with the series.
This one was compared to The Night Circus and that’s what drew me in. Really the only comparison is they both take place in a circus. Still, I enjoyed it and will most likely continue on with the series.
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