With thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for providing me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

I love a circus story - this one focuses on repression vs freedom, and finding your place in the world.

Nell is covered in birthmarks, and has been subject to scrutiny and shunning at a time where there is obsession with the 'freakish' and unusual. Nell is happy enough with her quiet village life, hidden away, until her father sells her to a travelling circus, the 'Circus of Wonders'. At first, to her, it is a prison, but as she adjusts to her gilded cage and the popularity of her act increases she begins to feel a freedom she never had before.

I loved the setting of the 'Victorian freakshow' troupe, the flashbacks to the Crimean War that the brothers who run the circus have, and the power play between those brothers. The present tense was a bit off-putting and distanced the reader from the characters' emotions a little. I didn't really feel the chemistry between Nell and Toby, and sometimes the actions characters took were questionable. I enjoyed the Epilogue and what became of the characters, and the references to Frankenstein and Jane Eyre which were echoed through Jasper's end.

Overall an enjoyable read, but not quite as detailed as I expected.

This is a tale about fitting in, and standing out, and life in the shadows. It is about being accepted for who and what you are, and Changelings, and Teratology. It is about questioning what we learn "in Fairytales pretty girls are given Kingdoms and deformities are given as punishments". It is about questioning whether ordinary really is the only way to exist in the world, and about "not wishing that she would change, but the world will change". This is a tale about sisterhood and brotherhood, and knowing your worth. This is a love story, all about loving yourself..
This is an extraordinarily brilliant book. Extremely well written , with bright characters that come alive on the page.
I think that this book is going to become a modern day classic, it is so full of depth and meaning. Exceptional

Any book with "circus" in the title makes me hope for magic and wonders, craziness and colourful characters - and this book delivers on it all.

Set in the latter half of the 19th century, Nell lives in the country, isolated by the birthmarks speckling her skin. When the circus comes to town, in an act of incredible cruelty, her father sells her as a spectacle. Initially fighting against the kidnap, Nell comes to recognise the circus as her home. The characters and their relationships with each other will draw you in - Nell herself, Pearl the new child, the other women of the circus, the huge and gentle Toby, and the ambitious and often awful Jasper.

Packed full of emotion - humour, sadness, love and fun, this is a beautiful read.

DNF @ 31%

I honestly have no idea what happened here... As a huge fan of the circus setting, I was very excited to read this book and I was prepared to love it, but it's just not happening. From page one the narration felt completely detached to me, and although I'm intrigued about the story and the relationship between brothers Toby and Jasper, it's not enough to keep my interest. I have tried to push through it for the past five days, but the lack of connection and empathy with any of the characters makes it impossible for me to enjoy it.

Sadly, Circus of Wonders is just not a book for me, but giving the glowing reviews everyone else is giving it I'd recommend anyone interested to just give it a go.

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I really struggled to get into this book , so much so that i did consider giving up. However I lookedat the ratings (not actual review content) and decided it might be worth continuing. Although I did get into the storyline my overall view did not change.

The language of the narrative seems overly simplistic to me, short sentences lacking development of character or events. The storyline really felt like reading a resume of "the greatest showman" without the Fire that is in that film. And then there is the second string to the narrative about the war and Dash which I almost felt came out of nowhere.

Overall it was OK not one i would recommend to anyone and I am not sure I would read more by the author. I know many people will question my views but it simply did not appeal

Another beautifully written, lyrical novel from Macneal, with just enough tension and wonder to keep me entirely gripped throughout.

A simple flower girl from a small village but Nell is an outsider thanks to birthmarks for which she is often derided. Her brother Charlie is her stalwart defender but even he is powerless to prevent their father’s drunken bargain with Jasper Jupiter and his troupe of dazzling curiosities. Jasper reinvents Nell and she finds a new life and love in the Circus of Wonders. This beautifully written book by Elizabeth Macneal cleverly interweaves Jasper and his brother Toby’s experiences in the Crimean War with their, set in the present, circus life, highlighting sibling rivalries and atrocities of war alongside the seedy underbelly of circus life. There are numerous references to P T Barnum and other showmen of the day which adds context. Circus of Wonders reads like a thriller and is a veritable page turner. Best new book of the year so far. Thanks to NetGalley and Picador for the ARC.

For me, this book was fine. The trio of voices (Nell, Jasper, and Toby) was interesting, but the plot felt so narrow in the time it took for each of the three main character's stories to arch. There was nothing about it that felt particularly exciting.

I identified with Nell the most, and I would have loved (maybe even preferred) to have read a book that was just from her perspective. Her story was so lush and could have been expanded so much, especially given her circumstances.

On the other hand, Jasper and Toby felt so unsympathetic. I understand that part of this was the point, especially Toby, but I didn't feel the connection that was developed between the characters. The push and pull of Toby's life was grating at the worst and bland at best.

Overall, I felt this book had a lot of potential but it fell short.

The story has a host of characters but revolves around Nell, who has a skin condition leaving her mottled all over. She has felt an outcast all her life and has struggled to fit in, something she is only too well aware of, and her drunken father views her as a burden. A travelling circus comes to their village and Nell's life is changed for ever as her father is offered money for her to join them as a curiosity. Nell is furious at first, and upset that her brother has not come to her rescue, but after a time, she realises that the Jupiter brothers circus could be the making of her. Jasper is the ambitious owner who conceives an act to show off her talents, but it is his brother Toby who captures Nell's heart. Will their affections force a wedge between the brothers and will Nell be able to continue as Jasper's star act?

I really enjoyed this tale of the Victorian's thirst for the unusual, though it made uncomfortable reading in the modern age, at times, and I liked this much better than Elizabeth's previous tale, The Doll Factory.

The story of a girl with a disfigurement who doesn’t fit, who finds herself, her family and her place in the world in a freak show. The story of two brothers, linked together, an unbreakable pair, for better or worse. A classic tragedy of fatal flaws, actions and their consequences, of heroes overreaching themselves, taking chances, taking flight - like Icarus - of doomed love, and triumph.

The novel is set at the end of the Victorian era, in the dark and light, where men still rode to their deaths in war, the poor went hungry or were broken in the fields and new factories, on the cusp of a new age, when new inventions and new thinking are beginning to change society. New machines bring wonder but the greatest wonders still lay in the hearts and lives of men and women.

A larger than life tale using prose as vivid as the ink on a painted lady to bring to life Victorian England, the circus and a cast of colourful characters. Weaving in allusions to myth, fairy tale and Shakespeare, it plays with the idea that stories are both lies and truth.

Once this story has its hooks in you it holds you in its thrall and uses classic suspense tricks to drive you forward.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Doll Factory" so I was extremely excited to read Elizabeth Macneal's latest book. "Circus of Wonders" is a magical and captivating read. Macneal's vivid descriptions really bring the entourage to life. The story is replete with real characters from history woven into the narrative; an inclusion which I appreciated. In fact, it sent me down many Google rabbit holes in the course of reading.

"Circus of Wonders" is about sibling rivalry which evolves into something dark and ugly, and the bond between brothers. It's about acceptance and having the courage to live your truth and your best life, irrespective of the expectations of others. Macneal's narrative flits between the circus and the Crimean war, drawing parallels with performance and battle. I was particularly moved by the observation that "history is fiction". Macneal also explores the age old dilemma of women the world over - whether to prioritise career or children.

I loved the sights, sounds and smells of the circus, evoked so beautifully on the page. The camaraderie between cast members is lovely. Even the less likeable among them are presented in a manner which makes them worthy of empathy.

I have pre-ordered a signed edition from an indie bookshop and I can't wait to display it proudly on my shelves, ready to read again and again. I would love to see this book adapted for the big screen. Imagine? A veritable feast for the senses!

What a marvel! Absolutely loved it. It is glittering, marvellous and atmopsheric. Well researched and beautiful prose. I am sad the book ended. It gave me much joy. 5 stars!

I enjoyed the circus elements of this book along with the relationship between the brothers and Nell’s story!

However, I was an absolutely blown away overall and the narration style did wear thin in places for me.

Circus of Wonders relates the stories of a young woman afflicted with a skin condition which makes it hard for her to fit into life in her small village, and two brothers, Jasper Jupiter & Toby, whose lives are shaped by very different experiences on the battlefields of the Crimea.
Whilst circus life in Victorian England was an ensemble of mawkish attractions built around very creative advertising narratives, its performers and leaders teetered along a path of acceptability in entertaining the curious and the the constant risk of crashing into oblivion and financial ruin.

It's 1866 and the circus comes to town, or rather a large village. This is Jasper Jupiter's Circus of Curiosities with all the odd acts conceivable and as soon as Ms Macneal writes about a 'bearded lady' I'm hooked!

Besides Jasper himself, there are other evocative characters beautifully brought to life including Nell who tries to hide away with many birth marks on her body and face. She has always shyly hidden herself away, and her dastardly father then seizes the opportunity to make some money by selling her to the circus!

Jasper is, himself, a rogue and her life changes, but in what way? No more spoilers from me.

Wonderfully written but, of course, there are many people who dislike and distrust circuses - the treatment of animals being one. The book is well worth putting this aside.

Thanks to Net Galley and Pan Macmillan Picador for the chance to read and review.

This is a fabulously woven book, full of love, the bonds within siblings and a sense of wonder. Very well written, with descriptions you can see, smell and hear. I must confess that the theme from the 'Greatest Showman'was running through my head as I read. This will feature on all of the 'must read' lists this year. I'm now going to download the author's other books as I enjoyed this one so much. Masterful story telling.

I loved this book. The circus imagery had fantasy and magical aspects which made it feel like the reader was right there with the characters. I liked how the chapters in the book were split to offer the perspectives of all 3 main characters; Jasper, the circus owner, Toby, his brother and Nell, the girl who becomes the wonder of the show. The way the story develops along with the characters really takes it from strength to strength. Nell who was once a shy little girl, ashamed of herself really comes into herself and becomes confident and her journey of acceptance is certainly worth a read. Toby was always in his brother's shadow growing up especially when we are given the flashbacks to the war but as the book goes on he also becomes more confident and accepting of himself. It is only Jasper that becomes the villain of the story, always wanting more, being greedy and gambling his money on risks to become the best circus owner in the world and it his downfall that completes the story. I loved the side characters too, Stella, Brunette and even Pearl. Overall this is a spectacular book with excellent world building and plot that takes you to another place and time.

The Circus of Wonders by Elizabeth Macneal takes place in 1866. It was a time when people could be considered social outcasts due to their appearance. Circuses would often exploit these individuals by turning them into exhibits and acts.

Nell lives with her father and brother in a small English village. Due to the birthmarks decorating her face and body, Nell is viewed as having something wrong with her. When a travelling circus visits their small village, the ringmaster offers to buy Nell from her father. Dazzled by the money, and assured she will have a good life, Nell’s father stands aside as she is dragged away against her will.

The circus was supposed to be a joint venture between brothers, but Jasper keeps Toby in his shadow. The two men have a turbulent past together, stained by tragedy. Why does Toby think he owes Jasper such loyalty, despite Jasper’s abusive behaviour towards him?

Initially horrified and desperate to be rescued, Nell is surprised when she falls under the spell of becoming the star attraction at Jasper Jupiter’s Circus of Wonders. People flock to see her , eagerly buying anything portraying her image. Toby is enchanted by Nell, but fears his brother’s jealousy, if he were to find out.

Obsessed with becoming the biggest and best, Jasper takes dangerous risks, hoping to achieve everything he so desperately desires. But, as Nell’s popularity soars to new heights, Jasper becomes resentful of the attention he feels is being stolen from him. Meanwhile, tired of living in Jasper’s shadow, Toby seeks a way to both stand out and fit in. Devastation is a patient stalker and it has been planning an audience with someone.

Elizabeth Macneal does a brilliant job of writing an immersive story with complicated and flawed characters that draw the reader into their lives.

4/5 🌟

Thank you to Pan Macmillan, Elizabeth Macneal and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Circus of Wonders in exchange for my impartial review. All opinions stated in this review are my own.

1866. In a coastal village in southern England, Nell picks violets for a living. Set apart by her community because of the birthmarks that speckle her skin, Nell’s world is her beloved brother and devotion to the sea.

But when Jasper Jupiter’s Circus of Wonders arrives in the village, Nell is kidnapped. Her father has sold her, promising Jasper Jupiter his very own leopard girl. It is the greatest betrayal of Nell's life, but as her fame grows, and she finds friendship with the other performers and Jasper’s gentle brother Toby, she begins to wonder if joining the show is the best thing that has ever happened to her.

After falling in love with Macneal's debut The Doll Factory I was eager to read Circus of Wonders.
I was gifted this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Macneal is very descriptive in her prose and creates an atmosphere around the story and characters..

The characters were well rounded in their development and all had flaws which I find can be sometimes lacking, especially in "lead characters"

Nell clearly had a very isolating home life and was very aware of her different appearance.

The story follows Nell as she grows in confidence and shows a young woman with courage, resilience and a desire to be loved and seen.

Jasper and his brother have a manipulative relationship with one brother worshipping the other. Jasper has great dreams and these become his undoing.

The story was engaging and kept me turning the page with plenty of side story to keep it fresh.

I thought this was a fab read and liked that the seedy side of the Victorian fascination with "oddities" was not made shiny and glossy.

Overall a story of love and hope

This is a story of family, the one you're born in to & the one you create. A tale of love, hate, loss and self discovery all kept together under a circus tent.

Elizabeth Macneal creates such wonderfully vivid pictures with her writing & the setting of this book is perfect for this - the circus, the acts, the wonder. The story is character driven, being told from the perspective of Nell, our heroine, Jasper, the showman, & Toby, his brother. The cast of 'wonders' is so well captured too. I loved Nell & Stella, both vibrant women who have fought to become more than the world would have them be.

I loved Macneal's The Doll Factory & was very excited to read this, Circus is a wonderful read, but at a slower pace and without the dark tension of her previous work. If you like well researched historical fiction with a lot of heart you'll enjoy this one.