I really enjoyed the setting of this book; its other-worldliness, its little details and its magical qualities enthralled me. They combine to make the mysterious Islands a wondrous place. The story doesn't appear to give a timescale - just clues as to the era e.g. pantaloons to wear and silvers to pay for things. The Island of Women sounded particularly intriguing and I imagined a Wonder Woman type setting by the sea!
The idea of a circus (without the animal performances) has always thrilled me as it is such a spectacle filled with unusual characters and oddities so this aspect appealed to me immediately. I think Enid Blyton's Circus series and mentions of the circus in her books has something to do with this appeal!
Cass, the main character of the story, is likeable, gutsy and isn't afraid to take a chance. She has a dream to become an acrobat and wants to audition on the Circus Boat for the leader, Ravellous The boat docks at her island of Minaris once a year. After missing the audition through no fault of her own, she's forced to make another choice and joins another ship headed for the Island of Women. This sets off a series of events for Cass and she meets a host of memorable characters, visits numerous fantastical places and is embroiled in a thrilling adventure where she discovers more about the mysterious Company of Eight.
There are some beautiful descriptions in this book and it really helps to vividly imagine the settings. It is an action-packed adventure with twists and turns and some unexpected events.
I loved the little details with the food and drink - winter wine, starfruit ice cone and flower beer are just a few examples - and the unusual names of places: The Inn of the Black Octopus, The Tower of the Seven Kingdoms etc... They evoke images for me - the way the building looks, the signs etc... which all help to bring the story to life and make it a bit strange, which I liked. There are lots of characters to remember but even the names of some of these as well as their characteristics helped to make them memorable - Rip, Elsba, Lion, Ornella, Varan etc...
To summarise, a brilliantly detailed adventure which swings the reader from action to action - thrilling!

Cass has always dreamed of joining the circus as an acrobat, but a missed audition leads her into a swashbuckling adventure, and an encounter with the brave and valiant Company of Eight.
I loved everything about the book - from the beautiful cover to the page-turning plot, and the setting and characters who leap off the page. By the end of the novel, you feel that the characters have become friends, and I can't wait to read more about Cass, Rip, Tig, Lin and the heroic Company of Eight.
I'm sure the book will appeal to boys and girls (and to a wide age range), but it was particularly refreshing to read a story with such strong female characters, and one where the mysterious fighters who save the day are women.
Highly recommended.