Circus Mirandus

As a young man Micah's grandfather Ephraim visited the magical Circus Mirandus where he met the Lightbender, who promised him a miracle. Ephrain decided to keep his miracle for a later date and now he is dying, wants to use it to help Micah. The story moves between Ephraim's story in the past, and the present where Micah is trying to find the circus with the help of his sceptical friend Jenny, while avoiding his strict aunt Gertrudis who has come to care for his grandfather. I very much liked the idea of a circus that travels the world to help children that are in need of some magic in their lives and the fact that the miracle you need is not necessarily the miracle you want, but I also thought the story had some flaws as Beasley's characters sometimes appear to act for the necessity of the plot rather than through any internal motives. Despite these reservations I think this book would be enjoyed by lovers of fantasy from the age of nine upwards. This is Beasley's first book and I look forward to seeing what else she writes. 272 pages / Ages 9+ / Reviewed by Lynn Roulstone

Suggested Reading Age 9+