Ned's Circus of Marvels

Gr 5–7—Creepy clowns, magical circuses, evil demons, and a young boy trying to locate his family are all elements in this entertaining yarn. The beginning chapters might find readers drawing comparisons to the mysterious circus in Cassie Beasley’s Circus Mirandus, but as the plot twists and turns, the book takes off in its own unique direction. Ned, an unlikely hero, is turning 13. He and his dad have bounced around from town to town, never putting down roots. Ned finally has a friend and is starting to feel at home when all he has ever known disappears, including his father. His father leaves him a strange metal box and tickets to a circus. Ned soon joins a giant ape named George; a French sword master; a bearded lady and her husband, who is part troll; farseer Kitty, and Ringmaster Benissimo. The troupe are on a mission to save the Veil, an energy source that keeps evil at bay. Meanwhile, Benissimo's brother and his evil band of misfits have other plans. Ned, who always believed he was ordinary, suddenly discovers he has a great talent that can help put things right.