What do you think?
Twisted Christmas #1
The Winter Freak Show
KIDS ARE VANISIHING IN VICTORIAN LONDON. ONLY TOBY KNOWS WHY.
CAN HE SAVE THE CITY BEFORE FALLING VICTIM HIMSELF?
After twelve-year-old Toby Carter escapes a brutal workhouse at Christmas, he can’t believe his good fortune. Adopted by a band of travelling performers called The Winter Freak Show who put on spellbinding shows each night, he finally believes he’s found the family he always wanted. Then everything falls apart.
Children are disappearing throughout the city. Pretty soon, all evidence points to those Toby trusted the most and he finds himself caught up in a conspiracy far more sinister than he ever imagined. Defenceless and on the run, he’s confronted with two uncover the kidnapper before another child falls victim, or stand by and watch as the shadowy criminal becomes unstoppable.
The fate of Christmas rests in the balance.
The Winter Freak Show is the first book in Daniel Parsons’s spellbinding Twisted Christmas Trilogy . If you like vivid magic, fantastic creatures, and a race against time, then you’ll love this thrilling fantasy adventure.
Pick up The Winter Freak Show to discover this exciting, new series today!
CAN HE SAVE THE CITY BEFORE FALLING VICTIM HIMSELF?
After twelve-year-old Toby Carter escapes a brutal workhouse at Christmas, he can’t believe his good fortune. Adopted by a band of travelling performers called The Winter Freak Show who put on spellbinding shows each night, he finally believes he’s found the family he always wanted. Then everything falls apart.
Children are disappearing throughout the city. Pretty soon, all evidence points to those Toby trusted the most and he finds himself caught up in a conspiracy far more sinister than he ever imagined. Defenceless and on the run, he’s confronted with two uncover the kidnapper before another child falls victim, or stand by and watch as the shadowy criminal becomes unstoppable.
The fate of Christmas rests in the balance.
The Winter Freak Show is the first book in Daniel Parsons’s spellbinding Twisted Christmas Trilogy . If you like vivid magic, fantastic creatures, and a race against time, then you’ll love this thrilling fantasy adventure.
Pick up The Winter Freak Show to discover this exciting, new series today!
174 pages, Paperback
First published November 29, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 10, 2017
This is a lively, fast moving novella about an orphan in Victorian London, a circus show, a version of Father Christmas and a child abductor. What a mix! Have fun.
The book won't take you long to read and a young person could learn some good vocabulary, but it is suitable for amused adults as well.
I availed of a free download opportunity. This is an unbiased review.
The book won't take you long to read and a young person could learn some good vocabulary, but it is suitable for amused adults as well.
I availed of a free download opportunity. This is an unbiased review.
November 14, 2017
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I downloaded this but, as always, I started reading with an open mind...and couldn't stop! I devoured it in an hour, then wished I'd read it slower to enjoy it longer - it really is THAT good. Although obviously written for children (from the subject matter I would guess 10+), the story is strong enough and so wonderfully written it will engage teens, older adults and absolutely everyone in between. I eagerly await the release of the second in the trilogy!
December 21, 2022
We all know the story of Santa: a jolly old man with a white beard, a red suit, and lots of presents. He lives with his helper elves at the North Pole, makes toys for all the good children of the world, keeps track of the good and bad boys and girls on a list, and then distributes those toys in one night using his flying reindeer. What we don't know is how Santa's worldwide operation got started.
Well, wait no more. Now we do! Thanks to Daniel Parsons, we now have Santa's origin story.
It begins in Victorian England. Well, it actually starts several centuries before that, but THIS story takes place in Victorian England and fills in the history beforehand. We open the story with Toby, a twelve-year-old orphan who lives and works in a workhouse where he is little more than a slave. When he has the opportunity to do so one day, he escapes. After spending the day running around London and enjoying his freedom, Toby quickly realizes he has nowhere to go. He's cold, it's snowing, and Toby ends up lying down on a bench to sleep.
The next thing Toby knows, he's waking up in a tent. He's given new clothes and food and meets Nicko and his elves, which Nicko says is just what he calls the children who work on his Winter Freak Show with him. Nicko demonstrates some magic to Toby, shows Toby how to do the magic himself, and then invites him to join the Winter Freak Show.
Toby is excited to finally have a place to call home and to be living with people who are like an actual family. But things are not perfect. While Toby is enjoying his new life and the daily performances of the Winter Freak Show, children are going missing around the city, and the authorities have no leads on the person the papers are calling the London Monster.
So when Toby finds some information that he thinks points the finger at Nicko, he acts quickly. But is Nicko really the London Monster? Or is there someone else who's responsible? Toby has to act quickly to make sure the real culprit is brought to justice because it's not just the safety of the children of London at stake. The fate of Christmas itself is at risk!
This story began with Annie-like vibes that quickly morphed into a fantastical tale with aspects similar to Toby Tyler or Ten Days with the Circus, then changed again into a whodunnit mystery with devastating consequences. Once the story started, there was very little downtime. Indeed, I kind of wish Parsons had taken more time and space with the story; I was enjoying it so much that I wasn't ready for it to end. At its current length, I think this story is just right for younger readers, in the 9-11 age range, or for struggling readers who are slightly older. I don't think it would be good for younger readers unless they're reading it with their parents because the story does touch on some pretty scary things: child abandonment, child abuse, kidnapping, and public hangings as a spectacle (which they very much were at that time).
I did like the ending of the story, but it felt a little too neat and tidy for me. That said, I doubt kids reading it would have the same reaction, and they will probably really like the ending. I think part of my reaction to the ending was the disappointment I felt at the tropey-ness of it. That said, I am glad that this story is just the first in a trilogy, and that we will get to see more of Toby, Nicko, and the rest of the Winter Freak Show.
So, to make a long review short, if you believe in Santa, know someone who believes in Santa, or remember believing in Santa yourself, and you want to know his origin story, then you should read this book.
Well, wait no more. Now we do! Thanks to Daniel Parsons, we now have Santa's origin story.
It begins in Victorian England. Well, it actually starts several centuries before that, but THIS story takes place in Victorian England and fills in the history beforehand. We open the story with Toby, a twelve-year-old orphan who lives and works in a workhouse where he is little more than a slave. When he has the opportunity to do so one day, he escapes. After spending the day running around London and enjoying his freedom, Toby quickly realizes he has nowhere to go. He's cold, it's snowing, and Toby ends up lying down on a bench to sleep.
The next thing Toby knows, he's waking up in a tent. He's given new clothes and food and meets Nicko and his elves, which Nicko says is just what he calls the children who work on his Winter Freak Show with him. Nicko demonstrates some magic to Toby, shows Toby how to do the magic himself, and then invites him to join the Winter Freak Show.
Toby is excited to finally have a place to call home and to be living with people who are like an actual family. But things are not perfect. While Toby is enjoying his new life and the daily performances of the Winter Freak Show, children are going missing around the city, and the authorities have no leads on the person the papers are calling the London Monster.
So when Toby finds some information that he thinks points the finger at Nicko, he acts quickly. But is Nicko really the London Monster? Or is there someone else who's responsible? Toby has to act quickly to make sure the real culprit is brought to justice because it's not just the safety of the children of London at stake. The fate of Christmas itself is at risk!
This story began with Annie-like vibes that quickly morphed into a fantastical tale with aspects similar to Toby Tyler or Ten Days with the Circus, then changed again into a whodunnit mystery with devastating consequences. Once the story started, there was very little downtime. Indeed, I kind of wish Parsons had taken more time and space with the story; I was enjoying it so much that I wasn't ready for it to end. At its current length, I think this story is just right for younger readers, in the 9-11 age range, or for struggling readers who are slightly older. I don't think it would be good for younger readers unless they're reading it with their parents because the story does touch on some pretty scary things: child abandonment, child abuse, kidnapping, and public hangings as a spectacle (which they very much were at that time).
I did like the ending of the story, but it felt a little too neat and tidy for me. That said, I doubt kids reading it would have the same reaction, and they will probably really like the ending. I think part of my reaction to the ending was the disappointment I felt at the tropey-ness of it. That said, I am glad that this story is just the first in a trilogy, and that we will get to see more of Toby, Nicko, and the rest of the Winter Freak Show.
So, to make a long review short, if you believe in Santa, know someone who believes in Santa, or remember believing in Santa yourself, and you want to know his origin story, then you should read this book.
November 30, 2017
This was such a cute book. I am eagerly awaiting the second installment. Toby is an orphan who escapes a boy's workhouse in Victorian London and finds himself saved from near death by a traveling show called The Winter Freak Show. Their leader is Nicko, a kindly grandfatherly type with a serious Santa vibe. The show allows Toby to work with their show, helping out behind the scenes. The so-called freaks are actually magical elves who perform acrobatics and swordplay, among others antics. But it isn't all fun & games. While the show is in town, children begin to go missing and it is up to Toby to help find the children and set things right. This book gives us an interesting Santa origin story.
The book is certainly geared to middle grade children, but is far from being childish or heavy-handed with a lesson. I think this would be a great book to read with a young boy who likes Christmas and adventure, or for yourself if you'd like a quick, magical read this holiday season. This is a full story, no cliffhanger.
The book is certainly geared to middle grade children, but is far from being childish or heavy-handed with a lesson. I think this would be a great book to read with a young boy who likes Christmas and adventure, or for yourself if you'd like a quick, magical read this holiday season. This is a full story, no cliffhanger.
December 22, 2025
12-year-old orphan Toby Carter has been at the workhouse for some time & isn't looking forward to another austere Christmas there. After engineering an escape, a cold & hungry Toby runs into a band of travelling performers called The Winter Freak Show. At first he thinks he has finally found a family, but then he accidentally sees something he shouldn't have & is soon on the run again.
I'm not the target audience for this middle grade level children's book, but I still thought it was an entertaining read. It's a good mix between fantasy & history, & an intriguing storyline. I probably won't read the rest of the series due to the sheer size of my TBR list already, but that's not a reflection on the book. 3.75 stars (rounded up)
I'm not the target audience for this middle grade level children's book, but I still thought it was an entertaining read. It's a good mix between fantasy & history, & an intriguing storyline. I probably won't read the rest of the series due to the sheer size of my TBR list already, but that's not a reflection on the book. 3.75 stars (rounded up)
January 28, 2018
The Winter Freak Show by Daniel Parsons is the first in his Twisted Christmas series. This is a children's fantasy novel set in Victorian London and has a nice touch of Dickens in it. It is written in third-person and is from twelve-year-old Toby Carter's point-of-view. It is well-written, with fascinating characters, and an interesting plot.
This was a fun read that kept me interested from beginning to end. It is a very nice start to a new trilogy, I can't wait for more.
Recommended to: fans of fantasy, myths, children's stories, and Grimm fairy tales
This was a fun read that kept me interested from beginning to end. It is a very nice start to a new trilogy, I can't wait for more.
Recommended to: fans of fantasy, myths, children's stories, and Grimm fairy tales
January 13, 2016
The story line was vaguely interesting. The first page or two pulled me in, but by the end I was only vaguely curious about the ending. There's an unfortunate leaning towards long, over the top speeches from multiple characters and some dialogue that was a bit too simple for my preference.
February 6, 2018
*I received free ARCS of these books. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
I’m reviewing The Winter Freak Show and its sequel, Face of a Traitor, together, as I read them together.
They are both quite short novels and quick easy reads, classed as children’s books on Amazon. I think they would be perfect for children who enjoy books like the Harry Potter series and Joan Aiken’s Wolves Chronicles. Much like those classic series, we have here a child protagonist cruelly treated by the ‘real world’ and plunging into a magical adventure which gets darker and more adult as their journey progresses.
The tone quickly escalates between the two novels, as The Winter Freak Show is more of a light-hearted romp through an alternative take on Christmas, elves and Saint Nick, introducing Toby as the ‘Chosen One’ and completing a neatly contained story arc within its pages. This could easily be read as a stand alone, as it has a satisfying ending of its own.
Face of a Traitor however does need to really be read after the first book, as we come back to the same characters but the pace is faster and the peril is more disquieting. There is always something creepy and wrong about characters who can morph their appearances (hence the title), as it means the reader can no longer trust in the narrative of the protagonist, knowing that anyone around them could be part of the deception.
There are certainly plenty of twists and turns here to keep the reader guessing, although thanks to J. K. Rowling I was able to spot one of the reveals before it happened!
Overall these are great quick seasonal reads for children of a strong disposition, but similar to both Harry Potter and the Wolves Chronicles can actually be read at any time of year that you fancy a bit of that Dickensian winter atmosphere with a magical twist.
Toby turned around. It was then that he saw why the others had run so fast into the tent. The costumed performers behind him were no longer human.
Something in the music had transformed them. Like monstrous butterflies from a gothic cocoon, their fur coats and colourful masks clung to their skin and faces. Nature and costume merged and it was impossible to tell where one ended and the other began. The performers no longer wore the costumes – their costumes were their new skin.
Some shimmered like silver, their fur bristling like falling snow. Others became shocking, furry, animal-human abominations with fangs and pointed ears. Startling, yet beautiful. A few had turned into shadows, melting into the ground and flitting from place to place like ghosts. The scene was surreal. The freaks had revealed themselves.
– Daniel Parsons, The Winter Freak Show
(Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog)
I’m reviewing The Winter Freak Show and its sequel, Face of a Traitor, together, as I read them together.
They are both quite short novels and quick easy reads, classed as children’s books on Amazon. I think they would be perfect for children who enjoy books like the Harry Potter series and Joan Aiken’s Wolves Chronicles. Much like those classic series, we have here a child protagonist cruelly treated by the ‘real world’ and plunging into a magical adventure which gets darker and more adult as their journey progresses.
The tone quickly escalates between the two novels, as The Winter Freak Show is more of a light-hearted romp through an alternative take on Christmas, elves and Saint Nick, introducing Toby as the ‘Chosen One’ and completing a neatly contained story arc within its pages. This could easily be read as a stand alone, as it has a satisfying ending of its own.
Face of a Traitor however does need to really be read after the first book, as we come back to the same characters but the pace is faster and the peril is more disquieting. There is always something creepy and wrong about characters who can morph their appearances (hence the title), as it means the reader can no longer trust in the narrative of the protagonist, knowing that anyone around them could be part of the deception.
There are certainly plenty of twists and turns here to keep the reader guessing, although thanks to J. K. Rowling I was able to spot one of the reveals before it happened!
Overall these are great quick seasonal reads for children of a strong disposition, but similar to both Harry Potter and the Wolves Chronicles can actually be read at any time of year that you fancy a bit of that Dickensian winter atmosphere with a magical twist.
Toby turned around. It was then that he saw why the others had run so fast into the tent. The costumed performers behind him were no longer human.
Something in the music had transformed them. Like monstrous butterflies from a gothic cocoon, their fur coats and colourful masks clung to their skin and faces. Nature and costume merged and it was impossible to tell where one ended and the other began. The performers no longer wore the costumes – their costumes were their new skin.
Some shimmered like silver, their fur bristling like falling snow. Others became shocking, furry, animal-human abominations with fangs and pointed ears. Startling, yet beautiful. A few had turned into shadows, melting into the ground and flitting from place to place like ghosts. The scene was surreal. The freaks had revealed themselves.
– Daniel Parsons, The Winter Freak Show
(Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog)
November 17, 2017
Toby escapes a workhouse/orphanage. He is taken in by a travelling circus called the Winter Freak Show. He sees many wondrous things there by kows it still has even more secrets. With someone stealing children from the London streets, Toby fears the show could even be hiding a madman. With Christmas hanging in the balance, he sets out on a dangerous mission to discover the truth.
I enjoyed the author's take on Christmas and how myth and folklore combined. This story is aimed at a younger audience. That doesn't bother me. I quite often enjoy tales for younger readers. But this one reads a little too much so. By that I mean, a lot of kid's story are written in such a way that all ages can enjoy them and the only thing that really sets them apart is the age of the characters. But this story makes the story/ mystery a little too easy to see what is coming. The real bad guy is almost instantly revealed (even though the characters never seem to use the easiest reason why when they figure it out). So a good story, but one that will stay on the kid's shelf instead of being passed to the whole family.
I enjoyed the author's take on Christmas and how myth and folklore combined. This story is aimed at a younger audience. That doesn't bother me. I quite often enjoy tales for younger readers. But this one reads a little too much so. By that I mean, a lot of kid's story are written in such a way that all ages can enjoy them and the only thing that really sets them apart is the age of the characters. But this story makes the story/ mystery a little too easy to see what is coming. The real bad guy is almost instantly revealed (even though the characters never seem to use the easiest reason why when they figure it out). So a good story, but one that will stay on the kid's shelf instead of being passed to the whole family.
November 30, 2017
This is a lovely book, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started to read it, it started off as a Charles Dickens type story of a boy in the workhouse, but then it gradually evolved into a magical Christmas story, and was a real joy to read.
I suppose that this was originally intended to be a children's story, but as an adult into my 7th decade I thought that it was great, the characters are wonderful and really well written, and the plot has a great mystery in it as well, which has a great edge of the seat conclusion. The final chapters are very uplifting and joyous.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but I have voluntarily written this honest review based on my own opinions.
I suppose that this was originally intended to be a children's story, but as an adult into my 7th decade I thought that it was great, the characters are wonderful and really well written, and the plot has a great mystery in it as well, which has a great edge of the seat conclusion. The final chapters are very uplifting and joyous.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but I have voluntarily written this honest review based on my own opinions.
November 3, 2017
Interesting way to introduce St. Nick
This story is outside the norm. A runaway orphan, freaky circus, elves and Nicko the master of ceremonies. Missing children and a tangled web not the usual Christmas tale but one I would definitely share with my grandchildren. It gives more insight into poverty even though it's placed in the past. This could very easily be updated to the present with so many children naughty and nice lol or hungry for the lack of food or running away from abuse looking for something better. It's a sad but happy ending story that has enough twists and turns to make it enjoyable and thoughtful.
This story is outside the norm. A runaway orphan, freaky circus, elves and Nicko the master of ceremonies. Missing children and a tangled web not the usual Christmas tale but one I would definitely share with my grandchildren. It gives more insight into poverty even though it's placed in the past. This could very easily be updated to the present with so many children naughty and nice lol or hungry for the lack of food or running away from abuse looking for something better. It's a sad but happy ending story that has enough twists and turns to make it enjoyable and thoughtful.
February 1, 2018
When kidnappings are mentioned in the first sentence, one cannot help but feel a chill of apprehension when the workhouse runaway joins a seemingly benign group of performers – is this going to be another case of Fagin and his sinister cohorts? There are plenty of surprises in this children’s adventure set in a fantasy London, both chilling and heartwarming.
The historical inconsistencies made me uneasy at times, and the infamous naughty-and-nice list (which I do NOT believe in!) plays a big part in the story, but on the whole I found it an intriguing reinterpretation of the legend and a suspenseful story to boot.
The historical inconsistencies made me uneasy at times, and the infamous naughty-and-nice list (which I do NOT believe in!) plays a big part in the story, but on the whole I found it an intriguing reinterpretation of the legend and a suspenseful story to boot.
December 31, 2020
There are many stories of how Santa came to be, however this story takes place before Santa who goes by the name of Nico gets his permanent home at the North Pole. Toby Carter was given to an orphanage as a baby and later moved to a work house. He just wants to be free, have a family, and live a normal life. After a daring escape he ends up at the Winter Freek Show and learns that Magic, elf magic to be precise, is what makes the Freek Show and how Nico studies kids for the Naughty and Nice List. This was a wild ride and it’s only book 1 of three. It made for a fun audio listen while christmas crafting.
November 12, 2020
The winter freak show by Daniel Parsons.
This is book 1 of the twisted Christmas series.
After twelve-year-old Toby Carter escapes a brutal workhouse at Christmas, he can’t believe his good fortune. Adopted by a band of travelling performers called The Winter Freak Show who put on spellbinding shows each night, he finally believes he’s found the family he always wanted. Then everything falls apart.
I really enjoyed this book. Great story and some good characters. I loved Toby and Nikko. Looking forward to book 2*.
This is book 1 of the twisted Christmas series.
After twelve-year-old Toby Carter escapes a brutal workhouse at Christmas, he can’t believe his good fortune. Adopted by a band of travelling performers called The Winter Freak Show who put on spellbinding shows each night, he finally believes he’s found the family he always wanted. Then everything falls apart.
I really enjoyed this book. Great story and some good characters. I loved Toby and Nikko. Looking forward to book 2*.
December 1, 2017
A workhouse orphan flees in the night, but Toby is saved from a frozen death by a magician. Nicko introduces him to illusions of flying reindeer and magical acrobatic elves as a child napper haunts London. As Toby learns to create his own illusions, the show delights young and old, increasing eleven magic and illusion take on reality. I was enchanted by this delightful tale.
January 30, 2018
The Winter Freak Show is an fun, creatively written story. I liked the characters and the new twist on an old idea. There were some issues with the flow of the story and redundancy (Toby realizes who the real bad guy is, and then realizes it again later). Much of the story felt rushed, and I wish more attention had been given to character development rather than reaching the climax.
November 27, 2022
A great Christmas read. Parsons was very creative with the rolls that his characters assumed. This book does have a bit of a sinister edge, although it is still very much a Christmas book. There's some good teachable moments in this book, as well, relating to perception and fact-checking.
Very good read for Christmas.
Very good read for Christmas.
May 24, 2018
The winter break show the twisted Christmas trilogy 1
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series
June 6, 2018
Great story!
When this book reached the top of my reading list, I couldn't stop reading it until I finished it. I loved the main character Toby and wanted to read more about him. Again wonderful book.
When this book reached the top of my reading list, I couldn't stop reading it until I finished it. I loved the main character Toby and wanted to read more about him. Again wonderful book.
December 29, 2020
What an adventure! Right in the beginning the story starts out with a daring escape from a work house. Toby escapes into the London winter where he is later rescued by a man named Nicko. Toby finds out that Nicko is more than he seems. I loved the adventure and magic in this story.
December 27, 2017
A quick read, probably good for kids 8-10 years old. Not a whole lot of character development. Seems to take place in the Victorian era but isn't overtly so. I found it to be just okay.
January 8, 2018
Good read
Couldn't stop reading till I finished this book,well written and really good plot very ingenious way to show another way for father Christmas.
Couldn't stop reading till I finished this book,well written and really good plot very ingenious way to show another way for father Christmas.
January 25, 2018
📚📚📚📚📚
What a wonderful, magical story! It embodies the spirit of Christmas and I enjoyed every single word. The depiction of Victorian London was gripping.
What a wonderful, magical story! It embodies the spirit of Christmas and I enjoyed every single word. The depiction of Victorian London was gripping.
January 25, 2018
Magical, mysterious and a fascinating view of Christmas. Adults and children alike will enjoy The Winter Freak Show.
January 27, 2018
A lively, fast-moving novella with a different spin about Christmas & Santa Claus
June 8, 2018
Wonderful
Creates a wonderful world you sink into with ease and adorable characters that you get attached too. It’s beautifully written and I definitely recommend this to everyone.
Creates a wonderful world you sink into with ease and adorable characters that you get attached too. It’s beautifully written and I definitely recommend this to everyone.
November 18, 2018
Santa reimagined
This book is a fun retelling of the story of Santa. It would be great for a elementary or middle schooler who wants to read something different for Christmas.
This book is a fun retelling of the story of Santa. It would be great for a elementary or middle schooler who wants to read something different for Christmas.
July 27, 2021
3.5 stars
October 3, 2022
Winter Freak Show
An easy and fast pace read. The characters are interesting and the mystery makes you read to the very end.
An easy and fast pace read. The characters are interesting and the mystery makes you read to the very end.
March 5, 2024
This was very strange, but I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews