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The Circus at the End of the Sea: A Debut Middle Grade Fantasy About an Orphan Who Discovers Magic and Home for Children
A vibrant and enchanting debut novel about an orphan girl who discovers a magical circus, perfect for fans of Kelly Barnhill and Rebecca Stead! Maddy Adriana knows that magic is real. All her life, her heart has pulled her towards things too perfect to be ordinary. One day, that tug leads her to a magical street circus, hidden in plain sight among the canals and boardwalks of Venice Beach. For the first time in Maddy’s life, she finally feels like she belongs. But the circus is in grave danger. Maddy will need to confront the frightening side of magic, as well as her own deepest fears, if she’s to have any hope of saving the place she dreams of calling home. This unforgettable debut shows readers the magic of following your heart and finding where you belong.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2021
16 people are currently reading
3117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
October 14, 2021
What an absolutely magical read full of so much HEART! This had me SO in ALL the feelings, & it was absolutely wonderful. Such a beautifully magical story that also shows love for Venice in CA, & shows the love the author has for it. There are also so many historical & actual facts in here too, & the author goes over them in the back-my history loving heart LOVED that. I learned so many things about this amazing place.
The backstory of the “circus” was so intriguing. All the different kinds of acts, the night circus, the ringmaster, the bindings-just to name a few amazing things.(This is my favorite kind of circus too-a fantasy one, that doesn’t include wild animals lol I always love to see it!)The characters have your heart from the word go. Maddy is such a sweetheart of a girl, who has had a hard hand dealt to her. But it was amazing watching her character growth, & seeing her learn that everyone has been dealt bad cards at some point, but it’s what she chooses to do with the deck handed to her that mattered. See everything for what it is, & except it for what it is-the good AND the bad. You can’t have light without the dark you know.
I was so happy she found Ophelia & Skeeter & got to experience real strong friendship. Ophelia has my heart btw. Loved her so much! Not the most likely 1st best friend to have you would think.. until you read on & see how AMAZING she is. Ugh my heart! Was shocked to learned she really exists in the world(not her, but what she is. READ this! Lol then it will make sense. I don’t want to spoil though)-FASCINATING!
The whole plot itself was so intriguing, from Maddy wanting to know who she really is & who her parents are, her condition, the missing ringmaster, the circus & how some parts are fading, the heart of the circus, the bindings, the bridge, the bracelet, the Muse….too many to mention really. Everything is so creative & with such VIVID writing..from the leg warmers(genius!), to walking into art & the way the author wrote them into almost comic characters..& even explained bubbles coming out near their heads with the dialogue of what they were saying-brilliant!
I love the ocean, & it played a big role in here, & made for some of my favorite kind of atmospheric reading. All of this was atmospheric honestly. So many amazing messages in here too. Letting go of what we know or have grown used to can be hard, but sometimes you have to let go & let what is meant to be..be. The ending had me smiling ear to ear, & I was like a proud mama reading the ending to this amazing girls story. She did good, real good. Definitely got a big book hug when I finished. This comes out this Tuesday the 19th! HIGHLY recommend! STUNNING cover by the amazingly talented Petur Antonsson too!💜
The backstory of the “circus” was so intriguing. All the different kinds of acts, the night circus, the ringmaster, the bindings-just to name a few amazing things.(This is my favorite kind of circus too-a fantasy one, that doesn’t include wild animals lol I always love to see it!)The characters have your heart from the word go. Maddy is such a sweetheart of a girl, who has had a hard hand dealt to her. But it was amazing watching her character growth, & seeing her learn that everyone has been dealt bad cards at some point, but it’s what she chooses to do with the deck handed to her that mattered. See everything for what it is, & except it for what it is-the good AND the bad. You can’t have light without the dark you know.
I was so happy she found Ophelia & Skeeter & got to experience real strong friendship. Ophelia has my heart btw. Loved her so much! Not the most likely 1st best friend to have you would think.. until you read on & see how AMAZING she is. Ugh my heart! Was shocked to learned she really exists in the world(not her, but what she is. READ this! Lol then it will make sense. I don’t want to spoil though)-FASCINATING!
The whole plot itself was so intriguing, from Maddy wanting to know who she really is & who her parents are, her condition, the missing ringmaster, the circus & how some parts are fading, the heart of the circus, the bindings, the bridge, the bracelet, the Muse….too many to mention really. Everything is so creative & with such VIVID writing..from the leg warmers(genius!), to walking into art & the way the author wrote them into almost comic characters..& even explained bubbles coming out near their heads with the dialogue of what they were saying-brilliant!
I love the ocean, & it played a big role in here, & made for some of my favorite kind of atmospheric reading. All of this was atmospheric honestly. So many amazing messages in here too. Letting go of what we know or have grown used to can be hard, but sometimes you have to let go & let what is meant to be..be. The ending had me smiling ear to ear, & I was like a proud mama reading the ending to this amazing girls story. She did good, real good. Definitely got a big book hug when I finished. This comes out this Tuesday the 19th! HIGHLY recommend! STUNNING cover by the amazingly talented Petur Antonsson too!💜
September 29, 2020
This book is the kind of book you'll be thinking about long after you finish the last page. Some of the best world building I've ever seen--you'll want to live inside this book forever. Ophelia the octopus steals the show! So many original characters.
June 14, 2022
Oh wow, I absolutely loved this book. I feel like I read the entire thing with a smile on my face! It’s so creative and heart-warming and a perfect tribute to imagination. I urge everyone to read this as soon as humanly possible!
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FULL REVIEW:
Review written for Pine Reads Review, a literary publication with reviews, blogs, interviews, and more. Check out the website at www.pinereadsreview.com! All opinions expressed are my own.
Twelve-year-old Maddy Adriana has seen magic her entire life. Sent from group home to group home, it’s one of the few things she can count on to be consistent. She’s often ignored the pull of her heart towards things too perfect to be ordinary, but when that tug leads her to a magical street circus in Venice Beach, California, Maddy thinks she might have finally found a place where she could belong. Except not everything is as brilliant as it seems because the circus is in danger of closing forever if the ringmaster can’t be found. With Ophelia the mimic octopus by her side, Maddy must set off on a journey to find the ringmaster and bring him back to the circus before it’s too late. But when saving the circus means facing her deepest fears, will Maddy have the courage to follow her heart and fight for the place she dreams of calling home?
The Circus at the End of the Sea is phenomenally creative, heart-warming, and a perfect tribute to the imagination. I think I read the entire book with a smile on my face! Maddy is a fabulous protagonist, but a circus wouldn’t be complete without other acts—and the entire cast of characters is truly wonderful. I do have to say that Ophelia the mimic octopus completely stole the show for me. I mean, how awesome is an octopus who can turn into a spray-paint bottle for a skateboard race through the sky? But the wondrous nature of this story doesn’t stop there. As Maddy desperately fights to save the circus and untangles the mysterious threads of her past, themes of friendship, courage, and accepting change shine through. I could go on and on about this amazing book all day, but suffice it to say that The Circus at the End of the Sea should be a must-read for anyone who enjoys magical middle-grade adventures with lots and lots of hope and heart.
Content Warnings: Absentee parents, fire, heart condition, some action sequences, death
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.
.
.
.
FULL REVIEW:
Review written for Pine Reads Review, a literary publication with reviews, blogs, interviews, and more. Check out the website at www.pinereadsreview.com! All opinions expressed are my own.
Twelve-year-old Maddy Adriana has seen magic her entire life. Sent from group home to group home, it’s one of the few things she can count on to be consistent. She’s often ignored the pull of her heart towards things too perfect to be ordinary, but when that tug leads her to a magical street circus in Venice Beach, California, Maddy thinks she might have finally found a place where she could belong. Except not everything is as brilliant as it seems because the circus is in danger of closing forever if the ringmaster can’t be found. With Ophelia the mimic octopus by her side, Maddy must set off on a journey to find the ringmaster and bring him back to the circus before it’s too late. But when saving the circus means facing her deepest fears, will Maddy have the courage to follow her heart and fight for the place she dreams of calling home?
The Circus at the End of the Sea is phenomenally creative, heart-warming, and a perfect tribute to the imagination. I think I read the entire book with a smile on my face! Maddy is a fabulous protagonist, but a circus wouldn’t be complete without other acts—and the entire cast of characters is truly wonderful. I do have to say that Ophelia the mimic octopus completely stole the show for me. I mean, how awesome is an octopus who can turn into a spray-paint bottle for a skateboard race through the sky? But the wondrous nature of this story doesn’t stop there. As Maddy desperately fights to save the circus and untangles the mysterious threads of her past, themes of friendship, courage, and accepting change shine through. I could go on and on about this amazing book all day, but suffice it to say that The Circus at the End of the Sea should be a must-read for anyone who enjoys magical middle-grade adventures with lots and lots of hope and heart.
Content Warnings: Absentee parents, fire, heart condition, some action sequences, death
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.
June 11, 2022
Dreamers will need to brace themselves because with this book, an exhilarating show is about to begin.
Maddy is on her way to a new group home. Again. Not because she saw things, which nobody else could. Not this time. For a year, she's suffered from a heart problem and needs 'special' care. When the vehicle suddenly breaks down, she sees magic flowing all around her on the nearby beach...Venice Beach. And it's calling to her. When the vehicle pulls away, nobody remembers she was supposed to be there. So she takes a chance and finally follows her heart and the magic, which has pulled at her all of her life. What she finds is beyond hers or anybody's wildest dreams...and it's not all glitter and jazz hands.
This is, by far, one of the most imaginative books I've come across in awhile. The author presents scene after scene and character after character chucked full of vivid fantasy to make dreams soar. While everything centers around a circus, it is so much more. There are snakes, griffins, mermaids, muses, sand acrobats, haunting bridges, and more than I could list. It was like being on an exciting roller coaster ride (which is also included, btw) with colors, images, and impossibilities flying by every milli-second. And that while taking the good and darker sides. There's danger, there's mystery, and there's tons-o-tons of heart. While it's wild, it still makes wonderful sense.
The beginning caught me as a bit cliche. Maddy is an orphan, who sees strange things and feels out of place. Already in the first pages, her huge care for others shines, making her impossible not to like and root for. The story eases into the magic, and then, hits with a swirl, which leaves a bit of confusion, but this is how it should be before things start sliding, in their own odd fashion, into place.
It's a quick read, since something is always, always happening. The writing is smooth, the characters vibrant, and the scenes amazing. Nope, there aren't heavy descriptions, which bog down, either. There are clear messages, especially at the end, which hit a bit too whole-heartedly sweet for my taste, but that is the only thing I'm nit-picking on, since this is a fun read and very well done.
Readers, who need both feet in 'normal' will feel over-whelmed, but those who love to dream are in for a treat. I received a complimentary copy and found this to be a very fun read.
Maddy is on her way to a new group home. Again. Not because she saw things, which nobody else could. Not this time. For a year, she's suffered from a heart problem and needs 'special' care. When the vehicle suddenly breaks down, she sees magic flowing all around her on the nearby beach...Venice Beach. And it's calling to her. When the vehicle pulls away, nobody remembers she was supposed to be there. So she takes a chance and finally follows her heart and the magic, which has pulled at her all of her life. What she finds is beyond hers or anybody's wildest dreams...and it's not all glitter and jazz hands.
This is, by far, one of the most imaginative books I've come across in awhile. The author presents scene after scene and character after character chucked full of vivid fantasy to make dreams soar. While everything centers around a circus, it is so much more. There are snakes, griffins, mermaids, muses, sand acrobats, haunting bridges, and more than I could list. It was like being on an exciting roller coaster ride (which is also included, btw) with colors, images, and impossibilities flying by every milli-second. And that while taking the good and darker sides. There's danger, there's mystery, and there's tons-o-tons of heart. While it's wild, it still makes wonderful sense.
The beginning caught me as a bit cliche. Maddy is an orphan, who sees strange things and feels out of place. Already in the first pages, her huge care for others shines, making her impossible not to like and root for. The story eases into the magic, and then, hits with a swirl, which leaves a bit of confusion, but this is how it should be before things start sliding, in their own odd fashion, into place.
It's a quick read, since something is always, always happening. The writing is smooth, the characters vibrant, and the scenes amazing. Nope, there aren't heavy descriptions, which bog down, either. There are clear messages, especially at the end, which hit a bit too whole-heartedly sweet for my taste, but that is the only thing I'm nit-picking on, since this is a fun read and very well done.
Readers, who need both feet in 'normal' will feel over-whelmed, but those who love to dream are in for a treat. I received a complimentary copy and found this to be a very fun read.
April 21, 2021
This story is one of acceptance, courage, and friendship. It’s about discovering who you are, at your core. It’s a story that demonstrates how bravery and helping others doesn’t have an age. You are never too young to be brave and make a difference in the world. It’s also a story about mending a heart broken and scarred from disappointments and pain, and making it whole again. And most of all, it’ a story about accepting change. The author taught many important life lessons by interweaving them into an interesting and magical story.
This book is all magic! It’s fantastic! Mermaids. Shapeshifting mini octopuses born from the tears of a muse. Winged Lions. Talking graffiti. Murals and statues that come to life. This is a book I would have loved when I was a kid. It’s a book I love now.
Great and challenging vocabulary for this age group. I hope the author will add a section at the beginning of the book with some of the vocabulary words and definitions and the English translations to the short Italian phrases used. I loved the author’s note at the end of the last chapter telling us a little about the history of Venus Beach and letting us know what buildings and art are actually real and can be found there.
There was a great introduction and build up to the plot. You could strongly sense Maddie’ anticipation. It made me excited to see what was to come next.
Such a creative world the author built for us, Descriptive and delightful metaphors and similes makes the circus and its performers and creatures come alive to us. It has very imaginative creatures and characters. Little Orphelia, the mimic octopus, is the most wonderful friend ever. She was a surprisingly great and caring addition to the story.
I think my favorite scene was the graffiti scene. So original and creative. This was truly a wonderful and well written debut novel.
Thank you to Net Galley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #TheCircusAtTheEndOfTheSea
This book is all magic! It’s fantastic! Mermaids. Shapeshifting mini octopuses born from the tears of a muse. Winged Lions. Talking graffiti. Murals and statues that come to life. This is a book I would have loved when I was a kid. It’s a book I love now.
Great and challenging vocabulary for this age group. I hope the author will add a section at the beginning of the book with some of the vocabulary words and definitions and the English translations to the short Italian phrases used. I loved the author’s note at the end of the last chapter telling us a little about the history of Venus Beach and letting us know what buildings and art are actually real and can be found there.
There was a great introduction and build up to the plot. You could strongly sense Maddie’ anticipation. It made me excited to see what was to come next.
Such a creative world the author built for us, Descriptive and delightful metaphors and similes makes the circus and its performers and creatures come alive to us. It has very imaginative creatures and characters. Little Orphelia, the mimic octopus, is the most wonderful friend ever. She was a surprisingly great and caring addition to the story.
I think my favorite scene was the graffiti scene. So original and creative. This was truly a wonderful and well written debut novel.
Thank you to Net Galley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #TheCircusAtTheEndOfTheSea
June 7, 2022
My 5th grade class was so fortunate to read this novel together this spring. It has everything that my 5th graders loved. A mimic octopus and a winged lion sidekick. A magical adventure. A budding friendship. An orphan making her own way in the world. Yet this wildly imaginative and playful story is full of so much wisdom and truth. There is so much heart in this story that I keep coming back to some of the most powerful lines and ideas over and over again. Its funny how the right book can find you at the right time, and this book found us a time when we needed to let go of pain of the past couple of years of school and move forward with a new heartbeat.
July 11, 2021
This is the story of believing in yourself, of finding the magic of life, of seeing beyond, of finding the togetherness of past/present/future and beginning/end. Lori Snyder creates a world where the circus is as much a character in the story as Maddy or Skeeter. Her love of Venice Beach allows the setting to come alive. Much thanks to Harper and Lori Snyder for sharing with #booksojourn.
August 9, 2022
A little bit Alice, a little bit Dorothy, a lot of wonder and magic and heart. Lori Snyder’s Maddy Adriana finds her place in the circus and among the stars of fantastical fiction for young readers. If you need a book that will make you smile, take you on unbelievable adventures, and heal your tattered heart, this might just be the one you’ve been waiting for.
May 20, 2022
Getting a jump start on our "Oceans of Possibilities" Summer Reading theme with this fantasy adventure in a magical circus on Venice Beach!
Read
October 25, 2021“She was no longer a girl who turned away from magic to go where she was told to go. No, she was a girl who had raced through the sky on a giant skateboard. She was a girl who had talked to a mermaid and a lion with wings. She was a girl with an octopus for a friend. She was fairly certain she would never be the other kind of girl again.”
Twelve-year-old Maddy Adriana has seen magic her entire life. Sent from group home to group home, it’s one of the few things she can count on to be consistent. She’s often ignored the pull of her heart towards things too perfect to be ordinary, but when that tug leads her to a magical street circus in Venice Beach, California, Maddy thinks she might have finally found a place where she could belong. Except not everything is as brilliant as it seems because the circus is in danger of closing forever if the ringmaster can’t be found. With Ophelia the mimic octopus by her side, Maddy must set off on a journey to find the ringmaster and bring him back to the circus before it’s too late. But when saving the circus means facing her deepest fears, will Maddy have the courage to follow her heart and fight for the place she dreams of calling home?
The Circus at the End of the Sea is phenomenally creative, heart-warming, and a perfect tribute to the imagination. I think I read the entire book with a smile on my face! Maddy is a fabulous protagonist, but a circus wouldn’t be complete without other acts—and the entire cast of characters is truly wonderful. I do have to say that Ophelia the mimic octopus completely stole the show for me. I mean, how awesome is an octopus who can turn into a spray-paint bottle for a skateboard race through the sky? But the wondrous nature of this story doesn’t stop there. As Maddy desperately fights to save the circus and untangles the mysterious threads of her past, themes of friendship, courage, and accepting change shine through. I could go on and on about this amazing book all day, but suffice it to say that The Circus at the End of the Sea should be a must-read for anyone who enjoys magical middle-grade adventures with lots and lots of hope and heart.
Content Warnings: Absentee parents, fire, heart condition, some action sequences, death
(Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing us with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @pinereadsreview and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
Twelve-year-old Maddy Adriana has seen magic her entire life. Sent from group home to group home, it’s one of the few things she can count on to be consistent. She’s often ignored the pull of her heart towards things too perfect to be ordinary, but when that tug leads her to a magical street circus in Venice Beach, California, Maddy thinks she might have finally found a place where she could belong. Except not everything is as brilliant as it seems because the circus is in danger of closing forever if the ringmaster can’t be found. With Ophelia the mimic octopus by her side, Maddy must set off on a journey to find the ringmaster and bring him back to the circus before it’s too late. But when saving the circus means facing her deepest fears, will Maddy have the courage to follow her heart and fight for the place she dreams of calling home?
The Circus at the End of the Sea is phenomenally creative, heart-warming, and a perfect tribute to the imagination. I think I read the entire book with a smile on my face! Maddy is a fabulous protagonist, but a circus wouldn’t be complete without other acts—and the entire cast of characters is truly wonderful. I do have to say that Ophelia the mimic octopus completely stole the show for me. I mean, how awesome is an octopus who can turn into a spray-paint bottle for a skateboard race through the sky? But the wondrous nature of this story doesn’t stop there. As Maddy desperately fights to save the circus and untangles the mysterious threads of her past, themes of friendship, courage, and accepting change shine through. I could go on and on about this amazing book all day, but suffice it to say that The Circus at the End of the Sea should be a must-read for anyone who enjoys magical middle-grade adventures with lots and lots of hope and heart.
Content Warnings: Absentee parents, fire, heart condition, some action sequences, death
(Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing us with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @pinereadsreview and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
August 18, 2021
Maddy is an orphan that has shuffled from group home to group home for her whole life. In the past year something has made her heart sick and so she is being moved to a new group home near Venice beach. On the way to the group home the bus stops and Maddy notices the magic around her. Maddy has always been able to see the magic but in order to fit in she hides that from the rest of the world. But this time the magic is calling to her stronger than ever. So Maddy decides to follow it and what she finds is a magical circus on the Venice boardwalk. The circus sends her on a journey of self-discovery full of adventures, friendship and wisdom.
Through a magical circus the readers are taken on a journey filled with magic, friendship, and eye-opening trials. This book is full of insightful nuggets of wisdom. I did find that it might be a little too deep for the age group of 9–12-year-olds, even though it’s protagonist is 12. I feel like this is a book that 12-15 years old readers would connect with and benefit from as this is very much an age of self-discovery and learning to accept oneself. The book really was an adventure and a fun fantastical world that takes place on a beach that is known for its eclectic atmosphere. And the author does a great job of incorporating actual murals, artwork, and places in Venice into the story.
Through a magical circus the readers are taken on a journey filled with magic, friendship, and eye-opening trials. This book is full of insightful nuggets of wisdom. I did find that it might be a little too deep for the age group of 9–12-year-olds, even though it’s protagonist is 12. I feel like this is a book that 12-15 years old readers would connect with and benefit from as this is very much an age of self-discovery and learning to accept oneself. The book really was an adventure and a fun fantastical world that takes place on a beach that is known for its eclectic atmosphere. And the author does a great job of incorporating actual murals, artwork, and places in Venice into the story.
July 13, 2022
Set in the true life magical community of Venice Beach, California, The Circus at the End of the Sea is a story that reminds us that magic can be found everywhere. Madeline Adriana is a foster child who has been shuttled from one group home to another, never feeling as though she fit in, always trying to avoid Extra Attention. But the magic that she sees all around her draws her to a hidden circus, Il Circo del Strade, set off the Venice Pier. From here Maddy embarks on an adventure with the intent to help save the troubled circus, and in her journeys she encounters a truly enchanting cast of mystical characters who help guide her into learning about her true destiny, all while discovering her destiny is hers for the choosing.
I read this with my daughter, who was enraptured by the story, fell in love with the characters, and delighted in the many truths and life lessons Maddy uncovers throughout the book. Beautifully written, this is a story for children and adults of all ages. Now that we've finished the book, my daughter is demanding a tour of the real life Venice landmarks mentioned in the story (the ones she hasn't been to yet!). This is a wonderful story to share with your children, one no one will be disappointed to have read. My daughters only critique (which she has shared with the author) is that she wished it was longer.
I read this with my daughter, who was enraptured by the story, fell in love with the characters, and delighted in the many truths and life lessons Maddy uncovers throughout the book. Beautifully written, this is a story for children and adults of all ages. Now that we've finished the book, my daughter is demanding a tour of the real life Venice landmarks mentioned in the story (the ones she hasn't been to yet!). This is a wonderful story to share with your children, one no one will be disappointed to have read. My daughters only critique (which she has shared with the author) is that she wished it was longer.
October 3, 2022
on her way to another group home, maddy followed magic to the gates of a circus at the end of the sea. ever since the ringmaster left, the circus had no new audience and no new shows. maddy wants to help to the rest of the circus to find the ringmaster again. in the meantime, maybe she can find some clues about the mysterious bracelet that she had wore since she was a baby. while on her mission, maddy raced through the clouds, plunged down a canal, walked into the heart of the circus with a blue octopus on her shoulders.
this book made me tear up a little. maddy has always wanted to belong somewhere, to find her parents, to finally be normal. she has no idea why she has a heart condition, why her parents left her, who she is. throughout this journey, maddy finds herself and discovers the connection she has with the circus itself. it’s really heartwarming and nice. the book spoke of change, acceptance, and love. i really liked this.
this book made me tear up a little. maddy has always wanted to belong somewhere, to find her parents, to finally be normal. she has no idea why she has a heart condition, why her parents left her, who she is. throughout this journey, maddy finds herself and discovers the connection she has with the circus itself. it’s really heartwarming and nice. the book spoke of change, acceptance, and love. i really liked this.
April 30, 2021
Of course I fell in love with the cover and the concept of this book. Twelve-year-old Maddy is an orphan who has always been able to see things that others cannot. This takes an interesting turn when she's being sent to a new group home and finds herself following some live murals to Venice Beach where she discovers a magical circus unlike anything she's ever dreamed of--so why does everything feel so familiar?
In many ways, this book is a tribute to Venice Beach. I have some mixed feelings about the morals of this story (you have to accept the whole circus in order to save it--even the unsavory and spooky parts), but I can't say I'm disappointed in the style or the characters. This book really isn't like anything else I've read, and the creativity and surprising delights make it quite the page turner.
In many ways, this book is a tribute to Venice Beach. I have some mixed feelings about the morals of this story (you have to accept the whole circus in order to save it--even the unsavory and spooky parts), but I can't say I'm disappointed in the style or the characters. This book really isn't like anything else I've read, and the creativity and surprising delights make it quite the page turner.
November 17, 2021
Tug, went my heart while reading this book.
Wild and wondrous, existential but completely accessible, The Circus at the End of the Sea takes your heart and mind on an unforgettable journey. Maddy makes for a game traveler, willing to follow her heart's gentle tugs - even when they pull her into the frightening unknown, which is most of the time.
Debut author Lori R. Snyder creates a world teeming with danger and delight, heartache and happiness, longing and love. She introduces readers to her vision of Venice, CA as well - as a magical place, steeped in history, art and storytelling.
It's impossible to resist falling in love with Maddy, her extraordinary new found family, and the city of Venice itself. A must-read, literary thrill-ride from start to finish.
Wild and wondrous, existential but completely accessible, The Circus at the End of the Sea takes your heart and mind on an unforgettable journey. Maddy makes for a game traveler, willing to follow her heart's gentle tugs - even when they pull her into the frightening unknown, which is most of the time.
Debut author Lori R. Snyder creates a world teeming with danger and delight, heartache and happiness, longing and love. She introduces readers to her vision of Venice, CA as well - as a magical place, steeped in history, art and storytelling.
It's impossible to resist falling in love with Maddy, her extraordinary new found family, and the city of Venice itself. A must-read, literary thrill-ride from start to finish.
April 28, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Kids for the gifted book I read with the library audio.
This book is worth reading just for the mimic octopus Ophelia. The way Snyder uses that character as a plot device is so genius and fun. She doesn't speak, but the way she shifts and changes and the descriptions of the colors she becomes added so much to how the emotions in this book leapt off the page. And the mimic octopus is a real creature! Also amidst all the magical angst and fun, there are historical facts about the setting of Venice Beach, California interwoven in the story that made it fun and makes you want to dig into that place more. This book is creativity and well written word pictures on display. If you love inventive writing, you will enjoy this one.
This book is worth reading just for the mimic octopus Ophelia. The way Snyder uses that character as a plot device is so genius and fun. She doesn't speak, but the way she shifts and changes and the descriptions of the colors she becomes added so much to how the emotions in this book leapt off the page. And the mimic octopus is a real creature! Also amidst all the magical angst and fun, there are historical facts about the setting of Venice Beach, California interwoven in the story that made it fun and makes you want to dig into that place more. This book is creativity and well written word pictures on display. If you love inventive writing, you will enjoy this one.
November 10, 2021
I LOVE this book! It is such a great read for both young adult and adult readers alike. The imagery is powerful and the lessons of embracing light and dark, inevitability of change and finding power from listening with in are perfect. It's like Brene Brown and Glennon Doyle got together with a prose artist and created a powerful story of getting untamed and finding freedom within. A gem of a book... and now I want to go back to Venice, CA and search out all of the references given here. Easy read and so very good!
August 11, 2022
This was a fun, creative fantasy about figuring out who you are, finding where you belong, and listening to your heart, as well as seeing what’s right in front of you for what it truly is, both the good and the bad. I loved these messages throughout the story, and the overarching idea that change is not only inevitable, but necessary, even though it may be hard or uncomfortable. The only thing I didn’t love was that the story felt a little bit too predictable, but it was still a quick, fun, and inspiring piece of children’s lit that I will be happy to add to our school’s library collection.
July 26, 2022
Absolutely charming.
March 23, 2023
💫🎠🎪The Circus at the End of the Sea🎪🎠💫
3.5 Stars
Maddy has always felt a tug in her heart—a strange sensation that many told her was a sign of heart problems. When she visits Venice Beach, she sees something she never expected to discover: a circus filled with skulls, mimic octopuses, muses, mermaids, creatures, and magic. The muse of the circus is slowly fading as many forget about its existence. Maddy must find the Ringmaster in order to save the circus. When she journeys to The Heart at the End of the World, she discovers a secret that forever changes her life. She was bound to the circus at the start of her life, and she might be their only hope of saving it.
Muses, mimic octopuses, boats made out of skulls, moving murals that one can venture into, roller coasters that appear with spray paint, and a grumpy mermaid. The Circus at the End of the Sea by Lori R. Snyder is like revealing a hidden layer in our world, one filled with such magic and colour that the reader is instantly transported. This book was perfect for fans of Spirited Away, Alice in Wonderland, and Marionetta. It captures the mystique that Spirited Away encapsulates: an adventure in a mysterious and atmospheric place with high stakes. Alice in Wonderland, for the circus-like vibes, talking creatures, and interesting magical style. It reminded me the most of a webtoon called Marionetta about a girl who enters a bizarre but magical circus.
This was middle grade at its finest in the most remarkable way. This is what I love so much about middle grade. The bizarre but magical places and adventures that read like a dream. It carries the beauty of childhood so perfectly. Maddy is a likeable protagonist who is easy to root for. She was an orphan who found a family within the circus. Watching Maddie go on her journey was fantastic. Maddy experiences such magical things. It was cool to see her friendship blossom with Skeeter, although it wasn't as prominent in the story as I would have liked. Skeeter was just such an interesting name... that I've never seen or heard before. The name means a fast and swift man, which fits his character perfectly!
The morals of the story were well done. It bordered on cheesy but was overall heartwarming. I loved the deeper meaning of the story about learning to love and move on. The ending was really satisfying. My only wish was that I would have loved to see more of certain aspects of the circus. The plot felt a lot like a snapshot of certain events tied together. I would have enjoyed it better if one continuous theme or plot was more present; however, this is just my personal preference. In conclusion, a magical ride that transports the reader, and a great read!
✅PLOT
🆗CHARACTERS
✅PLOT TWISTS
3.5 Stars
Maddy has always felt a tug in her heart—a strange sensation that many told her was a sign of heart problems. When she visits Venice Beach, she sees something she never expected to discover: a circus filled with skulls, mimic octopuses, muses, mermaids, creatures, and magic. The muse of the circus is slowly fading as many forget about its existence. Maddy must find the Ringmaster in order to save the circus. When she journeys to The Heart at the End of the World, she discovers a secret that forever changes her life. She was bound to the circus at the start of her life, and she might be their only hope of saving it.
Muses, mimic octopuses, boats made out of skulls, moving murals that one can venture into, roller coasters that appear with spray paint, and a grumpy mermaid. The Circus at the End of the Sea by Lori R. Snyder is like revealing a hidden layer in our world, one filled with such magic and colour that the reader is instantly transported. This book was perfect for fans of Spirited Away, Alice in Wonderland, and Marionetta. It captures the mystique that Spirited Away encapsulates: an adventure in a mysterious and atmospheric place with high stakes. Alice in Wonderland, for the circus-like vibes, talking creatures, and interesting magical style. It reminded me the most of a webtoon called Marionetta about a girl who enters a bizarre but magical circus.
This was middle grade at its finest in the most remarkable way. This is what I love so much about middle grade. The bizarre but magical places and adventures that read like a dream. It carries the beauty of childhood so perfectly. Maddy is a likeable protagonist who is easy to root for. She was an orphan who found a family within the circus. Watching Maddie go on her journey was fantastic. Maddy experiences such magical things. It was cool to see her friendship blossom with Skeeter, although it wasn't as prominent in the story as I would have liked. Skeeter was just such an interesting name... that I've never seen or heard before. The name means a fast and swift man, which fits his character perfectly!
The morals of the story were well done. It bordered on cheesy but was overall heartwarming. I loved the deeper meaning of the story about learning to love and move on. The ending was really satisfying. My only wish was that I would have loved to see more of certain aspects of the circus. The plot felt a lot like a snapshot of certain events tied together. I would have enjoyed it better if one continuous theme or plot was more present; however, this is just my personal preference. In conclusion, a magical ride that transports the reader, and a great read!
✅PLOT
🆗CHARACTERS
✅PLOT TWISTS
January 31, 2022
I love that the villain in the story isn’t a traditional one. The villain is denial and refusing to accept change. As this is in the children’s genre, I think this books gives a lot of important messages and lessons for young people. Being said, this is a book that can be equally enjoyed by adults as I had a great time reading it!
The main character is a wonderful relatable girl, her character development was consistent. Ophelia the octopus is my favourite character. The world building was amazing as well. The author poured so much creativity in this book, I could go on & on.
I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’m gonna leave it at this.🖤
The main character is a wonderful relatable girl, her character development was consistent. Ophelia the octopus is my favourite character. The world building was amazing as well. The author poured so much creativity in this book, I could go on & on.
I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’m gonna leave it at this.🖤
February 3, 2022
THIS WAS AWESOME!!! The beautiful story of I’ll Circo intertwined with Mandy had me swinging through emotions all throughout the book.
May 1, 2021
Thank you Harper Collins and Net Galley for providing me with this advanced reader copy.
This is the story of a young girl named Maddy who was always aware that she was a little different. Maddy could see magic everywhere where others could not, but growing up in the foster care system, she knew that acknowledging the magic wasn't a good idea. She didn’t want people to know she was different. However, for Maddy, being different was hard to avoid lately. Over the past year, Maddy developed a heart condition that forced her to move to a new care facility for sick kids. Maddy hated the idea of getting “Extra Attention,” she liked to fly under the radar. On her way to the care facility in Venice Beach, CA, Maddy started to notice more magic than usual. The magic was calling her, drawing her to the pier and she followed it, slipping away from her group unnoticed. As a huge storm brews and a giant wave crashes onto the pier, Maddy finds herself at the gate of Il Circo delle Strade (The Circus of the Streets), with marquee lights glowing. As the story continues, Maddy uncovers her connection to the circus and the magic within, and learns to accept both the good and the bad that life can offer.
This is a beautifully written story. I was drawn into the setting and the characters immediately, it is very immersive. Highly recommend for young readers in your life or middle grade lovers, this is a memorable story for all ages.
This is the story of a young girl named Maddy who was always aware that she was a little different. Maddy could see magic everywhere where others could not, but growing up in the foster care system, she knew that acknowledging the magic wasn't a good idea. She didn’t want people to know she was different. However, for Maddy, being different was hard to avoid lately. Over the past year, Maddy developed a heart condition that forced her to move to a new care facility for sick kids. Maddy hated the idea of getting “Extra Attention,” she liked to fly under the radar. On her way to the care facility in Venice Beach, CA, Maddy started to notice more magic than usual. The magic was calling her, drawing her to the pier and she followed it, slipping away from her group unnoticed. As a huge storm brews and a giant wave crashes onto the pier, Maddy finds herself at the gate of Il Circo delle Strade (The Circus of the Streets), with marquee lights glowing. As the story continues, Maddy uncovers her connection to the circus and the magic within, and learns to accept both the good and the bad that life can offer.
This is a beautifully written story. I was drawn into the setting and the characters immediately, it is very immersive. Highly recommend for young readers in your life or middle grade lovers, this is a memorable story for all ages.
January 17, 2022
What an amazing fantasy story full of imagination, great characters, and scenes of Venice, CA! Lori Snyder's writing is so beautiful and provides wonderful imagery for the reader. I loved learning more about Venice (real sights and scenes are included that are described in detail at the end of the story). Maddy's magical circus world will draw you in and you just will not be ready to let go when the story ends!
December 26, 2021
As Maddy follows the sound of drums to the end of the pier at Venice Beach, California, just as the storm hits, a wondrous journey begins… a journey that involves a magical octopus, a winged lion, a Race Thru the Clouds, a boy on a skateboard, a grumpy mermaid, and very old magic, the kind that's hard to come by these days. Like Alice’s journey in Wonderland, Maddy’s is filled with surprises at every step of the way, beautiful images and pieces of wisdom that can be enjoyed over and over. I absolutely love the ending that echoes the mystery of the beginning - “At the far end of the pier, the strange white fog was rolling in…” And yes, I googled all the places mentioned in the book, and am stopping by one day!
January 18, 2022
Wildly imaginative
Mandy, 12, has never had a family of her own. Growing up in a succession of group homes, she’s learned to hide the strange gift she has: she can see magic,where others around her see only the ordinary. When the bus she’s riding to yet another group home makes an unscheduled stop in Venice, California, Maddie is pulled into a magical circus full of both wonders and danger. Themes of acceptance, courage, the mystery surrounding the ordinary, and finding one’s place in the world. An engaging and delightful read for upper middle grade and imaginative adult readers,
Mandy, 12, has never had a family of her own. Growing up in a succession of group homes, she’s learned to hide the strange gift she has: she can see magic,where others around her see only the ordinary. When the bus she’s riding to yet another group home makes an unscheduled stop in Venice, California, Maddie is pulled into a magical circus full of both wonders and danger. Themes of acceptance, courage, the mystery surrounding the ordinary, and finding one’s place in the world. An engaging and delightful read for upper middle grade and imaginative adult readers,
July 12, 2021
Maddy longs to belong somewhere with someone. Add to that a new heart illness that gets her sent to another group home and Extra Attention. Ugh. Venice Beach is the beginning of Maddy’s story where all the magic she sees becomes the who she needs to be. Following her heart changes her and everything around her. This book is full of beautiful imagery and would make a wonderful read aloud. Perfect for ages 10+ ARC provided by NetGalley - Opinions are my own.
July 23, 2021
You are never too old for magic! I am a sucker for magical realism, and for middle grade novels that focus on the subtle magic of friendship. I loved that we had some traditional magic i.e. mermaids and winged lions tied in with magical elements that were fresh and new i.e. talking graffiti and shapeshifting octopuses. Even though the orphan trope is one that can be overwrought and overdone, I feel like Maddy is intriguing enough to make us forgive the cliche.
November 15, 2021
Utterly magical. If the Wizard of Oz met the Phantom Tollbooth met the Nigh Circus on the boardwalk in Venice, CA and took a side trip to Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy, you would have this book. Plus add in a girl longing to belong. And the best mimic octopus friend one could ask for. You soooo want to read this--every chapter is a new adventure.
August 12, 2022
Alone and without friends, Maddy is given the chance to turn away from her old world and embrace a magical world. She takes it! But the fun is only just beginning. She must wade through her personal muck in order to reach the rhythm of her heart. Along the way, she meets memorable characters and colorful landscapes.
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