The grandeur of the traveling circus is at its peak in the early 1920s when sixteen-year-old Laila Vilonia is searching for an escape from her bleak future. Behind the gates of the legendary Marvelle Circus, she is thrust into a mysterious world she never knew existed-a paradise populated with outcasts. It's in this glamorous new home that Laila sparks a controversial romance with notorious sideshow performer, The Disappearing Man, and learns just how dangerous her new life can be.
Touring the picturesque eastern coast of America, Laila's immersed in friendship, vaudeville, festivals, sequins, and serial killers. But behind the curtain, a sadistic plan is brewing that will crack the very foundation upon which she's become so dependent.
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"Showtime follows Laila Vilonia and her journey into and within the Marvelle Circus. Laila follows her friend, Hannah, to the Circus. Hannah is planning on meeting up with some kids from school. Things end up going bad and Hannah gets ambushed and beaten by the group of kids. Laila tries to help and/or stop it but is restrained herself by a member of the group. Dogs start barking in the distance and everyone flees but Laila gets caught in the act of something she didn't do. The men grab her and take her back to the Circus, taking her to Madame Robbins, C.O.O of Marvelle Circus. Through discussion of the incident on the grounds, Laila not telling the whole truth, Laila is sent to work off her debt at the Circus which works for her due to Laila having "no parents". Taken to carriage 114 she meets her roommates Jodelle, Alysia and Florence. Laila's new life at the Circus begins. The truth about her parents is revealed to the reader as she struggles with leaving them and what has happened to her in her previous life. She makes friends, true friends and learns the quirks of others and of the Circus. She makes enemies as well and strange things occur due to this. Once graduating from school at the Circus her life and fate is decided for the rest of her life at the Circus. She becomes an aerialist, something few become. She learns fast and ends up filling in last minute to one performance captivating not only the audience but others around her as well. Robbins ends up naming her the new feature performer. Many are happy with this, some are not. Laila feels the pressure and responsibility being a feature performer brings with it. Can she handle it? Can she also ignore the stares and talks of others in regards to her new relationship?
At first I was unsure of this book. I had heard lots of praise for this book and with working at a library the book is a popular check out. As I read I fell in love with the book. Going through Laila's journey was amazing, from leaving her family, to finding friends, her true love and her career calling. The reader views lots through her eyes and her growth as a person is interesting and encouraging. There are a few spots that are hard to read but it helps in her growth. Very well written, my only criticism with the writing is the over use of some of the same words in a couple of places close together in the book. Great book, cannot wait for book 2!!
Thanks to Chloe Kayne for my e-book copy of the book. I was very much enjoyed!"
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Heather (5 out of 5 stars)