Circus Mirandus is the first book in the Circus Mirandus series by Cassie Beasley. Originally published in 2016, this re-format and re-release coincides with the release of the second book in the series, The Bootlace Magician (1st Oct). Aimed at middle grade readers, it's a hefty 304 pages and is available in most formats.

Although this book is ostensibly written for the middle grades, it's a beautifully written human fantasy which worked perfectly well for my middle aged tastes. I really loved this one a lot. The everyman protagonist, Micah, is an intelligent, empathetic, kind boy, and a good friend. He has a very special relationship with his grandfather, with whom he lives. When Grandpa Ephraim becomes seriously ill, Aunt Gertrudis, descends on them to 'help out'. She isn't a bit like Grandpa Ephraim and doesn't seem to like much, including 10 year old boys named Micah.

This book is full of fantasy, whimsy, pathos, love, and longing. Along with the slightly angsty kids vs. adults plot twists are huge overarching timeless themes of what constitutes family, loyalty, love, and how people become who/what they are.

It's written in alternating backstory (Grandpa Ephraim's past history) and current (Micah's current life) timelines. They're clearly delineated and I had no problems keeping the timelines separate in my mind. The secondary characters are beautifully rendered and believably motivated. The dialogue flows naturally and well. I didn't find myself being yanked out of my suspension of disbelief one time during reading, which is saying something with a plot that turns around magical fish, a phoenix, and a never-ending invisible magical circus.

I read this in one sitting and turned around and re-read selected chapters again immediately after.

This would make a truly superlative bedtime read or classroom circle read. An amazing book; an author to watch for in future.

Five stars.

If you believe in magic [and, thanks to Grandpa Ephraim, Micah Tuttle does], perhaps you will find yourself entering Circus Mirandus [as Micah’s grandfather once did]. When Ephraim was Micah’s age, he found Circus Mirandus and the Lightbender made him a promise.

Circus Mirandus may seek children who believe in magic, but Micah has a special reason for his mission to find the magical circus. Grandpa Ephraim is dying and Micah needs the Man Who Bends Light to honor his promise.

He’s going to ask the Lightbender to give his grandfather a miracle.

Written for middle grade readers, Micah is a typical middle grade student. Turmoil and angst fills Micah’s life. There’s schoolwork, the surprise [and difficulty] of making a new friend, the strain of having an unsympathetic aunt living in his home to care for his grandfather, and the very real possibility that his beloved grandfather may die.

The characters are believable, the enchanting plot has several unexpected twists, and the story draws the reader into the telling of the tale. It’s entertaining and, at the same time, heart-rending and miraculous. It’s also filled with magic and hope and love. For readers of all ages, it’s a gorgeous, not-to-be-missed story.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Penguin Young Readers/Puffin Books and NetGalley
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