This book was not at all what I expected! I enjoyed jumping into this book with no preconceived ideas or expectations. It meant that the book unfurled itself to me with all the twists and turns completely unexpected.
I really enjoyed the plot and the pacing. This book really consistently amped up the [ace and the stakes which meant there was never a slow or dull moment. I was constantly wanting to know more and piecing together the hints. The fighting and the connection to nature were two really interesting themes that intertwined across the course of the book.
My main criticism of the book is that the protagonist's gift didn't make sense for me in the context of this world. I absolutely loved the way it served the plot and helped form the overarching story, but on its own I found it hard to suspend disbelief. I think this is because no other character had any gift and the only other person referenced to have it was the character's grandmother. This story didn't strike me as needing a fantastical element so while I loved the way it worked, it didn't ever quite feel right.
I also felt like there were a few too many unanswered questions along the way and especially at the end.
All that being said this was a wonderful and exciting book that I loved reading!

Maree Kimberley’s Dirt Circus League tells the story of Asa, a teen girl running from a rough past to a fresh start in a small town in Australia where her father lives. One day on a trip into town, she sees a performance of the Dirt Circus League, a notorious group of rough looking teens who come to her town to earn money by putting on fights for the townsfolk. While her friend is horrified, Asa is enthralled by the group, particularly their leader Gideon and agrees to join the group after fighting one of their members. At first, Asa feels a great sense of belonging, but as she learns more about this group and their strange, vaguely environmentalist religion, she begins to wonder if she has made a huge mistake. Despite this interesting plot and timely subject matter, Kimberley does not quite stick the landing with the lead character’s development and theme of environmentalism and mankind’s role in climate change. Despite these issues, Dirt Circus League is a worthwhile read, especially for fans of the Island of Dr. Moreau, Mad Max, and Ozploitation in general.

The storyline was unique and fascinating even though it was a little too dark for my tastes but good nonetheless. I liked the plot and the atmosphere of the book and the writing style as well. It was different and really unique. Unlike most books though, I couldn't relate to the characters at all but we can't relate to them all right? I found this book really refreshing and different from the usual books I read.

Unfortunately, stilted writing and a heroine who's impossible to relate to have torpedoed this book for me.

I believe there was supposed to be the Island of Doctor Moreau meets Environmentally group turned cult vibes to this book, but it was in my own opinion a trainwreck.
The story seemed all over the place, the writing confused me way too much, and the characters' actions were so bizarre or didn't fit with who the character was.
I wanted to DNF, but I forced myself to finish.

What an entertaining story! The characters were relatable and realistic. The plot was well written and though out. The stakes were HIGH! I highly recommend this one to readers who love a fast paced novel!

This was dark as expected, but also fascinating and ruthless. Honestly an overall intriguing and interesting YA

This was a darker story than I typically would read, but I’m glad I picked it up! Captivating and intriguing from the beginning to end!