Skycircus

There is something that feels classic and dashing about this steampunk tale for youth. As an adult reader, I enjoyed it. As a literacy teacher, I would gladly share it with other readers, young and old. Nice work from an author whose words I enjoy.

This is book #3 in the series, and the only one I have read. That being said, I did not feel as if I were missing any backstory. It completely stands alone, which is nice. Skycircus is action-packed with one twist after another. I am a fan of Jolly Fish Press, so I was excited to have the opportunity to read this book.

Bunzi's characters are relatable, and the story never lags. It's a fresh take on the theme of accepting people who are different, but written in such a way so that you don't feel as if you are learning a lesson.

The language can get a bit elevated for middle grade, for example. The words bilious or gendarmes are likely to be unfamiliar to most young readers. However, the kindle app makes it easy to quickly define a word without faltering. There is a smattering of French throughout, but the French words didn't slow the story, in my opinion. There is a dictionary at the end for some of the more circus-specific words at the end of the book. Some children move to stretch their vocabulary, and this book will appeal to them in particular.

I must confess that I love this trilogy and I will be sad when it will come to an end. This book was full of evil and mean characters. I think children that are innocent can easily look over the books tragedy, as an adult it’s harder to read about kidnapping and child abuse and enjoy each word just because it’s a SF book.
The plot is interesting and you can never predict how the story will end( at least how the happy ending will come). I love the map from the beginning and I wish there was a short recap because the books launch at big distance from one and other

I'm loving this series and I loved this installment.
It's well written, action packed and it kept me hooked till the end.
I liked the world building, the well thought characters and the plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Another great installment of the Cogheart series! I have been a fan of this series since book 1 was glad this book matched the previous two in terms of character, story, and action. Lily and Robert are great characters for young readers to follow and (hopefully) want to emulate. I appreciated that the author continues to examine the loss of Lily's mother and Robert's father - I had concerns in the first book that these topics were too easily set aside. This is a great book to use as a conversation starter about people with disabilities or who may be different from what is considered "normal". I also like that the young characters in this series often have to get themselves out of trouble, but not because the adults are incompetent or do not support them - it gives the message that we have to do things by ourselves sometimes, but that there are always people out there who have our backs if we need them. I look forward to more stories with these characters!

4.5 stars

This is the third book in the Cogheart series & this was my favourite so far.

Lily is learning about other ‘hybrids’ like herself and how they can work together to show people that they aren’t ‘freaks’, they’re still people just like the circus audience.

There is mischief, adventure & lessons to be learned in this new instalment & I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.

First off, the cover for all these books in this series are so vibrant and eye catching. They are impossibly to pass up. This is a charming and somewhat whimsical read for me – I found myself absorbed, especially in the latter half of the book – there were moments that had me smiling in pleasure, and my heart aching a little. Set for adventure, discovery, treachery and friendship, you find yourself dissolving this book in one sitting, unsure of how the twists will play out.

This is set in a world where mechanized people and animals serve the humans around them, very few have come to the conclusion that these machines can feel. The incredible inventions requiring cogs and steam valves, the fashion, the goggles, the explosions! Airships galore! Steampunk is so much fun to read and I was very excited to come across a steampunk inspired story for middle grade readers. Overall, Skycircus was a fun children’s adventure story that picks up to a fast pace and includes unusual villains, a spunky heroine, and a magnificent mechanical fox. It will appeal to fans of Escape from Mr. Lenoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein, The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau, and Fablehaven by Brandon Mull.