Circus Galacticus

Circus Galacticus

By Deva Fagan
Harcourt Children’s Books
(Ages 9-12)

Review by Debra L Scott

Imagine a circus hurdling through the stars. Imagine this star circus sets down in your town. Imagine falling through a mirror…. Circus Galacticus is the story of the daughter of astronaut parents who are killed in a space shuttle accident. This young orphan is sent to a boarding school where she just never seems to fit in. Then the circus comes to town. When Trix sees a message that seems tailor made for her on the circus poster, she is determined to find answers among the carnies and mirror houses. But there is a mysterious man chasing her and in her panic to get away, she falls through a gateway not meant for humans.

Fagan weaves a fun tale show more about cliques (as in not being part of one), friendship, and making assumptions about others. It is also very much about self-image and measuring ourselves against the abilities of others. It starts a little slow, but soon builds to a more intricate plot with several sub plots woven into the whole. The ending leaves a possibility open for sequels that follow the interesting stories of each of the different characters.

At first I was a bit put off, as it seemed to borrow heavily from Ray Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes, and from every other story about an outcast orphan in a boarding school. The author also seemed to want to write a character specifically for one very well known actor known for his outrageous portrayals of eccentrics. However, once the story got rolling it brought out its own flavor and was enjoyable on its own merits. What would you give to live on a spaceship primarily staffed by young teenagers, who divide their time between ship duties and practicing circus routines? How would you handle being chased by someone who seems to be able to suddenly appear just about anywhere? Circus Galacticus brews up some fun adventures and a few nail biting dangers. The talented kids know how to put their talents as equally to mischief as to the task at hand, and aren’t shy about fomenting a bit of rebellion when needed.

Curiously, I found on a search that Circus Galacticus exists as an unpublished graphic novel by Michael Walker and was scheduled in 2009 to be made into a film by Vanguard Films (which employs Michael Walker as a screenwriter/producer). I don’t know if it is the same story, but certain elements in the promo appear to echo the new book by Deva Fagan. It could be a coincidence, or there could be some agreement for collaboration on the story line, but it is curious that the previous title use is not mentioned in the promotional blurb. Perhaps it will be, as I was given the uncorrected proof to review, not the final version which is due out in November 2011 show less

Beatrix Ling has problems. As if it wasn't bad enough that her astronaut parents died in a rocket explosion, leaving her stuck in a boarding school full of mean girls and harsh teachers, now there is a mysterious man creeping into her room at night, trying to steal the one thing her parents left in her care. When her hair inexplicably turns bright pink, Trix knows she is in for even more trouble than usual. But before the headmistress can catch a glimpse of Trix's new 'do, Trix stumbles through a mirror at the Circus Galacticus, which she is visiting on a school field trip. And that's when she learns that the Circus Galacticus is no ordinary circus . . .

I'm not sure if it was the mostly-black cover or the circus-inspired title font, but show more this book languished on the "New Books" shelf at my library for some time. I was intrigued by the description on the back of the book, so I took a chance on it, and I'm glad I did. This book is a lot of fun to read. It's a little bit typical in spots (outsider orphan, bleak boarding school, then the orphan is whisked away to a life of adventure where she is accepted and valued and gets a chance to save the universe/her friends/etc.) but enjoyable nonetheless. The best part, in my opinion, was the description of Trix's life on board the Big Top as she makes new friends, experiences new food, and learns how the circus operates and finds a place within it. There's no romance, but there's a hint of the possibility of future romance, making this book just about right for the upper elementary or middle-school reader. The plot has a couple of weak spots of the sort you would expect in this type of story -- some things are not fully explained, and some things are a little too conveniently coincidental, but it's forgivable because the story as a whole is so much fun. show less

A romping combination of old tropes, older ideas, and creative world-building in a treatment ready to be made into a family-friendly movie. And I mean that in a bad way. Engaging, and short, so I finished it, but it made no impact on me and will leave me with no memories.

This book is about a teen outcast who gets swept off her feet by an intergalactic circus whose members happen to be a players in a longstanding space feud. I'm sure if I were in middle school and reading this book I would absolutely love it. There are some neat ideas (intergalactic circus=awesome) though I felt like the whole plot was a little unconvincing. I think the big problem I had was that the girl who claims to be so ill-treated by society can pick a side in what is essentially a race war so easily. But, all-in-all, not a horrible way to spend a few hours.

This book was a cross between Divergent, I Am Number Four, and Harry Potter. The main character spends most of the book trying to find out whether she belongs in this crazy, amazing circus only to discover that it isn't really a circus at all, but a space ship which may or may not be a living organism. By the end, it seems that nothing will be settled unless there is a sequel or series.

There was just something about the book cover art and title that made me want to read Deva Fagan’s Circus Galacticus. I’ve known three people who previously worked in circuses, which always fascinated me. How cool it would be to have an intergalactic circus! Creatures from every galaxy coming to your hometown – WooHoo! After reading it, I can truthfully say this is going to appeal to people of all ages. After all, hasn’t everyone wanted to run away and join the circus at some point? You don’t have to be a scifi or fantasy fan to enjoy this one. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=2297

This book had a good foundational story, but, when you wanted the excitement to come as the story was leading you to it, it dropped the ball, the excitement only came once even though the build up was in so many chapters... So sad.