Initially the cover grabbed me on this book. I love elephants. Then, I read the synopsis. It grabbed me. The only thing I was not sure about was the steampunk aspect. I am very hit or miss with steampunk. I would categorize this book as steampunk, fantasy, and mystery. I was captivated pretty quickly.
The two main characters Carthage and Huxley each bring their own unique skill sets to their failing circus. They hear about a competition and decide to enter it. Once they have made it into the competition someone starts trying to sabotage, in order to win.
With where Carthage and Huxley’s relationship seemed to be in the beginning I was not quite sure how the story would play out. I loved how their relationship grew and how they were their to support each other. It shows that friends fight and disagree, but what really counts is are they there for you when you need them.
This books is a fun mix of many things I love the circus, nods to the Victorian era, mystery/fantasy, and an ending I was not fully expecting. This was mostly because I was still questioning the relationship between the two main characters.
It looks like this book will be a series. The only thing to say with that is, I hope there is a little more world building in the second book. I want to explore this work so much more. That being said, I really cannot wait for the next book to come out! I will be listening to this book again and again. It is a new favourite.
Travis Baldree’s unique voice lends itself to this world. I quite enjoyed his narration and I hope he will continue on with the series.
I was given a copy of this audiobook at my request. I have voluntarily left this review.