First off, I would like to say that I haven’t read a book within the fantasy genre in SO LONG. I think if I were to check my Goodreads TBR list it would be maybe anywhere between six months to a year since I’ve read something of the sort. That being said, I was super excited to read this novel as the cover and summary were giving me vibes reminiscent of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern–which you should totally also read by the way. So, here’s the breakdown:

Jules Maroni, a sixteen year old high-wire walker, and her family have been known for their dazzling acts within the circus community–so much so they have earned the name of the Amazing Maronis. However, when her father turns down their opportunity to work the Cirque American–a new touring production aimed at vintage glamour and dangerous feats–Jules runs away to Florida in an attempt to force her family’s hand in accepting the offer.

While she is successful in this endeavor, there are other forces at play that despite her focus on following in her father’s footsteps as an illustrious high-wire walker, Jules cannot possibly ignore: talismans of bad luck placed strategically on her costume, her Nan’s ominous silence as to what has caused the decades of family rival between the Maronis and their traveling trapeze companions the Flying Garcias,  and the forbidden budding romance between her and Remy Garcia, who she enlists to help her discover the meaning behind it all.

I honestly really liked this book. Usually the amount I love a book goes in tandem with how fast the storyline has me turning the pages, which for this novel, was rather quickly. This shocked me because while I am a fan of fantasy novels, I’m not too big on mystery because I can usually guess “who done it” early on in the novel and the rest of the set up is all just fluff to me. (This is due in part to the excessive amount of reading I do and television I watch). With Girl on a Wire however, I relished every magical aspect of this story while enjoying the process it took to get to the stunning finale.

All in all, I enjoyed this book. I’m very curious to know if circus culture is actually like this in terms of competitions between families. Side note: I’ve never been to a circus show, vintage glamour or not, which may be why I like stories such as these. Fortunately for me, this is the first in Gwenda Bond’s Cirque Americain series, which I am excited to continue reading.