For readers who love thrilling adventures, this book uncovers dark circus secrets and a girl's mysterious past, perfect for those who enjoy suspense and danger.
A parent might reach for this book when their adventurous child is ready for a mystery with higher stakes and more emotional depth. Perfect for readers grappling with questions of identity and belonging, it provides a thrilling story that also models bravery and resilience. Skycircus follows Lily, Robert, and their mechanical fox Malkin as they are swept into the dazzling but dangerous world of a traveling sky-circus. They soon discover the glamorous ringmistress has a sinister plan for Lily, one tied to the secrets of her past. This book skillfully weaves together themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery within a suspenseful, steampunk-inspired plot. For ages 9-13, it's a fantastic choice for those who love a good thrill and a story with heart.
Deals with themes of exploitation, family secrets, and the pain of a lost parent.
Sensitive Topics
The story deals with imprisonment, emotional manipulation, and exploitation of children and performers. The primary villain is a powerful and cruel adult figure. Lily's discovery of her family history involves themes of genetic modification and abandonment. The resolution is hopeful as the main characters escape, but the villain is not brought to full justice, leaving a lingering sense of threat. The approach is entirely secular.
Ideal Reader
A 10-to-13-year-old who enjoys intricate world-building, steampunk aesthetics, and a fast-paced mystery. This book is for a reader who is ready for stories with morally complex situations and a genuine sense of peril, and who appreciates strong friendships being tested under pressure.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the villain, Madame Lyon-Mane, is particularly cruel and psychologically manipulative. The scenes where she threatens Lily and reveals her intentions can be intense. No specific context is needed to start the book, though reading the first book, *Cogheart*, is recommended for the best experience. A brief chat about appearances being deceiving could be a good primer. A parent has a child who just finished a lighter fantasy series like Percy Jackson or Fablehaven and is asking for something with a bit more mystery and suspense. The child might have expressed interest in circuses, inventors, or stories with clockwork creatures.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will be drawn to the thrilling plot, the amazing circus acts, and the clockwork fox, Malkin. They will experience it as a clear good-versus-evil adventure. An older reader (11-13) will appreciate the darker undertones of exploitation, the complexity of Lily's family secrets, and the suspenseful pacing. They are more likely to ponder the ethical questions raised by the story.
What Makes It Special
This book's unique position in the middle-grade market comes from its successful fusion of a dark, vintage circus aesthetic with intricate steampunk world-building. While other books feature magical circuses, the threat in *Skycircus* is rooted in a pseudo-scientific, genetic mystery, which grounds the fantasy in a compelling way. The theme of a protagonist's identity being a literal biological secret is a powerful and unique hook.
Read plot summary
This second book in the Cogheart Adventures series sees Lily, Robert, and Malkin joining Slimwood's Stupendous Traveling Skycircus. They are enchanted by the spectacle, especially the winged performer, Angelique. However, the charismatic ringmistress, Madame Lyon-Mane, is revealed to be a cruel and exploitative leader who is holding her performers captive. She takes a special interest in Lily, believing Lily has inherited a unique genetic secret from her long-lost mother. The friends must uncover Madame Lyon-Mane's deadly plan and stage a daring escape to save themselves and the other performers.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Madame Lyon-Mane appears glamorous and successful, but she is actually cruel. How does the book show the difference between how things look and how they really are, both with people and with the circus itself?
2
Angelique, the bird-girl, is scared of Madame Lyon-Mane but eventually chooses to help Lily. What do you think gave her the courage to finally defy the ringmistress?
3
Lily discovers a secret about her mother that is both amazing and dangerous. How do you think this new knowledge about her family's past will change how Lily sees herself in the future?
4
Robert and Malkin are incredibly loyal to Lily, even when it puts them in great danger. What are some of the key moments where their friendship is tested and proven to be strong?
