Freeks

October 24, 2016
A traveling supernatural sideshow has just arrived in a sleepy Louisiana town, and Mara Beznik, daughter of the troupe’s fortune-teller, quickly becomes smitten with Gabe Alvarado, a wealthy local boy. But her family of misfits is falling prey, one by one, to a beast that is stalking the campsite, and a series of shadowy encounters and twists builds to a battle-driven reckoning. Mara and Gabe’s whirlwind, class-crossing romance plays an important role without drowning out other central relationships. Hocking (the Kanin Chronicles) takes time to examine Mara’s complex emotions regarding Gabe, her ramshackle life on the road, and her mother. Although Mara doesn’t seem to have the same gifts as her fellow travelers, she is strong, independent, and pragmatic—no damsel in distress. The story is set in 1987, allowing for playful nods to the pop culture and fashion of the day. Important questions about poverty and privilege are at the core of this standalone novel, and they’ll keep readers hooked just as much as the paranormal peril. Ages 12–up. Agent: Steven Axelrod, Axelrod Agency.

October 1, 2016
In 1987, a traveling carnival sideshow with supernaturally gifted performers faces a deadly threat. The traveling carnival that Mara calls home has seen better daysa dry spells left them in danger of completely running out of funds. Luckily, they have a gig booked in the small town of Caudry, Louisiana. Right away, though, the supernaturally sensitive pick up on something strange. Mara has a chance run-in with a hot local, Gabe, but what chance does love have when she knows she will move on at the end of the week? That is, if she survivessome mysterious creature is attacking the campground where the carnies are staying in ways that increasingly seem to be targeted. Sometimes the plot seems to be in a holding pattern (as, after attacks, the carnies and performers reiterate the fact that they need the money too badly to leave), but that works well in the buildup to the physical consummation of Mara and Gabes relationshipless well, though, in the climax, final reveal, and seemingly stand-alone ending that passes too quickly. Though the immediate setting reads more generic small-town than southern Louisiana, the overall magic world is entertaining. Both of the romantic leads are people of color: Mara is mixed race, of Egyptian and Indian heritage; Latino Gabes father is Venezuelan. The magic-and-carnival combination make for a pleasant if not spectacular diversion. (Paranormal romance. 13 & up)

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November 1, 2016

Gr 9 Up-Tired of living in a strange and paranormal world, all Mara wants is an escape from the carnival sideshow she's known most of her life. She thinks she might have it in a boy named Gabe whom she meets at a party when she arrives in town. Unfortunately, there is a gut feeling among many in the sideshow that something sinister is lurking. After her friends and fellow carnies are attacked by a mysterious beast, Mara must embrace the part of her identity she's tried to hide, make use of her otherworldly abilities, and save those she cares about. Hocking has crafted an interesting cast of quirky characters and a unique spin on a carnival freak show setting. The variety of supernatural creatures, from the familiar werewolf to a different take on necromancers, will delight fans of paranormal romance. The protagonist's struggle with her identity provides needed grounding in a story that largely requires readers to suspend disbelief. Some awkward pacing and heavy-handed foreshadowing make major plot points predictable far before their reveal. The climax and the conclusion, though, are ultimately quite satisfying. VERDICT This fun paranormal romance, wrapped up in a circus-tent setting, is recommended where the genre and the author's books are popular. Hand to fans of Twilight and MTV's Teen Wolf.-Kristee Copley, Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Washington, DC

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2016
Grades 9-12 Gideon Davorin's Traveling Sideshow is a refuge for the preternaturally gifted in Hocking's newest fantasy. Eighteen-year-old Mara has called the sideshow home for the past 10 years, even though she has no unusual talents herself. Her fortune-teller mother draws upon necromancer abilities, while Mara's best friend manipulates fire to scintillating effect in the peep show. All said, it's a ragtag outfit short on cash, so when an offer to play for 10 days in Caudry, Louisiana, arrives, Gideon leads the caravan to the small town. A malignant energy pervades Caudry, interfering with the sideshow's otherworldly talents and giving Mara nightmares, and soon a shadowy creature begins attacking their campsite. Amidst the fear and chaos, Mara grapples with her feelings for handsome local Gabe and discovers she's not powerless after all. While the existence of a traveling freak show in 1987 is hard to swallow, fans of supernatural romance will enjoy the eerie carnival setting and watching Mara come into her own.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)