The Tale of the Vanishing Circus by Kayla Cottingham

 We're only a few days away from Halloween. So of course, it's time for another fitting read. This is the third book in a series directed toward Tween readers, those between 10 and 14 years of age. I'm getting Goosebump Vibes but with a darker direction. I picked it up simply because circuses make great setting for all sorts of tales, and I haven't seen one in awhile. 

Anyway, let's open this one up and see how scary it is!

Also, it's Monday, which means it's time for the weekly MMGM list. Middle grade literature fans and knowers get together to give their recommendations for the weeks or other thoughts on the middle grade realm. So, if you're looking for reads for this age group, head on over HERE and see what's what on that front!

THE TALE OF THE VANISHING CIRCUS

Are You Afraid of the Dark? #3

by Kayla Cottingham

Amulet Books

Tween Horror

240 pages

ages 10 to 14

COMING...

NOVEMBER 25th!!!

The third spine-chilling book set in the world of Nickelodeon’s hit TV show Are You Afraid of the Dark? written by NYT-bestelling author Kayla Cottingham! Thirteen-year-old Riley Beasley is focused on her future—especially her goal of leaving the small town of Lake Glory to attend an Ivy League school. It’s a lot of pressure, and her mom’s reminders to live in the moment only make her feel more misunderstood. Even Riley’s best friend, paranormal-obsessed Genna, just doesn’t get it.
 
On the night of the Blood Moon, Genna convinces Riley to sneak out and investigate some strange lights that beckon from the woods. There the two friends discover a mysterious circus and its teenage ringleader, Starr.
 
At first, both girls are drawn to the magic of the big top. But soon, they can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t quite right. Where did all these circus kids come from? Why aren't there any adults around? Like anyone, Starr certainly has her secrets . . . but can she be trusted?
 
As the girls become more entrenched in Starr’s hypnotic world, their friendship faces the ultimate test. Will they be best friends forever? Or will the sinister truth tear them apart?

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

A magical circus lets possibilities open up and dreams soar, but the truth hidden in the shadows adds a creepy twist.

Riley is determined to win enough scholarships to attend her favorite college, but her best friend, Genna, doesn't always seem to understand why Riley has to constantly study. Instead, Genna loves all things paranormal and wishes Riley would give her just a little bit of her time. When strange lights appear in the forest, Riley finally agrees to sneak out of the house and meets Genna by an old tree, so they can investigate it. When they find a circus and a friendly boy, who leads them from one fun booth to another, they can't believe their luck. But slowly things are getting strange.

The circus comes to life in these pages with tons of excitement and fun. The girls, especially Riley, find themselves drawn in by the playful atmosphere. Everything is free...and that alone will have readers dreaming they could join in on the fun. And there is quite a bit to enjoy. While this is a spooky tale, it doesn't start that way, nor does it get creepy quick. Instead, the author carefully leads the reader into the world of fun and only dribbles in a dab of eeriness, little by little. The oddities increase, and the spook-factor tiptoes in gently. Instead of creepiness pure, readers watch as Riley's and Genna's personalities change, and this is probably the bigger part of the plot twist. The circus feeds on this in all the right ways as the danger grows and tension builds.

When I first saw this book, it reminded me of the Goosebumps series, and I'm going to stick with that comparison after finishing it. This isn't an over-the-top-book-of-scares but lets the oddness sink in with twists and turns, keeping the true danger in the shadows until the end nears. Even then, it stays in middle grade bounds. Much of the read spends time on the friendship between Riley and Genna, and their own, personal self-discoveries. I'd recommend it as a solid middle grade read, since older readers will,  most likely, want more depth and darker twists. But those who love a light, creepy read with a few thrills and chills are going to enjoy this one quite a bit.

And here she is...

Kayla Cottingham is a YA author and librarian. Her first book, My Dearest Darkest, was a New York Times and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller. Originally from Salt Lake City, Cottingham lives in Boston where she loves to go hiking in the woods, play RPGs, and snuggle on the couch with her ridiculously large black cat, Squid.