A magical mystery that kept me guessing

Girl on a Wire started with a stumble, but it soon found its footing and delivered a magical mystery that kept me guessing, with the added bonus of a swoonworthy, high-flying, genuinely caring love interest.

The beginning was weird, and I almost stopped after the first chapter. It was like the author didn’t know how to get the main character, Jules, and her family to the Cirque American, so she wrote up a confusing and vague trigger that did nothing to explain how it worked. Jules’ family didn’t want to join their rival family under one tent, so she runs away from home, then they’re suddenly at the circus with nothing to really clarify the in-between? Yeah, no.

BUT. I am glad I continued, as once they actually reached the circus, the plot started to thicken. Jules, determined to both have their new home accept her family and embody her role model, attempts certain daring acts, but someone will go to extreme lengths to ruin this for her. The uncertainty of whether their tokens actually possessed magic or were only psychological tricks sustained me, as did the mystery of who exactly was trying to bring her down (literally). To be honest, I did guess who it was, but I wasn’t 100% sure; it was more an inkling than dead certainty, and I was still surprised when it was revealed at the end.

I wasn’t totally convinced by the romance at first, but YES. Remy. He was a Good Guy, showing concern for her when things went pear-shaped, even though he was from the Other family. Also, can you just imagine how fit he must be as a flyer, on top of all that great personality of his? Yum. My. I had serious butterflies in my stomach when Jules and Remy finally started making out, so points for that one!

In addition to Jules, who was driven but naïve, and Remy, who was perfect (seriously), I liked the other characters and found them interesting. I felt like there was more to learn about all of them. I could connect with the main cast quite well, enough that when tragedy struck, I found myself crying in public while out on a walk. (Audiobook, remember?)

Also, it’s worth mentioning that there was a bisexual character in this, and it was pretty seamless. Or, it was to me. It wasn’t an “issue” either, which is something I really appreciate. She was just there. I’m not really qualified to discuss this in-depth, but I think she was genderqueer as well. If anyone reads the book and can correct me, please do! I am constantly trying to learn more.

EXTRA BONUS AWESOME POINTS to the author for doing her research on circus life and history. I loved learning about Bird Millman and other historical circus figures. I also loved all the customs and superstitions. When a book spurs me on to look up more information online, I know it’s a good one.

I am so glad I picked this up in the end, and I’m looking forward to reading about the magician’s daughter in Girl in the Shadows!

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