Pantomime

R.L. Penguin Circus follows two identities of the same person in a Victorian-inspired fantasy world: Gene, born to nobility, and Micah Grey, a circus performer. The story takes place in a setting where mysterious relics of an ancient civilization influence society and magic. Gene escapes an unwanted medical procedure and a restrictive noble life, joining a traveling circus as Micah Grey. At the circus, Micah trains as an aerialist while navigating complex relationships with the other performers and hiding a significant personal secret. The circus itself serves as a microcosm of society, full of outcasts and misfits who have created their own community despite the watchful eyes of law enforcement and social pressure. When the circus decides to stage a pantomime, events spiral into a situation that forces Micah to confront past and present identities. Through themes of identity, transformation, and acceptance, the novel explores how society's expectations shape personal freedom and self-discovery. The fantasy elements interweave with questions about gender, power, and the cost of living authentically.

Readers praise the book's unique circus setting, rich world-building, and sensitive handling of gender identity themes. Many reviews highlight the authentic character development and emotional depth of protagonist Micah Grey. Specific praise focuses on the diverse representation, magic system, and Victorian-inspired fantasy elements. One reader noted "the circus scenes transport you right into the performer's mindset." Common criticisms include a slow plot pace in the first third, some confusion about timeline shifts between chapters, and an ending that leaves many questions unanswered. Several readers mentioned wanting more details about the magic/technology aspects. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (3,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (120+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.9/5 (200+ ratings) Review quotes: "Beautiful prose but takes time to get going" - Goodreads reviewer "Unique premise held back by pacing issues" - Amazon reviewer "Complex characters in need of a faster plot" - LibraryThing reviewer

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The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley In an alternate Victorian London, a telegraphist becomes entangled with a watchmaker who possesses supernatural abilities linked to ancient Japanese technology.

The Gracekeepers by Kirsty Logan A circus performer lives on a floating world, performing with her bear while protecting secrets in a setting where ancient myths shape present reality.

🎪 The circus setting was inspired by Laura Lam's own experience as an amateur aerialist, bringing authenticity to the novel's acrobatic scenes. 🎭 The book broke new ground in YA fantasy by featuring one of the first openly intersex protagonists in the genre when it was published in 2013. ✨ "Pantomime" draws influence from both Victorian circus history and the legendary lost civilization of Atlantis, creating a unique blend of historical and mythological elements. 📚 The novel won the Bisexual Book Award in 2014 and was nominated for several other LGBTQ+ literary awards. 🌟 Before writing "Pantomime," Lam extensively researched Victorian circus traditions, including reading performers' diaries and historical accounts from the era.