I loved this book! The writing is spectacular. And I loved the notes at the end cluing us in to just how much research Gruen did for this book. And that research really shows in the tone and the "real-ness" of the circus. I was really afraid of this book initially because I thought it was gonna be a poorly written book fantasizing early circus life, but it wasn't at all. I was so pleased. And Jacob being in the nursing home really tugged at my heart-strings, if you'll excuse the cliche. I finished this book in about two days over the holiday break and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure story.

Better than the last few, but still not enough effort by the author to bring it back to the "glory days" of the first books in the series.

This is probably my favorite Christopher Moore book yet, even more than Lamb. Right up until the end that is, which just seemed too quick. I know that this book turned into something longer than maybe he initially wanted, but I wish he had spent more time on the final scenes. Still loved it, though!