This book was a cross between Divergent, I Am Number Four, and Harry Potter. The main character spends most of the book trying to find out whether she belongs in this crazy, amazing circus only to discover that it isn't really a circus at all, but a space ship which may or may not be a living organism. By the end, it seems that nothing will be settled unless there is a sequel or series. ( )

This book had a good foundational story, but, when you wanted the excitement to come as the story was leading you to it, it dropped the ball, the excitement only came once even though the build up was in so many chapters... So sad. ( )

A fast-paced book, which made it quick and easy to read. The technology and science-fiction aspects, like space battles, aliens and planets, made it interesting. ( )

Beatrix Ling has problems. As if it wasn't bad enough that her astronaut parents died in a rocket explosion, leaving her stuck in a boarding school full of mean girls and harsh teachers, now there is a mysterious man creeping into her room at night, trying to steal the one thing her parents left in her care. When her hair inexplicably turns bright pink, Trix knows she is in for even more trouble than usual. But before the headmistress can catch a glimpse of Trix's new 'do, Trix stumbles through a mirror at the Circus Galacticus, which she is visiting on a school field trip. And that's when she learns that the Circus Galacticus is no ordinary circus . . .

I'm not sure if it was the mostly-black cover or the circus-inspired title font, but this book languished on the "New Books" shelf at my library for some time. I was intrigued by the description on the back of the book, so I took a chance on it, and I'm glad I did. This book is a lot of fun to read. It's a little bit typical in spots (outsider orphan, bleak boarding school, then the orphan is whisked away to a life of adventure where she is accepted and valued and gets a chance to save the universe/her friends/etc.) but enjoyable nonetheless. The best part, in my opinion, was the description of Trix's life on board the Big Top as she makes new friends, experiences new food, and learns how the circus operates and finds a place within it. There's no romance, but there's a hint of the possibility of future romance, making this book just about right for the upper elementary or middle-school reader. The plot has a couple of weak spots of the sort you would expect in this type of story -- some things are not fully explained, and some things are a little too conveniently coincidental, but it's forgivable because the story as a whole is so much fun. ( )

This book is about a teen outcast who gets swept off her feet by an intergalactic circus whose members happen to be a players in a longstanding space feud. I'm sure if I were in middle school and reading this book I would absolutely love it. There are some neat ideas (intergalactic circus=awesome) though I felt like the whole plot was a little unconvincing. I think the big problem I had was that the girl who claims to be so ill-treated by society can pick a side in what is essentially a race war so easily. But, all-in-all, not a horrible way to spend a few hours. ( )