17-year-old Abel Dandy has lived most of his life in 'Faeryland', a community of sideshow performers. Feeling as though he doesn't belong, Abel decides to leave and join up with another circus where he can perform hsi knife throwing act. However, he soon finds out he's been followed by Apollo, a ten-year-old 'dog boy' who was another resident of Faeryland. Abel attempts to send Apollo home, but on the way the two keep getting drawn into a series of adventures, including investigating the kidnapping of a young boy by a cruel sideshow owner.

this waz interesting.....very weird but kool

This was a school book club read. The story is ok, but I don't like the ending or the need for the supernatural in the book.

103/2009

I was delighted to see that Ms Klause wrote another YA book as I so loved Blood and Chocolate. This was interesting, intelligent, and suprisingly, sexy.

How does a normal boy living in a sideshow make his way? By striking out to find his fortune, that's how. In trying to get hired as a knife thrower, Abel is forced to do many jobs in many places he could never have dreamed of. In so doing, he grows into a responsible man with the love of a woman attached to him through many centuries. The oddity of her altered state is nothing short of a miracle.
Having traveled with a circus, I loved the diverse characters in this tale and wished them nothing but happiness. I am glad they found it in the end.

At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like the book as much as I did. But, the more I read, the more I feel in love with the characters and I couldn't wait to read the next chapter of Abel Dandy's adventure. The story almost reminds me of "The Wizard of Oz" or "Labyrinth." It is the perfect summer read if you plan on visting any county fairs or the circus. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending.

Very strange indeed....

Actually, it's a book on CD and it's been a blast to listen to. The narrator is very good and the story is chilling, compelling and sometimes really funny. I imagine reading it would be fun, but listening to it makes it come to life.

I'm not sure what age group this is to appeal to. It had enough sex and violence that it would probably be adult or at the least YA. Yet much of the writing was middle grade. The story was a cross between fantasy and historical fiction. It was ok for a read, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

It's a very intresting take on circus people in the early days of touring. It's pretty good and a fast read.

I very much enjoyed the audio version of this book. I'm not sure I would've liked it as well just reading it -- the different sideshow characters' voices really came alive and I found myself taking on the voices throughout the day.

Also, an unfortunate subplot could be tuned out while I drove--another bonus to the audio!

Outstanding book, well written and the imagery was amazing.