MAGIC UNDER THE BIG TOP

Mysterious and magical, colorful and captivating: The circus entices, entertains, and enthralls and serves as the inspiration for this anthology.

This collection of short fiction spans genres from realistic and historical fiction to fantasy and science fiction. Whether they are set in our world or beyond our universe, all the stories center around a circus-themed narrative. Beginning with a foreword by circus educator Hovey Burgess, the volume’s 14 entries each appear with an accompanying full-page illustration. The collection as a whole is well thought out, but with the exception of editor Fan’s own captivating stories—“On Moonlit Wings,” “A Special Theory of a Circus,” and “Flyer, Flyer”—most of the narratives will not engage a wider audience. A few of the tales, such as “The Shadow Menagerie” by Karissa Laurel and “Walking an Emotional Tightrope” by Amy Bearce, present characters from the authors’ full-length novels and may be appealing to existing fans who wish to continue the adventures begun in other works, but the stories themselves leave something to be desired. Unfortunately, many of the other entries feature underdeveloped characters and lackluster plotlines that end somewhat abruptly. Despite the uneven execution, circus enthusiasts will recognize this collection as a love letter to the source of its inspiration and appreciate the authors’ showcasing of the love and dedication of circus performers and the allure of the big top.

A collection of short stories that isn’t as exciting as its subject.