Freeks

The Carnival is all she's ever known - but an old terror could tear it down.

In the spring of 1982, the carnival comes to small-town Cauldry, Louisiana. Then events take a dangerous turn. For Mara Besnick, the carnival is home. It's also a place of secrets, hidden powers and a buried past - making it hard to connect with outsiders. However, sparks fly when she meets local boy Gabe Alvarado. As they become inseparable, Mara realises Gabe is hiding his own secrets. And his family legacy could destroy Mara's world.

They find the word 'freeks' sprayed on trailers, as carnival employees start disappearing. Then workers wind up dead, killed in disturbing ways by someone or something. Mara is determined to unlock the mystery, with Gabe's help. But can they really halt this campaign of fear?

Review by Emily Meredith

Amanda Hocking has sold millions of books in her series about changelings, mermaids, and trolls. Reading Freeks, I can definitely see why.

This book holds an engaging story, with well-rounded characters and a mystery threading its way throughout.

Mara lives and works with a travelling carnival, a safe haven for people with supernatural abilities. However, members of the troupe have a strange feeling about the latest town they find themselves in, especially as members of the troupe begin to get badly injured in attacks by some sort of animal. It's confusing and terrifying.

At the same time, Mara is developing a relationship with a townie, Gabe. He's kind and sweet, but how can anything work when she's leaving in ten days? It's set in the 80s, and there are plenty of references to films and music I don't know, but the story is one of those you just don't want to put down.

About the Author

Amanda Hocking lives in Minnesota, had never sold a book before April 2010 and has now sold her millionth. She is now 'the most spectacular example of an author striking gold through ebooks' - Observer.

Amanda is an obsessive Tweeter. John Hughes mourner. Batman devotee. Muppets activist. Unicorn enthusiast. Her books include the Trylle Trilogy and the Watersong series.