27 Magical Fantasy Books About Carnivals and the Circus
Step right up and join us on a literary extravaganza that’s bound to be more thrilling than a trapeze act on caffeine. In this fantastical journey, we’ll be exploring the enchanted world of circus and carnival-themed books that will leave you spellbound and craving popcorn with a side of page-turning magic.
Whether you’re a bibliophile looking to escape into a realm of wonder, a ringmaster of imagination, or just someone searching for a novel way to enjoy the circus from the comfort of your reading nook, we’ve got you covered.
So, grab your cotton candy and join us under the big top of your imagination as we dive into this list of the best fantasy novels about the circus and carnivals.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is an enchanting journey through a magical competition between illusionists Celia and Marco, set in a mysterious circus that materializes only at night.
Their rivalry and romance play out as they create breathtaking magical wonders under their mentors’ watchful eyes.
The catch? They have no idea when the contest will end. It’s like a high-stakes game of magical hide-and-seek.
This charming and whimsical novel offers a dash of romance, spellbinding feats, and an enchanting atmosphere that will leave you yearning for more magic in your everyday life. It’s a literary tightrope walk through a fantasy wonderland that’s sure to captivate your imagination.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Scarlett Dragna’s lifelong dream is to attend Caraval, a once-a-year magical game where the line between reality and illusion blurs. When she and her sister Tella are invited to the show, they venture into a world of dark secrets and deceptive magic.
Tella is kidnapped as part of the game, and Scarlett must navigate the treacherous world of Caraval to rescue her.
As Scarlett delves deeper into the game, she discovers that nothing is what it seems, and the mastermind behind Caraval, Legend, is a master of illusion.
The book is a captivating blend of fantasy and adventure, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Dive into this mesmerizing carnival of dreams, where reality is but a fleeting mirage.
Mechanique: a Tale of the Circus Tresaulti by Genevieve Valentine
Step into a world where the boundaries between humans and machines blur into a mesmerizing spectacle.
Set in a post-apocalyptic landscape, the Circus Tresaulti is not your ordinary big top. It’s a haven for performers who’ve embraced mechanical enhancements to survive in a war-torn world.
In this mesmerizing circus, the ringmaster keeps everyone guessing, and the line between life and art becomes indistinguishable.
With its poetic prose and unforgettable characters, this is a dark and dreamlike journey that explores the blurred lines between flesh and steel, life and art and leaves you marveling at the spectacle. This is a tale that lingers in your mind long after the final act.
Nights at the Circus by Angela Carter
This captivating, genre-bending masterpiece combines historical fiction, magical realism, and feminist themes into an extraordinary literary circus.
The novel introduces us to the enigmatic Sophie Fevvers, a circus aerialist with a remarkable secret—wings. As journalist Jack Walser joins the circus to uncover the truth behind Sophie’s incredible abilities, he embarks on a journey into a world of eccentric characters and surreal events.
Carter’s storytelling is a fantastical carnival of imagination, where reality and fantasy intermingle.
Nights at the Circus is a tour de force of feminist literature, exploring themes of gender, identity, and self-discovery against the backdrop of a vividly realized Victorian-era circus. This book is a high-wire act of language and imagination, offering readers an unforgettable journey into the extraordinary.
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
A spine-tingling, coming-of-age dark fantasy set in the eerie town of Green Town, Illinois, Something Wicked This Way Comes follows two teenage boys, Jim Nightshade and Will Halloway, as they encounter a malevolent carnival that arrives mysteriously in the dead of night.
The sinister carnival, led by the enigmatic Mr. Dark, tempts the townsfolk with their deepest desires but exacts a terrible price.
As the boys and Will’s father, Charles, confront the sinister forces, they must tap into their inner courage to combat the otherworldly evil.
Bradbury’s prose is a potent mix of nostalgia and the macabre, evoking a sense of impending doom and the thrill of childhood adventure – well worth the read!
The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson
The First Bright Thing is a mesmerizing tale of time-traveling ringmaster Rin and her enchanting circus troupe, known as Sparks, who offer respite and magic to a world still recovering from World War I.
Rin’s troupe, the Circus of the Fantasticals, provides a haven for magical misfits and outcasts amid a looming war.
Rin’s ability to navigate time is as extraordinary as her wife, Odette’s, trapeze skills. However, their sanctuary is threatened from all sides.
An impending war approaches, visible to the Sparks, and Rin’s shadowy past creeps ever closer. It materializes in the form of another malevolent circus with a covetous ringmaster.
This is a compelling blend of fantasy, circus enchantment, and the found family trope.
Pantomime by Laura Lam
Follow the journey of Micah Grey, a runaway who joins a circus to escape their past and unlock their true identity.
Micah’s journey is a blend of fantasy, mystery, and adventure as they navigate the challenges of circus life, uncover hidden secrets, and confront personal truths.
As Micah learns to embrace their identity and abilities, readers are taken on a thrilling ride through a world filled with magic and wonder.
Pantomime is a spellbinding exploration of identity and the search for one’s place in the world, making it a must-read for fans of coming-of-age stories set in unique and fantastical settings.
Geek Love by Katherine Dunn
Meet the Binewski family, who run a carnival sideshow featuring a cast of self-made geeks with unusual, often grotesque, physical traits.
At the heart of the novel are Arturo Binewski, a cunning and manipulative hunchback, and his wife, Crystal Lil, who takes a range of drugs to enhance her offspring’s abnormalities.
Their children include Arty, the deformed yet charismatic leader of the carnival, and Chick, an albino dwarf who has telekinetic powers.
Geek Love is a twisted masterpiece that challenges conventional notions of beauty and normalcy, offering a compelling and thought-provoking look into the unconventional lives of its characters.
Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles
In a city shrouded in secrets and ruled by powerful magicians, the enigmatic and talented illusionist Kallia seeks to prove herself as the greatest magician of all.
She risks everything to enter a dangerous and high-stakes competition that could either elevate her to stardom or doom her forever.
As Kallia’s journey unfolds, readers are drawn into a world of dark enchantments, where nothing is as it seems and where the line between illusion and reality blurs.
Janella Angeles’s writing is immersive and lyrical, bringing to life a world where magic is both a blessing and a curse.
Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley
Micah Tuttle’s world is steeped in enchanting tales spun by his beloved grandfather, Ephraim.
These stories revolve around the Circus Mirandus, a magical circus of wonder and mystery.
When Ephraim’s health deteriorates, Micah embarks on an extraordinary quest to save him. His mission is to locate the legendary magician known as the Man Who Bends Light, the one who can turn his grandfather’s tales into reality.
As Micah embarks on this enchanting journey, he encounters a realm of magic and befriends a captivating cast of characters, each harboring unique abilities and secrets.
The Ladies of the Secret Circus by Constance Sayers
Step back in time to the mesmerizing realm of The Ladies of the Secret Circus. This enchanting novel invites readers to traverse two distinct eras: early 1920s Paris and modern-day France.
In the past, we meet Lara, a young woman who stumbles upon her family’s cryptic link to a hidden, magical circus. As she delves deeper into the circus’s mysteries, she becomes entangled in dark enchantments and a treacherous curse.
In the present, we encounter Lara’s great-granddaughter, Leonora, whose heart is drawn to the circus and her family’s enigmatic history. On a quest to unearth her family’s secrets, Leonora is thrust into a world of concealed truths, romance, and generational spells.
A must-read for enthusiasts of magical realism entwined with historical chronicles.
The Family Fortuna by Lindsay Eagar
Peak behind the curtains of the mysterious and captivating Family Fortuna circus, where the extraordinary and the bizarre take center stage.
At the heart of this story is Avita, born with feathers and a beak, who has become the star of her family’s circus. Her captivating performances terrify audiences, drawing shrieks, gasps, and fear.
Avita feeds on the thrill she evokes, but her self-image is shattered when a talented artist arrives to create posters and portrays her as a monstrous creature.
Determined to break free from her domineering father’s control and the circus’s dark reputation, Avita devises a plan to change her fate.
Calico Thunder Rides Again by TA Hernandez
In a world reshaped by the Ban, outlawing magic and giving rise to powerful crime syndicates, this enchanting fusion of circus fantasy and the Wild West unfolds.
Speakeasies deal in forbidden charms, and bootleggers traffic in rare potion ingredients. Amid this changing landscape, a magical circus shines as a sanctuary.
Jake Strickland, once a rodeo dragon rider and now owner of this exceptional circus, fights to revive its fortune. Despite his efforts, when a menacing mobster arrives to collect an old debt, Jake faces a dire ultimatum. To secure the money before an unforgiving deadline, he must resort to extreme measures.
This is a captivating tale of magic, adventure, and resilience in a world where enchantments are both cherished and prohibited.
The Circus Rose by Betsy Cornwell
The Circus Rose is a charming and lyrical retelling of the classic Snow White fairy tale set against the backdrop of a magical circus.
In this reimagined tale, a young woman named Moira is a circus performer with a unique gift for charming animals. She becomes entangled with a troupe of performers, each with their own special abilities, and discovers a sense of belonging and family within the circus.
However, as she grows closer to the circus’s enigmatic owner, Gabriel, she also uncovers secrets and dangers hidden within the big top.
Cornwell’s storytelling weaves together themes of love, friendship, and the magic of the circus, all while staying true to the timeless fairy tale’s essence.
Circus of Wonders by Elizabeth Macneal
Set in a time when curiosity and spectacle reigned, the novel follows the journey of Nell, a young woman with a unique appearance that sets her apart from the ordinary in the 19th century.
This leads her to join the circus and become its star attraction.
Her ability to blend in with the other performers, known as The Wonders, gives her a sense of belonging and purpose. However, as she navigates the circus life, she also faces prejudice, exploitation, and the relentless pursuit of fame.
Elizabeth Macneal’s storytelling is rich and immersive, delving into themes of acceptance, love, and the allure of the unusual.
Avery’s Ghost by Annie Dewell
Seventeen-year-old Evelyn, an aspiring botanist, finds herself poisoned during a fortune-telling session. To secure the antidote, she must sign a mysterious contract with Hart’s Traveling Circus, the very place where her brother, Avery, vanished before her birth.
Evelyn decides to write newspaper articles about the circus to help her family’s dire financial situation. But as she investigates, she’s met with enigmatic performances and elusive answers.
She becomes intrigued by Essence, a sideshow freak known for her lifelike portraits.
Featuring vintage circus-style illustrations, Avery’s Ghost is a macabre and suspenseful tale of family, mystery, and the pursuit of truth.
The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler
In this spellbinding novel, we follow Simon Watson, a lonely librarian in a small coastal town, and a young circus performer named Amos in the late 18th century.
As Simon’s life crumbles and his family home faces impending destruction, he stumbles upon a mysterious book that seems to hold the key to a dark family curse. The book is a log of a traveling circus, and within its pages lies a haunting connection to Simon’s own family history.
Alternating between past and present, the novel explores themes of fate, family secrets, and the power of storytelling.
It is a beautifully written tale that immerses readers in a world where the ordinary and the extraordinary intersect.
The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore
The Weight of Feathers weaves a lyrical tale of star-crossed love between two young members of feuding families within the vibrant world of traveling performers.
Lace Paloma, renowned for her mesmerizing mermaid acts, belongs to the Paloma family, while Cluck Corbeau comes from a lineage of tree-climbing tightrope walkers.
These families hold deep-seated superstitions and biases against one another, rooted in a tragic past.
When Lace and Cluck’s paths intersect, a forbidden romance blooms, defying familial expectations and societal norms.
This narrative immerses readers in a world where tradition’s weight collides with the buoyancy of love, etching an unforgettable impression on the heart.
Revelle by Lyssa Mia Smith
Readers are transported to the enchanting island of Charmant, a Prohibition-era version of New York where magic flows like bootlegged champagne and dreams can be purchased with gemstones.
Luxe Revelle, a member of the renowned Revelle family, performs in a fantastical show that disguises the family’s financial struggles. When an offer from the island’s wealthiest family presents a lifeline, Luxe agrees to pose as the mayor-to-be’s girlfriend in exchange for the financial support her family desperately needs.
Jamison Port, an orphan seeking answers about his past, arrives on Charmant, where he senses an uncanny familiarity. As he delves into the island’s enigmatic secrets, he risks uncovering a truth that could shatter his heart.
Bacchanal by Veronica G. Henry
This novel centers on Eliza Meeks, a young black woman with a magical ability to communicate with animals.
Desperate to escape her difficult past, Eliza joins the Bacchanal Carnival, where she discovers a community of outcasts and performers, each with their own extraordinary talents.
The carnival, led by the enigmatic and powerful Mama Bacchanal, is a place where magic thrives and secrets are carefully guarded.
As Eliza becomes a part of the carnival, she uncovers hidden truths about her own abilities and a dark legacy that threatens the world she has come to love.
Bacchanal is a spellbinding journey that combines history, fantasy, and the supernatural to create a unique and gripping narrative that will leave readers enthralled from the very beginning.
The Road Show by Gary Jennings
Prepare for a historical odyssey that traverses two continents. Zachary Edge, a Confederate soldier, encounters a traveling carnival troupe on his journey home at the end of the Civil War, marking the start of an unforgettable adventure.
He joins a group of showgirls, tricksters, and colorful characters and becomes enamored with Autumn Auburn, a sensuous artiste.
The novel offers a vivid portrayal of post-Civil War America, highlighting the flamboyant escapades of the troupe’s quest to return to Europe.
Gary Jennings’ storytelling captures a chaotic period in American history, replete with wild adventures, desires, and daring escapes that make for a compelling historical narrative.
Menagerie by Rachel Vincent
In this urban fantasy novel, Delilah Marlow, an ordinary woman, embarks on a journey into the hidden world of cryptids.
Set in a clandestine realm where these creatures coexist, they remain concealed from humanity.
Delilah’s life takes a sinister turn when she’s falsely accused of a crime, leading her to the eerie circus known as the Metzger’s Menagerie. In this nightmarish carnival, cryptids are stripped of their freedom and subjected to human entertainment.
Amidst the Menagerie’s horrors, Delilah emerges as a symbol of hope and rebellion, uniting the cryptids in their fight against oppression.
This dark and thought-provoking narrative delves into the intricacies of humanity while celebrating the indomitable spirit of those who challenge the established order.
Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard
Johannes Cabal, a brilliant yet morally ambiguous necromancer, takes a darkly humorous path in his quest to reclaim his soul, which he foolishly traded to the Devil.
Striking a devilish deal, he promises Satan one hundred souls in return for his own.
The narrative unveils Johannes Cabal’s extraordinary and often comical escapades as he ventures into the eerie Carnival of Discord to gather the required souls. Navigating this bizarre and otherworldly circus, he forges unexpected alliances, confronts daunting challenges, and battles supernatural entities.
This literary adventure offers a witty twist on the Faustian pact, delivering a darkly comedic and entertaining journey into the realms of necromancy and the supernatural, all led by the enigmatic and self-absorbed protagonist, Johannes Cabal.
Girl on a Wire by Gwenda Bond
Meet Jules Maroni, a skilled high-wire performer from a lineage of circus artists. Her world shifts when her family joins the rival troupe, the Flying Garcias, intensifying competition and tension. Jules stumbles upon a dark family feud and a perilous secret.
Within the circus’s enchanting realm, she connects with Remy Garcia, a fearless trapeze artist. Their romance blossoms amidst the circus’s danger and intrigue as they unravel the rivalry’s mysteries.
Girl on a Wire is a tale of love, determination, and the enchantment of the circus.
Readers will teeter on the edge of their seats, balancing high-wire thrills with the tender moments of young love.
The Adventures of Mr. Maximillian Bacchus and His Travelling Circus by Clive Barker
As the title suggests, in this novel, we are introduced to the charismatic Mr. Maximillian Bacchus, the ringmaster of the most extraordinary traveling circus.
In this enchanting world, the circus is not bound by the rules of the ordinary; it is a place where anything can happen.
Alongside Mr. Bacchus are an array of eccentric and captivating characters, including a storytelling chimpanzee, a steam-driven dragon, and a reclusive sea monster.
As the circus embarks on a fantastical journey, it encounters a series of whimsical and surreal adventures, each more extraordinary than the last.
Clive Barker’s storytelling is rich with imagination, and the novel blends elements of fantasy, fairy tale, and myth to create a unique and enchanting narrative.
Twilight Eyes by Dean Koontz
Twilight Eyes is a gripping and suspenseful horror novel that introduces readers to Slim MacKenzie, a young man with a unique gift- he can see the true nature of supernatural creatures hiding among humans.
Slim, who travels with a carnival, is known for his twilight eyes, which allow him to perceive the monstrous form hidden beneath a person’s façade.
As he encounters vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings who hide in plain sight, he becomes a reluctant hero and protector against the evil forces that threaten humanity.
The novel combines elements of horror, supernatural suspense, and psychological thriller as Slim battles both the supernatural creatures and the malevolent leader of a murderous cult.
The Circus Infinite by Khan Wong
Jes, a fugitive with extraordinary gravity-manipulating powers, is relentlessly pursued by those eager to exploit his abilities. Seeking refuge on a pleasure moon known for its carefree revelry, he inadvertently draws the attention of the ruthless crime boss controlling the resort casino.
Learning of the bounty on Jes, the crime lord delivers a chilling ultimatum: execute any assigned task, regardless of its moral darkness, or face vivisection.
With no choice, Jes reluctantly complies, plunging into a world of espionage, torture, and mayhem.
As events unfold, the crime boss sets up the circus where Jes works to take the fall for his impending narcotics operation. In response, Jes and his allies unite to thwart the mobster’s plans while evading those seeking to exploit his extraordinary powers.
