Win a signed copy of Circus Galacticus! Details at the end of this post.

My parents always told me I was special. The trouble is, I believed them. Just like I believed they’d always be there, and that real monsters didn’t exist. Right.

I guess in a way it’s true. I’m not like the other girls at Bleeker Academy. But nobody calls me special here. They have plenty of other names for what I am.

“Hey, freak!”

I stop on my way into the gym, turn, and give Della my best guns-cocked-and-loaded stare. Yeah, I’ve heard the bit about walking away. Trust me, it doesn’t work with Della. She’s a shark, and I’ve learned not to bleed.

The hall is crammed with girls, most of them crowding around the large bulletin board. Excited chatter floats across the sea of navy blue jackets and plaid skirts. Della and her cronies have staked out a prime spot right in front of the shiny new poster decorating the board. Two gleaming golden words sprawl across the top of the page: CIRCUS GALACTICUS.

“Don’t look like that, Trix,” Della says, sweet and nasty as cough syrup. “We all know you don’t really like it here, so we found you a new home, with the rest of the freaks.”

I’ve got a half-formed insult almost ready to fire. It sputters out as I get a good look at the poster. Garishly painted faces leer at me, grotesque and gorgeous. But it’s not the alligator-man or the green-haired girl who catches my gaze and freezes me there, forgetting even to fight back.

It’s the guy in the center, the one in the electric blue top hat, reaching out as if he could take my hand and pull me right into that glittering page. I swear his smile has more wattage than every billboard in the city. And those eyes… It’s only a poster, but they remind me, somehow, of the sky out in the desert. Dark and deep and glittering, blazing with possibilities.

Excerpt copyright © 2011 Deva Fagan

About the book:

Trix can deal with being an orphan charity case at a snotty boarding school. She can hold her own when everyone else tells her not to dream big dreams. She can even fight back against the mysterious stranger in a silver mask who tries to steal the meteorite her parents trusted her to protect.

But her life is about to change forever. The Circus Galacticus has come to town, bringing acts to amaze, delight, and terrify. And now the dazzling but enigmatic young Ringmaster has offered Trix the chance to be a part of it.

Soon Trix discovers an entire universe full of deadly enemies and potential friends, not to mention space leeches, ancient alien artifacts, and exploding chocolate desserts. And she just might unravel the secrets of her own past– if she can survive long enough.

What people are saying:

“Fagan’s vibrant and tactile descriptions make for a cinematic read, and certain elements are reminiscent of such fantasy and science-fiction mainstays as Doctor Who, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Harry Potter. A book that reaches for the stars and provides a thrilling ride.”–Kirkus

“Reminiscent of the juveniles of old, Fagan’s story makes SF fun. It’s loaded with wild coincidences and easily spotted inspirations (X Men, Doctor Who), yet the underlying idea of valuing diversity, friendship, and self-esteem shines, carried by Fagan’s solid writing, appealing characters, and sprinkles of whimsy.”–Publisher’s Weekly

“An exuberant, adventurous tightrope walk over the stars.”–Lisa Mantchev, author of Eyes Like Stars

“Readers will enjoy the well-drawn interstellar setting, the thrilling intrigue, and the fantastic Big Top at the heart of it all. Highly, highly recommended!”–Elizabeth C. Bunce, author of A Curse Dark as Gold

“A determined young heroine sets out on a star-spanning showstopper of an adventure, making a wonderfully diverse set of friends and enemies along the way. Told with wit, verve and ingenuity, offering sly nods to everything from superhero comics to space opera, Circus Galacticus is a delight.”–R. J. Anderson, author of Ultraviolet

Released: November 15, 2011

About the author:

Deva Fagan is the author of Fortune’s Folly, The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle and Circus Galacticus. She lives in Maine with her husband and her dog. When she’s not writing she spends her time reading, doing geometry, and drinking copious amounts of tea. You can visit her at www.devafagan.com.

Giveaway:

Deva has been kind enough to contribute a signed copy of Circus Galacticus for a giveaway!

Just comment on this post to enter.

For extra entries:

-Be a follower of this site (just click “Join this site”) or a follower on Twitter [+1 entry each].

-Link to this contest on Twitter, Facebook, etc. [+1 entry per each link].

Please list your extra entries in the comments.

The contest is open in the US and Canada, and ends on November 30th at midnight EST.

Good luck and happy reading!

Book Trailer:

Watch the Circus Galacticus book trailer:


Tags: , , ,