* AD | Julia Trencher has died. Twice. But Geppetto’s Circus of Strange Marvels offers hope of others like her - a place she could be welcomed, celebrated even. She didn’t know it would lead to herself and the circus vanishing amidst a mysterious fire.
Now, all that remains are the historical circus wagons at the edge of town and a darkness that a young man Max can’t seem to shake. As Max investigates the enchanted circus claims and the Trenchers abandoned mansion, the line between villains and sidekicks blurs, and revealing the circus’ secrets may come at the cost of confronting his own.
The first instalment in the Unfixed series is a dark and enigmatic tale that promises mystery and intrigue but ultimately falls short of its ambitious premise. Though it showcases a striking cover and a tantalising blurb, the novel struggles with pacing, accessibility, and character engagement, leaving readers more perplexed than enchanted.
The novel begins with a disorienting plunge into the story, offering little context or grounding for the reader. Julia Trencher’s peculiar circumstances immediately intrigue but are introduced in such a fragmented manner that it feels like starting a book halfway through. This lack of orientation is not resolved as the story progresses; instead, it deepens into a maze of ambiguity. Questions regarding the time period, setting, and even the genre remain unanswered, leaving readers adrift in a world that fails to establish its rules or stakes. Is this a fantastical realm, or does it bear some grounding in reality? These uncertainties hinder immersion and make the narrative challenging to navigate.
Sauder’s unique and quirky writing style could have been a highlight, but the prose leans heavily on abstraction, leaving much of the story open to interpretation. While some readers might appreciate the artistic ambiguity, it came at the expense of narrative engagement for me.
Pacing is another challenge. The story moves slowly, with little momentum to keep readers invested. Combined with the lack of notable character development, this makes it difficult to care about what unfolds. Julia and Max, while central to the plot, remain frustratingly flat. Their struggles and flaws are presented but not fully explored, leading to a lack of depth that extends to the supporting characters.
Despite these issues, there are glimmers of potential. The dark, mysterious atmosphere is vividly rendered, and the circus’ eerie allure hints at the imaginative storytelling the book aspires to achieve.
Unfixed has a compelling premise and a beautiful cover but is sadly let down by its execution. While some readers may resonate with its unconventional style and open-ended narrative, I felt it was frustratingly inaccessible, slow-paced, and lacking the emotional hooks necessary to sustain interest. As the first book in the series, it may set the stage for future instalments, but it does little to convince me to continue with the series.
Rating: 2 stars
Unfixed is available to buy now (paid link; commission earned).
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* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
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