Book Review: “Girl on a Wire” by Gwenda Bond
“Girl on a Wire” by Gwenda Bond (2014)
Genre: YA, Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery
Page Length: 372 pages (hardcover edition)
Synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old Jules Maroni’s dream is to follow in her father’s footsteps as a high-wire walker. When her family is offered a prestigious role in the new Cirque American, it seems that Jules and the Amazing Maronis will finally get the spotlight they deserve. But the presence of the Flying Garcias may derail her plans. For decades, the two rival families have avoided each other as sworn enemies.
Jules ignores the drama and focuses on the wire, skyrocketing to fame as the girl in a red tutu who dances across the wire at death-defying heights. But when she discovers a peacock feather—an infamous object of bad luck—planted on her costume, Jules nearly loses her footing. She has no choice but to seek help from the unlikeliest of people: Remy Garcia, son of the Garcia clan matriarch and the best trapeze artist in the Cirque.
As more mysterious talismans believed to possess unlucky magic appear, Jules and Remy unite to find the culprit. And if they don’t figure out what’s going on soon, Jules may be the first Maroni to do the unthinkable: fall. (description from Goodreads)
Review:
Girl on a Wire immerses readers into the circus and gives a behind the scenes glimpse of what happens in the life of a traveling performer. The main character, Jules, persuades her family to join the Cirque American only to be met by the longtime rivalry of the Garcias. despite the feud, this moves seems like a good opportunity for the Maroni family, but after a series of incidents occurs it looks like someone is out to get rid of them for good.
Jules is very caring, confident, and a determined person. she wants to show the world her talent and prove her family wrong about the curse. She is a terrific performer and does some amazing high-wire acts within the story that had me on edge. There is also a little romance in the story (enemies to lovers trope) as she and Remy (one of the Garcias) start to fall for each other. As the forbidden romance becomes more intense it adds to the suspense of the novel and fuels the rivalry between the two families even more. I liked seeing Remy and Jules bond over their passion for their acts and supporting each other. They also make a great mystery solving duo!
This has been a back listed read on my TBR list and I’m so glad I finally picked it up. The story hooks you right from the beginning and I liked the hints of fantasy elements and the mystery surrounding a decades old curse. Bond’s writing is incredibly detailed and pulls the reader into life at the cirque american. It’s as if I could picture the death-defying stunts, glittery show tunes, and main stage before my very eyes.
One of the most exciting aspects of the novel besides the death-defying circus acts was piecing the mystery together. Each clue gets the reader closer to the truth (latter part of the book) and suspense is heightened. It was fun read with lots of thrills, mystery, and a bit of romance. I definitely recommend this book!
Final Verdict:
