The Circus at the End of the Sea

A vibrant and enchanting debut novel about an orphan girl who discovers a magical circus, perfect for fans of Kelly Barnhill and Rebecca Stead!

Maddy Adriana knows that magic is real. All her life, her heart has pulled her towards things too perfect to be ordinary. One day, that tug leads her to a magical street circus, hidden in plain sight among the canals and boardwalks of Venice Beach.

For the first time in Maddy’s life, she finally feels like she belongs. But the circus is in grave danger. Maddy will need to confront the frightening side of magic, as well as her own deepest fears, if she’s to have any hope of saving the place she dreams of calling home.

This unforgettable debut shows readers the magic of following your heart and finding where you belong. 

This enchanting urban fantasy is perfect for readers who love:

• Magical Creatures: From a wise, winged lion to mischievous sand-dancers and a loyal mimic octopus named Ophelia.
• Unlikely Friendships: An orphan girl, a cool skater boy, and a shape-shifting octopus team up to save the day.
• A Vivid Venice Beach Setting: Explore a world of magic hidden among the real-life canals, street art, and boardwalks of Venice, California.
• A Heartfelt Adventure: A story about choosing your own family, discovering your own magic, and finding the courage to protect what you love.

"Sometimes the book your heart needs is a sparkly dream circus, in which shadow and light are all part of a joyful dance. How lucky the world is to have a book like that now, Lori Snyder's light-footed and light-filled The Circus at the End of the Sea." - Anne Nesbet, award-winning author of Cloud and Wallfish

"This gorgeous story and its denizens are funny, wise, and a bit feral in the best way, showing us the beauty in embracing every part of ourselves. Maddy’s adventures and her search for belonging tugs at your heartstrings and never lets go. I found The Circus at the End of the Sea glimmering with love and magic through and through.”

“The Circus at the End of the Sea dazzles and delights with imagination and heartfelt feeling. It takes us on a journey that dares us to marvel at the magic that lies beneath the surface of the world, and more importantly the magic within our own hearts.”

"Lori Snyder's debut novel is endlessly inventive – rich with both sly humor and deep truths. As a fabulous bonus, Ophelia, the heroine's delightful octopus companion, is one of the best sidekicks ever! Adventure, mystery, heartbreak, and laughter abound in this wondrous first novel. Kids are going to love it.” - Bruce Coville, author of The Thief of Worlds

"Akin to [the adventures] of Alice in Wonderland and Dorothy in Oz. There are also intriguing existential adventures. The work is action-packed." - Kirkus Reviews

"Full of action and page-turning excitement. Readers will be engaged by her hair-raising adventures. a worthwhile read with positive messages included about perseverance, friendship, and following your own path."

"Snyder crafts a bittersweet, boundlessly imaginative story that emphasizes the bright and dark sides of life. Classic motifs help this enticing debut conjure its own special blend of magic."

"Snyder’s debut is a truly weird and wonderful ride, full of breathtaking imagery and inventive settings.... There is an earnest, uplifting tone that sustains the story. A love letter to a unique neighborhood, and a tender reminder to embrace both the light and the dark in life and in oneself." - Booklist