Julia has died twice. Now she’s looking for somewhere to belong. The circus in town seemed like a perfect fit, before the fire changed everything.

Meanwhile, Max can’t remember what happened before the darkness. He investigates rumors of an enchanted circus and a missing girl. But is he ready to face not just the darkness of the circus, but his own secrets?

Amy L. Sauder’s novel Unfixed is an urban circus fantasy mixed with a murder mystery, sharing before-and-after stories from two vantages—before in third person, then afterward in first person—with occasional interjections by the author. Although this approach could make for a confusing read, committed readers will find that this story still puts on an intriguing performance.

By the end, Sauder successfully juggles not a heroes-versus-villains tale, but flawed characters who make good and bad choices. A final cliffhanger sets up a sequel Picked Up Pieces.

Best for: Young adult fans of circus tales, macabre genres, and/or paranormal mystery stories.

Discern: One torture scene and case of murder, someone has the power to touch others and turn them into moldable clay-like bodies.

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