Listed as one of Steampunk: 13 Titles To Update Your Collections

Unlike a lot of steampunk, Valentine’s novel seems to be set in a postapocalyptic future world. The Circus Tresaulti is made up of mechanically modified performers who travel the countryside, never visiting any city twice. The plot is fairly basic: a shadowy character wants to return to preapocalypse prosperity with the help of the circus, but his motives are muddled and may not actually be a good thing for the circus and its performers. This is not a flaw, however, as it lets the reader delve into Valentine’s wonderful characters and descriptive voice. Darker than a lot of steampunk, this isn’t for everyone, but it will suit fans of Angela Carter and Jack O’Connell.