Freeks by Amanda Hocking

Summary from Goodreads:

Welcome to Gideon Davorin’s Traveling Sideshow, where necromancy, magical visions, and pyrokinesis are more than just part of the act…

Mara has always longed for a normal life in a normal town where no one has the ability to levitate or predict the future. Instead, she roams from place to place, cleaning the tiger cage while her friends perform supernatural feats every night.

When the struggling sideshow is miraculously offered the money they need if they set up camp in Caudry, Louisiana, Mara meets local-boy Gabe…and a normal life has never been more appealing.

But before long, performers begin disappearing and bodies are found mauled by an invisible beast. Mara realizes that there’s a sinister presence lurking in the town with its sights set on getting rid of the sideshow freeks. In order to unravel the truth before the attacker kills everyone Mara holds dear, she has seven days to take control of a power she didn’t know she was capable of—one that could change her future forever.

Confession:

That cover is so awesome.  It really makes you want to reach out and pick up the book and start reading it. And the book does not disappoint.  Ms. Hocking has created a very interesting world populated by some fascinating and endearing freeks.  The story keeps you on the edge, wondering who or what is attacking the carnival.  And then when you think you have it almost figured out, sharp right turn over a cliff, into something you didn’t expect but then you nod your head saying, “yes of course!”  I loved the relationship between Mara and all of her family and friends.  I thought Gabe was perfect and even though I guessed his secret before it was revealed, I was rooting for their relationship to continue even after the curtain closed on the sideshow.   I really enjoyed spending time with Gideon Davorin’s Traveling Sideshow, and hope this isn’t really a stand alone.  The ending is left in such a way that we could easily follow Mara and Gabe into their next adventure. (Review copy received from Netgalley)