Series: Show Stopper #2
Release Date: 2nd August 2018
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 400
Find it on: Goodreads. BookDepository. Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review.

Synopsis

Hoshiko and Ben have been on the run since they burned Silvio Sabatini’s  circus down to the ground at the explosive finale of SHOW STOPPER. But Ben’s mother will stop at nothing to track him down  and get her revenge: backing him into a corner where he is forced  to sacrifice himself to save Hoshiko. The deadliest show on earth  has been resurrected and if Ben thought he’d seen into its dark  corners as an outsider, the true extent of the horrors that lurk  beneath the Big Top are about to be revealed as he becomes the circus’ new star attraction…

Review

Showstopper was one of my favourite books of 2017. As soon as Show Stealer came through the door I was desperate to pick it up and find out what happens next. Picking up just after Showstopper ends, this instalment had me on the edge of my seat and I could not put it down. Hayley Barker’s beautiful writing draws you in deeper and deeper until you completely immerse yourself in the action of this story.

As with the previous book the story is told in alternating chapters from Hoshiko and Ben. I really loved this narration style as you get to see how they both react to certain situations and what is happening to them when they aren’t together. Both characters are really fascinating – they come from completely different worlds but they’re both strong and determined to fight for justice.

One of the things I loved most about Show Stealer is that it really dived into the politics of the world. Things are changing but not everyone is happy about the idea of Dregs getting more rights and freedom. The world that this gripping series is set in is not a million miles away from the society around us. In that respect it makes Show Stealer even more vivid and brutal.

With the new cirque comes even bigger shows, and more horrifying moments. Show Stealer is action packed and you never know who is going to survive the night. After reading about them for two books you definitely become attached to the characters and there were more than a few heart pounding moments where I couldn’t believe what was happening to them.

Show Stealer really is an incredible sequel and I just didn’t want it to end. I have no idea what is going to come next but I cannot wait to see what’s in store. If you haven’t picked up this series yet then get buying because you absolutely won’t regret it.