This book follows two time periods: Present day and late 1700s / early 1800s.

The timeline in the past was fantastic. The characters were intriguing, especially Amos, the one who couldn’t speak but found his own ways to communicate with others. The traveling circus life / family seemed tough yet loving and supportive.

The timeline in the present was dull and lackluster. Simon was pathetic. Ebola was abrasive. Churchwarry felt creepy. Doyle was forgettable. Alice should have left them all behind and had her own adventure. The wrong questions were answered (I could care less why Doyle is covered in octopus tattoos), and those discoveries / events felt too convenient and neat by the end. Guess the unanswered questions are left for speculation…

It was one of the most engrossing books that I've read in awhile. Great plot and interesting characters.

What a frustrating and tedious read! I read the last 50 pages on a train with nothing else to do, and I wished so badly I HAD something else to do. There is nothing likable about any of the characters; I'm really not sure what Simon has to offer or what Alice sees in him and he is insipid and seriously devoid of personality. And while we're on the subject of Alice, I really dislike her. Enola is also just a vapid character and I wish I could just dive into the book, rip those damn tarot cards from her hand and burn them so the book could just end already. Doyle was the only character I could stomach.

But if you like books that appear to have appealing plots but end up with confusing and unanswered questions about said plot, by all means read this book.

Mermaids, a family curse, secrets, the circus, old books, libraries, a house by the sea...what's not to love?

The last line of it was beautiful, tied a long story together.

Such an unusual, strange, and captivating story! This book was really wonderful in that it was unique, well written, and really made me feel for the characters

Listened to this while walking. Because I am into family history and genealogy, I enjoyed the story, even if it has the mysticism slant. The characters are well developed and the story lines plausible, and touching.

I enjoyed this book, it had Tarot, travelling performers, books and librarians in it.... Great history and interesting story line.