Juggler in the Wind

People have compared this book to the Percy Jackson series. That's like saying Sabrina Teenage Witch is comparable to Buffy The Vampire Slayer. The difference between those two shows is that while they both have supernatural elements, they're really entirely different shows-- and so too is Juggler and Percy Jackson. Percy Jackson is an action/adventure series with an emphasis on the physical. Juggler is a journey of the soul. There's a fight scene, but it's a metaphysical fight that's more about inner turmoil than outer. Juggler moves its plot forward through the internal growth of the protagonist, not through external violent forces, and I actually found that really refreshing. Internal growth, however, means the book has to go slowly if it wants to be successful and realistic, and so Juggler is a little molasses-like. I'm not sure how well it'll hold the attention of younger readers, but my second-best friend from middle school, who loved Tolkien and Greek classics, would have been a prime candidate, so I suppose it depends on the kid. I personally didn't mind that it was slow-- not much, anyway-- because I could see the character growth (and I LOVE character growth) and knew that the bigger plot points would resolve themselves by the end of the series. You have to be patient with this book, I guess, and with the story. But it's worth it! For some reason Juggler kept reminding me of my teenage years, when I was into pagan stuff and read a lot about nature and the spirit and whatnot. It's not a spiritual book, not in the more usual sense of spiritual, but it does promote introspection, self-evaluation, and knowing who you are on a more...a more basic level, maybe? Something like that. And that sort of thing is the sort of thing I associate with my teen years because that's the same stuff I was reading and doing! And I think it was really a good thing to have in a book, actually, especially when you compare Randy, who by the end knows much more about himself than he did at the beginning, and the Greek gods, who have spent so much time as other people they've forgotten who they really are. To reiterate: it's a good book! It's slower than most YA books, and by the end not a lot is solved re:wth these Greek gods are doing in a circus with weird human names. I do wish it had been longer, if only to get a bit more plot in there. But I guess I must have been in a really good mood when I read Juggler in the Wind, because where normally I think slow plot and small developments would have annoyed me I was perfectly fine with it here. If you'd like something a little more thoughtful and a little less dependent on fight scenes to move plot along, try Juggler in the Wind. Note: I received this book for review from the publisher.

In Buchanan, Kansas, fourteen year old Randy Carmichael lives with his single mom, an alcoholic. Randy is bored as they go nowhere; not to Topeka or even nearby Emporium. When the Circus Olympus arrives in town setting up near Randy's house, he is thrilled and looks forward to going. However, he is stunned when mom says no that he is not going without an explanation except she is the parent. His mom warns Randy to stay away from the circus. Unsure why she feels so strongly, Randy cuts school to attend the show. Unable to explain to himself why, Randy leaves town with the circus. Meanwhile the performers turn out to be the ancient Greek pantheon of Gods, who though immortal have fallen mightily since they were worshiped deities. Their circus is nearly bankrupt and the law seeks to arrest them. Randy begins to suffer from odd dreams that apparently singer Johnny "Dionysus" Vine has sent him. His mom follows ready to explain who he really is though she fears she may be too late. This is a terrific young adult thriller that provides a fascinating look at the ancient Greek Gods (mindful of classic Star Trek's Who Mourns for Adonis?). The story line is fast-paced from the moment Randy holds a magical wand and soon gets into all sorts of adventures while joining the troupe with his panic-stricken mom in hot pursuit. Although Dionysus' powers feel out place re his Olympus peers and their need for Randy, the Y.A. crowd and fans of Greek mythology will want to read the first Wand Bearer rustic fantasy. Harriet Klausner

Juggler In The Wind is a novel that will spark the imaginations of young readers. Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin are two writers who capture the attention of the reader with the adventure of the circus. Their description of the different kinds of circus performers is very vivid. The authors make me feel like I am watching a circus show in person. Fourteen year old Randy Carmichael joins the circus and discovers that he has a talent for juggling. I love Randy's progress as a juggler in this novel. I think picturing someone juggling five balls is a lot of fun. I love the character of Randy's mother Faye in the novel. Her mysterious past with magic is one of the things that the authors do an excellent job at revealing in the book. I love the element of magic in this book. There is one scene in the book where one character morphs from a snake into a lion and then a bull. There are no photos to describe this process, but it is an amazing transformation to picture in my mind while reading. There is another scene in this book where rain magically falls from the sky after a character causes it to with his words. I absolutely love the magic scenes in the book. Juggler In The Wind is the first book in a trilogy entitled The Wand Bearer. There is a preview of the next book entitled Star Road on the last few pages of this book. It seems like another fun book. I can't wait to read it.

"Baby cried the day the circus came to town, 'Cause she didn't want parades just passing by her." [Lyrics: Melissa Manchester - Don't Cry Out Loud] Book one of an intended trilogy delivers a well-placed opening serve for a promising young adult saga based on mythology, magic and mystery. The teenaged hero finds himself inexplicably drawn to a passing circus troupe going by the name Circus Olympus, which as any Percy Jackson fan will tell you, pretty much indicates where the story is going. Still, it's not quite what you'd expect, as the circus folk are a far cry from the regular regal Olympus dwellers you've met in the movies "The Lightning Thief" and "Clash of the Titans". In fact, these performers spend their time living hand to mouth and trying to stay just ahead of the law. The mystery deepens when the hero discovers that his mother also shares a connection with the little circus, and he learns that he has a special latent talent. Although some plot points get wrapped up in a jiffy in the last chapters, the ending leaves the reader out on a limb, and you get the feeling that the author was in a hurry to get on to the next book. Hopefully the next installment will have a more graceful exit. With its unusual twist on the mythology theme, this will be an interesting series to follow, and from all indications (and the preview shared at the end of the book) "Star Road" looks like one to look out for. Amanda Richards

Randy Carmichael, a fourteen-year old boy, lives with his alcoholic mother in Buchanan, Kansas. He is a good boy and usually always does as his mother, says until that fateful night when the Circus Olympus came to town. Randy's mother forbid him to go to the circus and was very upset by its arrival. Randy didn't understand this and his mother refused to talk to him about it, so when he began to hear voices calling him to the circus he knew he had to follow. Sneaking out Randy makes his way to the circus and soon becomes part of the group. This isn't your normal circus, nor are the people there normal circus performers. No, something weird and mysterious is happening and Randy knows it is something that effects the life of himself and his mother. He simply must find out what it is. Although afraid of what lies ahead, he fights through his fears to begin his journey. Wow! This is a strange read and one that will make the reader stand up and take notice. It is mysterious from the start and only gets thicker into mystery as the story continues. You keep wondering just what the Olympus Circus is and how Randy and his mother are connected to it. You don't get a clue about this until the very end of the story and then you know you will have to wait until the next book to find out more. It is packed full of characters that will both woe you and scare you. Each one seems to have a story to tell, yet cloak that story in mystery, unveiling some particles along the way. Somehow these people are connected, but how is yet unknown. Where they have come from and where they are going is a mystery. Answers only lead to more questions as you keep reading hoping for the finale. What a read. This story is sure to keep every young reader glued to its pages and waiting for the next book to find out more answers. A mysterious tale with a mist calling you to read its story. A sure winner of a read.