I liked it, but I didn't think it was one of the strongest books of the series. Which is really a shame because I love circus/carnival themes and my boyfriend said this was one of his favorites of the whole series. It is definitely one of, if not the, most violent book of the series. (at least so far) You can tell things with the V.F.D. mystery are picking up, but I still wish it wasn't moving so slowly. I did love the disguises and the so-called "freaks." I really like that there are bigger messages in these books then just what is on the surface.