Magical puppets, ruthless bandits, and dark secrets. Phyllo’s third apprenticeship is his biggest test yet.

When Phyllo’s next apprenticeship takes him to the famous Clockwork Cabaret, he’s thrown into a magical adventure like no other. Staying with his Aunt Borma and Uncle Gonzo, Phyllo’s learning the secrets of clockwork magic and puppetry under the guidance of Gian McDonald Singh.

But life on the road is far from simple. As the Cabaret travels, Phyllo quickly discovers that Gian’s magic is as coveted as it is wondrous. The Cabaret is pursued by the Crows, a magical mafia with dark intentions, and the In-Between, a band of ruthless road bandits, all intent on making Gian’s treasures theirs.

As their enemies close in, Phyllo discovers secret after secret in the Cabaret’s hidden past. In a world where every corner hides a new threat, Phyllo must summon all his courage to protect his new friends and unlock the mysteries that are sure to change everything.

For fans of magical adventures, clockwork wonders, and dangerous quests, Phyllo Cane and the Clockwork Cabaret is the perfect next read in this spellbinding series. 

I purchased a copy of this book for my own reading.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Phyllo Cane series of novels. Aimed at a young adult audience, they still make for fun and exciting reads even for older readers. To date, they’ve charted the path of young Phyllo Cane, whose magical inability in a magical circus throws his position into doubt. He embarks on a series of apprenticeships with different acts to find his niche.

This outing, Phyllo joins up with a troop outside of the Circus of Wonder, the magical Clockwork Cabaret. An act made up of puppets powered by magically imbued clockwork hearts, Phyllo seeks to learn the art of the act and find his way. Along his journey, trouble finds him in the form of the outcast Shindy performers and the ominous Crows.

While skirting danger and avoiding trouble, he embarks on his education, but what he learns is not entirely what he expected. Phyllo uncovers mysterious circumstances surrounding his past and the death of his mother. Events in this book raise plenty of questions, setting the series up nicely for the next book. I look forward to seeing where things go and getting answers to some of the many questions raised.

My rating: