An interesting read about a young woman trying to find stability against the odds. I enjoyed the heart-warming scenes where Alex spent time with her father. The circus scenes were fun and felt true. An enjoyable read about a girl with great courage to stand up each time life knocked her down.

Thanks to publisher Black Rose Writing, Netgalley and William Auten!
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This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 2.5 of 5

Pepper's Ghost by William Auten is an ambitious coming of age novel as Charlotte Alexandra Long ("Alex") struggles through a series of teen tropes but finds some answers in the circus sideshow where tricks serve as truths.

This is one of the most difficult sorts of books to review. There's nothing specific here that one can point to and say, "This is bad" but at the same time, there's nothing you can point to and say, "This really works." This is about as average a book as you will find.

I never got pulled into the story and Alex remained just a character in a book. Coming-of-age stories are pretty common fare for YA books, but if the central figure is distant or aloof, or otherwise doesn't capture the reader's attention, then the book becomes just another story instead of an adventure that you care about.

What drew me to the book was the circus theme. It's a popular theme in books today (it's hard to find a best-seller shelf that doesn't have at least one book set in or around a circus) but it's popular for a reason. Circus are fun and full of promise and mystery and just a little magic. But the inclusion of a circus also means that there's a bit of a promise from the author to the reader for that magic and I just didn't feel it.

There were little moments that I enjoyed though it ended a little easily and neatly.

Looking for a good book? Pepper's Ghost by William Auten is a tepid, average read.

I received a digital copy from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
young-adult Danielle UrbanAuthor 4 books154

Pepper's Ghost by William Auten is a YA read that will lure readers into its depth. The young character, Charlotte Alexandra, aka Alex, is interesting. She is un most leading female characters. What she really is surprised me...her journey was one wild roller-coaster ride after another. The dynamics of family life are played throughout this read. The parents make the life for Alex a bit more complex than should be. I d how as a main character she was constantly challenged. Alex took on each challenge moving through life the best she could do. Sometimes things worked out and sometimes not. William Auten portrayed the realities of life along with fantasy in way the just made readers myself more curious. Memories...and emotions were strong, it was easy to be swept up within them. Pepper's Ghost is a coming of age tale that comes off as entertaining, mysterious, and deep. The plot was developed and the pace was steady. Overall, I recommend it to all. Catherine33

I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of places and characters. AngelAuthor 1 book8

Took it a while to get going for me, but a good heartfelt story. Kerry142

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