I loved the setting of this book. I really felt like I was a part of the train circus and enjoyed seeing all the secrets and behind the scenes of such a mysterious part of American history. All the anecdotes and specific details of circus life was such a treat to read about. I did have one problem with this book, and it's kind of a big one. Marlena. There was never one moment where I felt I knew anything about her. Not even towards the end. How was Jacob ever in love with her? Her character was flat and didn't really have much passion or emotion at all. It was like all of sudden they are in love but the chemistry was not jumping off the pages. I wanted to like her, I wanted to root for her but I had no clue who she was.