So long, Harry Potter, now it’s time we stepped out from your shadows…

So says the characters of Son of the Ringmaster.  Aimed at the same age group and with the word magic appearing in the book maybe a handful of times, it has been unfairly compared to HP by those who haven’t read it and who’ve judged the book by its cover (see what I did there?).

But the tale of Sam Clamcorn and the circus that whips him to alternate worlds as he spends a penny in the portaloo, is as far removed from HP as could be.  Racing to find a volcanic ruby before his tyrannical, evil uncle – who wants him dead – is just par for the course.  Finding long lost relatives, and unknown powers, are as much as surprise to him as seeing women with beards, talking tigers and poodles and shapeshifting circus performers.

Not only does Sam have to contend with being separated from his adopted parents into a world of mystery, fear and enough joy to make his heart burst, but he’s not even able to pick up the phone to tell them he’s safe.  No phone lines go to the places he visits – Populis, Ordana, Clockford, Glacier Gorge and Corpus Menaco.

Along his adventure Sam meets lots of strange people (which is a very loose term when you read of some descriptions), one of which is his first ever crush, Movena.  Having never seen daylight, she’s got her own problems, but she’s taken with Sam enough to follow him around the world(s).

So Harry, you can keep your horcruxes, your Hogwarts and your Quidditch – there’s a new kid on the block.

And his name’s Sam. 

 

 

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