When a baby turns up at the circus, abandoned in the lion’s cage on a wet autumn night in Smithfield, it marks the beginning of a gripping, historical adventure. Daniel’s never known anything but his life in the circus, travelling the road. It’s a life he loves; no two days the same always an adventure waiting to happen. But then something changes in him and he begins to ask questions about where he’s come from – and why he was abandoned. It marks the beginning of a roller-coaster ride of secret assignations, mistaken identity and kidnapping all revealing the dark side of London life. A page turning drama is propelled by convincing and likable characters.
This is an astounding, action-packed adventure tale of mystery and kidnapping, with an unforgettable cast of heroes, villains, thieves and all the stars of the circus. Left for dead in a lion's cage, baby Daniel is adopted by Hubble, owner of a traveling circus. Twelve years later, his carefree life as a bareback rider is shattered by vivid premonitions. When Josie joins the circus, Daniel realizes that his visions are coming true, but he still cannot stop the terrible fire that he had foreseen. In the aftermath he is snatched away - taken to London, gagged and bound, and he must find a way to escape. But could the city be the place to finally discover the truth behind his birth?
Graham Marks was our Guest Editor in August 2010. Click here to see his selections.
Graham Marks spent the first six years of his life following his father, an RAF pilot, between postings. He was sent to boarding school at the age of 13, and then went to Harrow School of Art to study Information Graphics. He has written a number of teen novels for Bloomsbury including Zoo and Tokyo, as well as books for Usbourne, including I Spy: The Constantinople Caper.
Graham worked as a graphic designer before becoming a fullâ€time children’s author. As well as being the former Children’s Editor of Publishing News, Graham has written everything from comic strips and film tieâ€ins to many criticallyâ€acclaimed novels for children and young adults. Graham lives in Muswell Hill, North London.
