Freak - The Circus of Horrors

Critics are hailing Francisco Angulo latest novel Freak as "a modern gothic masterpiece" (The New York Times) that is "impossible to put down" (Washington Post).

Set against the backdrop of a mysterious traveling circus, Freak chronicles the experiences of a group of extraordinary characters who possess uncanny abilities and physical anomalies that set them apart from mainstream society. Led by the enigmatic magician known only as "Nikola," the "freaks" of the circus unveil a riveting story of drama, suspense, romance, horror, and humanity.

As Angulo peels back the layers of his vividly drawn characters, he illuminates the struggles of those deemed abnormal and the cruelty and wonder of human nature. Heart-wrenching, chilling and tender by turns, Freak explores discrimination, revenge, compassion and redemption with sensitivity and depth.

Hailed for its "spellbinding pace and tantalizing secrets" (Chicago Tribune), Freak conjures up a world that seduces readers into the rich inner lives of beings who are at once bizarre and deeply familiar. Through elegant prose alive with stunning imagery, Diaz has crafted a novel that will haunt you long after the final page.

The boy stared with wide-eyed wonder as the circus tents bloomed up from the misty dawn like giant mushrooms come to life. He clutched his guardian's hand tightly, scarcely believing he'd been allowed to attend the show. After so many whispered stories of sideshow freaks and death-defying acts, he would finally see the spectacle for himself.

As the sun burned off the morning fog, a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and smells dazzled the boy's senses. Roars rumbled from animal cages while vendors sang out about sugared treats. Bold circus posters depicted fire-eaters, sword-swallowers, a wolfman, a bearded woman, a turtle boy and more. What strange creatures awaited him inside the striped big top?

The boy remembered his schoolmates jeering at him, calling him a "freak." But here, could the freaks walk openly, without shame? The idea filled him with awe.

A gruff voice interrupted his musings - it was time for the show to start. The boy hurried inside, clutching his ticket stub like a golden ticket. The tent flaps swept closed behind him with a whisper, and the lights dimmed...

As foreboding organ notes crept through the heavy air, the ringmaster stalked into the spotlight, cracked his whip, and proclaimed, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the greatest show on earth!"