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Reviews:
"A brilliant speculative dys / utopian novel. This is one of the smartest novels I have read in a long time. Well researched: philosophy, tech, behavioural sciences, anthropology. A must-read. So addictive I read in 24 hours straight." Anon, Booktopia, 5 stars
"An exciting roller coaster of a ride. the thrills do not let up for a moment. Imaginative, original, funny, warm and wise. This is one of the most original, surprising and satisfying books I have read in a long time. A twist at every turn so that you just never know what to expect, the story also has at its heart a good old fashioned love story and plenty of philosophical themes to savour and enjoy. I am already looking forward to reading it again." JG, Amazon - 5 stars
'Blanco is a delight, his diverse cast of companions is wonderful, and the plot is satisfying as it takes us on a tour through post-collapse civilisation.' '...a gem of a book that kept surprising me.' '...dystopia with hope, clear-eyed but still looking for good in the world.' Clara Redman, Amazon - 5 stars
'...a bizarre array of characters pitched into an adventure they didn’t really court. Marshall’s sharp ingenuity brings all of this to full formation. This is great reading.' G.S. Johnston, Amazon - 5 stars
'Roll up, roll up, folks! A literary extravaganza where anything can happen and everything can go wrong. Dystopian spec-fic for your entertainment and delight! But beware, gentle reader, there are cruel masters, mutants, criminals and all manner of aberrations in and around Splinter’s Magnifico Cirque du Amusementes, a circus of human curiosities trekking across the devastation which was once our beautiful planet... ...an original piece which kept me engrossed throughout... Often, particularly in rollicking adventure stories, I will like one personality more than the main character, but unique performer Blanco is The Man.' Gretchen Bernet-Ward, Goodreads - 5 stars
'I loved this confronting tale set in a ravaged future world and told from the perspective of a post apocalyptic "freak show" performer. There is plenty of adventure as well as a love story to drive the story forward. As it hurtles its way across continents, this novel reflects on what makes us human. It explores what it will take for humans to cooperate to save our home, whether artificial intelligence can improve on human intelligence, and much more besides. The author handles profound topics with a deft touch, using comic moments to lighten his dark material. Blanco, Sparrow and their band of brave, beautiful "freaks" are unique characters with fresh voices. You can't help caring about them and, through them, about all of us, imperfect creatures that we are.' Alexander Miller - Amazon UK - 5 stars
'Great characters, well drawn. An exciting, well written page-turner, some very unusual ideas, and a nice wee love affair between the two main characters - and with enough ideas about sticking together to solve problems, and perhaps take care of our planet. I raced through the book. Hope it won't be too long before we see another book from Mister Marshall.' Jaycee - Amazon UK - 5 stars
'I’m generally not a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, but this book was far from the depressing, desperate stories I usually associate with the genre. It was upbeat and funny, with likeable characters who didn’t take themselves or their situation too seriously. An enjoyable read! Definitely recommended.' Robinne Weis, Goodreads - 4 stars
'This book is getting my vote for the best-of SF adult novel 2020.' '...found myself reading obsessively until finished. Everything you need to know about the book before reading is in the blurb. Just buy the fecking thing! It's a hell of a ride.' Lynette Aspey, Goodreads - 5 stars
'The cast of characters is incredible. You really get the idea this is a working circus, with all the personnel that entails with all the freaks, roustabouts, and animal wranglers that entails -- plus an additional accompaniment of mad scientists, weapons experts and criminal masterminds that today's circuses lack. I hope. A fast-paced, engaging and fun story, full of tension and pathos. Highly recommended!' B.G. Hilton - Goodreads - 5 stars
'The Last Circus on Earth is at once gripping, more apocalyptic than dystopian, and by far the most science-y of science fiction books I’ve ever read. Mister Splinter’s Magnifico Cirque de Curiosities is not your average circus... Marshall is a visual storyteller, from the setting through to his character’s dialect and accents; his writing is imbued with atmosphere... I have truly never read anything like this before, it’s an absolute mash up of so many things: Mad Max takes on The Hunger Games with an injection of Gattaca while passing through The Island of Dr. Moreau. An absolutely wild and action-packed ride from start to finish.' Theresa Smith - theresasmithwrites.com - 4 stars
'A very well written book with lots of twists and turns that you don't see coming. This book had me intrigued from beginning to end and didn't disappoint. Honestly one of the best books I've read in a long time. Highly recommend.' Indie - Goodreads - 5 stars
'This is an excellent, page turning fantasy novel. Marshall creates a dystopian world in the near future which feels like is not far from becoming a reality. The characters are well drawn and intriguing. Thoroughly enjoyable and an exciting ride to a gripping conclusion.' LW - Amazon - 5 stars
'Unputdownable! A gargantuan literary trip that has me looking forward to Aussie novelist, BP Marshall's next outing. . .' MurrJamm - Amazon - 5 stars
'Hold on tight, as you're in for a breathtaking ride on the story rollercoaster!
I won't forget this book in a hurry. B.P. Marshall brings us a story chocfull of surprises from cover to cover. The Tao-like Chapter headings belie the heart-stopping pace of the multiple plot twists and turns. It's masterly story telling. Don't for one moment think you know what's going to happen next, this author is way ahead of you. Not one of his circus freaks are what they seem, Blanco, his 'hero' especially. Through his eyes, we experience the worst of mankind's atrocities and the ruination of life on this planet.
He not only takes us to outer reaches of the globe geographically, but peels away at the inner layers of humankind's psyche - scientifically and emotionally - and, to our surprise, leaves us with a tiny 'splinter' of hope.' Alannah Cairney - Amazon - 5 stars
'The Last Circus on Earth is set in the year 2070. It explores questions of raw survival in a lawless and disorganised world where our intrepid group is confronted by scientists attempts to answer the existential quest for connectivity. I galloped to the end of the book . It was one of the best crescendos of philological thought. I was sad that it ended. Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend.' Harvey - Booktopia - 5 stars
"The dying human race may not need another hero but it definitely needs a Blanco, Marshall’s protagonist. So climb on board, fasten your seatbelt, hold onto your hat and enjoy the exhilarating ride into the dazzling and remarkable imagination of B.P Marshall. Though essentially a tale of a dystopian future, the book serves up the grotesque and appalling, whilst remaining full of hope, warmth and humour." Judith Glover - Goodreads - 5 stars
"A very imaginative and unique take on what a post-apocalyptic/dystopian Earth could look like... I appreciated the surprising amount of optimism/hope...which can often be missing from this genre. Basically an extended road trip through a decaying world with everything from witchfinders to drug-running to train heists to bio-augmentation to a surprisingly sweet romance. Unexpectedly fun, for something that has a lot of dark moments and could easily have been a very depressing read, mainly due to the quirky characters and Blanco's quick thinking in dangerous situations." Jonah O'Brien - Goodreads - 4 stars
"The Last Circus on Earth feels like a post-apocalyptic take on Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days. There’s a destination, a deadline, a host of unexpected obstacles and an endearing cast. Except instead of Phileas Fogg and Passepartout, the travellers are a circus of ‘freaks’ and criminals.
The vivid circus community is one of the most potent features of the book. Through his protagonist and narrator Blanco, Marshall writes of supporting characters with a palpable sense of affection. The connection forged draws you in and makes you care. This feat is made more impressive by quite a large ensemble in which everyone matters. Blanco is a brilliant character.
The Last Circus on Earth is a genuine page-turner. It’s rollicking, unpretentious fun and should not be overlooked."
Damien Lawardorn - Aurealis Magazine (#137)
"Wonderful characters, brilliant world-building, added to a great plot with twists and turns aplenty, budding romance, loyalty and betrayal. It's everything you need from a book. Add to that the author's skilled prose at weaving the weird elements together in Blanco's distinctive voice and you have a page turner. A great read." Veronica Strachan - Goodreads - 5 stars
"How could you not love a book with a dog called Daisy, crazy genetically modified people, (whoops I mean circus folk) and an underbelly of crime with a sprinkle of romance. Something for everyone. Love, love, loved it." Jen Purkis, Facebook 9 / 3 /21
"An amazingly excellent read! Anyone who loves high adventure with terrific character development, a splendid setting of the future world and a pair of star-crossed lovers, will fall in love with this novel. Definitely a read more than once book! It's now on my top shelf. " Sheryl Gwyther, Facebook, 31 May 2021
"Man, this book was a romp....hugely entertaining...the plot is compulsive - truly, this is one hell of a page-turner...the remarkable cast of characters keep this story lingering in your imagination. Marshall writes with such energy and honest-to-god excitement that you can't resist being carried along on this wild and rollicking ride. Carnivale meets Indiana Jones in the aftermath of the Apocalypse. How could you not be entertained?" Adam Norris - Organiser Bellingen Readers and Writers' Festival, Harbour Magazine, June 2021
"I love a writer who loves their genre, and I love a writer even more who mixes up their genres in a way only good genre writers can. The Last Circus is a masterpiece of dystopia, steam / cyberpunk, cli-fi and romance, rolled up into a rollicking bundle of action-adventure. B.P. Marshall sits amongst the pantheon: China Mieville, Paul J Macauley, William Gibson, Paolo Bacigalupi; there is even a hint of Sheri S. Tepper - and the rest. A jolly good read, with memes and tropes emerging unscathed in an engaging and highly original way. Can't wait for the next book." Tim Cadman, Amazon - 5 stars
"A brilliant speculative dys / utopian novel. This is one of the smartest novels I have read in a long time. Well researched: philosophy, tech, behavioural sciences, anthropology. A must-read. So addictive I read in 24 hours straight." Anon, Booktopia, 5 stars
"An exciting roller coaster of a ride. the thrills do not let up for a moment. Imaginative, original, funny, warm and wise. This is one of the most original, surprising and satisfying books I have read in a long time. A twist at every turn so that you just never know what to expect, the story also has at its heart a good old fashioned love story and plenty of philosophical themes to savour and enjoy. I am already looking forward to reading it again." JG, Amazon - 5 stars
'Blanco is a delight, his diverse cast of companions is wonderful, and the plot is satisfying as it takes us on a tour through post-collapse civilisation.' '...a gem of a book that kept surprising me.' '...dystopia with hope, clear-eyed but still looking for good in the world.' Clara Redman, Amazon - 5 stars
'...a bizarre array of characters pitched into an adventure they didn’t really court. Marshall’s sharp ingenuity brings all of this to full formation. This is great reading.' G.S. Johnston, Amazon - 5 stars
'Roll up, roll up, folks! A literary extravaganza where anything can happen and everything can go wrong. Dystopian spec-fic for your entertainment and delight! But beware, gentle reader, there are cruel masters, mutants, criminals and all manner of aberrations in and around Splinter’s Magnifico Cirque du Amusementes, a circus of human curiosities trekking across the devastation which was once our beautiful planet... ...an original piece which kept me engrossed throughout... Often, particularly in rollicking adventure stories, I will like one personality more than the main character, but unique performer Blanco is The Man.' Gretchen Bernet-Ward, Goodreads - 5 stars
'I loved this confronting tale set in a ravaged future world and told from the perspective of a post apocalyptic "freak show" performer. There is plenty of adventure as well as a love story to drive the story forward. As it hurtles its way across continents, this novel reflects on what makes us human. It explores what it will take for humans to cooperate to save our home, whether artificial intelligence can improve on human intelligence, and much more besides. The author handles profound topics with a deft touch, using comic moments to lighten his dark material. Blanco, Sparrow and their band of brave, beautiful "freaks" are unique characters with fresh voices. You can't help caring about them and, through them, about all of us, imperfect creatures that we are.' Alexander Miller - Amazon UK - 5 stars
'Great characters, well drawn. An exciting, well written page-turner, some very unusual ideas, and a nice wee love affair between the two main characters - and with enough ideas about sticking together to solve problems, and perhaps take care of our planet. I raced through the book. Hope it won't be too long before we see another book from Mister Marshall.' Jaycee - Amazon UK - 5 stars
'I’m generally not a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, but this book was far from the depressing, desperate stories I usually associate with the genre. It was upbeat and funny, with likeable characters who didn’t take themselves or their situation too seriously. An enjoyable read! Definitely recommended.' Robinne Weis, Goodreads - 4 stars
'This book is getting my vote for the best-of SF adult novel 2020.' '...found myself reading obsessively until finished. Everything you need to know about the book before reading is in the blurb. Just buy the fecking thing! It's a hell of a ride.' Lynette Aspey, Goodreads - 5 stars
'The cast of characters is incredible. You really get the idea this is a working circus, with all the personnel that entails with all the freaks, roustabouts, and animal wranglers that entails -- plus an additional accompaniment of mad scientists, weapons experts and criminal masterminds that today's circuses lack. I hope. A fast-paced, engaging and fun story, full of tension and pathos. Highly recommended!' B.G. Hilton - Goodreads - 5 stars
'The Last Circus on Earth is at once gripping, more apocalyptic than dystopian, and by far the most science-y of science fiction books I’ve ever read. Mister Splinter’s Magnifico Cirque de Curiosities is not your average circus... Marshall is a visual storyteller, from the setting through to his character’s dialect and accents; his writing is imbued with atmosphere... I have truly never read anything like this before, it’s an absolute mash up of so many things: Mad Max takes on The Hunger Games with an injection of Gattaca while passing through The Island of Dr. Moreau. An absolutely wild and action-packed ride from start to finish.' Theresa Smith - theresasmithwrites.com - 4 stars
'A very well written book with lots of twists and turns that you don't see coming. This book had me intrigued from beginning to end and didn't disappoint. Honestly one of the best books I've read in a long time. Highly recommend.' Indie - Goodreads - 5 stars
'This is an excellent, page turning fantasy novel. Marshall creates a dystopian world in the near future which feels like is not far from becoming a reality. The characters are well drawn and intriguing. Thoroughly enjoyable and an exciting ride to a gripping conclusion.' LW - Amazon - 5 stars
'Unputdownable! A gargantuan literary trip that has me looking forward to Aussie novelist, BP Marshall's next outing. . .' MurrJamm - Amazon - 5 stars
'Hold on tight, as you're in for a breathtaking ride on the story rollercoaster!
I won't forget this book in a hurry. B.P. Marshall brings us a story chocfull of surprises from cover to cover. The Tao-like Chapter headings belie the heart-stopping pace of the multiple plot twists and turns. It's masterly story telling. Don't for one moment think you know what's going to happen next, this author is way ahead of you. Not one of his circus freaks are what they seem, Blanco, his 'hero' especially. Through his eyes, we experience the worst of mankind's atrocities and the ruination of life on this planet.
He not only takes us to outer reaches of the globe geographically, but peels away at the inner layers of humankind's psyche - scientifically and emotionally - and, to our surprise, leaves us with a tiny 'splinter' of hope.' Alannah Cairney - Amazon - 5 stars
'The Last Circus on Earth is set in the year 2070. It explores questions of raw survival in a lawless and disorganised world where our intrepid group is confronted by scientists attempts to answer the existential quest for connectivity. I galloped to the end of the book . It was one of the best crescendos of philological thought. I was sad that it ended. Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend.' Harvey - Booktopia - 5 stars
"The dying human race may not need another hero but it definitely needs a Blanco, Marshall’s protagonist. So climb on board, fasten your seatbelt, hold onto your hat and enjoy the exhilarating ride into the dazzling and remarkable imagination of B.P Marshall. Though essentially a tale of a dystopian future, the book serves up the grotesque and appalling, whilst remaining full of hope, warmth and humour." Judith Glover - Goodreads - 5 stars
"A very imaginative and unique take on what a post-apocalyptic/dystopian Earth could look like... I appreciated the surprising amount of optimism/hope...which can often be missing from this genre. Basically an extended road trip through a decaying world with everything from witchfinders to drug-running to train heists to bio-augmentation to a surprisingly sweet romance. Unexpectedly fun, for something that has a lot of dark moments and could easily have been a very depressing read, mainly due to the quirky characters and Blanco's quick thinking in dangerous situations." Jonah O'Brien - Goodreads - 4 stars
"The Last Circus on Earth feels like a post-apocalyptic take on Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days. There’s a destination, a deadline, a host of unexpected obstacles and an endearing cast. Except instead of Phileas Fogg and Passepartout, the travellers are a circus of ‘freaks’ and criminals.
The vivid circus community is one of the most potent features of the book. Through his protagonist and narrator Blanco, Marshall writes of supporting characters with a palpable sense of affection. The connection forged draws you in and makes you care. This feat is made more impressive by quite a large ensemble in which everyone matters. Blanco is a brilliant character.
The Last Circus on Earth is a genuine page-turner. It’s rollicking, unpretentious fun and should not be overlooked."
Damien Lawardorn - Aurealis Magazine (#137)
"Wonderful characters, brilliant world-building, added to a great plot with twists and turns aplenty, budding romance, loyalty and betrayal. It's everything you need from a book. Add to that the author's skilled prose at weaving the weird elements together in Blanco's distinctive voice and you have a page turner. A great read." Veronica Strachan - Goodreads - 5 stars
"How could you not love a book with a dog called Daisy, crazy genetically modified people, (whoops I mean circus folk) and an underbelly of crime with a sprinkle of romance. Something for everyone. Love, love, loved it." Jen Purkis, Facebook 9 / 3 /21
"An amazingly excellent read! Anyone who loves high adventure with terrific character development, a splendid setting of the future world and a pair of star-crossed lovers, will fall in love with this novel. Definitely a read more than once book! It's now on my top shelf. " Sheryl Gwyther, Facebook, 31 May 2021
"Man, this book was a romp....hugely entertaining...the plot is compulsive - truly, this is one hell of a page-turner...the remarkable cast of characters keep this story lingering in your imagination. Marshall writes with such energy and honest-to-god excitement that you can't resist being carried along on this wild and rollicking ride. Carnivale meets Indiana Jones in the aftermath of the Apocalypse. How could you not be entertained?" Adam Norris - Organiser Bellingen Readers and Writers' Festival, Harbour Magazine, June 2021
"I love a writer who loves their genre, and I love a writer even more who mixes up their genres in a way only good genre writers can. The Last Circus is a masterpiece of dystopia, steam / cyberpunk, cli-fi and romance, rolled up into a rollicking bundle of action-adventure. B.P. Marshall sits amongst the pantheon: China Mieville, Paul J Macauley, William Gibson, Paolo Bacigalupi; there is even a hint of Sheri S. Tepper - and the rest. A jolly good read, with memes and tropes emerging unscathed in an engaging and highly original way. Can't wait for the next book." Tim Cadman, Amazon - 5 stars
