But theres an unusual new traveler accompanying them this time.
Hes a peculiar attraction for sure the gentleman geek.
Ruby, the daughter of the carnivals owner and ringmaster, doesnt trust this new stranger.
Credit: Ryan Holt; Polis Books
Shes the resident snake charmer, and there is something in Daniels soul that slithers.
His intentions prove to be darker than anyone but her suspects.
Ruby is this very hardened, jaded person.
Ryan Holt
Daniel is this very glamorous, almost Hollywood-pop in of figure.
Its really a combination of those two things.
Miraculumis also a coming-of-age story, but one aimed at adults.
Polis Books
I wanted this to be a story for people my age, says Post, who is 36.
Its about someone thats midway through her life.
Working as the resident snake charmer is actually Rubys fallback job.
Shes also a completely tattooed woman.
But afailedtattooed woman, Post says.
Thats because her tattoos are not the sort that you would normally see in a carnival.
Theyre very symbolic, tribal in a way.
She used lots of bright colors.
What we would think of now as Sailor Jerry-key in tattoos.
Step right up, gents!
Step right up, ladies!
Prepare to be astounded, confounded and utterly shocked beyond your wildest dreams!
The carnivals pulse raced around Daniel, surging forward, parting around him like water in a cataract.
He reached his long fingers into the jacket pocket of his suit and pulled out a silver cigarette case.
Ten for one, folks!
Ten wonders for the price of one.
You wont believe your eyes once youve stepped inside!
Daniel opened the case without looking at it.
Ive got the Alligator Lady and the Lizard Man!
Ive got a Giant so tall he can barely fit inside the tent!
Daniel took out a cigarette and snapped the case shut.
He balanced the cigarette between his fingers and closed his eyes.
Daniel loved the sound of electricity.
He loved the way it reverberated in the back of his throat.
Youve never seen a prettier gal in all of Louisiana!
Dont miss out on Jolly Marjorie!
And dont forget, folks!
When youre done with the Ten Wonders of the World, the marvels just keep on coming!
Daniel kept his eyes closed.
A fight between two men broke out next to him, but he didnt flinch.
He was tasting the burnt sugar in the air.
He was smelling the greasepaint and the sour perfume and the unwashed bodies.
Theres still so much more to see!
Weve got men who can lift a thousand pounds and swallow swords!
Weve got women who can charm snakes and see your future!
Daniel fit the cigarette between his lips.
He pulled out a box of matches and shook one out into his hand.
He struck the head, smelled the sulfur and felt the heat glinting off his shiny fingernails.
He touched the match to the end of his cigarette and drew breath.
And dont forget, gents!
If you go all the way around, youll find the ladies dancing the Dance of the Seven Veils.
And let me tell you, what a dance that is!
He tossed the match into the trampled muck and took the cigarette in his fingers again.
Daniel let the smoke seep from his lips and nostrils and then he opened his eyes.
The midway was still dazzling.
Daniel lifted his head.
The stars were still there, too.
Still glittering in the night like sparks.
But there was something else.
Prepare to be amazed, folks!
Prepare to be astonished!
Scintillant, but always in shadow.
It was there, flickering at the edge of his awareness.
Prowling around the corners.
Tantalizing, yet unseen.
Hermetic, but beckoning all the same.
…youll witness an acrobatic performance of daring, grace and beauty like nothing youve ever seen!
Daniel slowly shook his head.
He had seen everything.
He had imagined everything.
A shiver darted through him.
This was more than he ever could have hoped for: something new.
Are you ready, folks?
Are you ready for it tonight?
Daniel put the cigarette back between his lips and grinned.
Oh, he was ready all right.
He was ready for the night.
He was ready for the show to begin.
