A review by mudder17
The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley

5.0

I absolutely loved this follow-up to Circus Mirandus as Micah settles into circus life and tries to learn more about how his magic of tying knots can be of any use to anyone. You learn more about his friends in the circus and are introduced to new characters (including the Strongwomen, who are awesome). While I could have been happy with the first book as a standalone, I loved this follow-up as it addressed many things left open-ended in the first, including more about his grandmother. I really love the magic system in this story, where magic is explained as when you have more of you than you can hold in and it comes out as something you put into the world, whether good or bad, something you can choose. I loved how Micah was able to make friends with Fish and Terp, and how his best friend did what she could to help him figure out his magic. We see more about how the members of Circus Mirandus have chosen to use their magic to put light into the world, as opposed to what his grandmother chose to do. Without revealing any spoilers, I loved how it ended and where the Idea ended up (where I was hoping!). This was a fabulous duology and while a third book could be added (and I would love it if it were) to see what happens with the Idea, I loved this satisfying ending.