I was excited to read a middle grade novel that sounded so intriguing. I expected it to be a fast read that captures my attention with magic, the worlds fair and getting lost in the late 19th century.

Aside from the usage of dates to mark time going by and the historical context of being 22 years post “The Great Fire of Chicago” the time period played little to no role. It lacked description that could have added to the feel for the time and what it would be like walking around the World’s Fair.


The plot did little to “catch” my attention and make me want to keep reading which is surprising where we are following the perspective of a magic inclined orphan girl and her developing magic and wondering of her past of which we get very little. I feel as I left with more questions than answers after finish this book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for access to this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was very happy to receive this book. Especially when I found out that it was set during the 1893 Chicago fair! It's one of my very favorite settings!
I was pulled into this book from beginning to end. I didn't want to put this book down!
This author has managed to capture this particular fair perfectly. How wonderful it would be to attend such a fair!
I loved "seeing " the huge Faris wheel and a bunch of other things, and I could also "smell " the yummy fair food, lol.
The cover is absolutely stunning. It captures the imagination perfectly!
I'm giving this story 5 stars for a job well done!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

After receiving an email from a publisher, I agreed to read an ARC from NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books in exchange for an honest review of “Come See the Fair” by Gavriel Savit.

Prior to reading this book, I had never read anything written by Savit before. The cover, the title, and the description, however, encouraged me to read this book.

Before I begin, I want to say that Savit did an incredible job on researching the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Although I’m not an expert on that fair, his descriptions were fantastic! I really could believe that I was there. I particularly loved how Savit linked peaches to Mr. Magister’s youth in Georgia and how peaches featured prominently throughout the story.

One thing that I really loved about this book was the inclusion of numerous illustrations by artist Mildred Hankinson. These illustrations were featured throughout the book and I really loved looking at them.

I congratulate Savit on getting his first MG book published, but I have a LOT of concerns about it which include:

1. Lack of Diversity. The author didn’t include any diverse characters in the book, other than foreigners. In this day and age, including diverse characters in MG books is really important.
2. Language. Savit usually writes for an older audience, and this was obvious while reading the book. I only found two instances (as far as I could tell) that included cussing: the words ‘damn’ and ‘rat bastard’. Although most people might think that this isn’t a big deal, one has to ask if including these words was absolutely necessary? In this day and age, libraries, parents, and politicians are banning books for mundane reasons. The language needs to be, and remain, clean. The other major issue I found is something that I can’t believe that the editor overlooked: sentence length. Now, I am NOT a stickler for language, but I have to be honest: Savit’s sentences were a bit overkill. For example, I counted a single sentence and got a word count of 178 words! Other sentences ranged anywhere from 63-73 words long. Some of those sentences ran on and on. As I was reading the book, I just couldn’t believe that the author didn’t break those sentences up into manageable pieces.
3. Content. The MG, Eva, is only about 13-14 years old, but Savit really piles on a lot of potentially age-inappropriate content, with most of it appearing about halfway through the book. For example, the book included suicide, theft, extortion, fraud, kidnapping, murder, grand larceny, and numerous references to alcohol and alcohol consumption. As I read the story, it seemed to me that Eva was in dire need of guidance. It felt like she was just wandering around. Of course, in 1893, the age of adulthood was much younger.

Before I even began reading this book, I wanted to fall in love with this story. For the first half of the book, that’s exactly what I did. But by the middle of the story, the run on sentences, the overly dark experiences that a MG girl was subjected to, and the almost entire lack of diversity really soured it for me.

This is Savit’s first MG book. And, like all new MG writers, I want him to succeed. Savit is a beautifully descriptive writer, and his idea for this book was creative. But I hope that Savit reads this review with an open mind and is able to reference some of the things that I pointed out as he works on his second MG novel.

Eva is a 14-year-old orphan who was adopted by a con-woman, and is made to play at being able to communicate with the dead. But at her latest attempt at a seance con, she hears a real voice tempting her to "come see the fair." A train ride and new friendship later, she visits the Chicago World's Fair with her new friend Henry, and she winds up finding a magical pavilion that no one else can see. But after bringing Henry into the Magic, they start to realize that something is amiss, and start to set about finding out what's going on and why.

This is a middle grade book, but it really doesn't feel like it. There's curious magic going on all the way through. It's delightfully unpredictable, but keeps you at the edge of your seat, waiting to learn more. I like that some of Henry's artwork is actually featured as illustrations throughout the book, and I do appreciate all the callbacks running throughout that point to a previous moment as though the book is saying, "here's that thing you forgot about. It's important now..."

I really enjoyed this book, and the glimpses of the Chicago of the past. What a great read for a history fan.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!

3.5 Stars
The description of the book gives a glimpse of what this story is about so I won't recap it. This book was such a delight, like a walk back in time with the vivid details of the time during the Chicago World’s Fair. The characters are well written and three dimensional. The story does get a little dark, not like really dark but a little like the Goosebumps stories, so I would caution parents to think about what their child is comfortable with. There are also some topics that would allow for parents and children to talk about, such as the Chicago fire, that would be a great way for difficult concepts to be discussed in a setting that is comfortable for both. It is often easier to talk about things as an outsider rather than when you are in the middle. I think the ending could have been a little more detailed so that it matched the pacing of the first part of the book but it was not a bad ending.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in advance of its publication.

Come See the Fair follows a young orphan girl who is taken in by an older woman for her ability to weave a story and make people believe it. This young girl will truly do whatever it takes to survive. Her gig continues until one day she hears a mysterious voice, one that encourages her to "Come See the Fair!" She follows this voice and runs away from her "owner" only to befriend young boy who has also inexplicably been drawn to the fair.

Over the course of time the pair eventually find the fair and Mr. Magister - a magician. The pair are enraptured by the magic until things start to feel off and dark secrets are uncovered. Then it becomes a fight for their very lives.

Overall, I can see the appeal of this story-however, it just didn't work for me. I don't have a specific reason, I was just never fully drawn in or taken by the characters. I do appreciate the author's use of history and description to bring the Chicago Fair to life though.

This novel is set in the late 1800s, largely in Chicago, in and around the World's Fair held there in 1893. There is magic in any fair, and this one is no different - but the magic is more real than figurative, for a young girl named Eva Root, and something, at the heart of the magic, is rotten.

Eva is an orphan, taken from an orphanage by Mrs. Blodgett, a woman who needed a credible child to perform seances, a common form of scam at the time. After a few years of this, Eva grabs what she can and runs from Mrs. Blodgett's less than tender care, hops on a train, and meets Henry, a boy travelling to his aunt and uncle's home in Chicago to see the Fair. Henry invites Eva to stay with his aunt and uncle, and together, the two children go off to see the Fair. Once there, however, Eva sees something she can't explain, and so begins an adventure full of Magic, and a mysterious man who introduces himself as Mr. Magister.

Drawing somewhat on historical events, this novel uses information about the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, including passing reference to Dr. H. H. Holmes, a con artist and serial murderer who was active in Chicago at that time. Due to some rather dark themes and multiple references to murder, this novel is recommended for ages high school to adult.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I finished this one but I didn't really like it. I thought the characters weren't as well developed as I would have like and I thought it took a long time to get to the real problem of the story.

This book follows two children who find a magical world in tye Chicago Worlds fair. What once seemed to be magical and wonderful soon turns dark and our two protagonists are forced to uncover the truth of the magic behind this new world.
Things are not as they appear and soon the children learn that the magician who has taken them in is not as noble as they first appeared.
There are many twists and turns in this book and I would advise caution that there are some potential trigger warnings to be aware of within these pages.
Come See The Fair combines the magic and wonder of imagination with the danger and highstakes similar to Oliver Twist.

Come See the Fair by Gavriel Savit is the newest book by this wonderful author.

This time the novel is a fantasy that takes both the reader and the characters to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair . "Come see the Fair!" is a call that 14 year old Eva Root cannot resist. She is an orphan, who rescued from the orphanage, by Mrs. Blogget, now works for her conducting seances. One night during a seance, the voice calls to Eva and she is the only one who hears it. Later that night she takes all her worldly possessions with her and jumps a train to Chicago. One the train she meets Henry, a young artist who is sketching intricate drawings of places he has never seen. He also has been called to the fair.

Eva who has always wanted to be a part of a family is quickly enveloped in the magical world the fair and Mr Magister. Henry becomes her best friend, something she has never had before. Together they spend their days going through the twists and turns of the Pavilion of Magic. There is no sense of time and it is impossible to get an understanding of the layout of the building.

Henry is given special glasses, but he is not sure if they help him to see better or if they distort his perception even more. Eva never really had any power call up the dead but maybe she has more magic in her than she thought, She has a peach that she can eat and then holding the pit she can bring back the delicious fruit again.

But sometimes what we wish may not always be for the best. Eva wants what she thinks is family and closeness. She learns that there are compromises and you have to give as well and receive. There are people who are too controlling and only think of themselves.

This is an entertaining novel, but also there are some difficult passages, the Chicago fire and death. Learning to how to suffer a loss and how to stand up for one's self. These are important lessons in this book.

At some point while reading this I went back to check that it was a middle grade book—and yes, I understand that I am saying this as an adult reading it. Weirdly enough, I could see other adults enjoying this dark, magical story, but more likely an older middle grade or early YA reader—one older than the 12-year-old protagonist. Having said that, regardless of the rough and tumble orphan trope, I think the main character makes more sense as a 13 or 14 year-old. I loved The Night Circus, and in many ways this story reminded me of that, but I would almost be inclined to say that this was a darker tale. In hindsight, the cover has a look of foreboding, but when I chose this book from NetGalley I thought it looked colorful and inviting...and that's kind of how I feel about this book. I was surprised at how everything turned out, and found myself in several instances wondering why Eva didn't use her own magic for a better, less confusing, resolution. But maybe that's just the adult in me, trying to make sense out of magic. I'll let the kids decide for themselves.

This was very desciptive and I loved the setting of the Columbian Exhibition
As for the plot, I was very confised most of the time. *Spoiler* wasn't expecting so much murder

I've left it with an "It was OK" rating. That's my personal opinion, the book just wasn't for me. But I don't think it should prevent anyone else from reading it, because really there was a lot here that was truly lovely. At this moment, I can't come up with any things that I feel need tweaking, it just wasn't the book for me.

The constant descriptions were one of the things that bogged me down. They were lovingly written, and really effective at clearly delineating the setting - and I think that's necessary for a book that's set at the Chicago World's Fair. It was hard to remember in the midst of the lush descriptions that this was an historical novel, and that the author hadn't actually been to the fair personally. That deserves genuine praise, but it didn't work for me for whatever reason.

There's also a fair amount of grief and loss dealt with by the characters, specifically Eva, which for some reason surprised me. There's some pretty complex emotions going on, culminating in a final confrontation that doesn't feel like a confrontation at all. It was largely nonviolent, in contrast with previous events, and in spite of the fact that (view spoiler). I think this might be my one real complaint, if I were to have one - there's so much loss that happens on-page, and I didn't feel entirely satisfied with the way it was handled. Eva definitely works through most of it (although (view spoiler)), but it all came as kind of a shock. The first half or 2/3 of the book is quite relaxed; Henry and Eva visit the Fair, they learn about the Magical Pavilion, they stay there for a while just vibing, and then everything kind of blows up (view spoiler) and doesn't really stop for air until the book ends and everything is resolved. And the way in which it was ultimately resolved felt hurried and confusing.

I don't often read standalones, and this might be part of my problem. I felt as though the story would have benefited from being extended just a little, even if just to give the characters a moment to settle. I was just the wrong one for this story, and possibly read it at the wrong time (admittedly I'm in a bit of a slump right now). I encourage others to give it a try!

*I was so confused whether this was middle grade or YA. The cover has major MG vibes, but the content is pretty intense at times. Maybe some crossover value? Confusions.

This is a tricky book to review and rate. Excellent writing. Interesting premise. But perhaps a little out of its genre. We follow Eva, an orphan girl who survives by performing fake seances for Mrs. Blodgett. A situation that is changed when Eva hears a real voice in her head, a voice that leads her to the Chicago World’s Fair. There’s a lot to like if you enjoy mystery, magic, history, and adventure. The problem with this book is the level of mysteries not resolved and the darkness. Perhaps better labeled as a Young Adult book.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a copy of this eArc in exchange for an honest review.

An unforgettable tale filled with mystery and magic for young readers! However, older readers should not deprive themselves of the chance to come see the fair...

2.5 Stars rounded up to 3

Come See the Fair has an interesting premise and starts out strong — so strong, that you really get into a groove. But then it comes to a near stop. As soon as Eva meets the magician, a sort of muddled haze takes over, slowing the action and making you wonder what the heck is actually going on. Unfortunately, this makes it really easy to lose interest

The sad part is that it’s clear Gavriel Savit did a lot of research about the time period and the fair itself. This part of his world-building is top-notch. But the magical elements aren’t well defined, and the characters seem to sort of float along.

Geared toward older middle readers (ages 10 and up) Come See the Fair delves into some darker topics — including kidnapping and death. I’d suggest checking it out from the library prior to purchasing.

This story is so unique and so engaging, a total page-turner I cannot wait to hold in print! A great mix of middle grade adventure and magic.

Set during the World’s Fair in Chicago, readers meet Eva, a young orphan who has been participating in false seances to earn her keep. But when she makes a friend and finds herself at the Fair, she soon discovers magic is real and that a mysterious magician has an interest in her abilities. Even magic has a price, however, which Eva unfortunately discovers, and it may be too late to fix what has been broken.

This book was okay. Eva was a strong female character, which I appreciated, and the descriptions of the magic house and the World’s Fair were very cool. But I really didn’t like one of the major plot points, which brought the book down for me. This just doesn’t feel like one of those books meant for younger readers that also translates well for adults.

I was immediately drawn into this book by the cover and the writing. You will be craving peaches after reading this. I enjoyed the first 25% of this book but it seemed to lose the plot after that. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, even the protagonist. I thought it was a great idea to write a historical fiction for middle grade but I did feel like this one became a little dark in the end

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book!.

Eva travels with her foster mother channeling loved ones at seances and making said foster mother lots of money that is in no way shared with her. It is during one of these seances that Eva hears a voice she cannot ignore telling her to come see the fair. She meets a nice boy on the train on her way that invites her to come with him to his uncle and aunts house to stay while they both see the fair. It is during one outing to the fair when Eva finds a new secret place with a magician that promises to help her grow her magic. But that is when things start to go bad and Eva is the only that can stop it if she can.
This is an interesting book that fuses history with a creep factor all to its own. A creepy mystery, but creepy it is especially when the bodies start to pile up. I like the characters and the history of the Chicago world fair it makes for an awesome backdrop for a story just like this. I believe this story has something for everyone of all ages so I hope you enjoy it as well.