A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Carnivorous Carnival

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Carnivorous Carnival by: Lemony Snicket.
Illustrator: Brett Helquist
Copyright: 2002
Pages: 286
Reading Level: 7-12

"Miracles are like meatballs because nobody knows what they are made of, where they came from or how often they should appear." - Lemony Snicket

In the 9th book in this captivating series we find the Baudelaire children hiding in the trunk of Olaf's car which they decided to jump in in the previous book.Through plenty of eavesdropping they discover that Olaf and his troupe are joining Madame Lulu's caravan Carnival. The Baudelaire's disguise themselves as freaks and decide to join the carnival as well. Sunny as Chabo the wolf baby and Violet and Klaus as a two headed person with highly differing voices.
they soon discover that a crystal ball told Olaf that one of their parents might be in the Mortmain mountains. After the 1st carnival show, Olaf announces that one of the freaks will be thrown into the lions pit at the next show. The Orphans go to discuss it with Madame Lulu and discover that her fortune telling is fake. Lulu catches them and reveals herself as someone named Olivia.
that night Esme Squalor turns up and tells them that if they get Lulu dumped into the lion pit the next day then seh will be able to join Olaf's troupe. the Orphans make plans to escape with Lulu the next day.
The next day Violet and Klaus are chosen to be thrown into the lion pit. they stall and eventually one of Olaf's henchman and Lulu are thrown into the pit and devoured.
The Orphans then discover a map up to the Mortmain mountains, Olaf appears and, still not recognizing them explains that it's the secret base to a secret organization. Tehy join Olaf's troupe and start heading to the mountains when Olaf reveals that he knew all along that they were the Baudelaire's in disguise and their caravan is cut off the train while they're on a steep slope. To be continued...

Recommend to: Preteen children, because of the complicated writing style and plot.
Problems: violence, two people are eaten by lions, might offend some people
Reaction: Once again Snicket did not dissapoin. the plot was creative and witty and kept me on my toes. the cliffhanger at the end forces the reader to continue on with this wonderful and yet thoroughly depressing story. I can't wait to find out how the Baudelaire's will get themselves out of this inventive, horrible and seemingly impossible predicament.