Freaks by Kieran Larwood (review)

After being sold from one abusive freak-show owner to another, Sheba the Wolf Girl is pleasantly surprised to find camaraderie amongst her fellow freaks in her latest stint with Plumpscuttle's Peculiars. Despite their abnormalities, Mama Rat, Gigantus, Sister Moon, and Monkeyboy all welcome Sheba and she begins to settle into the milieu of Victorian London. Soon, though, news reaches the group that street children are disappearing down near the river. Putting their peculiar talents to good use, Sheba and her friends track down the culprits behind the disappearances, only to discover they may provide a link to Sheba's mysterious past. This is an unromanticized version of Victorian London; in fact, it's downright rank, as it's described mostly via the findings of Sheba's keen nose. It's if anything even more atmospheric, however, and the filthy streets, mucky river, and decaying wharfs make a perfectly gothic setting. The malodorous milieu makes an excellent backdrop for nefarious doings and narrow escapes, both of which make plenty of appearances in this fast-paced adventure through the back-alleys of London. A touch of steampunk and several allusions to Oliver Twist round the story out nicely, and fans of historical fiction, adventure, and even fantasy will find this hard to put down.