Neka, the boy conjuror : or, A mystery of the stage

In a violent September storm, a struggling circus caravan lurches along a muddy road toward its next uncertain stop. When a broken harness brings the procession to a halt, the sour-tempered proprietor sends Neka, a weary and mistreated boy, out into the darkness to make repairs. Thin, exhausted, and treated as little more than a servant, Neka nevertheless shows a quiet strength that sets him apart.

Behind the shabby tent and failing performances lies a gifted young conjuror whose talents may offer the circus a fresh chance. As Neka steps onto the stage, audiences are drawn to his remarkable feats—and to the air of secrecy surrounding his past. But life on the road is filled with more than tricks and applause: rivalries, sudden dangers, and threatening strangers soon test the boy’s courage and quick thinking. This lively adventure follows an underdog performer as he tries to survive the hardships of circus life while uncovering the mystery connected to his remarkable abilities.