On his first summer home from college, Thomas's quest for an interesting job leads him to the striped tents of a touring circus where he enters a chaotic world of stunning lights and magical performances that mask a terrifying darkness beneath.

As he navigates the frightening and wondrous shadows, Thomas meets a colorful cast that includes a no-nonsense fortune-teller, a menacing acrobat, and a beautiful tightrope walker. Thomas soon discovers that the ringmaster's world is not just ugly, but also perilous, and throws himself into an impulsive rescue mission that could cost him everything.