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littlelizzieborden's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cancer, Gun violence, Incest, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Forced institutionalization, Trafficking, Stalking, and Gaslighting
freshaircure's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, and Classism
bzliz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Aurelius Ashe runs the Carnivale of Curiousities but behind the scenes he can make most wishes come true, for a price. The performers of the Carnivale are a little hodgepodge of quirky characters who’ve come together as a found family. Odilon Rose is a powerful man in his own right whose ward- Charlotte- is dying. Given that he enjoys assaulting her nightly, her death would be unacceptable, so he engages Ashe’s services to save Charlotte’s life, but the consequences could be severe.
So many bad things happen in this book that I couldn’t possibly list them all. It is well written (a little overwritten, honestly) but I cannot forgive how slow the first half is. The focus changes so frequently that it can be hard to keep track of where we are and the people involved in the scene are often concealed until we’re being moved away which makes every chapter have multiple cliffhangers. I would only recommend this to someone if they asked for the grimmest book without any actual on page assault/murder.
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Incest, Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Rape, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
Minor: Body horror, Cancer, Infidelity, and Classism
A note about incest & rape/sexual assault:gondorgirl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Body horror, Chronic illness, Death, Sexual assault, Blood, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Incest, Infidelity, Rape, Toxic relationship, Violence, Stalking, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
kmartbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Speaking of characters, the ensemble in this story is both fascinating and complex. While the main characters may share the spotlight a bit too much, it is the surrounding cast that adds depth and layers to the narrative. The found family dynamic within the circus is heartwarming, showcasing the bonds of loyalty and support amidst the darkness that surrounds them. The author explores the consequences of Faustian bargains and the price one pays for fulfilling their desires in an intriguing way. Another aspect that stood out was the tangled history that connects the characters. Horrific secrets gradually come to light, adding layers of complexity to their relationships.
This is an enchanting read that will captivate fans of Victorian-era settings and mysterious circuses. It masterfully blends dark themes with beautiful prose, creating an atmospheric tale that lingers. With its compelling characters, tangled history, and a touch of magic, this novel offers a mesmerizing journey that is both thrilling and deeply uncomfortable at times.
Thank you to libro.fm, Netgalley, and the publisher for an eARC. This is an honest review.
Minor: Incest and Sexual assault
gidgetdraws's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Body shaming, Cancer, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Blood, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
nukie19's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Death, Gore, Incest, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
ashleyerne's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Carnivale of Curiosities
Publishing July 11, 2023
🎟️ 19th Century London
🎪 Gothic Fantasy
🎟️ Morally Grey Characters
🎪 Slow Burn Romance
Wow. Amiee Gibbs did an amazing job writing The Carnivale of Curiosities! All of the story lines are woven together perfectly. I enjoyed being able to see what the various characters were doing and thinking throughout the story. The gothic atmosphere of the book was incredible, and the historical aspects where amazingly showcased throughout the book.
While reading, I really had no idea who the real villain was. There are so many characters plotting and trying to come out on top, but Gibbs managed to write this in a way that wasn’t confusing and was very interesting.
While there are several villainous characters, there are so many more lovable characters. I love all the children that are part of the Carnivale. I adore Luce, Charlotte, and Dita.
The book has so many unique characters, and I enjoyed getting to know all of them!
This is easily a five star read for me! I have my fingers crossed that Amiee Gibbs will write a sequel. I need to know what happens to these characters next. 🥺🤞🏼
🛑 Please make sure to check TW before reading!
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism