Reviews
Carniepunk: Daughter of the Midway, the Mermaid, and the Open, Lonely Sea, by Seanan McGuire
madamenovelist's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Kidnapping
catsalz's review
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
shinychick's review
3.0
Not quite as good as many of her other shorts. I can see how this could possibly dovetail with the InCryptid world, but since it didn't, I was a little less impressed.
zannez's review
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
moonshade's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
overhillunderhill's review
4.0
I love the way that Seanan McGuire writes fantasy characters like she's telling you one event in their lives. While it is always a satisfying conclusion to the specific tale being told, it always feels like the characters live on and have more tales to tell.
hissingpotatoes's review
4.5
I WANT MORE. Not because the story wasn't sufficient enough, but because it was developed so well. Ada's voice instantly hooked me, and the depth of the carnival family and her history was shown (rather than told) perfectly.
proudtobeabookaholic's review
4.0
There's something magical about a circus, isn't there? Besides the magical environment, this short story has kind of a sad ring to it. Not in a bad way, but you often think of the circus as something cheerful and happy. The mermaid theme adds to the magic in a good way.