Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

The Carnivale of Curiosities by Amiee Gibbs

2 reviews

librarymouse's review against another edition

dark reflective slow-paced

• 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? It's complicated

3.0

I came into this wanting something similar to The Night Circus. While this didn't quite live up to expectations, I did enjoy the read. The ending felt somewhat disconnected from  the rest of the novel - unrealistic in the context of the reality the novel sets up for us as readers, and at points it felt as if there wasn't enough page time allowed for readers to come to care for the characters in any deeper way. 

The incestuous rape plotline was unexpected and added to the treachery in disgusting and interesting ways. I would have preferred the novel be more of a character study than ending with Charlotte as a zombified avenging angel, working for a devil, but readers (beggars) can't be choosers.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Cancer, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Incest, Mental illness, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Confinement and Infidelity

ashleyerne's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• 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

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing, Amiee Gibbs, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

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! 

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Content Warnings

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