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mea_91's review against another edition
5.0
This is the third anthology of Quill and Crow's that I've read, and this is by far my absolute favorite! Each story was engaging, and I love how the writers interpreted the carnival theme in their own way. Several of the stories made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end from the darkness and macabre they evoked, although all the stories were lyrical kept me coming back for more. This anthology is a perfect blend of beautiful prose and quiet horror that creeps under the skin.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
thesleepyreader79's review against another edition
5.0
Another great compilation collaboration from Cassandra Thompson and other contributing authors. This time, its carnival themed. With eleven outstanding stories, you will not be disappointed.
In this particular compilation, you'll be introduced to the Master of Fleas, a centuries old vampire, the Bone King will come for you, and you'll get to peruse The Goblin Market.
So far, I have read several of these gothic anthologies, from Cassandra Thompson and I am rarely disappointed. I love the carnival theme here. I have always been fascinated with old time carnivals with all the oddities and curiosities that come with it. The stories are all well written and short, some leaving you wanting more.
If you love short stories and carnivals, then this is the book for you.
In this particular compilation, you'll be introduced to the Master of Fleas, a centuries old vampire, the Bone King will come for you, and you'll get to peruse The Goblin Market.
So far, I have read several of these gothic anthologies, from Cassandra Thompson and I am rarely disappointed. I love the carnival theme here. I have always been fascinated with old time carnivals with all the oddities and curiosities that come with it. The stories are all well written and short, some leaving you wanting more.
If you love short stories and carnivals, then this is the book for you.
stephanie_'s review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
junglewriter's review against another edition
5.0
If the Greatest Showman was horror.
Another flawless anthology from Quill & Crow Publishing House. This collection has everything a horror fan could ask for. An undead monster that preys on stranded victims, cursed objects, insane showmen, vampires, a cosmic horror story reminiscent of Stephen King’s It plus many more to sate your macabre desires.
My favorite story in this collection is Humbug written by Brad Acevedo its about a circus proprietor who's very similar to Phineas Barnum if he dabbled in horror that is. Not only a must read for horror fans but this book is a must read for fans of good stories.
Another flawless anthology from Quill & Crow Publishing House. This collection has everything a horror fan could ask for. An undead monster that preys on stranded victims, cursed objects, insane showmen, vampires, a cosmic horror story reminiscent of Stephen King’s It plus many more to sate your macabre desires.
My favorite story in this collection is Humbug written by Brad Acevedo its about a circus proprietor who's very similar to Phineas Barnum if he dabbled in horror that is. Not only a must read for horror fans but this book is a must read for fans of good stories.
perrywolfecastle's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this anthology in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the premise of this anthology. Horror and the carnival are always a perfect fit, and each story takes the theme and makes it its own. Some of them run very close, others offer more of a side attraction to the idea of carnivals. They all work and nothing feels misplaced.
I can't say there was a dud story in the bunch, which is an impressive achievement for an anthology drawing from so many individuals.
A few of the stories jumped out and hooked me right away. A couple of others were decidedly not for me, but they were still highly readable, they just weren't to my taste, not a bad thing for an anthology, as it means the book will have something for everyone to love.
An all around good anthology and one any horror fan will be happy to own.
I really enjoyed the premise of this anthology. Horror and the carnival are always a perfect fit, and each story takes the theme and makes it its own. Some of them run very close, others offer more of a side attraction to the idea of carnivals. They all work and nothing feels misplaced.
I can't say there was a dud story in the bunch, which is an impressive achievement for an anthology drawing from so many individuals.
A few of the stories jumped out and hooked me right away. A couple of others were decidedly not for me, but they were still highly readable, they just weren't to my taste, not a bad thing for an anthology, as it means the book will have something for everyone to love.
An all around good anthology and one any horror fan will be happy to own.
leighsnerdlife's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
There's something special about carnival-themed gothic horror - that unique combination of wonder and terror can really get under your skin… and linger long after the story ends. It's one of my favourite genres, and Quill & Crow has pulled together a fantastic collection with Carnival Macabre.
Some of the contributors got very creative when integrating the carnival theme into their stories - prepare to be surprised. My personal favourite from the collection is Penny For Your Fortune by Katerini Koraki, but all of the stories are as equally fun and terrifying. So, horror enthusiasts - give it a go! (You’ll thank me later)
Quill & Crow sent me an ebook for review. (And I loved it so much I bought the paperback!)
Some of the contributors got very creative when integrating the carnival theme into their stories - prepare to be surprised. My personal favourite from the collection is Penny For Your Fortune by Katerini Koraki, but all of the stories are as equally fun and terrifying. So, horror enthusiasts - give it a go! (You’ll thank me later)
Quill & Crow sent me an ebook for review. (And I loved it so much I bought the paperback!)
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