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mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
It took me several days to read this one (read a bit each day), but I am finished! And it was such a great book! With great characters, sweet romance, mystery, and creepy stuff happening.
Before I start with all the good stuff, I just need to get the fact that the blurb is a bit of a liar out of the way first.
There that was truly the only thing I didn't like. The other thing that wasn't really fun was the fact that Goodreads spoils something from the book with their shelves (which is a reason I am not adding it to that shelf). Yes, in a way you can deduce it while reading, but I definitely think when it was revealed to Mara I would have liked it more if I still was guessing and not having a clear vision on it.
The book starts off with the creepy vibes immediately, not only with that first few pages, but also when we meet our group and they travel to Caudry. You immediately got a sense of something wrong, and I was just telling them to turn away, even if it costs them money. But of course they don't, they need that money too badly, and I was just sad for them, that they knew something was up, but that they couldn't leave due to financial problems. :(
That financial problem part comes up quite a few times, at times I was a bit bored with it, as, yes I know now. You can't leave because you are broke. But really, is it worth it in the end? Various people left when the attacks began, people have gotten hurt, there was fear all over the place, worry, and much more. I am not sure if their bond (as they have quite a bond as a travelling family) got better or worse. I know there might not be a good solution now, but maybe another solution will pop by, something safer and better.
I definitely loved the fact that the supernatural powers of the people in the carnival were real. Those who had powers really had powers, it wasn't just make believe or fake. And that was a delight. We have a girl who can summon flames, people who can levitate, necromancers (though not as cool as some books make them out to be), and much more. It was a feast to read and learn about all these characters and see what made them tick. Of course each of them has a story that is quite heartbreaking, the carnival is taking people who have run away, who have no other options, who need a safe haven, and I was happy that Gideon, despite the financial stuff, still opened up and let them in. Providing them a safe place.
The whodunnit, who is the big scary monster that is lurking around, and what is going on in Caudry? Brilliantly written, and very engaging. I had a few suspects, based on how they acted, and it was fun to see the story twist and turn, providing more hints and clues to what was going on. In the end I was partially right, I can't really tell you much more than that, as that would spoil things. But I was happy I at least had parts of it right.
Mara and Gabe's romance? Some might say it was a bit too fast, but for some reason I loved it in this one. It is well written and feels honest. They are truly cute together and had a real connection and a whole bunch of chemistry. I just looked forward to their parts as much as I did to the creepy parts. Gabe was so sweet and understanding, he didn't care that Mara was from the carnival, he even protected her during several moments in the story, and I was just swooning in delight. These 2 are a match made in heaven and in a way it is a good thing that Mara came to Caudry, otherwise she wouldn't have met this wonderful man.
Their dates were adorable, though at times a bit awkward (but aren't all first dates that?).
Mara was a great character and I loved her from the get-go. She was interesting, also because at first she didn't seem to have powers (which changed later as you just knew she must have something to feel the wrongness + have dreams that she did). She is also really brave, never giving up. Though I have to say I didn't like her much when the secret of her being a Carnie got out and she just ran away, immediately thinking Gabe was the same as everyone else. It seemed overdramatic, and she didn't even give him a chance. I can imagine that her life wasn't easy, but come on, at least give someone a chance.
At the end she really showed bravery, not many people would have done what she did, and I was cheering for her.
Mara's mom? Meh, I am not sure if I liked her. At times yes, but at other times I found her violent and controlling. I know your daughter is living with you, and thus you have some control, but really, at times I was wondering if the mom knew her daughter was 18/19, or if she was still stuck thinking her daughter was 12/13.
Logan was also annoying, I really couldn't see why Selena (such a great character) was with him. He was rude, always drunk (really, why), and I disliked his attitude towards Mara. Thinking she was less than anyone because she lived with the carnival.
The book is fast-paced, there are no parts that were boring.
The carnival, the midway, it was all written in a way that I could just imagine myself walking around, enjoying the rides, the shows, the games. I could just see the glitter of the lights in the fading day as evening comes.
The ending was terrific, and I loved it. I won't delve deeper in it, as anything can be a spoiler.
I would have loved to see an epilogue, a few months later, or maybe even a year. Just to see how certain characters are doing now.
All in all, this was a terrific book and I will be re-reading it one day again. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
Before I start with all the good stuff, I just need to get the fact that the blurb is a bit of a liar out of the way first.
Spoiler
I am disappointed with the blurb. Stating workers disappear (they don't, only Blossom), and wind up dead (also no, only Blossom died and that was found out at the end). I hate it when blurbs lie. Make things seem grander than they are. Really, I would have read the book if the blurb was just honest. And besides, you could just have replaced that sentence with that people start to get attacked, that something is hunting them, and voila, it is still creepy, but now without the lies.There that was truly the only thing I didn't like. The other thing that wasn't really fun was the fact that Goodreads spoils something from the book with their shelves (which is a reason I am not adding it to that shelf). Yes, in a way you can deduce it while reading, but I definitely think when it was revealed to Mara I would have liked it more if I still was guessing and not having a clear vision on it.
The book starts off with the creepy vibes immediately, not only with that first few pages, but also when we meet our group and they travel to Caudry. You immediately got a sense of something wrong, and I was just telling them to turn away, even if it costs them money. But of course they don't, they need that money too badly, and I was just sad for them, that they knew something was up, but that they couldn't leave due to financial problems. :(
That financial problem part comes up quite a few times, at times I was a bit bored with it, as, yes I know now. You can't leave because you are broke. But really, is it worth it in the end? Various people left when the attacks began, people have gotten hurt, there was fear all over the place, worry, and much more. I am not sure if their bond (as they have quite a bond as a travelling family) got better or worse. I know there might not be a good solution now, but maybe another solution will pop by, something safer and better.
I definitely loved the fact that the supernatural powers of the people in the carnival were real. Those who had powers really had powers, it wasn't just make believe or fake. And that was a delight. We have a girl who can summon flames, people who can levitate, necromancers (though not as cool as some books make them out to be), and much more. It was a feast to read and learn about all these characters and see what made them tick. Of course each of them has a story that is quite heartbreaking, the carnival is taking people who have run away, who have no other options, who need a safe haven, and I was happy that Gideon, despite the financial stuff, still opened up and let them in. Providing them a safe place.
The whodunnit, who is the big scary monster that is lurking around, and what is going on in Caudry? Brilliantly written, and very engaging. I had a few suspects, based on how they acted, and it was fun to see the story twist and turn, providing more hints and clues to what was going on. In the end I was partially right, I can't really tell you much more than that, as that would spoil things. But I was happy I at least had parts of it right.
Mara and Gabe's romance? Some might say it was a bit too fast, but for some reason I loved it in this one. It is well written and feels honest. They are truly cute together and had a real connection and a whole bunch of chemistry. I just looked forward to their parts as much as I did to the creepy parts. Gabe was so sweet and understanding, he didn't care that Mara was from the carnival, he even protected her during several moments in the story, and I was just swooning in delight. These 2 are a match made in heaven and in a way it is a good thing that Mara came to Caudry, otherwise she wouldn't have met this wonderful man.
Their dates were adorable, though at times a bit awkward (but aren't all first dates that?).
Mara was a great character and I loved her from the get-go. She was interesting, also because at first she didn't seem to have powers (which changed later as you just knew she must have something to feel the wrongness + have dreams that she did). She is also really brave, never giving up. Though I have to say I didn't like her much when the secret of her being a Carnie got out and she just ran away, immediately thinking Gabe was the same as everyone else. It seemed overdramatic, and she didn't even give him a chance. I can imagine that her life wasn't easy, but come on, at least give someone a chance.
At the end she really showed bravery, not many people would have done what she did, and I was cheering for her.
Mara's mom? Meh, I am not sure if I liked her. At times yes, but at other times I found her violent and controlling. I know your daughter is living with you, and thus you have some control, but really, at times I was wondering if the mom knew her daughter was 18/19, or if she was still stuck thinking her daughter was 12/13.
Logan was also annoying, I really couldn't see why Selena (such a great character) was with him. He was rude, always drunk (really, why), and I disliked his attitude towards Mara. Thinking she was less than anyone because she lived with the carnival.
The book is fast-paced, there are no parts that were boring.
The carnival, the midway, it was all written in a way that I could just imagine myself walking around, enjoying the rides, the shows, the games. I could just see the glitter of the lights in the fading day as evening comes.
The ending was terrific, and I loved it. I won't delve deeper in it, as anything can be a spoiler.
I would have loved to see an epilogue, a few months later, or maybe even a year. Just to see how certain characters are doing now.
All in all, this was a terrific book and I will be re-reading it one day again. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
_itsquicko_'s review against another edition
3.0
THIS BOOK...OMG I CANT EVEN START!
4.75/5
I never expected to love this book as much as I did.
When I started this book it was only supposed to be a different read, something related to a circus or carnival, that was the main reason I picked this book up. But when I started, there was no stopping.
This book will keep you guessing until he end...literally!
The romance is amazing, the fantasy is amazing, the characters are so relatable (except their magic of course), and just the who book is AMAZING!!!
For sure a favorite read.
4.75/5
I never expected to love this book as much as I did.
When I started this book it was only supposed to be a different read, something related to a circus or carnival, that was the main reason I picked this book up. But when I started, there was no stopping.
This book will keep you guessing until he end...literally!
The romance is amazing, the fantasy is amazing, the characters are so relatable (except their magic of course), and just the who book is AMAZING!!!
For sure a favorite read.
jenpaul13's review against another edition
3.0
Carnivals have a unique quality about them where they can be both intriguing and frightening. Freeks by Amanda Hocking glimpses into a world that is a little "other" than the norm.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Mara has been traveling with Gideon Davorin's Traveling Sideshow along with her mother for most of her life. Without any discernible special ability, such as the necromancy her mother has, Mara mostly helps out setting up acts, cleaning up afterward, and running whatever errands need to be done. When Gideon is tipped off to a more lucrative venture in Caudry, Louisiana, the group travels into the swampy land to display their talents for the small town. But everything is not as it seems in the small town and mysterious, violent attacks befall the members of the sideshow. In finding out what's behind the attacks Mara embraces a power she didn't know she was capable of.
While the narrative was entertaining and engaging with the characters and atmosphere it presented, I found that the suspense of what's actually going on dragged out a bit too long with the same thing happening over and over again before any sort of resolution is presented or even built toward. The plot seemed stagnated, much like the waters of the swamp that serves as the setting for the story, and then the climax and resolution is rushed into the last few pages instead of more fully developed.
Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Mara has been traveling with Gideon Davorin's Traveling Sideshow along with her mother for most of her life. Without any discernible special ability, such as the necromancy her mother has, Mara mostly helps out setting up acts, cleaning up afterward, and running whatever errands need to be done. When Gideon is tipped off to a more lucrative venture in Caudry, Louisiana, the group travels into the swampy land to display their talents for the small town. But everything is not as it seems in the small town and mysterious, violent attacks befall the members of the sideshow. In finding out what's behind the attacks Mara embraces a power she didn't know she was capable of.
While the narrative was entertaining and engaging with the characters and atmosphere it presented, I found that the suspense of what's actually going on dragged out a bit too long with the same thing happening over and over again before any sort of resolution is presented or even built toward. The plot seemed stagnated, much like the waters of the swamp that serves as the setting for the story, and then the climax and resolution is rushed into the last few pages instead of more fully developed.
Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
aritrigupta's review against another edition
1.0
Sigh! You know you have come a long way as a reader, when you have premonitions about books. I did have some about this one, and none of them were good.
Go ahead, ask me why I still read it? Because diligent book-buying is a habit you dont normally have any control over.
Anyway, this book was all levels of sad - predictable, boring, monotonic, one-dimensional and just bleh!
So, so damn bleh.
Everything was convenient, and sadly, the author did not use any imagination to develop any part of the story. The characters are insipid and un-interesting, to be mild. The plot is, well, nothing you haven't read a thousand times before. The least [a:Amanda Hocking|3486415|Amanda Hocking|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1407171628p2/3486415.jpg] could do was repackage this wine in a more interesting or exciting bottle.
Kudos for the cover design, though!
This book is not recommended to anyone.
Go ahead, ask me why I still read it? Because diligent book-buying is a habit you dont normally have any control over.
Anyway, this book was all levels of sad - predictable, boring, monotonic, one-dimensional and just bleh!
So, so damn bleh.
Everything was convenient, and sadly, the author did not use any imagination to develop any part of the story. The characters are insipid and un-interesting, to be mild. The plot is, well, nothing you haven't read a thousand times before. The least [a:Amanda Hocking|3486415|Amanda Hocking|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1407171628p2/3486415.jpg] could do was repackage this wine in a more interesting or exciting bottle.
Kudos for the cover design, though!
This book is not recommended to anyone.
jobird's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to love this book but it just fell flat for me. I found the story and plot to be interesting. I thought I knew what was happening but I was wrong. The beginning and end were great. I just needed more from the middle. And more of an 80's vibe. And more character development of the side characters they all melted into one person for me. But overall still a good read.
demilee1369's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great story, i loved every part of this story from the characters to the events. There was a few characters that i didnt expect to be in this story that later comes into it.
demilee1369's review against another edition
4.0
Star rating: 4/5
Fav Character: Gabe
Review: This was an awesome unexpected read about a travelling freek show who is summoned to a town to preform and while there they start getting picked off by a monster. This story has a lot of characters i really loved and others i really hated. There was a lot of mystery in this story and alot of my guesses was wrong but i was correct about the secret behind Gabe. Didnt stop me from loving him and the way he is.
Who would i recommend this book to: People who enjoy a paranormal romance/ mystery story with great characters and a gripping mystery.
Fav Character: Gabe
Review: This was an awesome unexpected read about a travelling freek show who is summoned to a town to preform and while there they start getting picked off by a monster. This story has a lot of characters i really loved and others i really hated. There was a lot of mystery in this story and alot of my guesses was wrong but i was correct about the secret behind Gabe. Didnt stop me from loving him and the way he is.
Who would i recommend this book to: People who enjoy a paranormal romance/ mystery story with great characters and a gripping mystery.
ceena's review against another edition
4.0
*I received this book through Netgalley, but all opinions and thoughts are my own*
Isn't this cover absolutely stunning? I really love it.
Was the cover the reason I requested it? Mostly, but also because I had just read The Night Circus and I wanted to read something else about a circus.
These books have totally different feels. There is nothing magical about the carnival, it is treated like they are in our modern world, even if this does take place in the late 80s. It was very much set apart and I enjoyed the setting.
I also enjoyed the mystery, trying to figure out who the bad people are --even if it is a bit obvious. What isn't obvious or much explained is.... well, so much more. I'm one of those people who can finish a book and wants most of it to be settled. I like knowing,so there were a few things that have left me pointing at sections going "???"
Also there are so many characters that I did not truly feel connected to any one of them. An of course, the romance *sigh* another one of those where the only thing that connects them seems to be lust.
I enjoyed my time reading it, but was never hooked or attached. I feel like I kept waiting for something to drag me in... but I really liked the story? My confused feelings have me doubting my rating; I keep going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars, so 3.5 it is.
I also think other people may really enjoy this. If you like stories with downplayed magic, carnivals, lots of 80s references, and paranormal mysteries, then perhaps you should give this book a try.
Isn't this cover absolutely stunning? I really love it.
Was the cover the reason I requested it? Mostly, but also because I had just read The Night Circus and I wanted to read something else about a circus.
These books have totally different feels. There is nothing magical about the carnival, it is treated like they are in our modern world, even if this does take place in the late 80s. It was very much set apart and I enjoyed the setting.
I also enjoyed the mystery, trying to figure out who the bad people are --even if it is a bit obvious. What isn't obvious or much explained is.... well, so much more. I'm one of those people who can finish a book and wants most of it to be settled. I like knowing,so there were a few things that have left me pointing at sections going "???"
Also there are so many characters that I did not truly feel connected to any one of them. An of course, the romance *sigh* another one of those where the only thing that connects them seems to be lust.
I enjoyed my time reading it, but was never hooked or attached. I feel like I kept waiting for something to drag me in... but I really liked the story? My confused feelings have me doubting my rating; I keep going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars, so 3.5 it is.
I also think other people may really enjoy this. If you like stories with downplayed magic, carnivals, lots of 80s references, and paranormal mysteries, then perhaps you should give this book a try.
dia_arca_mina's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5