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cait_s's review against another edition
3.0
Some of these stories really spoke to me--but some were the kind of dark I don't like, since I prefer a glimmer of hope at the end. People a little more willing to face the reality of life will like this book more.
These are stories about what lurks behind the lights, and games, toy prizes, and cotton candy of a carnival. There are monsters that might want to claim your life--or your soul.
A variety of dark urban fantasy stories, with all sorts of fantastical creatures and magic. Sometimes the hero wins, even though the game is rigged--other times, the carnival claims another victim.
These are stories about what lurks behind the lights, and games, toy prizes, and cotton candy of a carnival. There are monsters that might want to claim your life--or your soul.
A variety of dark urban fantasy stories, with all sorts of fantastical creatures and magic. Sometimes the hero wins, even though the game is rigged--other times, the carnival claims another victim.
kat_a_strophe's review against another edition
5.0
A fantastic anthology/short story collection from some of my utmost favorite paranormal authors and a discovery ofo other authors that I want to read from in the future. Delicious, terrifying, adrenaline-pumping, dark, these are only some of the themes that graced these pages. I really loved this, though i was scared sh**less at one point. Guys, clown are a hell no.
Full Review:
https://thescarletreaderreviews.wordpress.com/2021/02/05/lets-run-off-to-the-carnival-or-maybe-not-carniepunk-a-bool-review/
Full Review:
https://thescarletreaderreviews.wordpress.com/2021/02/05/lets-run-off-to-the-carnival-or-maybe-not-carniepunk-a-bool-review/
technomom's review against another edition
3.0
As soon as I read about this collection on Kevin Hearne's Facebook, I knew I would be buying it. I don't care for carnivals at all, and every story will be related to one in some way - but there was just no way I was going to miss an Atticus and Oberon story! I even pre-ordered the book on Amazon, the first time I've ever done that. It was SO hard not to skip right ahead and read Hearne's contribution the moment the book was in my hot little hands, but I managed some discipline.
Rob Thurman's "Painted Love" opens the book. It is dark, but to be fair it isn't quite as dark as the only Thurman novel I've read, from the Cal Leandros series. I rather liked the twist. I adored the fiercely protective older sister, especially the way she is described. I'll rate this one at three.
I don't believe I've ever read anything by Delilah S. Dawson before, certainly not anything in the Blud universe, so I had no idea what to expect from "The Three Lives of Lydia." It was a far darker story than I would generally choose to read. I found the male love interest highly appealing. The portrayal of mental illness was horrific. I found it interesting that Dawson is an Atlantan as well as a fellow geeky mom, but I'm sure that I've never heard of her before. She does have a book coming out next year that looks promising, so I may give it a read. This one's a two.
Then there is the Iron Druid story! "The Demon Barker of Wheat Street" is set a few books back in the series' chronology (two weeks after "Two Ravens and One Crow"), so Granuaille isn't yet a full Druid. To make things even more interesting, Atticus accidentally offended the local elemental many years ago, so his magic doesn't work as well as usual in the area. The story isn't vital to the series, and knowledge of the series isn't necessary for enjoying it. Hearne's fans definitely won't want to miss it, though, and it could be used as a nice little taste of his style for new readers. Definitely a five.
I couldn't make it through "The Sweeter the Juice" by Mark Henry. Zombies are disgusting, but I was way squicked before the first walking dead even appeared on the scene. A one, just because there are no zeroes.
Jaye Wells is another new-to-me author, as far as I can remember at the moment. I didn't really like "The Werewife," to be honest. There was no joy anywhere in this story. There wasn't even a hint that perhaps the couple in the story had been happy together at one time. Both of them seemed pretty miserable, and I didn't like the way it ended. It didn't seem like there was any way to give them a happy ending, but that ending didn't feel "true." It gets a two, and that's only to set it apart from the previous story.
"The Cold Girl" by Rachel Caine is about an abusive teen relationship. Oh, and vampires. I'm not a Caine fan, but this story was better than some of her other work. Again, too dark for my tastes. If half stars were possible, it would have one. I'll be nice and round up to three.
The name Allison Pang sounds familiar, so maybe I've read something by her in the past. If I did, I'm certain that it wasn't set in the same world as "A Duet With Darkness," which says it is an Abby Sinclair story. I found the main character to be an annoying, immature twit, but I'm a sucker for fiction with musical influences. The music is well-done here. I don't know if I will read anything more by Ms. Pang or not - I suppose that depends on whether or not her other work has better characters and is also musical. This one gets a four.
I found "Recession of the Divine" by Hillary Jacques fascinating. The Greek inspiration was unusual. I didn't really buy the customers being quite so unquestioning of Ophelia's state, but it wasn't a major complaint overall. I was highly disappointed to find nothing but a credit in another anthology for her. But! Reading the author profiles at the end of the book pays off, because that's how I learned that she also writes as Regan Summers. Now her works published under that name are on my to-read shelf. Another five.
Jennifer Estep's "Parlor Tricks" was actually released free on Amazon a little while back to promote Carniepunk, so it was the first story I read. I enjoy the Elemental Assassin series in general, and this story is no exception. Again, knowledge of the series is not required to understand the story, and the story is not vital to the series. It is a nice little sample, though, and I enjoyed seeing Gin and Bria having a sisterly outing. I'm probably biased, but it gets a five.
I liked Kelly Meding's "Freak House" a lot, and her name sounded familiar, but the story was set in the "Strays" universe, which I was certain I had never heard of before. I actually stirred myself to look her up, and learned that I've had one of her books on my to-read list for ages, and Strays is a new series she's just starting. Djinn, werewolves, vampires, pixies, harpies, leprechauns, skinwalkers, and more, some "out" to humans, some living hidden - what's not to love? This one gets a four.
Nicole Peeler us yet another author who sounded vaguely familiar to me, and yep, there is one of her books on my to-read list (yes, it is massive, why do you ask?). It is, in fact, the first of the Jane True books, and "The Inside Man" is set in that world. Peeler's writing style dies not flow for me, but I liked Capitola Jones and her friends Shar and Moo. As clowns are indisputably evil, I had little to complain about in the story. It gets a three.
Succubus (former?) Jezzie is the main character in Jackie Kessler's story "A Chance in Hell." Obviously, the story is set her Hell on Earth series. I had to look that up, though, because while I know you're shocked, her name did not ring any bells for me. I don't actually have ALL the urban fantasy books on my to-read or read lists! The piece opens with a confusing remark about a demon eating Jezebel's face, when that definitely is not the anatomy in question. If that's a common euphemism, it is wholly new to me. Within the next couple of pages there are multiple references to the fact that she has fallen in love with a human since becoming mortal, but absolutely no explanation of how she would reconcile sex with an incubus with her human love. As much as I would prefer that it were not the case, the default assumption in our society is that people are monogamous. Therefore, when there is a deviation from that norm, the reader expects - something. Is it supposed to demonstrate that the fictional society is different? Is the character in an explicitly non-monogamous relationship? Is her love unrequited? Is the guy dead? Do demons not count? Is she just a skanky ho? Then this great love isn't mentioned again for the rest of the story, so none of the questions raised are answered. Oh. There is, in fact, a plot here, but I was so annoyed by that stuff that I almost failed to notice it. Demonic circus, yo. The whole demon thing reminds me too much of another series I've read in the past. I can't even remember the author's name, much less the title, right now, but Kessler's work feels derivative. She gets a two.
Next up is Kelly Gay - Hey look! Another author whose name I don't recognize! - with "Hell's Menagerie," a Charlie Madigan short story. Okay, this series is set in an alternate Atlanta. As an Atlanta girl, that certainly gets my attention. And Charlie is a single mother. I don't recall any other single mothers in the UF world right off. (Kate Daniels doesn't quite count, because she adopted her daughter as a teen. Although it is interesting to note that Kate is also Atlanta-based.) I was ready to like this one, based solely on what I knew of the series. Then there was a grammatical error on the second page of the story that set my teeth on edge, one which could not be chalked up to a character's voice. Add in the fact that we get a fast, "and also, Jim" style introduction to Charlie (who isn't even present in the story!), Rex, and Emma in less than two pages, and I am officially annoyed. It isn't an old matinee movie, so surely that information could have been worked in a little more naturally? Emma won me over. Mostly. There's some, "Not another super-gifted kid," reaction, but I guess if the mother is supposed to be all that it's to be expected that the daughter might be special, too. Hmm. A three.
The last piece is Seaman McGuire's "Daughter of the Midway, the Mermaid, and the Open, Lonely, Sea." Is that title a mouthful, or what? It has the feel of a Toby Daye story, although it isn't subtitled as such, and there are no fae so maybe it isn't in that universe at all. As there are other stories in the book that are set in the same world as their author's series, yet not marked in any way, lack of a subtitle can't be taken as a negative indicator, though. In any case, the story is poignant, which I've come to expect from McGuire. I didn't really like it, but I didn't dislike it, either. I couldn't "feel" Ada in any true sense. I have the same problem with Toby. A three at best.
Overall, the book was decent. The ratings only average out to 3.21, but I'm very glad to have read the stories by Hearne and Estep. Discovering Jacques/Summers was absolutely worthwhile. I really hate that I read as much of Henry's story as I did. If I could delete that from my memory, it would probably raise the rating for everything else.
Rob Thurman's "Painted Love" opens the book. It is dark, but to be fair it isn't quite as dark as the only Thurman novel I've read, from the Cal Leandros series. I rather liked the twist. I adored the fiercely protective older sister, especially the way she is described. I'll rate this one at three.
I don't believe I've ever read anything by Delilah S. Dawson before, certainly not anything in the Blud universe, so I had no idea what to expect from "The Three Lives of Lydia." It was a far darker story than I would generally choose to read. I found the male love interest highly appealing. The portrayal of mental illness was horrific. I found it interesting that Dawson is an Atlantan as well as a fellow geeky mom, but I'm sure that I've never heard of her before. She does have a book coming out next year that looks promising, so I may give it a read. This one's a two.
Then there is the Iron Druid story! "The Demon Barker of Wheat Street" is set a few books back in the series' chronology (two weeks after "Two Ravens and One Crow"), so Granuaille isn't yet a full Druid. To make things even more interesting, Atticus accidentally offended the local elemental many years ago, so his magic doesn't work as well as usual in the area. The story isn't vital to the series, and knowledge of the series isn't necessary for enjoying it. Hearne's fans definitely won't want to miss it, though, and it could be used as a nice little taste of his style for new readers. Definitely a five.
I couldn't make it through "The Sweeter the Juice" by Mark Henry. Zombies are disgusting, but I was way squicked before the first walking dead even appeared on the scene. A one, just because there are no zeroes.
Jaye Wells is another new-to-me author, as far as I can remember at the moment. I didn't really like "The Werewife," to be honest. There was no joy anywhere in this story. There wasn't even a hint that perhaps the couple in the story had been happy together at one time. Both of them seemed pretty miserable, and I didn't like the way it ended. It didn't seem like there was any way to give them a happy ending, but that ending didn't feel "true." It gets a two, and that's only to set it apart from the previous story.
"The Cold Girl" by Rachel Caine is about an abusive teen relationship. Oh, and vampires. I'm not a Caine fan, but this story was better than some of her other work. Again, too dark for my tastes. If half stars were possible, it would have one. I'll be nice and round up to three.
The name Allison Pang sounds familiar, so maybe I've read something by her in the past. If I did, I'm certain that it wasn't set in the same world as "A Duet With Darkness," which says it is an Abby Sinclair story. I found the main character to be an annoying, immature twit, but I'm a sucker for fiction with musical influences. The music is well-done here. I don't know if I will read anything more by Ms. Pang or not - I suppose that depends on whether or not her other work has better characters and is also musical. This one gets a four.
I found "Recession of the Divine" by Hillary Jacques fascinating. The Greek inspiration was unusual. I didn't really buy the customers being quite so unquestioning of Ophelia's state, but it wasn't a major complaint overall. I was highly disappointed to find nothing but a credit in another anthology for her. But! Reading the author profiles at the end of the book pays off, because that's how I learned that she also writes as Regan Summers. Now her works published under that name are on my to-read shelf. Another five.
Jennifer Estep's "Parlor Tricks" was actually released free on Amazon a little while back to promote Carniepunk, so it was the first story I read. I enjoy the Elemental Assassin series in general, and this story is no exception. Again, knowledge of the series is not required to understand the story, and the story is not vital to the series. It is a nice little sample, though, and I enjoyed seeing Gin and Bria having a sisterly outing. I'm probably biased, but it gets a five.
I liked Kelly Meding's "Freak House" a lot, and her name sounded familiar, but the story was set in the "Strays" universe, which I was certain I had never heard of before. I actually stirred myself to look her up, and learned that I've had one of her books on my to-read list for ages, and Strays is a new series she's just starting. Djinn, werewolves, vampires, pixies, harpies, leprechauns, skinwalkers, and more, some "out" to humans, some living hidden - what's not to love? This one gets a four.
Nicole Peeler us yet another author who sounded vaguely familiar to me, and yep, there is one of her books on my to-read list (yes, it is massive, why do you ask?). It is, in fact, the first of the Jane True books, and "The Inside Man" is set in that world. Peeler's writing style dies not flow for me, but I liked Capitola Jones and her friends Shar and Moo. As clowns are indisputably evil, I had little to complain about in the story. It gets a three.
Succubus (former?) Jezzie is the main character in Jackie Kessler's story "A Chance in Hell." Obviously, the story is set her Hell on Earth series. I had to look that up, though, because while I know you're shocked, her name did not ring any bells for me. I don't actually have ALL the urban fantasy books on my to-read or read lists! The piece opens with a confusing remark about a demon eating Jezebel's face, when that definitely is not the anatomy in question. If that's a common euphemism, it is wholly new to me. Within the next couple of pages there are multiple references to the fact that she has fallen in love with a human since becoming mortal, but absolutely no explanation of how she would reconcile sex with an incubus with her human love. As much as I would prefer that it were not the case, the default assumption in our society is that people are monogamous. Therefore, when there is a deviation from that norm, the reader expects - something. Is it supposed to demonstrate that the fictional society is different? Is the character in an explicitly non-monogamous relationship? Is her love unrequited? Is the guy dead? Do demons not count? Is she just a skanky ho? Then this great love isn't mentioned again for the rest of the story, so none of the questions raised are answered. Oh. There is, in fact, a plot here, but I was so annoyed by that stuff that I almost failed to notice it. Demonic circus, yo. The whole demon thing reminds me too much of another series I've read in the past. I can't even remember the author's name, much less the title, right now, but Kessler's work feels derivative. She gets a two.
Next up is Kelly Gay - Hey look! Another author whose name I don't recognize! - with "Hell's Menagerie," a Charlie Madigan short story. Okay, this series is set in an alternate Atlanta. As an Atlanta girl, that certainly gets my attention. And Charlie is a single mother. I don't recall any other single mothers in the UF world right off. (Kate Daniels doesn't quite count, because she adopted her daughter as a teen. Although it is interesting to note that Kate is also Atlanta-based.) I was ready to like this one, based solely on what I knew of the series. Then there was a grammatical error on the second page of the story that set my teeth on edge, one which could not be chalked up to a character's voice. Add in the fact that we get a fast, "and also, Jim" style introduction to Charlie (who isn't even present in the story!), Rex, and Emma in less than two pages, and I am officially annoyed. It isn't an old matinee movie, so surely that information could have been worked in a little more naturally? Emma won me over. Mostly. There's some, "Not another super-gifted kid," reaction, but I guess if the mother is supposed to be all that it's to be expected that the daughter might be special, too. Hmm. A three.
The last piece is Seaman McGuire's "Daughter of the Midway, the Mermaid, and the Open, Lonely, Sea." Is that title a mouthful, or what? It has the feel of a Toby Daye story, although it isn't subtitled as such, and there are no fae so maybe it isn't in that universe at all. As there are other stories in the book that are set in the same world as their author's series, yet not marked in any way, lack of a subtitle can't be taken as a negative indicator, though. In any case, the story is poignant, which I've come to expect from McGuire. I didn't really like it, but I didn't dislike it, either. I couldn't "feel" Ada in any true sense. I have the same problem with Toby. A three at best.
Overall, the book was decent. The ratings only average out to 3.21, but I'm very glad to have read the stories by Hearne and Estep. Discovering Jacques/Summers was absolutely worthwhile. I really hate that I read as much of Henry's story as I did. If I could delete that from my memory, it would probably raise the rating for everything else.
miloyoungblood's review against another edition
3.0
I adored the first two stories. But as I got farther on, I realized you needed to read a whole slew of other books beforehand. That’s never happened to me before with a short story collection. Why not add a disclaimer on the cover?
rubyrubay's review against another edition
4.0
I was expecting paranormal/urban fantasy-type stories given the authors, and while there were a number of those (which will lead to me checking out the series from whence they came), there were also some that were remarkably spooky in unexpected ways. Definitely recommend.
jim11776's review against another edition
4.0
audiobook. alot of good stories. alot of humor. some not great stories, but 3 stars for the lowest.
ljcarey011's review against another edition
2.0
This anthology was overall a dud for me unfortunately. I gave it 2.5 stars out of 5 and rounded up because I feel anthologies always deserve a read. This collection is more horror than fantasy, just as a warning. I've read my share of horror and I think a good story is readable, no matter what the genre. This anthology fell flat for me, regardless of genre.
"Painted Love" by Rob Thurman is a dark and fun story. Rob Thurman fans will enjoy it, although it lacks the wit of many of her stories.
"The Three Lives of Lydia: A Blud Short Story" by Delilah S. Dawson. This book is a no go for me. Trigger warning
"The Demon Barker of Wheat Street: An Iron Druid Chronicles Short Story" by Kevin Hearne wasn't much to me. Unfortunately Kevin Hearne doesn't do much for me. He's very campy and like the NightSide stories (which used up my patience for campy.) the protagonist pulls saves out of his ass. I'm sure Iron Druid fans will enjoy it.
"The Sweeter the Juice" by Mark Henry is a zombie story. Typically I like zombie stories. This one was too gross and creepy for me and I'm a veterinarian. I deal with maggots and chop off diseased limbs from adorable animals for a living. I like horror. This was dark and twisted and frankly I didn't find anything to make me enjoy it. It was transphobic, gross and overall unreadable without any redeeming qualities for me.
"The Werewife" by Jaye Wells. I like my stories to have at least one character I like. Both/All main characters in this story are without redemption.
"The Cold Girl" by Rachel Caine. An attempt at YA paranormal romance. It has some good qualities, and possibly some lessons about not playing with bad boys, but why must all 16 year old girls meet the loves of their lives? Isn't that what college is for?
"A Duet with Darkness: An Abby Sinclair Short Story" by Allison Pang. The Devil Goes Down to Georgia as a fairy tale. It has promise but it's a shallow attempt.
"Recession of the Divine" by Hillary Jacques. A powerful being is slumming it around. Another story that could have really been something and somehow fell flat. I honestly think several good stories suffered in this anthology just because of how lackluster the collection was as a whole.
"Parlor Tricks: An Elemental Assassin Short Story" by Jennifer Estep. Maybe this will appeal to readers of the series. It did nothing for me and confirmed for me that stopping halfway through book 1 of the series was a good choice.
"Freak House: A Strays Short Story" by Kelly Meding. One of my favorites. The daughter of djinn works to free her father. It has it's flaws, but is very readable and overall I enjoyed it. More fantasy, than horror.
"The Inside Man: A Jane True Short Story" by Nicole Peeler. This story was silly to me. It's half road trip, half trippy circus attack. It is truly silly and too silly to be the horror/fantasy it's trying to me. Once again, maybe series regulars will like it, but it did not inspire me to start reading.
"A Chance in Hell" by Jackie Kessler. Probably one of the grossest stories for me. Trigger Warning: waking up to a demon eating you out, one that you don't like and keep saying you don't want in your bed, is not sexy, even if you orgasm. The MC is (I am assuming) supposed to be a fully realized sexual being and I like my MC's very self realized if they want to be having sex, but the body of the MC is basically chattel and more possessed by the male characters than it is by her. No thank you. If I wanted to read gross romance where no means yes I'd put my eyes out for that effect.
"Hell's Menagerie: A Charlie Madigan Short Story" by Kelly Gay. Full reveal - I read 2 pages of this and skipped the rest. Kelly Gay's writing is not for me. I will leave it at that. All respect to her as a writer but I can't read it.
"Daughter of the Midway, the Mermaid, and the Open, Lonely Sea" by Seanan McGuire. True Story - I bought this anthology for Seanan and Rob. Thank god, after all the terrible I got to start with a good Rob story and end on a fabulous Seanan story. If your a Seanan fan, this one's good, but oh man, I don't know that I would wade through the rest again.
I guess my greatest disappointment with this anthology is that I read anthologies hoping to find new authors and reunite with old favorites. While I enjoyed some of my old favorites, overall I walked away with nothing to show from this anthology. After doing a flip through, I have to switch this to a 2 star. I just can't give it 3. Readers of the authors/series featured here will find they are representative of the authors (from those I have read), so for better or for worse, choose wisely.
"Painted Love" by Rob Thurman is a dark and fun story. Rob Thurman fans will enjoy it, although it lacks the wit of many of her stories.
"The Three Lives of Lydia: A Blud Short Story" by Delilah S. Dawson. This book is a no go for me. Trigger warning
Spoiler
There is a pretty gruesome suicide scene at the end, all over a boy she's known in what is likely a dream."The Demon Barker of Wheat Street: An Iron Druid Chronicles Short Story" by Kevin Hearne wasn't much to me. Unfortunately Kevin Hearne doesn't do much for me. He's very campy and like the NightSide stories (which used up my patience for campy.) the protagonist pulls saves out of his ass. I'm sure Iron Druid fans will enjoy it.
"The Sweeter the Juice" by Mark Henry is a zombie story. Typically I like zombie stories. This one was too gross and creepy for me and I'm a veterinarian. I deal with maggots and chop off diseased limbs from adorable animals for a living. I like horror. This was dark and twisted and frankly I didn't find anything to make me enjoy it. It was transphobic, gross and overall unreadable without any redeeming qualities for me.
"The Werewife" by Jaye Wells. I like my stories to have at least one character I like. Both/All main characters in this story are without redemption.
"The Cold Girl" by Rachel Caine. An attempt at YA paranormal romance. It has some good qualities, and possibly some lessons about not playing with bad boys, but why must all 16 year old girls meet the loves of their lives? Isn't that what college is for?
"A Duet with Darkness: An Abby Sinclair Short Story" by Allison Pang. The Devil Goes Down to Georgia as a fairy tale. It has promise but it's a shallow attempt.
"Recession of the Divine" by Hillary Jacques. A powerful being is slumming it around. Another story that could have really been something and somehow fell flat. I honestly think several good stories suffered in this anthology just because of how lackluster the collection was as a whole.
"Parlor Tricks: An Elemental Assassin Short Story" by Jennifer Estep. Maybe this will appeal to readers of the series. It did nothing for me and confirmed for me that stopping halfway through book 1 of the series was a good choice.
"Freak House: A Strays Short Story" by Kelly Meding. One of my favorites. The daughter of djinn works to free her father. It has it's flaws, but is very readable and overall I enjoyed it. More fantasy, than horror.
"The Inside Man: A Jane True Short Story" by Nicole Peeler. This story was silly to me. It's half road trip, half trippy circus attack. It is truly silly and too silly to be the horror/fantasy it's trying to me. Once again, maybe series regulars will like it, but it did not inspire me to start reading.
"A Chance in Hell" by Jackie Kessler. Probably one of the grossest stories for me. Trigger Warning: waking up to a demon eating you out, one that you don't like and keep saying you don't want in your bed, is not sexy, even if you orgasm. The MC is (I am assuming) supposed to be a fully realized sexual being and I like my MC's very self realized if they want to be having sex, but the body of the MC is basically chattel and more possessed by the male characters than it is by her. No thank you. If I wanted to read gross romance where no means yes I'd put my eyes out for that effect.
"Hell's Menagerie: A Charlie Madigan Short Story" by Kelly Gay. Full reveal - I read 2 pages of this and skipped the rest. Kelly Gay's writing is not for me. I will leave it at that. All respect to her as a writer but I can't read it.
"Daughter of the Midway, the Mermaid, and the Open, Lonely Sea" by Seanan McGuire. True Story - I bought this anthology for Seanan and Rob. Thank god, after all the terrible I got to start with a good Rob story and end on a fabulous Seanan story. If your a Seanan fan, this one's good, but oh man, I don't know that I would wade through the rest again.
I guess my greatest disappointment with this anthology is that I read anthologies hoping to find new authors and reunite with old favorites. While I enjoyed some of my old favorites, overall I walked away with nothing to show from this anthology. After doing a flip through, I have to switch this to a 2 star. I just can't give it 3. Readers of the authors/series featured here will find they are representative of the authors (from those I have read), so for better or for worse, choose wisely.
solson5212's review against another edition
4.0
Find my review here:
https://travelingacrosspages.wordpress.com/2017/12/04/review-carniepunk/
https://travelingacrosspages.wordpress.com/2017/12/04/review-carniepunk/
keberis's review against another edition
4.0
This is an excellent collection of short stories all with the theme of a carnival running through them. I was introduced to some authors I've never read before, and based on the strength of their individual stories,I will soon be acquainted with more of their writings.
jennydemonic's review
4.0
A tantalizing collection of supernatural tales on the midway, "Carniepunk" combines the mystery of the travelling circus with the macabre. Tales range from clown possession to actual mermaids and keep the reader intrigued in a new way with each author. The perfect evening read as autumn creeps into the world.