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alanahcw's review
dark
mysterious
tense
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Blood, and Death
Minor: Animal death and Animal cruelty
themichellegray's review
3.0
3.5 stars - The fourth volume in the Spectacle series showcases improved storytelling but still remains fairly disjointed. While we (finally) received some satisfactory reveals, they weren't worked into the plot seamlessly which negatively impacted the reading experience.
The art style in this series has its own unsettling charm but remains busy. The illustrations don't particularly "wow" me but do work for the story that is being told. In this volume the hues seem to slightly shift at odd times which was confusing as that choice didn't seem to represent anything within the plot.
I'm excited for the final volume to be released in January and to wrap up the series - it has been a good time so far but nothing too memorable.
The art style in this series has its own unsettling charm but remains busy. The illustrations don't particularly "wow" me but do work for the story that is being told. In this volume the hues seem to slightly shift at odd times which was confusing as that choice didn't seem to represent anything within the plot.
I'm excited for the final volume to be released in January and to wrap up the series - it has been a good time so far but nothing too memorable.
arkham's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
nikita_write's review
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.0
alexao's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
robinks's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? No
4.5
Ahhhh this story is now so close to concluding! I’m not quite sure where the Tale of the Pirate Circus fits in chronologically.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Blood, and Body horror
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Sexism, Classism, Fire/Fire injury, and Grief
Minor: Gun violence, Xenophobia, Suicide attempt, Infidelity, and Ableism
lemon_drop's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
oliviak07's review
4.0
Do you ever get to a revelation in a series that causes you to want to start from page one, in book/volume one, all over again? Volume four in the "Spectacle" series is, from cover to cover, that revelation.
There is so, so, SO much that happens that I am trying my best to summarize it without spoiling a single sentence, thought bubble, or cell. From potential cures, to sloppier murders, to a HUGE reveal that (as I mentioned above) made me question each and every Easter egg in the previous three volumes that I completely overlooked.
Would some say that is a waste of time? Sure, but it is not their time to waste now, is it?
If I had to pick a favorite subplot of the series, it is how Anna's social circle surprises her. As someone who is, often, astounded that people genuinely like her and want to be around her I laugh even though I tear up for the more introverted twin. Her realization that she has not one, not two, but THREE friends that will stand by her side makes me blush since I have felt the exact same way.
I am happy and proud of her, even though these friendships are built amongst the terrors of a serial killer...or two...or three....?
While all of the volumes have hooked me for one reason or another, the fourth one (as of this day and time) is hands down my favorite. All the more reason I am looking forward to December 2022, when Volume Five is released!
There is so, so, SO much that happens that I am trying my best to summarize it without spoiling a single sentence, thought bubble, or cell. From potential cures, to sloppier murders, to a HUGE reveal that (as I mentioned above) made me question each and every Easter egg in the previous three volumes that I completely overlooked.
Would some say that is a waste of time? Sure, but it is not their time to waste now, is it?
If I had to pick a favorite subplot of the series, it is how Anna's social circle surprises her. As someone who is, often, astounded that people genuinely like her and want to be around her I laugh even though I tear up for the more introverted twin. Her realization that she has not one, not two, but THREE friends that will stand by her side makes me blush since I have felt the exact same way.
I am happy and proud of her, even though these friendships are built amongst the terrors of a serial killer...or two...or three....?
While all of the volumes have hooked me for one reason or another, the fourth one (as of this day and time) is hands down my favorite. All the more reason I am looking forward to December 2022, when Volume Five is released!
melycp's review against another edition
3.0
Spectacle is definitely getting better with each volume and four was the most interesting so far.
The story showed some progression, but the pacing seemed much slower. Previous volumes had little to no plot progression, but you actually found out quite a few things in volume four – despite the slow pace. There were a few repetitive moments that didn’t feel entirely necessary.
Without giving any real spoilers, you find out who killed Kat and the why and how of it. Personally, I thought his was the best part of the entire series so far.
You also get a detailed backstory to a character who hasn’t been overly present so far and it was really intriguing to read. They are a character I’ve always had some interest in so it was great to see that they have more of background than I thought.
As with ever volume the art style is very interesting and I feel like it has gotten even better with the various mutations everyone has. These added real intrigue and interest to the characters and every page was super detailed. It’s not my favourite art style ever, but it is very good.
I’m very grateful to have been given a copy of the final volume and I’m excited to see how the story ends. We now know who killed Kat and I’m left wondering what the fall out will be. I should be posting a review of volume five in a few weeks so keep an eye out for it.
thelittlestmermaid's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0