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colorfulleo92's review against another edition
4.0
It had an very interesting premise and was a perfect length as an audiobook for the time when I was looking for my next listen. I was not at all disappointed and I'm intrigued to try the next one. It has me a little weary though that this was 0.5 in the series and the next one seems to be Seth in a different time soon. But hopefully it's nothing to worry about.
siavahda's review against another edition
5.0
Sneaky, awesome, queer, and gorgeous. Some fantastic twists (WOW I DID NOT SEE THAT BIG ONE COMING) and plenty of subtle Easter eggs for those who've already read the main trilogy. By far one of the best prequel-written-after-the-main-series I've ever read, and a total delight. Very, very happy to return to the Creature Court world, and this absolutely lived up to the impossible standards set by the rest of the series. It's officially 3:30 in the morning as I type this and I'm not even a little bit sorry!
tehani's review against another edition
5.0
An early review based on my Kickstarter copy of the novella - this will be available for general purchase later in the year!
It's no secret that I am a fan of Tansy Rayner Roberts. I have published her work many times, I read everything she releases, and consider her a close friend. I think she is an innovative, clever, brilliant writer, and she has proven it across multiple genres and in many forms, from traditional novel publications to serialised books, self-published short fiction and audio narration. And with Cabaret of Monsters, Tansy once again proves all my points about how awesome she is.
This story is a prequel to Tansy's multi-award winning trilogy The Creature Court, first published by Harper Voyager several years ago. The setting for these books stems from a mashup of several seemingly disparate interests of the author, including Ancient Rome and flappers, but boy does it work! I adored the three books of this series, unabashedly, and I can now add this story to the pile of love. And the best bit? You don't have to have read the trilogy to hook straight into Cabaret of Monsters - it completely stands along, and being set beforehand, will only add to the crunchy nature of the worldbuilding and character development in the trilogy when you get to it. As a long time reader, though, I love that while we follow a character new to the series in this novella, we get plenty of interaction with characters we DO already know from the trilogy, so fans are rewarded as well, and it really does make you want to dive straight back into a reread of the original books.
I haven't really said anything about the story itself, and I won't, because really, if flappers mixed with Ancient Rome, superpowered shape shifters, and the theatre and the people who live in it don't hook you in, well, I'm not sure I can say more to engage you. But I loved the twists and turns of this novella, and it kept me guessing every step of the way. Highly recommended!
It's no secret that I am a fan of Tansy Rayner Roberts. I have published her work many times, I read everything she releases, and consider her a close friend. I think she is an innovative, clever, brilliant writer, and she has proven it across multiple genres and in many forms, from traditional novel publications to serialised books, self-published short fiction and audio narration. And with Cabaret of Monsters, Tansy once again proves all my points about how awesome she is.
This story is a prequel to Tansy's multi-award winning trilogy The Creature Court, first published by Harper Voyager several years ago. The setting for these books stems from a mashup of several seemingly disparate interests of the author, including Ancient Rome and flappers, but boy does it work! I adored the three books of this series, unabashedly, and I can now add this story to the pile of love. And the best bit? You don't have to have read the trilogy to hook straight into Cabaret of Monsters - it completely stands along, and being set beforehand, will only add to the crunchy nature of the worldbuilding and character development in the trilogy when you get to it. As a long time reader, though, I love that while we follow a character new to the series in this novella, we get plenty of interaction with characters we DO already know from the trilogy, so fans are rewarded as well, and it really does make you want to dive straight back into a reread of the original books.
I haven't really said anything about the story itself, and I won't, because really, if flappers mixed with Ancient Rome, superpowered shape shifters, and the theatre and the people who live in it don't hook you in, well, I'm not sure I can say more to engage you. But I loved the twists and turns of this novella, and it kept me guessing every step of the way. Highly recommended!
assaphmehr's review against another edition
5.0
Caberet of Monsters presents a marvelous twist of Urban Fantasy. Though I was originally drawn by the Roman elements, the vibe of Parisian theatre and roaring 1920's as a backdrop to urban fantasy was refreshingly original.
What to Expect
A novella set in the same world as the Creature Court trilogy, published a few years ago by Roberts. The story alternates between two viewpoints, those of Livilla and Evie, both outsiders to the theatre scene and making their way in.
Right from the start we are made aware of the shapeshifters and their war, although the details of which remain mysterious throughout the story, and mostly in the background. It is a tale more of intrigue than action, powered by the colourful characters Roberts bring to life.
What I liked
The world building is done expertly, as an ever-present vibe rather than heavy-handed info dumps. Characters are colourful and relationships are LGBTQ-friendly (as one would expect from theatre people) and the use of language to set the tone and is both subtle and sublime.
I loved the use of Roman holidays and in naming the places (giving a sort of alternate-history vibe, again without being obvious). Although being familiar with some of the concepts might deepen appreciation (a 'market-nine' is the 8-day Roman "week"), it is not required for enjoyment of the world and story.
What to be aware of
The novella has a bit of a confusing start (perhaps because most of the world building has been done already), and viewpoints are first-person for Livilla and third-person for Evie.
Summary
Highly recommended to Urban Fantasy lovers, particularly those who'd appreciate an historical bent. The setting is refreshingly original, and the story intriguing. I'm adding the previous Creature Court trilogy to the top of my TBR.
--
[a:Assaph Mehr|14422472|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1518065419p2/14422472.jpg], author of [b:Murder In Absentia|29500700|Murder In Absentia (Felix the Fox, #1)|Assaph Mehr|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1457914061i/29500700._SY75_.jpg|46845657]: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
A novella set in the same world as the Creature Court trilogy, published a few years ago by Roberts. The story alternates between two viewpoints, those of Livilla and Evie, both outsiders to the theatre scene and making their way in.
Right from the start we are made aware of the shapeshifters and their war, although the details of which remain mysterious throughout the story, and mostly in the background. It is a tale more of intrigue than action, powered by the colourful characters Roberts bring to life.
What I liked
The world building is done expertly, as an ever-present vibe rather than heavy-handed info dumps. Characters are colourful and relationships are LGBTQ-friendly (as one would expect from theatre people) and the use of language to set the tone and is both subtle and sublime.
I loved the use of Roman holidays and in naming the places (giving a sort of alternate-history vibe, again without being obvious). Although being familiar with some of the concepts might deepen appreciation (a 'market-nine' is the 8-day Roman "week"), it is not required for enjoyment of the world and story.
What to be aware of
The novella has a bit of a confusing start (perhaps because most of the world building has been done already), and viewpoints are first-person for Livilla and third-person for Evie.
Summary
Highly recommended to Urban Fantasy lovers, particularly those who'd appreciate an historical bent. The setting is refreshingly original, and the story intriguing. I'm adding the previous Creature Court trilogy to the top of my TBR.
--
[a:Assaph Mehr|14422472|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1518065419p2/14422472.jpg], author of [b:Murder In Absentia|29500700|Murder In Absentia (Felix the Fox, #1)|Assaph Mehr|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1457914061i/29500700._SY75_.jpg|46845657]: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
mermahoney's review against another edition
3.0
Rich with detail and interesting characters, plus a cool magic system and the fate of the known world is at stake! A good intro to the trilogy that I am definitely interested in reading now.
verofleitassolich's review against another edition
4.0
Enchanting characters, a delightful fantasy world, and exquisite prose bring life and soul to this fantastic novella.
I want to know more about this world.
I want to know more about this world.
rivqa's review
4.0
A delightful introduction into a strange and wonderful world. Fantastic characters, and an easy read with some teeth behind it. Recommended.
serena_dawn's review against another edition
4.0
Loved listening to Tansy Rayner Roberts' podcast Sheep Might Fly where you can listen for free to Cabaret of Monsters and following along on my Kindle ebook too.
sadie_slater's review
5.0
I've been following Tansy Rayner Roberts on Twitter for a while now, and when she posted last year that she was launching a Kickstarter to republish her Creature Court trilogy, "a dark fantasy series of books about a city of flappers, cabaret and ancient festivals", I thought that sounded very much like something I'd enjoy and signed up to back it.
Cabaret of Monsters is a prequel novella to the main trilogy. It's set in the city of Aufleur, a heady mix of ancient Rome, fin-de-siècle Paris and the Roaring Twenties, among the artists of a commedia-del-arte style theatre and the mysterious shapeshifters who spend their nights protecting the city from attack by the sky. It's an absolute delight, packing in plot twist after plot twist as well as love, friendship and a kind of default queerness that made my heart sing. I loved it and am really looking forward to reading the trilogy as well.
Cabaret of Monsters is a prequel novella to the main trilogy. It's set in the city of Aufleur, a heady mix of ancient Rome, fin-de-siècle Paris and the Roaring Twenties, among the artists of a commedia-del-arte style theatre and the mysterious shapeshifters who spend their nights protecting the city from attack by the sky. It's an absolute delight, packing in plot twist after plot twist as well as love, friendship and a kind of default queerness that made my heart sing. I loved it and am really looking forward to reading the trilogy as well.