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A review by beccisays
The Contortionist by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book was exactly the topsy-turvy slice of surreal escapism l hoped it would be. I loved it thoroughly. It has the Night Circus and Caraval vibes, albeit with a modern time period and main character.
The descriptions were deeply immersive, pulling you in to the dark carnival setting. You really felt the contrast between dilapidated & abandoned places, antiquated & old fashioned objects and the modern world we live in. There was as much creepy as there was cozy, both were deliciously twisted together.
The MMC was as unpredictable and morally grey as they come, mad as a hatter and somehow still had his endearing moments. I loved the rep for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which was a prominent part of the storyline.
I enjoyed the use of tarot throughout, though I’m not usually a fan of new decks being created for a book, I think this author did a great job of weaving actual tarot cards and meaning into new depictions of the archetypes and they make sense within the story perfectly, giving you additional insight if you’re familiar with rider waite/card numbers.
I wasn’t expecting the cliffhanger ending but I guess now I have 4 more books to devour in this world. Books are available on Kindle Unlimited and this one is on Audible Plus for a limited time too.
The descriptions were deeply immersive, pulling you in to the dark carnival setting. You really felt the contrast between dilapidated & abandoned places, antiquated & old fashioned objects and the modern world we live in. There was as much creepy as there was cozy, both were deliciously twisted together.
The MMC was as unpredictable and morally grey as they come, mad as a hatter and somehow still had his endearing moments. I loved the rep for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which was a prominent part of the storyline.
I enjoyed the use of tarot throughout, though I’m not usually a fan of new decks being created for a book, I think this author did a great job of weaving actual tarot cards and meaning into new depictions of the archetypes and they make sense within the story perfectly, giving you additional insight if you’re familiar with rider waite/card numbers.
I wasn’t expecting the cliffhanger ending but I guess now I have 4 more books to devour in this world. Books are available on Kindle Unlimited and this one is on Audible Plus for a limited time too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Gore, Cursing, Blood, and Alcohol