A review by ktwaddle
The Chaos Circus by Renee Dugan

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

0.75

The ending of the book completely ignores the rules the author establishes earlier in the novel, and presents a conclusion that is barely one step better than the “And then I woke up!” cliche. While the premise was engaging, the authors repeated insistence on using derogatory mental health language as a plot point harms the attempted message and  character growth. The tension between the two main characters after the “twist” feels manufactured because the only time the main character explores her feelings of betrayal are during dialogue - we as the reader don’t get a strong sense of her true feelings