Steampunk Carnival

Crossing her boss will be one dangerous ride.
Katya Romanova gave up everything to work at the one-of-a-kind Steampunk Carnival, and she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Her elaborate costumes win her all the attention she seeks, including the sporadic affections of her boss, carnival owner William Warden.

But in the summer of 1887, death threats against Mr. Warden shake everyone’s sense of security. The unknown sender could harm them all. When Katya stirs up unexpected evidence proving Mr. Warden hid the carnival’s true origins, she realizes he aims to protect only himself. To return the spirit of fun and freedom to the place she loves, Katya sets out to replace Mr. Warden with the carnival’s inventor. As violent events erupt, Mr. Warden fights for strict control of his business and Katya’s loyalty. Trapped between his charm and his tyranny, Katya must pretend to comply even as she plots against him.

With the adoration of the entire country supporting Mr. Warden, nothing less than the perfect plan will succeed. One misplaced move could throw Katya’s best friend and new love into danger. Failing means neither she nor the establishment’s rightful owner ever sees the carnival again.

My Review


This is a genre that has slowly picked up steam but I think it could use more of a spotlight. There is something fascinating about this genre. It is so multi-faceted. It can do in many different directions like the author took with this book. However I could not help but compare this book some to another author's steampunk carnival series that I like called "Blud" series by Delilah S. Dawson. Which Ms. Dawson really brings to life the carnival life while incorporating the steampunk aspect. So I was looking for this while reading this book. I got the carnie life but it could have been any type of carnival. Although the author did add some aspects of steampunk and it was brought forth more towards the half way point of the story and forward. 

Katya is a strong female lead. I like that she held the story all the way from the beginning to the end. The mystery surrounding the carnival and the threats was nicely down. It kept my interest yet, I wished that the suspense was cranked up on the volume dial a little more. Overall, this is a good book.

Cassandra Leuthold started creating outside-the-box, character-driven stories in second grade. Over twenty years later, she continues to combine what most people think of as opposites: the magical and the everyday, the modern and the vintage, the darkest recesses of the mind and the greatest heights humans can achieve.

In between new ideas and breathing fresh life into old projects, you can find her sewing, watching TV, and binging on music from around the world.

Cassandra lives with her writer husband and their moody cat, Gaia, in a house three sizes too big. She holds a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies and a Master’s in English.

Visit her online at www.cassandraleuthold.com.