Book Reviews: Maestro, Diabolic, and Lurid

 

They call him Maestro—the man in a mask who conducts terror into symphony, savoring every note. By the time you set foot inside his Haunted House, you already belong to him. The maze was never built for escape. Somewhere within its shadows, he hunts for the crescendo... for the one scream he refuses to silence.

Lexi's never been a fan of Halloween. Horror movies, cheesy scares, all things spooky—she wants no part of it. She most certainly hates everything about the traveling carnival her bestie dragged her to.
Then the jester finds her in the crowd.
He's charming. He's gorgeous. He's the last person she should trust. But when he offers exclusive Haunted House entry, her friends decide for her. Soon they realize the animatronics are real, the blood on the floor is fresh, and the chainsaw is not a prop.
And yet, Lexi learns that surviving the maze of horrors is a fate worse than death. This carnival has no intention of letting her go.
The monsters say she belongs to them now.
The terrifying part? She's starting to believe it.

MAESTRO is a Halloween carnival-themed slasher novella with MMF pitch-black romance elements. It is part of The Colony Carnivale shared-world series but can also be read as a complete standalone. Be sure to read the author’s note first. For more info, visit the author’s website.

My Review

If you love MMF romances like me, then, you will love this book. Although be warned as this book is gory. So, if you can't handle too much gore, you may want to avoid this book. 

We get a haunted house. I am a huge fan of haunted houses. I don't jump scare like Lexi. Although, this haunted house is one that I would not want to enter. The only person or I should say persons having fun are Ace and Maestro. Seeing Lexi coming undone with Ace and Maestro was great. The ending! Um, what?! 

They say The Colony Carnivale appears without warning—rolling into forgotten towns under blood-red skies, offering laughter, lights, and salvation for the bored and broken. But beneath the painted tents, hides a different sin, each act a different obsession. Lust. Power. Revenge. Fear. The Carnivale feeds on it all—and so do the souls trapped inside..

The games are rigged, the prizes are cursed, and the performers aren’t quite human. So buy your ticket, brave the insanity, and pray the lights go out after you do. Because once you enter, the show owns you.

Welcome to The Colony Carnivale—where the fun never dies, it just screams louder.

My Review

Stevie and her friends attend the carnivale. Beau Jangles is enthralled by Stevie. He has not met someone like her. He is drawn to her. He usually just takes more of a in charge roll and stands outside and lets his funhouse have the fun. Yet, he wants to protect Stevie. Beau Jangles ventures into his funhouse. Will he come out or will his demon's win. 

OMG. I love this book so much. It is diabolical and gory. Everyone got what they deserved. I was not expecting the ending. I would say that the ending was my favorite part. 

Come for the spectacle. Stay for the transformation.

You bought the ticket.
You laugh at the painted grins and marvel at the impossible sights.
You think you're the spectator.

You're wrong.

The lights of The Colony Carnivale never truly go out. They simply follow you home, burning your eyes. The air is thick with popcorn and something else...something coppery and sweet.

You think the freaks in the cages are performers? They were yesterday's audience.
The man with the melted face stitching leather? A tourist provided the material.
The wet specimen floating in a jar? Last season's trophy.
The creatures in the Human Zoo? They all bought tickets too.

At The Colony Carnivale, nothing is wasted.

Your terror is our currency.
Your flesh is our canvas.
Your bones are our art.

LURID is a splatterpunk nightmare where the rides never end, the audience never leaves, and every visitor eventually becomes part of the show.

At The Colony Carnivale...you're the main attraction.


Note from the author: Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please read responsibly, your mental health matters. For readers 18+.
This story is the 25th book of 31 in The Colony Carnivale shared world series. Each book stands alone with its one dark and twisted tale.

My Review

Atlas is a true artist. He is the creator of The Human Zoo. Yes, you heard me right. A human zoo. This zoo is not for the faint of heart. 

"Everyone has limits. I simple enjoy discovering where they are."

I got very vivid images in my head of just how Atlas's creations looked and they fascinated me. This book is not a romance. It does not have a happy ending, well, depending on who you are as to the ending. I did find Atlas to be a very intriguing character.