Mystic Caravan has hit Texas, and things are supposed to be quiet in Austin. The only thing of note in a city that praises itself for being weird is the nest of vampires that rules the town. They’re not the ones wreaking havoc this time, however. Poet Parker knows something is up when a walk near the river results in an attack from a manic man with an ax. When he disappears just as quickly as he appeared, however, she knows something magical is afoot. It seems Austin is trapped in the clutches of a bored being, and her way of entertaining herself includes bringing urban legends to life…and unleashing them on the city. Poet has fought every type of magic imaginable, but this one leaves her flummoxed. It’s almost as if she’s dealing with a child mentally. Magically, however, she’s dealing with a monster. Urban legends aren’t the only thing putting Austin in an uproar. The visiting loas—both of whom are there for Poet—are also drawing attention…and from all the wrong people. Some magics are too strong to fight. Poet is not the sort of hero who can turn her back on people in need, however. Even if it means putting herself at risk to save them. Poet has new magic at her disposal. Now she has to learn how to use it…or they will all perish. It’s a fight to the finish, and who will come out on the other side is anybody’s guess.
When I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail. Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Post and the gang are in Texas and things are heating up.
There have been a spate of murders in Austin, Texas in the last two months, they do not seem to be connected on the surface but they do have something in common they were all.committed by urban legends. On the first night that Mystic circus arrives in town they run across an axe wielding maniac trying to kill someone walking on one of the park trails. Poet unleashes her magic on the Wiseman but he doesn't react as expected and she needs Cole's help to deal with him. Next day the group (Poet, Kade,Like and Cole) run into a young woman called Hattie, she seems to have been researching the murders and knows a lot about what's been happening in recent months. Poet is immediately drawn to Hattie but is afraid to trust her completely, she has a habit of turning up exactly where they are and has a lot of information for a normal innocent civilian. But something or someone is manifesting these urban legends and they must have an endgame in mind................. Then Baron Samedi turns up, Post did something which caught his attention and he's planning to stick around to see how things play out. Not sure if he will be a help of a hindrance Poet and the rest of the circus folks get on with the business of finding out who or what is killing people in Austin for fun and finding some way to stop them...........
My opinion of the series: There are some engaging characters that I've followed for a few books, and some I don't like. But as a whole, they're dedicated to protecting each other and innocents--especially humans. Whatever creepiness exists nearby when they arrive in town, it's drawn to the circus so it can be dealt with. The series stumbles early on (see my tip below), but evens out into pretty good stories.
Warning: Adult themes, abuse of alcohol, murder, death, dark magic, evil people/creatures.
REVIEW:
"Don't let the figment get me!"
...Said nobody in their right mind. Because figments aren't real. Are they? They're imaginary. Or conjured by imagination. The creatures in this book are different from any others, and have powers that are hard to quantify--once they're found. But how do you find one who's terrorizing and killing humans in Austin, Texas just for fun?
You need Poet and her circus family. A phrase I never thought I would type. As a rule, I'm not fond of a circus (no, I'm not afraid of clowns), but the Mystic Caravan Circus is very different.
Tip: Skip book 5, it's more trash than substance. The other books fill in what you need to know.
Good Read, I thoroughly enjoy how the author uses unusual supernatural species in her books instead of the common ones. The story got right to business as usual in the beginning, I think the author can deviate from her M.O. sometimes to make the stories not as predictable.
The author again had to do a little backlog of stuff we already know - it's not needed, a total waste of reading but I digress.
I am curious as to why we are so focused on Poet's Loa ancestry instead of the other stuff like romani, air elemental, witch and the other unknowns. Maybe eventually we will learn more or her uncle will have some information for her with the stuff he was holding from her parents. Wishful thinking I guess.
I think Kade's character is very unbelievable, this man is obsessed with Poet and always wants to be up under her all the time, not very realistic. But I noticed the author always does this with the main character love interest in her books.
The vampires in this story had a scene so short I am not sure why they were even mentioned.
Anyways the book was one of the better ones and I am still very captivated by the series.
I Love the Loas interference in Poet’s life and how they change the dynamic and cause some chaos. I was extremely excited to see Izzy and Braden helping them and that the relationship between Poet and Scout growing and strong. I enjoyed the story a great deal it was nice to see softer side of Raven to see her thinking of a happy future but to also see her being her usual bad *ss self. I like the villain in this being a figment like the saying a figment of my imagination and that is what creates and powers their magic and to pose as a child and create urban legends that can phase and kill. I love humor around the candy lady and her fork. I was kinda sad for Baron that he could not keep the chupkabra he seemed a little surprised that he wanted it but then became stubborn that it his. I cannot wait for the next book for the Wedding of Poet and Kade planned at the next stop in Galveston.
extraordinarily entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series
This is an exceptionally entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters in an entertaining storyline. Poet Parker is the manager of a traveling circus. Max is the big boss and is round every so often but always nearby. Cade is her boyfriend/fiancé and is head of security. Poet and her crew are a group of Paranormal‘s travel a country in their traveling circus and sit up in different towns. They set up a dream catcher which lures in evil Paranormal‘s in humans and then take care of them. Either destroying the Paranormal‘s and getting the humans arrested or in some cases even dispatching them when necessary. once again they are heading into town Austin Texas and there’s something going on. Read on and see if Poet and her crew can take down this evil threat once again. Lots of action twists and turns and always entertaining.
This was one of my favorite series from this author. But what hate so much in some of her other works showed up here in this book.
-The constant whining from Kade and Luke -Poet, losing her mind and doubting herself, not practicing her new magic -Kade having meltdowns whenever Poet tries to face anything without him -We get it. Everyone hates clowns -How many times could you possibly mention one of my least favorite characters from another series (a series I had to stop reading bc not one character was worth a dime) in the first chapter or two?
This author has multiple series going at once but when you really look at them, they are all the same. Characters from each series are the same personality in other series. I pray she turns the Caravan back around before the series becomes unbearable like with Scout and Charlie.
Poet Parker is one of my favorite fictional heroes. She is smart, spunky, compassionate, funny and almost realistic, at least as realistic as a fictional character can be.
She doubts herself, she screws up (and mends) relationships, she is imperfect, which makes her kind of perfect.
I particularly like the Mystic Caravan crossovers, so I was happy to see Izzy and Braden pop up. I would love a book where all of them from the different series get together. Hopefully, Amanda M. Lee will get right on that with her many other writing obligations 😉.
Overall, a typically hilarious, silly but in a funny way, Amanda M. Lee book.
I was born & raised in Austin Tx, so reading about my hometown was a treat. Most of the details were accurate & only the knowledgeable would know the difference. At least they didn't try to navigate around Austin, as that city's layout doesn't make much sense. The story introduces a new magical element which is what keeps me returning to these enjoyable stories along with loving the characters of the circus & the connections to the friends in other series. Incorporating NOLA loas was a wonderfully creative idea. How the author balances all these series is an impressive juggling act. Well done, Amanda M. Lee.
Poet Parker lived in a world of magic where her enemies were fought with a combination of magic from her team. After gaining powers in a supernatural fight in New Orleans, made possible by Poet’s loa blood, Poet struggles with accessing her new magic. With more powers come the need for more opening. Facing a foe who is stronger than the combined power of her team using her old magic, Poet learns she must open to more. More help, more intensity, and let the new gift shine through.
This series has improved in some ways as it has grown. Another reviewer said it also - a little of Luke goes a long way. Luckily, he was not as prominent in this story as some previous. Cole became a more central character here. Kade is not really growing stronger in the story line, no real discussion of him being a mage or growing in his practice. Some character cross-overs from another series and lots of GGGGG...grandmother and father! Not a much of the "girls", but growth with Raven. Creative villain(s) and interesting end to the issues.
The gang is in Austin and run into a figment who is bringing urban legends to life
What I enjoyed: * The whole urban legend thing was a new twist * So was the figment * The Loas are entertaining as usual
What could have been better: * I'm getting sick of all the cross-overs between the multiple series. We had a call with Scout and Izzy showed up to help. * Poet is getting a bit whiney about using her new powers and Kade is unbearable if she wants to do something on her own
This one was A good story. However I find a little of Luke’s histrionics goes a long way. His relationship with Cole is odd—it’s more like father to son rather than equals. The figments were interesting. I assume the name figments is a play on the pun “a figment of your imagination”. There seems to be a lot of different mythical creatures out there…
This was another winner. Amanda M. lee is my number . One author. She writes wonderful paranormal mysteries. I have read all her different series and loved everyone of them. She has the best imagination and the best cast of characters in every book and series. Once I start a book I I just want to keep reading till the end. Then get another one. This series and the Witch family are my favorite. Diana Romano
... of whose imagination? Urban legends are coming out to play and kill in Austin, Texas... Candy Lady, Axeman, all the way through to a killer clown and chupacabra... but the team needs to fathom out who is creating them and jumping them through plane doors to avoid being taken out... and Poet needs to get a grip on her new powers and her mood before she explodes...
Poet and the gang go to Austin Tx intending to have a relaxing time only to find out that is not going to happen. Urban legends start popping up killing people and they have to be on their P's and Qs. They meet a new girl with shiny pink poppin boots right off and immediately like her but then are not sure if she is to be trusted. Great book, read this in one night, can't wait til the next one, Keep it up Amanda.
My guilty pleasure, but it really isn't. Instead, it's rollicking GREAT entertainment. It's such fun that I have to force myself not to read it in one sitting. I'm SO glad that Amanda Lee has such a vast imagination! If you can only get one book this month, treat yourself to one from this series. Although each book is a stand alone story, it's best to read them in order. ENJOY!!
Love the direction this series has gone, love the new characters and am really looking forward to what is up next for the Mystic Caravan crew. Summary covers what happens in this book. No spoilers. We do get to see a couple friends from other series. Looking forward to the next book and definitely recommend this one.
Yes we're back to Mystic Caravan Circus! Too bad the urban legends are coming to life and being wielded by abeing with a wicked sense of humor. Someone needs a timeout in the naughty chair! Fortunately Our favorite girl has slot more power in her punch!
I’m loving the characters and how they’re becoming full people. I’m excited for the wedding … and have to wait … oh I’m so so so excited when it happens. Poet is growing and so is the rest of her circus family .. check out these crazy paranormals.. you’ll fall in love with em.
This was another good one. I get so Happy when we get crossover from the other series.. I'm obsessed with the Grimlocks and Izzy so I love that they had an appearance. I haven't read the series yet with Scout but I'll start that right after I read the new book about Luna. Great author dig in to any of her series
What a great next book, so many things happening, lots of pat familiar characters popping up; I wanted to quickly get to the end to find out how or if the group could be victorious, but I really wanted the story to just keep going and never end it's so good. Really a fantastic job, just loved it.
Amanda Lee always writes an interesting story. I’ve always enjoyed this series but I’m disappointed that more and more in the books, Kade becomes more wishy washy. Other than being bothered my clowns, he used to be stronger and more confident. Now he seems like just a loose side character who doesn’t do much. He is a mage, so where is his self confidence.
Honestly, I keep thinking Amanda Lee is going to start getting repetitious, but she is endlessly inventive. Her characters are so endearing, and the plots are delightful. My only quibble is that she needs a better editor. There are small grammatical errors and incorrect word choices that make me wince. But I am definitely hooked on her storytelling!
I love this series. Awesome female lead, awesome and funny cast of characters and a sweet male lead. Poet(female lead) is the star and saves the day but she knows she cannot do it alone. Love the dynamic of the characters. If you like magic and circuses, this is the series for you. Make sure to start at the beginning!
The Caravan has made it's way to Austin, Texas and after a couple off quiet weeks things go crazy in a hurry as they have to battle a series of urban legends come to life. Baron and Brigette return as Poet unleashes some of her new power. Kade and Poet start planning a wedding.
Ok, so this particular book is the worst I have read in the series so far...and by a long shot.
I felt like I was grabbing for the story but it never fully came. It just felt different than reading the other books in the series. I thought about DNFing several times but stuck it out.
Poet and crew have to deal with urban legends come to life that don't stay dead. Poet's new powers, her old friends, the Loas and a new friend may enough to finish the job.
Amazing story. This one was definitely different but in a good way. The loss were back as was Izzy which only added to the story. That being said, I cannot wait until the next book is released; it should be epic.
Another great story in the series. I love all this author's series and have notifications set up for releases. The characters are all fun and so interesting to follow.
Poet and crew always have such great adventures. I absolutely adore them and how they have evolved and grown. I can’t wait for the next book and see what they get into next.