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Dark Carousel #3
Marionette
MARIONETTE is Book 3 of the Dollhouse Books.
The final book (Book 4. is coming soon in 2013)
In the third book of The Dollhouse Books, Cassie must fight to keep from losing the world she knows, and from losing herself – beyond the mirrors.
After the deceit and betrayal of those close to her, Cassie is cast into a world of unknowns – where there is no escape, and where her every footstep takes her deeper into darkness.
She uncovers dark secrets, far beyond the dollhouse.
As she seeks the second book of the Speculum Nemus in the frozen world, outside forces seek her. And they are restless and they will not wait.
The final book (Book 4. is coming soon in 2013)
In the third book of The Dollhouse Books, Cassie must fight to keep from losing the world she knows, and from losing herself – beyond the mirrors.
After the deceit and betrayal of those close to her, Cassie is cast into a world of unknowns – where there is no escape, and where her every footstep takes her deeper into darkness.
She uncovers dark secrets, far beyond the dollhouse.
As she seeks the second book of the Speculum Nemus in the frozen world, outside forces seek her. And they are restless and they will not wait.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
60 people are currently reading
813 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 4, 2020
I try to express only my most honest opinion in a spoiler-free way. Unfortunately, there is still always a risk of slight spoilers despite my best efforts. If you feel something in my review is a spoiler please let me know. Thank you.
It was ok. There were parts of the story I liked. But a lot of it is confusing. I don't even know how the story got here from where it started. So far I feel the series as a whole started out FREAKING AMAZING. I loved the first book so so so much. But it started to decline with the second book and even more with this one. I'm still going to read the next book to finish the series, but I'm kinda sad that the sequels aren't living up to the first book.
It was ok. There were parts of the story I liked. But a lot of it is confusing. I don't even know how the story got here from where it started. So far I feel the series as a whole started out FREAKING AMAZING. I loved the first book so so so much. But it started to decline with the second book and even more with this one. I'm still going to read the next book to finish the series, but I'm kinda sad that the sequels aren't living up to the first book.
July 1, 2017
All things come again.
I'm not sure what to think about this book. On the one hand, I liked Cassie's storyline better than in Paper Dolls, even though parts of it were really bizarre. On the other, the side characters were very bland and faceless to me, and Zach is dumb, and there wasn't much plot other than just moving things forward. Also, I didn't really care for Ethan's perspective. Part of the story took off in a wild, unexpected direction that I wasn't sure I entirely liked.
Overall, I wanted more of Henry and Audette, because I love them. Especially Henry. Hot, creepy Henry.
I'm interested to see how the author is going to wrap things up in the next book.
I'm not sure what to think about this book. On the one hand, I liked Cassie's storyline better than in Paper Dolls, even though parts of it were really bizarre. On the other, the side characters were very bland and faceless to me, and Zach is dumb, and there wasn't much plot other than just moving things forward. Also, I didn't really care for Ethan's perspective. Part of the story took off in a wild, unexpected direction that I wasn't sure I entirely liked.
Overall, I wanted more of Henry and Audette, because I love them. Especially Henry. Hot, creepy Henry.
I'm interested to see how the author is going to wrap things up in the next book.
December 18, 2014
Each succeeding book in this series manages to feel like it belongs in a completely different genre.
Dollhouse had a very horror-thriller vibe to it, Paper Dolls was a detective novel/abuse survival story, and Marionette changes everything completely once again and manages to make the story into a dystopian science-fiction.
The beginning of the book was a bit jarring, because like the second book from the first, it picks up immediately where the previous one left off. That wasn't such a big deal when I read the second book, because I got it shortly after I'd read the first one. There was a break of a few months between me reading the second and third, though, so it took me a minute or two to remember what the ending of the second book was.
It might just be easier to read all of these one after another - there's no recap at all of the ending of the second one, so you're going to be a bit lost if you don't remember what happened.
Marionette, much like Paper Dolls, doesn't quite manage to live up to the suspense maintained throughout the entire first book. Even though by now we see that the Dollhouse itself was the least of all evils, it still managed to create an atmosphere of horror and helplessness. The castle doesn't quite capture that same atmosphere, and Cassie and Molly have progressed enough as characters that they refuse to be pushed around like they were in the first book. While it's good to see the characters growing, it changes the tone of the story dramatically now that they're actively resisting what's being thrown at them.
Ethan makes a reappearance as a main character in this book, a few chapters even allowing us to see what's going on from his POV. He's essentially there to fill everyone in on the plot, and act as motivation for Cassie's choices at the end of the book. There's also finally a touch of romance thrown in. Not much, but we certainly waited long enough for that kiss!
Passionate kisses aside, this book was actually sort of boring compared to the previous two. Not much happens. Cassie and Molly go to look for the book. They don't find it. Ghosts. The end.
Dollhouse had a very horror-thriller vibe to it, Paper Dolls was a detective novel/abuse survival story, and Marionette changes everything completely once again and manages to make the story into a dystopian science-fiction.
The beginning of the book was a bit jarring, because like the second book from the first, it picks up immediately where the previous one left off. That wasn't such a big deal when I read the second book, because I got it shortly after I'd read the first one. There was a break of a few months between me reading the second and third, though, so it took me a minute or two to remember what the ending of the second book was.
It might just be easier to read all of these one after another - there's no recap at all of the ending of the second one, so you're going to be a bit lost if you don't remember what happened.
Marionette, much like Paper Dolls, doesn't quite manage to live up to the suspense maintained throughout the entire first book. Even though by now we see that the Dollhouse itself was the least of all evils, it still managed to create an atmosphere of horror and helplessness. The castle doesn't quite capture that same atmosphere, and Cassie and Molly have progressed enough as characters that they refuse to be pushed around like they were in the first book. While it's good to see the characters growing, it changes the tone of the story dramatically now that they're actively resisting what's being thrown at them.
Ethan makes a reappearance as a main character in this book, a few chapters even allowing us to see what's going on from his POV. He's essentially there to fill everyone in on the plot, and act as motivation for Cassie's choices at the end of the book. There's also finally a touch of romance thrown in. Not much, but we certainly waited long enough for that kiss!
Passionate kisses aside, this book was actually sort of boring compared to the previous two. Not much happens. Cassie and Molly go to look for the book. They don't find it. Ghosts. The end.
July 8, 2013
OMGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NEED NET BOOK NOW!!!!
NEED NET BOOK NOW!!!!
March 7, 2020
ahh things just keep getting darker and darker
July 6, 2013
This, the third instalment in the Dollhouse Trilogy, is fantastic. Marionette picks up immediately following the ending of Paper Dolls, and I felt pulled into the story without it missing a beat.
Cassie and Molly join forces to defeat the darkness, but everything is not as it seems. In their search for the second book of the Speculum Nemus, the dangers they face are immense. Old worlds and new worlds collide, and when they learn of the fate of their loved ones, their devastation is complete.
Trapped as they are on the island, with no way of leaving, their fate is in the hands of others. But can anyone be trusted? And what is happening with the upcoming celebrations? Their safety is definitely not assured...
Along with Cassie and Molly, we again catch up with Ethan, Aisha, Frances, Sophronia and Jessamine (as well as other minor characters). The pace of the story is fast, the gripping nature of the horror is thrilling. The author has a real art with her storytelling, and I’m thrilled that there is still one more in this series to go. I can't wait to read it!
Highly recommended.
Cassie and Molly join forces to defeat the darkness, but everything is not as it seems. In their search for the second book of the Speculum Nemus, the dangers they face are immense. Old worlds and new worlds collide, and when they learn of the fate of their loved ones, their devastation is complete.
Trapped as they are on the island, with no way of leaving, their fate is in the hands of others. But can anyone be trusted? And what is happening with the upcoming celebrations? Their safety is definitely not assured...
Along with Cassie and Molly, we again catch up with Ethan, Aisha, Frances, Sophronia and Jessamine (as well as other minor characters). The pace of the story is fast, the gripping nature of the horror is thrilling. The author has a real art with her storytelling, and I’m thrilled that there is still one more in this series to go. I can't wait to read it!
Highly recommended.
November 15, 2017
This series just keeps getting better and better. Marionette is the most bizarre book of the series. But the ending was so much more exciting than the first two. One hell of an ending. I love how this series keeps me wanting more.
The beginning was a little slow going, but once Anya started she went full speed ahead. Amazing.
I'm so glad that Cassie is finally getting a backbone. She's definitely evolved as a character( not like she had much choice).
The beginning was a little slow going, but once Anya started she went full speed ahead. Amazing.
I'm so glad that Cassie is finally getting a backbone. She's definitely evolved as a character( not like she had much choice).
January 3, 2016
This one was weirder than the previous two in the series. It also took the first quarter to kick into gear. In the end, though, it was a page turner. The final chapters were disturbingly gothic.
If you have read the first two books, I'd recommend sticking with Book 3, even when it may feel as though the author has jumped the shark in the early chapters. Once she gets your attention, it will be a compelling read. I have to read the final book straight away.
Strong supernatural and dark fantasy storyline.
If you have read the first two books, I'd recommend sticking with Book 3, even when it may feel as though the author has jumped the shark in the early chapters. Once she gets your attention, it will be a compelling read. I have to read the final book straight away.
Strong supernatural and dark fantasy storyline.
July 11, 2015
Bueno, ya sí que sí.... esto ya es infumable. Mundos paralelos, hielo, serpientes, cazadores que las alimentan, religiosos fanáticos, castillos en las nubes, fantasmas que deciden bodas a través de gárgolas... infumable.....
July 11, 2013
OH MY GOD MISS ALLYN YOU HAVE JUST BECOME ESPCIALLY CRUEL WHEN MAKING US WAIT LONGER TO KNOW THE CONCLUSION!!!!!
July 7, 2013
Holy shit! So many secrets!!
Loved this. Review to come!
Loved this. Review to come!
November 19, 2013
I love this series! it is so different from the many books I have read. each book is different from each other. can't wait till the last book to come out.
July 3, 2015
dnf.. story got so hard to follow. The author needs to learn to write a solid focused plot line some day..
July 17, 2013
Intoxicating! I can't get enough.
November 23, 2020
(This review will be on my blog All the Ups and Downs soon.)
--
I have definitely taken a shine to the Dark Carousel series by Anya Allyn. There's something about it that has definitely reeled me in. As soon as I finished reading Paper Dolls, I dove right into reading Marionette, the third book in the Dark Carousel series. This one definitely had a lot of action going on!
Cassie and Molly are prisoners in Balthazar's castle as its inhabitants try to find the second book of The Mirrored Tree. Cassie and Molly desperately search for a way to leave the castle so she can be reunited with her family and with Ethan. However, things take a turn for the worst when Cassie learns her fate of which she can not escape if she wants to save her world and all of its occupants.
I find that the plot of each book in the Dark Carousel series gets weirder and weirder. The plot in Marionette so much different to the one that first started it all in Dollhouse. However, Marionette was a fast paced read, in fact, in some parts, it was a little too fast paced. There were times I was left feeling confused about what was going on. Luckily, that only happened a few times, and the rest of the plot felt solid. Marionette was quite a page turner, and I kept wanting to know what would happen next. Marionette definitely has more action in it than Paper Dolls did. It seemed like there was always something happening in Marionette. This book focused more on Cassie and somewhat on Ethan. We learn more about the different worlds (which has me confused) and more about the ice world which Cassie is from. We also learn more about Zack, Viola, Emerson, and Parker as well as the castle itself. I do wish the worlds weren't as confusing. It's hard to keep up with all the different worlds and what happens when you see your copy on that world. I wish it was better explained or that there was some kind of appendix or something in the book to help explain it. I also don't understand why the bad people need Molly. I sort of understand why they want Cassie, but I don't see what use Molly is to them as she has no powers or anything of the sort. There were a few plot twists that I didn't see coming. This book didn't really end in a cliffhanger, but I will still read the last book in the series to complete the story.
As always, Anya Allyn did a fantastic job with her characters. Cassie puts up a good fight and tries to protect everyone. I was really routing for her throughout Marionette. Molly is written well, but I feel like she's sort of a useless character. I wish I knew more about why Aisha decided to just give in to the Batistes, so more backstory there would have been nice. I am hoping there will be more backstory on Lacey as well so I can know why she sometimes speaks in third person. I know it was sort of explained that she went crazy after everything went down at the end of Dollhouse, but I'd like to know a bit more. Perhaps all of these things will be explained in the last book of the series. One character I felt bad for was Zack. I felt like he was sort of a prisoner in all of this too, yet he's very protective and sweet towards Cassie. I get why Cassie was angry at him, but he had no choice. I really wished Cassie was a bit nicer towards him in the book. I was saddened that there was hardly any Jessamine in Marionette. Jessamine is my favorite character, yet she's only in the book for the beginning for a little bit. I'm hoping she'll be featured more in the next book.
Trigger warnings for Marionette include death, murder, rape and attempted rape of a minor (not graphic), mentions of sex (not graphic), the occult, violence, alcohol, and imprisonment.
Despite the fast pacing in places, Marionette is still a great read. With great characters and lots of action, this book definitely holds one's attention throughout. I would definitely recommend Marionette by Anya Allyn to those aged 16+ who like a bit of science fiction with their supernatural horror. Now on to the next and final book in the Dark Carousel series entitled Music Box.
--
I have definitely taken a shine to the Dark Carousel series by Anya Allyn. There's something about it that has definitely reeled me in. As soon as I finished reading Paper Dolls, I dove right into reading Marionette, the third book in the Dark Carousel series. This one definitely had a lot of action going on!
Cassie and Molly are prisoners in Balthazar's castle as its inhabitants try to find the second book of The Mirrored Tree. Cassie and Molly desperately search for a way to leave the castle so she can be reunited with her family and with Ethan. However, things take a turn for the worst when Cassie learns her fate of which she can not escape if she wants to save her world and all of its occupants.
I find that the plot of each book in the Dark Carousel series gets weirder and weirder. The plot in Marionette so much different to the one that first started it all in Dollhouse. However, Marionette was a fast paced read, in fact, in some parts, it was a little too fast paced. There were times I was left feeling confused about what was going on. Luckily, that only happened a few times, and the rest of the plot felt solid. Marionette was quite a page turner, and I kept wanting to know what would happen next. Marionette definitely has more action in it than Paper Dolls did. It seemed like there was always something happening in Marionette. This book focused more on Cassie and somewhat on Ethan. We learn more about the different worlds (which has me confused) and more about the ice world which Cassie is from. We also learn more about Zack, Viola, Emerson, and Parker as well as the castle itself. I do wish the worlds weren't as confusing. It's hard to keep up with all the different worlds and what happens when you see your copy on that world. I wish it was better explained or that there was some kind of appendix or something in the book to help explain it. I also don't understand why the bad people need Molly. I sort of understand why they want Cassie, but I don't see what use Molly is to them as she has no powers or anything of the sort. There were a few plot twists that I didn't see coming. This book didn't really end in a cliffhanger, but I will still read the last book in the series to complete the story.
As always, Anya Allyn did a fantastic job with her characters. Cassie puts up a good fight and tries to protect everyone. I was really routing for her throughout Marionette. Molly is written well, but I feel like she's sort of a useless character. I wish I knew more about why Aisha decided to just give in to the Batistes, so more backstory there would have been nice. I am hoping there will be more backstory on Lacey as well so I can know why she sometimes speaks in third person. I know it was sort of explained that she went crazy after everything went down at the end of Dollhouse, but I'd like to know a bit more. Perhaps all of these things will be explained in the last book of the series. One character I felt bad for was Zack. I felt like he was sort of a prisoner in all of this too, yet he's very protective and sweet towards Cassie. I get why Cassie was angry at him, but he had no choice. I really wished Cassie was a bit nicer towards him in the book. I was saddened that there was hardly any Jessamine in Marionette. Jessamine is my favorite character, yet she's only in the book for the beginning for a little bit. I'm hoping she'll be featured more in the next book.
Trigger warnings for Marionette include death, murder, rape and attempted rape of a minor (not graphic), mentions of sex (not graphic), the occult, violence, alcohol, and imprisonment.
Despite the fast pacing in places, Marionette is still a great read. With great characters and lots of action, this book definitely holds one's attention throughout. I would definitely recommend Marionette by Anya Allyn to those aged 16+ who like a bit of science fiction with their supernatural horror. Now on to the next and final book in the Dark Carousel series entitled Music Box.
September 23, 2019
This and other reviews can be found on The Psychotic Nerd
MY THOUGHTS
After the end of Paper Dolls, I wanted to keep reading the series. This book was a little lackluster and wasn't really what I expected it to be. It had some interesting ideas, but it took a long time to get there.
Cassie doesn't know who to trust. The family that she thought she could trust, turned out to be part of the group that entrapped her in the Dollhouse in the first place. And Ethan, the boy she thought betrayed her, is back and has told her that she is from another dimension, a dimension that is in chaos. Her world is frozen, a world of ice, with serpents feeding on everyone. It's completely unrecognizable. Cassie, though, is back to being trapped, now in a castle instead of a Dollhouse. She and Molly are sent to the frozen world to find the book, but they end up in a lot more trouble.
After the end of Paper Dolls, I expected this book to focus on parallel worlds. That's part of why I continued, I'm a sucker for books featuring parallel worlds, but that wasn't the focus of this book. Cassie occasionally travels to the frozen world, but most of this book was, well, nothing. Not much happened. I actually was tempted to give up on this book, but I kept on reading because I paid for it.
Part of my disappointment comes from the synopsis. The synopsis has some frightening elements, but, I kind you not, none of that happens until the last 20% of the book. The rest of the book is mostly everyone trying to find the book, which is getting a bit old. I do think the last 20% was really interesting, and a lot more like what I expected from the book. It is incredibly frightening, and I really wanted to find out if Cassie would be okay.
This book is also in dual POV, showing some scenes from Ethan's perspective. It's interesting to see things from his perspective, but I really didn't care. I'm sorry, but Ethan isn't really that interesting of a character and I never felt chemistry between him and Cassie. I think there's romance in this book, but I say romance lightly because, well, I don't know how to explain this. Suddenly the characters are in love with each other, but I never feel a build and there's never real confirmation that they're a thing, they're just suddenly a thing. Also, while I like, Cassie, this book makes her seem like she's someone special and I don't really like that. In Dollhouse, it seemed like Cassie was in the situation because she was in the wrong place, wrong time, but now the book makes it sound like she was always meant to be a part of this. I don't know, I just preferred her being an ordinary girl that got sucked into this mess.
IN CONCLUSION
Okay, I know I have a lot of nitpicks, but I did end up liking this book, mostly because the gothic elements picked up the last 20% of the book. I think this is becoming a guilty pleasure series, because I don't really enjoy reading these books, but I think Anya Allyn has a lot of interesting ideas, so I want to see how things turn out. Because of the monster of an ending, I am continuing the series.
MY THOUGHTS
After the end of Paper Dolls, I wanted to keep reading the series. This book was a little lackluster and wasn't really what I expected it to be. It had some interesting ideas, but it took a long time to get there.
Cassie doesn't know who to trust. The family that she thought she could trust, turned out to be part of the group that entrapped her in the Dollhouse in the first place. And Ethan, the boy she thought betrayed her, is back and has told her that she is from another dimension, a dimension that is in chaos. Her world is frozen, a world of ice, with serpents feeding on everyone. It's completely unrecognizable. Cassie, though, is back to being trapped, now in a castle instead of a Dollhouse. She and Molly are sent to the frozen world to find the book, but they end up in a lot more trouble.
After the end of Paper Dolls, I expected this book to focus on parallel worlds. That's part of why I continued, I'm a sucker for books featuring parallel worlds, but that wasn't the focus of this book. Cassie occasionally travels to the frozen world, but most of this book was, well, nothing. Not much happened. I actually was tempted to give up on this book, but I kept on reading because I paid for it.
Part of my disappointment comes from the synopsis. The synopsis has some frightening elements, but, I kind you not, none of that happens until the last 20% of the book. The rest of the book is mostly everyone trying to find the book, which is getting a bit old. I do think the last 20% was really interesting, and a lot more like what I expected from the book. It is incredibly frightening, and I really wanted to find out if Cassie would be okay.
This book is also in dual POV, showing some scenes from Ethan's perspective. It's interesting to see things from his perspective, but I really didn't care. I'm sorry, but Ethan isn't really that interesting of a character and I never felt chemistry between him and Cassie. I think there's romance in this book, but I say romance lightly because, well, I don't know how to explain this. Suddenly the characters are in love with each other, but I never feel a build and there's never real confirmation that they're a thing, they're just suddenly a thing. Also, while I like, Cassie, this book makes her seem like she's someone special and I don't really like that. In Dollhouse, it seemed like Cassie was in the situation because she was in the wrong place, wrong time, but now the book makes it sound like she was always meant to be a part of this. I don't know, I just preferred her being an ordinary girl that got sucked into this mess.
IN CONCLUSION
Okay, I know I have a lot of nitpicks, but I did end up liking this book, mostly because the gothic elements picked up the last 20% of the book. I think this is becoming a guilty pleasure series, because I don't really enjoy reading these books, but I think Anya Allyn has a lot of interesting ideas, so I want to see how things turn out. Because of the monster of an ending, I am continuing the series.
May 1, 2018
Having really enjoyed Books 1 and 2 of the Dark Carousel series I was distinctly underwhelmed with this, the third book. It just doesn't gel in the same way the others did and the swapping between realities definitely didn't work this time around.
The strongest sections are spent with Cassie and Molly in the Castle. The true depth of depravity of the families is exposed with the changing walls and corridors of the castle and the strange marriage ceremony where the castle chooses your spouse. To some extent they are a caricature of the Dollhouse and the same level of spine tingling dread is not to be found within these pages. There is little to no character development for Cassie and Molly returns to being sickly and removed from the action by her overriding fatigue.
The sections in the Ice World don't really work. I think I can see what the author is trying to achieve but it fell flat for me and did not hold my attention. This isn't helped by the clumsy travelling mechanism of "the shadow" which seems somewhat at odds with the venality of the Empress Serpent that is supposedly the giver of the mechanism.
Things do start looking up in the last 20% or so of the book with a return to a more gothic tale. The title suddenly makes sense and Cassie appears to be in genuine peril from Balthazar. The scene setting is also richer and the tale benefits greatly from this which serves to give me hope for the fourth book in the series but I don't think I will be rushing to read it.
The strongest sections are spent with Cassie and Molly in the Castle. The true depth of depravity of the families is exposed with the changing walls and corridors of the castle and the strange marriage ceremony where the castle chooses your spouse. To some extent they are a caricature of the Dollhouse and the same level of spine tingling dread is not to be found within these pages. There is little to no character development for Cassie and Molly returns to being sickly and removed from the action by her overriding fatigue.
The sections in the Ice World don't really work. I think I can see what the author is trying to achieve but it fell flat for me and did not hold my attention. This isn't helped by the clumsy travelling mechanism of "the shadow" which seems somewhat at odds with the venality of the Empress Serpent that is supposedly the giver of the mechanism.
Things do start looking up in the last 20% or so of the book with a return to a more gothic tale. The title suddenly makes sense and Cassie appears to be in genuine peril from Balthazar. The scene setting is also richer and the tale benefits greatly from this which serves to give me hope for the fourth book in the series but I don't think I will be rushing to read it.
March 27, 2018
Books 2, 3, and 4 comprise one "novel". Whereas Book 1 is a complete idea, these next three books have to be combined to complete the second idea. So, definitely get the 2-4 box set.
The story has frustrating YA romance elements that just don't fit so well with me now that I am somewhat removed from that mindset. However, the story is fairly interesting and intriguing. Not as much of a mystery as book 1, but the author is not afraid to go beyond your standard realm of imagination to someplace not quite so safe.
The story has frustrating YA romance elements that just don't fit so well with me now that I am somewhat removed from that mindset. However, the story is fairly interesting and intriguing. Not as much of a mystery as book 1, but the author is not afraid to go beyond your standard realm of imagination to someplace not quite so safe.
March 18, 2018
Really did enjoy this book. I did have to stop reading it for a while because I found myself cursing the characters for being stupid and not realizing what was going on at the beginning. This series though, and the other book from this author I've read I just love the concept of the plot. It says horror, but I would classify it more as what could be a surreal supernatural science fiction world.
February 6, 2021
Je suis de plus en plus déçue de la série. Le premier tome avait une petite vibe horrifique. Maintenant nous sommes dans un monde purement fantastique. J'ai perdu un peu l'intérêt. C'est difficile de commenter sans spoiler. Le livre est quand même bien écrit mais tout simplement pas mon genre.
November 24, 2017
Wow, this series just keeps getting better and better. Outstanding work!!!
November 27, 2019
3.5 of 5. A lot of things were happening so was kind of confused at times. Wondering how it will wrap up in the finale.
March 12, 2020
I'm still reading a series, aren't I? Possible that I may be enjoying it! You never know ....
June 13, 2020
I like that all the back stories are being told. There are so many twists and turns I have no idea what will happen. Hope Molly pulls though and Cassie ends the curse. Will see soon. Now onto book 4.
November 15, 2021
Such a strange but great story, like nothing I have read before
July 28, 2022
Review to come
May 25, 2025
honestly these books just keep getting better this one has alot of jumping to different view points of different people but it is still very good
November 14, 2013
This series totally rocks my socks!! Ive never read a series that ventures through soo many things: creepy circus stuff, magic tricks, ghosts, aliens, monsters, medieval castles, time/space travel, parallel dimensions.... even history and romance. WOW. When reading though, it all flows so well and is seamlessly written. It dosn't even seem awkward. haha. This author is awesome!!
This particular book starts where book 2 left off. Book 2 had a lot of physical travel in in, this book has lots of travel as well but more of the inter dimensional travel. We learn almost everything we need to know about the the why of the main dilemma in the series. Im guessing book 4 will just be coming up with the solution.
Book 3 def answered a lot of my questions and gives different perspectives of the story. Book 2 was Cassie and Jessamine. Book 3 is Cassie and Ethan. Yes, Ethan returns. The overall romance in the series is clear up here as well... but i must say that those last few chapters are slightly annoying. I've had a very slight issue with Cassie every since the first first book. She hasnt been my fave character necessarily and the whole thing with Ethan in this book is slightly annoying to me. I def would have handle it differently..... but i guess im older than she is and also, i have seen the story from different perspectives than she has as a character... but still. I said "WTF" out loud for everyone to hear. Hahaha.
There are a few unexpected things that popup that will greatly effect book 4. From the end of 3 and the synopsis of 4, i can already tell i will really really enjoy it. I noticed on the author's blog that #4 is finished and titled: Music Box. Anyone who has read book 3 already might know what that means. ;) I really want book 4 like right now. I read books 1,2 & 3 in 3 days. :P I need closure..haha.
Overall i would def recommend this book. Its a great addition to the series and sets up for book 4 really well. There is a small indirect reference to sex/rape and much more drinking than the previous books though, so be careful of that if you find it offensive.
This particular book starts where book 2 left off. Book 2 had a lot of physical travel in in, this book has lots of travel as well but more of the inter dimensional travel. We learn almost everything we need to know about the the why of the main dilemma in the series. Im guessing book 4 will just be coming up with the solution.
Book 3 def answered a lot of my questions and gives different perspectives of the story. Book 2 was Cassie and Jessamine. Book 3 is Cassie and Ethan. Yes, Ethan returns. The overall romance in the series is clear up here as well... but i must say that those last few chapters are slightly annoying. I've had a very slight issue with Cassie every since the first first book. She hasnt been my fave character necessarily and the whole thing with Ethan in this book is slightly annoying to me. I def would have handle it differently..... but i guess im older than she is and also, i have seen the story from different perspectives than she has as a character... but still. I said "WTF" out loud for everyone to hear. Hahaha.
There are a few unexpected things that popup that will greatly effect book 4. From the end of 3 and the synopsis of 4, i can already tell i will really really enjoy it. I noticed on the author's blog that #4 is finished and titled: Music Box. Anyone who has read book 3 already might know what that means. ;) I really want book 4 like right now. I read books 1,2 & 3 in 3 days. :P I need closure..haha.
Overall i would def recommend this book. Its a great addition to the series and sets up for book 4 really well. There is a small indirect reference to sex/rape and much more drinking than the previous books though, so be careful of that if you find it offensive.
March 8, 2016
FIRST, IT WAS SCARY. THEN, CREEPY. NOW'S JUST TWISTED.
✴SPOILRRS AHEAD✴
How can I even begin to describe this book? Well, ...it was fucked up to the core! From the gross ways of that fucking family (probably incestuous desires, bdsm+infidelity, brain wash, snobbish purposes, and lack of trying), to the undeniability of those damn ghosts and the big bad Ghost with its own storyline. You can actually see that the blood that runs through their veins was poison from the very start, I mean the only exceptions must have been Tobias, his son and Jessamine (who BTW I would have loved to see).
Anyways, I'm glad that the girls are starting to see that she wasn't such a psychotic lunatic, but a damaged little girl. And now need her help, I mean. I knew that from the start but is nice for them to know too. Then let's go to the new aptitude of Cassie towards her betrayers: Aisha and Zach. She's just a control freak/pathological liar/backstabbing bitch who someone gets a little forgiveness from Cass, I mean Wtf?! And him, a fucked up coward with really wrong ideas of what love and caring for someone really is, and Cass gets him remembering the boy she liked on the beach (girl! That boy never existed! This is a bloody moron!). And now (I can't believe what I'm saying) Ethan is the actual good guy after all, and he loved Cassie all along, which was sweet and desperate but I'm beginning to like him again, well actually for the very first time.
And what about that messed up ending?! Did anyone actually expected something like that?! I was longing for Jessamine to appear and kill all the Batiste but no, the crazy Balthazar ghost freak had to appear and force marry Cassie to implant 'his disgusting seed on her'... I mean.... WTF?!! This books never stop surprising me, and making me realise that some people can really be up to going to a mental institution. Twisted.
Ps.: I need the final one!
✴SPOILRRS AHEAD✴
How can I even begin to describe this book? Well, ...it was fucked up to the core! From the gross ways of that fucking family (probably incestuous desires, bdsm+infidelity, brain wash, snobbish purposes, and lack of trying), to the undeniability of those damn ghosts and the big bad Ghost with its own storyline. You can actually see that the blood that runs through their veins was poison from the very start, I mean the only exceptions must have been Tobias, his son and Jessamine (who BTW I would have loved to see).
Anyways, I'm glad that the girls are starting to see that she wasn't such a psychotic lunatic, but a damaged little girl. And now need her help, I mean. I knew that from the start but is nice for them to know too. Then let's go to the new aptitude of Cassie towards her betrayers: Aisha and Zach. She's just a control freak/pathological liar/backstabbing bitch who someone gets a little forgiveness from Cass, I mean Wtf?! And him, a fucked up coward with really wrong ideas of what love and caring for someone really is, and Cass gets him remembering the boy she liked on the beach (girl! That boy never existed! This is a bloody moron!). And now (I can't believe what I'm saying) Ethan is the actual good guy after all, and he loved Cassie all along, which was sweet and desperate but I'm beginning to like him again, well actually for the very first time.
And what about that messed up ending?! Did anyone actually expected something like that?! I was longing for Jessamine to appear and kill all the Batiste but no, the crazy Balthazar ghost freak had to appear and force marry Cassie to implant 'his disgusting seed on her'... I mean.... WTF?!! This books never stop surprising me, and making me realise that some people can really be up to going to a mental institution. Twisted.
Ps.: I need the final one!
February 21, 2017
It continues
The story continues. It is so deep now the only way is out. The creepiness must have and end.
Lol the story is fabulous. I can't wait to find out the end. :-)
The story continues. It is so deep now the only way is out. The creepiness must have and end.
Lol the story is fabulous. I can't wait to find out the end. :-)
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