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The Game at Carousel #3
The Atlas: A Horror Movie LitRPG
The third installment of a cinematic horror-LitRPG Die in the story, and you’ll be back; break the story, and you’re gone for good.
Since the day they unwittingly found themselves in the horror show of Carousel, Riley (the Film Buff), Antoine (the Athlete), Kimberly (the Eye Candy), Camden (the Scholar), and Anna (the Final Girl) have learned the rules of their horror-movie world. They’ve fought through story after story and come out alive—or at least preserved the storyline enough to come back to life.
But their biggest challenge yet lies ahead. While the vets who’ve been there longest want to travel to the mountain they believe to be the source of Carousel’s power, Riley is more concerned about something the murderous man with an axe who follows their every move to ensure they play by the rules. But even knowing the secrets of Carousel can’t save them from the real horrors to come . . .
The longer they stay in Carousel, the more Riley and his friends Who’s running the game? Where does it end? And why don’t the vets seem to know any more than they do?
The third volume of the hit LitRPG series—with more than three million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
Since the day they unwittingly found themselves in the horror show of Carousel, Riley (the Film Buff), Antoine (the Athlete), Kimberly (the Eye Candy), Camden (the Scholar), and Anna (the Final Girl) have learned the rules of their horror-movie world. They’ve fought through story after story and come out alive—or at least preserved the storyline enough to come back to life.
But their biggest challenge yet lies ahead. While the vets who’ve been there longest want to travel to the mountain they believe to be the source of Carousel’s power, Riley is more concerned about something the murderous man with an axe who follows their every move to ensure they play by the rules. But even knowing the secrets of Carousel can’t save them from the real horrors to come . . .
The longer they stay in Carousel, the more Riley and his friends Who’s running the game? Where does it end? And why don’t the vets seem to know any more than they do?
The third volume of the hit LitRPG series—with more than three million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 5, 2026
06/05/26 Notes, Book 4:
4 Stars
Read book 4 draft on Royal Road. It was good! There were some discrepancies, but not enough to detract from the whole. Format for the this arc could be my fav because it felt more complete by having the group focused on one game.
I enjoyed the way details are woven together and connected throughout the series.
05/31/26 Notes, Book 4:
Started reading GaC 4, start of Arc 2, on Royal Road. There isn't a post for books 4 to 8 on GR for now. Going to use this one to keep track of what I'm reading on RR.
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05/05/26 Notes, the Atlas #3:
Nice wrap up for first story arc and so many questions left to yank the reader to follow along the series.
This one had elements that reminded me of Threshold series by Peter Clines.
Books #4 to latest releases of 8 are on Royal Road. I may read ahead on website.
4 Stars
Read book 4 draft on Royal Road. It was good! There were some discrepancies, but not enough to detract from the whole. Format for the this arc could be my fav because it felt more complete by having the group focused on one game.
I enjoyed the way details are woven together and connected throughout the series.
05/31/26 Notes, Book 4:
Started reading GaC 4, start of Arc 2, on Royal Road. There isn't a post for books 4 to 8 on GR for now. Going to use this one to keep track of what I'm reading on RR.
===========
05/05/26 Notes, the Atlas #3:
Nice wrap up for first story arc and so many questions left to yank the reader to follow along the series.
This one had elements that reminded me of Threshold series by Peter Clines.
Books #4 to latest releases of 8 are on Royal Road. I may read ahead on website.
June 10, 2026
To say I am obsessed is an understatement!! Book two was very much a middling book (still good just not 5star worthy), but book three took everything we knew about this world and amplified it ten-fold. I can't say too much for fear of spoilers, but I really love where this plot is taking the readers. It has the potential to be one of my favorite intricate plotlines!
I really enjoyed how the characters developed this time too, since we are getting separate plot lines instead of them moving as a group. It's more interesting to see how they act while not with everyone else, and how their roles and powers make the plot move forward.
Again, there is not much I can say about this plot, but I would highly recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of the tv show, From. It's mind-boggling in its ingenuity and I am SO excited for more!
I really enjoyed how the characters developed this time too, since we are getting separate plot lines instead of them moving as a group. It's more interesting to see how they act while not with everyone else, and how their roles and powers make the plot move forward.
Again, there is not much I can say about this plot, but I would highly recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of the tv show, From. It's mind-boggling in its ingenuity and I am SO excited for more!
December 15, 2024
4.5 ⭐ The ending was really good!!!! This one threw some things I was not expecting at me, and set up so much that I am really interested in seeing.
July 17, 2025
Woah. Another stressful book. At this rate the author is going to have to pay for my therapy to handle the anxiety this series gives me.
The mystery of Carousel begins to discovered. Though it times I admit I was a bit confused with what was happening as some of the information was clustered in large amounts at times. But my god is it interesting. Now the story is really rolling. Our little crew are the only hope for everyone now. And I’m excited and nervous to read what happens next.
Because Carousel is waking up. And that can only mean more horror. And I am so ready.
I’ve enjoyed this series so much I’m not even going to wait for book four to be officially released. I’ll head onto Royal Road to continue reading. Because I need answers.
Onto book four!
The mystery of Carousel begins to discovered. Though it times I admit I was a bit confused with what was happening as some of the information was clustered in large amounts at times. But my god is it interesting. Now the story is really rolling. Our little crew are the only hope for everyone now. And I’m excited and nervous to read what happens next.
Because Carousel is waking up. And that can only mean more horror. And I am so ready.
I’ve enjoyed this series so much I’m not even going to wait for book four to be officially released. I’ll head onto Royal Road to continue reading. Because I need answers.
Onto book four!
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September 16, 2025I wrote a review earlier for books one and two in this series. This is book 3 and I am still totally enthralled by the world building in this series.
This is such a unique take on, maybe fusion is a better word for it ..... a couple of classic genres. The setting is totally 80s to 90s slasher / horrer film, but the chars are living a variation of the Isekai LitRPG genre story line.
lots of interesting story line world building, very smart characters, very well written characters, Lots of, I think foreshadowing is the right concept. There will be a very small detail, almost not even worth noticing, but the author makes sure it is just barely noticed..... Like ten pages later there is a reference to it....... like 2 chapters later it is a focal point and the whole plot revolves around that little detail. I love that in a book. Really makes you pay attention.
Lots of slasher movie tropes built into this whole series, but, not in a way you have to be a fan of slasher movies, the tropes get explained in a useful way to non fans but without wasting the time of hardcore slasher fans. The game lit mechanics have the same thought behind them. they are important and well used. They get explained well without wasting the time of hard core game lit readers.
If I read this review without being aware of the series, I would say no way, that sounds awkward and not worth reading....
It really works well though. This is a really well built world with lots of good well designed challenges and good char development with great plot building. Truly an interesting new twist on a couple of old stranded plot styles.
I recommend this series to almost all of my booky friends!
This is such a unique take on, maybe fusion is a better word for it ..... a couple of classic genres. The setting is totally 80s to 90s slasher / horrer film, but the chars are living a variation of the Isekai LitRPG genre story line.
lots of interesting story line world building, very smart characters, very well written characters, Lots of, I think foreshadowing is the right concept. There will be a very small detail, almost not even worth noticing, but the author makes sure it is just barely noticed..... Like ten pages later there is a reference to it....... like 2 chapters later it is a focal point and the whole plot revolves around that little detail. I love that in a book. Really makes you pay attention.
Lots of slasher movie tropes built into this whole series, but, not in a way you have to be a fan of slasher movies, the tropes get explained in a useful way to non fans but without wasting the time of hardcore slasher fans. The game lit mechanics have the same thought behind them. they are important and well used. They get explained well without wasting the time of hard core game lit readers.
If I read this review without being aware of the series, I would say no way, that sounds awkward and not worth reading....
It really works well though. This is a really well built world with lots of good well designed challenges and good char development with great plot building. Truly an interesting new twist on a couple of old stranded plot styles.
I recommend this series to almost all of my booky friends!
May 3, 2026
4.7/5 (rounding up for goodreads)
Riley Lawrence is the film buff in Game at carousel book 3. I was skeptical to continue after the second book but boy am I glad that I did. The plot development that this story has taken is insane. Things that were only slightly referenced in book 1 are pivotal plot points in book three. The amount of overall detail that has been put into the book storyline is amazing. I really liked both of the storylines that the characters ran through for different reasons. Storyline 1: because it was fun and inventive. Good use of tropes. Storyline 2: because of the shattering it did to the plot. Also entertaining. Great book!
One thing that I always wish books have and especially in series where things can get too comfortable is upping the stakes. Making the characters really work for something and it not go there way sometimes. Something catastrophic, and without saying too much that’s exactly what this book/series provides. Excited to read the next books on Royal Road. Bummer they aren’t published!
Riley Lawrence is the film buff in Game at carousel book 3. I was skeptical to continue after the second book but boy am I glad that I did. The plot development that this story has taken is insane. Things that were only slightly referenced in book 1 are pivotal plot points in book three. The amount of overall detail that has been put into the book storyline is amazing. I really liked both of the storylines that the characters ran through for different reasons. Storyline 1: because it was fun and inventive. Good use of tropes. Storyline 2: because of the shattering it did to the plot. Also entertaining. Great book!
One thing that I always wish books have and especially in series where things can get too comfortable is upping the stakes. Making the characters really work for something and it not go there way sometimes. Something catastrophic, and without saying too much that’s exactly what this book/series provides. Excited to read the next books on Royal Road. Bummer they aren’t published!
December 26, 2024
Good
Good but slightly less than two previous ones which were excellent. Not because it's not good but as there only two main quest, which gives us the impression that there is less adventures compare to multiples quests in other books. There are a few… typos? Glitches? at the end of the book that looks like symbols and, sadly, are impossible to copy and paste…
But still good, nonetheless.
Good but slightly less than two previous ones which were excellent. Not because it's not good but as there only two main quest, which gives us the impression that there is less adventures compare to multiples quests in other books. There are a few… typos? Glitches? at the end of the book that looks like symbols and, sadly, are impossible to copy and paste…
But still good, nonetheless.
February 7, 2025
an actually, satisfying payoff to the mystery
for not being a fan of horror, this has been a surprisingly enjoyable for me, and only seems to be getting better with every entry, that so many things in narrative could be carousel acting out bad horror movie tropes, even outside the games, is working in the favour of the overall mystery, you won’t be disappointed and can’t wait for book 4
for not being a fan of horror, this has been a surprisingly enjoyable for me, and only seems to be getting better with every entry, that so many things in narrative could be carousel acting out bad horror movie tropes, even outside the games, is working in the favour of the overall mystery, you won’t be disappointed and can’t wait for book 4
March 5, 2025
Wow. Consistency can be difficult to keep across a multiple book series, but the author has done so and made each book build off the previous in an exciting manner.
Holy Toledo this book was a wild ride and I very much enjoyed every turn. I can not wait to see if book 4 can fulfill its promise and set up.
Holy Toledo this book was a wild ride and I very much enjoyed every turn. I can not wait to see if book 4 can fulfill its promise and set up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2025
This is the best one of the series so far, imo. You get a lot less "horror story lines", but what really interests me about these kinds of stories is the overarching plot. Why does Carousel exist? Who is controlling it? What does it all MEAN? And you get a lot of really satisfying answers in this book. It was SO GOOD!!
June 5, 2026
This was definitely the best book in the series for me, though I found myself constantly missing the presence of Anna and Camden, as they were my 2 favourite characters in the main group, I loved that we finally got the lore drops and explanations the series has been building to. I’m excited to keep reading so I’m probably gonna head over to Royal Road to finish all 8 books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2025
I enjoyed how this book deviated from the setup of the previous book’s and made it its own thing. It wasn’t as good as the second book but still really enjoyable and fun to read. The plot twist shocked me and I’m really excited to see how the author continues with the plan!
December 12, 2024
Great book
I am following this book from the royal road and supporting the online version so I can get more books it is amazing and I can't wait for more.
I am following this book from the royal road and supporting the online version so I can get more books it is amazing and I can't wait for more.
December 15, 2024
Book 4 can’t come out soon enough
December 29, 2024
This says a lot about society.
December 30, 2024
Wow
Loved the buildup and action. The momentum continues to go, the horror still grows, and the tropes are very dope.
Loved the buildup and action. The momentum continues to go, the horror still grows, and the tropes are very dope.
December 31, 2024
I am still loving this series!
January 22, 2025
wow
This book series has such a special place in my heart. An amazing plot followed with amazing writing. I can’t recommend enough.
This book series has such a special place in my heart. An amazing plot followed with amazing writing. I can’t recommend enough.
February 1, 2025
This book brought the plot together from the prior two books and set the story up going forward. This series got really interesting! The setup has a Westworld tinge to it.
February 3, 2025
Fantastic
I did not expect the ending! Truly a twist for the ages. I hope more people choose to read this.
I did not expect the ending! Truly a twist for the ages. I hope more people choose to read this.
February 6, 2025
Not life changing. But it is an interesting concept with pretty good execution.
February 24, 2025
Amazind
The world building was simply amazing. A truly unique Litrpg. I could put the book down. I want the next book now, I simply can't wait.
The world building was simply amazing. A truly unique Litrpg. I could put the book down. I want the next book now, I simply can't wait.
March 21, 2025
Such a fun series. Please keep them coming!
March 25, 2025
Clue meets Scary Movie meets a classic RPG
Don’t think, just do it. You will not regret this. Or will you? Seven more words are required here period.
Don’t think, just do it. You will not regret this. Or will you? Seven more words are required here period.
May 15, 2025
surprisingly good
May 25, 2025
Best horror for rpg lit by far
It screams for a tv show version. And a table top rpg book. Great story progression with a plot that is internally consistent.
It screams for a tv show version. And a table top rpg book. Great story progression with a plot that is internally consistent.
June 28, 2025
I really want to read the next book asap
July 16, 2025
Things are heating up.
October 17, 2025
Good stuff.
I liked it. I need the next one. I know a book is good when i lose sleep to read it.
I liked it. I need the next one. I know a book is good when i lose sleep to read it.
November 19, 2025
great continuation of the series!!
I really love this series! Sad another book is down but can’t wait to continue the story and the unique world created here!
I really love this series! Sad another book is down but can’t wait to continue the story and the unique world created here!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews