Circus of Lost Souls

by M.K. Taylor

Blair thought she had it all—her life planned, her future in control. But all of that crumbled the moment she saw him. A simple night, a simple smile, and suddenly everything she thought she knew was thrown into chaos.

Silas was sent to bring her in, a shadow with a mission. But when his eyes met hers, everything changed. He was supposed to be distant, detached, and focused on the task. Instead, he found himself drawn to her in a way he never anticipated.

Now, the man made to keep her in line is doing everything in his power to keep her safe. Blair might not understand the risks, but Silas is ready to protect her from the dangers closing in, even if it means putting himself in harm’s way.

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2025

Reviews

[Dawn Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and I was so surprised by it. I’ve been in a reading slump and this book held my attention from page 1 to the ending, I enjoyed the circus theme, you don’t see that a lot in nooks anymore. I love the chemistry between Silas and Blair. I can’t wait to read more books from this author.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fast-paced story with a very intriguing premise. The setting was creepy (very quickly remembered how much I dislike clowns).

My main critique is I think it could’ve been at least two books. I loved the first 40-50% percent. I had no clue where the story was going. Then EVERYTHING happened. And fast. I normally prefer standalone books, but this one left me wanting more. I wanted the second half to slow down and expand. I want to know more about Briar and Silas’ backstories (because wow do they have backstories), how the circus got started and how the performers got SO involved. Why does everyone just accept all this crazy stuff happening? I truly think there could’ve been a whole second book following the first big reveal.

Overall I did enjoy the book. It was an enjoyable blend of weird and creepy with some humor and romance. But it left me with too many questions and not enough answers. Maybe a prequel down the road….

[Emmy Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first saw this book I thought it was like Phantasma or a darker version of Caraval. It wasn’t really like those, but it was still amazing. This book isn’t actually that dark, compared to other stuff I usually read. Yes there are dark themes like death, domestic abuse and manipulation but none by the mmc. But I’ve been looking for a book like this for a long time. One where the fmc walks into a circus and falls in love with one of the dark and mysterious performers. Except this circus is far from what it seems. A lot of this book is pretty cute, they spend time together at the circus and it’s all cute right? Except the tension that gnaws in the reader's throat, knowing that she may be in danger there. It’s a little confusing and ambiguous at first but near the end it makes sense. The climax was super exciting and tense, I loved it and the ending was bittersweet. I feel like Blair’s sudden personality change was odd but everyone reacts to trauma in different ways. I love Silas, he’s a little light for my taste but still amazing! I really enjoyed this book and give it a 4/5.

[Brittany Thompson (Jones) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The "Circus of Lost Souls" keeps your heart pounding with anticipation and suspense on what will happen next. Blair and Silas love for the circus and for each other shows throughout the book. The way Silas will do anything to keep Blair safe and will defeat all her demons is true love.

This book did leave me with more questions throughout the book that I didn't get the answer for. For example: What has Jasper done in the past to cause Silas to hate him before finding out about his parents?

The ending of the book was heart shattering, and I wasn't prepared for the final outcome after the end of Jasper. I did love that the friends took over the circus and made it even better. The 18 years later portion of the book brought everything full circle and sewed my heart back together.

[Lindsey T · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Rating: 3.25 Stars***

I received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review. The story itself is very fast-paced which is great for drawing you into the story but it leaves a lot of information missing.

We never learn why Jasper actually wanted Blair around and how was Blair such an amazing fighter when it sounds like she had a normal upbringing besides her family tragedy.

While it was a pretty good read and the last 20% wrecked me, I wish the story didn’t feel so rushed and had more character development.

[Danielle Bradburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

all the fun of the circus, with a tiny bit of spice and take charge attitude. this fmc definitely proves that we are in charge of our destiny's and it is up to us to never let someone else control us.

[Janet Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I was kinda iffy cause circus equals scary clowns to me buttttt this read was awesome!!!! Silas, Blair, Felix, Shelby & everyone!!!! Ty to the amazing author… def need a hard copy when it releases🖤

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. Fast paced and keeps you hooked. Definitely one to read.

[Melissa Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read so much ! MMC and MFC had a great chemistry. Hoping there is more books from this story line

[M. Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book! The MMC and FMC had so much chemistry I couldn't put the book down. This story will keep you hooked from beginning to end with all of the plot twists. If you're looking for a creepy and suspenseful read then look no further!

[Kelsea TM · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story kept me reading. Although, I was hoping for deeper character development. I felt a bit lost with the dedication between a few characters without seeing much connection that would lead to that level of interest. I would've enjoyed a bit more information on Jasper. His character held a lot of weight for as much as he was missing from the story.
I did enjoy the story. I just wish there was a bit more to it.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this story and the concept of the plot had a lot of potential, but for me it just missed the mark. I felt it was a bit to fast-paced and was lacking in backstory and believability. There wasn’t enough character development to make the relationships feel authentic and it all felt a little rushed and dramatized. I wanted to enjoy the story more, but unfortunately it felt really predictable and cliche. I think with more character and plot development, and a bit more backstory on some of the characters’ pasts, this could be a really amazing read!

[Paige Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of the Plot Thickens Book Club.

Title: Circus of Lost Souls
Author: MK Taylor
Rating: 3.5 stars

Trigger Warnings ⚠️

- Anxiety / depression
- Graphic imagery
- Domestic violence
- Childhood trauma
- Death / murder
- Sexual assault
- Abuse
- Extreme violence
- Mental illness
- Stalking
- PTSD implications
- Psychological manipulation
These are the main ones I felt needed a mention and the full list is extensive but the author made sure they were all in there. So.. please, please make sure you read them all before starting the book.

This book had my interest piqued by the trigger warnings alone.. my dark romance girlies will understand what I mean and had me completely encapsulated in the story by chapter 3.
The descriptive writing made for an enveloping read. My only criticism would be that it flicks between past and present tense in the same paragraph at times, however it doesn’t really take away from the story. Just something to note, as this is an arc copy it may be that I have an unedited version but it is not in any way reflected in my review.

Blair and Silas are inexplicably drawn to each other and that electric connection makes for a great read. It felt rushed in places and sometimes things were kind of hinted at but not elaborated on that I wanted to know more about. I would have loved more back story on both main characters and honestly the whole circus, I really do hope this ends up being a series so we can delve more into those background stories and the other characters. I wanted more of it but I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading more from M.K Taylor in the future.

[The Plot Thickens Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of the Plot Thickens Book Club.

Title: Circus of Lost Souls
Author: MK Taylor
Rating: 3.5 stars

Trigger Warnings ⚠️

- Anxiety / depression
- Graphic imagery
- Domestic violence
- Childhood trauma
- Death / murder
- Sexual assault
- Abuse
- Extreme violence
- Mental illness
- Stalking
- PTSD implications
- Psychological manipulation
These are the main ones I felt needed a mention and the full list is extensive but the author made sure they were all in there. So.. please, please make sure you read them all before starting the book.

This book had my interest piqued by the trigger warnings alone.. my dark romance girlies will understand what I mean and had me completely encapsulated in the story by chapter 3.
The descriptive writing made for an enveloping read. My only criticism would be that it flicks between past and present tense in the same paragraph at times, however it doesn’t really take away from the story. Just something to note, as this is an arc copy it may be that I have an unedited version but it is not in any way reflected in my review.

Blair and Silas are inexplicably drawn to each other and that electric connection makes for a great read. It felt rushed in places and sometimes things were kind of hinted at but not elaborated on that I wanted to know more about. I would have loved more back story on both main characters and honestly the whole circus, I really do hope this ends up being a series so we can delve more into those background stories and the other characters. I wanted more of it but I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading more from M.K Taylor in the future.

[Kaytee Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book. This book. I’m still not over it.

Circus of Lost Souls absolutely consumed me. It’s dark, twisted, intense, and filled with that perfect combination of danger, obsession, and longing that I love in my reads. Blair’s story pulled me right in — from her haunted past to her desperate need to uncover the circus’s secrets, every chapter had me glued to the page. And then there’s Silas. Oh wow. The Hollow Jester himself. He’s just the right mix of dangerous and vulnerable, and their chemistry had me literally holding my breath.

I’m obsessed with this whole vibe: the dark circus, the masked performers, the eerie glamour that hides so much danger underneath. Every twist hit harder than the last, and I could not stop reading. And I have to say – my only complaint is that I wish it was longer! I need more of this world. I need more of Blair and Silas and the secrets they’ve only just started to unravel.

At first, the circus is just an extravagant escape: dazzling performances, dangerous stunts, and an air of mystery. But as Blair and Silas’s connection deepens, the layers of glamour peel back to reveal a sinister underbelly of control, manipulation, and violence. Silas, the charismatic but morally ambiguous Hollow Jester, is caught between his loyalty to the circus and his growing desire to protect Blair from its darker forces—especially the ruthless ringleader Jasper.

Thank you so much to the author for trusting me with an early copy – I’m still thinking about it days later. Dark romance lovers, you need to read this one. Trust me.

[Jakki Pell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was chosen to be an ARC for this book and to give my honest opinion.

Wow, within the first few pages I was hooked, couldn’t put the book down and was questioning myself ‘did I even need to go to bed’ because I wanted to read more. I loved the scene setting, the creepy clowns , the chemistry between Blair and Silas was just off the chart and I found myself rooting for them early on to have their happy ever after.

The first 50/60% loved, loved, loved and found myself drowning in the possibility of where this could go and rooting for everyone.

The only critique I have is that I found the 2nd half of the book rushed. I blinked and everything happened so fast I couldn’t keep up. I had to re read chapters to make sure I was up to date because I constantly felt that I had missed something. I do feel that this could have been a 2 part book which potentially would have answered questions that kept popping up, the back story between Jasper and Silas, how the circus came about and who tipped Jasper off to name a few.
The way Blair’s friends just arrived to fight for a circus they weren’t part of and then took over the circus when they were all at college left me with questions.
Blair finding out who her father was, the whole scene felt rushed and them winning the fight felt rushed, I felt I blinked and the next page it was over they had won. I do feel that I asked myself questions a lot more than I got answers.

Don’t get me wrong overall the book was amazing and i genuinely can’t wait to see what happens next.

Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC for the book.

[Courtney Parrish · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Circus of Lost Souls" by M.K. Taylor is a thrilling dive into the world of dark romance, where readers are immediately ensnared in the complex relationship between Blair and Silas. Taylor crafts an easy-to-read narrative that belies the twisted secrets and emotional depths explored within the story. From the very first page, the author hooks you, masterfully setting the stage for a tale of suspense and passion that's impossible to put down.

The strength of "Circus of Lost Souls" lies in its ability to constantly surprise. Just when you think you've pieced together the puzzle, Taylor throws in a curveball, keeping you guessing and eagerly turning the pages. The chemistry between Blair and Silas is palpable, adding layers of intrigue to the already captivating plot. Their interactions are a dance of power and vulnerability, making them both compelling and enigmatic.

What truly sets this book apart is its unexpected ending. Taylor doesn't settle for a predictable resolution; instead, she delivers a conclusion that is both shocking and satisfying. It's a testament to her skill as a storyteller that she can tie up loose ends while still leaving readers pondering the events long after the final page. "Circus of Lost Souls" is a must-read for fans of dark romance and thrillers, offering a perfect blend of suspense, passion, and unpredictable twists.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sucked me straight into the story, beautifully written with an engaging, easy to read style.
Blair, Shelby, and friends love the Circus of Lost Souls, Shelby is obsessed by Felix the skater, but Blair is left breathless by the Hollow Jester. There is also Jasper, the owner, who wants Blair for some reason, we do find out why, but it was never clear, why now? What did he need her for, it felt a little forced. There are lots of past secrets revealed, and fights between factions, leading to loss for them all.
The relationship between Blair and Silas seems to become secondary towards the end of the book and I became confused about why Dani, Nick and Nikki would just give up everything, plus where did they suddenly get their skills from, picking locks, fighting etc.
I loved the book right through the final fight, but it was just those last few chapters that lost my interest, but this is still an enjoyable read, and the love story between Blair and Silas is beautiful, even when he’s being an idiot. I also loved the circus skills lessons that the girls did. But also, what happened to Raven and Alex? They deserved an extra special ending after the chocolate incident!

[Kate S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted, Tempting, and Totally Unexpected

I didn’t know what to expect when I opened Circus of Lost Souls, but what I got was a haunting, seductive ride through a world that blurs the line between reality and illusion—and I couldn’t look away.

Blair is the kind of character you instantly root for: sharp, a little jaded, and desperate for control in a world that keeps slipping through her fingers. The moment she steps into the eerie world of the circus, everything changes. And that mysterious stranger? Yeah… let’s just say he’s the kind of dangerous that makes your stomach twist—in the best way.

This book is a slow descent into something dark and magnetic. There’s tension. There’s steam. There’s a creeping sense that nothing is what it seems—and I was hooked on every word. Taylor builds the atmosphere like a spell, and I honestly felt like I was walking those haunted circus grounds myself.

If you’re into books that give H.D. Carlton or K.A. Tucker vibes with a paranormal twist, this is one to move to the top of your TBR. Bonus points for a morally grey love interest that had me side-eyeing my own taste in men.

[LaPepper Arual · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review!

The story has great potential, but it all felt so rushed. 😕 There wasn’t enough character development, and the relationships progressed way too quickly—they didn’t feel authentic.

Some parts just didn’t make sense if you compare them to real-life situations. For example, when Blair got kidnapped and the characters decided to go to a restaurant afterward—😳 seriously? I get that they were hungry, but if someone you love has just been kidnapped, I’m 100% sure you’re not stopping for a sit-down meal. You’d probably grab a snack at most and focus on figuring out how to get them back. That scene really annoyed me.

I also wanted more information about Jasper and Blair’s mom—what really happened there? And where’s the background on Silas’ family? What happened with the rest of the people in the circus? The people that attacked them?

There were scenes where the setting was overly descriptive, but then the story lacked detail in the places where it really mattered.

Hopefully this is fixed for a future sequel because it has potential.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this ARC by M.K. Taylor. The Circus of Lost Souls delves into a world where a mysterious dark circus offers an escape and perhaps a dangerous allure to its audience. At its heart is a female protagonist grappling with past trauma, who, along with her friends, finds herself drawn into the enchanting yet unsettling world of the performers.
As a dark romance, the book certainly delivered on atmosphere and intrigue. In fact, it feels like a great fit for what's popular in the book world right now, hitting on themes and tropes that many readers are actively seeking. However, I found myself wishing for a bit more development in the central relationship. The connection between the main character and performer, while promising, felt like it moved a little too fast for me, leaving me wanting more time for their bond to organically build given their unique circumstances.
Despite my personal pacing preference, I would still recommend this book to readers who enjoy dark romances and are looking for a quick, atmospheric read. I'm giving "The Circus of Lost Souls" 4 out of 5 stars.

[Jamie Cheek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and was asked for honest feedback on the book.

Overall this was a suspenseful and gripping story! It had many turns and you never quite knew where the story was going to end up.

That being said, I think some of the surprises were not well foreshadowed and seemed very jarring (re: Blair’s “dad”). And then it seemed that some hinted at surprises never happened: when Jasper isn’t at the tent and the mention he was “tipped off” they were coming. I was waiting for the reveal of who in their inner circle had tipped him off but it was never revealed. I am also still wondering what made Jasper such an evil character: what did he do that made Silas’ parents want to leave and Blair’s mother run away.

I think a bit more flushing out on the plot points and it would be a 5/5 book!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the cast of characters and their relationship dynamics. The setting was very creepy and added to the mysterious vibes that persisted throughout the book. It definitely gave AHS vibes while reading it. Silas is book boyfriend material and Blair had great chemistry and banter with the MMC. This book held me captivated from the beginning and had many twists and turns that I honestly didn't see coming. I'm curious to see if the author will choose to expand on the story/universe of the characters as there was enough gray area to do so. I don't want to spoil the twists and turns, but if you love spooky circuses, possessive/ touch her & die morally gray MMCs, and sharp tongued/wild child FMCs, then I think this is a great book to fill your time. The author's writing style is very easy to consume and I'm excited to see how the author continues to grow! Thank you for the ARC ❤️

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an Arc. The idea behind the plot was intriguing and different. I loved the circus vibes from the hot Juggler, to the sexy Roller Skater, the creepy fortune teller and the twist at the end provided a speed up in pace. The heartache, anxiety and excitement really came through the last 20% of the books. I did feel it was lacking character development and back story of characters. There were many moments that felt forced and left me with questions. I did feel there was repetitive dialogue it several parts of the book… I would recommend this book, it’s different and fun and I feel very honored to have been chosen for an Arc and cannot wait to see what the Author has in store next … More Silas and Blair ???

[Alicia Zamenski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC read and was a little apprehensive about a circus theme. Clowns are a childhood nightmare for me. This was not at all what I was expecting. The author did a fantastic job painting the picture of a mesmerizing circus with a creepy/Halloween feel to it. The descriptions and details pulled me in. The characters and banter made me want to be part of this friend group. The spice between the MMC and MFC was *chef kiss* but did not take away from the plot. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the world, characters, and plot. There were a few areas where I felt like I was left with more questions than answers and the depth was lacking so I gave 3 stars. However, this was a fresh idea and a fun read!

[Kayla Hammann · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as the opportunity arose to read a a dark circus book, I jumped right on it. This was dark and twisty but in the best way.

Im not usually a fan of FMC, but Blair's sass and sharp tongue actually won me over. Especially mixed in with our sexy morally grey Silas.

This was face paced and so unique. I have never read a storyline quite like this one, and I read ALOT. It ended up being a 4 star for me. My only issue was I wanted MORE! I wanted more back stories on characters and how they crossed paths. I ended the book with some unanswered questions. I cant wait to see how/if the story continues. Maybe I'll get my answers to my questions. This has so much amazing potential to be a KILLER series.

[Kira Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great circus vibes! I saw an ad for this book and the cover itself immediately grabbed my attention! When I was gifted this arc I was very excited to read it right away. My actual rating is 3.8 but Goodreads doesn’t have specific ratings sadly. As far as my review, I really enjoyed it. It has a great atmosphere fear and very easily to imagine myself being there. I really liked Silas character and him and Blair’s dynamic was very good. The only thing that lowered my review was some phrasing was very repetitive. Nothing terrible that ruins the plot but enough that I noticed it. But as far as romance within a circus with interesting characters then I’d definitely recommend someone checking this book out!

[Alessandra Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I read this book as part of the ARC team.

The story moves at a fast pace, and the FMC Blair and the MMC Silas instantly had a connection. Their relationship feels like: “when you know, you know”. They were perfect for each other and had great chemistry.

Blair is your typical university student that believes that everything is in control and feels an attraction to the unknown. Until she meets Silas, her world gets upside down. She also has great friends who will protect her no matter the cost. Blair will learn how strong she is even in her darkest moments.

Silas is a very possessive, reserved MMC. As soon as he sees Blair, his only thought is to protect her no matter the cost. He was always in control of his life, but that changes when he meets Blair. Together, they will burn the world if something threatens any of them or the ones they love.

The story gets some twists, and almost at the end, something unexpected happened that left me with a very sad feeling. Eventually, there is a happy ending, but it doesn’t come without loss.

In general, I enjoyed the book, especially when the circus acts were described. I was able to imagine the acts and how exciting it must be to be part of the crowd watching them perform.

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ 2🌶️
Such a great story. So many twists and turns. However, I do feel the love story was just a little rushed I’d hoped for more angst, spice, and tension. The character development was good but more in depth backstories would have tied everything together. But Blair is definitely a sharp tongued firecracker FMC and Silas is a dreamy morally gray hero. MMC. I loved the banter between characters. The events that unfolded make for a very fast paced emotional rollercoaster. The ending was better than expected. I’m anxious to read the prequel and spinoff series. Thank you M.K. Taylor for the opportunity to review this prior to release.

[Payton Shekalus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a chance and decided to sign up as an ARC reader for this book, and I am so glad I did! I loved the quick pace and appreciated cohesiveness throughout even with the pace. I very much enjoyed the writing style, and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Silas gave me hints of various traits and qualities from some of my other favorite MMCs. I loved getting to witness the vulnerability and progression of Blair and Silas’s relationship.

Side note: If you have a thing with clowns- please note: as someone with a clown fear, I was a little nervous going in but pleasantly surprised with the little impact it had for me lol