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The Last Troupe
For a century, the realm of Navea knew only peace. The Spell of King Rygard stripped evil from every heart. Monsters vanished, crime ceased, and wars became the stuff of legend.
Then the Spell shattered.
Darkness has returned in every form imaginable. The world now faces creatures born of shadow, men drunk on power, and whispers of a forgotten king clawing his way back into the world.
Amid the chaos, one unlikely group refuses to stand by - The Last Troupe, a traveling circus of performers and misfits. They brought joy to the towns across Navea, but now their stage has become a battlefield. The Last Troupe is a sweeping tale about courage, finding your family, and dealing with a world turned upside down.
For readers of The Fifth Season, The Lies of Locke Lamora, or Six of Crows.
Then the Spell shattered.
Darkness has returned in every form imaginable. The world now faces creatures born of shadow, men drunk on power, and whispers of a forgotten king clawing his way back into the world.
Amid the chaos, one unlikely group refuses to stand by - The Last Troupe, a traveling circus of performers and misfits. They brought joy to the towns across Navea, but now their stage has become a battlefield. The Last Troupe is a sweeping tale about courage, finding your family, and dealing with a world turned upside down.
For readers of The Fifth Season, The Lies of Locke Lamora, or Six of Crows.
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 23, 2025
Firstly, I have to say it: this cover is awesome. It did exactly what a cover should do and convinced me I was about to read something, immersive, exciting and emotionally devastating.
This really should be marketed as YA or even Middle Grade, because going in expecting adult fantasy did it no favors. The tone, pacing, and character depth all skew much younger, which isn’t inherently a problem but mismatched expectations always is.
The first 10% was the strongest part. The setup, the introduction to the troupe, the promise of something strange and theatrical. I was interested. but… we sort of just stayed at the surface for the rest of the book. We meet the characters, but we don’t really get to know them. Their arcs feel more implied than earned, and by the end I realised I hadn’t learned much more about them than I did at the start.
This story desperately needed more pages. More space for the characters to grow, more room for the world to breathe, and more depth to the ideas it introduces. The concept itself is genuinely cool, there’s a lot of potential here, but it feels underdeveloped in too many areas to fully land.
Personally, I need stronger emotional beats and real consequences to stay invested. I want to feel the weight of choices, the cost of mistakes, the ache of loss or triumph.
Overall, The Last Troupe isn’t bad, it just feels like the first draft of something that could have been great. With more depth, more emotion, and more commitment to its world and characters, this could really shine.
This really should be marketed as YA or even Middle Grade, because going in expecting adult fantasy did it no favors. The tone, pacing, and character depth all skew much younger, which isn’t inherently a problem but mismatched expectations always is.
The first 10% was the strongest part. The setup, the introduction to the troupe, the promise of something strange and theatrical. I was interested. but… we sort of just stayed at the surface for the rest of the book. We meet the characters, but we don’t really get to know them. Their arcs feel more implied than earned, and by the end I realised I hadn’t learned much more about them than I did at the start.
This story desperately needed more pages. More space for the characters to grow, more room for the world to breathe, and more depth to the ideas it introduces. The concept itself is genuinely cool, there’s a lot of potential here, but it feels underdeveloped in too many areas to fully land.
Personally, I need stronger emotional beats and real consequences to stay invested. I want to feel the weight of choices, the cost of mistakes, the ache of loss or triumph.
Overall, The Last Troupe isn’t bad, it just feels like the first draft of something that could have been great. With more depth, more emotion, and more commitment to its world and characters, this could really shine.
November 30, 2025
Ben Faulk’s The Last Troupe lets us slip quietly into the lives of circus performers in a strange world, where the spell that once kept them safe suddenly falters. All at once, the familiar becomes uncertain, and there’s a constant unease, as if the ground beneath them might give way at any moment. The story is less about spectacle and more about the rawness that comes when all comforts are stripped back. It asks, in its own gentle way, what binds people together when the world begins to splinter, and what small things might pull them apart.
It aims to be a tale of survival and discovery, and I think it manages that. Each new misfortune presses the troupe to change, and I found myself watching how they leaned on each other, often in ways that surprised me. Magic’s failure is what sets it all in motion, and though the world is filled with fantasy’s usual trappings, the language remains quite plain, sometimes even a touch too simple for the weight of what’s happening. It feels as though the story wants to be more grown up, but the words do not always match its ambitions.
There is plenty here for those who love fantasy—ordinary folk drawn into darkness, the sense of something creeping in at the edges. The difference is that these are circus performers, not soldiers or sorcerers, and the odd talents they bring with them become unexpectedly useful. The focus remains on the group rather than any single hero, and I found it refreshing to see how their varied skills matter, each one finding their place when it is needed most.
At the start, the characters seem settled in their usual parts, but as troubles mount, they shift and grow in ways that feel honest. I caught myself hoping for them, especially as their ties deepened and became knottier under strain.
What lingered with me most was how the circus world mirrors the story’s darker themes. It is a sharp look at how corruption can curl into the heart of a group, not through any grand betrayal, but through the quiet erosion of trust. The relationships and small moments between characters are what truly carry the book, even when the story falls back on more familiar fantasy shapes. At times, the writing seemed almost too youthful, and if not for the shadows beneath the surface, I might have thought it belonged to a younger shelf.
The world itself takes a little patience at first, but as the tale winds on, it rewards the effort. There were places where the threads tangled and I lost my way, but persistence brought clarity.
By the end, I found myself thinking about how evil often finds its way in—not with a shout, but with the slow spreading of cracks, like a spell that breaks, bit by bit. The story handles these questions quietly, in a way that stays with you, and makes you consider the small choices we make.
For those who are drawn to tales of unlikely groups facing the dark together, there is much to enjoy here. If you are searching for prose polished to a shine or a plot that cuts sharply, this may not be quite what you’re after. But if your heart is drawn to stories of camaraderie and a new take on old magic, The Last Troupe has something to offer.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Visit my Website
Read my other Reviews
It aims to be a tale of survival and discovery, and I think it manages that. Each new misfortune presses the troupe to change, and I found myself watching how they leaned on each other, often in ways that surprised me. Magic’s failure is what sets it all in motion, and though the world is filled with fantasy’s usual trappings, the language remains quite plain, sometimes even a touch too simple for the weight of what’s happening. It feels as though the story wants to be more grown up, but the words do not always match its ambitions.
There is plenty here for those who love fantasy—ordinary folk drawn into darkness, the sense of something creeping in at the edges. The difference is that these are circus performers, not soldiers or sorcerers, and the odd talents they bring with them become unexpectedly useful. The focus remains on the group rather than any single hero, and I found it refreshing to see how their varied skills matter, each one finding their place when it is needed most.
At the start, the characters seem settled in their usual parts, but as troubles mount, they shift and grow in ways that feel honest. I caught myself hoping for them, especially as their ties deepened and became knottier under strain.
What lingered with me most was how the circus world mirrors the story’s darker themes. It is a sharp look at how corruption can curl into the heart of a group, not through any grand betrayal, but through the quiet erosion of trust. The relationships and small moments between characters are what truly carry the book, even when the story falls back on more familiar fantasy shapes. At times, the writing seemed almost too youthful, and if not for the shadows beneath the surface, I might have thought it belonged to a younger shelf.
The world itself takes a little patience at first, but as the tale winds on, it rewards the effort. There were places where the threads tangled and I lost my way, but persistence brought clarity.
By the end, I found myself thinking about how evil often finds its way in—not with a shout, but with the slow spreading of cracks, like a spell that breaks, bit by bit. The story handles these questions quietly, in a way that stays with you, and makes you consider the small choices we make.
For those who are drawn to tales of unlikely groups facing the dark together, there is much to enjoy here. If you are searching for prose polished to a shine or a plot that cuts sharply, this may not be quite what you’re after. But if your heart is drawn to stories of camaraderie and a new take on old magic, The Last Troupe has something to offer.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Visit my Website
Read my other Reviews
November 25, 2025
This copy was made available to me by NetGalley. I want to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book for free.
The Last Troupe
By Ben Faulk
Description from author’s website:
A circus troupe become unlikely heroes when evil seeps into a peaceful world.
:Official Review:
⭐️⭐️✨
2.5 Stars (Rounded up to 3 for Goodreads)
I went into this book with an open heart and mind because I love reading author’s debut novels. It’s always heartwarming for me to know I’m reading the beginning of an author’s publishing journey.
With that, I’ll say that I could tell this author put a lot of heart into this story. Especially with the characters. There was potential there, and I could see Faulk fleshed them out well.
Unfortunately, this story did not resonate with me in a way a fantasy novel usually does. The world building for me was a little murky, and the writing matched that of a first time published author. There was a lot of “tell don’t show” in places that took me out of the various scenes.
I just didn’t think this story was for me. I know it’s placed in the Adult Fiction category on NetGalley, but honestly, I feel like this would resonate with middle grade to young adult more.
That being said, it’s a very solid first attempt, and I would recommend this to younger readers.
The Last Troupe
By Ben Faulk
Description from author’s website:
A circus troupe become unlikely heroes when evil seeps into a peaceful world.
:Official Review:
⭐️⭐️✨
2.5 Stars (Rounded up to 3 for Goodreads)
I went into this book with an open heart and mind because I love reading author’s debut novels. It’s always heartwarming for me to know I’m reading the beginning of an author’s publishing journey.
With that, I’ll say that I could tell this author put a lot of heart into this story. Especially with the characters. There was potential there, and I could see Faulk fleshed them out well.
Unfortunately, this story did not resonate with me in a way a fantasy novel usually does. The world building for me was a little murky, and the writing matched that of a first time published author. There was a lot of “tell don’t show” in places that took me out of the various scenes.
I just didn’t think this story was for me. I know it’s placed in the Adult Fiction category on NetGalley, but honestly, I feel like this would resonate with middle grade to young adult more.
That being said, it’s a very solid first attempt, and I would recommend this to younger readers.
December 15, 2025
The Last Troupe is about a circus troupe that becomes a group of adventurers., after a 100 year old spell that vanished evil ends. It is heavily influenced by DnD and I wasn't surprised when at the end I read that the author adapted a DnD scenario for the book. The main character is Misty, a female feline humanoid and a ranger, and with one exception the viewpoint character, who tells the story in first person. The other characters are her found family, giving it a cozy feel, as they are very supportive of each other. The TTRPG nature gives the book an unusual structure, making it almost episodic and it has several fight scenes.
The concept of a spell preventing evil for hundreds of years and then suddenly failing is interesting. On one level the idea of suddenly feeling temptation and having the burden of free will, on the other hand there is the sudden rise in crime and violence in a world unprepared for it. Especially since this coincides with the disappearance of the universal monarch and the rise of a new dark power called the shadow king. Unfortunately, besides the prologue the first idea isn't touched on, as Misty never shows any sign of temptation, and the heroes are so selfish, they risk their lives for free, without any thought of how they are going to eat (despite not having earned money in about a month). It also creates some contradictions, as we are told the spell caused people to find the slightest hint of crime distasteful, however people celebrate their pirate past and watch reenactment of crimes for entertainment. Also, the group doesn't seem emotionally affected by killing people as they should.
The idea of a circus troupe turning adventurers is interesting, but in this case it is a standard DnD group made into a circus troupe causing the idea to feel less original than it is. Most of the group, such as the barbarian strongman fit naturally as circus performers, but the ranger(which here indicates a bow hunter) is a bit awkward, as hiding and shooting stationary targets doesn't make a good show. Ranger is also a very DnD term, although orignally from Tolkien
Compared to other books I have recently read, this does better at describing emotions through non verbal communication, although it could be done better, and there is some direct exposition. Misty looks around rooms like a good DnD PC, and so we get descriptions of settings, although they are sometimes too clinical. Also, each character has a backstory, some being tragic. This in itself is interesting, especially Dax's, however they are dumped at the beginning. The author does mix in the backstory exposition with some action, but this actually creates a conflict in tone between the action scene and the tragic backstory.
The world building is a bit shallow and could be elaborated. For example, neither the half-orc doesn't do anything orcish and in fact seems to be an example of subverting expectations, but is he an atypical orc because he is also a druid? or are all orcs like that? We don't know. Except at his introduction, where the crowd is interested in seeing a rare creature, no one acts surprised to see him. A similar situation with the goblin wizard. Both could easily be human and their characters wouldn't be much different, except that Dax's color and tusks are used cleverly to indicate a flaw in his transformations. Xanparin is only mentioned as a halfling once and one can easily forget that he is one and that he is smaller than everyone else (I think).
Other world building issues include the use of the term pirate hat, a term really only suited for a costume. Other references make it clear that this fantasy world has the same stereotype of a pirate as we do. That is based off movies set in the age of piracy. Of course, even then the term pirate hat doesn't make sense as pirates wore a variety of hats, that weren't different from the hats wore by other men. The pirates also had cannons, but no other reference to gun powder is made, making the technology level unclear. Similarly stagecoach is used for a wagon that is owned by the troupe, not a coach that travels in stages carrying paying passengers and mail.
I found Misty and Dax the strongest characters, mainly because they had an arc, and clear motivations. I am also curious what mysteries there are surrounding Jastor. Although I feel that in combat Jastor was holding back, because in the circus he made dragon out of molten fire. I don't see how any of the enemies he faced could be a problem for him. Especially the ghoul appeared to be a weak enemy and wasn't shown to be a threat. Also, I wish the main characters would have shown more agency and their goal and choices drove the story. Only Dax really has a goal outside of completing current quest, and although this goal informs Misty's decision, there really was never another option. Even an implied goal of wanting to return home doesn't really exist for the troupe as they have no home or family. In fact, there are just too many conveniences. Misty's arc is about becoming a leader, but the only obstacle to that is her not realizing she already is a leader. Really, the characters are spared hard decisions and mostly reacting. If this was fixed and the writing conveyed more emotion than this would be a great story. Right now it is ok, and probably appeals most to people who play DnD and like cozy stories.
Book was a free ARC
The concept of a spell preventing evil for hundreds of years and then suddenly failing is interesting. On one level the idea of suddenly feeling temptation and having the burden of free will, on the other hand there is the sudden rise in crime and violence in a world unprepared for it. Especially since this coincides with the disappearance of the universal monarch and the rise of a new dark power called the shadow king. Unfortunately, besides the prologue the first idea isn't touched on, as Misty never shows any sign of temptation, and the heroes are so selfish, they risk their lives for free, without any thought of how they are going to eat (despite not having earned money in about a month). It also creates some contradictions, as we are told the spell caused people to find the slightest hint of crime distasteful, however people celebrate their pirate past and watch reenactment of crimes for entertainment. Also, the group doesn't seem emotionally affected by killing people as they should.
The idea of a circus troupe turning adventurers is interesting, but in this case it is a standard DnD group made into a circus troupe causing the idea to feel less original than it is. Most of the group, such as the barbarian strongman fit naturally as circus performers, but the ranger(which here indicates a bow hunter) is a bit awkward, as hiding and shooting stationary targets doesn't make a good show. Ranger is also a very DnD term, although orignally from Tolkien
Compared to other books I have recently read, this does better at describing emotions through non verbal communication, although it could be done better, and there is some direct exposition. Misty looks around rooms like a good DnD PC, and so we get descriptions of settings, although they are sometimes too clinical. Also, each character has a backstory, some being tragic. This in itself is interesting, especially Dax's, however they are dumped at the beginning. The author does mix in the backstory exposition with some action, but this actually creates a conflict in tone between the action scene and the tragic backstory.
The world building is a bit shallow and could be elaborated. For example, neither the half-orc doesn't do anything orcish and in fact seems to be an example of subverting expectations, but is he an atypical orc because he is also a druid? or are all orcs like that? We don't know. Except at his introduction, where the crowd is interested in seeing a rare creature, no one acts surprised to see him. A similar situation with the goblin wizard. Both could easily be human and their characters wouldn't be much different, except that Dax's color and tusks are used cleverly to indicate a flaw in his transformations. Xanparin is only mentioned as a halfling once and one can easily forget that he is one and that he is smaller than everyone else (I think).
Other world building issues include the use of the term pirate hat, a term really only suited for a costume. Other references make it clear that this fantasy world has the same stereotype of a pirate as we do. That is based off movies set in the age of piracy. Of course, even then the term pirate hat doesn't make sense as pirates wore a variety of hats, that weren't different from the hats wore by other men. The pirates also had cannons, but no other reference to gun powder is made, making the technology level unclear. Similarly stagecoach is used for a wagon that is owned by the troupe, not a coach that travels in stages carrying paying passengers and mail.
I found Misty and Dax the strongest characters, mainly because they had an arc, and clear motivations. I am also curious what mysteries there are surrounding Jastor. Although I feel that in combat Jastor was holding back, because in the circus he made dragon out of molten fire. I don't see how any of the enemies he faced could be a problem for him. Especially the ghoul appeared to be a weak enemy and wasn't shown to be a threat. Also, I wish the main characters would have shown more agency and their goal and choices drove the story. Only Dax really has a goal outside of completing current quest, and although this goal informs Misty's decision, there really was never another option. Even an implied goal of wanting to return home doesn't really exist for the troupe as they have no home or family. In fact, there are just too many conveniences. Misty's arc is about becoming a leader, but the only obstacle to that is her not realizing she already is a leader. Really, the characters are spared hard decisions and mostly reacting. If this was fixed and the writing conveyed more emotion than this would be a great story. Right now it is ok, and probably appeals most to people who play DnD and like cozy stories.
Book was a free ARC
December 29, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I walked into The Last Troupe expecting something whimsical and ended up with something surprisingly heartfelt. This book leaned hard into the found‑family fantasy trope, but it felt earned because of how much I cared about the characters — especially Misty and Dax.
Misty, a feline‑humanoid ranger, isn’t your typical hero — she’s tough, curious, and deeply loyal to the troupe that feels more like family than coworkers. Dax, the barbarian strongman, brought this grounded kind of strength and vulnerability that made their bond really captivating to watch grow.
One moment that really stuck with me was when the Spell shattered and their show essentially turned into a fight for survival. At first it was just a performance — lights, applause, familiar faces — and then suddenly everything changed. Misty’s instinct wasn’t to run; it was to protect her people, even when none of them were trained fighters. That shift from performer to defender had real weight and it made me root for them even harder.
I loved how Faulk didn’t make the troupe perfect — they bicker, they doubt themselves, and they’re genuinely scared when the darkness creeps back into the world. But that’s exactly why their moments of courage hit so well. This isn’t a whirlwind plot‑driven fantasy; it’s a character‑first story about what it means to choose family, especially when everything familiar disappears.
If you enjoy fantasy that’s more about heart and relationships than nonstop action, this one’s worth your time.
I walked into The Last Troupe expecting something whimsical and ended up with something surprisingly heartfelt. This book leaned hard into the found‑family fantasy trope, but it felt earned because of how much I cared about the characters — especially Misty and Dax.
Misty, a feline‑humanoid ranger, isn’t your typical hero — she’s tough, curious, and deeply loyal to the troupe that feels more like family than coworkers. Dax, the barbarian strongman, brought this grounded kind of strength and vulnerability that made their bond really captivating to watch grow.
One moment that really stuck with me was when the Spell shattered and their show essentially turned into a fight for survival. At first it was just a performance — lights, applause, familiar faces — and then suddenly everything changed. Misty’s instinct wasn’t to run; it was to protect her people, even when none of them were trained fighters. That shift from performer to defender had real weight and it made me root for them even harder.
I loved how Faulk didn’t make the troupe perfect — they bicker, they doubt themselves, and they’re genuinely scared when the darkness creeps back into the world. But that’s exactly why their moments of courage hit so well. This isn’t a whirlwind plot‑driven fantasy; it’s a character‑first story about what it means to choose family, especially when everything familiar disappears.
If you enjoy fantasy that’s more about heart and relationships than nonstop action, this one’s worth your time.
December 23, 2025
The Last Troupe is a fun, hopeful fantasy built around a strong and original concept. Following a traveling circus in a world where a long-standing spell has shattered is immediately engaging, and the opening chapters do a great job setting the atmosphere. The found family dynamic is one of the book’s biggest strengths, and I liked that the characters rely on their talents and morals rather than traditional combat.
The book does read younger than expected, leaning more YA or upper middle grade, and the middle can feel rushed or a bit chaotic at times. I also wanted more depth from the characters, as many of their arcs feel more implied than fully developed.
Overall, this feels like the beginning of something with a lot of potential. The ending left me curious to see where the series goes next, especially if future installments explore the characters and world in more depth.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book does read younger than expected, leaning more YA or upper middle grade, and the middle can feel rushed or a bit chaotic at times. I also wanted more depth from the characters, as many of their arcs feel more implied than fully developed.
Overall, this feels like the beginning of something with a lot of potential. The ending left me curious to see where the series goes next, especially if future installments explore the characters and world in more depth.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 21, 2025
Very fun read! Was a perfect palette cleanser to read between series, however, once this becomes a series I'm not sure that will hold true as that ending left me wanting more! It's definitely geared to a younger audience but i still enjoyed it a lot; it's a lovely story about found family with lots of adventure and does a wonderful job of showing the value of morals. Faulk does a great job of not only creating a team of unique team of characters but making you care for them as well to the point I got a little emotional towards the end. Although I don't think I'm necessarily the target audience for this book I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for the rest of the series, and i love the idea of seperate novellas for each character's background!
December 28, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy adventure. It did start off a little slow but like all good things it picked up in the last half! I am just not a fan of slow starts myself but that’s the only thing that could have gone to 5 stars. I would love to hear this in an audio book or be the narrator for it!
December 23, 2025
From the moment I started reading, this book was hard to put down. By the end of the first chapter, I was completely immersed in the story. The characters were written so vividly that I felt like I was right there with them, experiencing every step of their journey
December 17, 2025
I was blessed receive this as an ARC and leave my review voluntarily.
I gave this a 4 star only because I felt that the ending was rushed and due to one scene that didn't match the flow of the of the book throwing me off a bit, again it felt rushed.
Saying that. This was an amazingly fun short read. The character development is simple yet in depth (doesn't "drown" you in excess detail). Give you so much yet with so little. Wonderful. The fight scenes are captivating. The flow of this story reminds me of A. Lee. Martinez's a bit. Like I said the ending felt rushed but that wouldn't deter me from reading the next one…… there is a next one right? Thank you Ben Faulk
I gave this a 4 star only because I felt that the ending was rushed and due to one scene that didn't match the flow of the of the book throwing me off a bit, again it felt rushed.
Saying that. This was an amazingly fun short read. The character development is simple yet in depth (doesn't "drown" you in excess detail). Give you so much yet with so little. Wonderful. The fight scenes are captivating. The flow of this story reminds me of A. Lee. Martinez's a bit. Like I said the ending felt rushed but that wouldn't deter me from reading the next one…… there is a next one right? Thank you Ben Faulk
December 17, 2025
I was blessed receive this as an ARC and leave my review voluntarily.
I gave this a 4 star only because I felt that the ending was rushed and due to one scene that didn't match the flow of the of the book throwing me off a bit, again it felt rushed.
Saying that. This was an amazingly fun short read. The character development is simple yet in depth (doesn't "drown" you in excess detail). Give you so much yet with so little. Wonderful. The fight scenes are captivating. The flow of this story reminds me of A. Lee. Martinez's a bit. Like I said the ending felt rushed but that wouldn't deter me from reading the next one…… there is a next one right? Thank you Ben Faulk
I gave this a 4 star only because I felt that the ending was rushed and due to one scene that didn't match the flow of the of the book throwing me off a bit, again it felt rushed.
Saying that. This was an amazingly fun short read. The character development is simple yet in depth (doesn't "drown" you in excess detail). Give you so much yet with so little. Wonderful. The fight scenes are captivating. The flow of this story reminds me of A. Lee. Martinez's a bit. Like I said the ending felt rushed but that wouldn't deter me from reading the next one…… there is a next one right? Thank you Ben Faulk
December 26, 2025
Loved the new world that Ben is developing with this traveling band of heroes. There was just enough world building to get me interested in what is happening with Misty and Honey, I love their dynamic and am curious to see where this goes.
I was provided a free advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was provided a free advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 26, 2025
I truly loved the premise of The Last Troupe: a travelling circus compromised of a ragtag group of misfits, steps up in a time of need to become heroes.
For a long time the realm of Navea has known peace, thanks to a spell cast by its king. No wars, barely any crime, and no monsters. But when the Last Troupe is on the outskirts of the realm, monsters appear during their last show and all hell breaks loose. But instead of fleeing or hiding, the troupe decides to use their abilities to help the people of the town. But apparently, this is not a problem concercing this one town, but monsters appear pretty much everywhere.
The main characters of The Last Troupe are really interesting: One by one, they are introduced to the audience of a show and therefore to the reader. We learn a little about their background and their special abilities. To have them use these talents to help the people of the town made sense in the story and the transition was well done. It went a bit sideways for me when one member of a secret order with apparently supernatural powers helps them and afterwards chooses them to act as heroes for the people of Navea. This is what a DM might do during an RPG-session to nudge the heroes into the wanted direction, but it felt very...staged, for a lack of a better term. But we do not learn anything about this order, nor that particular member, only that they seem to be the good guys. And of course, the Last Troupe are also good guys. Continuing their adventures, it is usually pretty easy for readers to distinguish good and bad guys pretty much on first glance. Then, there are not too many twists or surprised during the story and the ending felt a bit rushed.
The Last Troupe still does have enough points going for it, otherwise I would not have finished this book. I already mentioned the strong start that focused on the main characters. Every character has my interest and I want to learn more about them and you can simply feel how much heart author Ben Faulk poured into every one of them. Since this is planned as the first book in a series, I do hope we will learn A LOT more about them. Most of the characters have their arc, some bigger, some smaller, and evolve during the story. Also, their sense of belonging works really well. Sometimes it went a little too smooth, there could be a little more bickering, a bit more dissent, but I am a sucker for found family and in general this was very well done. They help and support each other, they adapt to new situations, they grow together.
I also really liked the underlying question about free will and the cost of security that should be further explored in future books.
Oh, I also loved the cover art! That and the blurb really had me wanting to read The Last Troupe.
I think there is a lot of potential in this series and with a little more practice by the author I hope to see this series living up to it. I will definitely continue on the next adventure with them.
For a long time the realm of Navea has known peace, thanks to a spell cast by its king. No wars, barely any crime, and no monsters. But when the Last Troupe is on the outskirts of the realm, monsters appear during their last show and all hell breaks loose. But instead of fleeing or hiding, the troupe decides to use their abilities to help the people of the town. But apparently, this is not a problem concercing this one town, but monsters appear pretty much everywhere.
The main characters of The Last Troupe are really interesting: One by one, they are introduced to the audience of a show and therefore to the reader. We learn a little about their background and their special abilities. To have them use these talents to help the people of the town made sense in the story and the transition was well done. It went a bit sideways for me when one member of a secret order with apparently supernatural powers helps them and afterwards chooses them to act as heroes for the people of Navea. This is what a DM might do during an RPG-session to nudge the heroes into the wanted direction, but it felt very...staged, for a lack of a better term. But we do not learn anything about this order, nor that particular member, only that they seem to be the good guys. And of course, the Last Troupe are also good guys. Continuing their adventures, it is usually pretty easy for readers to distinguish good and bad guys pretty much on first glance. Then, there are not too many twists or surprised during the story and the ending felt a bit rushed.
The Last Troupe still does have enough points going for it, otherwise I would not have finished this book. I already mentioned the strong start that focused on the main characters. Every character has my interest and I want to learn more about them and you can simply feel how much heart author Ben Faulk poured into every one of them. Since this is planned as the first book in a series, I do hope we will learn A LOT more about them. Most of the characters have their arc, some bigger, some smaller, and evolve during the story. Also, their sense of belonging works really well. Sometimes it went a little too smooth, there could be a little more bickering, a bit more dissent, but I am a sucker for found family and in general this was very well done. They help and support each other, they adapt to new situations, they grow together.
I also really liked the underlying question about free will and the cost of security that should be further explored in future books.
Oh, I also loved the cover art! That and the blurb really had me wanting to read The Last Troupe.
I think there is a lot of potential in this series and with a little more practice by the author I hope to see this series living up to it. I will definitely continue on the next adventure with them.
December 21, 2025
A world where no evil is existing. What happens if the spell responsible is broken? Sounds like an interesting premise for a story. At least this is what I was hoping for.
We meet a group of circus performers. They all come from various backgrounds and did not have it easy in life. Them being different is what is holding them together and allows a tight bond between them. They have become a family looking out for each other.
When the bell is suddenly broken and a show suddenly turns violent, they get ask by a stranger to join them on his quest to stop the evil and because they look like a capable group of people, that’s what they do. They follow him, run into various angry people (with humans never learned to control the bad side of them, violence, and crime immediately pop up just basically days after) and must battle them. Once one is taken down, they move on to the next.
The idea sounded so good on paper. Was the spell responsible for showing the bad side of people or was this always lingering? They execution was a bit disappointing to me. I'm ok with simple concepts if they keep me entertained. It felt a bit too much of *we are the good ones, we can help, we will help*. Everything sounded just a bit too easy and simple to me. The characters had potential, but we only got a glimpse of their backstory and why they are who they are. It was still entertaining but could have been *more*.
I received an advance review copy for free by NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We meet a group of circus performers. They all come from various backgrounds and did not have it easy in life. Them being different is what is holding them together and allows a tight bond between them. They have become a family looking out for each other.
When the bell is suddenly broken and a show suddenly turns violent, they get ask by a stranger to join them on his quest to stop the evil and because they look like a capable group of people, that’s what they do. They follow him, run into various angry people (with humans never learned to control the bad side of them, violence, and crime immediately pop up just basically days after) and must battle them. Once one is taken down, they move on to the next.
The idea sounded so good on paper. Was the spell responsible for showing the bad side of people or was this always lingering? They execution was a bit disappointing to me. I'm ok with simple concepts if they keep me entertained. It felt a bit too much of *we are the good ones, we can help, we will help*. Everything sounded just a bit too easy and simple to me. The characters had potential, but we only got a glimpse of their backstory and why they are who they are. It was still entertaining but could have been *more*.
I received an advance review copy for free by NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 11, 2025
An ARC of this book was provided to me in return for an honest review.
TW: violence, murder, death, attempted murder
The Last Troupe is an original tale about a circus troupe that takes on new roles as defenders of their island homeland after the Spell that enforced goodwill and peace dissappears. They suddenly encounter multiple sorts of danger and cruelty in a formerly (artificially) kind world without crime. The main perspective throughout is that of one of the troupe members, a felis (cat-like humanoid race) named Misty.
This short novel reads like an Aesop's Fable. It's a bit simplistic at points and at its heart is a moral quandary of what makes people good or evil. Is it innate or external, evil acts or evil people?
The ideas are strong, the writing style is solid, and I love to hear that it spun off from an RPG adventure with friends.
However, it does come across as underdeveloped. It's the worldbuilding and the execution, the level of detail that could be deeper. Also a couple of the plot points (e.g., the hounds) never come up again after up introduction.
While not all novels have to be 400 pages (and many of them shouldn't be), this one could do with more detail and less breaks between scenes to make it more immersive. I did enjoy it though.
TW: violence, murder, death, attempted murder
The Last Troupe is an original tale about a circus troupe that takes on new roles as defenders of their island homeland after the Spell that enforced goodwill and peace dissappears. They suddenly encounter multiple sorts of danger and cruelty in a formerly (artificially) kind world without crime. The main perspective throughout is that of one of the troupe members, a felis (cat-like humanoid race) named Misty.
This short novel reads like an Aesop's Fable. It's a bit simplistic at points and at its heart is a moral quandary of what makes people good or evil. Is it innate or external, evil acts or evil people?
The ideas are strong, the writing style is solid, and I love to hear that it spun off from an RPG adventure with friends.
However, it does come across as underdeveloped. It's the worldbuilding and the execution, the level of detail that could be deeper. Also a couple of the plot points (e.g., the hounds) never come up again after up introduction.
While not all novels have to be 400 pages (and many of them shouldn't be), this one could do with more detail and less breaks between scenes to make it more immersive. I did enjoy it though.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Last Troupe is a captivating start to a new fantasy series, blending found family, danger, and resilience in a world that feels both broken and brimming with hope. From the opening chapters, the story pulls you into a richly imagined setting where survival is never guaranteed and trust must be earned.
The characters are the heart of this book. Each member of the troupe brings their own strengths, flaws, and secrets, creating dynamics that feel authentic and emotionally grounded. The sense of camaraderie and loyalty is especially well done, making it easy to become invested in their journey.
Faulk’s writing balances action and introspection, allowing the worldbuilding to unfold naturally without overwhelming the reader. The pacing keeps the story moving while still leaving room for meaningful character moments and tension-building scenes.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy, found family narratives, and the promise of a larger story unfolding across a series. An engaging and promising debut for The Shattered Age.
The characters are the heart of this book. Each member of the troupe brings their own strengths, flaws, and secrets, creating dynamics that feel authentic and emotionally grounded. The sense of camaraderie and loyalty is especially well done, making it easy to become invested in their journey.
Faulk’s writing balances action and introspection, allowing the worldbuilding to unfold naturally without overwhelming the reader. The pacing keeps the story moving while still leaving room for meaningful character moments and tension-building scenes.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy, found family narratives, and the promise of a larger story unfolding across a series. An engaging and promising debut for The Shattered Age.
December 26, 2025
I received an ARC for this book.
The Last Troupe is a fun story about a circus troupe thrown into the role of heroes. They fight dark forces in order to protect those that can't protect themselves.
The visuals described in this book are so vivid that you can almost perfectly see the scene play out in your head. The characters are all interesting with unique backstories. I love the found family/team dynamic that they have, and they all rely on each other's strengths.
I think this story is more geared to a younger audience than me, but it was still an enjoyable read. My only other complaints are there was a lack of dialogue for my personal taste, and I feel the book was somewhat rushed. I think it really could have benefited from more pages to truly dive in to character arcs.
Overall, it's a fun, quick read, but probably more enjoyable for middle grade or young adult readers.
The Last Troupe is a fun story about a circus troupe thrown into the role of heroes. They fight dark forces in order to protect those that can't protect themselves.
The visuals described in this book are so vivid that you can almost perfectly see the scene play out in your head. The characters are all interesting with unique backstories. I love the found family/team dynamic that they have, and they all rely on each other's strengths.
I think this story is more geared to a younger audience than me, but it was still an enjoyable read. My only other complaints are there was a lack of dialogue for my personal taste, and I feel the book was somewhat rushed. I think it really could have benefited from more pages to truly dive in to character arcs.
Overall, it's a fun, quick read, but probably more enjoyable for middle grade or young adult readers.
December 19, 2025
I went into this with an open mind and an optimistic attitude based on the plot. Unfortunately, I feel the author relied too heavily on overused "superhero" tropes and cheesy motivational speech. It also seemed extremely rushed, and at times would provide no backstory on how a character knew a certain fact. I think what makes a story great, especially when introducing a whole world and magic system, is the world building that goes into it. It did not appear to be a priority for the author and it left me feeling like I was missing something but in fact the explanation was never there. I feel like this book would be great for the young adult interested in fantasy, as it was a very easy read, but in the current genre I can't give it higher than a two star rating.
December 27, 2025
A wonderful debut from the mind of Ben Faulk.
THE LAST TROUPE follows a group of circus performers trying to stop an evil from sweeping the land. From the beginning, the themes of found family are strong, relatable, and carry throughout the story. The cast is wholesome and diverse, stepping up to become the unlikely heroes to (hopefully) save the day.
This story has the vibes of a classic D&D campaign. It blends fantasy, combat, and enemies (both human and otherworldly), all while trying to achieve a goal. While I feel the target audience should be geared more toward YA/ Middle Grade, it doesn't take away from the adventure. The pacing could've been tighter, and the characters needed to be fleshed out more to achieve their arcs, but overall, it was a fun read!
THE LAST TROUPE follows a group of circus performers trying to stop an evil from sweeping the land. From the beginning, the themes of found family are strong, relatable, and carry throughout the story. The cast is wholesome and diverse, stepping up to become the unlikely heroes to (hopefully) save the day.
This story has the vibes of a classic D&D campaign. It blends fantasy, combat, and enemies (both human and otherworldly), all while trying to achieve a goal. While I feel the target audience should be geared more toward YA/ Middle Grade, it doesn't take away from the adventure. The pacing could've been tighter, and the characters needed to be fleshed out more to achieve their arcs, but overall, it was a fun read!
December 29, 2025
The Last Troupe is about a circus of misfits who suddenly have to step up as heroes when the spell keeping their world peaceful disappears. I loved the found-family vibe—they all have different skills and personalities, and they really rely on each other.
The world is imaginative, and I liked that it touches on the whole “what makes people good or evil” question. That said, it’s a bit uneven at times—the beginning is slow, the ending feels rushed, and some of the side characters don’t get much development. It definitely feels like a story meant for younger readers, more YA or middle grade, but I still found it enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ben Faulk, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The world is imaginative, and I liked that it touches on the whole “what makes people good or evil” question. That said, it’s a bit uneven at times—the beginning is slow, the ending feels rushed, and some of the side characters don’t get much development. It definitely feels like a story meant for younger readers, more YA or middle grade, but I still found it enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ben Faulk, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 7, 2025
The Last Troupe by Ben Faulk offers a wonderfully atmospheric, original premise: the final traveling circus in a near-future, decaying world. The world-building is evocative and creative, painting a beautiful picture of fading magic and post-apocalyptic grit.
However, the novel suffers from significant pacing issues. The first half is a very slow burn, while the ending feels rushed and the supporting characters remain underdeveloped. It’s an interesting read for those who appreciate unique speculative fiction, but its execution keeps it firmly in "average" territory. A solid three stars.
However, the novel suffers from significant pacing issues. The first half is a very slow burn, while the ending feels rushed and the supporting characters remain underdeveloped. It’s an interesting read for those who appreciate unique speculative fiction, but its execution keeps it firmly in "average" territory. A solid three stars.
December 29, 2025
Read as an ARC through book sirens. Thank you Ben for letting me read your book early in exchange for an honest review.
Felt like I was reading a couple of episodes from The shows The Mighty Nien and Vox Machina. Clear DnD inspiration which was fun in a book format.
It was fast-paced with a fun cast of characters and clear found family aspect. I grew to really root for the group. I thought it was very predictable but a fun, quick read.
Felt like I was reading a couple of episodes from The shows The Mighty Nien and Vox Machina. Clear DnD inspiration which was fun in a book format.
It was fast-paced with a fun cast of characters and clear found family aspect. I grew to really root for the group. I thought it was very predictable but a fun, quick read.
December 24, 2025
The atmosphere of the book is written so well. I especially liked the beginning of the circus performance where we got to meet the characters. Also the foreshadowing before the catastrophe was done nicely.
I liked that the characters used their own talents to fight. They are no fighters, but they used what powers they had well. I likedd the morality and that they felt like they had to help.
The middle and end of the book feels a tad chaotic at times and it was hard at some points to follow the storylines. They were so many names (and I'm not good with names), so I had to go back a few times.
The found family dynamic of the group was done well and you could roos for the characters. I'm looking forward to see how the story continues.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked that the characters used their own talents to fight. They are no fighters, but they used what powers they had well. I likedd the morality and that they felt like they had to help.
The middle and end of the book feels a tad chaotic at times and it was hard at some points to follow the storylines. They were so many names (and I'm not good with names), so I had to go back a few times.
The found family dynamic of the group was done well and you could roos for the characters. I'm looking forward to see how the story continues.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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