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The Devil’s Carousel
The Devil’s Carousel
A horror fantasy by Laura Victoria
Where angels forget, demons remember, and the circus never ends.
It arrives when the world is sleeping.
A tattered circus of bone and gold, stitched together with memory and sin. The tent breathes like a wound. The audience shuffles in with blank eyes and open hearts, unaware they’ve been here before—again and again and again. Once they sit, they cannot move. They cannot scream. They can only feel. That is the curse. That is the show.
Welcome to The Devil’s Carousel—a cursed circus caught in an eternal loop of torment, orchestrated by a beast in wolf’s Basten, the ringmaster from Hell, whose voice cuts like a blade and whose power thrives on performance, fear, and unrelenting control. Every act is designed to feed him. Every performer is a prisoner. And the audience? They are lambs, fattened with terror and lust, slaughtered in silence before the show begins anew.
Among the damned is Corneel, once a demon of lust and fire, now broken into flesh and chain. His towering body, his glowing blue eyes, his spiral seal that whispers his true name—these are all that remain of a creature meant to rule. Stripped of his wings and mocked with a golden crown, Corneel is paraded before the masses like a caged god. His act is a seduction turned ritual, a punishment laced with longing. He is starved, watched, bound. He performs or he fades.
But then she comes.
Mercy, blindfolded and chain-bound, arrives at the circus with no past and a song trapped in her throat. Her presence should mean nothing. But to the demons, she is a fracture. To Corneel, she is a mirror of something lost—of golden gates, of a name he once whispered in Heaven. And to Basten, she is a threat, a temptation, a secret blooming where rot was meant to reign.
Mercy does not scream when the circus devours her. She listens. She dreams. She remembers. And that is the beginning of the end.
Because Mercy is not human.
And Corneel is not tame.
As the cursed acts unravel, as golden chains writhe with songs too old for this world, the carousel begins to spin faster. The performers rebel. The shadows whisper. And something older than Hell begins to stir beneath the stage.
There is no escape. There is no end.
Only the devil’s carousel and what happens when the devil loses control.
A horror fantasy by Laura Victoria
Where angels forget, demons remember, and the circus never ends.
It arrives when the world is sleeping.
A tattered circus of bone and gold, stitched together with memory and sin. The tent breathes like a wound. The audience shuffles in with blank eyes and open hearts, unaware they’ve been here before—again and again and again. Once they sit, they cannot move. They cannot scream. They can only feel. That is the curse. That is the show.
Welcome to The Devil’s Carousel—a cursed circus caught in an eternal loop of torment, orchestrated by a beast in wolf’s Basten, the ringmaster from Hell, whose voice cuts like a blade and whose power thrives on performance, fear, and unrelenting control. Every act is designed to feed him. Every performer is a prisoner. And the audience? They are lambs, fattened with terror and lust, slaughtered in silence before the show begins anew.
Among the damned is Corneel, once a demon of lust and fire, now broken into flesh and chain. His towering body, his glowing blue eyes, his spiral seal that whispers his true name—these are all that remain of a creature meant to rule. Stripped of his wings and mocked with a golden crown, Corneel is paraded before the masses like a caged god. His act is a seduction turned ritual, a punishment laced with longing. He is starved, watched, bound. He performs or he fades.
But then she comes.
Mercy, blindfolded and chain-bound, arrives at the circus with no past and a song trapped in her throat. Her presence should mean nothing. But to the demons, she is a fracture. To Corneel, she is a mirror of something lost—of golden gates, of a name he once whispered in Heaven. And to Basten, she is a threat, a temptation, a secret blooming where rot was meant to reign.
Mercy does not scream when the circus devours her. She listens. She dreams. She remembers. And that is the beginning of the end.
Because Mercy is not human.
And Corneel is not tame.
As the cursed acts unravel, as golden chains writhe with songs too old for this world, the carousel begins to spin faster. The performers rebel. The shadows whisper. And something older than Hell begins to stir beneath the stage.
There is no escape. There is no end.
Only the devil’s carousel and what happens when the devil loses control.
- GenresDark Romance
330 pages, Paperback
Published November 28, 2025
8 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 24, 2025
I got the pleasure of ARC reading The Devil's Carousel.... And I can honestly say it's the best book I've read all year!
It was dark, it was depraved, and it was absolutely delicious in the way it handled the themes of this particular circus.
I'm not gonna lie, as this book was worked on, and as the Menu (aka trigger warnings) was updated and published to Laura's Ferals, I got quite nervous. But I am so glad I dove in and submerged myself in this fantasy world of demons, shadows, angels and holy warriors.
There are so many perspectives, so many eyes we see the circus through. To some it was a way of surviving, a necessary evil. To others it was life and loyalty. To the rest it was twisted, macabre, evil and needed to be removed.
Is it removed? Is it gone? I can't honestly say something like this could ever truly disappear - but isn't that the riddle?
I loved the characters I met. I loved the way they thought, acted, and justified. Almost like playing devil's advocate in a debate and trying to see the world through someone else's eyes we actively live it in the minds/chapters when it hits someone else's POV.
There is smut. Some beautiful, some malicious, and some downright transcendent! But this is only a slice of the story - a lust demon needs to feed afterall 🤷♀️ - the rest of the story is the trials, motivations, desperation and justification behind the circus and why it exists and why it shouldn't.
Read it, live it, breathe it, and come meet the cast of this circus that many love to hate, more hate to love, and some that will leave you in tears - heartbreak or joy? I'll let you figure that out 😘 - they truly are a mixed bunch. But I wouldn't have them any other way...
⭐ - 5/5
🌶️ - 5/5
❤️ - 4/5
Just glorious. Thank you Laura for letting me be a part of this ARC journey from imagination to manuscript to published! 🫶😘🥹
It was dark, it was depraved, and it was absolutely delicious in the way it handled the themes of this particular circus.
I'm not gonna lie, as this book was worked on, and as the Menu (aka trigger warnings) was updated and published to Laura's Ferals, I got quite nervous. But I am so glad I dove in and submerged myself in this fantasy world of demons, shadows, angels and holy warriors.
There are so many perspectives, so many eyes we see the circus through. To some it was a way of surviving, a necessary evil. To others it was life and loyalty. To the rest it was twisted, macabre, evil and needed to be removed.
Is it removed? Is it gone? I can't honestly say something like this could ever truly disappear - but isn't that the riddle?
I loved the characters I met. I loved the way they thought, acted, and justified. Almost like playing devil's advocate in a debate and trying to see the world through someone else's eyes we actively live it in the minds/chapters when it hits someone else's POV.
There is smut. Some beautiful, some malicious, and some downright transcendent! But this is only a slice of the story - a lust demon needs to feed afterall 🤷♀️ - the rest of the story is the trials, motivations, desperation and justification behind the circus and why it exists and why it shouldn't.
Read it, live it, breathe it, and come meet the cast of this circus that many love to hate, more hate to love, and some that will leave you in tears - heartbreak or joy? I'll let you figure that out 😘 - they truly are a mixed bunch. But I wouldn't have them any other way...
⭐ - 5/5
🌶️ - 5/5
❤️ - 4/5
Just glorious. Thank you Laura for letting me be a part of this ARC journey from imagination to manuscript to published! 🫶😘🥹
November 28, 2025
Demons, angels and a cursed circus - roll right up to The Devil’s Carousel.
Every night, people line up to see the circus and have strong emotions drawn from them - fear, desire, terror, arousal. These emotions feed the ringmaster and his main attraction before they are sent out into the night, forgetting all they have seen…only to return the following evening.
The circus is all about control. The ringmaster controls the demons he has enslaved, forcing their performances - and anything else he desires. So it has been for living memory. But change is coming when a new act joins the circus…
When Mercy arrives, the ringmaster from (literal) hell Basten burns with obsession. His second, Dallas, is wracked with jealous fury…and the main event, Corneel, is filled with remembered longing. Add in a couple of ambivalent wraiths known as Doubt and Desire and you have a hell of a performance coming.
Like a trip down a sideshow, this horror/fantasy will take your breath away. I found it entrancing, with the magic of the circus holding me captive too.
The story is open-door spice heavy, with intimacy of all kinds (including MM) throughout the whole story. Most scenes are integral to the plot and can’t be skipped. It is fast paced, with multiple POVs. There are no holds barred and this is not the book to test your triggers on. It is graphically violent and includes non-con scenes, abusive behaviour of all types and horror themes.
If you make it past the content warning, this is a crazy ride. I have no hesitation recommending it to fans of dark fantasy who want to venture into horror, or horror fans who want a bit more magic.
Every night, people line up to see the circus and have strong emotions drawn from them - fear, desire, terror, arousal. These emotions feed the ringmaster and his main attraction before they are sent out into the night, forgetting all they have seen…only to return the following evening.
The circus is all about control. The ringmaster controls the demons he has enslaved, forcing their performances - and anything else he desires. So it has been for living memory. But change is coming when a new act joins the circus…
When Mercy arrives, the ringmaster from (literal) hell Basten burns with obsession. His second, Dallas, is wracked with jealous fury…and the main event, Corneel, is filled with remembered longing. Add in a couple of ambivalent wraiths known as Doubt and Desire and you have a hell of a performance coming.
Like a trip down a sideshow, this horror/fantasy will take your breath away. I found it entrancing, with the magic of the circus holding me captive too.
The story is open-door spice heavy, with intimacy of all kinds (including MM) throughout the whole story. Most scenes are integral to the plot and can’t be skipped. It is fast paced, with multiple POVs. There are no holds barred and this is not the book to test your triggers on. It is graphically violent and includes non-con scenes, abusive behaviour of all types and horror themes.
If you make it past the content warning, this is a crazy ride. I have no hesitation recommending it to fans of dark fantasy who want to venture into horror, or horror fans who want a bit more magic.
November 21, 2025
~ ARC REVIEW ~
⭐ 4.5 out of 5
🫦 4 out of 5
🫂 3 out of 5
What a book?!
First of let me just say if you're a fan of gore and creepy things this is for you. Some of the acts and descriptions of the tents' materials had me shuddering. I'll admit I'm a bit of a wuss for those kinds of things. However the story and characters kept me captivated that I wanted to keep reading to see what happens next.
Following our fallen demon prince Corneel and his battle for freedom in many ways against someone he once gave his heart too. Angst, hate adult twister, longing and regret are just a few of the words I can use to describe his relationship with Basten.
Basten is the ring master of the circus and honestly he is a character you can pretty much despise from the get go. Manipulation is his game but he forgets that the more pressure you apply to something the greater chance you have of it turning into a diamond and going against you than crushing it to dust. As much as I didn't like him I was curious as to what he planned next to get closer to his goal before it all went pear shaped.
Then we have Mercy. Sweet but not completely naive. And a light for Corneel in more ways than one. It can be difficult asking the hard questions and going against what you should believe in but sometimes the path less trodden can lead to great places.
The trio is balanced out and supported by many others. Some you will adore like Rhea. Some you will despise but feel somewhat sorry for like Dallas. Don't get me wrong I still think she is a C U Next Tuesday but there are reasons behind everything.
There is also a nice amount of spice throughout the book. Did I mention hate adult twister? Plus all the ways our lust demon gets what he needs to feed and become strong or at least last a day.
I would definitely recommend and cannot wait to read more by this author.
⭐ 4.5 out of 5
🫦 4 out of 5
🫂 3 out of 5
What a book?!
First of let me just say if you're a fan of gore and creepy things this is for you. Some of the acts and descriptions of the tents' materials had me shuddering. I'll admit I'm a bit of a wuss for those kinds of things. However the story and characters kept me captivated that I wanted to keep reading to see what happens next.
Following our fallen demon prince Corneel and his battle for freedom in many ways against someone he once gave his heart too. Angst, hate adult twister, longing and regret are just a few of the words I can use to describe his relationship with Basten.
Basten is the ring master of the circus and honestly he is a character you can pretty much despise from the get go. Manipulation is his game but he forgets that the more pressure you apply to something the greater chance you have of it turning into a diamond and going against you than crushing it to dust. As much as I didn't like him I was curious as to what he planned next to get closer to his goal before it all went pear shaped.
Then we have Mercy. Sweet but not completely naive. And a light for Corneel in more ways than one. It can be difficult asking the hard questions and going against what you should believe in but sometimes the path less trodden can lead to great places.
The trio is balanced out and supported by many others. Some you will adore like Rhea. Some you will despise but feel somewhat sorry for like Dallas. Don't get me wrong I still think she is a C U Next Tuesday but there are reasons behind everything.
There is also a nice amount of spice throughout the book. Did I mention hate adult twister? Plus all the ways our lust demon gets what he needs to feed and become strong or at least last a day.
I would definitely recommend and cannot wait to read more by this author.
November 28, 2025
Welcome to The Devil's Carousel—where the audience is held captive by performers who are held captive by the ringleader. Every night, the carousel spins while the frozen audience watches the nightmares at center stage.
I knew this book would be amazing as soon as I saw the title a few months ago. The more quotes, character art, and sneak peeks I got just amped up my excitement. But I was still not fully prepared for how much this story blew me away.
Laura places you in the audience, painting a perfectly twisted picture of each performer and their act. Then we get to follow along in multiple POVs of the main characters, gaining more pieces of the puzzle. Be prepared to hate some characters as much as, if not more, than you love some others. Just when you think you have something figured out, think again. And the spice? I'd recommend just sitting in an ice bath while you read those scenes.
I could go on for days about this book and still not properly convey how much I love it. Laura Victoria is one to keep your eye on and her books will always be an automatic read for me.
I knew this book would be amazing as soon as I saw the title a few months ago. The more quotes, character art, and sneak peeks I got just amped up my excitement. But I was still not fully prepared for how much this story blew me away.
Laura places you in the audience, painting a perfectly twisted picture of each performer and their act. Then we get to follow along in multiple POVs of the main characters, gaining more pieces of the puzzle. Be prepared to hate some characters as much as, if not more, than you love some others. Just when you think you have something figured out, think again. And the spice? I'd recommend just sitting in an ice bath while you read those scenes.
I could go on for days about this book and still not properly convey how much I love it. Laura Victoria is one to keep your eye on and her books will always be an automatic read for me.
November 23, 2025
Wow, just Wow. I have no other words for this book, it was absolutely phenomenal. Hands down one of my favourite books for the year!
I loved absolutely everything about this book! It was so brilliantly written, it had me hooked from start to finish. I loved all the characters, they were written so well and the progression of the story was amazing.
I thoroughly recommend this book! It was absolutely brilliant, if I could give it 6⭐ or more, I absolutely would.
***ARC review***
I loved absolutely everything about this book! It was so brilliantly written, it had me hooked from start to finish. I loved all the characters, they were written so well and the progression of the story was amazing.
I thoroughly recommend this book! It was absolutely brilliant, if I could give it 6⭐ or more, I absolutely would.
***ARC review***
November 21, 2025
The Devils Carousel by Laura Victoria is one of my favourite reads by far, it’s dark, it’s creepy, it’s fascinating and the characters will have you going through all sorts of emotions.
When you think of a circus, you think of clowns, laughter, joy and acts that will blow your mind. Laura Victoria was able turn that concept into something dark and fascinating and something that will haunt your mind for weeks (in a good way). I truly love Laura’s style of writing, it’s easy to read, it flows well and it makes you feel like you are in the audience of The Devils Carousel watching the chaos unfold.
The acts were absolutely fantastic, the amount of diversity and absolute freakiness of them all made me squirm in my seat. I wanted to be there in the audience and watch them with my own eyes just to fully enjoy them myself. The description of all the acts and the amount of detail Laura went into for each character was amazing and inspiring.
The characters in TDC are all amazing and I love them all in their own ways. Some characters you will love from the start, some you will learn to love, love to hate and hate to love. They’re all written and designed so well and every single one of them are filled to the brim with their own personality. Laura goes into so much detail with each character and each one having their own backstory which makes you love and understand the characters so much more.
Corneel I loved from the start, he is an absolute legend and his strength throughout TDC is inspiring. His backstory is heartbreaking but it makes you understand why he is where he is now.
Mercy was another character I loved from the start, she is angelic, she is different from the rest of the performers and she is just so soft but absolutely NOT frail. Her backstory, similar to Corneel was heartbreaking in its own way and I loved how it all came together in the end.
Rhea, sweet old Rhea, I hated to love. IYKYK. Rhea was just absolutely heartbreaking, I absolutely sobbed, it was just absolutely diabolical and I don’t think I will ever be able to forgive Laura for that. That’s all I have to say.
Doubt and Desire I learned to love. They’re mysterious, they stay in the shadows, but the way they speak is so poetic and fascinating. I love how they are lowkey the ones that pull the strings in the circus and are the ones in charge no matter how much Basten believes he is the one that does.
Dallas is another character I learned to love, she was infuriating at the start and I hated every fibre of her being but I loved her redemption ark. She grew herself a backbone and she stood up for what was right and I loved every short minute of it.
Saving the absolute worst for last, Basten. Hated every minute of him, I loved to hate him. He deserved what was coming for him and I had the biggest grin on my face for it all. I will admit though the acts that he brought together were amazing, if he wasn’t such an asshole I think I would like him and if he used his acts for good it would’ve been so amazing. But he didn’t, and he’s still an asshole so he got what he deserved.
Laura, you’re amazing and I love your work. You are incredible with your words and you have a talent of creating such amazing pieces of work. I enjoyed every minute of The Devils Carousel and I cannot wait for it to be open to the world.
When you think of a circus, you think of clowns, laughter, joy and acts that will blow your mind. Laura Victoria was able turn that concept into something dark and fascinating and something that will haunt your mind for weeks (in a good way). I truly love Laura’s style of writing, it’s easy to read, it flows well and it makes you feel like you are in the audience of The Devils Carousel watching the chaos unfold.
The acts were absolutely fantastic, the amount of diversity and absolute freakiness of them all made me squirm in my seat. I wanted to be there in the audience and watch them with my own eyes just to fully enjoy them myself. The description of all the acts and the amount of detail Laura went into for each character was amazing and inspiring.
The characters in TDC are all amazing and I love them all in their own ways. Some characters you will love from the start, some you will learn to love, love to hate and hate to love. They’re all written and designed so well and every single one of them are filled to the brim with their own personality. Laura goes into so much detail with each character and each one having their own backstory which makes you love and understand the characters so much more.
Corneel I loved from the start, he is an absolute legend and his strength throughout TDC is inspiring. His backstory is heartbreaking but it makes you understand why he is where he is now.
Mercy was another character I loved from the start, she is angelic, she is different from the rest of the performers and she is just so soft but absolutely NOT frail. Her backstory, similar to Corneel was heartbreaking in its own way and I loved how it all came together in the end.
Rhea, sweet old Rhea, I hated to love. IYKYK. Rhea was just absolutely heartbreaking, I absolutely sobbed, it was just absolutely diabolical and I don’t think I will ever be able to forgive Laura for that. That’s all I have to say.
Doubt and Desire I learned to love. They’re mysterious, they stay in the shadows, but the way they speak is so poetic and fascinating. I love how they are lowkey the ones that pull the strings in the circus and are the ones in charge no matter how much Basten believes he is the one that does.
Dallas is another character I learned to love, she was infuriating at the start and I hated every fibre of her being but I loved her redemption ark. She grew herself a backbone and she stood up for what was right and I loved every short minute of it.
Saving the absolute worst for last, Basten. Hated every minute of him, I loved to hate him. He deserved what was coming for him and I had the biggest grin on my face for it all. I will admit though the acts that he brought together were amazing, if he wasn’t such an asshole I think I would like him and if he used his acts for good it would’ve been so amazing. But he didn’t, and he’s still an asshole so he got what he deserved.
Laura, you’re amazing and I love your work. You are incredible with your words and you have a talent of creating such amazing pieces of work. I enjoyed every minute of The Devils Carousel and I cannot wait for it to be open to the world.
November 26, 2025
The Devil’s Carousel is the kind of book that steals your breath, your sleep, and maybe one or two of your morals—and honestly? Worth it.
This isn’t just a circus.
It’s a feral fever dream stitched with blood, memory, and “I probably shouldn’t be enjoying this but I absolutely am” energy.
The tent? Alive.
The ringmaster? A wolf-devil control freak with a voice sharp enough to slice you emotionally and spiritually.
The audience? Basically human batteries waiting to be drained like they paid for the VIP package.
And the performers? Prisoners with talent, trauma, and VERY questionable job descriptions.
Corneel?
A fallen demon daddy with glowing blue eyes, a spiral seal that whispers, and enough tragic seduction energy to ruin your day in the BEST way.
He’s rage. He’s longing. He’s “I used to be divine now I’m in chains, don’t look at me—no actually please look at me.”
Mercy?
A blindfolded mystery girl who shows up like:
✨ “I don’t know who I am, but the apocalypse seems to start whenever I open my mouth and sing.” ✨
Queen energy from page one.
Their connection?
Electric. Dangerous. Omens-level spicy without even trying.
It’s giving:
“Heaven missed their exit, Hell forgot to lock the door, and now these two are about to break the universe.”
Every act in this circus feels like a curse wrapped in poetry.
Every page feels like a sin I’m willingly committing.
The vibe?
Horror fantasy with teeth. And claws. And a heartbeat you can hear under the floorboards.
Final verdict:
This book didn’t just keep me hooked—it dragged me into the ring, slapped glitter on me, and told me to scream prettier.
If you love:
🎪 cursed carnivals
😈 demons with too much emotion
🩸 angelic trauma
💀 gothic chaos
🔥 forbidden everything
…then The Devil’s Carousel is about to become your entire personality.
5 stars. Zero regrets. Bring on the nightmares.
This isn’t just a circus.
It’s a feral fever dream stitched with blood, memory, and “I probably shouldn’t be enjoying this but I absolutely am” energy.
The tent? Alive.
The ringmaster? A wolf-devil control freak with a voice sharp enough to slice you emotionally and spiritually.
The audience? Basically human batteries waiting to be drained like they paid for the VIP package.
And the performers? Prisoners with talent, trauma, and VERY questionable job descriptions.
Corneel?
A fallen demon daddy with glowing blue eyes, a spiral seal that whispers, and enough tragic seduction energy to ruin your day in the BEST way.
He’s rage. He’s longing. He’s “I used to be divine now I’m in chains, don’t look at me—no actually please look at me.”
Mercy?
A blindfolded mystery girl who shows up like:
✨ “I don’t know who I am, but the apocalypse seems to start whenever I open my mouth and sing.” ✨
Queen energy from page one.
Their connection?
Electric. Dangerous. Omens-level spicy without even trying.
It’s giving:
“Heaven missed their exit, Hell forgot to lock the door, and now these two are about to break the universe.”
Every act in this circus feels like a curse wrapped in poetry.
Every page feels like a sin I’m willingly committing.
The vibe?
Horror fantasy with teeth. And claws. And a heartbeat you can hear under the floorboards.
Final verdict:
This book didn’t just keep me hooked—it dragged me into the ring, slapped glitter on me, and told me to scream prettier.
If you love:
🎪 cursed carnivals
😈 demons with too much emotion
🩸 angelic trauma
💀 gothic chaos
🔥 forbidden everything
…then The Devil’s Carousel is about to become your entire personality.
5 stars. Zero regrets. Bring on the nightmares.
November 25, 2025
damn this book was absolutely insane. The plot was TWISTING, it was thrilling and I was on the edge of my seat. I read this book in one sitting, because yes at first the way the story is told is a little confusing, but once you get used to it, it’s such a unique way of storytelling and I was so hooked. I love a paranormal romance, especially one with demons, I also love the carnival sort of setting and the whole concept was genius. Bastian is a demon who captures other demons and makes them work for him in his show. He traps his ex lover Corneel who was to be the next demon king, not knowing that that would be his downfall. The book starts with a lot of tension between them and a couple of spicy MM scenes which I enjoyed, however spoiler alert they’re not endgame. In comes Mercy, an angel with ties to Corneel that Bastian cannot resist either. The small turnout of the bond between Mercy and Bastian is a was disappointing but her and Corneel, was amazing. I was so shocked by the twists in their pasts and how it all tied together. This book also had one of the most craziest character arcs I’ve read. Namely, Dallas, and now I still don’t know how i feel about her. Shes clearly a terrible character at the start, manipulating Corneel and being Bastians pet, but she plays a huge role in the stories climax and now I want to know what’s next for her. I really enjoyed this, it was so intense and thrilling! I give this a 5/5. Ooh adding this later on but he also calls her snow angel!
December 3, 2025
This is one of the best books I've read in a loooong time! I am truly blown away.
The story is set in a circus unlike anything you've ever experienced - one that feeds off human flesh, bone, and emotion. The demonic circus remakes itself every night, and the people who come in are trapped but don't remember being there when they are allowed to leave.
What results is a story of a band of characters who are all at the circus for different reasons. For Basten, the original ringleader, it's about power and control; for others, it's about necessity and survival. Each of the characters is totally twisted yet likeable in their own way, and their motivations change over time as well. The bonds connecting them are a critical part of the story.
Our MMC, Corneel, is a lust demon - so of course there's plenty of spice built in. It's hot, it's full of yearning and deeply twisted unhinged-ness, and it's super enjoyable in a very dark way. But this isn't a more-smut-than-plot type of story - there is so much rich world-building and atmospheric writing that you are completely immersed in the world of the Devil's Carousel - almost like you're trapped there watching.
This one took me a while to read because I just wanted to bathe in the writing - and I want to shout from the rooftops about how good it was. Super dark, but so, so, worth stepping into the darkness for.
The story is set in a circus unlike anything you've ever experienced - one that feeds off human flesh, bone, and emotion. The demonic circus remakes itself every night, and the people who come in are trapped but don't remember being there when they are allowed to leave.
What results is a story of a band of characters who are all at the circus for different reasons. For Basten, the original ringleader, it's about power and control; for others, it's about necessity and survival. Each of the characters is totally twisted yet likeable in their own way, and their motivations change over time as well. The bonds connecting them are a critical part of the story.
Our MMC, Corneel, is a lust demon - so of course there's plenty of spice built in. It's hot, it's full of yearning and deeply twisted unhinged-ness, and it's super enjoyable in a very dark way. But this isn't a more-smut-than-plot type of story - there is so much rich world-building and atmospheric writing that you are completely immersed in the world of the Devil's Carousel - almost like you're trapped there watching.
This one took me a while to read because I just wanted to bathe in the writing - and I want to shout from the rooftops about how good it was. Super dark, but so, so, worth stepping into the darkness for.
November 28, 2025
Cotton Candy & Carnage with a Side of Lust
Besties… Ok listen... sooooo IRL... I'm not a fan of circuses. But with "The Devil's Carousel"... somehow Laura Victoria dragged my soul into this macabre, blood-soaked carnival from hell and I was VOLUNTARILY buying cotton candy from a demon. "The Devil’s Carousel" is haunting, twisted, and weirdly beautiful. Corneel, my broken, seductive Lust Demon, left my heart in shambles. Captured by Basten, the Fear Demon ringmaster, he’s paraded like a caged god until Mercy arrives. Blindfolded, bound, and mysterious as hell, she flips the entire curse on its head.
Forbidden love, angels vs. demons, captivity, rebellion, gory performance art… and OMG THAT ENDING?! 👀 I literally sat there whispering “YAAAAAAASSSSSSS!” If you like grim, lyrical horror with emotional devastation sprinkled in, add this book to your TBR!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Besties… Ok listen... sooooo IRL... I'm not a fan of circuses. But with "The Devil's Carousel"... somehow Laura Victoria dragged my soul into this macabre, blood-soaked carnival from hell and I was VOLUNTARILY buying cotton candy from a demon. "The Devil’s Carousel" is haunting, twisted, and weirdly beautiful. Corneel, my broken, seductive Lust Demon, left my heart in shambles. Captured by Basten, the Fear Demon ringmaster, he’s paraded like a caged god until Mercy arrives. Blindfolded, bound, and mysterious as hell, she flips the entire curse on its head.
Forbidden love, angels vs. demons, captivity, rebellion, gory performance art… and OMG THAT ENDING?! 👀 I literally sat there whispering “YAAAAAAASSSSSSS!” If you like grim, lyrical horror with emotional devastation sprinkled in, add this book to your TBR!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
November 21, 2025
I had the honor of being able to be with the first group of people to read this incredible debut novel. Laura is an incredible storyteller who is able to suck you into the world of this book and make the scenes and characters come to life.
The characters are diverse and full of personality and tragedy. Some you’ll hate to love, and some you’ll love to hate. The story is a journey full of ups and downs, and so many emotions. I found myself rooting for some characters, cursing others, and feeling the depths of their emotions and pain. There was shock, mystery, gore, heartbreak, revenge, hate, love, and SPICE. All the makings of a good dark romance in a world full of demons. 😏
I cannot wait to see what comes next for this story and this author. 🖤
Come enjoy the show 😈 You don’t want to miss this book!!
~ demons x angels, lovers to enemies, past life, amnesia, betrayal & revenge, forbidden love, morally grey MMC, horror romance ~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 💋💋💋💋 | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The characters are diverse and full of personality and tragedy. Some you’ll hate to love, and some you’ll love to hate. The story is a journey full of ups and downs, and so many emotions. I found myself rooting for some characters, cursing others, and feeling the depths of their emotions and pain. There was shock, mystery, gore, heartbreak, revenge, hate, love, and SPICE. All the makings of a good dark romance in a world full of demons. 😏
I cannot wait to see what comes next for this story and this author. 🖤
Come enjoy the show 😈 You don’t want to miss this book!!
~ demons x angels, lovers to enemies, past life, amnesia, betrayal & revenge, forbidden love, morally grey MMC, horror romance ~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 💋💋💋💋 | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 12, 2025
The Devil’s Carousel - Laura Victoria
This was such an emotional read for me. This book had me tearing up at so many points. I really enjoyed the dynamics between the characters. The relationships and the characters were complex and so interesting to learn. I really liked this author‘s world building and how they write their supernatural creatures. I can’t wait to see what else this author writes, especially if they write something in this world again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🔥 / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 332 pages
Release Date 🌟 11/28/25
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 Unknown/Not Applicable
Genre/Tropes ✨ Dark romance, Romantasy, dark Romantasy, horror, erotic horror, horror romance
Favorite Character ☀️ Corneel
Favorite Line 🌟 ‘Love. Freedom. Happy endings. Not for demons like me. But sometimes, I still like to pretend.’
This was such an emotional read for me. This book had me tearing up at so many points. I really enjoyed the dynamics between the characters. The relationships and the characters were complex and so interesting to learn. I really liked this author‘s world building and how they write their supernatural creatures. I can’t wait to see what else this author writes, especially if they write something in this world again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🔥 / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 332 pages
Release Date 🌟 11/28/25
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 Unknown/Not Applicable
Genre/Tropes ✨ Dark romance, Romantasy, dark Romantasy, horror, erotic horror, horror romance
Favorite Character ☀️ Corneel
Favorite Line 🌟 ‘Love. Freedom. Happy endings. Not for demons like me. But sometimes, I still like to pretend.’
November 29, 2025
🎪 WELCOME TO THE CIRCUS, BABY.
Grab your popcorn, grab your emotional support plushie, and maybe grab a priest because this book said “What if we took your sanity, threw it on a carousel made of human skin, and spun it REALLY FAST?” I loved every deranged second of it.
This story is GOTHIC. It is NASTY. It is SEXY. It is HORRIFIC. It is EMOTIONAL DAMAGE WITH GLITTER ON TOP.
Like imagine the Cirque du Soleil got possessed by a demon who hasn’t slept in 900 years and desperately needs therapy but instead chooses ✨art✨
The characters, we’ve got:
One demon is giving sad, angry, gorgeous, emotionally constipated beast man who deserves a nap and a hug.
The other is giving “I ruined your life but I look hot while doing it so you let me” energy.
Every interaction feels like trauma bonding wrapped in foreplay wrapped in a threat. It’s delicious.
The worldbuilding is cinematic in the worst/best way. Every circus act is so creative and unhinged that my brain kept going “NO THANK YOU” while my eyes whispered “keep going, girl.” The whole book feels like being dunked in lust, blood, glitter, and heartbreak at the same time.
Messy. Violent. Beautiful. Disgusting. Emotional. PERFECT.
Five stars, obviously.
If loving this book is wrong then send me to the dark carnival prison immediately.
Tropes:
🎠 Dark Circus Horror
💔Ex-Lovers to Enemies
⚖️ Power Imbalance
🚫Forbidden Desire
🫦 Obsessive, Twisted Devotion
Grab your popcorn, grab your emotional support plushie, and maybe grab a priest because this book said “What if we took your sanity, threw it on a carousel made of human skin, and spun it REALLY FAST?” I loved every deranged second of it.
This story is GOTHIC. It is NASTY. It is SEXY. It is HORRIFIC. It is EMOTIONAL DAMAGE WITH GLITTER ON TOP.
Like imagine the Cirque du Soleil got possessed by a demon who hasn’t slept in 900 years and desperately needs therapy but instead chooses ✨art✨
The characters, we’ve got:
One demon is giving sad, angry, gorgeous, emotionally constipated beast man who deserves a nap and a hug.
The other is giving “I ruined your life but I look hot while doing it so you let me” energy.
Every interaction feels like trauma bonding wrapped in foreplay wrapped in a threat. It’s delicious.
The worldbuilding is cinematic in the worst/best way. Every circus act is so creative and unhinged that my brain kept going “NO THANK YOU” while my eyes whispered “keep going, girl.” The whole book feels like being dunked in lust, blood, glitter, and heartbreak at the same time.
Messy. Violent. Beautiful. Disgusting. Emotional. PERFECT.
Five stars, obviously.
If loving this book is wrong then send me to the dark carnival prison immediately.
Tropes:
🎠 Dark Circus Horror
💔Ex-Lovers to Enemies
⚖️ Power Imbalance
🚫Forbidden Desire
🫦 Obsessive, Twisted Devotion
November 28, 2025
Dark, depraved, and deliciously twisted! This circus fantasy completely pulled me in. I was nervous with all the trigger warnings, and I typically don’t even read trigger warning lists , but I’m so glad I took the plunge into this world of demons, shadows, angels, and holy warriors. Told through multiple perspectives, the circus is seen as survival by some, loyalty by others, and sheer evil by the rest. Can something like it ever truly disappear? That question lingers. The characters are complex and compelling, and each POV lets you fully live inside their minds. Yes, there’s smut! Some beautiful, some cruel, some almost transcendent but it’s only part of a much deeper story about temptation, desperation, and morality.
December 6, 2025
4.5⭐️
Thank you so much Laura for allowing me to receive an ARC copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
“I was forged in hellfire, and she sang the song of my descent, then locked it in her bones.”
WOW. I don’t read much dark romance and this was an absolute whirlwind. The character building, the romance, the tension, it was all just absolute perfection.
I couldn’t really tell how it was going to end until it came and in a book, I love that. The character growth of Dallas and how much sympathy you end up feeling for the characters is amazing. I never thought i’d love the relationship between two characters so much.
I know I will 100% be rereading this book (and probably soon).
Sequel please Laura!!!!
Thank you so much Laura for allowing me to receive an ARC copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
“I was forged in hellfire, and she sang the song of my descent, then locked it in her bones.”
WOW. I don’t read much dark romance and this was an absolute whirlwind. The character building, the romance, the tension, it was all just absolute perfection.
I couldn’t really tell how it was going to end until it came and in a book, I love that. The character growth of Dallas and how much sympathy you end up feeling for the characters is amazing. I never thought i’d love the relationship between two characters so much.
I know I will 100% be rereading this book (and probably soon).
Sequel please Laura!!!!
December 8, 2025
This book was incredible! It was so descriptive and immersive to me. the multiple POV's took some getting used to but it was so necessary to understand all the intricacies of the multiple relationships.
Basten is a bastard.
Dallas is gross and I think she deserved way more to be done to her.
Corneel and Mercy (to prevent spoilers) deserve to be protected forever.
This book was maybe 25% smut, 75% plot. The smut was not just smut for smuts sake. It was pretty relevant to the storyline. The smut itself wasnt anything super outlandish, so maybe 3/5 peppers (for me).
Overall, I found this to be well written and it kept me hooked. I would recommend this to people that enjoy dark, smutty romance.
Basten is a bastard.
Dallas is gross and I think she deserved way more to be done to her.
Corneel and Mercy (to prevent spoilers) deserve to be protected forever.
This book was maybe 25% smut, 75% plot. The smut was not just smut for smuts sake. It was pretty relevant to the storyline. The smut itself wasnt anything super outlandish, so maybe 3/5 peppers (for me).
Overall, I found this to be well written and it kept me hooked. I would recommend this to people that enjoy dark, smutty romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2025
Right from the beginning the tension starts to mount in this book. And it’s delicious!!
Welcome to The Devils Carousel!!!
The plot and character descriptions are portrayed so well that you can completely lose yourself in this story. I certainly did! 😊
It’s an emotional journey that’s full of tension, horror, intrigue and passion. I loved how the action built up so much towards the end and I was literally on the edge of my seat. The ending was so good and was left so anything could happen next 🤔
The little poems throughout the book are fantastic and really add that little extra to an already fantastic read. Definitely worthy of five stars.
Welcome to The Devils Carousel!!!
The plot and character descriptions are portrayed so well that you can completely lose yourself in this story. I certainly did! 😊
It’s an emotional journey that’s full of tension, horror, intrigue and passion. I loved how the action built up so much towards the end and I was literally on the edge of my seat. The ending was so good and was left so anything could happen next 🤔
The little poems throughout the book are fantastic and really add that little extra to an already fantastic read. Definitely worthy of five stars.
November 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. The tension between Corneel and Basten was THICCCK, I wish we would’ve gotten a little more back story of the history between those two. The story flowed almost like each part was an act in the show, I did find all the different POVs a little overwhelming at times. The circus acts themselves were haunting. This story is definitely filled with characters that you’re gonna either love from beginning to end, to ones you’re gonna flip flop between hating to love them to loving to hate them. While it does end in an HEA I’m actually more excited to see what happens next after the way it ended.
November 30, 2025
The Devil’s Carousel is an intoxicating mix of horror, obsession, and seductive darkness. One powerful demon controls the carousel, holding the others captive and feeding on the audience’s fear—while another demon devours their lust.
The atmosphere is eerie, the tension constant, and the spice blends seamlessly with the danger. And when an angel enters the picture, everything shifts. Loyalties fracture, obsession grows, and the entire carousel feels like it’s about to combust.
A haunting, spicy, and brilliantly twisted ride from start to finish.
The atmosphere is eerie, the tension constant, and the spice blends seamlessly with the danger. And when an angel enters the picture, everything shifts. Loyalties fracture, obsession grows, and the entire carousel feels like it’s about to combust.
A haunting, spicy, and brilliantly twisted ride from start to finish.
December 6, 2025
This book was so twisted and yet hauntingly beautiful in a way. The circus “acts” were so twisted, warped, and wicked it would make any horror fan grin with delight. The author does a fantastic job of taking you on a journey of debauchery but by the end you are invested in not just the main characters but all of the acts and you are rooting for a happy ending or whatever version of happy demons can have. The story has a good pace and you weren’t left feeling bored or rushed. If you can get past all the trigger warnings you are in for a wild ride in the most wicked way.
December 1, 2025
The circus in this book is literally the stuff of nightmares and is filled with demons and pain. The dynamics between Mercy, Bastian and Corneel had me hooked. I was also confused with my feelings (in a good way) about them thanks to all the twists surprising me. I don't want to give away any spoilers so just know that this book was a RIDE. It was dark, twisty and spicy. I really enjoyed it.
Ps-check your triggers.
Ps-check your triggers.
November 25, 2025
Another overnight read
Enter in the carnival.. and uhhh.. d3m0ns?
Need to avoid spoilers so let’s put it like this, it’s not your happy children’s carnival it’s the evil one where things happen that you can’t explain and someone needs to stop it ..
And the ending? For me, I felt like there’s more to be had but I wouldn’t mind more even if that was it.
Add to your TBR
Enter in the carnival.. and uhhh.. d3m0ns?
Need to avoid spoilers so let’s put it like this, it’s not your happy children’s carnival it’s the evil one where things happen that you can’t explain and someone needs to stop it ..
And the ending? For me, I felt like there’s more to be had but I wouldn’t mind more even if that was it.
Add to your TBR
November 27, 2025
I loved this book so much. It did take me awhile to finish because I was reading two books at once, but it was worth all the time I’ve spent reading it. I loved the characters and just everything about this book. It’s perfect book for spooky season in my opinion. I loved it so much. I can’t even begin to put how much I loved this book into words.
November 27, 2025
I didn't know what to expect as I went in blind, but this blew any expectation out of the water! It is phenomenal! I am obsessed with it. I kept thinking I had a favorite and then it continued to change the entire time. I can't even pick a favorite character now that I am done they are all so perfect and balance each other so well. This will live in my brain rent free for life.
December 24, 2025
Check the trigger warnings. I have wanted to read this book since I first saw it being advertised and it did not disappoint. Everything about this book was amazing! Demons and Angels in a cursed circus. The characters are amazing. The spice was spicing. I wasn't expecting the twists. I loved this book!
November 29, 2025
I'm not gonna lie this was kinda confusing at the start and I had a hard time getting into it but once it did grip me, I was hooked. It was twisty and turny and I did not see that end coming. I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read, it was a wild ride.
November 25, 2025
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
review coming soon...
review coming soon...
December 15, 2025
is it bad that I want to go to the devil carousel 😂
December 20, 2025
Laura Victoria crafts an eerie, immersive setting that pulls you in. If you like novels that make you feel the weight of their world—claustrophobic corridors, whispered secrets, and the tension of minds unraveling—this book delivers. highly recommend.
#psychologicalthriller #darkromance #angels #demons
#psychologicalthriller #darkromance #angels #demons
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