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Cirque Menagerie
Everyone has skeletons in the closet, but few have those that claw at the lid.
After the sudden death of her parents, Cassandra DeVale stumbles into a web of secrets that drags her far beyond London’s polished drawing rooms and into the shadows of a sinister circus. There, the velvet curtains conceal horrors stitched together with wire and willpower, and the Ringmaster’s grasp is as merciless as it is unseen.
Entangled with grieving nobles, estranged family, and a sister who cannot let go of the past, Cassandra must decide who to trust as she navigates a world where love can be twisted into chains and betrayal is inevitable.
In the Cirque Menagerie, every mask hides a monster—and some boxes, once opened, can never be closed.
After the sudden death of her parents, Cassandra DeVale stumbles into a web of secrets that drags her far beyond London’s polished drawing rooms and into the shadows of a sinister circus. There, the velvet curtains conceal horrors stitched together with wire and willpower, and the Ringmaster’s grasp is as merciless as it is unseen.
Entangled with grieving nobles, estranged family, and a sister who cannot let go of the past, Cassandra must decide who to trust as she navigates a world where love can be twisted into chains and betrayal is inevitable.
In the Cirque Menagerie, every mask hides a monster—and some boxes, once opened, can never be closed.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2026
6 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 5, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Atmosphere Press for an ARC of Cirque Menagerie by K.J Akers
Listen, I don't know WHAT it was but after the way Cirque du Freak had my awkward adolescent azz in a chokehold anytime I see "Cirque" in a book title I flutter over like a moth to a flame. So far it has led me to some pretty extraordinary reads and after this one I'm glad to see that streak continue. The cover does a really great job summing this one up. Dark, yet somehow fun at the same time. The atmosphere is so exquisitely and beautifully Gothic. I was in my glory here! As if i died and gone to hell! I'd buy a summer home here in a heartbeat if I could!
I really enjoyed the entire premise here as well. Our FMC is more tangible than others because she struggles with real life issues. Especially the way she has one foot in the past and the other in the future.. Personally that is something I struggle with on a regular basis. I've always been bothered when people say you can't hold on to the past, because we all reach a certain point in life where that's all we have left. So the fact society as a whole frowns on the past so much has always been weird to me. My only real "complaint" here obviously is that I wish there were more, otherwise I really enjoyed this one and I think others will too! The fact this is a debut novel is absolutely mind-blowing to me! I will most definitely be keeping my eye out for future work by this extremely talented new author.
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
Listen, I don't know WHAT it was but after the way Cirque du Freak had my awkward adolescent azz in a chokehold anytime I see "Cirque" in a book title I flutter over like a moth to a flame. So far it has led me to some pretty extraordinary reads and after this one I'm glad to see that streak continue. The cover does a really great job summing this one up. Dark, yet somehow fun at the same time. The atmosphere is so exquisitely and beautifully Gothic. I was in my glory here! As if i died and gone to hell! I'd buy a summer home here in a heartbeat if I could!
I really enjoyed the entire premise here as well. Our FMC is more tangible than others because she struggles with real life issues. Especially the way she has one foot in the past and the other in the future.. Personally that is something I struggle with on a regular basis. I've always been bothered when people say you can't hold on to the past, because we all reach a certain point in life where that's all we have left. So the fact society as a whole frowns on the past so much has always been weird to me. My only real "complaint" here obviously is that I wish there were more, otherwise I really enjoyed this one and I think others will too! The fact this is a debut novel is absolutely mind-blowing to me! I will most definitely be keeping my eye out for future work by this extremely talented new author.
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
May 2, 2026
3.5 🌟
"....a menagerie is never without its secrets. For every creature, a hidden fang. For every wonder, a shadowed cost, and though what you see may be but spectacle, tonight, my friends— tonight it shall feel achingly, terrifyingly real.”'
Dark Gaslamp/Historical Fantasy | Mystery | Macabre | Secret Society | Found Friendship | Sapphic Love | Debut Novel
Cassandra had an inkling to the depravity they faced, a secret society. Loreli held on to a bare whisper of hope.
'She had grown to love the dark; it held her grief gently, did not demand she smile through it.'
The two women, head-strong and low-key fierce, are brought together through linked circumstances to investigate the mysterious deaths/disappearances of their loved ones. But they only had a slim window.
'She’s trapped in something no one should endure— the circus is a gilded cage, no, worse. It is a nightmare spun from velvet and evil....'
I thought there would be more horror, thrill, and suspense throughout. That's not to say there isn't any, as there are some creepy, nightmarish scenes. At the same time, they were sad... tragic. Just really expected more of the horror aspect to be in this story.
'"... Sometimes chasing answers only leads you deeper into the dark.”'
eARC courtesy of NetGalley | Atmosphere Press
"....a menagerie is never without its secrets. For every creature, a hidden fang. For every wonder, a shadowed cost, and though what you see may be but spectacle, tonight, my friends— tonight it shall feel achingly, terrifyingly real.”'
Dark Gaslamp/Historical Fantasy | Mystery | Macabre | Secret Society | Found Friendship | Sapphic Love | Debut Novel
Cassandra had an inkling to the depravity they faced, a secret society. Loreli held on to a bare whisper of hope.
'She had grown to love the dark; it held her grief gently, did not demand she smile through it.'
The two women, head-strong and low-key fierce, are brought together through linked circumstances to investigate the mysterious deaths/disappearances of their loved ones. But they only had a slim window.
'She’s trapped in something no one should endure— the circus is a gilded cage, no, worse. It is a nightmare spun from velvet and evil....'
I thought there would be more horror, thrill, and suspense throughout. That's not to say there isn't any, as there are some creepy, nightmarish scenes. At the same time, they were sad... tragic. Just really expected more of the horror aspect to be in this story.
'"... Sometimes chasing answers only leads you deeper into the dark.”'
eARC courtesy of NetGalley | Atmosphere Press
March 7, 2026
ARC review
DNF at 58%. I tried my hardest for nearly a month because the premise was genuinely interesting but after getting halfway done, I had still not been gripped. It initially sets a stage for a dark and twisty story and then morphs into something that feels on par with a historical story that is dry and wordy. The writing is good but embellished and I notice a tendency to jump back and forth in time which was really confusing. For example: she may mention shes looking at something, and then there is a pretty seamless transition where she’s talking about a time in the past for pages, and then it transitions back to the present where you don’t even remember what the point of it was.. idk how to even explain it.
I do really have to chalk it up to the writing style because by the time I threw in the towel the story was finally ramping up with intrigue but I was not won over. It is 3rd person POV from multiple characters. I sense a love interest between the two main female characters which was fun but idk if it’s actually going anywhere or is actually a thing at all since I didn’t finish. The overall vibes almost felt Human Centipede ish too since a big aspect of the villain is human Experimentation and I was all for that but the execution let me down.
DNF at 58%. I tried my hardest for nearly a month because the premise was genuinely interesting but after getting halfway done, I had still not been gripped. It initially sets a stage for a dark and twisty story and then morphs into something that feels on par with a historical story that is dry and wordy. The writing is good but embellished and I notice a tendency to jump back and forth in time which was really confusing. For example: she may mention shes looking at something, and then there is a pretty seamless transition where she’s talking about a time in the past for pages, and then it transitions back to the present where you don’t even remember what the point of it was.. idk how to even explain it.
I do really have to chalk it up to the writing style because by the time I threw in the towel the story was finally ramping up with intrigue but I was not won over. It is 3rd person POV from multiple characters. I sense a love interest between the two main female characters which was fun but idk if it’s actually going anywhere or is actually a thing at all since I didn’t finish. The overall vibes almost felt Human Centipede ish too since a big aspect of the villain is human Experimentation and I was all for that but the execution let me down.
March 4, 2026
Thank you to Atmosphere Press and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Cirque Menagerie is a debut gothic tale anchored by an endearing ensemble cast. Together, the characters navigate the complexities of societal expectations, the female experience of the era, and the nuances of familial bonds.
As a series opener, it excels at character building. Each member of the crew is gifted with a well-thought-out background, relatable flaws, and clear desires, making it impossible not to root for them as they face off against the evil ringmaster.
However, the immersion was occasionally broken by dense descriptions during high-stakes action scenes. These moments often stalled the momentum, turning what should have been anxiety-inducing sequences into confusing ones that required a re-read to find the thread.
Cirque Menagerie is a debut gothic tale anchored by an endearing ensemble cast. Together, the characters navigate the complexities of societal expectations, the female experience of the era, and the nuances of familial bonds.
As a series opener, it excels at character building. Each member of the crew is gifted with a well-thought-out background, relatable flaws, and clear desires, making it impossible not to root for them as they face off against the evil ringmaster.
However, the immersion was occasionally broken by dense descriptions during high-stakes action scenes. These moments often stalled the momentum, turning what should have been anxiety-inducing sequences into confusing ones that required a re-read to find the thread.
February 12, 2026
Cirque Menagerie is a lush, unsettling gothic tale that pulls you in with its velvet‑dark atmosphere and refuses to let go. K.J. Akers blends family secrets, grief, and a sinister circus world into a story that feels both intimate and grandly theatrical—like stepping behind a curtain you’re not entirely sure you should touch.
Cassandra DeVale is a compelling heroine, caught between the polished expectations of London society and the raw, dangerous truths lurking in her family’s past. Her journey begins with tragedy, but it quickly becomes something far stranger as she’s drawn into the orbit of a circus where nothing is quite what it seems. The imagery is wonderfully vivid: horrors stitched together with wire, performers who blur the line between human and monstrous, and a Ringmaster whose presence is felt long before he steps onto the page.
What really elevates the novel is the emotional undercurrent. Cassandra’s relationships—with grieving nobles, estranged relatives, and a sister haunted by the past—give the story depth beyond its eerie spectacle. Trust becomes a fragile currency, and every revelation tightens the tension. The theme of masks—literal and metaphorical—is woven beautifully throughout, reminding you that in this world, appearances are never to be trusted.
The writing is atmospheric without being overwrought, and the pacing strikes a satisfying balance between slow‑burn dread and sharp, shocking turns. By the time the final secrets spill out, you feel as though you’ve walked the tightrope alongside Cassandra, unsure whether the net below is real or just another illusion.
A darkly enchanting gothic mystery with a circus twist—perfect for readers who love rich atmosphere, layered secrets, and stories where every shadow hides a threat.
with thanks to KJ Akers, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Cassandra DeVale is a compelling heroine, caught between the polished expectations of London society and the raw, dangerous truths lurking in her family’s past. Her journey begins with tragedy, but it quickly becomes something far stranger as she’s drawn into the orbit of a circus where nothing is quite what it seems. The imagery is wonderfully vivid: horrors stitched together with wire, performers who blur the line between human and monstrous, and a Ringmaster whose presence is felt long before he steps onto the page.
What really elevates the novel is the emotional undercurrent. Cassandra’s relationships—with grieving nobles, estranged relatives, and a sister haunted by the past—give the story depth beyond its eerie spectacle. Trust becomes a fragile currency, and every revelation tightens the tension. The theme of masks—literal and metaphorical—is woven beautifully throughout, reminding you that in this world, appearances are never to be trusted.
The writing is atmospheric without being overwrought, and the pacing strikes a satisfying balance between slow‑burn dread and sharp, shocking turns. By the time the final secrets spill out, you feel as though you’ve walked the tightrope alongside Cassandra, unsure whether the net below is real or just another illusion.
A darkly enchanting gothic mystery with a circus twist—perfect for readers who love rich atmosphere, layered secrets, and stories where every shadow hides a threat.
with thanks to KJ Akers, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
March 24, 2026
I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me this opportunity to review this book!
The story starts out with Nora and it’s mysterious, how she gets involved with the circus. She has ill feelings about the circus in general. As she is trying to leave she is caught and never to be heard again. Lorlie is Nora’s sister, she feels lost without her. She is forced to go to balls and try to secure a husband as she is still grieving for her sister. Casandra just lost her two parents to a wagon accident so everyone believes, but is that the truth? Casandra has received a hand delivered package with letters dating back through her family’s different time periods. In these letters she discovers a secret society and is looking and learning more about her family’s involvement. As the story unfolds you learn a lot about each character and their actual involvement in the story. I thought the story was good, it kept my interest throughout the entire book. I can’t wait for the next installment I will read as soon as it comes out. I would definitely recommend this book to basically anyone that wants mystery but I good story.
The story starts out with Nora and it’s mysterious, how she gets involved with the circus. She has ill feelings about the circus in general. As she is trying to leave she is caught and never to be heard again. Lorlie is Nora’s sister, she feels lost without her. She is forced to go to balls and try to secure a husband as she is still grieving for her sister. Casandra just lost her two parents to a wagon accident so everyone believes, but is that the truth? Casandra has received a hand delivered package with letters dating back through her family’s different time periods. In these letters she discovers a secret society and is looking and learning more about her family’s involvement. As the story unfolds you learn a lot about each character and their actual involvement in the story. I thought the story was good, it kept my interest throughout the entire book. I can’t wait for the next installment I will read as soon as it comes out. I would definitely recommend this book to basically anyone that wants mystery but I good story.
March 26, 2026
4 Stars!
Cirque Menagerie is a dark fairytale-esque story of a shadowy circus and the horrors that lie within the performers.
This story grabbed my attention from the first page.
We are immediately thrown into the mystery and yearn for answers. As we move forward, we are introduced to many new characters and I enjoyed piecing together how everyone was connected.
There was a bit of a lull in the middle of the story. I suspect this was mainly because the stage was being set but I kept waiting for more thrills from the antagonist, which were absent.
Things really picked up the last 15% and ended on a major cliffhanger that left me itching for book two!
Spice: None
Language: Minimal swearing
Mystery/Horror: 2/5
*Mostly edge of your seat intrigue, but a few descriptions of violence that may be disturbing
Age Recommendations: 16+
LGBT themes (attraction but nothing explicit)
Cirque Menagerie is a dark fairytale-esque story of a shadowy circus and the horrors that lie within the performers.
This story grabbed my attention from the first page.
We are immediately thrown into the mystery and yearn for answers. As we move forward, we are introduced to many new characters and I enjoyed piecing together how everyone was connected.
There was a bit of a lull in the middle of the story. I suspect this was mainly because the stage was being set but I kept waiting for more thrills from the antagonist, which were absent.
Things really picked up the last 15% and ended on a major cliffhanger that left me itching for book two!
Spice: None
Language: Minimal swearing
Mystery/Horror: 2/5
*Mostly edge of your seat intrigue, but a few descriptions of violence that may be disturbing
Age Recommendations: 16+
LGBT themes (attraction but nothing explicit)
February 17, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for the review copy of this book.
K. J. Akers' debut novel is a kaleidoscope of mystery, social posturing, family secrets, and grieving. While I did enjoy the story, some parts felt disorganized, as though details were missing. This could have been deliberate on the author's part, but I felt that some things needed better explanation or some defining backstory.
The story moves along very well and there is plenty of action to keep readers engaged, and the principal villain is truly insidious. I do feel that this book could have a YA rating. I understand that this is book one of a duology. I am interested to see what people think of the conclusion.
K. J. Akers' debut novel is a kaleidoscope of mystery, social posturing, family secrets, and grieving. While I did enjoy the story, some parts felt disorganized, as though details were missing. This could have been deliberate on the author's part, but I felt that some things needed better explanation or some defining backstory.
The story moves along very well and there is plenty of action to keep readers engaged, and the principal villain is truly insidious. I do feel that this book could have a YA rating. I understand that this is book one of a duology. I am interested to see what people think of the conclusion.
February 14, 2026
Book Review
Cirque Menagerie by K.J. Akers
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Atmosphere Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
In the Cirque Menagerie, every mask hides a monster—and some boxes, once opened, can never be closed.
This was a unsettling gothic tale that just had me captivated from the very beginning. I didn't want to put it down. The characters were amazing and the writing was phenomenal!!
#CirqueMenagerie #NetGalley.
Cirque Menagerie by K.J. Akers
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Atmosphere Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
In the Cirque Menagerie, every mask hides a monster—and some boxes, once opened, can never be closed.
This was a unsettling gothic tale that just had me captivated from the very beginning. I didn't want to put it down. The characters were amazing and the writing was phenomenal!!
#CirqueMenagerie #NetGalley.
April 26, 2026
While I am a big fan of all circus based stories, this one unfortunately didn't quite resonate with me and left me wanting more and feeling quite underwhelmed. In terms of the plot it was okay but quite jumpy in between timelines which did detract from my enjoyment of the story and the characters were okay but none really had that "wow factor".
I believe it was a case of this book just not being for me at this point in time.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Atmosphere Press for an arc of this book.
I believe it was a case of this book just not being for me at this point in time.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Atmosphere Press for an arc of this book.
February 14, 2026
A wonderful debut novel where love is twisted into control. The writing is atmospheric and poetic. It transported me to London as Cassandra DeVale navigates her way through webs of family secrets and betrayals.
“Grief made ghosts of the living and the dead”.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this, NetGalley.
“Grief made ghosts of the living and the dead”.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this, NetGalley.
March 5, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and K.J. Akers for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Cirque Menagerie. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I enjoy circus stories. I thought it was good. I was thinking it’d be a little different. I was hoping for a little more backstory. I would read other books by this author.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I enjoy circus stories. I thought it was good. I was thinking it’d be a little different. I was hoping for a little more backstory. I would read other books by this author.
April 10, 2026
Wildly imaginative story! Wonderful characters. Unique, interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. A freaky good read!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
February 24, 2026
Amazing!!
10/10. Could not read this book fast enough. It was absolutely brilliant and anyone who likes reading should get this book. I can’t wait for the second one to come
10/10. Could not read this book fast enough. It was absolutely brilliant and anyone who likes reading should get this book. I can’t wait for the second one to come
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ah can’t wait to read this book sounds like an epic refreshing tale.
Can February 3rd please come quicker thanks!
Update:
What a beautifully written novel. Captivating and thoroughly enjoyed. The writing felt like it was more than 269 pages due to the pacing and writing style. I felt like I got to know all the characters and the journeys they’ve all been on.
It’s refreshing to read a gothic mystery and has made me think twice about going to the circus! Can’t wait for book 2…
Can February 3rd please come quicker thanks!
Update:
What a beautifully written novel. Captivating and thoroughly enjoyed. The writing felt like it was more than 269 pages due to the pacing and writing style. I felt like I got to know all the characters and the journeys they’ve all been on.
It’s refreshing to read a gothic mystery and has made me think twice about going to the circus! Can’t wait for book 2…
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews