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The Pawn and The Puppet #5
The Clock and The Carnival
Sapphire S. Valdawell ist die Tochter von Kane und Skylenna, die Zwillingsschwester von Krimson Arthur Valdawell und die langjährige Feindin des zukünftigen Anführers ihres Landes.
Obwohl Sapphire von einem Leben fernab des Namens Valdawell träumt, hat das Schicksal andere Pläne für sie.
Bei einer lebensgefährlichen Begegnung mit Mitgliedern der schwindenden Gruppe der Vexamen-Zucht erfährt Sapphire, dass die seltenen mentalen Fähigkeiten ihrer Mutter und ihres Vaters tatsächlich vererbbar sind.
Sie ist gezwungen, die Wahrheit hinter der tragischen Geschichte ihrer Eltern mitanzusehen.
Aber wenn Sapphire in Momenten der Not durch die Zeit springen kann, was passiert dann, wenn sie kontrollieren kann, wohin sie geht und was sie verändert?
Obwohl Sapphire von einem Leben fernab des Namens Valdawell träumt, hat das Schicksal andere Pläne für sie.
Bei einer lebensgefährlichen Begegnung mit Mitgliedern der schwindenden Gruppe der Vexamen-Zucht erfährt Sapphire, dass die seltenen mentalen Fähigkeiten ihrer Mutter und ihres Vaters tatsächlich vererbbar sind.
Sie ist gezwungen, die Wahrheit hinter der tragischen Geschichte ihrer Eltern mitanzusehen.
Aber wenn Sapphire in Momenten der Not durch die Zeit springen kann, was passiert dann, wenn sie kontrollieren kann, wohin sie geht und was sie verändert?
702 pages, Hardcover
Published February 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
February 15, 2026
The long wait finally has come to and end, I swear I think I’m about to cry again just thinking about it 😭 it’s like a bittersweet moment knowing that what I looked forward to for so long has now finally arrived and that I enjoyed it so much and was so invested throughout the whole book, this whole series was truly so well written and this last book was honestly so freaking good and definitely worth the wait. Okay I think I need to stop typing before I cry again 😭😭 sorry I can’t talk about the plot at all without my eyes starting to sweat, its so strange 🤣😭😭
February 8, 2026
Such a masterpiece. If there were cracks in this series, any loose threads in this finale, I never saw them. I’m not moving on in heart or spirit. THIS. SERIES. Every book somehow climbed higher than the last, and this final book brought it all full circle with a kind of epic intensity that felt inevitable.
The enemies to lovers slow burn in The Clock and The Carnival is the gold standard. This is what we mean when we claim to love that trope. The forced proximity, the survival, the fragile trust forged under pressure. And every single time “my wife” appeared on the page, I absolutely lost it.
“𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞.”
This was the ending we needed after the long, brutal road these characters walked. The kind of closure that shatters you gently and then stitches you back together. The time travel offered glimpses into past moments from new angles, and it was electrifying. I would suddenly realize, this is that moment, and experience it all over again through different eyes.
The characters. The found family. I have never been so deeply attached to an entire cast. Not everyone gets their final days with the people they love. I suspected what was coming. It didn’t make it hurt any less. And as I write this, my eyes once again fill with tears.
…𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.
This wasn’t just a story to me. I’m genuinely in awe of what Brandi created. Every single puzzle piece was placed with intention, from the first page of the first book to the final breath of the last. Nothing accidental. Nothing wasted.
All along, I thought I was watching the strings.
Turns out, I was the puppet.
And I would let her pull them all over again for a journey like this.
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐩𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐒𝐤𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞? 𝑾𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒏.
The enemies to lovers slow burn in The Clock and The Carnival is the gold standard. This is what we mean when we claim to love that trope. The forced proximity, the survival, the fragile trust forged under pressure. And every single time “my wife” appeared on the page, I absolutely lost it.
“𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞.”
This was the ending we needed after the long, brutal road these characters walked. The kind of closure that shatters you gently and then stitches you back together. The time travel offered glimpses into past moments from new angles, and it was electrifying. I would suddenly realize, this is that moment, and experience it all over again through different eyes.
The characters. The found family. I have never been so deeply attached to an entire cast. Not everyone gets their final days with the people they love. I suspected what was coming. It didn’t make it hurt any less. And as I write this, my eyes once again fill with tears.
…𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.
This wasn’t just a story to me. I’m genuinely in awe of what Brandi created. Every single puzzle piece was placed with intention, from the first page of the first book to the final breath of the last. Nothing accidental. Nothing wasted.
All along, I thought I was watching the strings.
Turns out, I was the puppet.
And I would let her pull them all over again for a journey like this.
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐩𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐒𝐤𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞? 𝑾𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒏.
February 15, 2026
Book 5 - the end game - the finale - the conclusion - the completion - a lot to live up to in a series of 5 books and a novella. Lots to know, lots we want to happen, lots we will hold our breath for! Will it live up to our expectations and heal our hearts.
Yes yes yes it delivered, oh did it ever. The clock and the carnival was an extremely hard, beautiful, emotion journey. I’ve love each and every part of this series, the emotion, the trauma, the passion, the uniqueness. It’s been a long journey and this fulfilled all, but now I’m sad it’s over.
All books tie in extremely well, there’s so much depth that you’re not going to realise until you’re reading this book. Brandi is a very clever writer in how she interweaves this whole series the way she has, I was gobsmacked and stunned when parts clicked in.
The characters are family I’ve found and adored, the enemies to lovers trope in this book is perfection - it’s drawn out to the full extent of what a true enemies to lovers fan needs. The story completes all I needed to finish the series perfectly and then some, it fills in things, it twists and turns perfectly.
I could say so much but I don’t want to give anything away, but this series is hard to stop once you start it. Being completely finished means you won’t have to wait and can just indulge in it fully. This is dark so definitely check your triggers first. I recommend it fully and will definitely reread this many more times.
Yes yes yes it delivered, oh did it ever. The clock and the carnival was an extremely hard, beautiful, emotion journey. I’ve love each and every part of this series, the emotion, the trauma, the passion, the uniqueness. It’s been a long journey and this fulfilled all, but now I’m sad it’s over.
All books tie in extremely well, there’s so much depth that you’re not going to realise until you’re reading this book. Brandi is a very clever writer in how she interweaves this whole series the way she has, I was gobsmacked and stunned when parts clicked in.
The characters are family I’ve found and adored, the enemies to lovers trope in this book is perfection - it’s drawn out to the full extent of what a true enemies to lovers fan needs. The story completes all I needed to finish the series perfectly and then some, it fills in things, it twists and turns perfectly.
I could say so much but I don’t want to give anything away, but this series is hard to stop once you start it. Being completely finished means you won’t have to wait and can just indulge in it fully. This is dark so definitely check your triggers first. I recommend it fully and will definitely reread this many more times.
October 11, 2026
What a great way to end an incredible series! I was hesitant at the beginning of this final book but by the end I understood why the author wrote it the way she did & it was a masterpiece ❤️😭 I love these characters and this world sm
February 14, 2026
No please what do you mean this is it? I’m still crying. I don’t know what to say about this book. This is my everything! This book gave me a new family, I was a part of their family. The last chapters gave me everything. They gave me happiness, relief and utterly sadness. I’m destroyed in all ways. This series is my safe space. I will never recover from my babies. I read many books, I rate many books 5 stars. But this series is more than stars. It’s my everything. My soul belongs to this series, to the people in it. I can’t stop crying actually. I think I will never stop crying about them. They got their happy end, and I’m so happy and proud of them. But what about me 😭 im devastated here. But Brandi I love you, thank you for this absolute masterpiece. I will reread this series when I’m feeling like I need a big good cry. Thank you for letting me be a part of this world. They are my comfort ❤️
February 14, 2026
⚠️⚠️⚠️Check all TW ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Excuse me while I go and dry my eyes. What on earth. I have read this series from the beginning when it first came out and I’m obsessed even now. I 10/10 recommend this book if you like dystopian romance.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Excuse me while I go and dry my eyes. What on earth. I have read this series from the beginning when it first came out and I’m obsessed even now. I 10/10 recommend this book if you like dystopian romance.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 14, 2026
5 stars for the series!
I am sad that there are no books left. Loved reading them.
I am sad that there are no books left. Loved reading them.
July 27, 2026
Sitting here staring into the void since I've finished this series. This series was so incredibly good it has surpassed my favorite series and is now my number one. After wanting to throw my kindle across the room after the ending in book four, I almost didn't even want to continue the series but I am so glad I did. This last book was amazing. I couldn't stop reading it and almost all my life responsibilities were put on hold till I did and now I wish it wasn't ever over. The way everything pieces together and comes back full circle. The writing was genius. The emotions this book takes you on is the wildest rollercoaster. I can't wait to read anything else by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This entire series is all-consuming — but The Clock and the Carnival takes it to another level.
Out of all the series I’ve read, Brandi Elise Szeker completely knocked this one out of the park. She brings everything full circle in a way that feels intentional, powerful, and deeply satisfying. There are no loose ends. No forgotten details. Even the moments that seem like passing comments come back with meaning. Nothing is accidental.
The depth in this series is unreal. The heart. The soul. The love and the hate. The breaking and rebuilding. It’s layered in a way that makes you feel everything.
The last 80% of this book? Straight tears. Every kind. Sadness that turns into heartache. Heartache that turns into complete devastation — the gut-wrenching, “my heart is dust” kind. And then somehow… pure joy. Relief. Happiness. Emotional whiplash in the best possible way.
Every time you think you know what’s about to happen — I promise, you don’t.
Brandi brought these characters to life in a way I didn’t think was possible on paper. She gave me a family I fell hopelessly in love with. She gave me a story that made me want a soulmate in a way I didn’t even realize I needed.
This series isn’t just one of the best you’ll ever read.
It’s a home you didn’t expect to find.
A must read.
A must own.
A must cherish.
Till hell freezes over. Right, Brandi?
Out of all the series I’ve read, Brandi Elise Szeker completely knocked this one out of the park. She brings everything full circle in a way that feels intentional, powerful, and deeply satisfying. There are no loose ends. No forgotten details. Even the moments that seem like passing comments come back with meaning. Nothing is accidental.
The depth in this series is unreal. The heart. The soul. The love and the hate. The breaking and rebuilding. It’s layered in a way that makes you feel everything.
The last 80% of this book? Straight tears. Every kind. Sadness that turns into heartache. Heartache that turns into complete devastation — the gut-wrenching, “my heart is dust” kind. And then somehow… pure joy. Relief. Happiness. Emotional whiplash in the best possible way.
Every time you think you know what’s about to happen — I promise, you don’t.
Brandi brought these characters to life in a way I didn’t think was possible on paper. She gave me a family I fell hopelessly in love with. She gave me a story that made me want a soulmate in a way I didn’t even realize I needed.
This series isn’t just one of the best you’ll ever read.
It’s a home you didn’t expect to find.
A must read.
A must own.
A must cherish.
Till hell freezes over. Right, Brandi?
October 6, 2026
I don't think I've ever cried as hard over a book as I did over this one. It changed my whole brain chemistry. I used to have five favorite series, now I have six. How am I ever supposed to read anything else that could possibly measure up? Call the therapist. 6 Stars.
February 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and honestly… more if I could)
I don’t say this lightly — this is my favorite book series of all time.
When I started The Pawn and the Puppet, I’ll admit… I struggled a little. The writing felt different. Conversations were sometimes fragmented, information was skipped, and I had to work to fully understand what was happening. But now? I realize that was intentional. It forces you to feel the chaos. To live inside it.
And with every single book, it just got better. Stronger. Deeper.
Dessin is one of the most complex, heartbreaking, and magnificently written characters I’ve ever encountered. His dissociative identity disorder isn’t used as a trope or a gimmick — it’s written with depth, humanity, and what feels like genuine love. You can tell the author didn’t just “use” the disorder for drama. She respected it. She embraced it. She made it beautiful.
And that changed me.
Skylenna… oh Skylenna. Watching her love him. all of him , every part, every fracture, every personality was powerful in a way I didn’t expect. Their relationship isn’t simple. It’s layered. Messy. Intense. Real.
And then The Clock and the Carnival absolutely destroyed me.
Their daughter. Time travel. Loss. Sacrifice. The way everything unraveled…
I bawled. I mean full, ugly, can’t-breathe crying. No book has ever made me feel like that before. Ever.
This series is the perfect combination of:
• immersive world building
• painfully beautiful character development
• emotional devastation
• humor when you least expect it
• and love in its most complex form
It made me laugh. It made me ache. It made me think differently about mental health. It made me feel.
And the fact that it only kept getting better with each book? Rare. So rare.
This isn’t just a series. It’s an experience. And I will never stop recommending it.
Forever obsessed. 🖤🎭⏳
I don’t say this lightly — this is my favorite book series of all time.
When I started The Pawn and the Puppet, I’ll admit… I struggled a little. The writing felt different. Conversations were sometimes fragmented, information was skipped, and I had to work to fully understand what was happening. But now? I realize that was intentional. It forces you to feel the chaos. To live inside it.
And with every single book, it just got better. Stronger. Deeper.
Dessin is one of the most complex, heartbreaking, and magnificently written characters I’ve ever encountered. His dissociative identity disorder isn’t used as a trope or a gimmick — it’s written with depth, humanity, and what feels like genuine love. You can tell the author didn’t just “use” the disorder for drama. She respected it. She embraced it. She made it beautiful.
And that changed me.
Skylenna… oh Skylenna. Watching her love him. all of him , every part, every fracture, every personality was powerful in a way I didn’t expect. Their relationship isn’t simple. It’s layered. Messy. Intense. Real.
And then The Clock and the Carnival absolutely destroyed me.
Their daughter. Time travel. Loss. Sacrifice. The way everything unraveled…
I bawled. I mean full, ugly, can’t-breathe crying. No book has ever made me feel like that before. Ever.
This series is the perfect combination of:
• immersive world building
• painfully beautiful character development
• emotional devastation
• humor when you least expect it
• and love in its most complex form
It made me laugh. It made me ache. It made me think differently about mental health. It made me feel.
And the fact that it only kept getting better with each book? Rare. So rare.
This isn’t just a series. It’s an experience. And I will never stop recommending it.
Forever obsessed. 🖤🎭⏳
April 23, 2026
I really wish the series had stayed focused on Sky and Dessin from beginning to end. Their story was the reason I fell in love with these books in the first place. The first three were absolute masterpieces to me, but the last two honestly ruined these characters for me.
February 20, 2026
Wow. Wow. Wow. I am speechless. Brandi, I love you and hate you all at once.
This book gave me closure but also broke my heart 17 times. For the first 50% of this book, I just wasn't so sure. I was confused a lot of the time and felt like important things were just happening too fast/skimmed and it was leaving me confused why they weren't being explained. Obviously in true Brandi fashion everything came together in the end, and it made sense. I wanted to cry happy tears and then the next chapter I found myself wanting to cry SAD tears. Everyone did get their ending/closure unfortunately not everyone's was what I wanted ... Dellilian I love you it was like experiencing Knightingale all over again but WORSE and I was crushed. I think if I was reading that scene in the comfort of my own home I would have bawled. Brandi, just when I thought I couldn't forgive you for chapter 82. YOU GAVE ME CHAPTER 84. I BAWLED.. IN PUBLIC. I knew it would come but I wasn't ready for it. Brandi, you are a true genius and the amount of pre planning and thinking for the twists and turns in this series never fails me. This was my first fantasy I ever read, and I can finally have closure. I will always love Skylenna and Dessin and this book was the perfect ending for them. I almost only gave this book 4 stars until the last 40ish pages. Trust me, the last 20% was so 500 stars but unfortunately the first 50% was giving 3 stars..
This series is a whirlwind and for anyone starting it or wanting to start it and they get to a point they aren't sure about finishing it, KEEP GOING because this was the craziest rollercoaster I've ever been on even when I didn't know it.
This book gave me closure but also broke my heart 17 times. For the first 50% of this book, I just wasn't so sure. I was confused a lot of the time and felt like important things were just happening too fast/skimmed and it was leaving me confused why they weren't being explained. Obviously in true Brandi fashion everything came together in the end, and it made sense. I wanted to cry happy tears and then the next chapter I found myself wanting to cry SAD tears. Everyone did get their ending/closure unfortunately not everyone's was what I wanted ... Dellilian I love you it was like experiencing Knightingale all over again but WORSE and I was crushed. I think if I was reading that scene in the comfort of my own home I would have bawled. Brandi, just when I thought I couldn't forgive you for chapter 82. YOU GAVE ME CHAPTER 84. I BAWLED.. IN PUBLIC. I knew it would come but I wasn't ready for it. Brandi, you are a true genius and the amount of pre planning and thinking for the twists and turns in this series never fails me. This was my first fantasy I ever read, and I can finally have closure. I will always love Skylenna and Dessin and this book was the perfect ending for them. I almost only gave this book 4 stars until the last 40ish pages. Trust me, the last 20% was so 500 stars but unfortunately the first 50% was giving 3 stars..
This series is a whirlwind and for anyone starting it or wanting to start it and they get to a point they aren't sure about finishing it, KEEP GOING because this was the craziest rollercoaster I've ever been on even when I didn't know it.
February 4, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
as a dedicated reader to this series (even before the first one was published) I found Brandi on my fyp on TikTok all those moons ago. I was intrigued, and I dove in. And here we are. On the last book. It ended as perfectly as I could imagined and more. I am a pile of goo and tears and snot.
We watch sapphire and niklaus navigate through time. We watch everything through their eyes. And we finally learn about the prophecy in whole.
Does Dessin ever wake up?
Now, that’s something I’ll leave for you all find out.
But we do learn, that skylenna and dessins children are gifted. Just like them.
We do learn that they are their parents children.
We remember that family can be chosen.
We remember that love can do truly extraordinary things.
This whole series has been with me through hardships, through finding love, through many obstacles, this series saw many versions of myself. Kind of like our broody dessin.
Thank you Brandi.
This whole series is truly a masterpiece. And if you want something that’ll rip your soul out but also make your heart gooey, start at the beginning. Stay a while. The ride is worth it.
as a dedicated reader to this series (even before the first one was published) I found Brandi on my fyp on TikTok all those moons ago. I was intrigued, and I dove in. And here we are. On the last book. It ended as perfectly as I could imagined and more. I am a pile of goo and tears and snot.
We watch sapphire and niklaus navigate through time. We watch everything through their eyes. And we finally learn about the prophecy in whole.
Does Dessin ever wake up?
Now, that’s something I’ll leave for you all find out.
But we do learn, that skylenna and dessins children are gifted. Just like them.
We do learn that they are their parents children.
We remember that family can be chosen.
We remember that love can do truly extraordinary things.
This whole series has been with me through hardships, through finding love, through many obstacles, this series saw many versions of myself. Kind of like our broody dessin.
Thank you Brandi.
This whole series is truly a masterpiece. And if you want something that’ll rip your soul out but also make your heart gooey, start at the beginning. Stay a while. The ride is worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2026
First of all, MISS BRANDI??? We need to fucking talk because WHAT THE HELL did I just put myself through reading this damn book??? No because I’m genuinely so messed up now. Every time I remember that ending, it completely fucks with my brain, my mood and everything else 😭
Yes I was SO confused when I first started because I’m absolutely no good with time travel books. They always manage to confuse the hell out of me! And at first I hated not having our usual characters’ POVs but somehow I got over that so quickly. Because OH BOY I could NOT put this book down!! I devoured it in one single sitting and LOOK WHERE THAT GOT ME. My eyes have absolutely run out of tears. I HAVE NOTHING LEFT.
Yes I was SO confused when I first started because I’m absolutely no good with time travel books. They always manage to confuse the hell out of me! And at first I hated not having our usual characters’ POVs but somehow I got over that so quickly. Because OH BOY I could NOT put this book down!! I devoured it in one single sitting and LOOK WHERE THAT GOT ME. My eyes have absolutely run out of tears. I HAVE NOTHING LEFT.
July 7, 2026
What. A. Conclusion. To. This. Series!! I’m still crying my eyes out and I already know that I will never get over this series! I completely fell in love with these characters and I’m not ready to say goodbye.. Can I already do a re-read to stay with them a little longer?? 🥹
I’m not going to say anything about the actual plot because this is one of those series you should go into completely blind. Don’t even read the blurbs of the books because you don’t want to spoil anything for yourself. It will ruin the whole experience.
5 big stars ⭐️
I’m not going to say anything about the actual plot because this is one of those series you should go into completely blind. Don’t even read the blurbs of the books because you don’t want to spoil anything for yourself. It will ruin the whole experience.
5 big stars ⭐️
February 28, 2026
the best book in the series. perfect. no notes. i absolutely loved sapphire’s and niklaus’ relationship development (even if it was literally trauma bond). the ending has left me empty and a puddle of tears.
June 19, 2026
this book took me a hot minute to finish coz i think i was scared to let this story end, yet here i am on a friday night IN A PUDDLE OF TEARS. My babies 😭😭😭 they deserve every happy thing that ever crosses their path
February 21, 2026
This book emotionally scarred me.
February 20, 2026
I'm sorry author. I really wanted to like this one. I just don't think time travel is for me.
February 23, 2026
Cried for the last 1 1/2 hours of the book, I feel brooken and healed at the same time 💔 this book may not be perfect, but damn the pain
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was like coming home.
It broke me and fixed me!
For me this book was perfect. Im both sad there will be no more but incredibly happy with the end!
Thank you Brandi for creating a family whom I can visit whenever I need to.
'Till hell freezes over…'
It broke me and fixed me!
For me this book was perfect. Im both sad there will be no more but incredibly happy with the end!
Thank you Brandi for creating a family whom I can visit whenever I need to.
'Till hell freezes over…'
October 25, 2026
One of the best book series I have ever read
I loved the character development, the passion, despair, love, anger, plethora of emotions poured into every page. I am so glad for the suggestion in my feed some weeks ago about this series! I can't recommend this series enough!
I loved the character development, the passion, despair, love, anger, plethora of emotions poured into every page. I am so glad for the suggestion in my feed some weeks ago about this series! I can't recommend this series enough!
July 22, 2026
It is nice to see the story to end. It was an emotional rollercoaster. You can really see the growth of the autor over her books. The timing and plot was definitely the best out of all the books. Still, I have some issues with certain factors. First, I think she managed to handle the topic of time travel nicely. It is hard to work time travel into your work, she did a really good job in implementing it without major issues. My problem with it, is the way the characters handle it. There is no real growth or learning curve regarding the ability. The majority of the book it is a suprise, and they do not know how to work it (which I understand for the majortiy of the beginning, but after learning what the trigger is, there is still no growth), the way the ability manifests itself (tragic trigger for the ability, but she describes her whole childhood as tragic, which contradict itself) and also how easy they manage to do it in the end (instead of saving the character, it is possible to just travel into the past in the end without issues). Instead of solving specific plot events (which would have no impact on the future) they killed one of the main characters off. I mean, I get that shock and tragedy are plot devises, but in this case, it did nothing meaningful and just made the characters and the reader suffer without purpose (not a big fan of that). Also, there was no developement for the affected characters, which makes the death so meaningless (which is the most tragic part). Even, though they try to make it hereoic, its not good transmitted. The second issue I have is the timeline again. I get the change of society and also that it takes time, still, its only 20 years and the kids do not believe their parents (abuse, imprisonment, etc.) so they have these awakening moments, after they went through the torture themselves. I mean, I understand the idea, but it doesn't make sense to me. Not the timeline, not the behaviour of the kids towards their parents past. Also, no one seems to understand the character change and abuse towards the female main character from the male main character. Sorry, but I do not get it, why the hell no one notice that, after they already state there where Mind Phantoms invovlved. They bascially ignore the books prior, where they battled Mind Phantoms themselves. In this case, it was just to rise the drama and make it "enemie to lovers" in the dark romance setting. The last issue I have is that of Krimson. This character, has basically no character themselve, he is only there as a device and the book would also work without the existance of him in general. Which is sad, because he also has a lot of unused potential.
The positive is the relationship between Skylenna & Dessin/Kane which is truly a beautiful love story. From hell and back.
It was nice to have a natural ending, which is likely a happy ending as well for a dark romance book.
The positive is the relationship between Skylenna & Dessin/Kane which is truly a beautiful love story. From hell and back.
It was nice to have a natural ending, which is likely a happy ending as well for a dark romance book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The 5th and final installment of the “Pawn and the Puppet” series has us 21 years pass that doozy of a cliffhanger in the 4th book. (FYI I am still SALTY about that Brandi, how dare you live a life outside of these worlds you’ve built)
We are now following Shapphire, (daughter of Skylenna and Dessin) and Niklaus, (son of Marilynn and Niles) and oh do these two loathe each other but in a way do they also “hate” their parents.
These two characters start out where I wish Skylenna had in the beginning, strong and oh so sassy and prepared for the gut wrenching situations their parents had lived through.
“The Clock and Carnival”, doesn’t just take us on a “Walking in someone else’s shoes” type of journey, but it makes us relive the first four books through these characters eyes and what we didn’t realize the scenes we already met these 2 from before. The way these kid’s see their parents past and the perils they themselves have to endure at the same time, makes this book my favorite of the entire series.
Brandi’s writing style and the way she weaved these 2 characters throughout previous books and then greatly wrapping up the final book has made her one of my “Top 3 Authors”! Her storytelling is chef’s kiss with a side of twisted and absolutely unhinged. I will continue to read from her books as long as she stops playing with my emotions and taking over a year to release a final installment (yup salty af still).
Also Brandi, I hope your pillows stay warm, and that you step on all the legos for what you did to Niles.
I have to give “Clock and the Carnival by Brandi Elise Szeker” 4 stars! A couple of name errors here and there and missing words through me out of my binge read a few times. I also wanted more of “Sapphire and Niklaus” closure. I wanted more of their life when they returned because we spent 3/4 of this book invested in them and then all of a sudden it was done. I was happy to see the wrap up of our favorite originals but in a way I felt like it left me sad. So I did keep this book at 4 stars on a really great book.
I also want to state that this is the first time I have read a book from this series as I received an “Arc” from the author. I have enjoyed the Audiobooks from day one and will listen to this book again when it’s released.
We are now following Shapphire, (daughter of Skylenna and Dessin) and Niklaus, (son of Marilynn and Niles) and oh do these two loathe each other but in a way do they also “hate” their parents.
These two characters start out where I wish Skylenna had in the beginning, strong and oh so sassy and prepared for the gut wrenching situations their parents had lived through.
“The Clock and Carnival”, doesn’t just take us on a “Walking in someone else’s shoes” type of journey, but it makes us relive the first four books through these characters eyes and what we didn’t realize the scenes we already met these 2 from before. The way these kid’s see their parents past and the perils they themselves have to endure at the same time, makes this book my favorite of the entire series.
Brandi’s writing style and the way she weaved these 2 characters throughout previous books and then greatly wrapping up the final book has made her one of my “Top 3 Authors”! Her storytelling is chef’s kiss with a side of twisted and absolutely unhinged. I will continue to read from her books as long as she stops playing with my emotions and taking over a year to release a final installment (yup salty af still).
Also Brandi, I hope your pillows stay warm, and that you step on all the legos for what you did to Niles.
I have to give “Clock and the Carnival by Brandi Elise Szeker” 4 stars! A couple of name errors here and there and missing words through me out of my binge read a few times. I also wanted more of “Sapphire and Niklaus” closure. I wanted more of their life when they returned because we spent 3/4 of this book invested in them and then all of a sudden it was done. I was happy to see the wrap up of our favorite originals but in a way I felt like it left me sad. So I did keep this book at 4 stars on a really great book.
I also want to state that this is the first time I have read a book from this series as I received an “Arc” from the author. I have enjoyed the Audiobooks from day one and will listen to this book again when it’s released.
February 15, 2026
The Clock and the Carnival - The final book in The Pawn & The Puppet series ...all the stars, take them all! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I think I have cried through about 50% of this book and couldn't stop 💔.
I started this series in 2024 and it absolutely blew me away. From where we start in Book 1 with an Asylum, Patient 13 and the Baby Doll regime to where we end up is honestly the wildest ride.
The story & the world grows exponentially to include soul mates, found family, newly discovered powers and potential, cruelty, betrayal, trauma but most of all love. Love is a common theme throughout this whole series, that no matter how dark things seem, love is never far away ❤️.
The series conclusion- The Clock and The Carnival was epic. Those who have read the series and know the way we left the characters at the end of the previous book will know why this one is so emotional.
Twenty one years have passed. Sapphire Valdawell, the daughter of Skylenna & Kane Valdawell is learning that certain things are hereditary & in a dark twist of fate, she & Niklaus are about to learn of the origins and their parents' truths and traumas firsthand.
From early on into this book, I was crying 😢. It was so bittersweet in that I didn't want the story to end but I was also desperate to know how everything unravelled. Meeting the characters again was amazing & I loved seeing Sapphire & Niklaus take the reins. Just like their parents, they discover that you never truly know what you are capable of until you are put through the most gruelling experiences.
It was emotional, heart breaking, heart mending and when everything comes back around in a loop (literally)... we discover once again that Love will always prevail ❤️. This book felt like Brandi's love letter to the most amazing characters & it won't be one that I forget any time soon! ❤️
I started this series in 2024 and it absolutely blew me away. From where we start in Book 1 with an Asylum, Patient 13 and the Baby Doll regime to where we end up is honestly the wildest ride.
The story & the world grows exponentially to include soul mates, found family, newly discovered powers and potential, cruelty, betrayal, trauma but most of all love. Love is a common theme throughout this whole series, that no matter how dark things seem, love is never far away ❤️.
The series conclusion- The Clock and The Carnival was epic. Those who have read the series and know the way we left the characters at the end of the previous book will know why this one is so emotional.
Twenty one years have passed. Sapphire Valdawell, the daughter of Skylenna & Kane Valdawell is learning that certain things are hereditary & in a dark twist of fate, she & Niklaus are about to learn of the origins and their parents' truths and traumas firsthand.
From early on into this book, I was crying 😢. It was so bittersweet in that I didn't want the story to end but I was also desperate to know how everything unravelled. Meeting the characters again was amazing & I loved seeing Sapphire & Niklaus take the reins. Just like their parents, they discover that you never truly know what you are capable of until you are put through the most gruelling experiences.
It was emotional, heart breaking, heart mending and when everything comes back around in a loop (literally)... we discover once again that Love will always prevail ❤️. This book felt like Brandi's love letter to the most amazing characters & it won't be one that I forget any time soon! ❤️
October 14, 2026
Dual/Duet narration with Skylar King, Lance Greenfield, Xander Lee, and Elliot Spade
Lance Greenfield - Dessin/Kane
Elliot Spade - Warrose, Niles
Xander Lee - Niklaus Demechnef
Skylar King - Skylenna, Ruth, Marilynn, Krimson, all other side characters
I don't even know where to start that isn't going to be spoilers for anything. When I came across the first moment with Niklaus and Sapphire at the river, I have never freaked out so much. Legit had my partner thinking there was something wrong with me I could not contain my HOLY. SHIT! moment
After finishing this one, I want to go all the way back to book one to pinpoint all of the things that I missed and that were revealed in this one! There were SO MANY I should have kept a list!! Brandi did a flawless job with this one - the pacing, character development and personalities, the ANGST, the reveals, the ending - I am completely speechless! Definitely adding this one to this list of books that have made me sob uncontrollably, so many tissues gave their lives by the last page.
I had such a love/hate relationship with Sapphie in the beginning - I hated the way she acted towards her parents but at the same time I love how much of a filter she didn't have. The comments she makes to Mable and Niklaus had me going DAMN GIRL I HEAR THAT SIZZLE.
Niklaus was the perfect example of "I hate him in the beginning and love him by the end" and the development of his and Sapphire's relationship again was just absolutely PERFECT while also making me want to yell at Brandi for what she did to them (IYKYK). This detail is one that makes me want to go back and listen to the books again because WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!
My ONLY complaint (and not even really a complaint) is that one of the biggest problems Sapphires is trying to solve she manages to get the solution in the matter of one conversation. No heist or scheming needed but at the same time it also showed just how arrogant the men in their country are.
Please excuse me while I go curl in a ball and just stare into the void because WHAT am I supposed to do with my life now??
Lance Greenfield - Dessin/Kane
Elliot Spade - Warrose, Niles
Xander Lee - Niklaus Demechnef
Skylar King - Skylenna, Ruth, Marilynn, Krimson, all other side characters
I don't even know where to start that isn't going to be spoilers for anything. When I came across the first moment with Niklaus and Sapphire at the river, I have never freaked out so much. Legit had my partner thinking there was something wrong with me I could not contain my HOLY. SHIT! moment
After finishing this one, I want to go all the way back to book one to pinpoint all of the things that I missed and that were revealed in this one! There were SO MANY I should have kept a list!! Brandi did a flawless job with this one - the pacing, character development and personalities, the ANGST, the reveals, the ending - I am completely speechless! Definitely adding this one to this list of books that have made me sob uncontrollably, so many tissues gave their lives by the last page.
I had such a love/hate relationship with Sapphie in the beginning - I hated the way she acted towards her parents but at the same time I love how much of a filter she didn't have. The comments she makes to Mable and Niklaus had me going DAMN GIRL I HEAR THAT SIZZLE.
Niklaus was the perfect example of "I hate him in the beginning and love him by the end" and the development of his and Sapphire's relationship again was just absolutely PERFECT while also making me want to yell at Brandi for what she did to them (IYKYK). This detail is one that makes me want to go back and listen to the books again because WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!
My ONLY complaint (and not even really a complaint) is that one of the biggest problems Sapphires is trying to solve she manages to get the solution in the matter of one conversation. No heist or scheming needed but at the same time it also showed just how arrogant the men in their country are.
Please excuse me while I go curl in a ball and just stare into the void because WHAT am I supposed to do with my life now??
October 19, 2026
Zwei Zitate, weil eins nicht reicht ;)
"Und jetzt, da ich draußen bin, weiß ich, dass ich so ziemlich alles tun werde, um dieses Lächeln für den Rest meines Lebens jeden Tag zu sehen. Sie hält mich in ihren Fesseln und ich Knie vor ihr." S.526
"Wir haben es geschafft, Sylenna. Wir sind endlich zu Hause angekommen. Aus der Gefangenschaft befreit und zurück in unserem Neslanox. Und jetzt werde ich meiner Prinzessin ein Schloss bauen." S.610
Ich weiß gerade gar nicht, wie ich diese Rezi anfangen soll.
Diese Bücher bedeuten mir so unglaublich viel, sie haben mich zerrissen und wieder zusammengesetzt, mich so viele Emotionen spüren lassen. Ich habe noch nicht ganz realisiert, dass es jetzt vorbei ist.
Auch der letzte Teil hat mich umgehauen und Sapphire und Nikolaus sind mir ebenfalls sehr ans Herz gewachsen.
Ihre Geschichte war für mich genauso bewegend, wie die ihrer Eltern. Und natürlich die Entwicklung der beiden war einfach klasse.
Spoiler!!!
Das Ende hat mich nochmal SEHR auseinander genommen. Für mich war es schmerzlich schön, mit anzusehen, wie doch alle noch ihren Frieden bekommen haben, auch wenn sie dann gestorben sind.
Wenn es eine Reihe gibt, die zeigt, was bedingungslose, echte Liebe ist, dann diese. Auch wenn nicht immer alles "perfekt" gelaufen ist, haben die Charaktere zusammengehalten und gemeinsam weitergemacht. Sie sind alle zu einer Familie geworden, von der man auch ein Teil werden durfte. Und das ist einfach wunderschön.
Es wird bestimmt noch eine Weile dauern, bis ich realisiert habe, dass die Reihe zu Ende ist. Aber ich werde sie immer in meinem Herzen behalten. 💗
"Und jetzt, da ich draußen bin, weiß ich, dass ich so ziemlich alles tun werde, um dieses Lächeln für den Rest meines Lebens jeden Tag zu sehen. Sie hält mich in ihren Fesseln und ich Knie vor ihr." S.526
"Wir haben es geschafft, Sylenna. Wir sind endlich zu Hause angekommen. Aus der Gefangenschaft befreit und zurück in unserem Neslanox. Und jetzt werde ich meiner Prinzessin ein Schloss bauen." S.610
Ich weiß gerade gar nicht, wie ich diese Rezi anfangen soll.
Diese Bücher bedeuten mir so unglaublich viel, sie haben mich zerrissen und wieder zusammengesetzt, mich so viele Emotionen spüren lassen. Ich habe noch nicht ganz realisiert, dass es jetzt vorbei ist.
Auch der letzte Teil hat mich umgehauen und Sapphire und Nikolaus sind mir ebenfalls sehr ans Herz gewachsen.
Ihre Geschichte war für mich genauso bewegend, wie die ihrer Eltern. Und natürlich die Entwicklung der beiden war einfach klasse.
Spoiler!!!
Das Ende hat mich nochmal SEHR auseinander genommen. Für mich war es schmerzlich schön, mit anzusehen, wie doch alle noch ihren Frieden bekommen haben, auch wenn sie dann gestorben sind.
Wenn es eine Reihe gibt, die zeigt, was bedingungslose, echte Liebe ist, dann diese. Auch wenn nicht immer alles "perfekt" gelaufen ist, haben die Charaktere zusammengehalten und gemeinsam weitergemacht. Sie sind alle zu einer Familie geworden, von der man auch ein Teil werden durfte. Und das ist einfach wunderschön.
Es wird bestimmt noch eine Weile dauern, bis ich realisiert habe, dass die Reihe zu Ende ist. Aber ich werde sie immer in meinem Herzen behalten. 💗
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Clock and the Carnival isn’t just a finale it’s a reckoning. It’s the kind of book that feels aware of the weight it’s carrying, and instead of collapsing under it, it leans in. Hard.
This story doesn’t pretend it exists in isolation. It actively engages with the books that came before it, folding their themes, echoes, and emotional threads into something that feels deliberate and almost architectural. You can feel the scaffolding. Moments that once seemed small suddenly reveal themselves as foundational. Lines of dialogue, motifs, even character dynamics resonate with a kind of retrospective clarity that makes the entire series feel meticulously designed rather than episodic.
And then there’s the ambition. Structurally, this book plays with time and inevitability in a way that mirrors its thematic core. It’s not flashy for the sake of being clever it’s purposeful!!! The manipulation of pacing and revelation creates tension that simmers rather than explodes, and that restraint is powerful. The author trusts the reader to sit in discomfort, to notice patterns, to connect dots. That trust pays off.
This isn’t a book that rushes to tie everything in a neat bow. And while it delivers the spectacle readers expect, it’s the emotional undercurrent that lingers. The sense that every choice mattered. That nothing was accidental.
By the time you close it, you don’t just feel like you’ve finished a book; you feel like you’re closing a chapter of your own life!
This story doesn’t pretend it exists in isolation. It actively engages with the books that came before it, folding their themes, echoes, and emotional threads into something that feels deliberate and almost architectural. You can feel the scaffolding. Moments that once seemed small suddenly reveal themselves as foundational. Lines of dialogue, motifs, even character dynamics resonate with a kind of retrospective clarity that makes the entire series feel meticulously designed rather than episodic.
And then there’s the ambition. Structurally, this book plays with time and inevitability in a way that mirrors its thematic core. It’s not flashy for the sake of being clever it’s purposeful!!! The manipulation of pacing and revelation creates tension that simmers rather than explodes, and that restraint is powerful. The author trusts the reader to sit in discomfort, to notice patterns, to connect dots. That trust pays off.
This isn’t a book that rushes to tie everything in a neat bow. And while it delivers the spectacle readers expect, it’s the emotional undercurrent that lingers. The sense that every choice mattered. That nothing was accidental.
By the time you close it, you don’t just feel like you’ve finished a book; you feel like you’re closing a chapter of your own life!
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