Exalt: The Colony Carnivale

The Colony Carnivale #1

by K.D. Cureton

They say The Colony Carnivale appears without warning—rolling into forgotten towns under blood-red skies, offering laughter, lights, and salvation for the bored and broken. But beneath the painted tents hides a different sin, each act a different obsession. Lust. Power. Revenge. Fear. The Carnivale feeds on it all—and so do the souls trapped inside...

The games are rigged, the prizes are cursed, and the performers aren’t quite human. So buy your ticket, brave the insanity, and pray the lights go out after you do. Because once you enter, the show owns you.

Welcome to The Colony Carnivale—where the fun never dies, it just screams louder.

Genres: Dark Romance

Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 1, 2026

Reviews

[Villanerareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Disclaimer ✨

Yes, this was an ARC.

No, my standards didn't magically disappear.

As always, these thoughts are completely my own, whether I'm screaming, crying, or side-eyeing the book. 📚🖤

Now this is how you kick off a series.

Dark, depraved, and all kinds of fucked up... my absolute favourite. 😌

I was just as confused as the FMC at the beginning, but that only made the story more enjoyable. Slowly piecing everything together while watching the descent into madness unfold was such a fun experience.

I'm keeping this spoiler-free because I think this is one of those books that's best experienced blind.

If the rest of the series is anything like this, getting through all 31 books is going to be an absolute breeze.

An easy 5 ⭐ from me.

[Katie P · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good way to start this shared world. Dario is everything I hoped for. I cannot wait to read about the rest of the freaks

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

First one down only another 30 to go in this shared world of Colony Carnivale 🎪

I’m still trying to work out if I like Dario and his controlling mind games 🤣 Kennedy’s life took a turn for the worse and to be fair I can’t say whether it gets any better for her given she is thrust into (literally 🤭) the Carnivale and all its weirdness but for her the time loop threatens insanity.

It’s a quick couple of hours read, drawing you into a paranormal, erotic horror though some may disagree 🌶️

Suicide attempts | Depression | Violence & Gore | Kidnapping & Captivity | Degradation & Humiliation | Power Imbalance | Substance Abuse | Dub Con | Spice

[Marci Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Book 1 of The Colony Carnivale. Exalt by KD Cureton was amazing as an introduction to The Carnivale. It introduced us to many different characters, even though it was primarily about Dario, the show master and Kennedy, someone he wants to bring into The Carnivale.
We were able to see how three of fate once decided cannot be manipulated or broken without consequences.

I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Patricia Clifford · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎪ARC review🎪

Exalt by @authorkdcureton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow oh wow. This book made me feel like I was being crazy. Having to relive that moment over and over again and something bad happens ever time. Man that was a mind trip. This was dark and disturbing but in the best way. Once this band of freaks gets their claws in you, they never let you go. No matter how much you try to get out. If this was just the beginning, I can’t even imagine what the rest of the series will be like 💥

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review 😈😈

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Sinister, twisted, and one hell of a ride

Exalt is exactly the kind of dark, unhinged read that makes you wonder whether you should keep turning the pages while knowing damn well you’re going to.

Set within the terrifying world of The Colony Carnivale, this story immediately delivers an atmosphere that feels equal parts seductive and disturbing. The Carnivale appears without warning beneath blood-red skies, promising excitement, salvation, and an escape for the bored and broken. But, of course, nothing about this place is quite what it seems.

And honestly? That’s what makes it so damn good.

The Carnivale itself feels like a character. Beneath the lights and painted tents lurks something much darker, with every attraction feeding on the ugliest parts of human nature: lust, power, revenge, and fear. The further you venture inside, the more you realize that the games aren’t simply entertainment. They’re traps.

I absolutely loved the creepy, surreal atmosphere. There’s something deliciously unsettling about a carnival where the prizes are cursed, the performers aren’t quite human, and the rules seem designed to make sure nobody leaves unchanged.

Exalt has that perfect “I should probably run” energy while simultaneously making you want to walk deeper into the tent just to see what nightmare is waiting on the other side.

The Colony Carnivale may promise fun, but beneath those glittering lights is something hungry.

And once you step inside, the show owns you.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first ever book from KD, and ohhh, the beginning of a new obsession! I absolutely loved this book.

It was dark, depraved, completely fucking unhinged, and I devoured every disturbing second of it. From the moment Kennedy stepped into the Colony Carnivale, I knew I was in for one hell of a ride, but nothing could have prepared me for the absolute madness that followed.

Dario is pure chaos wrapped in charm, cruelty, obsession, and one enormous red flag. He’s theatrical, terrifying, hilarious in the most deranged way, and so unapologetically fucked up that I couldn’t look away from him. Every time he appeared, I was equally excited, horrified, and slightly concerned about how entertaining I found him. And Kennedy’s pain, strength, and determination made me feel everything. Watching her fight to hold on to herself while the Carnivale twisted reality around her was heartbreaking, frustrating, and completely addictive. The connection between her and Dario is toxic, obsessive, filthy, and deliciously wrong in every possible way.

The carnival atmosphere was sinister and immersive, the time loop mind-fuckery kept me questioning everything, and the darker scenes were brutal and impossible to look away from. This book took me to a damn emotional ride.

Exalt was one beautifully fucked-up performance from beginning to end, and I already need more from K.D.. Please check the trigger warnings because this one gets HEAVY. Welcome to the Carnivale, darlings, the Showmaster is waiting.

[Jade Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I'm reading these novels as a set of ARCs! Please note that they are dark, and come with a lot of trigger warnings! I'm quite new to dark novels, and they seem to hit me one of two ways - either I have the reaction of being grossly fascinated and unable to look away (a bit like when humans see an accident and can't help but side eye), or it turns my stomach and makes me flinch - both reactions I find interesting as a reader, but I tend to prefer the horror of the first! What type of dark reader you are with your own preferences/triggers, will no doubt affect how you find each of these reads.

Exalt was the perfect introduction to the Carnivale series! The way that Cureton introduced us to all of the characters that we will see throughout the read was cleverly done - I did not at any time feel overwhelmed, more as if I was following the Showmaster (Dario) as he led us through the carnivale, and preyed on Kennedy. I love novels where characters are complicated with intricate motivations/backstories that the author actually uses to choose how the character reacts to the story and I felt Kennedy was very believable in her responses.

The plot features a time loop, but as each loop delivered something new, it was very well done. The slow-burn increasing dread of Kennedy, and her desperation was poignant, and I felt it in every sentence.

This novel has done a great job in making me want to continue the series and read on!

Type of dark read: Couldn't look away, but was grossly fascinated

[Eszter Pálfi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kindly received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and my honest review is below:

2.75⭐️ rounded up.

I’m not sure how I felt about this book.
On one hand, it had creative elements like which I enjoyed like (without spoiling anything) her ‘restarting’. It made me intrigued of what is going to happen next and what the hell is going on. I liked Cassidy as a character and (hopefully) will get to see her more in one of the later books. The whole carnival vibe was awesome, and the scene was SET.

However, it was very difficult to keep up between the time jumps and how we got to certain places at times - unsure if this was done intentionally or not. The Showmaster was annoying as hell to me, but he did sound like a fancy British southern man in my head so that made it more entertaining.🤣 I also wish there was just a little bit more gore/splatterpunk elements but thats just a personal preference.

Overall, it was a decent introduction to the series with great ideas and vibes, I just wish it was a little bit less choppy and a bit better executed. I’m curious if some of the parts will make a bit more sense when reading further into the series, and I’m looking forward to meet the other characters.

[Ravin Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: Exalt (The Colony Carnivale) by KD Cureton

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

KD Cureton delivers a dark, twisted, and captivating atmosphere in Exalt. The Colony Carnivale feels vividly eerie, but the dynamic between the main characters is what truly drives this story home.

Dario absolutely stole the show. He balances being a terrifying, serious Showmaster with an effortless, unhinged levity. His dark humor, sharp wit, and constantly walking the line between dead serious and playfulness made him an endlessly entertaining lead to follow.


Kennedy is a fantastic FMC resilient, sharp, and easy to root for. Her dynamic with Dario is magnetic, and her characterization stays strong throughout.
While the time loop or "Groundhog Day" effect with Kennedy caused the pacing to drag slightly in the middle leading to a bit of skimming during the repeating sequences the story quickly picked its momentum back up as soon as the loop broke, building to a compelling payoff.

If you enjoy dark carnivale aesthetics, morally grey Showmasters with wicked senses of humor, and resilient heroines, Exalt is definitely worth the read!

[Curt Dunnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Exalt" by KD Cureton is a 5-star horror read! This is the first book in The Colony Carnivale series, and we are introduced to Dario Alcazar, the showmaster. Nothing is going to happen at his show without his approval. Kennedy is going through a tough time and is hoping a night out with an old friend can help get her to a better place.

This is one dark and twisted book, but it is an absolutely great way to start this 31-book series. It is a must that you read this book first so you can understand the man in charge and what people are going to experience when they come to the Colony Carnivale. There is a lot of jumping back and forth in time, so it can be easy to get confused, but everything works itself out by the end of the story.

My favorite character was the crazy fortune teller. I hope this is not the last we see of her! I can't wait to see what kind of depravity comes in the next book!

Thanks to KD Cureton for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There’s no escaping me. Not in your mind... your soul. Not even between these pages. There’s nowhere in this plane of existence for you to go where I won’t find you. Because it’s me, or Death, and I’m not letting you choose that f*cker over me.”

Kennedy is a dancer who has her dreams crushed in an accident but in her aims to unalive herself she accidentally draws the ultimate horror- or maybe exactly what she needs to find life again. Dario is a possessive erotic nightmare wrapped in an enigma, who will not let her do anything but accept him. Watch your triggers; there are very few lines that aren’t crossed, but the ride is incredible and absolutely worth it. The world created was lively, chaotic, impossible to understand and yet the only thing I wanted from this book was so much more. I want to know more about who they are and how their future plays out, but it leaves so many open-ended options that I’m almost as happy with the questions I’m left with. The twists and turns are honestly surprising, and I cannot wait to dive into the next story.

[AJ Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I found myself locked into a 31 set series with triggers being the least of my concern is a wonder to me. If this is the headliner, then this is about to be the most utterly unhinged series I've come across.

Now, Exalt, well... dark, deeply depraved and utterly unhinged to the tenth degree. Maybe? Probably? I mean, I'm all in for Ken Ken, okay? Like she needs love and not such a sucky family. Because yes, despite it all, I did not lose the plot. Dario, my guy, my showmaster, is absolutely an Arbiter of chaos, and he brings it in full force.

So a quick run down before you try to raw dog this read; suicide attempts, captivity, heavy degradation and humiliation, dubcon, body horror, and an extensive amount of manipulation. Continue if you please because that's hardly 1/3 of the list. 😘

“I PUT A SPELL ON YOU,“

“Dude, you’re cooked.”

"Freedom begets sacrifice. It will always cost you something.”

"I’d sacrifice my soul before I ever sacrificed my heart.”

[Jenna Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶🌶🌶🌶
What a wild ride that was!
From the very beginning the creepy atmosphere pulled me in and refused to let go. The eerie carnival vibes were perfectly unsettling making this such a fun and addictive read.
I won't lie I was definitely confused at times in the beginning but honestly it only added to the mystery and kept me turning the pages to figure out what was going on. The chaos, intrigue and overall unhinged energy of this creepy circus had me completely hooked.
And the spice? Intense. Seriously wow. 🔥
This was such a strong start to the series and I'm already excited to see where the next book takes these characters and this twisted world.
If you're looking for a book packed with creepy carnival vibes, mystery and plenty of spice for spooky season
definitely add this series to your TBR!

[Liz Bench · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the actual fuck.

Okay, so like... my mind is blown and I don't know how to write this without spoilers, so give me a damn minute.

This book was an absolute mind fuck. You can literally get lost in the pages. I saw the circus. I saw the “freaks.” I saw it all, and I just... holy shit. Mind blown.

When I wasn't completely lost in the book, the only thoughts on my mind were:

1. I need to buy this book ASAP.
2. I need to give my man this book and tell him to just read it.
3. I wish more people were reading this book.

I just... I didn't want it to be over. But at the same time, it was like a loop, and who wants to live in a loop? I mean... apparently I do, because I so badly want to just read this book again.

Okay, I need to stop rambling.

5/5. Absolutely fucking incredible.

[Jolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely an ARC read but let me just say this was the way to KICK OFF the doors to start the carnival! This was my first experience of reading KD Cureton and now checking out her other work is an absolute must! I was so lost in the loop (iykyk) that I had blown through half the book on day one and couldn’t wait to dive back in but life 😩 This book was everything that an erotic horror should be and everything you don’t want to come to an end. It was dark, it was depraved, and was an absolute mind twister! I hate spoilers so I’m not gonna go into details but I will say that if you aren’t ready to claim your ticket to the carnival, you’re absolutely missing out!


5/5 highly recommend!

[WhatsIrilisReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally a constant time warp. It has creepy vibes, most of it takes place at a Carnivale. I absolutely love those type of settings for a Halloween horror book and this definitely has it. Its a fast read. For me in mg kindle it was 222 pages and I finished it in 24 hours. The fmc Kennedy is suffering through a lot of mental distress due to her dancing her career ending. And she deals with that sometimes in really bad ways so please check your trigger warnings. She meets the mmc Dario at the Carnivale and there's something hilarious about him and also deliciously sinister. This releases 10/1. First first of 31 novellas in the The Colony Carnivale. Do yourself a favor and read it.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶

[Sidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to start the Colony Carnivale!!

Exalt was a very trippy and dark book. Make sure you check your triggers! The FMC Kennedy begins the book totally confused (as was I reading it at first) and then ends up in the craziest time loop ever, and every time we experience it with her, everything gets more intense. It was fun seeing the story come together once things started to be revealed.

I also cannot review this without mentioning the orchestrator of chaos himself, Dario. This man is so dark and depraved, and his character was portrayed by the author perfectly.

I loved this introduction to the Carnivale. It was well delivered, and had a unique storyline and plot while still easing us in to a new world and characters. I usually do not finish a book and want to go straight into the next in a series, but I did this time!

Can’t wait to see where this dark carnival takes us next! 🎡🎟️🎪

[Bonnie James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exalt kicks off The Colony Carnivale perfectly.

Dario Alcazar is the kind of Showmaster you cannot look away from. He is loved, hated, feared and completely in control. He has been running this twisted carnival for longer than anyone knows, but now he is restless, high on Delirium and looking for a new toy to bring the show back to life. When he finds one, absolutely nothing is off limits.

K.D. Cureton gives us dark, addictive erotic horror with a ruthless main character and a carnival that feels alive, dangerous and impossible to escape.

It is short, intense and dripping in atmosphere. If you like your carnival masters cruel and your horror mixed with heat, open the tents.

Just do not expect to make it back out.

[Arielle Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 stars! Spice, gore, trauma, and any other trigger you can think of!!

I have to say if you enjoy dark, depraved, and anything erotic horror has to offer then this is the beginning for you!! KD Cureton has definitely kicked off this 31 novella series with a BANG!!

Anything dark, twisted, horror and carnival related, this put me right where I feel I belong. I’m not one to drop spoilers, but starting out with the Ringmaster and how he conducts this twisted Carnivale Colony is definitely going to drag you in.

Read this entire book in less than 3 hours and definitely looking into other writings by KD, I’d say I’m for sure at home in my element!! Can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series!!

[Michelle Cheshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the opening book to a 31 book series, with different Authors, and I must say that K.D Cureton has done a great job at introducing us to The Colony Carnivale and to Dario, the "showmaster".
This is an erotic horror, so do check trigger warnings (if you need to) prior to reading.
Dario says he was born in hell and he will not let Death have Kennedy. Dario does all he can to keep her.
There is a time loop and some dark twists to this story, it is enough to make you pause and wonder, but it also keeps you locked into the story, wanting to read more.
Im looking forward to reading the next installment, meeting more of the freaks and seeing how the rest of the story pans out.

[Kitty 💋 · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC read ✨

‼️ Review of copy received from author ‼️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Whoa! Holy hell!
This is the way you kick off a series!
This read makes you wonder if you’re crazy 🤪

I was just as confused as the FMC at the beginning of this!
I was frantically reading the last page to find out if id missed a page.. no i hadn’t, it was very intentional and i loved it 🤩

This read is depraved and dark, as always, I was here for it!
The plot twists make it so much more enjoyable, totally didn’t know what the hell was going on 😵‍💫

Dario is a real stage master, and I loved every second.
I cannot wait to find out more about this series! 🎪

[Samantha McJunkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a deliciously dark and twisted tale of a strong willed girl and a psychopath who just wants to make his angel fly again! Sooo freaking phenomenal!! Kennedy has no idea how Halloween night would change her life forever! Dario, the Show Master demands greatness and attention and my my is he captivating with his band of freaks! This carnivale is filled with debauchery and delirium that will have you gripping for the next page! The exact mind F**K you need in your life!!!

“Because it’s me, or Death, and I’m not letting you choose that f****r over me.”

[Earth Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am totally in love with this series with the first book Exalt by KD Cureton. My first read by KD and I am going to be checking out more of her books.
Come One, Come All, Step right up for our great depraved and unhinged Showmaster Dario. And KE-NE-DEE his perfect broken angel.
Buckle up buttercup for this Erotic Horror at The Colony Carnival with this kicka$$ story that starts off this series.
No spoilers here. Must be read going in blind. Yup 🤗🖤🤭
I am ready for the next book.
I highly recommend this book.
Enjoy Darklings. And check those TW.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my ARC review. Thank you for the book and in return this is my FREE review.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Please check and double check CW/TWs for this book. Trauma, un@living one self (and multiple attempts)is heavy in this book. Your mental health should always come first.

Okay this is book 1 out of 31 and it starts out insane or makes you feel insane!

That being said the Showmaster is a f**ked up dude. So much psychological abuse? Trauma? When he’s focused on his angel he gets what he wants. I mean, damn.

[Ashley Dudash · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Disclaimer 🖤

What a way to start this series off. A hell of a bang!

I LOVED the author's prose. The first chapter had me hooked.

I'm not going to spoil it but this is definitely dark, intense, and hits dozens of triggers.

That being said, yes there are fucked up parts BUT seeing how the timeline comes together, man alive. It all makes sense in the end but it definitely throws you through a loop.

I read this all in one sitting, flying through the chapters. Absolutely cannot wait to see how the series progresses.

The Colony welcomes you 🎪

[Kimberly Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎪 With blood red skies the colony carnivale rolls into town 🎪

This was such an amazing read and had me gripping into my kindle and flipping back a page to see if I missed something. The mindf*ck this was, was amazing. I enjoyed reading this and so excited to continue through the carnivale.

Diaro was the type of MMC I needed. Dark. Twisted. Full of himself. Everything and more.

This book was dark and twisted. It had me on the edge of seat just ready to turn the page as I kept going.

I enjoyed exalt so much.

Stars : ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

[Rosalie Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy shiiiii this book got CRAZY. Do check the trigger warnings because it starts off STRONG and doesn't hold back. Kennedy was such a fun fmc and being on the edge of life and death is somewhere I've been before, so I definitely related to her fast. Dario is a hoot and I can't say much more 🤣 If you like groundhog day, mind fuckery, and a mmc who doesn't let go, definitely check this book out! Well written.

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of this book. This review is mine and all thoughts are my own.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to start off a shared world. Book 1 of 31..
I'm still trying to untwist my brain. I'm unsure of how I feel. There was a moment I had to go back a chapter or two because I thought I was going crazy. The mind games got me good. Poor Kennedy living through endless torture and manipulation. Mr. Dario knows how to use everything Kennedy has against her. The push and pull of thinking I was on track just to be taken back, had me dying to turn the page. P.s this series comes with a big fat warning label. Please only read if you welcome the dark and twisted.

[Laura Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a smashing start to The Colony Carnivale series. Dark and deeply disturbing. Let the Showmaster bring you along as you delve deep into his show. Depravity and freaks abound. As the confusion begins to unravel and you think things are becoming clearer nothing is as it seems.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the ARC readers for these stories. I can't wait to read where this series goes.