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The Colony Carnivale #12
Freaks
Freaks is book 12 in The Colony Carnivale shared world. It follows three entertainers, giving an inside look on their life at The Colony.
Cecil, the brooding strongman with a ton of baggage only he is strong enough to carry. Lamora, the firecracker fortune teller whose readings will predict your wildest dreams and greatest nightmares. Delphine, the shy siren who uses her silence to her advantage and never shows an ounce of remorse.
During the day, they are bringing light and laughter to everyone in attendance, but when the sun goes down and the Delirium tent fills up, there’s no turning back.
Step right up…if you dare.
Cecil, the brooding strongman with a ton of baggage only he is strong enough to carry. Lamora, the firecracker fortune teller whose readings will predict your wildest dreams and greatest nightmares. Delphine, the shy siren who uses her silence to her advantage and never shows an ounce of remorse.
During the day, they are bringing light and laughter to everyone in attendance, but when the sun goes down and the Delirium tent fills up, there’s no turning back.
Step right up…if you dare.
52 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
October 12, 2026
This is a fast read but packs a punch you get three people’s stories as you follow along for the ride you have the fortune teller, the clean-up crew, and the strongman. Even if this is short you still get information on what their life before and now is like in the carnivale!
October 13, 2026
This quick novella gives you a look at what is seemingly the more mundane members of the carnivale. Although, each has a past and you get to dive into it a bit. Cecil is the strongman from a broken home. Lamora is the fortune teller extraordinare. Delphine is the newest to the carnivale but her siren family benefits greatly from the hey clean up duties. This little nip is but a small taste. I can't wait to see them more in the future books.
Tropes and Triggers: addiction, coworkers, demons, grief, intergenerational trauma, open door spice, multi pov, monsters
I was given an advanced copy and this is my honest review.
Tropes and Triggers: addiction, coworkers, demons, grief, intergenerational trauma, open door spice, multi pov, monsters
I was given an advanced copy and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Disclaimer 🖤🎪
Freaks follows 3 very different Carnivale characters. We have Cecil, the Strongman, Lamora, the fortune teller, and Delphine, part of the cleanup crew.
The characters all have interesting jobs within the Carnivale but we really do barely graze their surface. You find out a couple small key details but are left with more questions about every character.
I do hope we get more interaction with these characters in the other books and can learn more about them.
3🌟
Freaks follows 3 very different Carnivale characters. We have Cecil, the Strongman, Lamora, the fortune teller, and Delphine, part of the cleanup crew.
The characters all have interesting jobs within the Carnivale but we really do barely graze their surface. You find out a couple small key details but are left with more questions about every character.
I do hope we get more interaction with these characters in the other books and can learn more about them.
3🌟
October 2, 2026
Freaks - SJ Ryder
This was a very interesting reading. I think one of my absolute favorite so far. I really love how it is the male main character seeking justice and vengeance on the other men in the story. I also really liked the side plot with Cecil and Lamora. As well as Delphine being included. I would love to see her and other works in the series as well as other characters like Cecil and Lamora. The writing was so fun and I will definitely be checking out more from the other.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🔥 / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 52 Pages
Reading Dates ✨ 10/12/26
Release Date 🌟 9/20/26 - 9/20/26
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 The Colony Carnival, #12
Genre/Tropes ✨ extreme horror
Content Warning/Triggers ⭐️ Abusive Parents, Blood, Blood Kink/Play, Body Muta-tions, Bullying, Cannibalism, Childhood Trauma, Humiliation, Medieval Torture Methods, Uncanny Autonomy, Physically Violent Scenes, Sexually Explicit Scenes, Voyeurism
Representation 🌙 unlabeled
Favorite Character ☀️ Cecil
Favorite Line 🌟 ‘The ability to prevent the same thing that happened to my Lu has presented itself to me first thing in the morning. Today is going to be a good fucking day.’
Vibes 💫 unlabeled
Moods ⭐️ unlabeled
This was a very interesting reading. I think one of my absolute favorite so far. I really love how it is the male main character seeking justice and vengeance on the other men in the story. I also really liked the side plot with Cecil and Lamora. As well as Delphine being included. I would love to see her and other works in the series as well as other characters like Cecil and Lamora. The writing was so fun and I will definitely be checking out more from the other.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🔥 / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 52 Pages
Reading Dates ✨ 10/12/26
Release Date 🌟 9/20/26 - 9/20/26
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 The Colony Carnival, #12
Genre/Tropes ✨ extreme horror
Content Warning/Triggers ⭐️ Abusive Parents, Blood, Blood Kink/Play, Body Muta-tions, Bullying, Cannibalism, Childhood Trauma, Humiliation, Medieval Torture Methods, Uncanny Autonomy, Physically Violent Scenes, Sexually Explicit Scenes, Voyeurism
Representation 🌙 unlabeled
Favorite Character ☀️ Cecil
Favorite Line 🌟 ‘The ability to prevent the same thing that happened to my Lu has presented itself to me first thing in the morning. Today is going to be a good fucking day.’
Vibes 💫 unlabeled
Moods ⭐️ unlabeled
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
#thecolonycarnivale
Freaks
by SJ Ryder
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Book 12 in The Colony Carnnivale horror series. Beware contains triggers.
An intriguing erotic horror, kept me engaged in this one following three freaks.
Cecil who joined Carnnivale having being done with his terrible family life, he is the strongman attraction by day and at night in Delirium, where he requests volunteers to assist in his act.
Lamora the fortune teller reading guests their ultimate dreams or biggest nightmares and maybe make either a reality at night.
Delphine a Siren and a little shy, new to the Carnnivale as a clean up aid, she is looking like she has a big future as a freak.
Another intense story by SJ Ryder ti compliment this gripping series.
#thecolonycarnivale
Freaks
by SJ Ryder
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Book 12 in The Colony Carnnivale horror series. Beware contains triggers.
An intriguing erotic horror, kept me engaged in this one following three freaks.
Cecil who joined Carnnivale having being done with his terrible family life, he is the strongman attraction by day and at night in Delirium, where he requests volunteers to assist in his act.
Lamora the fortune teller reading guests their ultimate dreams or biggest nightmares and maybe make either a reality at night.
Delphine a Siren and a little shy, new to the Carnnivale as a clean up aid, she is looking like she has a big future as a freak.
Another intense story by SJ Ryder ti compliment this gripping series.
October 13, 2026
Barely a taste
This story follows three different people and is not nearly enough pages for that.
Cecil the strongman shows us a little of his past that shouldn't have gone the way it did but he made the choice. We also see a very brief and not very satisfactory moment in the Delirium show.
Lamora is the fortune taller. We basically see that this ability has followed her family but she sees the bad. We see one reading and again a very brief part in the Delirium show.
Lastly we have Delphine who is a part if the cleanup crew and she is here for the free food and ability to care for her sisters. With her we just catch glimpses.
This was just way too many people for a story that is 50 pages long. I wanted way more.
This story follows three different people and is not nearly enough pages for that.
Cecil the strongman shows us a little of his past that shouldn't have gone the way it did but he made the choice. We also see a very brief and not very satisfactory moment in the Delirium show.
Lamora is the fortune taller. We basically see that this ability has followed her family but she sees the bad. We see one reading and again a very brief part in the Delirium show.
Lastly we have Delphine who is a part if the cleanup crew and she is here for the free food and ability to care for her sisters. With her we just catch glimpses.
This was just way too many people for a story that is 50 pages long. I wanted way more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Freaks" by SJ Ryder is a 5-star horror! Cecil is the strongman. Lamora is the fortune teller. Delphine is the siren. Cecil was just trying to make a better life for himself and his sister. Lamora comes to the Carnivale at a very young age to hone her skills. Delphine uses her job as part of the cleanup crew at the Carnivale as a way to provide for her sisters.
Another short one that I wished could have been so much longer. It’s only 50 pages, so there isn’t a lot of character development, but what we do get is wonderful. Each of the characters has something from their past that shapes who they become once they step inside the Carnivale. Even though it’s a quick read, there is still some spice and enough blood and gore to keep things interesting. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and will definitely be looking into some of her other works!
Time for me to move on to the next one and see what kind of dark and twisted character I will meet next!
Thanks to SJ Ryder for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.
Another short one that I wished could have been so much longer. It’s only 50 pages, so there isn’t a lot of character development, but what we do get is wonderful. Each of the characters has something from their past that shapes who they become once they step inside the Carnivale. Even though it’s a quick read, there is still some spice and enough blood and gore to keep things interesting. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and will definitely be looking into some of her other works!
Time for me to move on to the next one and see what kind of dark and twisted character I will meet next!
Thanks to SJ Ryder for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.
October 13, 2026
“Freaks. We’re the ones you love to hate, yet you dish out the cash to see us in all our glory.”
This one was INTERESTING!! 3 different POV, each character with their own “thing” that is taboo in society!! People call them “freaks” but at Delirium ALL freaks are WELCOME! Umm! 👀 The fact that we get a POV from the DELIRIUM! I mean.. This was a great quick read novella that caught you from the beginning! And THAT ENDING!!! 🙃 I CANNOT WAIT to read MORE from this author! 👏🏼
“I’d like to think I’ve found a second home here with The Colony. Where all freaks are welcome and you can count on all of your desires being fulfilled.”
This one was INTERESTING!! 3 different POV, each character with their own “thing” that is taboo in society!! People call them “freaks” but at Delirium ALL freaks are WELCOME! Umm! 👀 The fact that we get a POV from the DELIRIUM! I mean.. This was a great quick read novella that caught you from the beginning! And THAT ENDING!!! 🙃 I CANNOT WAIT to read MORE from this author! 👏🏼
“I’d like to think I’ve found a second home here with The Colony. Where all freaks are welcome and you can count on all of your desires being fulfilled.”
October 15, 2026
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2/5
Short enjoyable read about some of the Carnaval workers, we met Cecil who is the Strongman, Lamora the Fortune Teller, and Delphine a new worker of the clean up crew.
There was a little bit of spice, and background on how they came to work at the Colony Carnaval.
I received this Pre-release Copy as part of The Colony Carnaval reader team. My honest review is posted voluntarily.
🌶 2/5
Short enjoyable read about some of the Carnaval workers, we met Cecil who is the Strongman, Lamora the Fortune Teller, and Delphine a new worker of the clean up crew.
There was a little bit of spice, and background on how they came to work at the Colony Carnaval.
I received this Pre-release Copy as part of The Colony Carnaval reader team. My honest review is posted voluntarily.
October 12, 2026
Book Review: Freaks — The Colony Carnivale, Book 12
Step right up and enter a world where the performers hide secrets darker than anything the audience could imagine! 🎪🖤
Freaks takes readers behind the curtains of The Colony Carnivale, introducing three unforgettable entertainers, each with their own baggage, secrets, and darkness lurking beneath the surface.
Cecil, the brooding strongman, carries burdens that would break most people. Lamora, the fiery fortune teller, promises glimpses of both the sweetest dreams and the most terrifying nightmares. And Delphine, the shy siren, proves that silence can be just as powerful as words, especially when there’s no remorse behind it.
By day, they bring laughter, wonder, and entertainment to the crowds. But when night falls and the Delirium tent comes alive, the atmosphere shifts into something far more sinister. There's a sense of danger woven into the carnival's magic, making it clear that not everything is as it seems.
Dark, intriguing, and filled with the eerie allure of a carnival where the line between entertainment and terror begins to blur, Freaks offers a glimpse into the lives of those who make The Colony what it is. These aren't your ordinary performers, and their stories promise that there's much more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye.
🎪 If you love dark, twisted carnival settings, morally complicated characters, and stories that explore the shadows lurking beneath the spotlight, Freaks deserves a place on your reading list.
Just remember: once the sun goes down, the show is far from over. 🖤
Step right up and enter a world where the performers hide secrets darker than anything the audience could imagine! 🎪🖤
Freaks takes readers behind the curtains of The Colony Carnivale, introducing three unforgettable entertainers, each with their own baggage, secrets, and darkness lurking beneath the surface.
Cecil, the brooding strongman, carries burdens that would break most people. Lamora, the fiery fortune teller, promises glimpses of both the sweetest dreams and the most terrifying nightmares. And Delphine, the shy siren, proves that silence can be just as powerful as words, especially when there’s no remorse behind it.
By day, they bring laughter, wonder, and entertainment to the crowds. But when night falls and the Delirium tent comes alive, the atmosphere shifts into something far more sinister. There's a sense of danger woven into the carnival's magic, making it clear that not everything is as it seems.
Dark, intriguing, and filled with the eerie allure of a carnival where the line between entertainment and terror begins to blur, Freaks offers a glimpse into the lives of those who make The Colony what it is. These aren't your ordinary performers, and their stories promise that there's much more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye.
🎪 If you love dark, twisted carnival settings, morally complicated characters, and stories that explore the shadows lurking beneath the spotlight, Freaks deserves a place on your reading list.
Just remember: once the sun goes down, the show is far from over. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Step inside, these "freaks" are the ones who truly see!
Once again, The Colony Carnivale delivers something unforgettable, and Freaks might just be my new favorite entry in the entire series! This book pulls back the curtain and lets us walk alongside three of its most mesmerizing performers, and what a ride it is.
Cecil, Lamora, and Delphine are everything. Cecil, the brooding strongman carrying the weight of the world on broad shoulders that have borne far too much. Lamora, bright and blazing, reading futures that terrify as much as they thrill. And Delphine, quiet, deadly, utterly captivating, whose silence speaks louder than any shout could. Each voice feels distinct, raw, and so beautifully human even as they shine as something more.
The contrast between daylight, the laughter, the lights, the show, and what unfolds once the sun sets and the Delirium tent opens! chef’s kiss.
It’s electric, dangerous, and breathtakingly intimate. You see the bonds between them, the burdens they hide, and the dark, delicious magic that binds them to the Carnivale, and to each other.
This is the Carnivale at its best!! Lush, haunting, thrilling, and full of heart that beats beneath the glitter and grime. If you’ve been waiting to see behind the scenes, this is your invitation. Don’t hesitate, step right up. You won’t regret a single moment.
Absolutely essential reading for Colony Carnivale fans, devoured it in one sitting!
Once again, The Colony Carnivale delivers something unforgettable, and Freaks might just be my new favorite entry in the entire series! This book pulls back the curtain and lets us walk alongside three of its most mesmerizing performers, and what a ride it is.
Cecil, Lamora, and Delphine are everything. Cecil, the brooding strongman carrying the weight of the world on broad shoulders that have borne far too much. Lamora, bright and blazing, reading futures that terrify as much as they thrill. And Delphine, quiet, deadly, utterly captivating, whose silence speaks louder than any shout could. Each voice feels distinct, raw, and so beautifully human even as they shine as something more.
The contrast between daylight, the laughter, the lights, the show, and what unfolds once the sun sets and the Delirium tent opens! chef’s kiss.
It’s electric, dangerous, and breathtakingly intimate. You see the bonds between them, the burdens they hide, and the dark, delicious magic that binds them to the Carnivale, and to each other.
This is the Carnivale at its best!! Lush, haunting, thrilling, and full of heart that beats beneath the glitter and grime. If you’ve been waiting to see behind the scenes, this is your invitation. Don’t hesitate, step right up. You won’t regret a single moment.
Absolutely essential reading for Colony Carnivale fans, devoured it in one sitting!
October 11, 2026
Freaks is another deliciously dark, twisted and completely unhinged addition to The Colony Carnivale, and I am absolutely OBSESSED!!
CECIL, LAMORA AND DELPHINE!! 🥵🔥 Three completely different personalities, three entertainers carrying their own darkness, and every single one of them had me hooked!!
Cecil, our brooding strongman with enough baggage to crush anyone else. Lamora, our fiery little fortune teller who is anything but ordinary. And Delphine?! That quiet, unapologetic siren!! OMG, never underestimate the silent ones because HOLY SHIT!! 😈
I absolutely LOVED getting a glimpse behind the curtain and seeing life inside The Colony from the entertainers’ perspective. The contrast between the laughter and entertainment during the day and the absolute depravity waiting when darkness falls is EVERYTHING!!
And that damn Delirium tent!! 😳🔥 Seriously, NOTHING good ever happens in there, and yet here I am, willingly going back for more every single time!! 😂
This shared world just keeps getting darker, weirder and more addictive, and I am EATING IT UP!! The twisted characters, the disturbing atmosphere, the secrets and the sheer insanity of it all have me completely hooked.
S.J. Ryder absolutely understood the assignment!! Dark, disturbing, deliciously depraved and everything I want from The Colony Carnivale!!
12 books down and I STILL can’t get enough of this beautifully fucked-up carnival!! 🎪🖤
BRING ON THE NEXT FREAK SHOW!! 😈🔥
CECIL, LAMORA AND DELPHINE!! 🥵🔥 Three completely different personalities, three entertainers carrying their own darkness, and every single one of them had me hooked!!
Cecil, our brooding strongman with enough baggage to crush anyone else. Lamora, our fiery little fortune teller who is anything but ordinary. And Delphine?! That quiet, unapologetic siren!! OMG, never underestimate the silent ones because HOLY SHIT!! 😈
I absolutely LOVED getting a glimpse behind the curtain and seeing life inside The Colony from the entertainers’ perspective. The contrast between the laughter and entertainment during the day and the absolute depravity waiting when darkness falls is EVERYTHING!!
And that damn Delirium tent!! 😳🔥 Seriously, NOTHING good ever happens in there, and yet here I am, willingly going back for more every single time!! 😂
This shared world just keeps getting darker, weirder and more addictive, and I am EATING IT UP!! The twisted characters, the disturbing atmosphere, the secrets and the sheer insanity of it all have me completely hooked.
S.J. Ryder absolutely understood the assignment!! Dark, disturbing, deliciously depraved and everything I want from The Colony Carnivale!!
12 books down and I STILL can’t get enough of this beautifully fucked-up carnival!! 🎪🖤
BRING ON THE NEXT FREAK SHOW!! 😈🔥
Read
October 2, 2026🖤🎪 ARC REVIEW 🎪🖤
📖 Freaks
Colony Carnival — Book #13
✍️ SJ Ryder
💀 Jess’s Skeleton Rating:
💀💀💀💀 — A quick read, but one I absolutely loved! 🎪🖤
⚠️ PLEASE READ ALL TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING! ⚠️
The Colony Carnival has NO limits, so make sure you know what you're stepping into before entering. 🎪
💭 My Thoughts
This was a quick read, but I absolutely loved it! 🖤
Freaks introduces us to Cecil — Mr Strongman himself. 💪🎪
Behind all that strength is a heartbreaking past, and learning more about his background added so much emotion to his character. 💔
Then we have Delphine, the shy siren 🧜♀️ — another character I really enjoyed getting to know.
But then...
LAMORA IS BACK! 👀
And if there's one person who can get to Cecil...
It's his weakness — Lamora. 🖤
I LOVE when characters from previous Colony Carnival books reappear. Every crossover makes this world feel more connected and has me wondering who we're going to see again next.
Quick, dark, emotional and another great addition to this completely twisted Carnival. 🎪💀
13 DOWN... 18 TO GO!
And I'm definitely not ready to leave yet...
🎪 THE CARNIVAL WON'T LET YOU GO UNTIL THEY SAY YOU CAN. 🤡🖤
#Freaks #SJRyder #ColonyCarnival #ARCReview #JesssSkeletonRating
📖 Freaks
Colony Carnival — Book #13
✍️ SJ Ryder
💀 Jess’s Skeleton Rating:
💀💀💀💀 — A quick read, but one I absolutely loved! 🎪🖤
⚠️ PLEASE READ ALL TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING! ⚠️
The Colony Carnival has NO limits, so make sure you know what you're stepping into before entering. 🎪
💭 My Thoughts
This was a quick read, but I absolutely loved it! 🖤
Freaks introduces us to Cecil — Mr Strongman himself. 💪🎪
Behind all that strength is a heartbreaking past, and learning more about his background added so much emotion to his character. 💔
Then we have Delphine, the shy siren 🧜♀️ — another character I really enjoyed getting to know.
But then...
LAMORA IS BACK! 👀
And if there's one person who can get to Cecil...
It's his weakness — Lamora. 🖤
I LOVE when characters from previous Colony Carnival books reappear. Every crossover makes this world feel more connected and has me wondering who we're going to see again next.
Quick, dark, emotional and another great addition to this completely twisted Carnival. 🎪💀
13 DOWN... 18 TO GO!
And I'm definitely not ready to leave yet...
🎪 THE CARNIVAL WON'T LET YOU GO UNTIL THEY SAY YOU CAN. 🤡🖤
#Freaks #SJRyder #ColonyCarnival #ARCReview #JesssSkeletonRating
October 13, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars | Freaks: The Colony Carnivale by SJ Ryder 🎪🎟️
Cecil, Lamora, and Delphine are three very different characters, each carrying their own darkness, secrets, and demons. And when you put them together under the Colony Carnivale's Delirium tent, you can pretty much guarantee things are going to get twisted!
I enjoyed how each character brought something different to the story. Cecil has his baggage, Lamora has her fire, and Delphine proves that sometimes the quiet ones are the ones you really need to watch out for.
What I love about the Colony Carnivale is that nothing is ever quite what it seems. By day, it's all entertainment, laughter, and spectacle. But once the sun goes down, that carnival becomes an entirely different kind of playground.
This one definitely earns its place among the darker reads in the series. You've got murder, violence, gore, and some seriously depraved behavior. It's not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but then again, I don't think the Colony Carnivale was ever meant for everyone. 🖤
⚠️ Definitely check those trigger warnings before stepping inside the Delirium tent!
Cecil, Lamora, and Delphine are three very different characters, each carrying their own darkness, secrets, and demons. And when you put them together under the Colony Carnivale's Delirium tent, you can pretty much guarantee things are going to get twisted!
I enjoyed how each character brought something different to the story. Cecil has his baggage, Lamora has her fire, and Delphine proves that sometimes the quiet ones are the ones you really need to watch out for.
What I love about the Colony Carnivale is that nothing is ever quite what it seems. By day, it's all entertainment, laughter, and spectacle. But once the sun goes down, that carnival becomes an entirely different kind of playground.
This one definitely earns its place among the darker reads in the series. You've got murder, violence, gore, and some seriously depraved behavior. It's not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but then again, I don't think the Colony Carnivale was ever meant for everyone. 🖤
⚠️ Definitely check those trigger warnings before stepping inside the Delirium tent!
October 13, 2026
❤️ARC REVIEW ❤️
Freaks had a genuinely intriguing premise, which is exactly why it's so disappointing that the book turned out to be so short. The dark carnival setting is fascinating, the characters grab your attention, and you want to immerse yourself completely in this world. But the story ends before you even get the chance to truly connect with it.
What I missed the most was character development. I wanted to learn more about their pasts, personalities, and motivations, explore their relationships, and understand what made them who they are. Every character clearly has the potential for a much deeper and more compelling story, but we're only given a brief glimpse into their lives.
In the end, I'm left with mixed feelings. I really loved the concept and the atmosphere, but instead of a fully developed story, it felt like I was reading a condensed version of one. There was so much more that could have been done with such a promising premise. And the most frustrating part? I genuinely wanted to spend more time with these characters.
Freaks had a genuinely intriguing premise, which is exactly why it's so disappointing that the book turned out to be so short. The dark carnival setting is fascinating, the characters grab your attention, and you want to immerse yourself completely in this world. But the story ends before you even get the chance to truly connect with it.
What I missed the most was character development. I wanted to learn more about their pasts, personalities, and motivations, explore their relationships, and understand what made them who they are. Every character clearly has the potential for a much deeper and more compelling story, but we're only given a brief glimpse into their lives.
In the end, I'm left with mixed feelings. I really loved the concept and the atmosphere, but instead of a fully developed story, it felt like I was reading a condensed version of one. There was so much more that could have been done with such a promising premise. And the most frustrating part? I genuinely wanted to spend more time with these characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The “Freaks” Come Out at Night 🎪🎡🎠
🎡TRIGGER / CONTENT WARNINGS🎡
Please make sure you take heed to the TW’s before reading all books in this series!
🎟️ BOOK 12 IN THE SERIES 🎟️
Cecil - The Strongman aka bone crusher
Lamora - Fortune Teller
Delphine - Janitor/Siren
All three characters bring their own talents in this story and I feel like I need more of them. There wasn’t enough time to really connect with each character on that type of level and now I’m sitting here upset that it ended before it truly got started! 😭😩😂
Either way, author this was a really good story and I need for you to add on some more for me pleeeeeease! I enjoyed learning about where Cecil came from (heartbreaking by the way) but I wish there was just a bit more about Lamora and Delphine too. Don’t be fooled, just because it’s a novella doesn’t mean there isn’t gore and graphic scenes.
And what’s up with the ending?? Like whaaaaat?
🎡TRIGGER / CONTENT WARNINGS🎡
Please make sure you take heed to the TW’s before reading all books in this series!
🎟️ BOOK 12 IN THE SERIES 🎟️
Cecil - The Strongman aka bone crusher
Lamora - Fortune Teller
Delphine - Janitor/Siren
All three characters bring their own talents in this story and I feel like I need more of them. There wasn’t enough time to really connect with each character on that type of level and now I’m sitting here upset that it ended before it truly got started! 😭😩😂
Either way, author this was a really good story and I need for you to add on some more for me pleeeeeease! I enjoyed learning about where Cecil came from (heartbreaking by the way) but I wish there was just a bit more about Lamora and Delphine too. Don’t be fooled, just because it’s a novella doesn’t mean there isn’t gore and graphic scenes.
And what’s up with the ending?? Like whaaaaat?
October 12, 2026
I absolutely loved this novella! SJ did an amazing job bringing three unique characters from the Colony Carnivale into the spotlight. We get a closer look at Cecil, the strongman known as Bonecrusher; Lamora, a fortune teller whose predictions aren’t always pleasant; and Delphine, a siren whose silence speaks volumes.
Each character has their own dark little story, and I loved seeing what they get up to once the carnival lights go out. There’s a twisted sense of justice throughout, and let’s just say some people learn the hard way that karma doesn’t play nice!
For such a short read, it packs in plenty of detail, dark surprises, and intriguing backstories without feeling rushed. I couldn’t pick a favorite because all three brought something different to the table. Think Magic Mike meets Grimm Griswold, with a wicked vigilante twist!
This was a quick, entertaining read that left me wanting more of these characters. I definitely recommend both this novella and the author
Each character has their own dark little story, and I loved seeing what they get up to once the carnival lights go out. There’s a twisted sense of justice throughout, and let’s just say some people learn the hard way that karma doesn’t play nice!
For such a short read, it packs in plenty of detail, dark surprises, and intriguing backstories without feeling rushed. I couldn’t pick a favorite because all three brought something different to the table. Think Magic Mike meets Grimm Griswold, with a wicked vigilante twist!
This was a quick, entertaining read that left me wanting more of these characters. I definitely recommend both this novella and the author
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October 14, 2026This one follows Cecil, Lamora and Delphine, and I actually liked getting to meet some new characters and learn a little about their lives before and during their time at the Carnivale.
Cecil is our strongman, and learning about his past honestly broke my heart a little. You can really see how much of a protector he is, especially when it comes to the people he cares about. And then there's Lamora, the fortune teller, who definitely has her own dark side. I also enjoyed seeing the connection between these two develop.
Delphine was an interesting addition too. She's a siren working with the cleanup crew, and I'm curious to see more of her and what her future at the Carnivale might look like.
My only real complaint is that this story was WAY too short!
We're getting three characters in such a short novella, and I would've loved more time with all of them. Especially Cecil and Lamora. I feel like there's still so much more to explore here.
Cecil is our strongman, and learning about his past honestly broke my heart a little. You can really see how much of a protector he is, especially when it comes to the people he cares about. And then there's Lamora, the fortune teller, who definitely has her own dark side. I also enjoyed seeing the connection between these two develop.
Delphine was an interesting addition too. She's a siren working with the cleanup crew, and I'm curious to see more of her and what her future at the Carnivale might look like.
My only real complaint is that this story was WAY too short!
We're getting three characters in such a short novella, and I would've loved more time with all of them. Especially Cecil and Lamora. I feel like there's still so much more to explore here.
October 16, 2026
Freaks by S.J. Ryder offers another glimpse into the dark and twisted world of The Colony Carnivale. I enjoyed seeing how this story connected with others in the collection, bringing familiar characters and events together while adding another layer to the larger picture. The interconnected stories are one of the more interesting aspects of this series, and I appreciate getting to see the Carnivale from different perspectives.
This installment gives us a closer look at the Strongman and the experiences that shaped his journey to the Carnivale. His backstory adds context to his character and helps explain some of the choices he makes. While I would have liked a little more depth and emotional connection throughout the story, I appreciated the additional character development and the way it contributed to the overall Carnivale world.
This installment gives us a closer look at the Strongman and the experiences that shaped his journey to the Carnivale. His backstory adds context to his character and helps explain some of the choices he makes. While I would have liked a little more depth and emotional connection throughout the story, I appreciated the additional character development and the way it contributed to the overall Carnivale world.
October 12, 2026
What a quick and interesting read! This book is for the freaks!! We are introduced to 3 new Carnival characters. I say it that way because even tho Delphine is part of the Colony she's not an actual act yet. She is very new to the Colony and is part of the clean up crew. I don't want to spoil what she is!! I'm hoping there's more for her later on in the series. Then there's Cecil the Strongman and Lamora the fortune teller! They have both been with the carnival for years. I like the relationship between those two. I wish it was talked about a little more...but there was a little spice going on with them. This was a very good read. Even tho it was short it still had its dark emotional feel. Again with all these books please read your trigger warnings and enter if you dare!!!
October 14, 2026
The premise of "Freaks"is good. It's engaging, and it gives us an introduction to a variety of characters in the Carnivale (hopefully they'll show up later) and how they got their start there.
However, it ultimately falls a little flat, in my opinion. The jump between the characters and their back stories was a bit disjointed, and even with some of the very traumatic experiences that dictated where they ended up, it was really kind of hard to care about any of the characters because they didn't seem to care about their own tragedies. I think that with just a bit more delving into each one it could have been more rounded out.
Overall, it was a good introduction to some interesting characters, and hopefully we'll see more of them later on.
However, it ultimately falls a little flat, in my opinion. The jump between the characters and their back stories was a bit disjointed, and even with some of the very traumatic experiences that dictated where they ended up, it was really kind of hard to care about any of the characters because they didn't seem to care about their own tragedies. I think that with just a bit more delving into each one it could have been more rounded out.
Overall, it was a good introduction to some interesting characters, and hopefully we'll see more of them later on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one had me screaming why because literally WHY?!?!?! Like I honestly sat with it, trying to find some point where the decision made could have made any logical sense, but again, heated moment decisions rarely do, so I digress.
This story follows Cecil, Lamora, and Delphine. Cecil is your basic strong man. Lamora tells fortunes. They just absolutely might not be what you'd expect. Delphine is part of the clean-up crew, and I'm very eager to see her reappear 🤞.
You get some background on each, which is actually quite interesting. You'll get a bit of gore, violence, and of course cannibalism because what else do you expect from the Colony?
This story follows Cecil, Lamora, and Delphine. Cecil is your basic strong man. Lamora tells fortunes. They just absolutely might not be what you'd expect. Delphine is part of the clean-up crew, and I'm very eager to see her reappear 🤞.
You get some background on each, which is actually quite interesting. You'll get a bit of gore, violence, and of course cannibalism because what else do you expect from the Colony?
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ ARC Disclaimer ✨
Yes, this was an ARC.
No, my standards didn't magically disappear.
As always, these thoughts are completely my own. 🖤
Short, sweet, and punchy.
This only took me about 20 minutes to read, but it packed a lot into those pages.
The story follows three of the carnies, with two of them performing their very first shows in the Big Tent. I really enjoyed getting to see that side of the carnival, and I'm hoping this isn't the last we've seen of these characters because I'd definitely love to read more.
A quick, entertaining addition to the Colony Carnival series that left me wanting more.
Yes, this was an ARC.
No, my standards didn't magically disappear.
As always, these thoughts are completely my own. 🖤
Short, sweet, and punchy.
This only took me about 20 minutes to read, but it packed a lot into those pages.
The story follows three of the carnies, with two of them performing their very first shows in the Big Tent. I really enjoyed getting to see that side of the carnival, and I'm hoping this isn't the last we've seen of these characters because I'd definitely love to read more.
A quick, entertaining addition to the Colony Carnival series that left me wanting more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG I totally did not want Freaks by SJ Ryder to end. 😝
Here's to another excellent edition to The Colony Carnival Shared World Series.
I loved all the characters so much. Cecil the Colony Strongman, Delphine a Siren on clean up crew, and Lamora our Fortune Teller.
Their journeys tangle together at the Colony Carnival. And they find comfort within each other.
Just read it! Your gonna love it 🤩
"Alright, my sexy little freaks. Let's get the show on the road!"
SJ does not disappoint.
I highly recommend this book and this series.
I will definitely be reading more by SJ. This is one of my favorites.😄
Please check TW before reading.
Enjoy Darklings 🤗🖤
Here's to another excellent edition to The Colony Carnival Shared World Series.
I loved all the characters so much. Cecil the Colony Strongman, Delphine a Siren on clean up crew, and Lamora our Fortune Teller.
Their journeys tangle together at the Colony Carnival. And they find comfort within each other.
Just read it! Your gonna love it 🤩
"Alright, my sexy little freaks. Let's get the show on the road!"
SJ does not disappoint.
I highly recommend this book and this series.
I will definitely be reading more by SJ. This is one of my favorites.😄
Please check TW before reading.
Enjoy Darklings 🤗🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think this one is my second favourite so far.
I liked that Cecil used his strongman talents to right wrongs when it comes to men that hurt women because of what happened to his sister. I wanted to jump into my kindle and make him take her with him when he first joined the carnival.
I did like the introduction of Lamora (fortune teller) and Delphine (janitor / siren). It would have been nice to have gotten a little more of these 2. So i'm hoping that they will make an appearance in someone else's books.
It's a nice short read at around 52 pages but there was enough going on to keep me entertained.
Book 12 of 31
I liked that Cecil used his strongman talents to right wrongs when it comes to men that hurt women because of what happened to his sister. I wanted to jump into my kindle and make him take her with him when he first joined the carnival.
I did like the introduction of Lamora (fortune teller) and Delphine (janitor / siren). It would have been nice to have gotten a little more of these 2. So i'm hoping that they will make an appearance in someone else's books.
It's a nice short read at around 52 pages but there was enough going on to keep me entertained.
Book 12 of 31
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Freaks, we get a look at three different performers: Cecil, the strongman; Lamora, the fortune teller; and Delphine, the siren. Each brings something different to the Carnivale, and I enjoyed getting more of Cecil’s backstory. It gave me a better understanding of how he chooses his victims and what makes him tick.
Of course, this is The Colony Carnivale, so you know you’re getting darkness, gore, spice, and more twisted scenes that make you question what you just read.
My only complaint? With three different performers and such a short story, I wanted MORE! I would have loved to spend more time with each of them and dig even deeper into their twisted little worlds.
Of course, this is The Colony Carnivale, so you know you’re getting darkness, gore, spice, and more twisted scenes that make you question what you just read.
My only complaint? With three different performers and such a short story, I wanted MORE! I would have loved to spend more time with each of them and dig even deeper into their twisted little worlds.
October 12, 2026
Freaks is a quick, bloody, spicy read focusing on Cecil, the Strongman, Lamora the fortune teller, and Delphine the new siren. Cecil's background story was tragic and fascinating and I loved how it forged him in to a revenge killer on stage. Lamora's fortune telling takes a wicked and dangerous twist come the night. As per usual no one is safe when it comes to the Carnivale. Freaks was a swift novella that left me craving more of the trio. I cannot wait to read more about them and if you want a novella with depth and twisted scenes and plenty spice then I recommend Freaks. Until next time, happy reading!
October 13, 2026
Okay I'm a little mad in the beginning of this book. Because if Cecil just took his sister, then what was happening to the sister wouldn't have happened. That's the only thing that got me mad about this book. But it gives insight into the reason why Cecil is how he is. But this story is also about Lamora the fortune teller and Delphine a siren, which is interesting cuz I remember in another book it stated that most sirens are not being remade. So to know if there was some in here is a very interesting! This was a quick read but I loved it because it still showed you this stuff that creates the people that are the freaks. And I love it!
October 13, 2026
This one is a short book that follows 3 characters. Which I feel that they should have been given their own books to follow them and get more about them.
Cecil is the strongman from a broken home. Which this is the one I felt the most for. He was trying his best and unfortunately his decisions led to consequences. Lamora is the fortune teller extraordinare. Delphine is the newest to the carnivale but her siren family benefits greatly from the clean up at the carnival.
I do enjoy a few monster here and there inside the colony carnival and hope this is a more into there character to come in the other books
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
-Screams and Reviews 📚🖤💋💀🧜♀️
Cecil is the strongman from a broken home. Which this is the one I felt the most for. He was trying his best and unfortunately his decisions led to consequences. Lamora is the fortune teller extraordinare. Delphine is the newest to the carnivale but her siren family benefits greatly from the clean up at the carnival.
I do enjoy a few monster here and there inside the colony carnival and hope this is a more into there character to come in the other books
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
-Screams and Reviews 📚🖤💋💀🧜♀️
Review of advance copy
Twelfth one and a really novella.
Introducing new characters; Cecil the strongman aka Bonecrusher bet ya can guess what he does in Delirium 😉 Delphine a siren who’s part of the clean up crew and she has the ideal location for those b0dies then Lamora the fortune teller, her cards tell all but it’s her who decides their fate 💀
I liked the fact we got a little about all three, Cecil and Lamora’s acts in Delirium were short but dare I say justified 🫢
🩸 play | C@nnabilism | Humiliation | Spice | Violence | Childhood Trauma
Introducing new characters; Cecil the strongman aka Bonecrusher bet ya can guess what he does in Delirium 😉 Delphine a siren who’s part of the clean up crew and she has the ideal location for those b0dies then Lamora the fortune teller, her cards tell all but it’s her who decides their fate 💀
I liked the fact we got a little about all three, Cecil and Lamora’s acts in Delirium were short but dare I say justified 🫢
🩸 play | C@nnabilism | Humiliation | Spice | Violence | Childhood Trauma
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