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The Colony Carnivale #8
Embalmed: The Colony Carnivale
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.
***
Vincent Mourning used to prepare the dead for burial.
Now he prepares them for the carnival.
As the owner of Saint Mercy Meats, one of The Colony Carnivale's most beloved attractions, Vincent has spent years hiding his sins beneath smoke, spice, and spectacle. By day, the crowd sees a charming performer. By night, he becomes The Preservationist, The Embalmer—a man obsessed with stopping decay and preserving beauty at any cost.
Every night, guests flock to Vincent's theater to witness his twisted performances, never realizing how much of the show is real.
When A beautiful girl arrives at this tent, and actually sees him, Vincent changes... somewhat
But the carnival is always watching.
And it never gives up what belongs to it.
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.
***
Vincent Mourning used to prepare the dead for burial.
Now he prepares them for the carnival.
As the owner of Saint Mercy Meats, one of The Colony Carnivale's most beloved attractions, Vincent has spent years hiding his sins beneath smoke, spice, and spectacle. By day, the crowd sees a charming performer. By night, he becomes The Preservationist, The Embalmer—a man obsessed with stopping decay and preserving beauty at any cost.
Every night, guests flock to Vincent's theater to witness his twisted performances, never realizing how much of the show is real.
When A beautiful girl arrives at this tent, and actually sees him, Vincent changes... somewhat
But the carnival is always watching.
And it never gives up what belongs to it.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 8, 2026
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September 9, 2026
I can’t begin to explain this one to you 😈
There is the darkness the Carnivale connects like a beating heart in the background, the shadows drawing you into them, the lights taunting you with a pulse you either want to run from or run to. Vincent our MMC in this one, is shrouded in more than just a hood there is an underlying cunning man, one who needs silence until a pink haired woman integrates herself into his life. Against his wishes he starts to have feelings for her but as we know by now the Carnivale uses Dario to thwart all!
Totally got lost in the pages, parts as we’ve to expect were tense, others were light with a sense of doom you just know is going to be unforgiving. However, this one left you wanting more.
Graphic Violence | Gore & 🩸 | Medical Procedures | Necrophilia | SA | Loss & Grief | Psychological Horror | Morally Black
There is the darkness the Carnivale connects like a beating heart in the background, the shadows drawing you into them, the lights taunting you with a pulse you either want to run from or run to. Vincent our MMC in this one, is shrouded in more than just a hood there is an underlying cunning man, one who needs silence until a pink haired woman integrates herself into his life. Against his wishes he starts to have feelings for her but as we know by now the Carnivale uses Dario to thwart all!
Totally got lost in the pages, parts as we’ve to expect were tense, others were light with a sense of doom you just know is going to be unforgiving. However, this one left you wanting more.
Graphic Violence | Gore & 🩸 | Medical Procedures | Necrophilia | SA | Loss & Grief | Psychological Horror | Morally Black
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐌𝐄𝐃
By 𝙼. 𝙰𝙻𝙻𝚈𝙳𝙰𝚁𝙺
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝓘 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓫𝓾𝓲𝓵𝓽 𝓪 𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓰𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓯. 𝓘 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓫𝓾𝓲𝓵𝓽 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮, 𝓸𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓭𝓮𝓬𝓪𝔂, 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓪𝓻 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓱𝓪𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓱𝓪𝓽𝓮.
Embalmed, will let you search for the light! Too dark, too medically gruesome and too unforgiving.
Vincent nailed his craft from a funeral parlor, prepping a dead for burial; to the colony carnivale prepping for the audience to indulge. Chasity is definitely a one-of-a-kind girl. Dario called her a fool. But for me, she is the one who goes against the norm.
Don't forget that...
The Colony Carnivale had a cruel way of making death feel merciful... What the carnival offered was far crueler than death. It consumed. It hollowed. It stole beautiful things and left behind nothing but absence.
** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
By 𝙼. 𝙰𝙻𝙻𝚈𝙳𝙰𝚁𝙺
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝓘 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓫𝓾𝓲𝓵𝓽 𝓪 𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓰𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓯. 𝓘 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓫𝓾𝓲𝓵𝓽 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮, 𝓸𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓭𝓮𝓬𝓪𝔂, 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓪𝓻 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓱𝓪𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓱𝓪𝓽𝓮.
Embalmed, will let you search for the light! Too dark, too medically gruesome and too unforgiving.
Vincent nailed his craft from a funeral parlor, prepping a dead for burial; to the colony carnivale prepping for the audience to indulge. Chasity is definitely a one-of-a-kind girl. Dario called her a fool. But for me, she is the one who goes against the norm.
Don't forget that...
The Colony Carnivale had a cruel way of making death feel merciful... What the carnival offered was far crueler than death. It consumed. It hollowed. It stole beautiful things and left behind nothing but absence.
** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
October 1, 2026
Embalmed - M. Allydark
This story was another one that tugged at my heart strings. I know Chasity was happy with her ending but I wanted her to be with Vincent, even though I know that’s so unrealistic. I think this definitely one of the most interesting stories in this series. I love that we always see recurring characters in this series. Especially characters like Dario. I can’t wait to read more of the series and of this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🔥 / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 150 Pages
Reading Dates ✨ 9/20/26 - 9/20/26
Release Date 🌟 10/8/26
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 The Colony Carnivale, #8
Genre/Tropes ✨ touch her & die, body horror, obsessive protector, fear based control
Content Warning/Triggers ⭐️ Graphic violence, Gore and body horror, Torture, Murder and serial killing, Cannibalism, Human trafficking, Kidnapping and captivity, Psychological manipulation, Gaslighting, Cult-like environments and indoctrination, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Childhood abuse and neglect, Parental abuse, Trauma and PTSD, Panic attacks, Dissociation, Self-destructive behavior, Depression, Suicidal ideation and references to suicide, Death of major and minor characters, Graphic descriptions of death and decomposition, Medical procedures and medical horror, Mortuary and embalming themes/ Necrophilia, Stalking, Obsession and possessiveness, Morally black characters, Unhealthy relationships, Coercion and power imbalances, References to sexual violence, References to sexual assault, Drug use and substance abuse, Blood and blood-related imagery, Mutilation and dismemberment, Fear, dread, and psychological horror, Disturbing and grotesque imagery, Religious themes and imagery, Loss and grief, Manipulation of reality and psychological instability
Representation 🌙 unlabeled
Favorite Character ☀️ Chasity
Favorite Line 🌟 ‘Death itself could still be peaceful if someone cared enough.’
"Nope. No. Absolutely not. We are not psychoanalyzing the murdery food man."
Vibes 💫 unlabeled
Moods ⭐️ unlabeled
This story was another one that tugged at my heart strings. I know Chasity was happy with her ending but I wanted her to be with Vincent, even though I know that’s so unrealistic. I think this definitely one of the most interesting stories in this series. I love that we always see recurring characters in this series. Especially characters like Dario. I can’t wait to read more of the series and of this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🔥 / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 150 Pages
Reading Dates ✨ 9/20/26 - 9/20/26
Release Date 🌟 10/8/26
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 The Colony Carnivale, #8
Genre/Tropes ✨ touch her & die, body horror, obsessive protector, fear based control
Content Warning/Triggers ⭐️ Graphic violence, Gore and body horror, Torture, Murder and serial killing, Cannibalism, Human trafficking, Kidnapping and captivity, Psychological manipulation, Gaslighting, Cult-like environments and indoctrination, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Childhood abuse and neglect, Parental abuse, Trauma and PTSD, Panic attacks, Dissociation, Self-destructive behavior, Depression, Suicidal ideation and references to suicide, Death of major and minor characters, Graphic descriptions of death and decomposition, Medical procedures and medical horror, Mortuary and embalming themes/ Necrophilia, Stalking, Obsession and possessiveness, Morally black characters, Unhealthy relationships, Coercion and power imbalances, References to sexual violence, References to sexual assault, Drug use and substance abuse, Blood and blood-related imagery, Mutilation and dismemberment, Fear, dread, and psychological horror, Disturbing and grotesque imagery, Religious themes and imagery, Loss and grief, Manipulation of reality and psychological instability
Representation 🌙 unlabeled
Favorite Character ☀️ Chasity
Favorite Line 🌟 ‘Death itself could still be peaceful if someone cared enough.’
"Nope. No. Absolutely not. We are not psychoanalyzing the murdery food man."
Vibes 💫 unlabeled
Moods ⭐️ unlabeled
Read
September 17, 2026Disclaimer: 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 so please check the trigger warnings kindly listed in each book.
So this one was a particularly hard read for little tame me, so I feel that it will appeal to the darker more seasoned readers! Quite a lot of gore, and points where I wanted to look away, but the writing was well done, and it delivered on everything the Carnivale promises to! Vincent was a complex character, and it was intriguing to follow his story, getting into the mind of a truly dark character. Whereas, due to the nature of my own job, I found it difficult to follow a character who deals with dead bodies, I feel that it fitted in perfectly with the rest of the books in this series, and will stick out in my mind as being the one that was a little bit too dark for me! But what is not the Carnivale if not for pushing my reading limits? - and I'm 100% loving the experience! (please note that I'm mindful when I read and careful of my own mental health, so do read with care too)
Phew, deep breathe, that was a dark read for me!
So this one was a particularly hard read for little tame me, so I feel that it will appeal to the darker more seasoned readers! Quite a lot of gore, and points where I wanted to look away, but the writing was well done, and it delivered on everything the Carnivale promises to! Vincent was a complex character, and it was intriguing to follow his story, getting into the mind of a truly dark character. Whereas, due to the nature of my own job, I found it difficult to follow a character who deals with dead bodies, I feel that it fitted in perfectly with the rest of the books in this series, and will stick out in my mind as being the one that was a little bit too dark for me! But what is not the Carnivale if not for pushing my reading limits? - and I'm 100% loving the experience! (please note that I'm mindful when I read and careful of my own mental health, so do read with care too)
Phew, deep breathe, that was a dark read for me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
M. Allydark never disappoints.
Chastity the virgin meets Vincent the embalmer, and somehow, despite all the dark depravity surrounding their “relationship,” you can’t help but feel a little sorry for Vincent. I was not expecting that.
Vincent is deeply disturbed, obsessive, and has a very warped idea of love and preservation. This is a man who used to prepare the dead for burial and now uses those particular talents in ways that fit The Colony Carnivale a little too perfectly. Then Chastity walks into his tent and actually sees him—not just The Preservationist everyone else sees—and something shifts.
Now, does that suddenly make Vincent a good man? Absolutely not. But damn if this story didn’t give him just enough humanity to make me feel for him while simultaneously making me question why the hell I was feeling sorry for this man in the first place. And also thinking, poor Vincent, I can fix him.
And because this is the Colony Carnivale, the darkness definitely doesn’t disappear just because feelings get involved. This one gets bloody, depraved, possessive, and seriously disturbing.
PLEASE check the trigger warnings before going into this one. I cannot stress that enough. There are some very dark themes and scenes here that are absolutely not going to be for every reader.
Apparently, my moral compass has packed its bags and joined the damn circus. 🎪🖤
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Spice
🩸🩸🩸 Gore
Chastity the virgin meets Vincent the embalmer, and somehow, despite all the dark depravity surrounding their “relationship,” you can’t help but feel a little sorry for Vincent. I was not expecting that.
Vincent is deeply disturbed, obsessive, and has a very warped idea of love and preservation. This is a man who used to prepare the dead for burial and now uses those particular talents in ways that fit The Colony Carnivale a little too perfectly. Then Chastity walks into his tent and actually sees him—not just The Preservationist everyone else sees—and something shifts.
Now, does that suddenly make Vincent a good man? Absolutely not. But damn if this story didn’t give him just enough humanity to make me feel for him while simultaneously making me question why the hell I was feeling sorry for this man in the first place. And also thinking, poor Vincent, I can fix him.
And because this is the Colony Carnivale, the darkness definitely doesn’t disappear just because feelings get involved. This one gets bloody, depraved, possessive, and seriously disturbing.
PLEASE check the trigger warnings before going into this one. I cannot stress that enough. There are some very dark themes and scenes here that are absolutely not going to be for every reader.
Apparently, my moral compass has packed its bags and joined the damn circus. 🎪🖤
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Spice
🩸🩸🩸 Gore
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! What an edition to The Colony Carnival Series. Embalmed by M. Allydark.
This story grabbed ahold of my heart from the very beginning and throughout the journey of Vincent and Chasity. And throughout my heart felt, joy, deep sadness, and the twists had me having to remind myself to relax and breathe. Wheew.
I laughed so hard with Chasity. She reminds me so much of myself and the thoughts she has are absolutely hilarious. And I can't help but love Vincent completely with his intelligent mind sometimes getting him into trouble. And his inner voices are also really funny.
These two had the spark. The depravity, the love for blood and excitement.
She was his Flamingo.
The ending tore my heart to pieces.
Excellent read y'all.
This is my first book by this author and I am definitely going to be checking out more of her books. Love love her writing style and her words that had me feeling like I was part of the story.
I highly recommend this book and this Wonderful Terrifying Depraved Series.
Check those TW before reading. And ya might want to refrain from eating while reading. LoL 🤭🤫
This story grabbed ahold of my heart from the very beginning and throughout the journey of Vincent and Chasity. And throughout my heart felt, joy, deep sadness, and the twists had me having to remind myself to relax and breathe. Wheew.
I laughed so hard with Chasity. She reminds me so much of myself and the thoughts she has are absolutely hilarious. And I can't help but love Vincent completely with his intelligent mind sometimes getting him into trouble. And his inner voices are also really funny.
These two had the spark. The depravity, the love for blood and excitement.
She was his Flamingo.
The ending tore my heart to pieces.
Excellent read y'all.
This is my first book by this author and I am definitely going to be checking out more of her books. Love love her writing style and her words that had me feeling like I was part of the story.
I highly recommend this book and this Wonderful Terrifying Depraved Series.
Check those TW before reading. And ya might want to refrain from eating while reading. LoL 🤭🤫
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ARC Review
#thecolonycarnivale
Embalmed
by Author M. Allydark
Release date 8th October
.Book 8 of The Colony Carnnivale, a disturbing, twisted and erotic horror series.
Beware there are triggers.
Embalmed is a really tasty erotic horror freak show, a disturbing dark shocker, and I loved it.
Vincent Mourning used to work in an undertakers embalming the dead in preparation for burial, now he performs at the Carnnivale, only now he's The Embalmer, the preserver, preparing the living for the show in Delirium, masked and performing grotesque acts on the preserved living with the lust for blood, to the ecstacy of the baying crowds.
By day Vincent owns and runs the Saint Mercy Meats the most popular food attraction disguising his gross acts coated in spices and smoke.
When a beautiful girl enters his tent, something changes in Vincent, and the carnival is watching and doesn't let go of who it owns.
This is one truly twisted erotic horror, I was fully engrossed in this fast-paced chilling installment.
#thecolonycarnivale
Embalmed
by Author M. Allydark
Release date 8th October
.Book 8 of The Colony Carnnivale, a disturbing, twisted and erotic horror series.
Beware there are triggers.
Embalmed is a really tasty erotic horror freak show, a disturbing dark shocker, and I loved it.
Vincent Mourning used to work in an undertakers embalming the dead in preparation for burial, now he performs at the Carnnivale, only now he's The Embalmer, the preserver, preparing the living for the show in Delirium, masked and performing grotesque acts on the preserved living with the lust for blood, to the ecstacy of the baying crowds.
By day Vincent owns and runs the Saint Mercy Meats the most popular food attraction disguising his gross acts coated in spices and smoke.
When a beautiful girl enters his tent, something changes in Vincent, and the carnival is watching and doesn't let go of who it owns.
This is one truly twisted erotic horror, I was fully engrossed in this fast-paced chilling installment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
I am reading this series as a set of ARCs.
They are all part of a shared Carnivale world and do have quite a few trigger warnings, so please check these before you dive in!
This one was all kinds of crazy!
I did not expect that twister of a plot 🤯
Vincent was an Embalmer at a funeral home when he gets pulled into The Colony Carnival, one day he comes across a pink haired firecracker Cassidy. This makes the carnival unsettled.. should he chose the girl or his life at the carnival..
The twists in this one were twisting!
Some parts were tense and uncomfortable but others were soft.. that kind of contrast left me feeling like I’d been on a rollercoaster.
As usual with this series, there are some graphic elements that could make you squeamish, so please check those triggers.
P.S I don’t think I’m ever going to eat the food at a carnival or funfair ever again 😂
I am reading this series as a set of ARCs.
They are all part of a shared Carnivale world and do have quite a few trigger warnings, so please check these before you dive in!
This one was all kinds of crazy!
I did not expect that twister of a plot 🤯
Vincent was an Embalmer at a funeral home when he gets pulled into The Colony Carnival, one day he comes across a pink haired firecracker Cassidy. This makes the carnival unsettled.. should he chose the girl or his life at the carnival..
The twists in this one were twisting!
Some parts were tense and uncomfortable but others were soft.. that kind of contrast left me feeling like I’d been on a rollercoaster.
As usual with this series, there are some graphic elements that could make you squeamish, so please check those triggers.
P.S I don’t think I’m ever going to eat the food at a carnival or funfair ever again 😂
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. 🖤
With a title like Embalmed, you can probably guess this wasn't exactly a wholesome read.
Dark, depraved, gory, and spicy... basically all my favourite things.
This definitely isn't one for the faint-hearted, so if you have triggers, I'd recommend checking them first. Me? I never do. I like the surprise, and this one definitely didn't disappoint.
This instalment follows Vincent, the carnival's cook. And if you've read the previous books... you already know exactly what kind of meat is on the menu. 🌭👀
I really felt for Chastity throughout the story, and while I did see where things were heading, that didn't take away from the experience. It was another twisted, entertaining addition to the Carnival series that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Another dark, fucked-up ride that I thoroughly enjoyed.
4 ⭐
Yes, this was an ARC.
No, my standards didn't magically disappear.
As always, these thoughts are completely my own. 🖤
With a title like Embalmed, you can probably guess this wasn't exactly a wholesome read.
Dark, depraved, gory, and spicy... basically all my favourite things.
This definitely isn't one for the faint-hearted, so if you have triggers, I'd recommend checking them first. Me? I never do. I like the surprise, and this one definitely didn't disappoint.
This instalment follows Vincent, the carnival's cook. And if you've read the previous books... you already know exactly what kind of meat is on the menu. 🌭👀
I really felt for Chastity throughout the story, and while I did see where things were heading, that didn't take away from the experience. It was another twisted, entertaining addition to the Carnival series that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Another dark, fucked-up ride that I thoroughly enjoyed.
4 ⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Embalmed" by M. Allydark is a 5-star erotic horror! Vincent Mourning is the owner of Mourning and Sons Funeral Home and finds himself in a position where he has no choice but to accept an invitation to join the Colony Carnivale. Chastity is a virgin who is fascinated by Vincent and the work he is doing at the Carnivale. When these two come together, it becomes one sick and twisted story.
There is no shortage of blood and gore in this story. The show that Vincent puts on may be one of the most disturbing so far. Let’s not forget to mention the nastiness of the food he prepares for the guests. The enjoyable dialogue between Vincent and Chastity brought some light into the darkness. Dario brought all that darkness right back, though.
Overall, another great addition to the series!
Thanks to M. Allydark for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.
There is no shortage of blood and gore in this story. The show that Vincent puts on may be one of the most disturbing so far. Let’s not forget to mention the nastiness of the food he prepares for the guests. The enjoyable dialogue between Vincent and Chastity brought some light into the darkness. Dario brought all that darkness right back, though.
Overall, another great addition to the series!
Thanks to M. Allydark for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Embalmed by M. Ally Dark is easily one of the standout installments in The Colony Carnivale series! This book gives us Vincent a cunning MMC shrouded in secrecy and Chasity, a pink haired woman who integrates herself into his quiet life. Their connection is equal parts beautiful, heartbreaking, and laced with an impending sense of doom right from the start. The story brings a unique, dark "Frankenstein" spin to the Carnivale atmosphere, blending tense psychological horror and medical procedures with genuine moments of humor and lighter interactions. Watching Dario and the Carnivale step in to their happiness creates an unbearable tension where you know things are going to end unforgivingly. It’s pitch black, deeply depraved, and filled with shocking surprises that will keep you glued to every page. Highly recommended, but definitely check your triggers first
Embalmed by M. Ally Dark is easily one of the standout installments in The Colony Carnivale series! This book gives us Vincent a cunning MMC shrouded in secrecy and Chasity, a pink haired woman who integrates herself into his quiet life. Their connection is equal parts beautiful, heartbreaking, and laced with an impending sense of doom right from the start. The story brings a unique, dark "Frankenstein" spin to the Carnivale atmosphere, blending tense psychological horror and medical procedures with genuine moments of humor and lighter interactions. Watching Dario and the Carnivale step in to their happiness creates an unbearable tension where you know things are going to end unforgivingly. It’s pitch black, deeply depraved, and filled with shocking surprises that will keep you glued to every page. Highly recommended, but definitely check your triggers first
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gorgeously grotesque and utterly unforgettable!
Embalmed is such a chilling, brilliant addition to the series, M. Allydark delivers a story that’s equal parts haunting and horrifying.
Vincent Mourning is a fascinating, deeply unsettling character, a man obsessed with preserving beauty, fighting to stop decay at any cost. The contrast between his charming public persona and his dark, secret work as The Preservationist is absolutely mesmerizing.
When that one girl sees him, truly sees him, the shift in him is subtle, electric, and completely terrifying.
The atmosphere is thick with rot, beauty, and dread, and the ending hits you like a punch to the chest!! Because the Carnivale never lets go.
Dark, lush, and genuinely disturbing, another perfect entry in this incredible series.
I couldn’t put it down! 🎪🖤
Embalmed is such a chilling, brilliant addition to the series, M. Allydark delivers a story that’s equal parts haunting and horrifying.
Vincent Mourning is a fascinating, deeply unsettling character, a man obsessed with preserving beauty, fighting to stop decay at any cost. The contrast between his charming public persona and his dark, secret work as The Preservationist is absolutely mesmerizing.
When that one girl sees him, truly sees him, the shift in him is subtle, electric, and completely terrifying.
The atmosphere is thick with rot, beauty, and dread, and the ending hits you like a punch to the chest!! Because the Carnivale never lets go.
Dark, lush, and genuinely disturbing, another perfect entry in this incredible series.
I couldn’t put it down! 🎪🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
As always I like to add to my review that anything you check will have a list of trigger warnings ⚠️ please take those into advisory especially with the colony carnivale.
This is book 8 in the series and it's had me in a full chokehold.
"The carnival was watching. The audience was watching."
This has to be one of my favorite lines for this book.
I swear this held my attention so quickly and I was just eating up every page. The colony carnivale knows exactly how to pick them. They always do it right.
I also was giggling and laughing through this. Yes I have a dark sense of humor but this one line has be LAUGHING.
“I’m emotionally attached to a homicidal Victorian refrigerator.”
Like girl me too 🤣🤣 I feel you on that. I loved this and I'm so excited to find more books by this author 🖤
This is book 8 in the series and it's had me in a full chokehold.
"The carnival was watching. The audience was watching."
This has to be one of my favorite lines for this book.
I swear this held my attention so quickly and I was just eating up every page. The colony carnivale knows exactly how to pick them. They always do it right.
I also was giggling and laughing through this. Yes I have a dark sense of humor but this one line has be LAUGHING.
“I’m emotionally attached to a homicidal Victorian refrigerator.”
Like girl me too 🤣🤣 I feel you on that. I loved this and I'm so excited to find more books by this author 🖤
September 11, 2026
Embalmed — #8 in the Colony Carnivale series
I absolutely ate this one up! Vincent is wonderful, and at this point, I’ve fully accepted that loving these books and these characters as much as I do may make me a little odd—but honestly, I can’t help myself.
This one had some moments that genuinely shocked me, and I was ALL for it. I love when a book can still surprise me, especially this far into a series.
I’m loving the Colony Carnivale series so much. And honestly, knowing I’m only partway through makes me even happier because I still have so many more characters to meet, stories to uncover, and chaos to enjoy. I’m absolutely not ready for this journey to end!
I absolutely ate this one up! Vincent is wonderful, and at this point, I’ve fully accepted that loving these books and these characters as much as I do may make me a little odd—but honestly, I can’t help myself.
This one had some moments that genuinely shocked me, and I was ALL for it. I love when a book can still surprise me, especially this far into a series.
I’m loving the Colony Carnivale series so much. And honestly, knowing I’m only partway through makes me even happier because I still have so many more characters to meet, stories to uncover, and chaos to enjoy. I’m absolutely not ready for this journey to end!
Review of advance copy received from Author
How much I enjoyed this was a little up and down for me, and I actually found it difficult to rate this book.
It started off really strong, just like I'd expect a horror erotica called Embalmed to start to be fair, and I had high hopes. There were some other plot points that I did really enjoy too, and the characters were great. Loved Vincent and the Flamingo.
However, there were some part I felt that could of been shorter, and the writing felt like it changed in parts. Not always for the best.
Overall, this was good but please be aware that this one has themes that will not be for everyone and I would recommend reading the trigger warnings.
It started off really strong, just like I'd expect a horror erotica called Embalmed to start to be fair, and I had high hopes. There were some other plot points that I did really enjoy too, and the characters were great. Loved Vincent and the Flamingo.
However, there were some part I felt that could of been shorter, and the writing felt like it changed in parts. Not always for the best.
Overall, this was good but please be aware that this one has themes that will not be for everyone and I would recommend reading the trigger warnings.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was different. For being the 7th book in the series you are definitely getting to see all the different sides the carnival has to offer some good and some bad. Dario our ringmaster definitely has a keen eye for finding his newest members to bring into his carnival. This book started off so good with a serial killer and just all the dark and twisted things I love. But as the story went along more and Chasity was brought more and more into Vincent’s story made me really hate Chasity. Vincent is such an interesting character where I wonder where he would be if Chasity didn’t come into his life. Had some very dark elements that I loved but some may be triggered. Not a bad book just not my favorite in the series. The ending felt a-little long to me.
September 16, 2026
Disclaimer: I am reading these books as a set of ARCS. Note they are dark and come with quite a bit of trigger warnings.
This was Book 8 of The Colony Carnivale. Embalmed by M. Ally dark was very good and the light moments are intertwined with the dark moments.
I don’t know what I can say about Vincent and Chasity other than while their paths were connected, you could feel their doom from the beginning.
I am absolutely loving this series!
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was Book 8 of The Colony Carnivale. Embalmed by M. Ally dark was very good and the light moments are intertwined with the dark moments.
I don’t know what I can say about Vincent and Chasity other than while their paths were connected, you could feel their doom from the beginning.
I am absolutely loving this series!
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
September 30, 2026🖤🎪 ARC REVIEW 🎪🖤
📖 Embalmed
Colony Carnival — Book #8
✍️ M. AllyDark
💀 Jess’s Skeleton Rating:
💀💀💀💀.5 — Beautiful, heartbreaking and completely captivating. 💔🎪
⚠️ PLEASE READ ALL TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING! ⚠️
The Colony Carnival has NO limits, and as always, make sure you know what you're stepping into before entering. 🎪
💭 My Thoughts
This one had me fixated from the VERY first page. 🖤
There was no putting it down. I just needed to keep reading and find out more.
I absolutely adored Vincent and Charity's story. 🥹🖤
There's something about these two that pulled me in completely. Their story manages to be beautiful yet absolutely heartbreaking at the same time. 💔
Eight books into the Colony Carnival and I love how every new story brings something completely different. Embalmed definitely hit me more emotionally, and Vincent and Charity are going to stick with me.
Beautiful. Dark. Heartbreaking. Addictive.
🎪 8 DOWN... 23 TO GO! 💀
And once again...
The Carnival won't let you go until THEY say you can. 🤡🎪
Thank you M. AllyDark for letting us experience Vincent and Charity's story and another piece of this twisted Carnival. 🖤
#Embalmed #MAllyDark #ColonyCarnival #ARCReview #JesssSkeletonRating
📖 Embalmed
Colony Carnival — Book #8
✍️ M. AllyDark
💀 Jess’s Skeleton Rating:
💀💀💀💀.5 — Beautiful, heartbreaking and completely captivating. 💔🎪
⚠️ PLEASE READ ALL TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING! ⚠️
The Colony Carnival has NO limits, and as always, make sure you know what you're stepping into before entering. 🎪
💭 My Thoughts
This one had me fixated from the VERY first page. 🖤
There was no putting it down. I just needed to keep reading and find out more.
I absolutely adored Vincent and Charity's story. 🥹🖤
There's something about these two that pulled me in completely. Their story manages to be beautiful yet absolutely heartbreaking at the same time. 💔
Eight books into the Colony Carnival and I love how every new story brings something completely different. Embalmed definitely hit me more emotionally, and Vincent and Charity are going to stick with me.
Beautiful. Dark. Heartbreaking. Addictive.
🎪 8 DOWN... 23 TO GO! 💀
And once again...
The Carnival won't let you go until THEY say you can. 🤡🎪
Thank you M. AllyDark for letting us experience Vincent and Charity's story and another piece of this twisted Carnival. 🖤
#Embalmed #MAllyDark #ColonyCarnival #ARCReview #JesssSkeletonRating
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the 8th novella in the Colony Carnivale series. As always please check your trigger warnings if needed. This series is a collection of dark novellas. Embalmed follows Vincent and Chasity. M. Alleydark did so good with giving us all the details to paint a picture. We get gore, spice and moments that will have you never cooking at certain things the same again. I will be reviewing all novellas in the series and they can be found on my profile!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was insane. I honestly felt so bad for Vincent. There was so much going on with him that it came through in the way he moved, the things he did, literally every thing about him. He thought he had it all under control... until a woman with pink hair and a sassy mouth shows up to knock him off his axis. I got so lost in this story and I need more Vincent.
This might be the darkest book so far. We'll see how the rest of the series goes! Please read your TW/CW's.
Step right up! Enter the Colony Carnivale at your own risk! You've been warned.
This might be the darkest book so far. We'll see how the rest of the series goes! Please read your TW/CW's.
Step right up! Enter the Colony Carnivale at your own risk! You've been warned.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ok. I am very excited about this book. It is twisted and gory in all the right ways. It was only a matter of time before one of the stories had to be about a butcher. This made me very happy that author, M. Allydark went there.
Chasity has some sort of hold on Vincent. She is all he thinks about and obsesses about. In fact, some of his joy about his profession is lost until Chasity becomes the main attraction in his act. It will bring down the house and have everyone screaming!
Chasity has some sort of hold on Vincent. She is all he thinks about and obsesses about. In fact, some of his joy about his profession is lost until Chasity becomes the main attraction in his act. It will bring down the house and have everyone screaming!
Review of advance copy
Deliciously dark and depraved .
Vincent the Embalmer is precise with everything he does. The man in the dark. The one who cooks the flesh for unknowingly participating guests.
Chasity the fireball who knows but is unsure.
This one was great and SUPER disturbing with a bit of a twist.
Does not disappoint on the dark /splatter punk side
Definitely watch those triggers especially if you’re eating dinner 👀
Vincent the Embalmer is precise with everything he does. The man in the dark. The one who cooks the flesh for unknowingly participating guests.
Chasity the fireball who knows but is unsure.
This one was great and SUPER disturbing with a bit of a twist.
Does not disappoint on the dark /splatter punk side
Definitely watch those triggers especially if you’re eating dinner 👀
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book looks into the eyes of people who say, "It's better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all." and says, "Mm, perhaps not." Vincent and Chastity are victims (on more than the other) of circumstances that they kind of made for themselves. A bit of a cautionary tale this one. Wanting to change someone and also making a change yourself requires sacrifice sometimes. I'm not going to lie I felt bad for Vincent towards then end. This one reminds me that there are some truths you can't outrun. Talk about in my feels, damn. 10/10, would recommend.
October 6, 2026
Such a ride... Seriously, the books just keep getting better and more morally questionable.
If you like Jodie King, this book will definitely be for you. It’s truly dark, a splatterpunk gem that even includes necro...
Remember, this series is all about everything politically incorrect. We’re not reading love stories here. In this place, the world stopped being pink a long time ago. The carnival lures in anyone who gets too close, only to make them a part of it, make them disappear, or kill them.
Great plot. Highly recommended.
If you like Jodie King, this book will definitely be for you. It’s truly dark, a splatterpunk gem that even includes necro...
Remember, this series is all about everything politically incorrect. We’re not reading love stories here. In this place, the world stopped being pink a long time ago. The carnival lures in anyone who gets too close, only to make them a part of it, make them disappear, or kill them.
Great plot. Highly recommended.
September 17, 2026
“Embalmed” by M. Allydark is another dark and twisted installment of The Colony Carnivale series. This one is all about obsession, and it takes things to some seriously disturbing places. There is LOTS of body horror, and it definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s dark, creepy, and unsettling, this was one seriously twisted read!
Review of advance copy
Arc reader review.
When I read the trigger warnings, I could not wait to start the book but I was disappointed pretty quickly. Vincent is interesting but I only found something in him in the last 3 chapters which, were, for me, the most interesting parts of the book.
Not for me but I love reading the other reviews. Vincent definitely needs some loving.
When I read the trigger warnings, I could not wait to start the book but I was disappointed pretty quickly. Vincent is interesting but I only found something in him in the last 3 chapters which, were, for me, the most interesting parts of the book.
Not for me but I love reading the other reviews. Vincent definitely needs some loving.
September 28, 2026
How freaking gorey, spicey and entertaining!! The embalmer had my full attention from the very beginning! He’s so set in his ways until the unexpected happens! Dario Dario Dario.. such a huge pain in the a**. It’s his way or no way or rather the carnivales way. I felt bad for Vincent for a split second but he’s resilient. LOVED!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This dives straight into Vincent and what he gets up to as an embalmer in a funeral home.
Dario soon brings him to the Colony Carnivale, for Vincent to continue his work.
Theres a lot going on in this one, to keep you engrossed in reading.
I would advise people to check the trigger warnings.
Chastity was definitely a good character and a few of her thoughts had me laughing.
A couple of nice twists in this one.
The ending did seem to start to drag a little though.
Dario soon brings him to the Colony Carnivale, for Vincent to continue his work.
Theres a lot going on in this one, to keep you engrossed in reading.
I would advise people to check the trigger warnings.
Chastity was definitely a good character and a few of her thoughts had me laughing.
A couple of nice twists in this one.
The ending did seem to start to drag a little though.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my favorite in the series so far. I love the relationship between Vincent and Chasity. This story is heartbreaking and beautiful. It fits perfectly into the Carnivale. I world love to find out what becomes of the Hunter!
September 20, 2026
4.5 stars
This book felt like it could have ended multiple times and I would have been satisfied, but I am so glad it kept going because the ending elevated it so much more.
I loved the internal banter both Vincent and Chastity had. The arguments they had with themselves were amazing.
This book felt like it could have ended multiple times and I would have been satisfied, but I am so glad it kept going because the ending elevated it so much more.
I loved the internal banter both Vincent and Chastity had. The arguments they had with themselves were amazing.
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