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Carousel: The twisty, highly addictive steampunk romantasy stand-alone
Not yet published
Expected 26 Sep 26Staying loyal just might break her heart.
Alchemised meets The Hunger Games in this twisty, steampunk-inspired romantasy debut from Beth Best that sees a young woman who, when forced to undergo an enemy conversion programme during a sky war, finds herself torn between two vastly different countries... and between two deeply flawed men.
Ara knows the people who go into the sky do not come back.
So she’s rightly terrified when she’s taken captive on a warship after saving the life of an enemy soldier, an act seen as treason by her harshly regimented country. In the sky, she’s put through a process known as Integration, designed by the ship’s eccentric captain to bring prisoners of war onto Hevalla's side.
Because Hevalla wants to use her, and the blood magic she and other Rhavnans might have, to bolster the war effort.
But Ara is loyal. She knows what’s right.
She won’t break that easily.
And she won’t get distracted by a man she thought was dead, a former friend turned strict officer who wants to protect her...
Or by the unnerving prisoner who came up with her, who just might make her powerful.
"Maybe he’s not Rhavnan. Maybe he is, but he’s a spy. All I know is – and I know it now, in every fibre of my being – he’s dangerous."
A compelling, often whimsical Star-crossed Lovers versus Soulmates science fiction fantasy with magic, mystery, action and spice that will keep you up all night turning pages and second-guessing everything... especially your loyalties.
Alchemised meets The Hunger Games in this twisty, steampunk-inspired romantasy debut from Beth Best that sees a young woman who, when forced to undergo an enemy conversion programme during a sky war, finds herself torn between two vastly different countries... and between two deeply flawed men.
Ara knows the people who go into the sky do not come back.
So she’s rightly terrified when she’s taken captive on a warship after saving the life of an enemy soldier, an act seen as treason by her harshly regimented country. In the sky, she’s put through a process known as Integration, designed by the ship’s eccentric captain to bring prisoners of war onto Hevalla's side.
Because Hevalla wants to use her, and the blood magic she and other Rhavnans might have, to bolster the war effort.
But Ara is loyal. She knows what’s right.
She won’t break that easily.
And she won’t get distracted by a man she thought was dead, a former friend turned strict officer who wants to protect her...
Or by the unnerving prisoner who came up with her, who just might make her powerful.
"Maybe he’s not Rhavnan. Maybe he is, but he’s a spy. All I know is – and I know it now, in every fibre of my being – he’s dangerous."
A compelling, often whimsical Star-crossed Lovers versus Soulmates science fiction fantasy with magic, mystery, action and spice that will keep you up all night turning pages and second-guessing everything... especially your loyalties.
526 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where to start?
Great world building that didn’t take you out of the story. I liked the fact that the Anatomy of a Hive Ship, Crew, and Terms were at the beginning, so I wasn’t always trying to figure out what was being spoken about and didn’t need it spelled out in the story, I think that was a smart move by Best.
First let’s start with setting(s): Hevalla (where the story begins), The Emperor (ship where most of the story takes place), Rhavna (in memory, and in reality, at the very end). There are other places that are spoken of, or have limited memories mentioned, but the main setting is the Hevallan ship, The Emperor. The overall story does give that steam-punky futuristic society versus magical society feel and the battle between the two, as there are those that have magical blood and bloodlines (the royal family of Rhavna have the “strongest” and it trickles to obscurity through distance of relations to the royal family) and those without magic who rely on weapons and firepower in the war between them. There are also prophecies and mysticism throughout, gods that are believed in or not. There are a lot of elements you find in fantasy stories that are woven together so well in Carousel so that you feel this is a “new” story and not a copy paste with a different setting/power/ETL/{insert fantasy trope here}, so it felt fresh and like a new idea. Fantasy and Romantasy are my top read genres, and I loved that I didn’t see what was coming. The last 30% of the book threw me for a loop!
The characters: Ara is our main FMC, at the beginning of the story she and her brother and great grandmother are Rhavnans living in Hevalla as they escaped when the war started. I think (as we learn later) that maybe Ara isn’t sure of her position or even safety in Hevalla or Rhavna. Her great grandmother is a seer and shares incomplete or open-ended futures for Ara, so it makes us question Ara and who she is. But she cares about her family and her brother’s safety especially. She is kind and has adapted to life in Hevalla. We soon see her world turn upside down when she rescues and an enemy (Rhavnan) soldier who has crash landed on her beach. By saving him, she feels some connection with him (he is from her homeland after all), and they are then taken as POWs onto the Hevallan ship, the Emperor.
Our two MMCs are Drake and Cosmer. Ara grew up with Cosmer, believed him to be dead after running away to join the war. Drake is the “enemy” soldier from her homeland that she rescues and feels an instant connection to. But both men have secrets and have more information than Ara has. Who is she to trust as she is pulled between who she should be loyal to in the war and in her heart? As Ara narrates, it is our job to try to figure this out with the limited knowledge she has. I won’t go too deeply into these two as I feel her relationships with each is very important to flow of the story and Ara’s emotions and choices. Cosmer (gotta love a red head), plays the golden retriever, but there is true hidden depth to him, he is so much more than that, but I am not going to say further! Drake (dark and striking), he is a mystery, every time you think you know, he will do something that changes your mind. I honestly don’t know how I am feeling about him by the end of Carousel!
I also don’t want to just give a synopsis, and spoil anything but the bulk of the story takes place on the ship. We do meet some other characters, some you will grow to love and some you will hate right off the bat, some that grow on you and some that deceive you. At least one may bring tears to your eyes.
I think it is important to state that Ara is an unreliable narrator at best. She thinks she knows, and truly, has her eyes opened many times throughout the story. There are so many twists and turns and questions about destiny and choice, and they are woven together as to make even you, the reader, question what the right answer and destination are for Ara, Cosmer, and Drake. Who is good? Who is bad? Are there ever really such clean drawn lines? Of course not. I think there is are a few reasons why the book is named Carousel.
If you want an immersive experience and feel like you are part of the story, Carousel delivers. It feels epic in scale on these huge ships, the battle sequences are nuanced and some of the intimate scenes (not talking about spice here, just closeness) feel so innocent and some feel so desperate. Ara has a battle going on and not just the war.
I am truly impressed with Beth Best here. She wrote a world that I wanted to live in and experience! Thank you for the ARC and I can’t wait to see Carousel everywhere!
Overall: 5 stars, it kept me engaged, I loved our MCs and I don’t want to wait for more!
FMC: 4.5 ONLY because I sometimes yelled through the ether “girl, what is you doing!”
MMC1: Cosmer 5, 5+, so many stars. Baby, baby, you stole my heart!
MMC2: Drake 4, you have secrets and do some stuff I don’t like, but then you will redeem yourself. You confuse the crap out of me!
Great world building that didn’t take you out of the story. I liked the fact that the Anatomy of a Hive Ship, Crew, and Terms were at the beginning, so I wasn’t always trying to figure out what was being spoken about and didn’t need it spelled out in the story, I think that was a smart move by Best.
First let’s start with setting(s): Hevalla (where the story begins), The Emperor (ship where most of the story takes place), Rhavna (in memory, and in reality, at the very end). There are other places that are spoken of, or have limited memories mentioned, but the main setting is the Hevallan ship, The Emperor. The overall story does give that steam-punky futuristic society versus magical society feel and the battle between the two, as there are those that have magical blood and bloodlines (the royal family of Rhavna have the “strongest” and it trickles to obscurity through distance of relations to the royal family) and those without magic who rely on weapons and firepower in the war between them. There are also prophecies and mysticism throughout, gods that are believed in or not. There are a lot of elements you find in fantasy stories that are woven together so well in Carousel so that you feel this is a “new” story and not a copy paste with a different setting/power/ETL/{insert fantasy trope here}, so it felt fresh and like a new idea. Fantasy and Romantasy are my top read genres, and I loved that I didn’t see what was coming. The last 30% of the book threw me for a loop!
The characters: Ara is our main FMC, at the beginning of the story she and her brother and great grandmother are Rhavnans living in Hevalla as they escaped when the war started. I think (as we learn later) that maybe Ara isn’t sure of her position or even safety in Hevalla or Rhavna. Her great grandmother is a seer and shares incomplete or open-ended futures for Ara, so it makes us question Ara and who she is. But she cares about her family and her brother’s safety especially. She is kind and has adapted to life in Hevalla. We soon see her world turn upside down when she rescues and an enemy (Rhavnan) soldier who has crash landed on her beach. By saving him, she feels some connection with him (he is from her homeland after all), and they are then taken as POWs onto the Hevallan ship, the Emperor.
Our two MMCs are Drake and Cosmer. Ara grew up with Cosmer, believed him to be dead after running away to join the war. Drake is the “enemy” soldier from her homeland that she rescues and feels an instant connection to. But both men have secrets and have more information than Ara has. Who is she to trust as she is pulled between who she should be loyal to in the war and in her heart? As Ara narrates, it is our job to try to figure this out with the limited knowledge she has. I won’t go too deeply into these two as I feel her relationships with each is very important to flow of the story and Ara’s emotions and choices. Cosmer (gotta love a red head), plays the golden retriever, but there is true hidden depth to him, he is so much more than that, but I am not going to say further! Drake (dark and striking), he is a mystery, every time you think you know, he will do something that changes your mind. I honestly don’t know how I am feeling about him by the end of Carousel!
I also don’t want to just give a synopsis, and spoil anything but the bulk of the story takes place on the ship. We do meet some other characters, some you will grow to love and some you will hate right off the bat, some that grow on you and some that deceive you. At least one may bring tears to your eyes.
I think it is important to state that Ara is an unreliable narrator at best. She thinks she knows, and truly, has her eyes opened many times throughout the story. There are so many twists and turns and questions about destiny and choice, and they are woven together as to make even you, the reader, question what the right answer and destination are for Ara, Cosmer, and Drake. Who is good? Who is bad? Are there ever really such clean drawn lines? Of course not. I think there is are a few reasons why the book is named Carousel.
If you want an immersive experience and feel like you are part of the story, Carousel delivers. It feels epic in scale on these huge ships, the battle sequences are nuanced and some of the intimate scenes (not talking about spice here, just closeness) feel so innocent and some feel so desperate. Ara has a battle going on and not just the war.
I am truly impressed with Beth Best here. She wrote a world that I wanted to live in and experience! Thank you for the ARC and I can’t wait to see Carousel everywhere!
Overall: 5 stars, it kept me engaged, I loved our MCs and I don’t want to wait for more!
FMC: 4.5 ONLY because I sometimes yelled through the ether “girl, what is you doing!”
MMC1: Cosmer 5, 5+, so many stars. Baby, baby, you stole my heart!
MMC2: Drake 4, you have secrets and do some stuff I don’t like, but then you will redeem yourself. You confuse the crap out of me!
August 16, 2026
Carousel by Beth Best
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
Firstly, a huge thank you to Beth Best and Books and Bloom PR for providing me with an ARC copy of Carousel in exchange for an honest review.
Carousel follows Ara, a young woman from the strictly controlled nation of Rhavna, whose life is turned upside down when she saves an enemy soldier and is subsequently captured during a war fought in the skies. Fiercely loyal to everything she has been taught, Ara is determined not to be swayed by her captures beliefs, but her convictions become increasingly difficult to hold onto as she finds herself caught between two opposing nations, questions about her own identity and abilities, and two very different men with complicated connections to her. Set against a steampunk-inspired world of war, magic, divided loyalties and romance, Ara must begin to decide for herself who she can trust and where she truly belongs.
I found this book genuinely fascinating. The world-building was one of its real strengths, giving enough detail to make the setting feel immersive and believable without becoming overly descriptive or drawn out, something I have occasionally found with other books in this genre.
The character stories were equally immersive, and I particularly enjoyed being able to see the potential for them to grow and develop further in future books. It feels very much like the beginning of a world with many more stories still waiting to be told.
The twists and turns made for compulsive reading, and there was plenty that I simply didn’t expect. Just when I thought I had worked out where the story might be heading, something would shift again.
For me, this was a four-star rather than a five-star read because there were occasional moments where events or elements of a character’s story seemed to pass a little too quickly, or were resolved or dismissed more easily than I would have liked. At times, I wanted the story to linger just a little longer and explore those moments in greater depth.
That said, Carousel was a really enjoyable and intriguing read, combining fantasy, romance, magic and conflict within an absorbing world. I’m definitely interested to see where Beth Best takes these characters and this world next.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
Firstly, a huge thank you to Beth Best and Books and Bloom PR for providing me with an ARC copy of Carousel in exchange for an honest review.
Carousel follows Ara, a young woman from the strictly controlled nation of Rhavna, whose life is turned upside down when she saves an enemy soldier and is subsequently captured during a war fought in the skies. Fiercely loyal to everything she has been taught, Ara is determined not to be swayed by her captures beliefs, but her convictions become increasingly difficult to hold onto as she finds herself caught between two opposing nations, questions about her own identity and abilities, and two very different men with complicated connections to her. Set against a steampunk-inspired world of war, magic, divided loyalties and romance, Ara must begin to decide for herself who she can trust and where she truly belongs.
I found this book genuinely fascinating. The world-building was one of its real strengths, giving enough detail to make the setting feel immersive and believable without becoming overly descriptive or drawn out, something I have occasionally found with other books in this genre.
The character stories were equally immersive, and I particularly enjoyed being able to see the potential for them to grow and develop further in future books. It feels very much like the beginning of a world with many more stories still waiting to be told.
The twists and turns made for compulsive reading, and there was plenty that I simply didn’t expect. Just when I thought I had worked out where the story might be heading, something would shift again.
For me, this was a four-star rather than a five-star read because there were occasional moments where events or elements of a character’s story seemed to pass a little too quickly, or were resolved or dismissed more easily than I would have liked. At times, I wanted the story to linger just a little longer and explore those moments in greater depth.
That said, Carousel was a really enjoyable and intriguing read, combining fantasy, romance, magic and conflict within an absorbing world. I’m definitely interested to see where Beth Best takes these characters and this world next.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐
I received an ARC from the author, opinions are always my own.
This book was so much fun. The longer I read it, the more hooked I got. By the halfway point I couldn't stop anymore and basically just inhaled the rest 😅
Ara lost the country she loved when she was moved to the country that attacked her home. She lost the boy she loved when he joined in the fighting. Then one day an enemy ship from her home country crashes to the beach she's on and she saves a man she was not supposed to save. One she is drawn to in a way she cannot explain. When they are taken on a ship as prisoners of war she finds that the boy she used to love is not in fact dead. Taken through a process meant to turn her traitor to her own country she is torn between the two seriously flawed men that both seem deeply connected to her.
This is everything romantasy should be, but in such a new and refreshing way.
While a lot of tropes and elements are not necessarily very different (enemies to lovers, fantasy world, magic, war time, finding power in pain), I felt the execution was most definitely fresh and unexpected. I love how all the characters are flawed and human, in a believable way. They actually make mistakes that make sense and the miscommunication and discussions are all very natural. I loved the magic and technology mix and the writing was very engaging all around.
Overall, I highly recommend this one. Especially for fans of Fantasy romance who like their worlds to have some substance and their relationships to have layers and depth. But mostly, I just had a blast reading it.
I received an ARC from the author, opinions are always my own.
This book was so much fun. The longer I read it, the more hooked I got. By the halfway point I couldn't stop anymore and basically just inhaled the rest 😅
Ara lost the country she loved when she was moved to the country that attacked her home. She lost the boy she loved when he joined in the fighting. Then one day an enemy ship from her home country crashes to the beach she's on and she saves a man she was not supposed to save. One she is drawn to in a way she cannot explain. When they are taken on a ship as prisoners of war she finds that the boy she used to love is not in fact dead. Taken through a process meant to turn her traitor to her own country she is torn between the two seriously flawed men that both seem deeply connected to her.
This is everything romantasy should be, but in such a new and refreshing way.
While a lot of tropes and elements are not necessarily very different (enemies to lovers, fantasy world, magic, war time, finding power in pain), I felt the execution was most definitely fresh and unexpected. I love how all the characters are flawed and human, in a believable way. They actually make mistakes that make sense and the miscommunication and discussions are all very natural. I loved the magic and technology mix and the writing was very engaging all around.
Overall, I highly recommend this one. Especially for fans of Fantasy romance who like their worlds to have some substance and their relationships to have layers and depth. But mostly, I just had a blast reading it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved Carousel. When I first saw the page count, I was a little worried it might feel too long, but I never once found myself wishing it was shorter. In fact, I wasn’t ready for it to end. I flew through over half the book on a road trip because I was completely invested.
The world-building struck the perfect balance. Everything felt vivid and immersive without becoming overly descriptive, and I could easily picture both the settings and the characters. Nothing felt excessive or overwhelming.
Riss and Drake were definite standouts for me. Riss felt incredibly genuine, and Drake was such a compelling character. Honestly, I felt connected to the entire cast pretty quickly, which made the emotional moments hit even harder.
There were so many scenes that made me smile, laugh, and even break my heart a little. I especially loved the quieter moments between the characters and seeing them find joy and comfort despite everything they were facing. Those moments made the story feel so real.
My only minor complaint was that I would have loved a little more time with one particular character, as some of their actions felt a bit abrupt. But honestly, that’s a tiny criticism in a book I enjoyed this much.
Carousel completely pulled me in from beginning to end. The writing, characters, and emotional depth kept me hooked, and by the time I reached the last page, I was wishing there was more.
Can’t wait for it to be published so I can buy a hard copy!
The world-building struck the perfect balance. Everything felt vivid and immersive without becoming overly descriptive, and I could easily picture both the settings and the characters. Nothing felt excessive or overwhelming.
Riss and Drake were definite standouts for me. Riss felt incredibly genuine, and Drake was such a compelling character. Honestly, I felt connected to the entire cast pretty quickly, which made the emotional moments hit even harder.
There were so many scenes that made me smile, laugh, and even break my heart a little. I especially loved the quieter moments between the characters and seeing them find joy and comfort despite everything they were facing. Those moments made the story feel so real.
My only minor complaint was that I would have loved a little more time with one particular character, as some of their actions felt a bit abrupt. But honestly, that’s a tiny criticism in a book I enjoyed this much.
Carousel completely pulled me in from beginning to end. The writing, characters, and emotional depth kept me hooked, and by the time I reached the last page, I was wishing there was more.
Can’t wait for it to be published so I can buy a hard copy!
June 10, 2026
I read Carousel a few months ago, and it still lives rent-free in my head. From epic battles and massive warships to strong steampunk vibes and fascinating world-building, this book completely pulled me in. I don’t think I’d ever read a steampunk fantasy before, but now I’m officially obsessed with the genre.
The story follows Ara, a young girl living in a poor coastal village with her grandmother and younger brother. Her life is simple until a mysterious sky ship crashes near the beach. When Ara investigates the wreck, she encounters an enemy soldier, and that single moment changes the course of her life forever.
One of my favorite things about this book was the world-building. The combination of fantasy elements, advanced steam-powered technology, and ongoing conflict created a setting that felt unique and immersive. The characters were equally compelling, and I found myself deeply invested in Ara’s journey as she navigated a world much bigger and more dangerous than she ever imagined.
And that ending… my jaw was literally on the floor. If you’ve read it, you know exactly what I’m talking about. That cliffhanger left me desperate for more and thinking about the story long after I finished the final page.
If you’re looking for a fantasy with steampunk elements, high-stakes adventure, memorable characters, and an ending that will leave you stunned, Carousel is absolutely worth picking up.
The story follows Ara, a young girl living in a poor coastal village with her grandmother and younger brother. Her life is simple until a mysterious sky ship crashes near the beach. When Ara investigates the wreck, she encounters an enemy soldier, and that single moment changes the course of her life forever.
One of my favorite things about this book was the world-building. The combination of fantasy elements, advanced steam-powered technology, and ongoing conflict created a setting that felt unique and immersive. The characters were equally compelling, and I found myself deeply invested in Ara’s journey as she navigated a world much bigger and more dangerous than she ever imagined.
And that ending… my jaw was literally on the floor. If you’ve read it, you know exactly what I’m talking about. That cliffhanger left me desperate for more and thinking about the story long after I finished the final page.
If you’re looking for a fantasy with steampunk elements, high-stakes adventure, memorable characters, and an ending that will leave you stunned, Carousel is absolutely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an amazing story that pulls you in from the beginning. The page count may have you questioning things, but there's no fluff here. The world building is done so well, you'll feel like you're in the story itself. Ara is our FMC, and she makes two choices, which leads her on a journey she would have never expected. While Drake is our MMC, I must say Cosmer will definitely find a place in your heart. Riss is an MVP side character, and she's worth every moment she's on page.
There's talk of prophecy and choices. Ara is in a battle she has no idea she's in. There's secrets around every corner, and they begin to unravel bit by bit throughout the story. The story takes an unimaginable twist at the end that you'd definitely not expect.
I honestly wish there was more but ended exactly as it should. If you want an immersive read with some sci-fi and romance intertwined, you'll love this.
Fav Quotes:
"Be stronger than you feel. Strength is a choice."
“But perhaps we can be whoever we want to be. Choose who we want to be. Regardless of our birth.”
"There. It. Is."
There's talk of prophecy and choices. Ara is in a battle she has no idea she's in. There's secrets around every corner, and they begin to unravel bit by bit throughout the story. The story takes an unimaginable twist at the end that you'd definitely not expect.
I honestly wish there was more but ended exactly as it should. If you want an immersive read with some sci-fi and romance intertwined, you'll love this.
Fav Quotes:
"Be stronger than you feel. Strength is a choice."
“But perhaps we can be whoever we want to be. Choose who we want to be. Regardless of our birth.”
"There. It. Is."
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC review*
I absolutely loved the world-building and the pace of Carousel, and the fact that the side characters have some depth to them and a role in the plot. The story becomes a little hectic in the middle when Ara is trying to figure out what is happening with the integration, but I assume this is purposeful and reflective of the chaos around her. I really liked that the plot wasn't 'guessable' and loved the twist at the ending.
The characters are likeable and kept me reading until late in to the evening , but the romance between Cosmer and Ara becomes intense quickly - I thought there might be reason behind this (e.g. use of the 'blood magic') so was a little disappointed to find this wasn't the case.
The bit at the start with an overview of the terminology etc made me worry that the story was going to be overly complex, but actually it was perfect - it gave me a quick insight before the book started and I didn't have to refer back to it as everything made sense as the story progressed.
I absolutely loved the world-building and the pace of Carousel, and the fact that the side characters have some depth to them and a role in the plot. The story becomes a little hectic in the middle when Ara is trying to figure out what is happening with the integration, but I assume this is purposeful and reflective of the chaos around her. I really liked that the plot wasn't 'guessable' and loved the twist at the ending.
The characters are likeable and kept me reading until late in to the evening , but the romance between Cosmer and Ara becomes intense quickly - I thought there might be reason behind this (e.g. use of the 'blood magic') so was a little disappointed to find this wasn't the case.
The bit at the start with an overview of the terminology etc made me worry that the story was going to be overly complex, but actually it was perfect - it gave me a quick insight before the book started and I didn't have to refer back to it as everything made sense as the story progressed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Carousel…. Where do we start! It was fast-paced, full of magic, mystery, action and romance kept me turning the pages and losing sleep to finish it🙏
I loved the glossary at the start explaining the Hive ship, different decks and all the terminology. I found it SO helpful when reading, especially when I needed a quick reminder! Such a bonus when authors include this!
I am invested in Ara's story! She may have frustrated me at times, but considering her whole world had been turned upside down, I could completely understand why.
And on to the romance… 👀 The constant well who is gunna be Ara!! had me hooked. I was RAGING towards the end 😂 but thankfully everything was cleared up! If you know… you know 😅
My only criticism was that I sometimes felt the pacing was a little too fast. I would have loved more time for some of the relationships to develop.
And Drake… 👀 Yeah. I was definitely very into Drake. 😂
I loved the glossary at the start explaining the Hive ship, different decks and all the terminology. I found it SO helpful when reading, especially when I needed a quick reminder! Such a bonus when authors include this!
I am invested in Ara's story! She may have frustrated me at times, but considering her whole world had been turned upside down, I could completely understand why.
And on to the romance… 👀 The constant well who is gunna be Ara!! had me hooked. I was RAGING towards the end 😂 but thankfully everything was cleared up! If you know… you know 😅
My only criticism was that I sometimes felt the pacing was a little too fast. I would have loved more time for some of the relationships to develop.
And Drake… 👀 Yeah. I was definitely very into Drake. 😂
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so thankful for this opportunity let me start with I was captivated by this world from start to finish. I thought of this book a lot and was invested in the story to be told.
It truly is a love triangle focused world where you get a choice of Cosmer and Drake.
Personally I did bounce between them as I went through the story you will learn why and all their flaws and what they have to offer to our FMC Ara.
This is a steampunk style world where you are in the sky on a carousel like spaceship that’s giant and beautiful and well described by Beth.
As you follow Ara as a prisoner of war you find a little spice and some friendship along with unlocking hidden memories and secrets that sway your opinion as you go.
I highly recommend picking this book when it releases, an amazing standalone so you aren’t left on a cliffhanger!
It truly is a love triangle focused world where you get a choice of Cosmer and Drake.
Personally I did bounce between them as I went through the story you will learn why and all their flaws and what they have to offer to our FMC Ara.
This is a steampunk style world where you are in the sky on a carousel like spaceship that’s giant and beautiful and well described by Beth.
As you follow Ara as a prisoner of war you find a little spice and some friendship along with unlocking hidden memories and secrets that sway your opinion as you go.
I highly recommend picking this book when it releases, an amazing standalone so you aren’t left on a cliffhanger!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Carousel is an interesting book. It has steampunk vibes, political Intrigue, characters Wich are morally grey but what draw attention in how they are written. It's not your common Romantasy Story and it shows.
Does is give emotional damage? Yes
Does it have world building? Yes
Does it have complex relationships between characters? Yes
Do you get to hate some of the characters? Of course!
I really enjoyed reading this ARC, the story is different from what's out there and how is narrated makes you read non-stop because you get to invest in the story that you need to know what happens next.
I gave it 4/5⭐ Because even though the story is really good. I felt that there was something missing.
So, Do I recommend this book? Yes, you will enjoy it but remember it has Steampunk vibes so you need to remember the setting is different from normal Romantasy.
Does is give emotional damage? Yes
Does it have world building? Yes
Does it have complex relationships between characters? Yes
Do you get to hate some of the characters? Of course!
I really enjoyed reading this ARC, the story is different from what's out there and how is narrated makes you read non-stop because you get to invest in the story that you need to know what happens next.
I gave it 4/5⭐ Because even though the story is really good. I felt that there was something missing.
So, Do I recommend this book? Yes, you will enjoy it but remember it has Steampunk vibes so you need to remember the setting is different from normal Romantasy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as as a ARC from the author.
I loved the beginning and the ending but the middle was lacking something for me. I was going to DNF but kept going and enjoyed the ending. I would have gave it three stars but the ending made it.
The world telling is really interesting and loved the idea of the sky ships which is where a lot of the story line happens.
I liked Ara as a character, she is strong and doesn’t mind voicing her opinions. Drake and Rissa were really fun characters and would have liked some more moments with both of them.
Sorry but Cosmer made me cringe! I’m not sure if this was on purpose or not but I wanted to punch him in the face. I like that he gave up certain things for her but needed more yearning and for him to stop doing stupid stuff.
I loved the beginning and the ending but the middle was lacking something for me. I was going to DNF but kept going and enjoyed the ending. I would have gave it three stars but the ending made it.
The world telling is really interesting and loved the idea of the sky ships which is where a lot of the story line happens.
I liked Ara as a character, she is strong and doesn’t mind voicing her opinions. Drake and Rissa were really fun characters and would have liked some more moments with both of them.
Sorry but Cosmer made me cringe! I’m not sure if this was on purpose or not but I wanted to punch him in the face. I like that he gave up certain things for her but needed more yearning and for him to stop doing stupid stuff.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amazing!
Carousel follows a young woman named Ara who lives a poor life with her grandmother and younger brother in a village on the sea during the middle of a war. One day a war sky ship crashes near the beach and she makes the decision to save the only remaining enemy soldier, changing the course of her life completely.
This is a unique blend of genres: fantasy, steampunk, dystopian and romance, and Beth does a beautiful job of fully immersing you in her magical world with cleverly detailed world building that doesn’t leave you behind.
Conflict, prophecies, magic, secrets, burning tension and complex characters come together in this memorable high-stake adventure in the sky.
Beth has created a very special story and I’m desperate for more.
Carousel follows a young woman named Ara who lives a poor life with her grandmother and younger brother in a village on the sea during the middle of a war. One day a war sky ship crashes near the beach and she makes the decision to save the only remaining enemy soldier, changing the course of her life completely.
This is a unique blend of genres: fantasy, steampunk, dystopian and romance, and Beth does a beautiful job of fully immersing you in her magical world with cleverly detailed world building that doesn’t leave you behind.
Conflict, prophecies, magic, secrets, burning tension and complex characters come together in this memorable high-stake adventure in the sky.
Beth has created a very special story and I’m desperate for more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the pleasure of Beta Reading this book!
The setting was unique, the plot was brilliant and the characters were well developed. The world building was woven into the story really well also.
There were times I was so invested, I forgot that I was supposed to be assisting with finding 'faults' 😂
To say I read an 'un-polished' version of the book, it quickly became one of my favourites.
Beth Best has created a truly wonderful world, and I can't wait to see how she develops it further.
The setting was unique, the plot was brilliant and the characters were well developed. The world building was woven into the story really well also.
There were times I was so invested, I forgot that I was supposed to be assisting with finding 'faults' 😂
To say I read an 'un-polished' version of the book, it quickly became one of my favourites.
Beth Best has created a truly wonderful world, and I can't wait to see how she develops it further.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Stepping into a new world from a new author is always a scary prospect, however from the opening chapter this book had me gripped.
The world building gives you a real feel for the characters without dragging on too long.
I loved all the twists and turns within the story that you later realise were hinted at earlier in the book but at the time you are completely oblivious to them.
100% recommend to anyone who enjoys sci-fi or romantic fiction stories!
The world building gives you a real feel for the characters without dragging on too long.
I loved all the twists and turns within the story that you later realise were hinted at earlier in the book but at the time you are completely oblivious to them.
100% recommend to anyone who enjoys sci-fi or romantic fiction stories!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I found it fast-paced and full of
twists. deception, love, hate, and
magic.
Set in a
dystopian war-torn world
where the sky is home to giant army
ships. Our fmc finds herself taken to
the skies, held hostage with an
enemy soldier and being forced into
making difficult decisions that could
affect everything she believes in.
Who can she trust in a world that
has kept so much from her?
twists. deception, love, hate, and
magic.
Set in a
dystopian war-torn world
where the sky is home to giant army
ships. Our fmc finds herself taken to
the skies, held hostage with an
enemy soldier and being forced into
making difficult decisions that could
affect everything she believes in.
Who can she trust in a world that
has kept so much from her?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Had the privilege of reading an advanced copy from the author and absolutely loved it. I usually stick to crime books but this had me hooked and I couldn't stop reading. 100% recommend you give it a go!
Hopefully there'll be another one too 👀
Hopefully there'll be another one too 👀
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a great read! Pulls you away from the mundane into an imaginative and intriguing other world set in the sky. Great characters I could relate to and plot twists I couldn’t see coming. I enjoyed the themes of loyalty and free will versus fate.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the privilege of beta reading this amazing book and still think about it to this day. Beth’s writing is stellar, the story is twisty and romantic and packs a heartfelt punch. I have no doubt this book will become a sensation amongst readers 🖤
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