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Ringmaster
This is an alternate cover edition for isbn: 9780994104816
The magical Jolly Carnival is the only life Rilla knows—and it’s falling apart around her. Just as she’s thrust into the role of Ringmaster after her father’s unexpected death, an old family friend turns up to challenge her birthright.
Her rival's sexy son Jack isn’t helping either. Despite being a greenhorn and an outsider, he's intent on charming everyone, convincing them all that Rilla isn’t up to the task of leading them through these tough times.
But Rilla must also contend with another threat—the ongoing sabotage that has been disturbing their delicate magical balance and threatening to destroy the Carnival. All signs are pointing to an insider, making it impossible to know who to trust.
To save her beloved Carnival, Rilla must do everything she can to find the saboteur before they attack again. But if she takes her eye off the battle for Ringmaster—even for a second—she risks losing everything she's trained for her entire life.
The magical Jolly Carnival is the only life Rilla knows—and it’s falling apart around her. Just as she’s thrust into the role of Ringmaster after her father’s unexpected death, an old family friend turns up to challenge her birthright.
Her rival's sexy son Jack isn’t helping either. Despite being a greenhorn and an outsider, he's intent on charming everyone, convincing them all that Rilla isn’t up to the task of leading them through these tough times.
But Rilla must also contend with another threat—the ongoing sabotage that has been disturbing their delicate magical balance and threatening to destroy the Carnival. All signs are pointing to an insider, making it impossible to know who to trust.
To save her beloved Carnival, Rilla must do everything she can to find the saboteur before they attack again. But if she takes her eye off the battle for Ringmaster—even for a second—she risks losing everything she's trained for her entire life.
324 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
108 people are currently reading
859 people want to read
About the author
Trudi Jaye
36 books53 followersI'm an indie author from New Zealand who writes Urban Fantasy and Epic Fantasy.
VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
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MY LIST OF BOOKS
Dragon Rising Series (completed series)
Hidden Dragon
Searching Dragon
Fighting Dragon
Cursed Dragon
Warrior Dragon
Demon Hunter in Hiding Series (completed series)
Secrets & Demons
Agents & Demons
Magic & Demons
Dragons & Demons
Spells & Demons
The Elemental Witch Series (completed series)
The Trouble with Magic
The Problem with Witches
The Danger with Demons
The Dark Carnival Series
If Wishes Were Magic
The Gift
Tilly's Secret
High Flyer
Hidden Magic
Shadow Prophecy
Firecaller Series
Fire Mage
Oath of Embers
King of Flames (due out 2026)
VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
https://www.amazon.com/Trudi-Jaye/e/B...
VISIT ME ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/TrudiJayeaut...
FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM!
https://www.instagram.com/trudijayewr...
MY LIST OF BOOKS
Dragon Rising Series (completed series)
Hidden Dragon
Searching Dragon
Fighting Dragon
Cursed Dragon
Warrior Dragon
Demon Hunter in Hiding Series (completed series)
Secrets & Demons
Agents & Demons
Magic & Demons
Dragons & Demons
Spells & Demons
The Elemental Witch Series (completed series)
The Trouble with Magic
The Problem with Witches
The Danger with Demons
The Dark Carnival Series
If Wishes Were Magic
The Gift
Tilly's Secret
High Flyer
Hidden Magic
Shadow Prophecy
Firecaller Series
Fire Mage
Oath of Embers
King of Flames (due out 2026)
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July 2, 2015
Ringmaster is book one in the Carnival Series by Trudi Jaye. I read it as part of the anthology, Powers, Spice, and Not So Nice.
Rilla Jolly has been a part of the Jolly Carnival all her life. It is all that she knows. Her father is the beloved Abacus Jolly the last of a long line of Ringmasters. Rilla has been training to someday take his place but took her time. There was no need to hurry, her father had years before he would retire from the position, or that’s what Rilla thought until he was tragically killed in an auto accident. Rilla hasn’t even had time to grieve for her father as she is thrust into the spotlight to fill his shoes.
There is something different, though, about the Jolly Carnival. The carnival is magical. Over three hundred years ago, the original nine started the Carnival and today, the descendants of those nine and their families are still there, all part of the magic that keeps the Carnival alive. And alive it is, almost as a living, breathing thing.
As Rilla is attending her father’s wake, a man that used to be a part of the carnival thirty five years ago returns, claiming that he wants to challenge Rilla for the position of the Ringmaster. And with him is his sexy son, Jack.
“I’m a Jolly. It’s what our family does. We run the Carnival, and we’re the Ringmasters. Ever since the shipwreck. I can’t…I won’t let the family down.”
Along with trying to grieve for her father, adjust to a challenger for Ringmaster, there has been sabotages happening. Her father had been trying to find who was responsible before he died. The sabotage was weakening the magic of the Carnival. And now, the nine are doubting Rilla’s ability to lead. Should she just give up the position? Is she capable of taking over for her father?
Jack is only here because his father convinced him to come along to help him to win the position of Ringmaster. But the longer he spends within the Carnival, the more he begins to love it. He begins to feel the magic. But everyone here that is a part of the magical Carnival has a special ability that makes them an integral part of it. What would his ability be? And then there is the beautiful Rilla. Their bond is becoming stronger. He sees the grief and the struggle she has in trying to lead everyone. So can he really go behind her back to help his father? Who would truly be the best Ringmaster?
“How could he go back to his old life, knowing the Carnival was out there? The people, the friends he’d made, the things he learned. It would be like returning to black and white after experiencing the wonders of full high-definition color.”
At each stop, the Carnival chooses a recipient of a ‘gift.’ It chooses someone that has a need that the Carnival can help to fill. It is the carousal that chooses who will be the ‘mark’ to receive the gift. But the gift this time is the most difficult one they have ever had. And, not all agree on how to deal with it. So on top of the sabotage, the challenge for the Ringmaster, and her grief for her father, Rilla has to deal with that as well.
This book was very unique and had some pretty intense moments as Rilla and Jack try to find who is sabotaging the Carnival. I loved the magical aspect to it all. I couldn’t help but to fall in love with Rilla and my heart was with her as she struggled with everything on her shoulders. I really enjoyed the developing romance between she and Jack. As a whole, this was a really enjoyable read that kept me guessing right up to the end. There isn’t a cliff hanger but all is not resolved so I assume things will be continued on in the next book, The Gift.
August 4, 2015
Ringmaster opens to the funeral rites of the previous ringmaster, Rillas's father, Abacus. With his death, Rilla needs to assume the role of the Ringmaster, but an unexpected challenge to her inheritance arrives in the form of an exiled carnie and his son, Jack. Rilla and Jack become rivals for the job, and whoever wins over of the Nine, who function as the carnival board, gets the job of the Ringmaster. On top of the competition, they have a sabotage/murder mystery to solve and a challenge of sorts to complete for Carnival to maintain its full magic.
Sounds familiar? Then you've obviously read The Night Circus. I have, and this book is its less attractive cousin. I will attempt to outline the similarities between the two books from memory:
The sabotage/murder mystery is all Ringmaster though, but this distinction is carried out most disappointingly. Actually, the plot in general is.
This Dwight Schrute gif will sum up what I think of this book:
I think that if the author dedicated a little more time on developing the circus, its magical traditions and backstory, Ringmaster would've been a decent read and perhaps series, but Jaye doesn't so much as give her readers a tour of the circus. All I know is that there's a big top, a menagerie, food tent, ticket booth and the caravans. Instead, Jaye focused on Rilla's and Jack's thoughts and feelings.
The characters are forgettable at best, except Rilla maybe. The MC is just one big knot of anxiety. She always has either butterflies or piranhas in her stomach, and she always has stabbing pain in her chest. Someone questions her legitimacy as Ringmaster - stabbing pain to the heart, sees her friends laughing with the rival - piercing pain to the chest, Pluto declared not a planet - a Karate chop to the aorta. I admit that the last one isn't in the book but I imagine this is how Rilla would feel.
2 Stars
Sounds familiar? Then you've obviously read The Night Circus. I have, and this book is its less attractive cousin. I will attempt to outline the similarities between the two books from memory:
The sabotage/murder mystery is all Ringmaster though, but this distinction is carried out most disappointingly. Actually, the plot in general is.
This Dwight Schrute gif will sum up what I think of this book:
I think that if the author dedicated a little more time on developing the circus, its magical traditions and backstory, Ringmaster would've been a decent read and perhaps series, but Jaye doesn't so much as give her readers a tour of the circus. All I know is that there's a big top, a menagerie, food tent, ticket booth and the caravans. Instead, Jaye focused on Rilla's and Jack's thoughts and feelings.
The characters are forgettable at best, except Rilla maybe. The MC is just one big knot of anxiety. She always has either butterflies or piranhas in her stomach, and she always has stabbing pain in her chest. Someone questions her legitimacy as Ringmaster - stabbing pain to the heart, sees her friends laughing with the rival - piercing pain to the chest, Pluto declared not a planet - a Karate chop to the aorta. I admit that the last one isn't in the book but I imagine this is how Rilla would feel.
2 Stars
July 30, 2015
So, I requested this book a while ago but I couldn’t wait so I bought it.
What can I say? For me it was like a breath of fresh air. It was different a great story with a great background.
Ms. Jaye certainly knows how to build a world in such a short time span without it seeming rushed.
Ringmaster is the first book in the series based on a Carnival to be exact.
A long time ago, nine families were nearly killed at sea on their way to America. They prayed to be rescued and they were in exchange for being rescued you could say that they were gifted with skills and talents. But there was an aspect that they all had to fulfill and that was to make someone’s wish come true, to bring them happiness and make their life better.
Rilla is the daughter of the recently departed Ringmaster of the Jolly Carnival. Her rightful place is to be the next Ringmaster but there are several obstacles in her way.
But an old family friend has come back to claim the position as Ringmaster with his sexy son Jack. There are lies, secrets that come to light. There is a matter of who can be trusted. The relationship between Jack and Rilla is rocky at best and I was really wringing for them.
Certainly a series to read. I have the second book and will read it soon.
Copy received by Victory Editing via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
What can I say? For me it was like a breath of fresh air. It was different a great story with a great background.
Ms. Jaye certainly knows how to build a world in such a short time span without it seeming rushed.
Ringmaster is the first book in the series based on a Carnival to be exact.
A long time ago, nine families were nearly killed at sea on their way to America. They prayed to be rescued and they were in exchange for being rescued you could say that they were gifted with skills and talents. But there was an aspect that they all had to fulfill and that was to make someone’s wish come true, to bring them happiness and make their life better.
Rilla is the daughter of the recently departed Ringmaster of the Jolly Carnival. Her rightful place is to be the next Ringmaster but there are several obstacles in her way.
But an old family friend has come back to claim the position as Ringmaster with his sexy son Jack. There are lies, secrets that come to light. There is a matter of who can be trusted. The relationship between Jack and Rilla is rocky at best and I was really wringing for them.
Certainly a series to read. I have the second book and will read it soon.
Copy received by Victory Editing via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
September 18, 2018
It is also titled Ringmaster's Heir (Dark Carnival #1) in the US.
There are parts of this that are wonderful. Rilla, the title character, is a totally real and likable central character. She is easy to root for, and isn't a princess perfect. The idea of a Carnival and a group of families that are quasi cursed to help Marks is interesting. The magic in the series is well thought out and has rules that are followed. The plot at the beginning is pretty good. Rilla's father has died (has he been murdered?), she faces a challenge to her inheritance as Ringmaster, made more problematic because the Carnival has been dealing with sabotage. The whole sequence with Rilla and the Mark, Kara, as they help each other is wonderful.
The but to this otherwise good book is a few major buts.
The first is that the romance feels entirely forced and as something the writer threw in because she (I presume the Trudi Jaye is a she, apolgizes if he/it/them is the preferred pronoun) thought readers would want it. The hero, Jack, is the son of the man who is challenging Rilla for the Ringmaster role. The Nine, men and one women besides Rilla, who control various aspects of the Carnvial (such as food, games, rides) will vote on it. Jack's father was exiled for 33 years for interfering with a Mark. Part of the forced romance feel is that Jack is really unlikable. At first, it is understandable why he wants to support his father in the quest for Ringmaster title. His father was ill, the return to the Carnival seems to be good for his father - who wouldn't want to help Dad, especially when Jack wants to get back to his job. So, yeah, he's a jerk and maniuplative (he uses a private conversation and its infromation), but you can understand why. It's when his father suffers a relapse and decides that Jack should take his place as challenger that Jack looks even more jerk like (why would he agree, especially when he wasn't raised in the Carnival or fully understands it?). Then Jerk Jack says he is doing it for Rilla's own good because she is sad about her dad. This after they slept together (which felt so forced that you were literally, going really) and after he realizes that Rilla was basically running the Carnival for her father anyway.
WTF?
What is more, the NIne (even the only woman of the Nine, who is the Foodmaster) are okay with this. AND NOT ONE WOMAN THINKS TO CALL THEM OUT ON THE SEXISM. The closest you get is Missy who hints, hints, at it. By the end of the book,when Rilla has been told by one of the men on the Nine that they love her and that's why they wanted Jack or his dad as Ringmaster because they were worried about her grieving. you want Rilla to shout, "Screw you, you SeXist Bastards and enabling Woman" and walk away.
Instead she becomes co-Ringmaster with Jack who is still a fucking jerk.
This might of been fine if the sexism had at least been addressed or even mentioned, but it's not. THe only reason, at least in times of the world in the book, that the NIne might vote for Jack or his Dad instead of someone who knows the Carnival, is that Rilla has tits and a v-j.
It totally ruined the book. It really did.
And then the reveal is something a reader can figure out about 100 plus pages earlier. There is a third plot point that just feels thrown in.
There are parts of this that are wonderful. Rilla, the title character, is a totally real and likable central character. She is easy to root for, and isn't a princess perfect. The idea of a Carnival and a group of families that are quasi cursed to help Marks is interesting. The magic in the series is well thought out and has rules that are followed. The plot at the beginning is pretty good. Rilla's father has died (has he been murdered?), she faces a challenge to her inheritance as Ringmaster, made more problematic because the Carnival has been dealing with sabotage. The whole sequence with Rilla and the Mark, Kara, as they help each other is wonderful.
The but to this otherwise good book is a few major buts.
The first is that the romance feels entirely forced and as something the writer threw in because she (I presume the Trudi Jaye is a she, apolgizes if he/it/them is the preferred pronoun) thought readers would want it. The hero, Jack, is the son of the man who is challenging Rilla for the Ringmaster role. The Nine, men and one women besides Rilla, who control various aspects of the Carnvial (such as food, games, rides) will vote on it. Jack's father was exiled for 33 years for interfering with a Mark. Part of the forced romance feel is that Jack is really unlikable. At first, it is understandable why he wants to support his father in the quest for Ringmaster title. His father was ill, the return to the Carnival seems to be good for his father - who wouldn't want to help Dad, especially when Jack wants to get back to his job. So, yeah, he's a jerk and maniuplative (he uses a private conversation and its infromation), but you can understand why. It's when his father suffers a relapse and decides that Jack should take his place as challenger that Jack looks even more jerk like (why would he agree, especially when he wasn't raised in the Carnival or fully understands it?). Then Jerk Jack says he is doing it for Rilla's own good because she is sad about her dad. This after they slept together (which felt so forced that you were literally, going really) and after he realizes that Rilla was basically running the Carnival for her father anyway.
WTF?
What is more, the NIne (even the only woman of the Nine, who is the Foodmaster) are okay with this. AND NOT ONE WOMAN THINKS TO CALL THEM OUT ON THE SEXISM. The closest you get is Missy who hints, hints, at it. By the end of the book,when Rilla has been told by one of the men on the Nine that they love her and that's why they wanted Jack or his dad as Ringmaster because they were worried about her grieving. you want Rilla to shout, "Screw you, you SeXist Bastards and enabling Woman" and walk away.
Instead she becomes co-Ringmaster with Jack who is still a fucking jerk.
This might of been fine if the sexism had at least been addressed or even mentioned, but it's not. THe only reason, at least in times of the world in the book, that the NIne might vote for Jack or his Dad instead of someone who knows the Carnival, is that Rilla has tits and a v-j.
It totally ruined the book. It really did.
And then the reveal is something a reader can figure out about 100 plus pages earlier. There is a third plot point that just feels thrown in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2017
3.8 Stars.
Thoroughly enjoyed the creation of the setting and magic system on this. A magical circus helping people while struggling with their own internal (both circus and personal issues) struggles. I loved how the history ended up unfolding and much of everything getting tied together in the end.
A good start and decent ending, but I do have to say that chunks of the middle is what caused the star rating to go down. It become confusing at some points and tedious. Although it did clear up as things progressed, it was an issue that caused the book to become less immersive.
The circus characters are interesting but do lack enough depth, in my opinion. I've read books 2 and 3 and have to say that it although there is improvement, it's still reaching in some places. I found the chemistry between the main characters left wanting for much of the book .
The mystery behind the circus still has potential, but I worry about the quality of writing slipping and things just ended up coming off rushed and reaching. Will continue to stick with it with hopes that it will continue to really improve.
Thoroughly enjoyed the creation of the setting and magic system on this. A magical circus helping people while struggling with their own internal (both circus and personal issues) struggles. I loved how the history ended up unfolding and much of everything getting tied together in the end.
A good start and decent ending, but I do have to say that chunks of the middle is what caused the star rating to go down. It become confusing at some points and tedious. Although it did clear up as things progressed, it was an issue that caused the book to become less immersive.
The circus characters are interesting but do lack enough depth, in my opinion. I've read books 2 and 3 and have to say that it although there is improvement, it's still reaching in some places. I found the chemistry between the main characters left wanting for much of the book .
The mystery behind the circus still has potential, but I worry about the quality of writing slipping and things just ended up coming off rushed and reaching. Will continue to stick with it with hopes that it will continue to really improve.
December 29, 2014
A surprisingly enjoyable read. Can't wait to read the sequel and learn more about this magical and mysterious world!
And I am really surprised more people didn't read this book. Read it, people!!
And I am really surprised more people didn't read this book. Read it, people!!
July 4, 2015
I love stories set in carnivals or circuses, preferably scary or magical ones. The Jolly Carnival is magical, as is the story of Rilla, Jack, Garth, and the rest of the crew. I did think there was a bit too much of Rilla's insecurity at first, but it still wasn't enough to make me stop reading. Later I saw that it had been necessary to show how much she grew and matured into a self-confident ringmaster capable of sharing with the man she loved. The ending was perfect in that it left the story open for the second book, yet completely wrapped up the story in the first one.
November 24, 2017
Magic under pressure.
Can Rilla be a Ringmaster for the Carnival? Or will the role go to sly Blago or his handsome son Jack? They don't know anything about Carnival, not with Blago leaving 30 years ago. But Rilla is weakened by the recent death of her beloved father, the former ringmaster. And his death is possibly a murder.
How to help others with the Gift, when ine seems not to be able to help even themselves?
But Carnival is the one who is going to choose...if they find the saboteur between them till the decision-making moment.
First half is fantastic. The fresh new world, interesting coming-of-age questions, believable tensions between people, relatable characters.
But after the first half - ironically, after the Harlequin moment - all went downhill, from sizzling to boring.
It is unsettling, because I truly enjoyed the first part and because the authoress obviously has the vivid imagination. Fingers crossed for the courage to go deeper the next time!
Can Rilla be a Ringmaster for the Carnival? Or will the role go to sly Blago or his handsome son Jack? They don't know anything about Carnival, not with Blago leaving 30 years ago. But Rilla is weakened by the recent death of her beloved father, the former ringmaster. And his death is possibly a murder.
How to help others with the Gift, when ine seems not to be able to help even themselves?
But Carnival is the one who is going to choose...if they find the saboteur between them till the decision-making moment.
First half is fantastic. The fresh new world, interesting coming-of-age questions, believable tensions between people, relatable characters.
But after the first half - ironically, after the Harlequin moment - all went downhill, from sizzling to boring.
It is unsettling, because I truly enjoyed the first part and because the authoress obviously has the vivid imagination. Fingers crossed for the courage to go deeper the next time!
May 22, 2020
WOW!
Who knew a random pick from a swipe would lead to such an adventure? This book delivered everything that I never knew I needed in the world of magical circuses. I absolutely loved the characters who felt real and fleshed out with struggles, flaws, and insecurities that weren't just for show. Rilla was a great character who showed how grief can be a hindrance and a help while Jack was an amazing example of someone finding their place with next to no clue which made him a perfect foil to Rilla's expectations. I can't wait to start the next book!
Who knew a random pick from a swipe would lead to such an adventure? This book delivered everything that I never knew I needed in the world of magical circuses. I absolutely loved the characters who felt real and fleshed out with struggles, flaws, and insecurities that weren't just for show. Rilla was a great character who showed how grief can be a hindrance and a help while Jack was an amazing example of someone finding their place with next to no clue which made him a perfect foil to Rilla's expectations. I can't wait to start the next book!
May 12, 2015
Ringmaster=New storyline!
If you love paranormal, but tire of vampires and werewolves, this is a refreshing series! Instead of different takes of classic ideas, you have a carnival that guides its own as they have a long history of granting wishes to feed the magic. If you're more into the story, this is AWESOME fiction. If you're in it for hot and heavy erotica, not for you. Trudi Jaye is very quickly becoming one of my go to writers!
If you love paranormal, but tire of vampires and werewolves, this is a refreshing series! Instead of different takes of classic ideas, you have a carnival that guides its own as they have a long history of granting wishes to feed the magic. If you're more into the story, this is AWESOME fiction. If you're in it for hot and heavy erotica, not for you. Trudi Jaye is very quickly becoming one of my go to writers!
December 12, 2015
This story has everything: magic, the circus, death, mystery, drama, romance. It's seriously awesome. If you like paranormal romance you'll love this story. If you love urban fantasy thrillers, you'll love this story. I really related to Rilla, the main character, because I've had those times when nothing makes sense and your usual talents/skills seem to have deserted you. Also, the ending was wonderful. But that's all I'll say about it. You'll have to read it to find out why.
May 27, 2015
Very Interesting
I'm impressed with this book. I picked this book due to the carnival plot and I thought it would be cheesy but I was wrong totally didn't know what was going to happen. Definitely want to read the rest of the series
I'm impressed with this book. I picked this book due to the carnival plot and I thought it would be cheesy but I was wrong totally didn't know what was going to happen. Definitely want to read the rest of the series
May 25, 2015
Is a great book to read
June 6, 2015
Unusual urban fantasy that is very well written. Nice setting, nice rules for magic, good world building.
Want to read
March 24, 2020🎁 The Magic Carnival Series (Books 1-3) is FREE on Amazon today (3/24/2020)! 🎁
October 4, 2024
Definitely a good book
A truly imaginative story line with well written characters and details. Twists, emotional scenes and an ending that makes you want to continue on for the next adventure.
A truly imaginative story line with well written characters and details. Twists, emotional scenes and an ending that makes you want to continue on for the next adventure.
October 8, 2025
Well I went into this book completely blind, no clue what it was about and I enjoyed every minute of it. Looking forward to reading more by this author and in this series
April 9, 2020
I don't give 5-star ratings. But this story just blew me away. I read a lot of self published authors and to be honest most of them are in the "just okay" range. I won't give 5 stars unless a story really moves me. And I'm a pretty stoic person so that doesn't happen much. This one hit me twice. Once when she's talking about her father's death, I had to stop reading at one point because I was overwhelmed with thoughts about my own grandmother's death. And then later on when she's in danger I was feeling so sympathetic for the character that I was hyperventilating from the suspense. Neither of these things has ever happened to me before. The writing was just that good.
But that alone still isn't enough for 5 stars from me. The story itself has to still be worth reading.
I do love urban fantasy. But I sometimes get tired of the same old themes repeating. I like that this book has a unique world and the magic in it is not based on common tropes. The feel of the magic is similar to what you might find in gothic horror, but it's not horror. We come at it from the other side. We see the good side of the magic instead. The rules are left a bit vague, room for more exploration in future tales I guess. Part of that comes from the plot of the book being that the carnival's magic is breaking down. The characters need to find a way to fix things and make the magic strong again. So naturally we don't see a lot of magic in this story, just enough to prove that it's there. There definitely is a lot of the same wonder that you get from horror. But I hate horror so I'm glad this takes only that and none of the desperation, fatalism and misery that hallmarks most horror.
Anyway, breaking things down...
PLOT: 4 star. Basically it's a mystery of the whodunnit type. I'm not a big fan of mysteries but I'll not hold that against them. Only real hole being that one time when a character basically confesses and nobody even noticed for three chapters.
ENDING: 4 star. Actually a pretty good ending. Everything wraps up well, feels pretty complete, no loose ends - except the bad guy gets away but that's no different than any other comic book. It's only flawed because the author tries to tack on a cliffhanger-like diatribe at the end, after everything else is all wrapped up. "You have to stop him before he destroys the Carnival". Only it doesn't work, there's really no sense of urgency to it. Which is fine because cliffhangers are stupid anyway.
CHARACTERS: 4 star. Very believable major characters. They all have good back stories and it always feels like you've only just scratched the surface. Could have been a little more personality though.
WRITING: 5 star. Well written, very engaging. Always hard to put down.
WORLDBUILDING: 4.5 star. Perfect for what the story requires, but not as complete as I would have liked.
MYTHOS: 3.5. very little overlap with existing mythos. What is there is intriguing and consistent, but sparse. There's an interesting potential link to horror genre. And the magic feels hippyish, except for curse magic which has definite rules and repercussions.
ETHOS: 4.5
NOVELTY: 5.
OVERALL: I didn't bother with the calculator but it's about a four point something and I'm rounding up.
Definitely I recommend reading this. I've already bought the next two (there was a sale discount), though you don't need to as it can stand alone if you want it to.
But that alone still isn't enough for 5 stars from me. The story itself has to still be worth reading.
I do love urban fantasy. But I sometimes get tired of the same old themes repeating. I like that this book has a unique world and the magic in it is not based on common tropes. The feel of the magic is similar to what you might find in gothic horror, but it's not horror. We come at it from the other side. We see the good side of the magic instead. The rules are left a bit vague, room for more exploration in future tales I guess. Part of that comes from the plot of the book being that the carnival's magic is breaking down. The characters need to find a way to fix things and make the magic strong again. So naturally we don't see a lot of magic in this story, just enough to prove that it's there. There definitely is a lot of the same wonder that you get from horror. But I hate horror so I'm glad this takes only that and none of the desperation, fatalism and misery that hallmarks most horror.
Anyway, breaking things down...
PLOT: 4 star. Basically it's a mystery of the whodunnit type. I'm not a big fan of mysteries but I'll not hold that against them. Only real hole being that one time when a character basically confesses and nobody even noticed for three chapters.
ENDING: 4 star. Actually a pretty good ending. Everything wraps up well, feels pretty complete, no loose ends - except the bad guy gets away but that's no different than any other comic book. It's only flawed because the author tries to tack on a cliffhanger-like diatribe at the end, after everything else is all wrapped up. "You have to stop him before he destroys the Carnival". Only it doesn't work, there's really no sense of urgency to it. Which is fine because cliffhangers are stupid anyway.
CHARACTERS: 4 star. Very believable major characters. They all have good back stories and it always feels like you've only just scratched the surface. Could have been a little more personality though.
WRITING: 5 star. Well written, very engaging. Always hard to put down.
WORLDBUILDING: 4.5 star. Perfect for what the story requires, but not as complete as I would have liked.
MYTHOS: 3.5. very little overlap with existing mythos. What is there is intriguing and consistent, but sparse. There's an interesting potential link to horror genre. And the magic feels hippyish, except for curse magic which has definite rules and repercussions.
ETHOS: 4.5
NOVELTY: 5.
OVERALL: I didn't bother with the calculator but it's about a four point something and I'm rounding up.
Definitely I recommend reading this. I've already bought the next two (there was a sale discount), though you don't need to as it can stand alone if you want it to.
October 31, 2016
This book was challenging to start. I bought it a while ago after seeing it in an FB post. I always love a good magic book and the cover really caught my attention so even though I already had a few books on my digital shelf to read I thought I'd buy it for later.
As time went I would see it on my list and think about reading it but kept skipping over it. I guess even though it was a subject that I enjoy reading about, that because it centered on the Carnival (Circus) was the holdup. I thought it was going to be written for a younger reader.
I was wrong.
If you're going into this like I was, expecting something along the lines of Harry Potter type magic then you're going to be disappointed but don't let that deter you. There is magic in this book just not like you'd imagine.
The book is more of a mystery than about the magic.
The book centers around the Carnival. In the US it would be more like the Circus. For us, the Carnival is a small traveling group of some rides but mainly chance games and food vendors.
The Carnival is made of the nine families that started it under unusual circumstances that imbued an otherworldly aspect into it. Magic.
A crucial part of this magic is The Gift. It is integral in keeping the magic alive and is the one thing above all else that cannot, must not, be tampered with or ignored, for the failure of The Gift would mean the end of the Carnival.
The book opens with a tragedy. The loss of the single most important part of the Carnival. The Ringmaster. We learn that within the nine, each family has charge of the various positions that together make the Carnival run. The Giftmaster, the Chancemaster, the Thrillmaster, the Foodmaster but the top is the Ringmaster, that without would surely spell doom for all. As it has always been, it is assumed that the next in the family line will ascend to the top of their specialty even though challenging for a position is well within the rules of any bloodline, it is unthinkable. Until now.
The past has come back to the Carnival and nothing will be the same for those that have lived and breathed the Carnival. The past will not only bring in outsiders, unthinkable challenges, and hardships, it will bring death.
The book grabbed me from the start. It sucked me in and the skill of the author was very apparent when she was able to invoke memories from my childhood of visiting the Circus, The smells, the sights, things I hadn't thought about in years. The Big Top tent, the Elephants, and who could forget the Clowns? Once someone is able to transport you to another time in your life then you know your reading quality.
It raised many emotions. There was laughter, sadness, and a fair bit of anger. There were more than a few times I looked away from the story, angry at something I'd read that to me, seemed implausible. Maybe a character acting so very different than I thought they should, or a situation that you just know would never happen, but in the end, I couldn't put it down and finished it almost straight through.
A real treat to read and I would recommend to anyone that has ever visited the Carnival, or Circus. It really is magical to be transported back in time when things seemed simpler and life was much more carefree.
As time went I would see it on my list and think about reading it but kept skipping over it. I guess even though it was a subject that I enjoy reading about, that because it centered on the Carnival (Circus) was the holdup. I thought it was going to be written for a younger reader.
I was wrong.
If you're going into this like I was, expecting something along the lines of Harry Potter type magic then you're going to be disappointed but don't let that deter you. There is magic in this book just not like you'd imagine.
The book is more of a mystery than about the magic.
The book centers around the Carnival. In the US it would be more like the Circus. For us, the Carnival is a small traveling group of some rides but mainly chance games and food vendors.
The Carnival is made of the nine families that started it under unusual circumstances that imbued an otherworldly aspect into it. Magic.
A crucial part of this magic is The Gift. It is integral in keeping the magic alive and is the one thing above all else that cannot, must not, be tampered with or ignored, for the failure of The Gift would mean the end of the Carnival.
The book opens with a tragedy. The loss of the single most important part of the Carnival. The Ringmaster. We learn that within the nine, each family has charge of the various positions that together make the Carnival run. The Giftmaster, the Chancemaster, the Thrillmaster, the Foodmaster but the top is the Ringmaster, that without would surely spell doom for all. As it has always been, it is assumed that the next in the family line will ascend to the top of their specialty even though challenging for a position is well within the rules of any bloodline, it is unthinkable. Until now.
The past has come back to the Carnival and nothing will be the same for those that have lived and breathed the Carnival. The past will not only bring in outsiders, unthinkable challenges, and hardships, it will bring death.
The book grabbed me from the start. It sucked me in and the skill of the author was very apparent when she was able to invoke memories from my childhood of visiting the Circus, The smells, the sights, things I hadn't thought about in years. The Big Top tent, the Elephants, and who could forget the Clowns? Once someone is able to transport you to another time in your life then you know your reading quality.
It raised many emotions. There was laughter, sadness, and a fair bit of anger. There were more than a few times I looked away from the story, angry at something I'd read that to me, seemed implausible. Maybe a character acting so very different than I thought they should, or a situation that you just know would never happen, but in the end, I couldn't put it down and finished it almost straight through.
A real treat to read and I would recommend to anyone that has ever visited the Carnival, or Circus. It really is magical to be transported back in time when things seemed simpler and life was much more carefree.
April 25, 2016
I have a love/hate relationship with circuses because of the animal issues but if I didn't have to worry about the poor things being mistreated, I'd immediately say that if I could see a circus every day for the rest of my life, I totally would. And this book only enhances my love for the show.
'Ringmaster' was just amazing. If it wasn't for the fact that I could count the technical errors I found on one hand, it's the way Ms. Jaye wrote the story, luring me into what I already find a fascinating world unlike our own. The carnies truly are a different part of us Ordinary, a mystical group of families living solely on the belief of magic and gratitude for life. The detective work Rilly and Jack found themselves doing was great, along with all the other things they had to solve before everything went to Hell. The writing was swift but lingered where it mattered, and her antics were so intense, there were times when I wanted to slap her myself just to see that she gain the confidence I knew she had in her. It was a really amazing read.
The frustration and anxiety built nicely for me with the characters and although there were times when I really didn't want to see some things happen, they still came to pass, and it was handled in a way that didn't leave me so heartbroken or aggravated. And the ENDING... it really did shift my perception, and saying goodbye to the last few pages of the book really did feel like I was having a teary moment of saying goodbye to the Ringmaster as they finished their show. *bawls*
I'm pretty sure the ending set me as a forever fan and I'll definitely be getting the next one. Complex characters, interesting plots and twists, great romance (and non-romantic instances yikes) and if you're a lover of carnies... you'll regret not reading this.
'Ringmaster' was just amazing. If it wasn't for the fact that I could count the technical errors I found on one hand, it's the way Ms. Jaye wrote the story, luring me into what I already find a fascinating world unlike our own. The carnies truly are a different part of us Ordinary, a mystical group of families living solely on the belief of magic and gratitude for life. The detective work Rilly and Jack found themselves doing was great, along with all the other things they had to solve before everything went to Hell. The writing was swift but lingered where it mattered, and her antics were so intense, there were times when I wanted to slap her myself just to see that she gain the confidence I knew she had in her. It was a really amazing read.
The frustration and anxiety built nicely for me with the characters and although there were times when I really didn't want to see some things happen, they still came to pass, and it was handled in a way that didn't leave me so heartbroken or aggravated. And the ENDING... it really did shift my perception, and saying goodbye to the last few pages of the book really did feel like I was having a teary moment of saying goodbye to the Ringmaster as they finished their show. *bawls*
I'm pretty sure the ending set me as a forever fan and I'll definitely be getting the next one. Complex characters, interesting plots and twists, great romance (and non-romantic instances yikes) and if you're a lover of carnies... you'll regret not reading this.
April 12, 2020
The Ringmasters heir takes you by the hand to the Jolly Carnival, where the magic happens.
It is the only life Rilla knows and she would do anything to keep the carnival and the People from being harmed, but it is falling apart around her.
She has to take over as ringmaster after her fathers unexpected death, when an old family friend returns to the carnival and challenges her for her birthright, the role of Ringmaster.
But Rilla must also contend with another threat—the ongoing sabotage that has been disturbing their delicate magical balance and threatening to destroy the Carnival, maybe even forever. All signs are pointing to an insider, making it impossible to know who to trust.
To save her beloved Carnival, Rilla must do everything she can to find the saboteur before they attack again. But if she takes her eye off the battle for Ringmaster—even for a second—she risks losing everything she's trained for her entire life.
Will Rilla succeed in saving the Carnival and her birthright all at once? You will read it in the Ringmasters Heir written by Trudi Jaye.
I have loved this book! Every letter, every chapter! And I Just want to say: Congratulations, Trudi on writing a very good book. I think it will be one of my favorites. And thinking about ordering the paperbacks of the series.
It has a lot of humor, it has action, love and friendship, and it even contains a hint of sexyness. It also intruiged me my pants of . I was amazed and thrown back and forth in to all kinds of different emotions. The ending is brilliant and exactly what I had hoped for. It even had me teared up from time to time and that rarely happens to me when I read a book. I really loved it and would reccommand it to anybody Who loves MAGIC!
It is the only life Rilla knows and she would do anything to keep the carnival and the People from being harmed, but it is falling apart around her.
She has to take over as ringmaster after her fathers unexpected death, when an old family friend returns to the carnival and challenges her for her birthright, the role of Ringmaster.
But Rilla must also contend with another threat—the ongoing sabotage that has been disturbing their delicate magical balance and threatening to destroy the Carnival, maybe even forever. All signs are pointing to an insider, making it impossible to know who to trust.
To save her beloved Carnival, Rilla must do everything she can to find the saboteur before they attack again. But if she takes her eye off the battle for Ringmaster—even for a second—she risks losing everything she's trained for her entire life.
Will Rilla succeed in saving the Carnival and her birthright all at once? You will read it in the Ringmasters Heir written by Trudi Jaye.
I have loved this book! Every letter, every chapter! And I Just want to say: Congratulations, Trudi on writing a very good book. I think it will be one of my favorites. And thinking about ordering the paperbacks of the series.
It has a lot of humor, it has action, love and friendship, and it even contains a hint of sexyness. It also intruiged me my pants of . I was amazed and thrown back and forth in to all kinds of different emotions. The ending is brilliant and exactly what I had hoped for. It even had me teared up from time to time and that rarely happens to me when I read a book. I really loved it and would reccommand it to anybody Who loves MAGIC!
December 19, 2015
I can't talk about my favourite parts without feeling like I'm spoiling. Suffice to say that Jaye is an amazing storyteller who filled this book with engaging and interesting characters. At times, I didn't know who to cheer for, I liked everyone so much. The plot was nicely paced, and the world-building had just the right amount of magic to make it seem entirely that the people of the Carnival might exist in our world. I wasn't best pleased with the ending (I thought it was a cop-out), but that didn't stop me wanting to read the rest of the series.
March 20, 2017
This book was very much a pleasant surprise. As someone who doesn't much like circuses, I'm not quite sure why I picked this one up. It definitely brought the traveling-circus/carnival world to life. The characters were interesting and the touch of magic really pulled me in. And - for me this is huge - there was no real animal cruelty here. Yes, they have some animals, and they are briefly mentioned, but they are clearly cared for, and they are not the focus of the book, so I'm willing to overlook it. ;-) I am curious to see where the story goes from here.
September 24, 2017
Spellbinding!
Which is an apt description as you'll find out if you read this book which you really should! I wasn't sure about it when I first started reading it, but I was quickly swept up in the plot. It's a delightful combination of magic and Romans and suspense, and for me, things just don't get much better than that when I'm reading. I'll be buying more of this series when I can.
Which is an apt description as you'll find out if you read this book which you really should! I wasn't sure about it when I first started reading it, but I was quickly swept up in the plot. It's a delightful combination of magic and Romans and suspense, and for me, things just don't get much better than that when I'm reading. I'll be buying more of this series when I can.
May 1, 2020
4,5*
I don't know why but stories about the circus and carneval fascinate me, especially since I don't care for the circus in real life.
The magic in this story is very interesting and intriging. In every town the magic of the carneval chooses one person who's wish must be granted. If the performers succeed the carnevals magic will get stronger.
But now the wish they need to make come true is the hardest one they ever seen and if they fail the carneval will cease to exist.
I don't know why but stories about the circus and carneval fascinate me, especially since I don't care for the circus in real life.
The magic in this story is very interesting and intriging. In every town the magic of the carneval chooses one person who's wish must be granted. If the performers succeed the carnevals magic will get stronger.
But now the wish they need to make come true is the hardest one they ever seen and if they fail the carneval will cease to exist.
September 11, 2014
This book has everything I love - magic and mystery, excitement and romance. It drew me in right from the start and was hard to put down. This is no ordinary carnival, and I really liked the magical touches that made it so different. I'll definitely be getting the next book in the series when it comes out.
November 17, 2015
It is not everyday you are taken to the world of the Circus but I must admit i enjoyed the suspense and intrigue embedded in this book. I enjoyed every minute of it as the author kept me wondering who the bad guy was and how they would get him out. Loved the story-line and the characters and how everything tied in. Definitely a recommended read and definitely reading more from the author.
August 7, 2021
Delightful and engaging
I loved everything about this story — the setting, the characters, the pacing, the slow-burn romance. And the carnival itself as a character was lovely as well. It was a story with a good message that managed to avoid seeming preachy. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.
I loved everything about this story — the setting, the characters, the pacing, the slow-burn romance. And the carnival itself as a character was lovely as well. It was a story with a good message that managed to avoid seeming preachy. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.
May 31, 2020
I loved the characters and how he world was built plus the differences in Rilla and Jack that poured over into the carnival. The concept of magic used here is so fascinating and multi-dimensional. I cannot wait to see what happens with the rest of this amazing cast of characters!
September 10, 2014
Loved this book! The characters are rich and layered as is the world they live in. Can't wait to read the next book in the series
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