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Carousel
After living in the countryside for years, Princio returns to his homeland, the tiny yet prosperous kingdom of Lucca, upon the orders of his dying grandfather. Living alone in the annexed building next to the palace, he is discovered by the kingdom's chief doll maker, Feletti, who purposely withholds his knowledge of Princio's past in order to gain his trust and friendship. Princio believes Feletti to be a true friend until he meets Marian, a girl with a penchant for baking and a natural curiosity. Their chance meeting in the kingdom's carousel sets off a series of events with the potential to change everything. As Princio, Marian, and Feletti's dark secrets begin to unfurl, their lives slowly come to light - as love hangs delicately in the balance…
88 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 10, 2024
Carousel was my first ever fantasy read and what a great introduction to the genre. I met the author at a book vending event earlier this year when her booth was stationed next to my sister’s. I listened to her explain the premise to dozens of readers and by the end of day I was so intrigued, I had to buy a copy for myself. This was a fun and fast read that kept me captivated beginning to end. The characters and scenery were perfectly depicted to envision exactly how the story was playing out in my head. Reminiscent of the fairy tales that made younger me smile, Carousel was a wonderful escape from thrillers that typically fill my read list.
December 17, 2016
Carousel by Jennifer Renson Book Review
Special Note: This book was given to me by the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
A young man returns to the home he never knew he had, and a young woman searches for purpose and adventure. Both come together and discover
things about themselves neither one knew in author Jennifer Renson's book Carousel. Here is the synopsis:
After living in the countryside for years, Princio returns to his homeland, the tiny yet prosperous Kingdom of Lucca, upon the orders of his
dying grandfather. Living alone in the annexed building next to the palace, Princio is discovered by the kingdom’s chief doll maker, Feletti,
who purposely withholds his knowledge of Princio’s past in order to gain his trust and friendship. Princio believes Feletti to be a true friend
until he meets Marian, a girl with a penchant for cooking and a natural curiosity, and their chance meeting in the kingdom’s carousel sets off
a series of events with the potential to change everything. As Princio, Marian, and Feletti’s dark secrets begin to unfurl, their lives slowly
come to light – as love hangs delicately in the balance...
This story is a short and fast read, but still makes an impact with it's strong character development and a mythology and setting that holds
endless possibilities. Written like a classic fable, this story artfully explores themes of society's view of beauty, control over one's
destiny and the power of friendship in just 88 pages. This YA Fantasy adventure is a whirlwind adventure, and brings to mind tales of faraway
Kingdoms like Camelot while still maintaining a connection to the real world.
Overall, this is a fantastic short read that is one of the strongest short YA fictions I've read this year, and a strong example of how a story
isn't defined by page length, but by the strength of it's characters and setting. This modern day fairy tale is a phenomenal read that is not
to be missed, so be sure to pick up your copy of Jennifer Renson's "Carousel" today!
10/10 stars!
Special Note: This book was given to me by the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
A young man returns to the home he never knew he had, and a young woman searches for purpose and adventure. Both come together and discover
things about themselves neither one knew in author Jennifer Renson's book Carousel. Here is the synopsis:
After living in the countryside for years, Princio returns to his homeland, the tiny yet prosperous Kingdom of Lucca, upon the orders of his
dying grandfather. Living alone in the annexed building next to the palace, Princio is discovered by the kingdom’s chief doll maker, Feletti,
who purposely withholds his knowledge of Princio’s past in order to gain his trust and friendship. Princio believes Feletti to be a true friend
until he meets Marian, a girl with a penchant for cooking and a natural curiosity, and their chance meeting in the kingdom’s carousel sets off
a series of events with the potential to change everything. As Princio, Marian, and Feletti’s dark secrets begin to unfurl, their lives slowly
come to light – as love hangs delicately in the balance...
This story is a short and fast read, but still makes an impact with it's strong character development and a mythology and setting that holds
endless possibilities. Written like a classic fable, this story artfully explores themes of society's view of beauty, control over one's
destiny and the power of friendship in just 88 pages. This YA Fantasy adventure is a whirlwind adventure, and brings to mind tales of faraway
Kingdoms like Camelot while still maintaining a connection to the real world.
Overall, this is a fantastic short read that is one of the strongest short YA fictions I've read this year, and a strong example of how a story
isn't defined by page length, but by the strength of it's characters and setting. This modern day fairy tale is a phenomenal read that is not
to be missed, so be sure to pick up your copy of Jennifer Renson's "Carousel" today!
10/10 stars!
May 22, 2016
Carousel by Jennifer Renson held me captive from the beginning to end. The pages were filled with an intriguing plotline that kept me hooked. The enchanting story sucked me into its depth. Once upon a story, there was a kingdom, called Lucca. A kingdom whose who people liked the King and Queen. Well, soon, one day...they received a carousel after their son was born. On that very carousel lurks something so hidden and so dark...that it's creepy knowing it's there yet no one pays any attention to it...
Soon, a plague comes forcing the King and Queen as well as their son and all to flee. Afraid that the plaque will come for them...that's where the story begins...a young prince raised as a commoner by his grandfather. He's not aware that the stories his grandfather tells are true stories of their Kingdom Lucca. Once the grandfather dies...he tells the prince to go back to the Kingdom but to keep his face hidden. The prince with no knowledge of their real truth sets out on a journey as promised. There he meets Feletti. The evil thing that resided on the carousel...is now live and causes trouble for the prince and his new friend Marien.
Carousel is full of darkness, danger, and suspense. I wasn't sure what would happen next until it did. The mystery of Feletti and Marien's sense of fear of him come out in the open and that's where I held my breath...waiting. What came next surprised me and had me rooting for both the prince and Marien...but until the dilemma was gone all would be chaotic. Jennifer Renson is indeed a talented writer. Her words lured me into her world of fiction instantly. I fell in love with the characters and was on the edge of my seat waiting out the outcome of the story. Overall, it was well-written and well-developed. I was enchanted with this enticing fantasy. Readers will get lost from their worlds and buried deeply into this one. I highly recommend the Carousel to readers everywhere.
Soon, a plague comes forcing the King and Queen as well as their son and all to flee. Afraid that the plaque will come for them...that's where the story begins...a young prince raised as a commoner by his grandfather. He's not aware that the stories his grandfather tells are true stories of their Kingdom Lucca. Once the grandfather dies...he tells the prince to go back to the Kingdom but to keep his face hidden. The prince with no knowledge of their real truth sets out on a journey as promised. There he meets Feletti. The evil thing that resided on the carousel...is now live and causes trouble for the prince and his new friend Marien.
Carousel is full of darkness, danger, and suspense. I wasn't sure what would happen next until it did. The mystery of Feletti and Marien's sense of fear of him come out in the open and that's where I held my breath...waiting. What came next surprised me and had me rooting for both the prince and Marien...but until the dilemma was gone all would be chaotic. Jennifer Renson is indeed a talented writer. Her words lured me into her world of fiction instantly. I fell in love with the characters and was on the edge of my seat waiting out the outcome of the story. Overall, it was well-written and well-developed. I was enchanted with this enticing fantasy. Readers will get lost from their worlds and buried deeply into this one. I highly recommend the Carousel to readers everywhere.
October 11, 2019
Reviewed by Lori
Book provided by the author
When I was little, I loved it when my mom would read me a fable, where good conquered evil, the prince and the princess got together, and everyone lived happily ever after. When I was older, the fables turned into romance with a happy ending, and shades of grey where good and evil battled throughout the book, but the guy and the girl got together.
Now, with this book I got my fable, along with the guy and the girl, hopefully getting together at the end, good conquering evil, and having a happy ending.
This book was sweet, charming, funny, and just really good. There are no sex scenes in this book. There really weren’t any kissing scenes as well. As I stated before, this book is very sweet, but I still enjoyed it.
Princio and Marian were perfect for each other. They were naive, sheltered, and unprepared for “real life”. I also think that they both possess inner strength to help them deal with the realities of “real life”; they both have people around them to provide emotional support, and be there for them when they stumble and fall. Marian and Princio are both affected by decisions by someone who shouldn’t be making those decisions. I know this is a very vague statement, but once the book has been read by the reader, they will understand this statement. I don’t want to give away the plot, so I won’t say any more about it.
I think if the reader wants a little sweet romantic story to help deal with all the ugliness that is happening in the world right now, read this book. It made me feel good. I hope other people will feel the same way.
Book provided by the author
When I was little, I loved it when my mom would read me a fable, where good conquered evil, the prince and the princess got together, and everyone lived happily ever after. When I was older, the fables turned into romance with a happy ending, and shades of grey where good and evil battled throughout the book, but the guy and the girl got together.
Now, with this book I got my fable, along with the guy and the girl, hopefully getting together at the end, good conquering evil, and having a happy ending.
This book was sweet, charming, funny, and just really good. There are no sex scenes in this book. There really weren’t any kissing scenes as well. As I stated before, this book is very sweet, but I still enjoyed it.
Princio and Marian were perfect for each other. They were naive, sheltered, and unprepared for “real life”. I also think that they both possess inner strength to help them deal with the realities of “real life”; they both have people around them to provide emotional support, and be there for them when they stumble and fall. Marian and Princio are both affected by decisions by someone who shouldn’t be making those decisions. I know this is a very vague statement, but once the book has been read by the reader, they will understand this statement. I don’t want to give away the plot, so I won’t say any more about it.
I think if the reader wants a little sweet romantic story to help deal with all the ugliness that is happening in the world right now, read this book. It made me feel good. I hope other people will feel the same way.
April 18, 2016
Carousel is a short YA fantasy novel that was surprisingly sweet with a touch of darkness and a splash of romance. A great novel for all ages.
The novel starts off with an epilogue that gives the reader a solid background to the story to come. I was pleasantly surprised that for as short at the book is, the characters were very well developed. We, the readers, are treated to a fairy tale-like story with shades of the Pied Piper, Pinocchio and Beauty and the Beast.
The book is appropriate for most ages; although, there are some dark parts of the book that could be scary to younger readers.
My recommendation: If you are a fan of fairy tales, mystery and happily-ever-after, than this quick, fun little read is for you.
The novel starts off with an epilogue that gives the reader a solid background to the story to come. I was pleasantly surprised that for as short at the book is, the characters were very well developed. We, the readers, are treated to a fairy tale-like story with shades of the Pied Piper, Pinocchio and Beauty and the Beast.
The book is appropriate for most ages; although, there are some dark parts of the book that could be scary to younger readers.
My recommendation: If you are a fan of fairy tales, mystery and happily-ever-after, than this quick, fun little read is for you.
April 19, 2016
This was a fun short read. 88 pages. Overall I thought it was very imaginative and descriptive. I could easily visualize it. It's kind of a gothic fairy tale, which I like, but fairy tales aren't wholly original. I loved the richness of the characters and the concept. I particularly liked the originality of the idea of the carousel. I did find that some of the writing was repetitive at the beginning but I was still able to get engaged with the story. I was provided a copy for an honest review.
May 16, 2024
Round and round until happily ever after
Carousel is a sweet, short story of love and triumph. I wasn't expecting to like this story but was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it. It was somewhat predictable but in all the right ways for a short story about overcoming obstacles on your way to your happily ever after. Must read for those looking for a quick read or for middle grade or YA readers.
Carousel is a sweet, short story of love and triumph. I wasn't expecting to like this story but was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it. It was somewhat predictable but in all the right ways for a short story about overcoming obstacles on your way to your happily ever after. Must read for those looking for a quick read or for middle grade or YA readers.
March 24, 2019
A cute little fairy tale romance. It mixes the feeling of Rumplestiltskein and Pinocchio. The random addition of Italian helped place the little country in southern Europe. Looking forward to reading book 2 and other future stories by the author.
January 12, 2024
This was a short, but good read. This book had fairy tale aspects that I really enjoyed, along with a sweet romance. The book was very descriptive and I loved the magic aspect in the dolls and would have loved to have learnt more about how it worked etc.
June 29, 2017
Carousel is a fascinating novel that almost feels like a modern fairy tale. It's a very unique tale, with interesting characters and an engaging plot. Definitely a must read.
April 18, 2025
Book review:
Jennifer Renson - Carousel
4 ⭐️
Such a fun, cute and captivating read! It felt like a twisted fairy tale.
After his grandfather's death Princio returns to his home kingdom where he meets Feletti, doll maker. Feletti gains Princio's trust and friendship. But when Princio meets Marian he learns not everything is as it seems, as dark secrets come to life.
The writing was brilliant and made the world so real. Near the end my heart was thumping with what was going to happen. Feletti was a fab villain and the imagery was vivid... It was almost like I could hear music at times.
Highly recommend, especially if you're looking for a shorter read. Can't wait to read more by this author - AoH looks and sounds good!
Jennifer Renson - Carousel
4 ⭐️
Such a fun, cute and captivating read! It felt like a twisted fairy tale.
After his grandfather's death Princio returns to his home kingdom where he meets Feletti, doll maker. Feletti gains Princio's trust and friendship. But when Princio meets Marian he learns not everything is as it seems, as dark secrets come to life.
The writing was brilliant and made the world so real. Near the end my heart was thumping with what was going to happen. Feletti was a fab villain and the imagery was vivid... It was almost like I could hear music at times.
Highly recommend, especially if you're looking for a shorter read. Can't wait to read more by this author - AoH looks and sounds good!
November 1, 2024
Carousel is a whimsical short story that has everything in it from good thumping over evil, magic and love. The author wrote the story so well and descriptive that I was able to see the story play out as a moving picture in my head as I read it.
August 26, 2025
A beautiful girl meets a man with a mask. Is he a forgotten prince? What strings is the doll maker pulling? A quick and predictable read from an independent author. Solid characters and writing.
January 3, 2026
very cute story. think Anastasia mixed with an even more twisted Pinocchio.
mixed with a brothers love and found family, and finding ones self.
I will be reading more from this author.
mixed with a brothers love and found family, and finding ones self.
I will be reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews