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Menagerie #2
Spectacle
In this riveting sequel Delilah Marlow will discover that there is no crueler cage than the confines of the human mind…
When their coup of Metzger's Menagerie is discovered, Delilah and her fellow cryptids find their newly won freedom brutally stripped away as they are sold into The Savage Spectacle, a private collection of "exotic wildlife." Specializing in ruthless cryptid cage matches, safari-style creature hunts and living party favors, the Spectacle's owner, Willem Vandekamp, caters to the forbidden fetishes of the wealthy and powerful. At the Spectacle, any wish can be granted—for the right price.
But Vandekamp's closely guarded client list isn't the only secret being kept at the Spectacle. Beneath the beauty and brutality of life in the collection lie much darker truths, and no one is more determined than Delilah to strip the masks from the human monsters and drag all dark things into the light.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2017
131 people are currently reading
3774 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Vincent
66 books9,787 followers[Note: Though Rachel's blog entries are cross posted here, she does not frequent Goodreads. The best ways to contact her are FB, Twitter, or her Wordpress blog. PLEASE DO NOT SEND HER MESSAGES HERE. SHE DOES NOT CHECK THEM.]
A resident of Oklahoma, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace with two black cats (Kaci and Nyx) and her # 1 fan. Rachel is older than she looks-seriously-and younger than she feels, but remains convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan.
A resident of Oklahoma, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace with two black cats (Kaci and Nyx) and her # 1 fan. Rachel is older than she looks-seriously-and younger than she feels, but remains convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
July 30, 2018
i am giving this four stars because of how much fun i had reading it. the objective critic in me acknowledges that the book has weaknesses, but she is easily drowned out by the WOO HOO FUN part of me (who is also drowning out the spiteful hurt feelings part of me with tiny shaking fist and outrage, peeping “one star only! for spurning me!!”)
objective critic is going to take over the review for a bit because WOO HOO FUN part isn’t a particularly cogent reviewer.
so, this picks up a bit after the end of Menagerie, a book which recounts the long and troubled relationship between humans and cryptids, who are dealt with in a variety of ways; one of which is to be rounded up and caged, displayed in traveling circuses, robbed of whatever humanity they have and paraded as freaks. delilah had always believed herself to be human until something ‘other’ surfaced in her, very publicly, and she was caged with the rest, suffering all the indignities cryptids had so long endured, experiencing the loss of her freedom and expectation of respect and basic courtesy while trying to figure out just what she is and the extent of her powers or attributes. it’s a big old urban fantasy allegory about racism and genocide and dehumanization, and it’s a clever conceit couched in a bon bon of fantasy and adventure and empowerment.
book one leaves off, not with a cliffhanger, but a change in circumstances (delicately evasive for spoilerphobes); it could have worked perfectly well as a standalone, but it’s much more satisfying to revisit these characters and see what comes next for them.
even if what comes next is horrifying.
Spectacle is in many ways similar in content to Menagerie, but it’s a definite escalation in peril as our cryptid friends experience one of the other ways cryptids are exploited, one much worse than being a sideshow act, within the confines of The Savage Spectacle. this is a high-end ‘anything goes’ playground for the 1%, where wealthy perverts and sadists pay for the opportunity to abuse cryptids for sport or entertainment. fitted with collars that suppress their powers or shock them into compliance, which can paralyze them or even take away their voice entirely, the cryptids are reduced to the basest of beasts; hunted as sport with weapons of varying lethality, forced to participate in death matches against other cryptids, tarted-up in paint and skimpy outfits to serve canapés at parties, and led into private rooms for more intimate encounters.
delilah and friends are so much more vulnerable here, despite the better accommodations and food and the fancier clientele
it’s entitlement gone mad, and it is indeed a spectacle, of the most brutal kind.
Spectacle is a bigger book in many ways - bigger consequences, bigger allegorical reach scooping in reproductive control, suppression of communication or expression, and a much more pronounced objectification - when bodies can be paralyzed at the push of a button and moved around like dolls, they are easily dismissed as moneymaking playthings.
but people easily dismissed have one advantage: being underestimated. and that can lead to some spectacles of its own.
it’s a really entertaining follow up, and i’m glad to know there’s a third book coming, as this series is the only urban fantasy i’ve ever really enjoyed. having said that, the writing is not phenomenal. not painful, just basic a-to-b writing. but for a story like this, it’s not like you’re craving a challenging read full of subtext and linguistic curlicues. you know what you’re getting in to, and objective critic is just mentioning it because reportage.
let’s check in with WOO HOO FUN part of karen:
WOO HOO!! SO MANY DRAMATIC THINGS HAPPEN!! RAAARRRRR MONSTERS!!! WHAT A FUN AND HORRIBLE TIME I HAD READING THIS!
and the tiny outraged part:
i am still in a tiff! i am vexed!! recognize my umbrage!!!
maybe i will not be denied book 3 when it becomes available??
**********************************************
hey, harlequin - remember when you wouldn’t let me have this book on netgalley? big mistake, because i just went out and BOUGHT it. suckaaaas!
********************************************
OH MY GOD - DENIED!!!! i shake my tiny fist at you, harlequin! apparently, i'm not welcome because i'm not a blogger, even though i am both a bookseller (who has kept Menagerie on my table at the store FOREVER) and a nonblog reviewer and technically, a librarian. for those of you who want to request something from them on netgalley, here are the requirements, so you can prove your worth accordingly:
Hello,
Thank you for requesting one of our titles. Unfortunately you do not meet our publisher approval preferences outlined below:
For all Harlequin imprints including MIRA, HQN, and all Harlequin series imprints, please provide the following information in your PROFILE:
Booksellers
Harlequin accepts booksellers who manage the purchasing of fiction as well as general booksellers.
Please include the name and location of your bookstore/retailer as well as your position.
Librarians
Harlequin accepts librarians who manage purchasing for adult fiction titles.
Please include the name and location of your library as well as your position.
Educators
Harlequin accepts educators who also review for publications, including blogs, newspapers, magazines, etc (please see reviewer guidelines below). We also accept those who manage the purchasing of adult titles for post-secondary libraries.
Please include the name and location of your school, as well as your position.
Reviewers
Please include a direct link to your review site and/or direct links to your reviews.
In order to be approved, your review space must follow this criteria:
- Your book blog has been established and active for 3 months+.
- You regularly update your book blog with book reviews, author interviews, or book discussion threads.
- Your blog displays reader interaction (i.e. comments, giveaway entries, good social media following).
- Please provide information on the number of unique visitors you receive in a given month (500+ are preferred).
*****************************************
LESS THAN ONE YEAR NOW!
come to my blog!
objective critic is going to take over the review for a bit because WOO HOO FUN part isn’t a particularly cogent reviewer.
so, this picks up a bit after the end of Menagerie, a book which recounts the long and troubled relationship between humans and cryptids, who are dealt with in a variety of ways; one of which is to be rounded up and caged, displayed in traveling circuses, robbed of whatever humanity they have and paraded as freaks. delilah had always believed herself to be human until something ‘other’ surfaced in her, very publicly, and she was caged with the rest, suffering all the indignities cryptids had so long endured, experiencing the loss of her freedom and expectation of respect and basic courtesy while trying to figure out just what she is and the extent of her powers or attributes. it’s a big old urban fantasy allegory about racism and genocide and dehumanization, and it’s a clever conceit couched in a bon bon of fantasy and adventure and empowerment.
book one leaves off, not with a cliffhanger, but a change in circumstances (delicately evasive for spoilerphobes); it could have worked perfectly well as a standalone, but it’s much more satisfying to revisit these characters and see what comes next for them.
even if what comes next is horrifying.
Spectacle is in many ways similar in content to Menagerie, but it’s a definite escalation in peril as our cryptid friends experience one of the other ways cryptids are exploited, one much worse than being a sideshow act, within the confines of The Savage Spectacle. this is a high-end ‘anything goes’ playground for the 1%, where wealthy perverts and sadists pay for the opportunity to abuse cryptids for sport or entertainment. fitted with collars that suppress their powers or shock them into compliance, which can paralyze them or even take away their voice entirely, the cryptids are reduced to the basest of beasts; hunted as sport with weapons of varying lethality, forced to participate in death matches against other cryptids, tarted-up in paint and skimpy outfits to serve canapés at parties, and led into private rooms for more intimate encounters.
delilah and friends are so much more vulnerable here, despite the better accommodations and food and the fancier clientele
The huge room swallowed my footsteps and amplified my fear, making me feel insignificant in a way that being locked in a small cage never could have.
The guests were college-age men in business-casual dress, most of whom had already found the alcoholic beverage of their choice. Their chatter died as we entered the room, and I could feel every gaze on me. The attention felt simultaneously familiar and completely foreign, because though I’d been on display at Metzger’s, a menagerie patron’s motivation to plop down his credit card was almost always simple curiosity, tempered by fear. He or she wanted to see dangerous creatures - perhaps even those responsible for the reaping - removed from true threat by miracle of steel cages and iron bars.
But the patrons at the Savage Spectacle didn’t just look curious, they looked hungry. Greedy. These men - most of them near my age - didn’t believe we represented any threat, and it had never occurred to them, probably in their entire lives, that they might not have the right to do whatever they wanted in any given moment.
I could practically smell their anticipation in the air.
it’s entitlement gone mad, and it is indeed a spectacle, of the most brutal kind.
Spectacle is a bigger book in many ways - bigger consequences, bigger allegorical reach scooping in reproductive control, suppression of communication or expression, and a much more pronounced objectification - when bodies can be paralyzed at the push of a button and moved around like dolls, they are easily dismissed as moneymaking playthings.
but people easily dismissed have one advantage: being underestimated. and that can lead to some spectacles of its own.
it’s a really entertaining follow up, and i’m glad to know there’s a third book coming, as this series is the only urban fantasy i’ve ever really enjoyed. having said that, the writing is not phenomenal. not painful, just basic a-to-b writing. but for a story like this, it’s not like you’re craving a challenging read full of subtext and linguistic curlicues. you know what you’re getting in to, and objective critic is just mentioning it because reportage.
let’s check in with WOO HOO FUN part of karen:
WOO HOO!! SO MANY DRAMATIC THINGS HAPPEN!! RAAARRRRR MONSTERS!!! WHAT A FUN AND HORRIBLE TIME I HAD READING THIS!
and the tiny outraged part:
i am still in a tiff! i am vexed!! recognize my umbrage!!!
maybe i will not be denied book 3 when it becomes available??
**********************************************
hey, harlequin - remember when you wouldn’t let me have this book on netgalley? big mistake, because i just went out and BOUGHT it. suckaaaas!
********************************************
OH MY GOD - DENIED!!!! i shake my tiny fist at you, harlequin! apparently, i'm not welcome because i'm not a blogger, even though i am both a bookseller (who has kept Menagerie on my table at the store FOREVER) and a nonblog reviewer and technically, a librarian. for those of you who want to request something from them on netgalley, here are the requirements, so you can prove your worth accordingly:
Hello,
Thank you for requesting one of our titles. Unfortunately you do not meet our publisher approval preferences outlined below:
For all Harlequin imprints including MIRA, HQN, and all Harlequin series imprints, please provide the following information in your PROFILE:
Booksellers
Harlequin accepts booksellers who manage the purchasing of fiction as well as general booksellers.
Please include the name and location of your bookstore/retailer as well as your position.
Librarians
Harlequin accepts librarians who manage purchasing for adult fiction titles.
Please include the name and location of your library as well as your position.
Educators
Harlequin accepts educators who also review for publications, including blogs, newspapers, magazines, etc (please see reviewer guidelines below). We also accept those who manage the purchasing of adult titles for post-secondary libraries.
Please include the name and location of your school, as well as your position.
Reviewers
Please include a direct link to your review site and/or direct links to your reviews.
In order to be approved, your review space must follow this criteria:
- Your book blog has been established and active for 3 months+.
- You regularly update your book blog with book reviews, author interviews, or book discussion threads.
- Your blog displays reader interaction (i.e. comments, giveaway entries, good social media following).
- Please provide information on the number of unique visitors you receive in a given month (500+ are preferred).
*****************************************
LESS THAN ONE YEAR NOW!
come to my blog!
May 5, 2017
My thoughts were a storm of escape plans and revenge plots
I really enjoyed the first book in this series - Menagerie - but with Spectacle, I can't shake the feeling that I've just read the same book twice.
To be honest, I felt like Menagerie could have been wrapped up as a standalone. The story arc follows Delilah Marlow's journey from discovering she is a "cryptid" (supernatural creatures who have no human rights and can be sold and kept as property) to her captivity in Metzger's Menagerie. The whole book is about the injustices done to cryptids in captivity, and Delilah's need to escape.
SPOILER FOR THE PREVIOUS BOOK-- When, at the end, Delilah leads an uprising and takes over the carnival, things look relatively peachy. The cryptids are free from their cruel master and can choose to continue performing or leave as they wish.
So what is the plot of this book? Pretty much exactly the same. Shortly after the book's opening, Delilah & Co. are captured once again. This time, instead of being imprisoned in Metzger's Menagerie, they are taken to Willem Vandekamp's Savage Spectacle (SS). They suffer similar mistreatment - being forced to perform for customers, treated violently if they don't comply, etc. And I, of course, won't tell you what happens at the end, but I think maybe you can guess.
There is a third book on the way, but I think I'll hold off and await the reviews first because I cannot read the same story three times.
Also, as a sidenote that I can't decide how I feel about - is this world supposed to be a Holocaust metaphor? A world in which people who are "different" are taken, imprisoned, and mistreated by the SS and a guy with a distinctly German name - Rudolph Metzger. Is Dr Willem Vandekamp - who does experiments on cryptids - supposed to be Dr Josef Mengele? Does Metzger's Menagerie = Mengele's zoo? No one else seems to have mentioned it so maybe this is just something I imagined; a series of bizarre coincidences. I just wondered.
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July 16, 2017
So, I didn't love this one as much as the first book. As a matter of fact the first book was my first favorite book of 2016. You can see my crazy review here --> MY BOOK ONE REVIEW
But, the ending on this one. OMG! I need the next one to see and I hope every thing goes good ♥
I love this whole cryptid world. I love them so much and having books about them is awesome!
Well, in this book you're thinking, well Delilah did it and they are all having a good life. Not a perfect life, but their own lives. THEN, two freaking seconds later (or it seems) they are all taken prisoner again! This time it's with this twat Vandekamp's own cryptid sickness called, Savage Spectacle. It's not a nice place one little bit. This place is really set up with state of the art, beyond the art stuff that seems impossible for the family of cryptids to escape.
But...
Never say never. Delilah can't be controlled like the others. I mean they use different methods for her until all hell breaks loose. Oh, and the sweet joy of what Gallagher did to Tabitha < -- evil woman. It was such a sweet, nasty moment =)
I'm really hoping things go good for them all in the next book. After this one I worry, what's going to happen next and we don't want that because there is something sweet. That's all I'm saying ♥
*Also, the cover of this book is freaking awesome!* Just sayin'
But, the ending on this one. OMG! I need the next one to see and I hope every thing goes good ♥
I love this whole cryptid world. I love them so much and having books about them is awesome!
Well, in this book you're thinking, well Delilah did it and they are all having a good life. Not a perfect life, but their own lives. THEN, two freaking seconds later (or it seems) they are all taken prisoner again! This time it's with this twat Vandekamp's own cryptid sickness called, Savage Spectacle. It's not a nice place one little bit. This place is really set up with state of the art, beyond the art stuff that seems impossible for the family of cryptids to escape.
But...
Never say never. Delilah can't be controlled like the others. I mean they use different methods for her until all hell breaks loose. Oh, and the sweet joy of what Gallagher did to Tabitha < -- evil woman. It was such a sweet, nasty moment =)
I'm really hoping things go good for them all in the next book. After this one I worry, what's going to happen next and we don't want that because there is something sweet. That's all I'm saying ♥
*Also, the cover of this book is freaking awesome!* Just sayin'
May 26, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
This book lived up to all of my expectations. That is saying a lot because I really set the bar pretty high for this one. Last year, I picked up the first book in the series, Menagerie, on a whim and completely fell in love with the story. I immediately started counting down the days until I would be able to see what happens next in the life of Delilah and everyone else from Metzger's Menagerie. I had a few guesses about where the story would go next and all of them ended up being wrong. I couldn't be happier about that because I love it when a book really surprises me as this one was able to do.
This book picks up right after the events of Menagerie. This is a series that really should be read in order so I do recommend that readers new to the series go back and read Menagerie before starting this one. It is a great book so you wouldn't want to miss it anyway. Delilah and the gang are running the show and trying to make things work. Things are tough but they are enjoying their new found freedom until things go horribly wrong.
They soon find themselves being added to Vandekamp's Spectacle. This is not a place you would want to be. It isn't a traveling show as Metzger's was. Vandekamp's serves a different kind of customer. The exhibits are subjected to pretty much anything the clients are willing to pay for and the owners find profitable. The captives are controlled through high tech means which seem impossible to overcome.
This story proved to be incredibly exciting for me. Everything that Delilah goes through and sees in this story really got to me. I was as confused about what was happening at first as the characters were and my heart broke for them as we discovered more about what was going on. I kept wondering what was going to happen next and by the end of the book, I couldn't turn the pages nearly fast enough. Let's just say that this book definitely ends with a bang.
I would highly recommend this series to others. It is the kind of story that really makes you think about the things that people do to each other. Even though this is set in a world full of cryptids, I think that the behavior of the humans really felt authentic which makes me very sad. This is a series that has earned a spot on my favorites list and I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment!
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Harlequin - MIRA via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This book was fantastic. I did like the first book just a bit more but I enjoyed every minute of this one. This book was pretty fast paced and I was never sure what would happen next. I couldn't put it down.
This book lived up to all of my expectations. That is saying a lot because I really set the bar pretty high for this one. Last year, I picked up the first book in the series, Menagerie, on a whim and completely fell in love with the story. I immediately started counting down the days until I would be able to see what happens next in the life of Delilah and everyone else from Metzger's Menagerie. I had a few guesses about where the story would go next and all of them ended up being wrong. I couldn't be happier about that because I love it when a book really surprises me as this one was able to do.
This book picks up right after the events of Menagerie. This is a series that really should be read in order so I do recommend that readers new to the series go back and read Menagerie before starting this one. It is a great book so you wouldn't want to miss it anyway. Delilah and the gang are running the show and trying to make things work. Things are tough but they are enjoying their new found freedom until things go horribly wrong.
They soon find themselves being added to Vandekamp's Spectacle. This is not a place you would want to be. It isn't a traveling show as Metzger's was. Vandekamp's serves a different kind of customer. The exhibits are subjected to pretty much anything the clients are willing to pay for and the owners find profitable. The captives are controlled through high tech means which seem impossible to overcome.
This story proved to be incredibly exciting for me. Everything that Delilah goes through and sees in this story really got to me. I was as confused about what was happening at first as the characters were and my heart broke for them as we discovered more about what was going on. I kept wondering what was going to happen next and by the end of the book, I couldn't turn the pages nearly fast enough. Let's just say that this book definitely ends with a bang.
I would highly recommend this series to others. It is the kind of story that really makes you think about the things that people do to each other. Even though this is set in a world full of cryptids, I think that the behavior of the humans really felt authentic which makes me very sad. This is a series that has earned a spot on my favorites list and I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment!
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Harlequin - MIRA via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This book was fantastic. I did like the first book just a bit more but I enjoyed every minute of this one. This book was pretty fast paced and I was never sure what would happen next. I couldn't put it down.
October 5, 2017
THIS BOOK IS NOT A BAD BOOK. It is well-written and a good story. But it is even more cruel and heartbreaking and awful (in terms of the disgusting things done to the characters) than Menagerie. This book needed a trigger warning. Like, a dozen of them. I don't know how to treat this review because honestly right now I'm shaken by some of the things I read. AUTHORS/PUBLISHERS, PLEASE INCLUDE TRIGGER WARNINGS.
I'm trying to come up with trigger warnings and what even?
You see why I don't know how to rate or review this book? It's not the author or the book that is "bad". It's how graphic the content is and how unsettled, disgusted, and shaken I am, after reading the book. Totally my reaction, and mine alone.
I'm so disgusted and not with the story or the author - do you see the difference? I'm disgusted with what happened to the characters, which is the intended effect. I didn't enjoy reading this book so I can't give it more than three stars. It was painful and I really regret reading the book and its predecessor. I don't know if I can stomach book three.
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Spectacle by Rachel Vincent
Book Two of the Menagerie series
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Publication Date: May 30, 2017
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
Summary (from Goodreads):
In this riveting sequel to New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent's acclaimed novel Menagerie, Delilah Marlow will discover that there is no crueler cage than the confines of the human mind…
When their coup of Metzger's Menagerie is discovered, Delilah and her fellow cryptids find their newly won freedom brutally stripped away as they are sold into The Savage Spectacle, a private collection of "exotic wildlife." Specializing in ruthless cryptid cage matches, safari-style creature hunts and living party favors, the Spectacle's owner, Willem Vandekamp, caters to the forbidden fetishes of the wealthy and powerful. At the Spectacle, any wish can be granted—for the right price.
But Vandekamp's closely guarded client list isn't the only secret being kept at the Spectacle. Beneath the beauty and brutality of life in the collection lie much darker truths, and no one is more determined than Delilah to strip the masks from the human monsters and drag all dark things into the light.
What I Liked:
Let me say two things before I start my commentary: (1) This book is not bad, and I think it will be very successful and a good addition to the series. Please read my full thoughts before jumping to the conclusion of "Alyssa gave the book three stars so it must not be good!". (2) This review might be shorter than usual because my thoughts and feelings on this book are not going to be an accurate reflection of the book's quality. Usually I write my reviews based on technical aspects and categories (character development, plot, world-building, etc.), but I don't think I can construct a fair review based on those items, based on my physical reaction to this book. You'll see what I mean.
Actually, this review is going to be somewhat similar to my review of Menagerie. I thought that book was good, well-written, but I suffered as I was reading it. Like Menagerie, there are cruel and disgusting aspects of this book. Unlike Menagerie, or compared to Menagerie, the cruel and disgusting aspects get worse, in Spectacle.
In essence, Delilah and the Menagerie gang get kidnapped and forced into the Savage Spectacle, which is different from the Menagerie. The Savage Spectacle is cleaner with better conditions... yet, worse conditions. Each cryptid is outfitted with a collar that has needles that go directly into the spine, which can sense neural and hormonal impulses. Every impulse, action, even thought is controlled. Worse - the Spectacle is all about private engagements and satisfying clients with cryptid fetishes. Yep. Reread that again and imagine what I'm talking about.
Vincent did an amazing job with this story - I can't imagine it having been easy to write. Every disgusting act, every choice taken away, every forced action - I hated all of it but I can't deny that everything was well-written and not without its place.
I adored Delilah, and Gallager, and the crew. I hated what was done to them, but I loved seeing their strength and self-preservation win out.
No romance in this book, though there are some... odd things that happen.
In general, it's a sequel that will rip you apart and hurt you, but it is a good book.
What I Did Not Like:
There are so many things wrong with this story, I can't even begin to list them even if I wanted to (but I won't, because of spoilers). Notice I'm talking about the story and not the book (note the distinction). Vincent is shining a light on some gruesome and horrible topics, and I take no issue with that. Sort of.
I think my problem is that I hated everything that happened in this book, and I didn't - couldn't - enjoy the story. There are no trigger warnings, nothing to help someone decide if this is a book for them. Let me just say: there is rape in this book. There is lack of consent. There is sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Wills (willpower) are taken, choices are taken, freedom is taken. A person's body is not their own, physically, mentally, or in a reproductive way. Loss of memory, loss of control, loss of the ability to communicate - the story is filled with these things.
Can you imagine?
I needed warnings. Put yourself in the shoes of a rape survivor, or sexual abuse survivor. This book is disturbing and horrifying - as it is meant to be! - and I could not enjoy it. I do not begrudge anyone their high rating or praise of this book, but I couldn't enjoy this story. I recognize that it is not the book itself that should be put down - but I'm being honest here: I hated the story.
Three stars, because it's not the book, it's the actions and behaviors that exist in this world and should not be ignored. But, three stars, because I could not stomach this story. Call me whatever name you want, but I couldn't do it. Yes, I finished the book. Yes, I know, all of the things in this book exist (in some way) in real life.
In Menagerie, I sort of got used to the "disturbing" aspects of the story. In Spectacle? Everything was one hundred times worse. Menagerie seemed just barely disturbing compared to Spectacle. So there was no way for me to "get used to anything", to become desensitized.
Would I Recommend It:
I do not recommend Spectacle. I do not recommend Menagerie. These are not easy books to read, and honestly they get worse and worse in terms of graphic content. Worse NOT in terms of the quality of the storytelling, but worse in terms of what the characters have to experience and face. Call me a snowflake, call me fragile, I don't care - these books are not for everyone. Definitely (unfortunately) not for me. I thought I could handle it with Menagerie, but clearly I was wrong with Spectacle. I can't finish this series. I can't think about how bad book three will be.
Don't take my word for it though, if you've already read Menagerie and you're really interested in this book. But if you haven't read Menagerie, think about what you'll be reading before you start the book. Message or email me with questions, if you want. Although I have to say, I'm going to be trying really hard to forget what I read, in both books.
Rating:
3 stars. I honestly don't know how to rate and review this book, because it's me and my thoughts/opinions that I'm writing about, and not necessary technical aspects (writing, world-building, character development, etc.). I rarely write this type of review (based on my thoughts/opinions alone), but I'm so shaken and unsettled, and I really don't know how to write this review any other way. Hopefully I've conveyed something useful to any reader of this reviewer. I'm not trying to tear down the author or this book - but I am trying to warn any reader who, like me, shouldn't be reading this book but don't know that they shouldn't be, because they don't know enough information about the book (see above, about warnings).
I'm trying to come up with trigger warnings and what even?
You see why I don't know how to rate or review this book? It's not the author or the book that is "bad". It's how graphic the content is and how unsettled, disgusted, and shaken I am, after reading the book. Totally my reaction, and mine alone.
I'm so disgusted and not with the story or the author - do you see the difference? I'm disgusted with what happened to the characters, which is the intended effect. I didn't enjoy reading this book so I can't give it more than three stars. It was painful and I really regret reading the book and its predecessor. I don't know if I can stomach book three.
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Spectacle by Rachel Vincent
Book Two of the Menagerie series
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Publication Date: May 30, 2017
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
Summary (from Goodreads):
In this riveting sequel to New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent's acclaimed novel Menagerie, Delilah Marlow will discover that there is no crueler cage than the confines of the human mind…
When their coup of Metzger's Menagerie is discovered, Delilah and her fellow cryptids find their newly won freedom brutally stripped away as they are sold into The Savage Spectacle, a private collection of "exotic wildlife." Specializing in ruthless cryptid cage matches, safari-style creature hunts and living party favors, the Spectacle's owner, Willem Vandekamp, caters to the forbidden fetishes of the wealthy and powerful. At the Spectacle, any wish can be granted—for the right price.
But Vandekamp's closely guarded client list isn't the only secret being kept at the Spectacle. Beneath the beauty and brutality of life in the collection lie much darker truths, and no one is more determined than Delilah to strip the masks from the human monsters and drag all dark things into the light.
What I Liked:
Let me say two things before I start my commentary: (1) This book is not bad, and I think it will be very successful and a good addition to the series. Please read my full thoughts before jumping to the conclusion of "Alyssa gave the book three stars so it must not be good!". (2) This review might be shorter than usual because my thoughts and feelings on this book are not going to be an accurate reflection of the book's quality. Usually I write my reviews based on technical aspects and categories (character development, plot, world-building, etc.), but I don't think I can construct a fair review based on those items, based on my physical reaction to this book. You'll see what I mean.
Actually, this review is going to be somewhat similar to my review of Menagerie. I thought that book was good, well-written, but I suffered as I was reading it. Like Menagerie, there are cruel and disgusting aspects of this book. Unlike Menagerie, or compared to Menagerie, the cruel and disgusting aspects get worse, in Spectacle.
In essence, Delilah and the Menagerie gang get kidnapped and forced into the Savage Spectacle, which is different from the Menagerie. The Savage Spectacle is cleaner with better conditions... yet, worse conditions. Each cryptid is outfitted with a collar that has needles that go directly into the spine, which can sense neural and hormonal impulses. Every impulse, action, even thought is controlled. Worse - the Spectacle is all about private engagements and satisfying clients with cryptid fetishes. Yep. Reread that again and imagine what I'm talking about.
Vincent did an amazing job with this story - I can't imagine it having been easy to write. Every disgusting act, every choice taken away, every forced action - I hated all of it but I can't deny that everything was well-written and not without its place.
I adored Delilah, and Gallager, and the crew. I hated what was done to them, but I loved seeing their strength and self-preservation win out.
No romance in this book, though there are some... odd things that happen.
In general, it's a sequel that will rip you apart and hurt you, but it is a good book.
What I Did Not Like:
There are so many things wrong with this story, I can't even begin to list them even if I wanted to (but I won't, because of spoilers). Notice I'm talking about the story and not the book (note the distinction). Vincent is shining a light on some gruesome and horrible topics, and I take no issue with that. Sort of.
I think my problem is that I hated everything that happened in this book, and I didn't - couldn't - enjoy the story. There are no trigger warnings, nothing to help someone decide if this is a book for them. Let me just say: there is rape in this book. There is lack of consent. There is sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Wills (willpower) are taken, choices are taken, freedom is taken. A person's body is not their own, physically, mentally, or in a reproductive way. Loss of memory, loss of control, loss of the ability to communicate - the story is filled with these things.
Can you imagine?
I needed warnings. Put yourself in the shoes of a rape survivor, or sexual abuse survivor. This book is disturbing and horrifying - as it is meant to be! - and I could not enjoy it. I do not begrudge anyone their high rating or praise of this book, but I couldn't enjoy this story. I recognize that it is not the book itself that should be put down - but I'm being honest here: I hated the story.
Three stars, because it's not the book, it's the actions and behaviors that exist in this world and should not be ignored. But, three stars, because I could not stomach this story. Call me whatever name you want, but I couldn't do it. Yes, I finished the book. Yes, I know, all of the things in this book exist (in some way) in real life.
In Menagerie, I sort of got used to the "disturbing" aspects of the story. In Spectacle? Everything was one hundred times worse. Menagerie seemed just barely disturbing compared to Spectacle. So there was no way for me to "get used to anything", to become desensitized.
Would I Recommend It:
I do not recommend Spectacle. I do not recommend Menagerie. These are not easy books to read, and honestly they get worse and worse in terms of graphic content. Worse NOT in terms of the quality of the storytelling, but worse in terms of what the characters have to experience and face. Call me a snowflake, call me fragile, I don't care - these books are not for everyone. Definitely (unfortunately) not for me. I thought I could handle it with Menagerie, but clearly I was wrong with Spectacle. I can't finish this series. I can't think about how bad book three will be.
Don't take my word for it though, if you've already read Menagerie and you're really interested in this book. But if you haven't read Menagerie, think about what you'll be reading before you start the book. Message or email me with questions, if you want. Although I have to say, I'm going to be trying really hard to forget what I read, in both books.
Rating:
3 stars. I honestly don't know how to rate and review this book, because it's me and my thoughts/opinions that I'm writing about, and not necessary technical aspects (writing, world-building, character development, etc.). I rarely write this type of review (based on my thoughts/opinions alone), but I'm so shaken and unsettled, and I really don't know how to write this review any other way. Hopefully I've conveyed something useful to any reader of this reviewer. I'm not trying to tear down the author or this book - but I am trying to warn any reader who, like me, shouldn't be reading this book but don't know that they shouldn't be, because they don't know enough information about the book (see above, about warnings).
July 15, 2017
If you read book one of this series Menagerie and were on the fence about continuing I would say your faith will be rewarded by doing so. Book one was a round up to a 3* and this one a round down to a 4*.
Where book one seemed contrived and lacked pacing of any kind this book was dark and had consequences. The difference in settings, a traveling circus vs a hybrid lab, prison, arena, sex club and hunting safari had a lot to do with this.
I often struggle with urban fantasy but this was easy to read from cover to cover. A few minor quibbles in decisions a few characters made which seemed convenient to the story but not ones smart people would make and also how the story tied up so quickly.
I will read book 3.
Where book one seemed contrived and lacked pacing of any kind this book was dark and had consequences. The difference in settings, a traveling circus vs a hybrid lab, prison, arena, sex club and hunting safari had a lot to do with this.
I often struggle with urban fantasy but this was easy to read from cover to cover. A few minor quibbles in decisions a few characters made which seemed convenient to the story but not ones smart people would make and also how the story tied up so quickly.
I will read book 3.
November 1, 2025
Talk about devastating, after being free for a short time the cryptids find themselves captive once again and even though it might seem the care and circumstances are more humane, when they scratch the surface of their confinement its much worse.
Not for the faint of heart reader.
Talk about out of the frying pan and right into the fire! You thought things where bad in the Menagerie, Delilah's and her fellow cryptids' situation just went from bad to way worse. Oh, the perceived civility is all there but where is PETA when you need them, because pets have more rights then they do. Disturbing and appalling yet utterly riveting, Spectacle is not for the light hearted. Don't get me wrong the situation are mostly implied and not described but nothing is light in Vincent's telling. Serious white knuckle reading at its best, with lots of heart wrenching moments in between. I can't wait to see where Vincent takes us next.
I received this ARC copy of Spectracle from Harlequin (US & Canada) - MIRA. This is my honest and voluntary review. Spectracle is set for publication May 30, 2017.
Not for the faint of heart reader.
Talk about out of the frying pan and right into the fire! You thought things where bad in the Menagerie, Delilah's and her fellow cryptids' situation just went from bad to way worse. Oh, the perceived civility is all there but where is PETA when you need them, because pets have more rights then they do. Disturbing and appalling yet utterly riveting, Spectacle is not for the light hearted. Don't get me wrong the situation are mostly implied and not described but nothing is light in Vincent's telling. Serious white knuckle reading at its best, with lots of heart wrenching moments in between. I can't wait to see where Vincent takes us next.
I received this ARC copy of Spectracle from Harlequin (US & Canada) - MIRA. This is my honest and voluntary review. Spectracle is set for publication May 30, 2017.
August 21, 2018
Thoughts on the Audio
I liked this book just as much the second time around. This book really makes you think about what makes a real monster. Spending time in Delilah's mind as she deals with everything that is happening to her in this new situation was very powerful. Gabra Zackman does a fantastic job with the narration.
I liked this book just as much the second time around. This book really makes you think about what makes a real monster. Spending time in Delilah's mind as she deals with everything that is happening to her in this new situation was very powerful. Gabra Zackman does a fantastic job with the narration.
October 17, 2019
Is it possible to rate over five stars? Because I totally would with this book!
Many eons ago, I was OBSESSED with Rachel Vincent's books. I was a high-schooler with a minimum wage job and and money to spend. So, I hoarded books and rammed through most of Ms. Rachel V's bibliography. Soul Screamers, Shifters, Unbound, Menagerie and little old Wildcat topped my reading list! I loved all of them. Then, one day, I went off to school and couldn't afford books that weren't at discount stores so I lost my chance at these books...
AND THEN I FOUND COUPONS AND SALES AND GOT SPECTACLE! Honest to god, I read Menagerie when it came out and about six years later I read this magical sequel. Despite the six year gap (for me as a reader), I was able to totally remember what was going on and feel attached to this series again.
AND OMG I LOVED EVERY SINGLE FREAKING SECOND OF IT. WHERE'S FURY?! I NEED IT NOOOOOOW!
I love Delilah and Gallagher. I did not love what happened to Delilah but that's drama in an adult book for you.
Anywho... My actual review:
1. This book expands a lot on the first book. Bigger stakes, more drama, bigger fights and crazier cliffhanger. I'm curious where book three will go - I'm assuming it expands to the broader universe with cryptids in it because this whole series smells of "go big or go home".
2. I feel like there's more to Rommily then the book let's on. She's one of the narrators but she's not used a lot. I find her so intriguing because her hints at the future are true, you just can't tell what way they're going to swing.
3. The relationship between Delilah and Gallagher being best friends is such a nice change from the typical romance I see in most books (but, I mean... I kinda do want them to get romantic? That's the inner romance reader in me though). The trust there is really inviting and makes me really love them as characters.
4. This book is fast paced and something is constantly happening. I'm the type of reader who needs that sort of action, so I loved it! If you're a slow burn kinda reader you are not going to enjoy this book. Heads up!
5. I've seen the complaints by other reviewers that this book is a repeat. Since it's been over half a decade, I can't say much. All I can say is that I REALLY enjoyed it. I'm not the type of reader who reads an entire series back to back, so it doesn't bother me all that much. As long as book three isn't an exact repeat, I think it'll be fine. Rachel's one of my fave writers so it's not a downfall for me at all.
6. There's some real trauma in this book that just HURTS. I feel so bad but at the same time can't stop reading. There's some real trigger warnings in here, but Rachel doesn't go R rated. Your heart might hurt a bit from one of the graphic scenes (that isn't described, just stated that it happened).
Overall, I loved this book! I need more! I need Fury ASAP and I need Rachel to write more books so I can binge them all. I've loved her for years and I still fall in love with her writing.
Five out of five stars! I'm FURY-IOUS that I don't have the final book of this series in my hands... Haha, puns!
Many eons ago, I was OBSESSED with Rachel Vincent's books. I was a high-schooler with a minimum wage job and and money to spend. So, I hoarded books and rammed through most of Ms. Rachel V's bibliography. Soul Screamers, Shifters, Unbound, Menagerie and little old Wildcat topped my reading list! I loved all of them. Then, one day, I went off to school and couldn't afford books that weren't at discount stores so I lost my chance at these books...
AND THEN I FOUND COUPONS AND SALES AND GOT SPECTACLE! Honest to god, I read Menagerie when it came out and about six years later I read this magical sequel. Despite the six year gap (for me as a reader), I was able to totally remember what was going on and feel attached to this series again.
AND OMG I LOVED EVERY SINGLE FREAKING SECOND OF IT. WHERE'S FURY?! I NEED IT NOOOOOOW!
I love Delilah and Gallagher. I did not love what happened to Delilah but that's drama in an adult book for you.
Anywho... My actual review:
1. This book expands a lot on the first book. Bigger stakes, more drama, bigger fights and crazier cliffhanger. I'm curious where book three will go - I'm assuming it expands to the broader universe with cryptids in it because this whole series smells of "go big or go home".
2. I feel like there's more to Rommily then the book let's on. She's one of the narrators but she's not used a lot. I find her so intriguing because her hints at the future are true, you just can't tell what way they're going to swing.
3. The relationship between Delilah and Gallagher being best friends is such a nice change from the typical romance I see in most books (but, I mean... I kinda do want them to get romantic? That's the inner romance reader in me though). The trust there is really inviting and makes me really love them as characters.
4. This book is fast paced and something is constantly happening. I'm the type of reader who needs that sort of action, so I loved it! If you're a slow burn kinda reader you are not going to enjoy this book. Heads up!
5. I've seen the complaints by other reviewers that this book is a repeat. Since it's been over half a decade, I can't say much. All I can say is that I REALLY enjoyed it. I'm not the type of reader who reads an entire series back to back, so it doesn't bother me all that much. As long as book three isn't an exact repeat, I think it'll be fine. Rachel's one of my fave writers so it's not a downfall for me at all.
6. There's some real trauma in this book that just HURTS. I feel so bad but at the same time can't stop reading. There's some real trigger warnings in here, but Rachel doesn't go R rated. Your heart might hurt a bit from one of the graphic scenes (that isn't described, just stated that it happened).
Overall, I loved this book! I need more! I need Fury ASAP and I need Rachel to write more books so I can binge them all. I've loved her for years and I still fall in love with her writing.
Five out of five stars! I'm FURY-IOUS that I don't have the final book of this series in my hands... Haha, puns!
May 25, 2017
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.
Delilah and the other cryptids of Metzger’s Menagerie are recaptured after their all too brief taste of freedom at the end of the last book. Originally, I’d thought that Rachel Vincent was going to take a completely different route in this sequel, but instead SPECTACLE showed us that not all cages have bars. The writing in this series is as exquisite as the horrors are abhorrent, and it’s this unlikely combination that makes the story so enthralling.
On the outside, the Savage Spectacle appears to be a relatively humane way of running a freak show, or at least as close as one can come with regards to the barbaric practice of keeping society’s cast outs incarcerated for monetary gain. The occupants have mats to sleep on, healthy food to eat, and their basic personal hygiene requirements are met. However, a prison is still a prison, no matter how shiny it is, and the fact remains that the inhabitants are being held against their will.
Vandekamp has set out to revolutionize the way that cryptids are kept with collars that can shock, paralyze, mute, and call their gifts. So, as uncivilized as their previous accommodations were at least the captives could still scream and fight. The owner has also come up with a bunch of different uses for his new technology including work detail, death matches, sport hunting, and engagements. The first three are pretty self-explanatory, but the last basically means that any detainee is available for hire, and as you can imagine, anything goes because cash is king.
The plot is once again driven by the need to survive, except in this installment the focus is on the mind instead of the body. It’s one thing to physically beat someone into submission, and quite another to literally take away their free will. The author’s insights into the human psyche are truly haunting in their realism, and will make you side with the monsters much like Anne Bishop did with her THE OTHERS series. Vincent concludes this novel with yet another missile that’ll see the MENAGERIE trilogy drastically shift directions one last time for the finale to Delilah’s tale.
Just when I thought that the Speculative Fiction genre has nothing left to give—BOOM—here’s SPECTACLE! ~ 4.5 Stars
Delilah and the other cryptids of Metzger’s Menagerie are recaptured after their all too brief taste of freedom at the end of the last book. Originally, I’d thought that Rachel Vincent was going to take a completely different route in this sequel, but instead SPECTACLE showed us that not all cages have bars. The writing in this series is as exquisite as the horrors are abhorrent, and it’s this unlikely combination that makes the story so enthralling.
On the outside, the Savage Spectacle appears to be a relatively humane way of running a freak show, or at least as close as one can come with regards to the barbaric practice of keeping society’s cast outs incarcerated for monetary gain. The occupants have mats to sleep on, healthy food to eat, and their basic personal hygiene requirements are met. However, a prison is still a prison, no matter how shiny it is, and the fact remains that the inhabitants are being held against their will.
Vandekamp has set out to revolutionize the way that cryptids are kept with collars that can shock, paralyze, mute, and call their gifts. So, as uncivilized as their previous accommodations were at least the captives could still scream and fight. The owner has also come up with a bunch of different uses for his new technology including work detail, death matches, sport hunting, and engagements. The first three are pretty self-explanatory, but the last basically means that any detainee is available for hire, and as you can imagine, anything goes because cash is king.
The plot is once again driven by the need to survive, except in this installment the focus is on the mind instead of the body. It’s one thing to physically beat someone into submission, and quite another to literally take away their free will. The author’s insights into the human psyche are truly haunting in their realism, and will make you side with the monsters much like Anne Bishop did with her THE OTHERS series. Vincent concludes this novel with yet another missile that’ll see the MENAGERIE trilogy drastically shift directions one last time for the finale to Delilah’s tale.
Just when I thought that the Speculative Fiction genre has nothing left to give—BOOM—here’s SPECTACLE! ~ 4.5 Stars
May 24, 2019
3.5 stars
I am sure everyone has heard of the marshmallow test. You know that experiment that tested children’s self-restraint and the ones that could wait for the reward went off to become super adults that are married to Brad Pitt lookalikes, make millions and look like supermodels.
Well I am not one of those people.
When it comes to books, I would eat the proverbial 2nd marshmallow even before the researcher has left the room and demand more in a loud voice. So as soon as I finished Menagerie I immediately went and bought book 2. I could not restrain myself.
Because book 1 was so fresh in my mind I was initially annoyed that a lot of the plot points in book 1 were rehashed, only dressed up differently. But thankfully enough new things were introduced to not make this feel like a complete copy paste job.
Again, to my delight there is no real romance in this book although there are some... odd things that happen.
I liked that this time round we get to know the villain – in this case Vandekamp and his wife – properly, but the world building took a bit of a back seat. I had hoped that phenomena like the reaping would get explained properly but the focus was firmly on the cryptids and Delia.
The audio narrator is just as great as the first-time round and because of this the book got an extra 1/2 star. I will definitely read book 3 at some point.
I am sure everyone has heard of the marshmallow test. You know that experiment that tested children’s self-restraint and the ones that could wait for the reward went off to become super adults that are married to Brad Pitt lookalikes, make millions and look like supermodels.
Well I am not one of those people.
When it comes to books, I would eat the proverbial 2nd marshmallow even before the researcher has left the room and demand more in a loud voice. So as soon as I finished Menagerie I immediately went and bought book 2. I could not restrain myself.
Because book 1 was so fresh in my mind I was initially annoyed that a lot of the plot points in book 1 were rehashed, only dressed up differently. But thankfully enough new things were introduced to not make this feel like a complete copy paste job.
Again, to my delight there is no real romance in this book although there are some... odd things that happen.
I liked that this time round we get to know the villain – in this case Vandekamp and his wife – properly, but the world building took a bit of a back seat. I had hoped that phenomena like the reaping would get explained properly but the focus was firmly on the cryptids and Delia.
The audio narrator is just as great as the first-time round and because of this the book got an extra 1/2 star. I will definitely read book 3 at some point.
September 12, 2017
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the first book so much but this one kind of let me down, I wish it would have had a bit of a different plot than being abused in custody. About 3/4 of the way through the story got better but it was a little to late to warrant a better rating. The characters were still interesting and inventive. If there is a next in the series I hope the plot changes.
April 1, 2017
Having being totally enamoured by the first book Menagerie I couldn't wait to get my hands on this follow up. I note the synopsis gives away the fact that Delilah and the Crpytids don't quite make their burst to freedom that we all hoped for and sadly end up being captured again . This new incarceration sees them split up and at the not so tender mercies of a man who uses them as a way to test his technology and a means to an end. There's a lot of money to be made utilising Crpytids and it's a barbaric and inhumane place that Delilah finds herself. Yet those of Metzgers Menagerie are not the only captives within and soon the secrets and horrors of this private collection become all too real. This is no crazy scientist in charge no this is a cold hearted businessman utilising his assets to earn him accolades and huge financial rewards. This dark place they find themselves in seems never ending but Delilah and the secret she carries within will not go down without a fight!
I'm so in awe of this authors imagination and this sequel was just as amazing as the first book. I'd thought it barbaric the way Delilah was treated originally but this story just amped up the horror. Although we know that Delilah is human because of the power she carries everyone views her the way they do Crpytids and that's a truly abysmal thing. It was so hard reading the way the humans around them viewed these amazing creatures as people without worth or feelings . They are stripped of their dignity , choices are taken away from them and left feeling powerless as they are treated worse then cattle in a truly merciless environment . I've no wish to spoil this book for others but there's an amazing range of abilities available to the Crpytids and one of those becomes a huge part of this story which although touched on isn't completely explored but perhaps the author felt going through that with Delilah would be a step too far. This is heartbreaking at times and yet I couldn't put it down . I couldn't see just how things could ever be rectified but fortunately the author had a plan and I'm left with my head spinning, questions running away with me and a huge hankering for more !
So what is it that makes us human? I think that's the big question this series asks and it's done in such an entertaining way that I defy anyone to read this and not question their values , no not preachy just fabulous !
This voluntary review is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts are my own honest opinion
I'm so in awe of this authors imagination and this sequel was just as amazing as the first book. I'd thought it barbaric the way Delilah was treated originally but this story just amped up the horror. Although we know that Delilah is human because of the power she carries everyone views her the way they do Crpytids and that's a truly abysmal thing. It was so hard reading the way the humans around them viewed these amazing creatures as people without worth or feelings . They are stripped of their dignity , choices are taken away from them and left feeling powerless as they are treated worse then cattle in a truly merciless environment . I've no wish to spoil this book for others but there's an amazing range of abilities available to the Crpytids and one of those becomes a huge part of this story which although touched on isn't completely explored but perhaps the author felt going through that with Delilah would be a step too far. This is heartbreaking at times and yet I couldn't put it down . I couldn't see just how things could ever be rectified but fortunately the author had a plan and I'm left with my head spinning, questions running away with me and a huge hankering for more !
So what is it that makes us human? I think that's the big question this series asks and it's done in such an entertaining way that I defy anyone to read this and not question their values , no not preachy just fabulous !
This voluntary review is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts are my own honest opinion
December 14, 2017
I’m not sure how I feel about this book. First Delilah acts a dense as day old bread. Everything out of her mouth is a clear mistake. Thus at the end I’m hard pressed to believe when she actually makes good thought out decisions. As Book flaws go, this isn’t the worst offender in this installment. Delilah, in one sound decision early in the book, does not let them know her one weakness is that she cannot avenge herself. Though many times she’s has open conversations knowing they are being monitored, but obviously the owner hasn’t figured out her secret. How am I sure? Well because all workers have a hands off approach to her. This is repeatedly told to the guests as well. So why then would said owner send her on not one but two full contact engagements where her skin could be touched and would be. Even if one engagement was with other “Beasts”, they couldn’t be sure if she would hurt their property. It is recalled that initially she’d be paired with someone else. (That’s cryptic so no spoilers) And the other engagement, well skin would be touched even outside of protection as full rubber suits aren’t sexy. At least from owner’s own rules, she was dangerous to touch and that thought didn’t change throughout the book. So why full contact? It’s all ridiculous setup to what’s to come. Both flaws are used to perpetuate the plot twist the author designed, yet I can think of a number of ways this could have been handled without having major plot holes and world building flaws. RV is an experienced writer and shouldn’t have made such mistakes. But I pushed through this Installment mostly for Gallagher, because Delilah’s stupidity annoyed me most of the book. Still I will press on. I came this far. But like other reviewers, I’m praying the next book isn’t a found and held captive Book like the first two. 3.5 the half is because I still want to read what comes next.
June 3, 2017
*Source* NetGalley
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Spectacle is the second installment in author Rachel Vincent's Menagerie series. The story picks up (3) months after Delilah Marlow and the rest of the cryptids from Metzger's Menagerie freed themselves via a nearly bloodless coup. Remember I said nearly bloodless. It really doesn't take all that long for things to go sideways. Especially when Willem Vandekamp and his Savage Spectacle (SS) sycophants show up show up at Metzger's and captures Delilah, and nearly everyone else.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Spectacle is the second installment in author Rachel Vincent's Menagerie series. The story picks up (3) months after Delilah Marlow and the rest of the cryptids from Metzger's Menagerie freed themselves via a nearly bloodless coup. Remember I said nearly bloodless. It really doesn't take all that long for things to go sideways. Especially when Willem Vandekamp and his Savage Spectacle (SS) sycophants show up show up at Metzger's and captures Delilah, and nearly everyone else.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
March 30, 2017
3'5★
The problem with liking a firts book in a series SO MUCH as I liked "Menagerie" is that the following ones are going to have it tough being as loved. And this is what happened with this one. After much deliveration I decided to give it a rating of 3'5 ★. Why? See my review.
After the events of the previous book, I kinda expected to see more of the cryptids in a free life. So, when they were held captives again, albeit in a much more adverse and abusive conditions, I somehow felt as if I was reading a reprise of the first book, but way more cruel.
I don't want to offer any kind of spoilers, so its hard to write much more, but lets say I had a hard time with forgetful things and bellies, and at the same time here is where the book picked up for me and got really interesting. Up until this point it was Menagerie.2 for me, but darker.
Why I had the hard time with forgetful things and bellies? Because even after being explained why the forgetfulness it still makes little sense to me. More gets sacrificed in order to protect a person who maybe wouldn't get into trouble if things were explained to that person properly. Also, the ending after this point felt kinda rushed and a bit incoherent.
Still, the world R. Vincent has created and the cryptids is the major allure for me with this series, and Delilah and her furiae are as amazing as always.
The problem with liking a firts book in a series SO MUCH as I liked "Menagerie" is that the following ones are going to have it tough being as loved. And this is what happened with this one. After much deliveration I decided to give it a rating of 3'5 ★. Why? See my review.
After the events of the previous book, I kinda expected to see more of the cryptids in a free life. So, when they were held captives again, albeit in a much more adverse and abusive conditions, I somehow felt as if I was reading a reprise of the first book, but way more cruel.
I don't want to offer any kind of spoilers, so its hard to write much more, but lets say I had a hard time with forgetful things and bellies, and at the same time here is where the book picked up for me and got really interesting. Up until this point it was Menagerie.2 for me, but darker.
Why I had the hard time with forgetful things and bellies? Because even after being explained why the forgetfulness it still makes little sense to me. More gets sacrificed in order to protect a person who maybe wouldn't get into trouble if things were explained to that person properly. Also, the ending after this point felt kinda rushed and a bit incoherent.
Still, the world R. Vincent has created and the cryptids is the major allure for me with this series, and Delilah and her furiae are as amazing as always.
May 29, 2017
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Spectacle was a dark, yet beautiful story. Where the cryptids were taken from relative freedom to a prison more horrible than even their worst nightmares could conjure.
Spectacle was even darker than Menagerie, because Delilah and her companions had managed to live for a while in relative freedom only to be caught by someone far worse than Metzger. At first, Gallagher is taken to a human prison, but this only makes Delilah's anxiety worse, as she hasn't had any news from him since she and some of the other female cryptids from the menagerie were taken to their new dormitory.
I felt every anxious and fearful feeling Delilah and the others felt, and I have to admit that during Spectacle, my heart beat with a heavy and rather fast thump on more than one occasion. The indignity Vanderkamp let on these people was horrific, and especially Delilah, whose DNA is human, was treated with such callous carelessness because of her otherness I shuttered in disgust at how depraved and without feeling he and his wife behaved.
The main theme in Spectacle is definitely otherness, but close behind there is both loyalty and honor, and Delilah's actions proved that she is the kind of heroine I want more of! Her sense of family was very strong, and she felt responsible for all those who had been with her before they were brought to Vanderkamp's dark spectacle of others, where money and shallow entertainment counted more than anything else.
Written mostly from Delilah's point of view, in first person perspective and past tense, there were dialogs to make the story move forward flawlessly, and also to share some insight into the other characters who were part of the plot. The handlers, the bosses, the other cryptids - they all got their say. Spectacle releases tomorrow, so you should hurry and pre-order it so you can enjoy the darkness of the story, but the light of Delilah as soon as possible.
The police were no exception. The worthless pieces of tin pinned to their chests weren't badges of honor, they were badges of authority, and in the human world, authority was little better than a high tower built on a small footing.
He had created push-and-play functionality in his living captives, with a built-in punishment for failure to perform.
"But you really are human?"
"I really, really am. Not that it matters." Not that it should matter. Deciding who should be free and who should be locked up based on chromosomal features made no more sense than basing that decision on eye color.
Spectacle was a dark, yet beautiful story. Where the cryptids were taken from relative freedom to a prison more horrible than even their worst nightmares could conjure.
Spectacle was even darker than Menagerie, because Delilah and her companions had managed to live for a while in relative freedom only to be caught by someone far worse than Metzger. At first, Gallagher is taken to a human prison, but this only makes Delilah's anxiety worse, as she hasn't had any news from him since she and some of the other female cryptids from the menagerie were taken to their new dormitory.
I felt every anxious and fearful feeling Delilah and the others felt, and I have to admit that during Spectacle, my heart beat with a heavy and rather fast thump on more than one occasion. The indignity Vanderkamp let on these people was horrific, and especially Delilah, whose DNA is human, was treated with such callous carelessness because of her otherness I shuttered in disgust at how depraved and without feeling he and his wife behaved.
The main theme in Spectacle is definitely otherness, but close behind there is both loyalty and honor, and Delilah's actions proved that she is the kind of heroine I want more of! Her sense of family was very strong, and she felt responsible for all those who had been with her before they were brought to Vanderkamp's dark spectacle of others, where money and shallow entertainment counted more than anything else.
Written mostly from Delilah's point of view, in first person perspective and past tense, there were dialogs to make the story move forward flawlessly, and also to share some insight into the other characters who were part of the plot. The handlers, the bosses, the other cryptids - they all got their say. Spectacle releases tomorrow, so you should hurry and pre-order it so you can enjoy the darkness of the story, but the light of Delilah as soon as possible.
The police were no exception. The worthless pieces of tin pinned to their chests weren't badges of honor, they were badges of authority, and in the human world, authority was little better than a high tower built on a small footing.
He had created push-and-play functionality in his living captives, with a built-in punishment for failure to perform.
"But you really are human?"
"I really, really am. Not that it matters." Not that it should matter. Deciding who should be free and who should be locked up based on chromosomal features made no more sense than basing that decision on eye color.
May 26, 2017
After really enjoying Menagerie, I was really excited to read this book. I thought Menagerie was a standout book for me, and I was DYING to read more about this world. While I liked this book, I didn't like it as much as the first book. What bothered me about this book was I felt like I was reading the first book all over again.
This book's main plot dealt with the same things that were presented in the first book: captivity, basic human rights, and the desire to escape. Even though this book had a new setting and some new characters, I couldn't help feeling like I re-read Menagerie. I did like getting to meet some new characters, even though we didn't get to know them all that well, I still really liked them.
Even though I did feel like this book was a rehash of Menagerie, there were some smaller plot points that were different and extremely interesting. Some really surprising things happened, especially to Delilah, in this book that kept me glued to the pages. I am intrigued to see how the author will develop some of those plot lines in the next book.
Delilah was still a great main character in this book. I loved how dedicated, smart, kind, and inspirational she was. Delilah is a character I could never get tired of reading about. A lot of things happened to her in this book, and I just wanted to give her a hug. I cannot wait to see what badass things she is going to do in the next book.
This book was terrifying, mysterious, and exhilarating. Even though I liked this book, I still wish the general plot of this book wouldn't have felt so similar to the first book. That being said, I am looking forward to reading the next book!
3 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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This book's main plot dealt with the same things that were presented in the first book: captivity, basic human rights, and the desire to escape. Even though this book had a new setting and some new characters, I couldn't help feeling like I re-read Menagerie. I did like getting to meet some new characters, even though we didn't get to know them all that well, I still really liked them.
Even though I did feel like this book was a rehash of Menagerie, there were some smaller plot points that were different and extremely interesting. Some really surprising things happened, especially to Delilah, in this book that kept me glued to the pages. I am intrigued to see how the author will develop some of those plot lines in the next book.
Delilah was still a great main character in this book. I loved how dedicated, smart, kind, and inspirational she was. Delilah is a character I could never get tired of reading about. A lot of things happened to her in this book, and I just wanted to give her a hug. I cannot wait to see what badass things she is going to do in the next book.
This book was terrifying, mysterious, and exhilarating. Even though I liked this book, I still wish the general plot of this book wouldn't have felt so similar to the first book. That being said, I am looking forward to reading the next book!
3 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
August 20, 2018
Spectacle is the second installment of Rachel Vincent's dark fantasy series, Menagerie. This series has been a unique breath of fresh air, and totally different from what I was expecting at the outset of first book. This is a dark fantasy series, with some horror elements thrown in, so don't go into this series expecting a warm fuzzy read. It's gritty and shows the worst of human nature at times. But it's sure to draw you in and hold your interest whether you are reading in print, or listening by audio. These books will need to be read in order to follow the continuing story line, and this review may contain spoilers from the first book.
As you know from Menagerie, Delilah, Gallagher and the Cryptids were able to stage a relatively peaceful coup and take over Metzger's Menagerie. This story starts some months later on the very night that the Menagerie's secret is discovered, and the group is retaken. Now our Cryptids will be put on display (and worse) as part of a private collection. I was really worried about this aspect, and feared there would be much harder aspects of this story to read. But I got so absorbed in this story, I didn't have time to cringe or let my imagination run wild. Rachel Vincent has done such a good job with the world-building, I find that my mind doesn't wander or wonder about aspects of the story happening off page.
I enjoyed seeing the Cryptids interacting more with one another in this installment, particularly with the spotlight on different creatures than were prominent in the last installment. Don't worry, your favorites are still there... but we are getting a closer look at some of the others here, particularly the female Cryptids. There was also the introduction of new (and just as unique) Cryptids who were already captive at the new facility.
With the technology being used by Vandekamp and his staff, Delilah really had to use her brain to craft a plan to get them out of the mess they found themselves in. I found someone of her choices to be quite interesting, but I enjoyed watching her mind work and seeing her actions have results.
The Vandekamps were good villains. I think they may have been even worse than Metzger and Rule, because they carried out evil acts under a guise of normalcy and civility. But even worse than them were the humans who came to the compound to rent Cryptids for various activities. My heart went out to all of those imprisoned who had their choice, and often their voice, taken away.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book releasing this year, Fury. The narrator, Gabra Zackman, continued to do an excellent job with the narration and performance. I will definitely be looking for more of her work in the future.
June 16, 2017
Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
I must say, this book had my adrenaline pumping! Right from the first page I could feel that it was going to be an action packed read! I was on the edge of my seat as the story built and my jaw kept hitting the floor as twist after twist was thrown in. I'm going to say it, but I think that Spectacle was better than the first book and I am DYING for more.
Delilah and the rest of the Metzger's Menagerie cryptids only experienced their freedom for a little while, as they were captured and sold off to The Savage Spectacle. They soon found out they were nothing more than pawns and that money could buy anything. My heart broke as I watched them lose their dignity, were used and abused, and little by little, they lost their spirit.
The relationship between Delilah and Gallagher was as strong as ever, and I could see that Gallagher was struggling with his oath to her. Delilah continued to be passionate about their freedom and would do anything to save her fellow cryptids. I was glad that we got to see more of her furiae, too, as she defended those who needed it.
Rachel Vincent has proved to me once again how amazing her world building is. I loved the characters and the connection that they still have with one another, as well as seeing new characters introduced. Spectacle was told in two parts, and my mind was boggled as certain details were revealed! I couldn't believe how much time had passed and what may have unfolded! My chest ached for all the characters, being subjected to those conditions, treated badly and basically abused. I wanted them to fight back, hurt those that hurt them... I wanted the bloodshed, and I wanted to help! Spectacle will tear at your soul, as you too, would want to avenge these characters, and help them seek revenge!!
Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I must say, this book had my adrenaline pumping! Right from the first page I could feel that it was going to be an action packed read! I was on the edge of my seat as the story built and my jaw kept hitting the floor as twist after twist was thrown in. I'm going to say it, but I think that Spectacle was better than the first book and I am DYING for more.
Delilah and the rest of the Metzger's Menagerie cryptids only experienced their freedom for a little while, as they were captured and sold off to The Savage Spectacle. They soon found out they were nothing more than pawns and that money could buy anything. My heart broke as I watched them lose their dignity, were used and abused, and little by little, they lost their spirit.
The relationship between Delilah and Gallagher was as strong as ever, and I could see that Gallagher was struggling with his oath to her. Delilah continued to be passionate about their freedom and would do anything to save her fellow cryptids. I was glad that we got to see more of her furiae, too, as she defended those who needed it.
Rachel Vincent has proved to me once again how amazing her world building is. I loved the characters and the connection that they still have with one another, as well as seeing new characters introduced. Spectacle was told in two parts, and my mind was boggled as certain details were revealed! I couldn't believe how much time had passed and what may have unfolded! My chest ached for all the characters, being subjected to those conditions, treated badly and basically abused. I wanted them to fight back, hurt those that hurt them... I wanted the bloodshed, and I wanted to help! Spectacle will tear at your soul, as you too, would want to avenge these characters, and help them seek revenge!!
Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2017
Last year I was surprised by how much I loved Menagerie. Now I’m surprised by how much I hated book two in this series.
Gone is the magic and mystery. What was a complex relationship between our main character, Delilah, and one of her formercaptors handlers, Gallagher, has dissolved into a stereotypical co-dependent YA relationship. The storylines of all the great secondary characters from book one are virtually nonexistent in this book. I could go on.
I can hardly believe this book was written by the same person. Such a disappointment.
Gone is the magic and mystery. What was a complex relationship between our main character, Delilah, and one of her former
I can hardly believe this book was written by the same person. Such a disappointment.
November 3, 2018
Vincent delivers yet another engrossing slice of Delilah's dark adventure - and again, I can't get away from the disturbing parallel of all those who are being trafficked in our current society as I read this one. Highly recommended for fans of dark fantasy and paranormal adventure...
September 18, 2019
Book 2 in the Menagerie series. This falls into the Fantasy genre with some Paranormal thrown in. I really enjoyed this one. I think it was what I needed today. Plus, the audio narrator did a fantastic job. That is always appreciated.
I loved the first book in this series, and this one was almost as good as the first one. What I love the most are two things. One is that there is depth to her stories with some interesting twists. The other is the world building. She gives up creatures of all kinds and anchors them to the world she created in a way that reels me right in. So 4 stars, but pretty close to 5.
I loved the first book in this series, and this one was almost as good as the first one. What I love the most are two things. One is that there is depth to her stories with some interesting twists. The other is the world building. She gives up creatures of all kinds and anchors them to the world she created in a way that reels me right in. So 4 stars, but pretty close to 5.
January 17, 2019
After Delilah and her cryptid friends finally managed to take back their freedom at the end of Menagerie I honestly expected Spectacle to be about them travelling the country and rescuing other cryptids along the way so the direction this story took really surprised me. They do manage to run Metzger's Menagerie for a couple of months but then they're captured by Willem Vandekamp, owner of The Savage Spectacle. No matter how brutal and humiliating the Menagerie was the Savage Spectacle somehow manages to be so much worse. On the surface they are kept in better conditions, they have mats to sleep on, they're fed proper meals and they're even allowed to shower but that is only because Vandekamp needs them looking their best. You see the Savage Spectacle caters to the fetishes of the rich and powerful, no matter how depraved your desires may be if you have enough money Vandekamp will provide your deepest, darkest wishes.
I really enjoyed Menagerie but I think Spectacle was even better and I just couldn't put it down. If you've read the first book then you'll already know that this series is dark but I should probably clarify that it doesn't get any easier in this one, the things that Delilah, Zyanya, Lenore and the others go through were horrific but I'm glad to say most of it wasn't shown in full detail. Even Gallagher and Eryx are forced to kill in an arena to survive so this is not a happy book full of sunshine and roses. What it is is a book that will make you think about what it means to be human. Does it really matter that you're physically human if you're a monster on the inside, how does that make you any better than someone who is different on the outside but who just wants to be free to live their life in peace? It was far, far easier to relate to the cryptids in this book than it was to their human handlers and I spent most of the book just waiting for Delilah to find a way to release her inner furae on them all.
I don't want to spoil the book by telling you if that happens or not but I will say that some characters definitely get what they deserve even if it isn't all of them. It's not often that I read a whole trilogy without taking a break between books but with the way this ended I'm incredibly relieved that Fury is already available because I'm diving straight in. I really want to see Delilah, Gallagher and the others find some happiness and a safe place to be and more than anything I want to see them punish anyone who has ever attempted to abuse them. Humanity had better watch out because the cryptids are coming for revenge!
I really enjoyed Menagerie but I think Spectacle was even better and I just couldn't put it down. If you've read the first book then you'll already know that this series is dark but I should probably clarify that it doesn't get any easier in this one, the things that Delilah, Zyanya, Lenore and the others go through were horrific but I'm glad to say most of it wasn't shown in full detail. Even Gallagher and Eryx are forced to kill in an arena to survive so this is not a happy book full of sunshine and roses. What it is is a book that will make you think about what it means to be human. Does it really matter that you're physically human if you're a monster on the inside, how does that make you any better than someone who is different on the outside but who just wants to be free to live their life in peace? It was far, far easier to relate to the cryptids in this book than it was to their human handlers and I spent most of the book just waiting for Delilah to find a way to release her inner furae on them all.
I don't want to spoil the book by telling you if that happens or not but I will say that some characters definitely get what they deserve even if it isn't all of them. It's not often that I read a whole trilogy without taking a break between books but with the way this ended I'm incredibly relieved that Fury is already available because I'm diving straight in. I really want to see Delilah, Gallagher and the others find some happiness and a safe place to be and more than anything I want to see them punish anyone who has ever attempted to abuse them. Humanity had better watch out because the cryptids are coming for revenge!
July 16, 2018
Second time reading this book, second time having my heart broken. Gosh. This sequel is painful. But so good too. I once more loved it a whole bunch. Still a five star. I love Menagerie a little more, but oh, Spectacle is an amazing read. And I am so thrilled I decided to re-read these before reading the final one.
This series is all kinds of painful to read. Yet I cannot help but love every moment of them. Painful, yet hopeful too. This world that Rachel has created is the worst kind. And it hurts my heart at all times. But Delilah is so strong and I feel for her so much. She's the best. These books are so good. I enjoyed the writing.
I shall not be writing too much about what happens in this book, but I very very much need to write down my feelings about some things. And I have a lot of those. This book was just so good. But hurtful and evil and rude too. My poor heart may never recover. You all need to read these books too. They are painful. But worth it. Spectacle begins three months after the end of Menagerie. It has been three months since Delilah and the other captives took over the menagerie, and they have been running the circus ever since. Without the public knowing that the cryptids are free and not really chained up, like they all used to be. It has been three amazing months for all of them. I felt very happy about their freedom. Sigh. But this was not to last. Good things never do.
They are all captured. This time they are not to be part of a circus. They have been sold to The Savage Spectacle. Which is the very very worst place they could have ended up. And gosh. Reading about the time they spent at this place. I cannot. It was horrible. And my heart it still aching for everything these poor characters went through. Because this Spectacle is a place where rich people come to have fun. They can buy time with whichever cryptid and creature they want. And do whatever they want to them.
Which they do. And gosh. My poor heart. These people did not deserve this. Yes, the cryptids are not human, but they are not far from human. They think like us. They are just like us, they only look different and have some powers. It broke my heart to read about how humans treats them in this world. It is not fair. And it is not kind. At all. Spectacle is told from the point of view of Delilah, with a few other chapters by other characters. But this is still Delilah's story. And so we get to see everything that happens to her.
Thankfully, the most brutal parts of this place did not happen to Delilah. But she is not left unhurt. And so much happens to her. And it is painful to read about. Yet written so very well and I could not help but love every part of this book. Because Delilah is so strong and brave and just the very best character. I loved how amazing she was. And how caring she was. She was the greatest. This book is about her struggle to adapt to a new horrible living situation. And her trying her best to figure out how to escape with everyone.
My most favorite character is still Gallagher. I love how big and strong and brutal and sweet he is. Delilah means everything to him. And he would to anything to protect her. Which he has to do in this book. And everything he went through killed me. Still no romance between them. Sigh. I ship them beyond words. Just, gosh, the pain they both go through in this book. I cannot deal with it. Pain together, pain apart. Feel like Gallagher had it worst. And some things that happened to him were not made clear, and it hurts me.
There is so much going on in this book. Half of it is about them arriving at the Spectacle. The second half is eight weeks after they arrived. And gosh, that plot twist was rude. I cannot get over it. So good. But so very painful. Especially reading about the parts that were missed in those eight week. Gosh. So many surprises and secrets. My poor heart. This Spectacle is owned by the very worst man possible. And his wife. Reading about them was the very worst, and I wanted the worst death as possible for them, haha.
I am not going to mention all of the characters in this books, but gosh, they are amazing. Many cryptids and creatures. All different. All amazing to read about and get to know. I loved how Delilah wants to save them all, and keep them from pain. Even when there is nothing she can do. All of these characters pretty much broke my heart. And I loved them so. Want the best for all of them, and oh, how I wish for a happy ending. But gosh, I'm nervous. Because this world was so much not made for happy endings. But I wish.
I have already written way more than I had planned to. Yet not nearly enough about what I wanted to share. I want to talk about all the things. All the spoilers. All my heartbreak. But I will not. Will just say that you need to read this book already. It is so good. Though most parts killed me. And oh, I want Delilah to remember some important events. And I want her and Gallagher together so badly. And I want all the bad parts they went through to go away. Ahh. My poor soul. This book was so painful. But so so worth it too.
Feeling so thrilled about how much I love these books. Only wish I will feel the same for the third one, which I'm starting an eARC of very shortly. I'm so nervous, because I have peeked. But beyond excited too. I cannot wait to know how everything ends. It may end up breaking me, though. I cannot wait, haha. Spectacle was an incredible second book. Exciting and evil and just so good. There were a few things I wish had not happened, but I can live with that. Because most of this book was perfect. Loved it so much.
---
I first read this book on February 14th 2017. See my review here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2017/0...
I read this book for the second time from July 15th to July 16th 2018. See my review here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.com/2018/...
This series is all kinds of painful to read. Yet I cannot help but love every moment of them. Painful, yet hopeful too. This world that Rachel has created is the worst kind. And it hurts my heart at all times. But Delilah is so strong and I feel for her so much. She's the best. These books are so good. I enjoyed the writing.
I shall not be writing too much about what happens in this book, but I very very much need to write down my feelings about some things. And I have a lot of those. This book was just so good. But hurtful and evil and rude too. My poor heart may never recover. You all need to read these books too. They are painful. But worth it. Spectacle begins three months after the end of Menagerie. It has been three months since Delilah and the other captives took over the menagerie, and they have been running the circus ever since. Without the public knowing that the cryptids are free and not really chained up, like they all used to be. It has been three amazing months for all of them. I felt very happy about their freedom. Sigh. But this was not to last. Good things never do.
They are all captured. This time they are not to be part of a circus. They have been sold to The Savage Spectacle. Which is the very very worst place they could have ended up. And gosh. Reading about the time they spent at this place. I cannot. It was horrible. And my heart it still aching for everything these poor characters went through. Because this Spectacle is a place where rich people come to have fun. They can buy time with whichever cryptid and creature they want. And do whatever they want to them.
Which they do. And gosh. My poor heart. These people did not deserve this. Yes, the cryptids are not human, but they are not far from human. They think like us. They are just like us, they only look different and have some powers. It broke my heart to read about how humans treats them in this world. It is not fair. And it is not kind. At all. Spectacle is told from the point of view of Delilah, with a few other chapters by other characters. But this is still Delilah's story. And so we get to see everything that happens to her.
Thankfully, the most brutal parts of this place did not happen to Delilah. But she is not left unhurt. And so much happens to her. And it is painful to read about. Yet written so very well and I could not help but love every part of this book. Because Delilah is so strong and brave and just the very best character. I loved how amazing she was. And how caring she was. She was the greatest. This book is about her struggle to adapt to a new horrible living situation. And her trying her best to figure out how to escape with everyone.
My most favorite character is still Gallagher. I love how big and strong and brutal and sweet he is. Delilah means everything to him. And he would to anything to protect her. Which he has to do in this book. And everything he went through killed me. Still no romance between them. Sigh. I ship them beyond words. Just, gosh, the pain they both go through in this book. I cannot deal with it. Pain together, pain apart. Feel like Gallagher had it worst. And some things that happened to him were not made clear, and it hurts me.
There is so much going on in this book. Half of it is about them arriving at the Spectacle. The second half is eight weeks after they arrived. And gosh, that plot twist was rude. I cannot get over it. So good. But so very painful. Especially reading about the parts that were missed in those eight week. Gosh. So many surprises and secrets. My poor heart. This Spectacle is owned by the very worst man possible. And his wife. Reading about them was the very worst, and I wanted the worst death as possible for them, haha.
I am not going to mention all of the characters in this books, but gosh, they are amazing. Many cryptids and creatures. All different. All amazing to read about and get to know. I loved how Delilah wants to save them all, and keep them from pain. Even when there is nothing she can do. All of these characters pretty much broke my heart. And I loved them so. Want the best for all of them, and oh, how I wish for a happy ending. But gosh, I'm nervous. Because this world was so much not made for happy endings. But I wish.
I have already written way more than I had planned to. Yet not nearly enough about what I wanted to share. I want to talk about all the things. All the spoilers. All my heartbreak. But I will not. Will just say that you need to read this book already. It is so good. Though most parts killed me. And oh, I want Delilah to remember some important events. And I want her and Gallagher together so badly. And I want all the bad parts they went through to go away. Ahh. My poor soul. This book was so painful. But so so worth it too.
Feeling so thrilled about how much I love these books. Only wish I will feel the same for the third one, which I'm starting an eARC of very shortly. I'm so nervous, because I have peeked. But beyond excited too. I cannot wait to know how everything ends. It may end up breaking me, though. I cannot wait, haha. Spectacle was an incredible second book. Exciting and evil and just so good. There were a few things I wish had not happened, but I can live with that. Because most of this book was perfect. Loved it so much.
---
I first read this book on February 14th 2017. See my review here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2017/0...
I read this book for the second time from July 15th to July 16th 2018. See my review here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.com/2018/...
September 25, 2017
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
Where to start with this review?? I guess first, if you haven’t read Menagerie, you need to start with it. This is a series that must be read in order or you will be missing some stuff when you tackle this book. Second, if you haven’t started this series, it is a dark series. There isn’t a lot of laughter or joy in these books. Some pretty horrible things happen to these cryptids (creatures that aren’t human; like werewolves, cat shifters, centaurs, minotaurs, mermaids, sirens, and anything else you can think of). These creatures are treated as poorly as you can imagine.
All of that being said, this is a series that truly love. Menagerie was a top 10 favorite read in 2015, the year it was released. I loved it just as much when I revisited it before starting this series. I loved seeing how these cryptids survived, even under the stress and abuse that they lived in. They stayed strong together and supported each other to the best of their ability.
**There will be spoilers past this point for the first book, but I will not say more than what is revealed in the synopsis of this book.
This story picks up not long after Menagerie has ended. The cryptids are running Metzger’s Menagerie. They are quickly learning that this is more difficult than it looks. They want to purchase friends and relatives from other Menageries, but they just don’t have the funds. How do you make that kind of call? You can’t leave them where they are at, but you’re already starting to ration food. Then they learn that their secret is out. Willem Vandekamp of The Savage Spectacle comes in and has a takeover. They quickly learn that there is more than one kind of abuse.
Again, this story is very dark. You quickly learn to hate the human race with this series (if you’ve read Anne Bishop’s The Others, you know exactly what I’m talking about). Just when you think things can’t get worse, they do. The characters are amazing. There isn’t a single cryptid in this story that I don’t love. The more I read them, the more I want to save them. As for the humans, I still just want to kill them all. I love the story and can’t wait to see where book three takes us. I don’t know if there is a set number of books for this series (though there probably is, Rachel Vincent usually knows how many books will be in a series when she starts it), but I’m hooked now.
Narration
I love Gabra Zackman. She does an amazing job with this series. She really portrays each of these characters really well. She has no problems changing from voicing a siren to voicing the Far Darrig.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Where to start with this review?? I guess first, if you haven’t read Menagerie, you need to start with it. This is a series that must be read in order or you will be missing some stuff when you tackle this book. Second, if you haven’t started this series, it is a dark series. There isn’t a lot of laughter or joy in these books. Some pretty horrible things happen to these cryptids (creatures that aren’t human; like werewolves, cat shifters, centaurs, minotaurs, mermaids, sirens, and anything else you can think of). These creatures are treated as poorly as you can imagine.
All of that being said, this is a series that truly love. Menagerie was a top 10 favorite read in 2015, the year it was released. I loved it just as much when I revisited it before starting this series. I loved seeing how these cryptids survived, even under the stress and abuse that they lived in. They stayed strong together and supported each other to the best of their ability.
**There will be spoilers past this point for the first book, but I will not say more than what is revealed in the synopsis of this book.
This story picks up not long after Menagerie has ended. The cryptids are running Metzger’s Menagerie. They are quickly learning that this is more difficult than it looks. They want to purchase friends and relatives from other Menageries, but they just don’t have the funds. How do you make that kind of call? You can’t leave them where they are at, but you’re already starting to ration food. Then they learn that their secret is out. Willem Vandekamp of The Savage Spectacle comes in and has a takeover. They quickly learn that there is more than one kind of abuse.
Again, this story is very dark. You quickly learn to hate the human race with this series (if you’ve read Anne Bishop’s The Others, you know exactly what I’m talking about). Just when you think things can’t get worse, they do. The characters are amazing. There isn’t a single cryptid in this story that I don’t love. The more I read them, the more I want to save them. As for the humans, I still just want to kill them all. I love the story and can’t wait to see where book three takes us. I don’t know if there is a set number of books for this series (though there probably is, Rachel Vincent usually knows how many books will be in a series when she starts it), but I’m hooked now.
Narration
I love Gabra Zackman. She does an amazing job with this series. She really portrays each of these characters really well. She has no problems changing from voicing a siren to voicing the Far Darrig.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2017
Вторую я ждала с нетерпением и все же приступила к чтению не сразу, ибо поняла, что еще морально не готова. В итоге не уверена, что в конце концов подготовилась, но больничка-скука-планшет, и вот она я, вновь проливающая слезы над судьбой криптидов.
Эта книга столь же напряженная и душераздирающая, как и первая, но все же часть накала спала - исключительно из-за повтора сюжетного рисунка. Когда герои выгрызают себе свободную жизнь, ждешь каких-то новых витков, новых сражений... а не того, что они опять окажутся взаперти, только теперь в качестве экспонатов экзотической коллекции. В какой-то мере все становится еще страшнее, ведь раньше их просто возили в клетках по миру, а теперь предлагают толстосумам поохотиться на диковинных тварей или понаблюдать, как те дерутся друг с другом. Но... но читаешь и понимаешь, что да, жутко, да, больно, однако по сути все это уже было и сюжет топчется на месте. Автор делает круг и возвращается к началу, засовывая героев в исходные условия.
Конечно, тут есть развитие персонажей, и написано все хорошо. Просто на мой взгляд, и без этих событий серия могла бы обойтись.
В целом я не то чтобы жалею о прочитанном, но несколько зла на Винсент, которая заставила меня вновь страдать вместе с героями, когда ожидалась полномасштабная революция. Остается надеяться, что третья книга не будет третьим кругом по уже протоптанной тропе, а приведет... к чему-то.
Эта книга столь же напряженная и душераздирающая, как и первая, но все же часть накала спала - исключительно из-за повтора сюжетного рисунка. Когда герои выгрызают себе свободную жизнь, ждешь каких-то новых витков, новых сражений... а не того, что они опять окажутся взаперти, только теперь в качестве экспонатов экзотической коллекции. В какой-то мере все становится еще страшнее, ведь раньше их просто возили в клетках по миру, а теперь предлагают толстосумам поохотиться на диковинных тварей или понаблюдать, как те дерутся друг с другом. Но... но читаешь и понимаешь, что да, жутко, да, больно, однако по сути все это уже было и сюжет топчется на месте. Автор делает круг и возвращается к началу, засовывая героев в исходные условия.
Конечно, тут есть развитие персонажей, и написано все хорошо. Просто на мой взгляд, и без этих событий серия могла бы обойтись.
В целом я не то чтобы жалею о прочитанном, но несколько зла на Винсент, которая заставила меня вновь страдать вместе с героями, когда ожидалась полномасштабная революция. Остается надеяться, что третья книга не будет третьим кругом по уже протоптанной тропе, а приведет... к чему-то.
September 28, 2017
Amazing just like the first book. So glad to see there is at least a 3rd book planned. Can't wait.
June 22, 2017
Rating: 3.75/5
Review to come!
Review to come!
February 27, 2024
Literally amazing.
Now I have to wait to finish the trilogy😭😭
The hangover for when I finish the 3rd book is gonna be insane.
Now I have to wait to finish the trilogy😭😭
The hangover for when I finish the 3rd book is gonna be insane.
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