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Carousel #2
Beyond Carousel
All of us wanted to survive whatever was happening. Maybe even escape it somehow. But more than that – we wanted to know what it was.
Nox, Taylor and Lizzy have just escaped a nightmare. After months of being trapped inside a shopping centre they are finally free. Free to roam the streets of Perth and free to solve the mystery of what happened outside the doors of Carousel.
But the city is not like it once was, and the dangers are far from over. Loots lurk in the empty streets and packs of dogs are never far behind. Saving those they love will mean risking everything – and time is running out.
This is the thrilling sequel to Carousel.
Nox, Taylor and Lizzy have just escaped a nightmare. After months of being trapped inside a shopping centre they are finally free. Free to roam the streets of Perth and free to solve the mystery of what happened outside the doors of Carousel.
But the city is not like it once was, and the dangers are far from over. Loots lurk in the empty streets and packs of dogs are never far behind. Saving those they love will mean risking everything – and time is running out.
This is the thrilling sequel to Carousel.
360 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2016
About the author
Brendan Ritchie
3 books38 followersBrendan Ritchie is an early-career novelist and academic from the south coast of WA. He is the winner of the 2022 Dorothy Hewett Award for an unpublished manuscript and author of novels including Carousel (2015) and Beyond Carousel (2016). Brendan has a PhD in Creative Writing and has also published poetry and non-fiction in several notable journals and collections.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 4, 2017
I reviewed the first book in this series, Carousel, back in August and I've been meaning to pick up the sequel ever since but other books got in the way (something we can all relate to, I think). But anyway, I finally read book two and I enjoyed it so much ! Even more then I did book one.
This is a super unique series for me, because it's set in the same state that I live in (Western Australia represent!) The first book follows three people, Nox, Lizzy and Taylor who get trapped inside the Carousel shopping centre in what they assume is the apocalypse. It's a mystery/dystopian with similar elements to Tomorrow, When the War Began that really intrigued me.
What I loved about the sequel and why I think I preferred it to book one is that it's scope is much larger. While the first book focusses primarily on the characters and their experiences within an enclosed space, this book explores the setting more and allows the characters to interact with the outside world. I loved that this book drew attention to other people within the world, and what they were up to in this weird new apocalypse/dystopian Perth.
I also think it was interesting to see more conflict between the core characters, and how each character dealt with this. The conflict between the characters, and following them not only in the group but also individually was really interesting to me. I really liked that there was a side f/f relationship, but I wish I had seen some more of it!
I also really liked the representation of Taylor and Lizzy in general. They were my favourite characters (sorry Nox) because I found them so interesting. They're based vaguely on the duo Tegan and Sara (who I also love). As a queer reader myself it was really nice to read about two major characters who also identify as lesbians, and I think the representation here was done really well.
For me personally, the best thing about this series as a whole is the setting. It is so fun for me to follow the places these characters go and know exactly what they're talking about and where they are. They mentioned so many places I've been and even just being familiar with the routes they were taking around the city was nice. I really loved that aspect of this book and it's one of the great things about being an Australian and reading #OzYA, especially the YA set in Perth or Western Australia in general.
WHY FOUR STARS
Despite all the elements of this book I really liked coming together so well, one thing I didn't think was resolved well was the overarching mystery of the story. I would have liked a less vague explanation of why the events transpired. . Although some of the questions I had going into this book were answered, I feel like I left with even more as well - it feels almost as if this should be a trilogy.
Another thing I would have liked to see, though it's not necessarily a negative is chapters from other people's points of view. I don't think setting the book entirely from Nox' point of view was bad, but I think it really would have been interesting to see what the others characters thoughts and feelings were on the situation.
OVERALL
Overall, this was a really fun duology and I had such a great time reading it. The setting is totally unique, and I loved how the element of it being an "artists only" area played out. I found the characters quite interesting, and really liked how this book especially moved forward. I just wish that the mystery had not been left on such a vague note, and that there was more explanation behind why the events occurred in the first place, and how.
Thankyou so much to Fremantle Press for sending me a copy of both Carousel and Beyond Carousel in exchange for my honest review
This is a super unique series for me, because it's set in the same state that I live in (Western Australia represent!) The first book follows three people, Nox, Lizzy and Taylor who get trapped inside the Carousel shopping centre in what they assume is the apocalypse. It's a mystery/dystopian with similar elements to Tomorrow, When the War Began that really intrigued me.
What I loved about the sequel and why I think I preferred it to book one is that it's scope is much larger. While the first book focusses primarily on the characters and their experiences within an enclosed space, this book explores the setting more and allows the characters to interact with the outside world. I loved that this book drew attention to other people within the world, and what they were up to in this weird new apocalypse/dystopian Perth.
I also think it was interesting to see more conflict between the core characters, and how each character dealt with this. The conflict between the characters, and following them not only in the group but also individually was really interesting to me. I really liked that there was a side f/f relationship, but I wish I had seen some more of it!
I also really liked the representation of Taylor and Lizzy in general. They were my favourite characters (sorry Nox) because I found them so interesting. They're based vaguely on the duo Tegan and Sara (who I also love). As a queer reader myself it was really nice to read about two major characters who also identify as lesbians, and I think the representation here was done really well.
For me personally, the best thing about this series as a whole is the setting. It is so fun for me to follow the places these characters go and know exactly what they're talking about and where they are. They mentioned so many places I've been and even just being familiar with the routes they were taking around the city was nice. I really loved that aspect of this book and it's one of the great things about being an Australian and reading #OzYA, especially the YA set in Perth or Western Australia in general.
WHY FOUR STARS
Despite all the elements of this book I really liked coming together so well, one thing I didn't think was resolved well was the overarching mystery of the story. I would have liked a less vague explanation of why the events transpired. . Although some of the questions I had going into this book were answered, I feel like I left with even more as well - it feels almost as if this should be a trilogy.
Another thing I would have liked to see, though it's not necessarily a negative is chapters from other people's points of view. I don't think setting the book entirely from Nox' point of view was bad, but I think it really would have been interesting to see what the others characters thoughts and feelings were on the situation.
OVERALL
Overall, this was a really fun duology and I had such a great time reading it. The setting is totally unique, and I loved how the element of it being an "artists only" area played out. I found the characters quite interesting, and really liked how this book especially moved forward. I just wish that the mystery had not been left on such a vague note, and that there was more explanation behind why the events occurred in the first place, and how.
Thankyou so much to Fremantle Press for sending me a copy of both Carousel and Beyond Carousel in exchange for my honest review
November 10, 2016
Remember when you were a kid and you read a book & loved it's much you had to get a friend to read it too so you could talk about it for ages together? That's how I feel, wired, excited & buzzing to talk about how much I loved this book. Best sequel ever! I couldn't put this book down. No spoilers but just wanted to say this book did not disappoint, still resolved enough for me to be satisfied & left enough unresolved to keep me thinking about it ALOT. I have recommended Carousel to everyone as the best book I've read this year.....now I'm going to hassle someone/ everyone until someone I know reads this book just so I can talk about it! Post apocalyptic? Character driven? Location driven? Perth is practically a character here....Must stop ranting...JUST READ IT!
August 22, 2017
Trigger warnings: Animal death. I think that's all????
So I was REALLY interested to get stuck into this book, because while I really enjoyed Carousel, it left me with approximately a million questions that I needed answered ASAP. And...this didn't really answer them. I mean, it DID? But it left me with a whole lot MORE questions.
Where Carousel focuses on the gang trying to get out of the shopping centre, this focuses on what happens next. It features Nox wibbling his way around Perth trying to work out what's going on and why they're all still there and working on his writing. And that was great, but huge parts of this draaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagged.
So...it was okay? And it gave me answers? Sort of?? But it didn't set the world on fire.
So I was REALLY interested to get stuck into this book, because while I really enjoyed Carousel, it left me with approximately a million questions that I needed answered ASAP. And...this didn't really answer them. I mean, it DID? But it left me with a whole lot MORE questions.
Where Carousel focuses on the gang trying to get out of the shopping centre, this focuses on what happens next. It features Nox wibbling his way around Perth trying to work out what's going on and why they're all still there and working on his writing. And that was great, but huge parts of this draaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagged.
So...it was okay? And it gave me answers? Sort of?? But it didn't set the world on fire.
August 28, 2017
While I enjoyed this read and am glad to see how Carousel has come to an end - I am still left with so many questions unanswered ?! More than anything I really just want to know if Chess is okay 😂
January 27, 2017
The sequel to Carousel. I actually gave this one a less favorable review because of the circumstances surrounding the... disappearance? I don't know what to call it without being heavy on spoilers, so, let's just say the circumstances that lead to them being locked inside Carousel. When it became clear what was going on, I was pretty disappointed, because as original as it was, I just couldn't suspend my disbelief enough for this to make any sense at all.
November 14, 2017
I really liked how this book expanded upon the narrative which started in Carousel, and explored a broader landscape. I think Nox developed a lot more as a character in this book, especially after he was split up from Taylor and Lizzy. I thought the whole Residency idea was really creative, and a great premise to expand the story and answer a lot of the questions raised in book one. I also liked some of the new elements introduced, and connected a lot with the story as it was set across so much of Perth that I recognised.
June 27, 2017
Was slightly disappointed after reading Beyond Carousel as I had absolutely loved Carousel. I felt the plot was much more predictable and jumped around in places as some scenes/situations were described so well and others were lacking. A good book for an easy read.
October 11, 2026
I am planning to come back and review the first story, but I had some strong feelings that I needed to express about this story now.
Any book that represents any element of animal cruelty without calling it out automatically looses points. At one point we read about the heat, and how poor Chess can't even stand still on the concrete, but charaters (and author) give no thought to having this animal run kilometres on hot concrete. Not good. Not acceptable to me, there's no consequences shown so I am hoping it just wasn't considered.
But, the book was fine. I read both books over a weekend, and wanted to get to the end, so automatic 2 stars there.
I definitely enjoyed the first book more as a reading experience, but couldn't leave the story there. I can't say I'm completely satisfied with the reveal and the ending... spoilers here, but it there doesn't seem to be much of a point to the whole thing as seen by Rachel and Rocky's endings post pdp.
I was not a fan of the whole concept of the Bulls. It was of very little value, other than as a plot point to increase tension at times. It didn't make sense in a 'realistic' way (the number of 'dangerous dogs' getting out and forming packs wouldnt be enough to be noteworthy) and it isnt justified from a 'story' way (there doesnt seem to be any creative value to having these creatures in the world).
Another book that is fine, definitely worth the read if you finish the first one. I found the characters realistic eith their flaws, the environment and scenery are written so well and so vividly this (mostly) feels like a very real world.
As a once Perthian, the locations are well written, the environment made real with words, and yes - it made me want to go home. Though sometimes the distances seem a little rough (multiple days to ride a bike from Carousel to the city, really?).
I think this may be a series of books to read with a friend or book club, there's a lot I'd like to talk to someone about and think through more. I love a good Australian book, and I do think this story was mostly good
Any book that represents any element of animal cruelty without calling it out automatically looses points. At one point we read about the heat, and how poor Chess can't even stand still on the concrete, but charaters (and author) give no thought to having this animal run kilometres on hot concrete. Not good. Not acceptable to me, there's no consequences shown so I am hoping it just wasn't considered.
But, the book was fine. I read both books over a weekend, and wanted to get to the end, so automatic 2 stars there.
I definitely enjoyed the first book more as a reading experience, but couldn't leave the story there. I can't say I'm completely satisfied with the reveal and the ending... spoilers here, but it there doesn't seem to be much of a point to the whole thing as seen by Rachel and Rocky's endings post pdp.
I was not a fan of the whole concept of the Bulls. It was of very little value, other than as a plot point to increase tension at times. It didn't make sense in a 'realistic' way (the number of 'dangerous dogs' getting out and forming packs wouldnt be enough to be noteworthy) and it isnt justified from a 'story' way (there doesnt seem to be any creative value to having these creatures in the world).
Another book that is fine, definitely worth the read if you finish the first one. I found the characters realistic eith their flaws, the environment and scenery are written so well and so vividly this (mostly) feels like a very real world.
As a once Perthian, the locations are well written, the environment made real with words, and yes - it made me want to go home. Though sometimes the distances seem a little rough (multiple days to ride a bike from Carousel to the city, really?).
I think this may be a series of books to read with a friend or book club, there's a lot I'd like to talk to someone about and think through more. I love a good Australian book, and I do think this story was mostly good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2021
Sequel to the novel Carousel; Lizzy, Taylor and Nox are finally free from the shopping centre they were trapped in, and the world is not how they remembered it. They discover that they aren’t the only survivors and there may be more danger than they realized.
This was a great sequel. In the first novel the characters are trapped in a shopping centre, and in this novel, it has a completely different setting as they explore a dystopian world. I did like that most questions are answered, but some weren’t and that left me creating different scenarios and possibilities. I really enjoyed that it was a fresh take on the dystopian genre and wasn’t full of clichés like zombies, or an oppressive government.
This was a great sequel. In the first novel the characters are trapped in a shopping centre, and in this novel, it has a completely different setting as they explore a dystopian world. I did like that most questions are answered, but some weren’t and that left me creating different scenarios and possibilities. I really enjoyed that it was a fresh take on the dystopian genre and wasn’t full of clichés like zombies, or an oppressive government.
October 1, 2021
It didn’t really have the same post-apocalyptic feel that I was hooked on from the first book. I couldn’t quite connect to the fact that only artists were saved, and the art prize thing, but I’m glad they all came back to the right time, I guess.
I don’t think I liked this book very much, to be honest.
I don’t think I liked this book very much, to be honest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2021
It's taken me ages to get around to reading this sequel. Really enjoyed the first book. This one was good, but not quite as unique and interesting as the first. Still enjoyed it - even though it left too many questions still unanswered. Some good worldbuilding none the less.
November 25, 2017
I did quite enjoy this.. though it possibly left me with more questions than answers than the first book!!
September 14, 2018
Very different to what I was expecting but I loved it !!
October 29, 2018
Couldn't put in down. I really wanted to know how it finishes.
February 11, 2019
I loved the book however I think compared to the last book it was a lot less realistic.
March 24, 2019
Post apocalyptic stories give me anxiety because I would be useless and probably die in that situation, and this book being set in my city just made it so much worse
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July 28, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Animal death
Animal death
June 17, 2026
It was good but worse than the first 🙉🙉
November 27, 2016
This review can be read in full at http://www.emilypaull.com/2016/11/boo...
When we last left Nox, Taylor and Lizzy at the end of Carousel, they'd finally managed to make their way out of the shopping centre which had imprisoned them for eighteen months. Now, living in a deserted, post-apocalyptic Perth with no power and limited clean water and food, they're starting to think that maybe they were better off where they were. Still, outside the confines of the centre, the trio are slowly starting to piece together what may have happened to everyone else. The arrival of a Danish filmmaker, Tommy, to the property in the Perth hills where the gang are bunking down alerts them to some strange coincidences. First of all, they're not the only ones who were trapped. And second? They're not the only artists. In fact, the art connection had begun to be revealed at the end of Carousel, but in Beyond Carousel, Nox and his friends (Canadian rock duo and twin sisters Taylor and Lizzy-- perhaps modelled on real-life band Tegan and Sara?) realise that all over Perth, artists from various disciplines have been sequestered in Residencies, only able to leave once they've produced something great.
So where to next, they wonder? Lizzy wants to go to the airport, to solve the mystery of the Air Canada flight which roared over them while they were staring out of Carousel's domed ceiling. Taylor wants to follow a girl she met on Boxing Day, a girl who Tommy says may be in the city. Nox isn't really sure where he wants to go, but he doesn't want the group to split up. Plus, now that Tommy's told them about the existence of someone known as The Curator, he thinks maybe he has a chance of finding out what really happened to everyone from his life before.
Set aside your sceptism about the possibility of Perth turning into a hotbed of artistic production in the current political climate, because the world created by Beyond Carousel is satisfyingly compelling. Nox sees the world through a storyteller's eyes, and his doubts about the legitimacy of his position as one of the 'Artists' will be familiar to anyone who has ever tried to create something. There are more than just a few echoes of John Marsden's masterpiece Tomorrow, When the War Began in this book-- from the coming of age story set against a changed home landscape, to the importance of remembrance and writing things down, I found myself thinking of Ellie Linton more than once. While the writing style in this book is a little more on the simplistic side compared to TWTWB, I think therein lies one of it's strengths-- this is not just a book for avid readers. This is a book which reluctant readers will pick up and love and relate to. It's a book about friendship, self discovery, survival and art.
When we last left Nox, Taylor and Lizzy at the end of Carousel, they'd finally managed to make their way out of the shopping centre which had imprisoned them for eighteen months. Now, living in a deserted, post-apocalyptic Perth with no power and limited clean water and food, they're starting to think that maybe they were better off where they were. Still, outside the confines of the centre, the trio are slowly starting to piece together what may have happened to everyone else. The arrival of a Danish filmmaker, Tommy, to the property in the Perth hills where the gang are bunking down alerts them to some strange coincidences. First of all, they're not the only ones who were trapped. And second? They're not the only artists. In fact, the art connection had begun to be revealed at the end of Carousel, but in Beyond Carousel, Nox and his friends (Canadian rock duo and twin sisters Taylor and Lizzy-- perhaps modelled on real-life band Tegan and Sara?) realise that all over Perth, artists from various disciplines have been sequestered in Residencies, only able to leave once they've produced something great.
So where to next, they wonder? Lizzy wants to go to the airport, to solve the mystery of the Air Canada flight which roared over them while they were staring out of Carousel's domed ceiling. Taylor wants to follow a girl she met on Boxing Day, a girl who Tommy says may be in the city. Nox isn't really sure where he wants to go, but he doesn't want the group to split up. Plus, now that Tommy's told them about the existence of someone known as The Curator, he thinks maybe he has a chance of finding out what really happened to everyone from his life before.
Set aside your sceptism about the possibility of Perth turning into a hotbed of artistic production in the current political climate, because the world created by Beyond Carousel is satisfyingly compelling. Nox sees the world through a storyteller's eyes, and his doubts about the legitimacy of his position as one of the 'Artists' will be familiar to anyone who has ever tried to create something. There are more than just a few echoes of John Marsden's masterpiece Tomorrow, When the War Began in this book-- from the coming of age story set against a changed home landscape, to the importance of remembrance and writing things down, I found myself thinking of Ellie Linton more than once. While the writing style in this book is a little more on the simplistic side compared to TWTWB, I think therein lies one of it's strengths-- this is not just a book for avid readers. This is a book which reluctant readers will pick up and love and relate to. It's a book about friendship, self discovery, survival and art.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2016
I bought this book the day it was released so I could find out what happens after Carousel, and it didn't let me down! Yay!
Carousel is set in the immediate aftermath of the catastrophic Disappearance, and Beyond Carousel is set later, when the struggle for survival is more intense and visible.
The book had the expected post-apocalyptic difficulties for the survivors, e.g. food and shelter, dealing with others, and finding their place in the new world. It also introduced some concepts I've not come across before, but I don't want to mention them in case they're spoilers.
The survivors being artists added something new to the story too -- there's this sense that artists are saved because they're special, but it's juxtaposed with the fact that there are massive fires and gas leaks because the survivors haven't had enough motivation or the right skills to fix it. The book simultaneously celebrates artists and their works while acknowledging that the world needs a variety of people to function effectively.
I could relate to Nox's questioning of his self-worth and talent -- why was he chosen to survive? Did he take someone else's place who was more deserving? What makes someone an artist, anyway? How do you know if you're any good? I think most of us have experienced these "imposter syndrome" doubts at some point!
A really great book! It's likely still enjoyable if you haven't read Carousel, but Carousel sets the scene and poses the questions that are built upon and answered in Beyond Carousel. I liked the style and pace of both, and I'm happy to support a new Aussie author.
Carousel is set in the immediate aftermath of the catastrophic Disappearance, and Beyond Carousel is set later, when the struggle for survival is more intense and visible.
The book had the expected post-apocalyptic difficulties for the survivors, e.g. food and shelter, dealing with others, and finding their place in the new world. It also introduced some concepts I've not come across before, but I don't want to mention them in case they're spoilers.
The survivors being artists added something new to the story too -- there's this sense that artists are saved because they're special, but it's juxtaposed with the fact that there are massive fires and gas leaks because the survivors haven't had enough motivation or the right skills to fix it. The book simultaneously celebrates artists and their works while acknowledging that the world needs a variety of people to function effectively.
I could relate to Nox's questioning of his self-worth and talent -- why was he chosen to survive? Did he take someone else's place who was more deserving? What makes someone an artist, anyway? How do you know if you're any good? I think most of us have experienced these "imposter syndrome" doubts at some point!
A really great book! It's likely still enjoyable if you haven't read Carousel, but Carousel sets the scene and poses the questions that are built upon and answered in Beyond Carousel. I liked the style and pace of both, and I'm happy to support a new Aussie author.
January 4, 2017
It's been almost 2 months since I started reading this, and I finally, FINALLY finished it!
And yet...even though it was almost 2 months, it didn't take away from my reading experience. I absolutely LOVED this book.
If you read my review from last year on the first book, Carousel, you can see that I struggled with the general concept of the book - I thought it was a stand-a-lone at that point! But this book gave me the closure I needed and totally made sense of what happened in the first book.
Easily one of my favourite Australian series. It's so quirky and bizarre that you need to read it just to experience the craziness!
And yet...even though it was almost 2 months, it didn't take away from my reading experience. I absolutely LOVED this book.
If you read my review from last year on the first book, Carousel, you can see that I struggled with the general concept of the book - I thought it was a stand-a-lone at that point! But this book gave me the closure I needed and totally made sense of what happened in the first book.
Easily one of my favourite Australian series. It's so quirky and bizarre that you need to read it just to experience the craziness!
March 24, 2017
Was really disappointed by how this story turned out.
Was expecting something more mysterious and exciting! This was really boring and it took me lots of effort to get through this.
Carousel was full of excitement and mystery and how?
Beyond Carousel tries to explain this but ultimately fails, and most readers (I WAS) will be let down by the reason they were locked in Carousel - it never really gets explained properly.
Was expecting something more mysterious and exciting! This was really boring and it took me lots of effort to get through this.
Carousel was full of excitement and mystery and how?
Beyond Carousel tries to explain this but ultimately fails, and most readers (I WAS) will be let down by the reason they were locked in Carousel - it never really gets explained properly.
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January 23, 2017This book is an entry in the Aurealis Awards for 2016, for which I am a judge. Any review will be withheld until the results of the awards are announced.
April 2, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed the sequel to Carousal and couldn't put it down. Beyond Carousal answered so many questions I had about Carousal and has given me some closure. Makes me want to go back and re-read Carousal!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews