Blood Moon Big Top

by Toneye Eyenot

When Kendrick the drifter joins a circus and becomes Marbles the Clown, he discovers the art of transformation; an escape from the woes of his everyday life. An unfortunate encounter with a feral child in the woods, as the Full Moon prepares to meet the approaching dawn, sets off a gradual transformation beyond anything Marbles could imagine. His deterioration over the following two weeks leads to his apparent death and the circus moves on. Waking up in the morgue a few days later, the slow transformation of Marbles the Clown begins.

In a desperate bid to catch up with the circus as it travels from town to town, city to city, Marbles embarks on a two week journey of nightmare carnage and unconquerable insanity, finally reaching his destination in time for the real and terrifying transformation to take hold.

Genres: Horror, Werewolves

75 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2016

About the author

"Lurk within my mind(s) and see the terrors which await thee. Just keep in mind, once in my mind, you cannot flee." - Eyenot

Toneye Eyenot hails from The Blue Mountains in Australia. Although writing horrible tales for the better part of 30 years, 2014 saw his first published work in REJECTED For Content - Splattergore through JEA Press. His debut Dark Fantasy/Horror novella, THE SCARLETT CURSE is book one in the SACRED BLADE OF PROFANITY series, released in 2014 through JEA, now unpublished to be re-released through Luniakk Publications. Book II in the series, JOSHUA'S FOLLY was released in 2016. Book III in the Sacred Blade Of Profanity series is currently being conjured. BLOOD MOON BIG TOP released Oct. 7, 2016 - a werewolf/clown Horror novella; all of which also await republishing through Luniakk. His stories appear in all 6 REJECTED FOR CONTENT editions, as well as dozens more anthologies. Eyenot is also the editor for a werewolf-themed anthology series - FULL MOON SLAUGHTER 1&2, and several other anthologies. This year has seen the author emerge from the shadows with terrifying results as Eyenot branches out with Luniakk Publications. So far, with the release of FLASH OF DARKNESS, PSYCHOTIC INTERLUDE, OF NIGHTMARE REALITIES, ABYSMAL FEAST: AN AGGLOMERATION OF ANTHROPOPHAGIC ATROCITIES, and WOLVZ: WHISPERS OF WAR, challenge your sensibilities and take a walk thru the mind(s) of a luniakk...
You can find Toneye lurking around these haunts…
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/ToneyeEyenot & https://twitter.com/luniakkpub
Website: https://luniakkpublications.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Toneye-Eyenot/...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/toney...
G+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+toneyeey...

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. (To round up on Amazon)

BLOOD MOON BIG TOP, by Toneye Eyenot is a fast paced novella with a single point of view. "Marbles" the clown has an encounter in the woods where he is bitten by a feral child. From that point on, the story is all about the transformation that Marbles is undertaking. His character leaves you feeling as though you "know" the torment he is mentally going through. One moment, lost in ravenous feeding frenzies, the next, a spark of humanity lifting him up and causing remorse. The best is that we are able to see each minute change as it takes place in this drifter, who loved his job as a circus clown.

There are plenty of great gory scenes, and one in the beginning that the "squeamish" people won't like, but veterans of horror novels and novellas will love--as it all ties in perfectly to the reactions caused by the "transformation" coming over our character.

The only main complaint I have (aside from a few editing issues), was that the ultimate ending didn't quite sit with me as well as I was expecting it to. A personal preference, but it just hit the wrong chord at the end with the addition of another's thoughts when the entire story had previously been around just the one.

Still, an enjoyable and recommended read. I will certainly be reading more from this author in the future.

[Jack Strange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life, someone once said, is nasty, brutish and short. The same could be said of this book. However, I mean that as a compliment. The genre is, after all, horror.
At the heart of the story there is one very simple plot idea which the author pursues single-mindedly, to the virtual exclusion of all other plot ideas. This explains why ‘Blood Moon, Big Top’ is so short, and also why it is so very entertaining.
Now, there is at least one critic who has suggested that the novel (or rather, novella) could do with further editing; and it is true, at times, that it reads as though the words on the page are the first words the author thought of. But as far as I’m concerned, this quality contributed to my enjoyment of the novella far more than it detracted from it.
For one thing, it gives Toneye Eyenot’s prose an authentic feel. It is as if he is in the room with you telling his tale. For another, he uses idiomatic forms of expression which other authors, who are probably regarded as more refined, would shy away from. This gives his prose a direct, muscular quality, and adds to the feeling that the author is next to you, narrating his own story.
In brief: ‘Blood moon Big Top’ is great fun, but not for the faint-hearted – and isn’t that what horror is meant to be all about?
PS I was given a copy for review purposes – and no, it didn’t influence my opinion.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Circuses really intrigue me, so I was hoping for more circus life in here. This is really a werewolf novella, where the werewolf happens to be a clown. It has some pretty graphic descriptions so be warned. For me, the level of violence didn't bother me. This is a werewolf story, so people are going to get eaten. Lots of people. The novella length means that you can read this in an hour or two. If you like horror, this will be a fun way to spend the afternoon. And I give it bonus points for the awesome cover art.

I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Roma Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to like about this book. Strong characters, strong suspense and fast action.

The book is about a drifter named Kendrick who has finally found a happy life for himself, as Marbles the Clown. He's a likable fellow, who you kind of route for. He's found a happy, comfortable life. Isn't that what we all want? But things rapidly change for him with a chance encounter with a strange child in the woods. Poor guy, his life begins to change, and everything he's worked for slowly starts to slip away as he transforms each day into a monster.

I think it was because he was so likable that it becomes such a gripping tale. You want him to fight it, get back to where he was, even if you know he doesn't stand much of a chance against this curse. Each scene it builds into something worse and worse until the explosive ending when he finally reaches his destination: His beloved Circus, filled with hundreds of innocent people.

The ending was surprising and leaves the door open for a sequel. I hope so. I think this story could easily make one or two more books.

[M.L. Sparrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more reviews check out my blog at http://mlsparrow.wix.com/mlsparrow

3.5

This book is not for the faint hearted! It is full of gore and violence and is truly gruesome at times. It was a fast-paced, action-packed read which definitely kept me on my toes. It is well written and although the plot is pretty obvious from the start, for me that didn't effect the story in the slightest. My only complaint was that it was too short; personally, I felt if it had been longer there would have been more time to develop the characters. 

All in all though, this is a fast, gory read which I'd definitely recommend for fans of horror!  

[Nikki Landis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterfully told tale of horror!

Blood Moon Big Top weaves a macabre story of one man's journey of transformation from circus clown to terrifying beast. As descriptive and delicious as it is horrifying and graphic, Mr. Eyenot expertly delivers a tale so unimaginable it grips you with every turn of the page. Not normally a horror fan, I found myself riveted with his smooth and flawless execution of Marbles the clown and the series of events that lead to a startling and violent end.

One of the best aspects of this novella is the depravity and frightening spiral downward of Marble's mind, conscious, and humanity. The author does an OUTSTANDING job of putting you front and center of the action, feeling every emotion as if you are witnessing the events with your own eyes. More than once I was fully shocked and disgusted which somehow makes the enjoyment of this story only increase. Truly twisted, intensely graphic, and amazingly detailed. A horror masterpiece.

If you enjoy horror, this is the book for you. Short, descriptive, gut punching with effective detail, and just enough violence to adequately do justice to the genre. Give Blood Moon Big Top a chance...but like me, you may never think of the circus the same ever again. After Marbles, I'm pretty sure clowns are what scare me the most!

5 heart pounding, disgusting, twisted, depraved, and frightening stars!!!!

[Elke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of the story was promising, and I really loved the main character's stage name 'Marbles', which by itself is creepy enough (yeah, mild case of coulrophobia speaking here). However, once the killing started it became very gory - which is completely fine by me - but nothing more. The 'transformation' of Marbles fell somewhat flat and seemed thrown in as an afterthought to rectify the previous bloodshed.

I was honestly disgusted by the choice of his first human victim and his weak reasoning why that was OK at that moment. There seemed to be a contradiction here: either he was so far into feral mode that he wouldn't have been able to reason in such a comprehensive (and disgusting) way at all. Or he was only halfway there and still had some of his human senses, which makes his flimsy declaration all the more horrible and inexcusable. While he was a loner from the start, hating to be with people and keeping to his own, he didn't come across as a full-blown misanthrope (as was proved at the beginning by his caring for the boy instead of leaving him be). I was not fully convinced by the description of his mind being taken over by pure animal instinct, blending out all other thought or reason.

At the end though the story seemed to have found its own steady rhythm as the transformation was completed and Marbles went into full-blown full moon furry wolf mode, culminating in a gruesome blood frenzy as his last on-stage performance.

While the writing was not perfect and could use some editing, there were a couple of sentences that caught my attention, e.g. the 'inside out - outside in' wordplay seemed fun at that moment. Did I mention that I love the awesome cover? Someone did a great job here! Though I hate clowns, somehow I can't resist those creepy pictures...

While the clown theme did not feature as prominently as I hoped for, it made a fascinating addition to this nasty little werewolf story.

[D.J. Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror at its best. This story is on the verge of extremity by knocking on its door without stepping inside and going too far. Just how I like it....enough gore to make me cringe without turning my stomach.

Well written and unputdownable .... I wanted to keep reading to follow the long tormenting transformation story of Marbles the clown. The actual transformation? In my opinion, it's up there with An American Werewolf in London (my favourite werewolf film)... very well described... I won't say anymore, you need to read it yourself.

Highly Recommended.

[Jen from Quebec :0) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Huh- well, this would have been a GREAT short story and I mean SHORT because there was barely any plot to this book, and what plot there WAS was entirely predictable for the most part. I mean, the COVER gives away the 'story' for Gawd's sake! Marbles the Clown enjoys his job at the circus, after being a drifter all his life. One morning before a show, he's bitten by a feral child in the woods (who is never explained), and becomes so ill that he's declared dead. But nope, he just needed a full moon to come around so he could turn into what the child made him into- a werewolf. (like on the COVER). What follows next is the bulk of the book-a ton of brutal killing by Marbles. Just pages and pages of brutal killings are the 'plot'. Marbles finally makes it back the the circus, in his new form. I will not tell you the ending, but you can probably guess. I almost gave it ONE star, but the author does do a good job of describing all the gory murder that make up the (lack of) plot, and even though the book is predictable, we do 'feel' for Marbles. If you really like gore, werewolves, an EASY read and a short book, here you go. --Jen from Quebec :0)

[Ginger Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloodthirsty Delight

I read this novella in one quick sitting. I was forewarned of the gory contents and wasn't disappointed in the gruesome narrative. There are a few surprises here, but the story has been told before. What Toneye adds is a level of macabre that, to my knowledge, no other authors dare go. If you enjoy a fun pageturner, with unmentionable details, look no further. No disappointments here. I'm a believer.

[P.J. Blakey-Novis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have now read a number of books from Toneye Eyenot, and they never disappoint. Blood Moon Big Top is a novella, and a brutal one at that. It tells the story of a drifter who joins a circus as Marbles, the clown. After an encounter in the woods, Marbles becomes unwell, and suffers a horrific transformation. Blood Moon Big Top is a story that any horror lover will enjoy; gripping, gruesome, and wholly entertaining.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! This is a fine piece of horrific storytelling. Whether you love werewolves, blood, or just want a glimpse into one author's magnificently twisted imagination ... you'll want a copy of Blood Moon Big Top. Eyenot bares himself ... and Marbles ... beautifully to his readers.

[Mawr · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining tale of, beyond all the gore and killing, alienation, loneliness, and...hunger.

Well done, Toneye.

I wrote up an analysis of the story on my blog. Here it is:

https://mawrgorshin.com/2018/03/14/re...

[Peter Tenuto · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say, reviewing this book is difficult for me. On the one hand I found it a rather enjoyable, disturbing, visceral read and on that level even with its shortness I very much enjoyed it. Even within that context, however, I do feel that the last chapter seemed a bit rushed and was a little bit of a disappointment. Not disappointed in the gore and carnage, mind you - I just wish it had done more with it.

However, another part of me, more analytical, does inevitably kick in and wanted more. More character development, more editing, more story in general. This is a pretty short piece that I would call more of a novella or perhaps novelette than a novel. It was intriguing, and had many appropriately disturbing parts. I just seemed to get the idea that certain things were put in simply to be controversial, disturbing, or otherwise "extreme," as the book was indicated to me by my reading group.

Now, don't get me wrong - I like extreme things. I am an uber-fan of horror, in that I can literally pop any "horror" DVD into my player and find some level of enjoyment from it. Similarly with books I'm a bit the same. However, the most disturbing stuff, the most creepy stuff, the most violent stuff, the goriest stuff, all has some kind of impact when there is some point or theme being brought to bear. There didn't seem to be a lesson or point to this, it just seemed to be done because it could be, it seemed to be there just for the shock of it.

Now, it may seems as if I'm coming off harsh towards this book, and I certainly don't mean to be overly critical. If anything I am finding so much to say because for what it was I enjoyed it very much. I'm not usually one to harp on what wasn't there and I try to enjoy what was there. A few tips for the author, however: This story may have had more impact if it had been told in first person. I know, the main character does die at the end, but it is a device which I think can add a nice touch to the story when you have a "dead narrator" narrating it. Some sections - as with the climax - could have done with expanding. Others could have been whittled down a bit.

All in all this was a fun read and with maybe one or two more passes at an edit it could be an indie gem. I definitely see some talent in Mr. Eyenot and I look forward to reading other works by him.

[Grace Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning there was a nice buildup of tension that left me wondering about the fate of Marbles the clown, and what he would discover in his journey. There were some genuinely funny moments too that made me chuckle out loud and there were some fascinating details about his physiological changes and diet - these sections were some of the highlights for me. It was a bittersweet story, somehow making me feel for Marbles even though his actions were gruesome. The reason I felt for Marbles was the fact that he had no control over his actions, or at least he had little control over what he did and what he would become. Clowns creep me out and the circus has always been a bleak and unnerving setting so it really was the perfect setup for a horror tale. Kendrick was a drifter in the beginning and even after his transformation, he became a different kind of drifter, coming full circle in a way. The ending was awesome as well. Great horror story with bite.

[Michael J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A recent development in leisure time reading-for-entertainment purposes is the introduction of BookShots from the prolific best-selling author James Patterson. The intent is to produce quick paced thrillers or romance stories (co-written with various authors) of 150 pages or less and market them for $5 a pop. Quick reads, instant entertainment. I’ve yet to sample any of these, so I can’t verify the quality or value. But the idea is intriguing, reminiscent of the mass-produced short pulp novels in the times before television came to dominate at-home evening entertainment.

As I read BLOOD MOON, BIG TOP it reminded me of the BookShots concept. Why not produce something like this for the horror genre? Toneye Evenot gives us a glimpse of what the future may hold in his short, fast-paced 68-page (in Kindle edition) novella.

It’s a simple story with a straightforward plot. Evenot gets to the heart of the matter by page six, when his main character is bitten by a savage boy while walking through a wooded area. After a two-day sleep-off, Marbles begins his slow burn of a transformation into a feral beast, motivated strictly by the need to feed on human flesh, before his final transformation into a full-fledged werewolf.

Kendrick was a drifter, until he gained employment with a traveling circus and became Marbles The Clown. Readers learn only a modicum of background detail about Kendrick/Marbles in the first chapter, and Evenot does not reveal very much more in the course of the story, which left me with the impression that he didn’t care to elaborate. It made it difficult for me to empathize with Marbles, and the end result was that I didn’t root for him or even care what happened. Just when it seems as if Marbles is going to have second thoughts or even show some remorse or guilt, the need to feed takes over and cancels out any trace of humanity.

What Evenot does elaborate on and draw out are the gruesome and viscious depictions of the rending and tearing of human bodies. These are detailed bluntly and are quite revolting, often shocking in Marble’s menu choices. But without that characterization, other than the sole motivation to feed, his murderous rampages become repetitive and tedious.

I would have liked to learn more about the feral boy and how he came to be infected, but no further background is provided. It seems as if the sole purpose was to serve as the vehicle for Marble’s transformation, and nothing more. Also, Marbles obsession to return to the circus is not satisfactorily explained to the reader. If he was completely dominated by blood lust, his travels wouldn’t make any difference to him. One place is as good as another to find your next meal.

BLOOD MOON, BIG TOP plays out as if the author was relating a scary campfire tale to us. It’s one event after another, until it reaches the end and the story concludes as expected, with no last-minute twists or turns to surprise us.

There is some merit in a short, fast-paced horror tale for those who crave pure escapism for entertainment. However, if that was the sole intent of the novella, it suffers from repetitive sentences and feels padded in places. It might read better as an even shorter, 50 page story.

DISCLOSURE: I was given a free digital copy by the author in the hopes of an honest, unbiased review.

[Lisa Swearengin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaaarrrrrooooo!!!!!!

I can't believe that this is the first book of Toneye Eyenot that I have read and I am addicted!!

I absolutely loved it!! It has so many different elements that I love...Feral child in the woods, Werewolf, Clown, Travelling Carnival, Blood, Guts, and lots of gore!

This may have been the first book of his that I have read, but it definitely won't be the last!!

[Rewan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay I don't know how to start with this ,, amm it's new idea and the writer did her homework well
But I didn't like all this bloody scenes tatters suits ,, I thought that added to the fabric of the story

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big Moon Blood Top

A delightful little werewolf story that was so good I had to devour it in one sitting. Gory and fast-paced

[Katherine D. Sartoris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, fun and gruesome read!! I enjoyed it.

[Serenity · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much repition.

Decent enough werewolf story. Each attack was pretty much the same though. Became kind of boring about half way thru. Would still recommend though.