Look out Sin City, here comes the Mystic Caravan Circus. The city that never sleeps has something lurking in the darkness and Poet Parker can’t decide if it’s friend or foe. The rich history of the area comes into play when research uncovers a mine disaster more than a hundred years in the past … and a tragic outcome that still haunts the locale to this day. Between dust storms bringing forth a creature with glowing red eyes, screams in the desert and Poet’s increasing conviction that they’re not alone, the team has their hands full. That’s on top of the fact that Max decides now is the time to make his move and get to know his son – who also happens to be Poet’s boyfriend – in a new light and the unwelcome realization that Luke has seemingly become obsessed with gambling. Poet’s attention is split in numerous directions, although Luke’s quagmire is closest to her heart. She wants to help her best friend, even as he spirals out of control. He’s not the same best friend she’s spent the past few years loving, but she’s determined to get him back … even if it means facing off with some of Las Vegas’ most perilous residents. The mystical world of the circus is due to collide with the dangerous underbelly of the gambling world and the two sides might not be as far apart as they initially assume. When the dust storm settles – and the final battle is upon them – more than one person will be in danger … and Poet will have to make a hard choice to protect those she loves while sacrificing someone else to the unending darkness. It’s the ultimate game, but money isn’t the only thing at risk.
When I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail. Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
I was really disappointed with Freaky Games. I am getting bored with reading the same character and conversations in all her books! The whole jealous best friend was already done with Aisling, Aidan, and Jerry in the Grimlock series. I swear some of the dialogue is even the same. I was really bored reading this story.
Poet and her boyfriend are doing great now. They are in the "honeymoon" stage of the relationship and it's all working out really well for them. But Luke is giving Poet a hard time, especially when he stops listening to her when she has a bad feeling about a casino in Vegas. Now, Poet and Raven seem to be getting a long in order to fight this weird "figment" and things are just getting more and more out of control.
This book was not as great as some of the previous books, but it was still pretty interesting. I was hoping to see more with Poet and Kade, but that didn't really happen. It was mainly about Poet and Luke having a hard time. I got really annoyed with their relationship in this book. It was kind of annoying at times, and I was beyond frustrated with Luke.
But I still liked it, and I enjoyed Raven for once. She was actually pretty cool, and Max finally came out of hiding, so that was great too. I look forward to more in this series.
Once again, Amanda has written a fantastic book and I enjoyed every word. I don’t know how she can come up with so many mysteries and story lies and never get repetitive but she does! Poet finally has her relationships back on track and then Luke goes and screws it up! There’s an evil presence that they have to solve but the caravan once again comes through! Oh and I thought Nellie totally stole the show, I loved him in this one!
Mystic Caravan in Las Vegas, you just know it's going to be trouble.
Our magical circus finds a lot of trouble in Las Vegas both human and supernatural and really it get's quite comical especially when the human trouble thinks he above everyone else.......lol
Poet and Kade are all cutesie and lovey dovey it's as Raven would say a lot sickening....lol
Luke finds trouble of his own which makes trouble between him and Poet, even best friends fight sometimes but with these two it's unsetting and unnatural.
Local legions, mysterious web foot prints in the sand, people disappearing, people screaming and red eyes in the dark bring about a supernatural mystery that takes Poet back in time.........
It's always great when everyone from the circus bands together :-)
I am really enjoying this series. Yes there is some repeating from previous books (kind of standard in a cozy genre), but the paranormal entities that the Mystic Caravan Circus fight are unique and/or not frequently written about.
Some of the snarkyness can get over the top but I prefer it any day over gooey romance!
In this book Poet and Kade are becoming comfortable in their relationship. While in Vegas, Luke goes out and becomes addicted to gambling. He becomes so obsessed that he is get money from his friends and blowing it at the tables. Poet realizes that there is something fishy and helps Luke out with a loan shark.
I read the first three books in the series and I listened to the this book. I’m not sure if this influence my review. I found Poet to be so insecure, overly sensitive and defensive. She was even rude/bossy to a couple of circus people when it was unprovoked. I’m not sure if it was the narrator or something new in the story. Either way, not loving this version of Poet. It makes me wonder how she could be a boss. Also, she came off really judged about gambling at casinos. She was worried there was something magical at work but, she didn’t lead with that and just came off judgmental and controlling. Also, she is a little too passive about her relationships with Luke and Kade. She should have been the one to say some things instead of Kade having to tell her. Hopefully Poet can go back to be strong, smart and sassy instead of whiny and rude.
The gang heads to Vegas and encounters something very old
What I enjoyed: * Nice to see Poet and Kade end a book without a big communication issue. * Raven is becoming more relatable * backstory was interesting
What could have been better: * I think they kind of crossed a line when * Plot hole was never explained * Luke needs to grow up. He is acting like a spoiled child. Why doesn't he find a "special" friend?
Poet & the Mystic Caravan Circus entourage have traveled to Sin City for this adventure. There is a lot of suspense & a dash of romance to keep it nicely balanced. This series continues to be a great paranormal mystery with a plethora of oddball characters. Coming to the front this time are bearded lady Nellie & Lamia Raven. This time we get to see a different side to them. I think I am actually beginning to like Raven! I was hooked from beginning to end! The only thing I missed - not enough Luke/Poet/Kade time. Their interchanges always have me laughing out loud!
This book was set in Las Vegas. This book concentrated on Poet and Luke's relationship after she got together with Kade in the last book. He became obsessed with gambling and showcased some disturbing behaviours. Besides that, the group was involved in a mystery regarding a sandstorm with red eyes and another entity that could be trying to help them. I was so engrossed in this book that it was difficult to put down. I had to stop when my kindle needed charging. I was shocked at Luke's behaviour as he was always been happy, cheeky and funny but in this book he wasnt his usual self. Fab read.
“Mystic Caravan, come for the food and show, stay for the new and even more craptastic plan.” Is a laugh out loud moment in the story. But craptastic is the complete opposite of the plot and characters. Really enjoyed the Poet/Kade interactions and seeing Max make a few cameos. The Luke situation seemed to slow down the story a bit but it all worked out in the end. And never would have seen the chick bonding EVER happening. A relationship and paranormal meltdown all in one book. What fun!
Honestly this was perhaps my least favourite offering from this author so far. That is not to say I didn't enjoy it, as time spent with these characters is always engaging and I am in it for the long haul. However Luke has become such a distraction to the enjoyment of the story I kept getting annoyed. I know other powers were in play but I simply cannot see what Poet sees in him as a friend. That being said the intrigue surrounding the difference in location and mystery they found themselves in was interring and kept me reading until the end.
Wow, I am really enjoying this series - the author is quite a gifted storyteller. The characters are a likeable group with the usual troubles associated with a group you live in close quarters with, which can make for some funny moments. I really like the premise of the series - a traveling circus fronting for a group of skilled paranormals hunting down and eradicating the evil in the world - both paranormal and human. Each new stop brings on a new tale, each one unique. Looking forward to binge reading the rest of the series!
As with all her books, Amanda Lee mixes humor, snark, love and family into the story. I thoroughly e joyed the fourth book of the series and can't wait for book five. Being that I live in Las Vegas, I was interested in how the story being set in the outskirts of Vegas would be handled. I found Ms. Lee's take on gambling to be insightful and true, except for it being a witch who casts the spell.
I've been up and down with this series. I believe that this book is probably my favorite (so far). Everything made sense. Admittedly, I don't always follow the monster rational, but that's not really the biggest part of the story anyway. Now if only I could figure out how the personal trailers get from one site to the next; they obviously aren't each hauling their own trailer ... I just don't get it. Clearly, that is not really a critical issue.
A city that never sleep,the circus is on the way.Show girls,slot machines,black jack and so much more ,lose your way,your money.your life. There's something loose in Las Vegas that is killing people,something that hides in the sandstorm with glowing red eyes.Poet and Raven get help from a local who explains what happened hundreds years to the miners stuck in the mine and left to die .this book flows,with laughter and solving the mystery,And a twist at the end
I admit I love this series beyond measure! This is a fantastic story, moving constantly, unpredictable, enjoyable, funny, even quotable in bits. I feel like I really know and love these characters, but I want to know more and more.
Interesting and enjoyable! I like where Kade and Poet's relationship is right now and liked seeing how they handled problems. The subplot with Like was interesting as well, and I was pleasantly surprised to see Poet and Raven actually get along for a little bit! I liked the mystery a great deal. Looking forward to the next installment!
Always love the humor and storyline of these books. Was an easy read, can't wait for more character development and paranormal mystery. This book is definitely about Las Vegas.
It's great to see all the characters you have grown to love. I was surprised that Luke had another glitch in his perfect make up. I'm shaking in my boots as to what his punishment will be.
This was another winner. I love this author. She writes wonderful storylines and great characters in every book. I highly recommend all her books and different series. All have witches and paranormal people in every book. Diana Romano
I absolutely love just about everything Amanda M. Lee writes!!!! The only series of hers i have not read is the Avery Shaw series and that’s only because i prefer fantasy elements in my books! I’ve read every single other book though including the newer series!
An interesting and fun mystery set in the outskirts of Las Vegas. The interactions between the characters get better as the series goes on. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.