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Cirque de la Lune #2
Inked
Irene Evans has only known sin. As the daughter of a pastor, she shouldn't be able to see the souls of the dead. Her father sees her as possessed, and calls in an expert on exorcism. When she sees a chance to escape, she flees to a nearby circus where her life is turned upside down.
Booker Ward is known by many names. Assassin. Freak. The Tattooed Man. He'd given up on life itself until she walked into his life. Now, he's realizing there may be a future for him yet, if only he can figure out a way to convince her to love a monster.
Now he must convince her that her life is her own. If she wishes to become a circus act, then she can and he will help her.
The second lesson, that love is freedom and it can overcome all things.
Booker Ward is known by many names. Assassin. Freak. The Tattooed Man. He'd given up on life itself until she walked into his life. Now, he's realizing there may be a future for him yet, if only he can figure out a way to convince her to love a monster.
Now he must convince her that her life is her own. If she wishes to become a circus act, then she can and he will help her.
The second lesson, that love is freedom and it can overcome all things.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2019
78 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
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Emma Hamm
78 books4,686 followers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 13, 2019
Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*
Following the introductory novella, the amazing setting of this magical circus becomes enriched with the story of Irene and Booker. Darkness and light, love and hatred all fall together as romance sizzles and the power to stand up for yourself makes an appearance. I will say it again; Emma Hamm is a stellar author and she never fails to make me feel her characters and the world-building. Not to mention that in this story the tattoos come to life!
Following the introductory novella, the amazing setting of this magical circus becomes enriched with the story of Irene and Booker. Darkness and light, love and hatred all fall together as romance sizzles and the power to stand up for yourself makes an appearance. I will say it again; Emma Hamm is a stellar author and she never fails to make me feel her characters and the world-building. Not to mention that in this story the tattoos come to life!
May 16, 2019
So yeah, when I saw one of my favorite authors was releasing a new series, a Circus Paranormal nonetheless, and oh my lanta, you know how much I enjoyed the novella for Cirque de La Lune, you bet your bottom dollar I am all hands on this series! I definitely wanted more of this freak show galley and by-golly I got it. Emma Hamm never disappoints. I know, it is insane, I truly get freaked out by circuses, yeah I don’t like clowns but (and I admit this wholeheartedly) I was a fan of huge AHS Freak Show – yep there it is.
So lets dive in? Shall we? Because I got a good bit to say...
I obviously got what I wanted. I loved the novella to jump off this series, seeing Evelyn and Frank again was absolutely sublime feeling when I first opened INKED. I felt this eased closure for the novella only to lead into the next introduction, set a tone honestly for what would come. I am even more ecstatic of the first official character we get – Booker. I am obsessed with tattoos, having a character where his showcase is the tattoos that are beautifully inked on his body come alive was perfection. I wanted this character, I needed this character. He was this dark, brooding alpha-male. He owned this presence in the book that literally kept my heart pounding every moment he was present. I enjoyed his softer nature as well, though I did love the darker malicious and dangerous side, it was his kind, almost protector side of the group that made me swoon.
And speaking of his protecting side, it was very clear from the start his main focus was Irene. Truly though, Irene was great as a leading lady, I think Emma is really portraying interesting female leads this round of series. The females appear timid, slightly broken but truly they are strong, fierce women. Like Evelyn, Irene really depended on Booker to really shine her growth, and for once this is definitely not bad in the least bit. I loved this aspect of her character. Irene grew in a very sheltered, hard religious background, very corrupt, again which is really where I think this series is going to take things, and this just made such a damsel affect for Irene. She needed to be shown how her gift is beautiful, that she is beautiful and strong. I loved her growth, it was magical.
Obviously there is a romance, I mean – really, it was there. This is what I love about this type of writing style. I can always pick up a Emma Hamm book and actually feel the story-line of whether it is a fantasy or a paranormal, I get the essence of the basis for the genre without being overshadowed by a lovey-dovey romance. This is a beautiful slow burn, deliciously slow. As Booker and Irene get close, you feel the passion and trust growing between them, the chemistry is absolutely bleeding from the pages. There are moments – the tattoo scene, the graveyard scene – just honestly, it took my breath away.
Something I really enjoy about the plot is the paranormal attributes. I love the freak show and how the supporting cast has powers that are just intriguing; in INKED, we finally get more tidbits of each character more than previously given. Clara is someone I would really love to see next. Perhaps Noah? I love the dynamics of each person and their gifts, how Irene describes them is just beguiling. On top of this, I really enjoyed the darker side of the demons for INKED. I loved the religious angle. It had this burning trigger that really made your heart pound, sends chills down your spine and goosebumps just rise from your skin.
Bottom line, I loved it. I cannot gush enough about this series thus so far. I loved it, I will scream it to the top of any mountain top. I love the darker tones that are being represented in INKED, well heck, just in general, there seems to be a more darker, deeper tone that Emma is setting for the Cirque de la Lune series. I absolutely cannot wait to see what comes out of this series.
So lets dive in? Shall we? Because I got a good bit to say...
I obviously got what I wanted. I loved the novella to jump off this series, seeing Evelyn and Frank again was absolutely sublime feeling when I first opened INKED. I felt this eased closure for the novella only to lead into the next introduction, set a tone honestly for what would come. I am even more ecstatic of the first official character we get – Booker. I am obsessed with tattoos, having a character where his showcase is the tattoos that are beautifully inked on his body come alive was perfection. I wanted this character, I needed this character. He was this dark, brooding alpha-male. He owned this presence in the book that literally kept my heart pounding every moment he was present. I enjoyed his softer nature as well, though I did love the darker malicious and dangerous side, it was his kind, almost protector side of the group that made me swoon.
And speaking of his protecting side, it was very clear from the start his main focus was Irene. Truly though, Irene was great as a leading lady, I think Emma is really portraying interesting female leads this round of series. The females appear timid, slightly broken but truly they are strong, fierce women. Like Evelyn, Irene really depended on Booker to really shine her growth, and for once this is definitely not bad in the least bit. I loved this aspect of her character. Irene grew in a very sheltered, hard religious background, very corrupt, again which is really where I think this series is going to take things, and this just made such a damsel affect for Irene. She needed to be shown how her gift is beautiful, that she is beautiful and strong. I loved her growth, it was magical.
Obviously there is a romance, I mean – really, it was there. This is what I love about this type of writing style. I can always pick up a Emma Hamm book and actually feel the story-line of whether it is a fantasy or a paranormal, I get the essence of the basis for the genre without being overshadowed by a lovey-dovey romance. This is a beautiful slow burn, deliciously slow. As Booker and Irene get close, you feel the passion and trust growing between them, the chemistry is absolutely bleeding from the pages. There are moments – the tattoo scene, the graveyard scene – just honestly, it took my breath away.
Something I really enjoy about the plot is the paranormal attributes. I love the freak show and how the supporting cast has powers that are just intriguing; in INKED, we finally get more tidbits of each character more than previously given. Clara is someone I would really love to see next. Perhaps Noah? I love the dynamics of each person and their gifts, how Irene describes them is just beguiling. On top of this, I really enjoyed the darker side of the demons for INKED. I loved the religious angle. It had this burning trigger that really made your heart pound, sends chills down your spine and goosebumps just rise from your skin.
Bottom line, I loved it. I cannot gush enough about this series thus so far. I loved it, I will scream it to the top of any mountain top. I love the darker tones that are being represented in INKED, well heck, just in general, there seems to be a more darker, deeper tone that Emma is setting for the Cirque de la Lune series. I absolutely cannot wait to see what comes out of this series.
July 19, 2019
This book wow! The very thought process that went into creating a book of this caliber is awesome. From the first word to the last kept my attention. I was riveted by all the characters and their unique abilities. Wonderful book. ❤️
May 15, 2019
I was hooked from the cover. Also, paranormal circus romance? How cool is that?
I’m not going to get into what the story is about. Simply put, this book is beautiful. It’s atmospheric in the best way. I want to know everything about the characters. Really, the whole thing was lovely.
In fact, my only complaint is I wish there was more. I wish it went deeper into the characters. I wish it was longer.
I’m not going to get into what the story is about. Simply put, this book is beautiful. It’s atmospheric in the best way. I want to know everything about the characters. Really, the whole thing was lovely.
In fact, my only complaint is I wish there was more. I wish it went deeper into the characters. I wish it was longer.
June 21, 2019
the curse of not being able to give half stars strikes again! 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
i wish i wasn't so disappointed by this book. a circus setting with magical tattoos in a story written by an author i already like? sounds awesome.
unfortunately, i found the writing overdone and the execution of the plot and relationship development to be cheesy. the main characters end up in love because...of course they would? i dunno, i also just kind of felt like this was a case of "it's not you, it's me" with a book. for folks who really enjoy a broody dude who constantly agonizes over ruining his lady love, inked would likely be a five-star reading experience. i just wasn't feeling it and never really could bring myself to deeply care about the characters. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
i wish i wasn't so disappointed by this book. a circus setting with magical tattoos in a story written by an author i already like? sounds awesome.
unfortunately, i found the writing overdone and the execution of the plot and relationship development to be cheesy. the main characters end up in love because...of course they would? i dunno, i also just kind of felt like this was a case of "it's not you, it's me" with a book. for folks who really enjoy a broody dude who constantly agonizes over ruining his lady love, inked would likely be a five-star reading experience. i just wasn't feeling it and never really could bring myself to deeply care about the characters. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
July 3, 2019
A devil and an angel
This book was just plain good. I don't even know where to start the characters, the love, the pain of the journey because I enjoyed them all. Irene our heroine experiences a lot of growth in this book and deciding for herself how she sees the world and who she'll be in it: now she doesn't figure everything out she's still a work I progress but she gets her feet on the ground. And she never loose her kindness or her ability to seek out the good in people. Then there's Hooked who has tattooed, brooch had not written all over him. I love him and we see him start to adjust his view of his surroundings and himself but in smaller degrees; even though he still sees himself as a devil and her as an angel (figuratively). I loved that we got to see their relationship begin and grow and I'm hoping will have more books to see how they settle in and find themselves even more as individuals & a couple. This book is definitely a slow burn feel with more tension building is up to what they could be. We also see 2 lives so different one very strictly set with certain morals and another with very few who manage to find each other and realize they don't see things so differently or as just right and wrong. We also get a taste of the circus, the circus family and the magical and unusual abilities they have. Overall it feels like we have only just begun to explore this world and the wonderful characters this author brought to life within it. And I'm really hoping we get a second book expanding on circus life, the magic presence in this world and of course the love growing between Irene and Booker. I have some ideas where things could go and maybe a specific tattoo Irene could get and I'd love to see where the author takes them and if my guesses are right. So a great book filled with love, loss, growth, magic and the circus that left us with a happy for now ending that while satisfying still left me begging for more. Really really good book would recommend!
This book was just plain good. I don't even know where to start the characters, the love, the pain of the journey because I enjoyed them all. Irene our heroine experiences a lot of growth in this book and deciding for herself how she sees the world and who she'll be in it: now she doesn't figure everything out she's still a work I progress but she gets her feet on the ground. And she never loose her kindness or her ability to seek out the good in people. Then there's Hooked who has tattooed, brooch had not written all over him. I love him and we see him start to adjust his view of his surroundings and himself but in smaller degrees; even though he still sees himself as a devil and her as an angel (figuratively). I loved that we got to see their relationship begin and grow and I'm hoping will have more books to see how they settle in and find themselves even more as individuals & a couple. This book is definitely a slow burn feel with more tension building is up to what they could be. We also see 2 lives so different one very strictly set with certain morals and another with very few who manage to find each other and realize they don't see things so differently or as just right and wrong. We also get a taste of the circus, the circus family and the magical and unusual abilities they have. Overall it feels like we have only just begun to explore this world and the wonderful characters this author brought to life within it. And I'm really hoping we get a second book expanding on circus life, the magic presence in this world and of course the love growing between Irene and Booker. I have some ideas where things could go and maybe a specific tattoo Irene could get and I'd love to see where the author takes them and if my guesses are right. So a great book filled with love, loss, growth, magic and the circus that left us with a happy for now ending that while satisfying still left me begging for more. Really really good book would recommend!
May 14, 2019
Loved it! Can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
September 3, 2019
I literally read it in a day.Loved every bit. Can't wait to read more about Booker and i totally recommend this book to anyone looking for a lighthearted paranormal book that you can just read in a breath.
June 27, 2019
I liked the promise of the story. Sadly it didn't deliver. Too much telling and too little feeling. I didn't believe in the love of the two main characters. The scene towards the end, which should've been heartbreaking left me feeling immune. I didn't feel the heart of the story. Which is sad, because I would've enjoyed the story immensely if it would've been written differently.
June 30, 2019
That was marvelous! Heartwarming and quick paced with wonderful characters.
It is quite a short read so give it a go if you have the time, you won't regret it!
EDIT: Although this is romance there is no explicit content.
It is quite a short read so give it a go if you have the time, you won't regret it!
EDIT: Although this is romance there is no explicit content.
May 14, 2019
Sad I didn’t like this. Wasn’t at all what I was expecting.
July 11, 2019
One of my favorite authors
There's always something about her stories that move you and you don't realize it until the end. Happy reading y'all.
There's always something about her stories that move you and you don't realize it until the end. Happy reading y'all.
November 3, 2019
Why Emma Hamm isn't as an appreciated author as Sarah J Maas or Cassandra Clare is beyond me. She certainly has the imagination and skills to compete with these ladies.
Emma has proven herself to me as an author I can trust - I know what to expect, yet her stories don't get repetitive because of incredible characters and wonderful, unique worlds she creates. When I look for something "lighter" to read - something that will help me get through those more difficult days, when I want to hide in different dimensions (but don't want to roll my eyes every single time a stunning man with rocks the world of our heroine, whose most important characteristics is that she was chosen for unknown reason by the stunning man) I go to Hamm's books full of Fae, fairy tales and people with passions. The nice romance that has me squealing sometimes is just a perk, really.
"Inked" is probably my favourite of hers so far. It is a very original story - I don't think I've ever read a fantasy set in 1940s. And though I need more world-building in the future, I must say I felt surprisingly comfortable and not at all lost in Cirque de la Lune. Ah, yes, the circus. Can we please talk about how much we all love this idea? I mean, the fire-eater? The tattoo man? Come on! This is everything I need and I know many of you do as well! The main characters definitely put a nice spin to the devil & angel dynamics - reminded me a little bit of Persephone myth, another great thing. Some of the scenes from this novel will definitely stay with me for quite a while - Booker lying on a gravestone in the middle of Louisiana bog, Irene's struggles with the ghosts - they were all so vivid, so imaginative that as someone who tries to write books herself I simply had to appreciate it.
Although I need to write a fair warning: this book will make you wanna get a tattoo ASAP... not sure if that's a bad thing, though.
Finally, a grain of salt which made me rate Inked 4,5 instead of 5. Although I enjoyed the novel immensely, there were a couple of things that stood out to me: First - the book should have been probably longer, with slower exploration of Irene's relationship with the Circus and Booker so that we could all get a good feeling of it. Second - the plot could use a little bit work, it was a bit too relaxed for me, more surprises would definitely be nice and finally, Third - okay... so this one is totally on me, I just love my stories to have a bit of angst and sexy times. Although the tension between the main characters was literally oozing through the pages sometimes, we ended up having only one real kiss and it was so brief - blink and you miss it. We want more, Emma! Give us more in the second book which you are supposed to write within the next day preferably so I don't have to wait in excruciating pain for the sequel.
All hail the tattooed bad boys.
Emma has proven herself to me as an author I can trust - I know what to expect, yet her stories don't get repetitive because of incredible characters and wonderful, unique worlds she creates. When I look for something "lighter" to read - something that will help me get through those more difficult days, when I want to hide in different dimensions (but don't want to roll my eyes every single time a stunning man with rocks the world of our heroine, whose most important characteristics is that she was chosen for unknown reason by the stunning man) I go to Hamm's books full of Fae, fairy tales and people with passions. The nice romance that has me squealing sometimes is just a perk, really.
"Inked" is probably my favourite of hers so far. It is a very original story - I don't think I've ever read a fantasy set in 1940s. And though I need more world-building in the future, I must say I felt surprisingly comfortable and not at all lost in Cirque de la Lune. Ah, yes, the circus. Can we please talk about how much we all love this idea? I mean, the fire-eater? The tattoo man? Come on! This is everything I need and I know many of you do as well! The main characters definitely put a nice spin to the devil & angel dynamics - reminded me a little bit of Persephone myth, another great thing. Some of the scenes from this novel will definitely stay with me for quite a while - Booker lying on a gravestone in the middle of Louisiana bog, Irene's struggles with the ghosts - they were all so vivid, so imaginative that as someone who tries to write books herself I simply had to appreciate it.
Although I need to write a fair warning: this book will make you wanna get a tattoo ASAP... not sure if that's a bad thing, though.
Finally, a grain of salt which made me rate Inked 4,5 instead of 5. Although I enjoyed the novel immensely, there were a couple of things that stood out to me: First - the book should have been probably longer, with slower exploration of Irene's relationship with the Circus and Booker so that we could all get a good feeling of it. Second - the plot could use a little bit work, it was a bit too relaxed for me, more surprises would definitely be nice and finally, Third - okay... so this one is totally on me, I just love my stories to have a bit of angst and sexy times. Although the tension between the main characters was literally oozing through the pages sometimes, we ended up having only one real kiss and it was so brief - blink and you miss it. We want more, Emma! Give us more in the second book which you are supposed to write within the next day preferably so I don't have to wait in excruciating pain for the sequel.
All hail the tattooed bad boys.
October 31, 2019
This book was different.
It was super creative, and definitely was original.
The writing was done well, and some of the lines in the book were poetic.
At first I was totally digging the dark creepy edge to the story line- but then it just kept getting more religious based- which added to the creepy for me. But then the insta-love and unbelievable chemistry between the two MCs kind of turned me away. And the repetitive motion of “girl gets in trouble, guy saves her”
I felt the characters lacked depth, and the storyline could’ve been better. So much more could have been done with this world- and it was wasted on religious corruption and overly judgmental townsfolk and boring back stories for the characters.
Also— what time frame was this set in? I was so confused by the wardrobe of the characters.
2 stars for the original storyline.
It was super creative, and definitely was original.
The writing was done well, and some of the lines in the book were poetic.
At first I was totally digging the dark creepy edge to the story line- but then it just kept getting more religious based- which added to the creepy for me. But then the insta-love and unbelievable chemistry between the two MCs kind of turned me away. And the repetitive motion of “girl gets in trouble, guy saves her”
I felt the characters lacked depth, and the storyline could’ve been better. So much more could have been done with this world- and it was wasted on religious corruption and overly judgmental townsfolk and boring back stories for the characters.
Also— what time frame was this set in? I was so confused by the wardrobe of the characters.
2 stars for the original storyline.
June 11, 2019
Cirque de la Lune is filled with unique characters, the most mysterious of which is Booker, the tattooed man. Haunted by his past, Booker lives a quiet life of personal torment, convinced he will never change from his evil ways. Irene is a bright, God-fearing, perfect daughter... that sees ghosts. After escaping before she could be killed through a violent exorcism, Irene follows her own personal demon to the house of the circus. Together, Booker and Irene create an act melding good and evil, life and death, love and loss while combating demons from the past, both alive and dead.
The characters are what shine in INKED. Two sides of the same coin, watching Irene and Booker meet in the middle "grey area" was absolutely wonderful. Hamm provides a great complexity to their situation and backgrounds. I rated it 4 and not 3 stars for the characters.
Although enjoyable, I still wish the world of Cirque de la Lune was explored more. I believe it's set in an alternative future where Germany won WWII... but I'm honestly not sure. I think this also has something to do with why some people have abilities and some don't, but there still has not been a clear tie-in. Everything is focused on the circus, which makes the world small. I also found an abundance of editing issues (the fishman's name changes from Daniel to Noah halfway through the book) and this continuously brought me out of the story and world.
The characters make this story something special, but I still crave more of the world. Hopefully it will be expanded in future books.
The characters are what shine in INKED. Two sides of the same coin, watching Irene and Booker meet in the middle "grey area" was absolutely wonderful. Hamm provides a great complexity to their situation and backgrounds. I rated it 4 and not 3 stars for the characters.
Although enjoyable, I still wish the world of Cirque de la Lune was explored more. I believe it's set in an alternative future where Germany won WWII... but I'm honestly not sure. I think this also has something to do with why some people have abilities and some don't, but there still has not been a clear tie-in. Everything is focused on the circus, which makes the world small. I also found an abundance of editing issues (the fishman's name changes from Daniel to Noah halfway through the book) and this continuously brought me out of the story and world.
The characters make this story something special, but I still crave more of the world. Hopefully it will be expanded in future books.
May 25, 2019
4.99 stars
Hell. Yes.
Damn, this book was good. Read it in one sitting, so of course I didn't get anything else done.
*no regrets*
Freaking loved the character progression. Seeing Irene get stronger and more confident was truly amazing.
Booker. *sigh* If the author doesn't write another book about this man I'll be seriously mad.
Little confusion on my part, in the first few chapters the Fishman is called Daniel, but at some point he's introduced as Noah. Does he have both names or am I mistaken? It was weird.
Other than that I absolutely recommend this book. And I sure as hell hope there will be a next one. But still about them, though. Don't need no one else.
Hell. Yes.
Damn, this book was good. Read it in one sitting, so of course I didn't get anything else done.
*no regrets*
Freaking loved the character progression. Seeing Irene get stronger and more confident was truly amazing.
Booker. *sigh* If the author doesn't write another book about this man I'll be seriously mad.
Little confusion on my part, in the first few chapters the Fishman is called Daniel, but at some point he's introduced as Noah. Does he have both names or am I mistaken? It was weird.
Other than that I absolutely recommend this book. And I sure as hell hope there will be a next one. But still about them, though. Don't need no one else.
May 15, 2019
Five Stars
While not my first Emma Hamm novel, Inked had definitely been my favorite. Hamm has, yet again, provided her fans with her usual lyrical prose, and has also created two compelling and admirable protagonists. I loved every moment of this novel, even the moments that were a bit difficult to, and am so psyched to read more in this series.
Would easily recommend to paranormal romance!
5/5
While not my first Emma Hamm novel, Inked had definitely been my favorite. Hamm has, yet again, provided her fans with her usual lyrical prose, and has also created two compelling and admirable protagonists. I loved every moment of this novel, even the moments that were a bit difficult to, and am so psyched to read more in this series.
Would easily recommend to paranormal romance!
5/5
November 20, 2019
3.75, very very unique, beautiful and heartfelt. The plot was a little flat though.
July 8, 2019
Not what I expected
I really dislike a lot of things about this book. Mostly the characterization and way both Booker and Irene seem to go glassy eyed every other thought. It felt like a skeleton of a story with a few inconsequential things happening here and there. What I really wish we got was more of Irene and Booker’s romance developing.
I really dislike a lot of things about this book. Mostly the characterization and way both Booker and Irene seem to go glassy eyed every other thought. It felt like a skeleton of a story with a few inconsequential things happening here and there. What I really wish we got was more of Irene and Booker’s romance developing.
May 17, 2019
Love this story, but i want more of Booker and Irene. This story have so much potential for another 10+ chapters, why end there? I feel so unsatisfied at the ending.
That's why I give this book a 4* not 5*.
More of Booker's past, what or who is that spirit with Irene in the beginning, more lovey dovey time between H and h,... I want a part 2 of this story.
It too good to end like this.
That's why I give this book a 4* not 5*.
More of Booker's past, what or who is that spirit with Irene in the beginning, more lovey dovey time between H and h,... I want a part 2 of this story.
It too good to end like this.
May 14, 2020
I'm sorry. I wanted to love this book, but I didn't. I just couldn't.
This is my second book by Emma Hamm and sadly, the things that annoyed me in the Gilded Rose novel, were just too much to take this time around.
First of all, again, the plot and the characters are horribly inconsistent.
When the reader is introduced to Irene, she is a shy, petrified girl who sees the dead and is genuinely terrified. Her father, a pastor and his strict wife constantly criticise her and are ready to have her exorcised. That would have been an incredibly interesting story. But instead, the author makes a 180° turn. Because before the exorcism can take place the ghost, who Irene thought was a demon, turns out to be some family ghost or something and leads her to freedom.
Fast forward to her landing on the doorstep of the Cirque de la Lune freaks. The minute she steps inside, she is no longer afraid of ghosts. She happily chats with them, follows them around and is just an all around awesome medium to have. That change made no freaking sense! How can Irene suddenly be totally fine with ghosts, if they've terrified her all of her life? Oh, right, because this is not what this story is about.
This story has to be all about Booker, the baddest badass of badassery. Similar to her Beast in the Gilded Rose book, Hamm constantly needs to paint him as a bad guy, because without constantly pointing out how bad this guy really is, he'd be a very one dimensional and boring character. He sees Irene and Wham Bam insta love alert, because he immediately needs to vouch for her and protect her. Why? No one knows. He has some sort of magical powers that are never explained too, because his tattoos have a life of their own and he can tattoo magic onto other. What? How? No one knows. Or maybe that's something that would have been revealed at the end of the book. I gave up at about 80%.
I was just beyond annoyed with this book. It had so many interesting ideas but before one of them was properly executed, it was thrown away for something new.
I mean the ghost who brought Irene to the Cirque de la Lune? Poof, disappears afterwards and doesn't show up again.
Irene as a frightened and frankly quite useless damsel in distress only works until Booker is hooked and wants to keep her. Then she can turn into this fierce young woman who sees one of his tattooed snakes crawl through the audience of the circus and happily holds out her hand, because that's what you do to stranger's snakes.
I was also bothered that Hamm seemed to forget things her characters said from one page to the next. So in one chapter, Irene proclaims that she trusts Booker. For no other reason than him being dark and mysterious. After he rescues her from church, she tells him she doesn't have anyone to trust. Because Booker needs to protect the little victim. In the next chapter she happily tells him that she trusts him again before he tattoos her. I mean come on! A little bit of consistency can work wonders sometimes!
Finally another major problem with this book is that it is boring! Her writing lacks emotion so every description, every interaction feels cold and void of anything. Besides this, nothing happens in this book! You would think that a book about ghosts, circus freaks and magic would be filled with action and adventure but really, this story only focuses on the romance between Booker and Irene (and I use romance very loosely here, because it barely qualifies as that). Everything else is just a side character. But this is a major error, because Hamm's strength does not lie in characterisation. So instead of bringing to life her interesting ideas, she gets stuck on mediocre, inconsistent characters who make no sense and she loses herself in endless boring descriptions on nonessential things that the plot does not move along, and answers the reader desperately needs are not provided.
This is my second book by Emma Hamm and sadly, the things that annoyed me in the Gilded Rose novel, were just too much to take this time around.
First of all, again, the plot and the characters are horribly inconsistent.
When the reader is introduced to Irene, she is a shy, petrified girl who sees the dead and is genuinely terrified. Her father, a pastor and his strict wife constantly criticise her and are ready to have her exorcised. That would have been an incredibly interesting story. But instead, the author makes a 180° turn. Because before the exorcism can take place the ghost, who Irene thought was a demon, turns out to be some family ghost or something and leads her to freedom.
Fast forward to her landing on the doorstep of the Cirque de la Lune freaks. The minute she steps inside, she is no longer afraid of ghosts. She happily chats with them, follows them around and is just an all around awesome medium to have. That change made no freaking sense! How can Irene suddenly be totally fine with ghosts, if they've terrified her all of her life? Oh, right, because this is not what this story is about.
This story has to be all about Booker, the baddest badass of badassery. Similar to her Beast in the Gilded Rose book, Hamm constantly needs to paint him as a bad guy, because without constantly pointing out how bad this guy really is, he'd be a very one dimensional and boring character. He sees Irene and Wham Bam insta love alert, because he immediately needs to vouch for her and protect her. Why? No one knows. He has some sort of magical powers that are never explained too, because his tattoos have a life of their own and he can tattoo magic onto other. What? How? No one knows. Or maybe that's something that would have been revealed at the end of the book. I gave up at about 80%.
I was just beyond annoyed with this book. It had so many interesting ideas but before one of them was properly executed, it was thrown away for something new.
I mean the ghost who brought Irene to the Cirque de la Lune? Poof, disappears afterwards and doesn't show up again.
Irene as a frightened and frankly quite useless damsel in distress only works until Booker is hooked and wants to keep her. Then she can turn into this fierce young woman who sees one of his tattooed snakes crawl through the audience of the circus and happily holds out her hand, because that's what you do to stranger's snakes.
I was also bothered that Hamm seemed to forget things her characters said from one page to the next. So in one chapter, Irene proclaims that she trusts Booker. For no other reason than him being dark and mysterious. After he rescues her from church, she tells him she doesn't have anyone to trust. Because Booker needs to protect the little victim. In the next chapter she happily tells him that she trusts him again before he tattoos her. I mean come on! A little bit of consistency can work wonders sometimes!
Finally another major problem with this book is that it is boring! Her writing lacks emotion so every description, every interaction feels cold and void of anything. Besides this, nothing happens in this book! You would think that a book about ghosts, circus freaks and magic would be filled with action and adventure but really, this story only focuses on the romance between Booker and Irene (and I use romance very loosely here, because it barely qualifies as that). Everything else is just a side character. But this is a major error, because Hamm's strength does not lie in characterisation. So instead of bringing to life her interesting ideas, she gets stuck on mediocre, inconsistent characters who make no sense and she loses herself in endless boring descriptions on nonessential things that the plot does not move along, and answers the reader desperately needs are not provided.
December 6, 2019
TL;DR: Almost nothing happens, glaring plot-holes, and a bunch of eye-rolling, middle school level angst and edge. Filled with constant "Oh, but I'm so dark and messed up, and you're so pure and angelic," bullshit in between. This entire book reads like one of those Wattpad stories, with an emo tattooed male lead.
Here, I’ll save you the trouble and write out the entire plot:
Also, I thought this book took place in around the late 19th century or early 20th century, but then the hero turns on a modern-sounding tattoo gun, and there are showers referenced.
Double also, this should have some religious/Christian label to it. I get the mention of religion every now and then, but it just gets more and more annoyingly invasive and cult-like as the book goes on.
What a disappointment, I even vaguely remember liking some of this author’s other works. Oh well.
Here, I’ll save you the trouble and write out the entire plot:
Also, I thought this book took place in around the late 19th century or early 20th century, but then the hero turns on a modern-sounding tattoo gun, and there are showers referenced.
Double also, this should have some religious/Christian label to it. I get the mention of religion every now and then, but it just gets more and more annoyingly invasive and cult-like as the book goes on.
What a disappointment, I even vaguely remember liking some of this author’s other works. Oh well.
July 31, 2020
I don't know I don't think I liked this one that much, but it was interesting enough for me to finish it in like one sitting. Irene can see ghosts and demons, she was raised in an intensely religious family and they see this as her being possessed and want to exorcise her. She gets guided by a spirit to Cirque de la Lune where she feels safe etc. She meets Booker, he's thoroughly tattooed and has a questionable past. The complete foil to her very pale and "ghostly" appearance and her sheltered upbringing. He vouches for her and promises to give her the ability to perform in the circus.
There was just so much filler narrative that didn't really contribute to the story line here. I know that Booker was supposed to be the dark character, sometimes his narration went way too far and it felt like psychotic rather than just dark. He like was envisioning causing her pain or something at one point, and I nearly DNFed right there. I though the concept of the tattoos and her being a seer was fun but it wasn't really explained at all. Like, ok his tattoos could move but why were hers able to? He said it was like a curse to be passed on but I don't really understand the curse part of it it just felt like magic without boundaries.
Yeah, 3 stars might be a little high thinking back on it but I really liked the magic. I think it just touched on too many tropes and topics that it wasn't quite developed enough to truly represent. Wasn't a totally horrible read, I just think it could have had more depth if it was going to try to go where it did.
This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....
December 8, 2020
This was definitely an enjoyable read! The concept was 5/5 stars and the characters had so much potential! It’s quite obvious that the author is talented and the flow of the words were excellent.
Notes for after reading the book(Does not mean I did not love it but I like to post these so I can remember for later readings):
I felt like there was a lot of room for more development in the book. I believe the concept could have become one of the most enthralling books ever, but the third person and quick pace kept us from really connecting and growing with the characters. I would have loved to have seen her have more genuine interactions with the other members of the circus. Like maybe have a party or at least have multiple scenes with them. I felt like there were all of these allusions to Booker being a devil and I just wished we’d had more development there and maybe more of an interaction with evil. Also, what happened to the mom? Irene was darling but I just felt like some of her character growth needed a bit more scaffolding. She goes from shy to badass in one interaction, but her circus performance didn’t feel very inspiring for herself as a human but more of another development between her and Booker. This is just a person preference, but I think we needed more interactions between Booker and Irene. There weren’t many laughs and it felt like insta love without any concrete reasoning or paced development since their scenes together were emotional leaps rather than stepping stones. Once again, the author is great and I loved the concept and still enjoyed the read! :)
Notes for after reading the book(Does not mean I did not love it but I like to post these so I can remember for later readings):
I felt like there was a lot of room for more development in the book. I believe the concept could have become one of the most enthralling books ever, but the third person and quick pace kept us from really connecting and growing with the characters. I would have loved to have seen her have more genuine interactions with the other members of the circus. Like maybe have a party or at least have multiple scenes with them. I felt like there were all of these allusions to Booker being a devil and I just wished we’d had more development there and maybe more of an interaction with evil. Also, what happened to the mom? Irene was darling but I just felt like some of her character growth needed a bit more scaffolding. She goes from shy to badass in one interaction, but her circus performance didn’t feel very inspiring for herself as a human but more of another development between her and Booker. This is just a person preference, but I think we needed more interactions between Booker and Irene. There weren’t many laughs and it felt like insta love without any concrete reasoning or paced development since their scenes together were emotional leaps rather than stepping stones. Once again, the author is great and I loved the concept and still enjoyed the read! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2020
I went into this book with buzzing excitation and curiosity. And the book did not disappoint.
I've enjoyed Charlie Richards's "Beneath Aquatica's Wave" series which is m/m romance between shifters and humans at a big Aquarium zoo & R.E. Butler's "Were-zoo" series which is a m/f romance with shifters and humans in a zoo.
So, for my next stop I wanted to find a paranormal series taking place in a Circus. The few I've ran across haven't caught my interest but I suddenly stumbled upon the blurb of this book and I was instantly intrigued.
So my review :
I won't lie, I expected the characters of the circus to be a bit more abnormal or supernatural like Booker and Noah but, thankfully it didn't ruin my enjoyment.
The romance was slow building and more then enjoyable. Booker was a very interesting character and I liked his ability. It was fascinating !
Irene is the type of female heroine I love. Shy, mistreated, and scared but by the end of the book she finds her strength. Not to the point where she does a one eighty and becomes a sudden bad ass, but enough that she gets comfortable in her own skin and knows her worth and strength.
The side characters were nice but they didn't stand out much. Most scenes evolve around Booker and Irene, so I guess we'll learn more about the others in future books.
The author writing is flawless. You can't help but be sucked into this story and the writing. I honestly didn't see the time pass. I also appreciated the fact that there was no sex in this book. I do enjoy some good smut here and there but sometimes I just want to enjoy a romance without lust and sex dripping from every page like the characters are in heat and can't think passed their sexual needs. So yeah, there was no sex in this book, there was barely any sexual hints and I really liked that, we could focus more on the characters and their journey.
Just one thing... Booker bought a hairclip with a bee on it for Irene but unless I'm mistaken he never gave it to her. Don't know if the author forgot or if I missed it.
All in all , I can't wait for the next book ! I'm curious to see which character will be next and who they'll be paired up with.
Now :
Would I recommend this book ?
Absolutely. There is no stupid drama, but there is some angst and action especially near the end, other than that it's mostly easy going story were the heroes slowly open up to each other and fall in love.
Will I reread it ?
Honestly I loved this story but I don't think I'll reread it. However if it becomes an audiobook I'll be more than happy to listen to it more than once.
I've enjoyed Charlie Richards's "Beneath Aquatica's Wave" series which is m/m romance between shifters and humans at a big Aquarium zoo & R.E. Butler's "Were-zoo" series which is a m/f romance with shifters and humans in a zoo.
So, for my next stop I wanted to find a paranormal series taking place in a Circus. The few I've ran across haven't caught my interest but I suddenly stumbled upon the blurb of this book and I was instantly intrigued.
So my review :
I won't lie, I expected the characters of the circus to be a bit more abnormal or supernatural like Booker and Noah but, thankfully it didn't ruin my enjoyment.
The romance was slow building and more then enjoyable. Booker was a very interesting character and I liked his ability. It was fascinating !
Irene is the type of female heroine I love. Shy, mistreated, and scared but by the end of the book she finds her strength. Not to the point where she does a one eighty and becomes a sudden bad ass, but enough that she gets comfortable in her own skin and knows her worth and strength.
The side characters were nice but they didn't stand out much. Most scenes evolve around Booker and Irene, so I guess we'll learn more about the others in future books.
The author writing is flawless. You can't help but be sucked into this story and the writing. I honestly didn't see the time pass. I also appreciated the fact that there was no sex in this book. I do enjoy some good smut here and there but sometimes I just want to enjoy a romance without lust and sex dripping from every page like the characters are in heat and can't think passed their sexual needs. So yeah, there was no sex in this book, there was barely any sexual hints and I really liked that, we could focus more on the characters and their journey.
Just one thing... Booker bought a hairclip with a bee on it for Irene but unless I'm mistaken he never gave it to her. Don't know if the author forgot or if I missed it.
All in all , I can't wait for the next book ! I'm curious to see which character will be next and who they'll be paired up with.
Now :
Would I recommend this book ?
Absolutely. There is no stupid drama, but there is some angst and action especially near the end, other than that it's mostly easy going story were the heroes slowly open up to each other and fall in love.
Will I reread it ?
Honestly I loved this story but I don't think I'll reread it. However if it becomes an audiobook I'll be more than happy to listen to it more than once.
April 25, 2020
Compelling. I wouldn't probably read it if not the religious part of it. Pastors daughter seeing "demons", dead souls and her family attempts to exorcise her. I loved the bits about Irenes faith and her attempt to find relationship with God even all she was thought about him wasn't in her favour.
The part there Booker comes, become predictable and cliché. Bad guy and a good girl, demon and angel ect. It's alright but I wouldn't mind more of Irenes inner struggle with her faith. Through all the book she was praying and God never answered so she wasn't sure about herself and demons she sees , but in the end of the book (spoiler here) she just knew God was smiling at her being with Booker. If she did understand something or heard God speaking it wasn't developed.
But in all I enjoyed the dark beginning and how the author managed capture Irenes mood and surroundings.
The part there Booker comes, become predictable and cliché. Bad guy and a good girl, demon and angel ect. It's alright but I wouldn't mind more of Irenes inner struggle with her faith. Through all the book she was praying and God never answered so she wasn't sure about herself and demons she sees , but in the end of the book (spoiler here) she just knew God was smiling at her being with Booker. If she did understand something or heard God speaking it wasn't developed.
But in all I enjoyed the dark beginning and how the author managed capture Irenes mood and surroundings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2019
Excellent impressive writing
I found this author, Emma Hamm, in several book set. Her writing impressed me. That set I gave one star, although by the time I was at the fifty percent mark, I would have rated it at negative ten.
Then I read the story by this author, I guess I'll need to rewrite that review. I found this book and the first one in this Circus series to be unique and well written. It is very well edited, so well edited that for the two books, I think I noticed maybe four very minor issues.
This story, and the previous one, delves deeply into the psychology of the characters. The emotions and thoughts that drive the actions of the characters are thought provoking.
I found this author, Emma Hamm, in several book set. Her writing impressed me. That set I gave one star, although by the time I was at the fifty percent mark, I would have rated it at negative ten.
Then I read the story by this author, I guess I'll need to rewrite that review. I found this book and the first one in this Circus series to be unique and well written. It is very well edited, so well edited that for the two books, I think I noticed maybe four very minor issues.
This story, and the previous one, delves deeply into the psychology of the characters. The emotions and thoughts that drive the actions of the characters are thought provoking.
January 20, 2021
Loved this book
Cannot express how much I loved this book, I read it in one day because I could not put it down. Irene is a sheltered woman treated like a girl by her fanatical parents who believe her to be possessed, and Booker is a cursed performer in the Cirque de la Lune. She is on the run and he sees a kindred soul, together they are perfect. I seriously love this author and am reading all of her books after finding her this week! There was a consistency issue with the fishman as his name appears to go from Daniel to Noah which normally would knock my rating down, but the story was so amazing it stays at 5 stars!
Cannot express how much I loved this book, I read it in one day because I could not put it down. Irene is a sheltered woman treated like a girl by her fanatical parents who believe her to be possessed, and Booker is a cursed performer in the Cirque de la Lune. She is on the run and he sees a kindred soul, together they are perfect. I seriously love this author and am reading all of her books after finding her this week! There was a consistency issue with the fishman as his name appears to go from Daniel to Noah which normally would knock my rating down, but the story was so amazing it stays at 5 stars!
May 19, 2019
A girl who sees ghosts. An illustrated man with living tattoos.
Inked is a new kind of story from Emma Hamm. It is a paranormal circus world filled where the characters are so much more than just physical “freaks”. It is a tale full of darkness, but also a place where love can be found, people can be redeemed, and the word “family” can truly mean something. It all begins with a hero who is a bit dirtier than just morally grey in a setting that is as gritty as a noir film yet softened by these well written characters.
Mixing horror with heart, Inked made me hungry for more.
Inked is a new kind of story from Emma Hamm. It is a paranormal circus world filled where the characters are so much more than just physical “freaks”. It is a tale full of darkness, but also a place where love can be found, people can be redeemed, and the word “family” can truly mean something. It all begins with a hero who is a bit dirtier than just morally grey in a setting that is as gritty as a noir film yet softened by these well written characters.
Mixing horror with heart, Inked made me hungry for more.
June 2, 2019
After reading "Caraval" I want everything Circus! Emma Hamm's writing is always outstanding.
It is a dark story with abuse, but it's not glorified or distasteful, if that makes sense. Some more healing from the characters at the end coming together I think would have wrapped it up really well.
I really enjoy Emma's writing style as her prose is always beautiful with descriptions. I will be reading the rest of the series to learn more about the circus and the performers. Is the Noah getting the next book?? I gotta know!
All in all this is a good, quick read!
It is a dark story with abuse, but it's not glorified or distasteful, if that makes sense. Some more healing from the characters at the end coming together I think would have wrapped it up really well.
I really enjoy Emma's writing style as her prose is always beautiful with descriptions. I will be reading the rest of the series to learn more about the circus and the performers. Is the Noah getting the next book?? I gotta know!
All in all this is a good, quick read!
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