Cirque Berserk

by Jessica Guess

The summer of 1989 brought terror to the town of Shadows Creek, Florida in the form of a massacre at the local carnival, Cirque Berserk. One fateful night, a group of teens killed a dozen people then disappeared into thin air. No one knows why they did it, where they went, or even how many of them there were, but legend has it they still roam the abandoned carnival, looking for blood to spill.

Thirty years later, best friends, Sam and Rochelle, are in the midst of a boring senior trip when they learn about the infamous Cirque Berserk. Seeking one last adventure, they and their friends journey to the nearby Shadows Creek to see if the urban legends about Cirque Berserk are true. But waiting for them beyond the carnival gates is a night of brutality, bloodshed, and betrayal.

Will they make they make it out alive, or will the carnival’s past demons extinguish their futures?

Book 4 in the Rewind-or-Die series: imagine your local movie rental store back in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, remember all those fantastic covers. Remember taking those movies home and watching in awe as the stories unfolded in nasty rainbows of gore, remember the atmosphere and textures. Remember the blood.

Genres: Horror, Novella, Fiction, Horror Thriller, Adult, Summer, Halloween

172 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2020

About the author

Jessica Guess is a writer and English teacher who hails from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She earned her Creative Writing MFA from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2018 and is the founder of the website Black Girl’s Guide to Horror where she examines horror movies in terms of quality and intersectionality. Her creative work has been featured in Luna Station Quarterly and Mused BellaOnline Literary Review. She loves anything horror but especially slashers and werewolves with maybe a bit of romance thrown in. Jessica will read or watch nearly anything with a black female protagonist. Learn more on her website:
https://blackgirlsguidetohorror.com/

Reviews

[Mort · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really fun, 80's inspired supernatural slasher romp about stupid teens being slayed in a haunted, abandoned playground.

Would have pushed this up to 4 stars if it wasn't for a huge plot hole I couldn't overlook - and can't describe without spoilers.

And, from a personal point of view:
Can somebody please explain to me - other than the obvious 'teenagers are stupid' argument - why it will be thrilling to visit a 'haunted' place if you don't believe in ghosts? Does it really make you feel like a big man to go somewhere where you believe nothing is going to happen to you?
You know, if you go to the shops, a bus can run you over, an earthquake or hurricane could hit, a crazed gunman can go postal and start killing everyone - does it give you that same feeling of accomplishment to survive a trip to the store?
And, just to be clear, how can anybody be absolutely certain that there is no such thing as a ghost? Oh, so you haven't seen one...and there is no proof...wow, to live in your world of black and white. Well, I have not seen a platypus. I'm not sure they exist. Have you seen photos of them? That's not even very good photoshop - it's actually quite ridiculous, if you think about it...

Okay, so let us flip the coin. If you believe there can be something like ghosts, why go fuck around with it? Does it show how much balls you have to mess around with things you don't understand? Ask Marie Curie how that worked out for her.
Sigh, she is the one who...never mind, Google that shit.
Oh, so it makes you feel alive, does it? Gives you a nice adrenaline rush, huh?
I had a disagreement with somebody about bungee jumping once. This person claims I don't know what I'm missing by not even attempting it.
"Give me one good reason why you shouldn't try it just once in your life?"
Well, I could think of a lot of reasons, but the one I went with was simply this:
I can stand on the ground and shit myself without paying anybody anything. And I had about a zero percent chance of that shit ending up in my hair.

Maybe I'm just turning into a grumpy man, but it is becoming more and more difficult to feel sorry for stupid people dying because they do stupid shit.

The story wasn't bad, though - real 'popcorn movie' feel.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here we have some 80s style hack and slay at a deserted carnival somewhere USA. Young people are lured into that haunted place and murdered one by one. This goes on for years. Who is doing this and why? The story started fresh with flashbacks into the real 80s and some famous songs back then. Then 2019 is blended in. Chapter by chapter we come to know how four teenager sacrificed their souls to be forever young. The story had some funny elements but overall it was a bit too teenage/ youth orientated for my taste. Nevertheless I stayed on these roads (A-ha is also mentioned there) since my youth was in the 80s. Missed reference to the song Tunnel of Love by the Dire Straits even though a Tunnel of Love attraction was often mentioned. Brought back the song I have on heavy rotation now. Was the book a Total Eclipse of the Heart (of course Bonnie Tyler is interwoven here, but look at the videoclip of the song on youtube)? No it wasn't as it brought back many great songs and memories. The rest was okay but nothing to kill for or go berserk (LOL).

[Sadie Hartmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1989, a small town called Shadows Creek, FL experienced a horror like no other when a group of teenagers went on a killing spree at a local carnival, then disappeared. Fast forward to 2019, teens still talk about the Cirque Berserk massacre. Looking for adventure one night, some high school friends rent a bus and find themselves making a trip to the legendary, abandoned carnival to explore. A gas station attendant warns them that the place is dangerous and people die there-but this seems to only make the trip that much more exciting.

Books set in the late 1980s to mid-90s are my jam. I love all the familiar cultural references, especially popular music, movies, and TV shows. This was no exception. Sprinkled throughout are some great moments that made me want to roller skate under black lights to Whitney Houston's "I Want to Dance with Somebody".

If you're a horror reader that enjoys turning out all the lights, feasting on buttery popcorn and junky candy while watching a campy teen-slasher movie--this book takes that whole aesthetic and infuses it into each page. The characters come to life as they tease and flirt with each other while trying to mask the fact that they're actually pretty nervous about exploring an abandoned, haunted carnival rumored to still be inhabited by murderous ghosts or demons. The horror genre is seriously lacking protagonists of color, black or brown final girls and horror told with #OwnVoices so I'm enthusiastic about Jessica Guess's contribution to the scene. Props to Unnerving Publishing for celebrating diversity. The "Rewind or Die Series" has been awesome so far.
This genre-buff would love to see more!

I enjoyed the dual timelines-a flashback to events that happened in the 80s and then real-time events in 2019. This kept the chapters short; the pace fast and impossible to put down.
The ever-changing POV was done well too-Guess used clever headings with dates and names to make sure readers knew which timeline we were in and which character's head we were in. I appreciated that.

I think that the actual demonology needed a little more development. The ritualistic "how" and "why" could have used some depth and explanations because it's an important component to the story but only really touched on lightly here and there in a telling way, rather than showing. So I didn't fully understand how it was possible--making me not quite able to invest in the believability.
Other than that aspect, the rest of this book was pure entertainment and fun. I enjoyed my time at CIRQUE BERSERK and I'm excited to read more from Jessica Guess.

[Laurie (barksbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars

Cirque Berserk starts right off with murderous mayhem and doesn’t come up for breath until the story ends. If you want a fun slasher set to an 80’s soundtrack you need this book in your life.

This story takes place in two timelines. The modern-day timeline features a group of high school kids looking for a night of excitement. They decide to visit Cirque Berserk, an abandoned amusement park that has a reputation for death! Even a dire warning from a local convenience store employee about witchcraft, satanism, and murder won’t sway them. KIDS, HAVE YOU NEVER SEEN A HORROR MOVIE, EVER?! So deprived. But I can’t blame them because I would’ve been dying to go as well. Anyhow, their night sure perks up soon enough, haha.

“I think it’s time you start running “

The other timeline takes place in 1989 and is the story of four young friends. All damaged in one way or another and delving into things that may be a wee bit dangerous but too tempting to let slip away. Both storylines come together most excellently and I enjoyed getting to know these kids.

This book was so much fun and gelled so well and is 100% unpredictable. I found myself rooting for the villains, just flawed hurt people really, and that takes some talent! I had so many great lines saved up to share but now I’m afraid they’ll give away too much so I think it best if you do yourself a favor and buy yourself this book. If you’re anything at all like me, your dark heart will be extremely happy when you finish this heartwarming little murder book!

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw someone recommend this one and because it's been a while since I've read a horror novel I decided just to dive right in. This is a quick, gory/slasher novel with a little throwback to the 90's. While I wish it was more of an early 80's-90's horror (as was described to me) I did enjoy it. I wasn't expecting the supernatural aspects and it threw me for a loop but overall I'm glad I read it and plan to read more in the series.

𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
• Supernatural Horror
• Slasher Horror
• Old, worn out, and creepy carnivals
• Nostalgic 80's/90's horror throwbacks

[Cassie Daley · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN! I love classic horror slasher films, and this book had such similar vibes that it's a near crime for it to not have already been adapted to the screen.

There are fun characters to both love and hate, things that'll stick with you for ages after reading (I kept craving the gum and M&Ms!), and a twist - which I looove in my horror.

This was my first book by Jessica Guess, but I'm looking forward to reading more - so much gory, campy fun!

[Adrienne L]

DNF at 14%. Nope, not for me.

[exorcismemily · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You know, I told you we'd end up like a horror movie."

Cirque Berserk is a very fun slasher, and it's exactly what I was hoping for. The storylines move between the 80s and present time, and it was cool to see how everything panned out. This book is gory and entertaining, but I wish it would have had a few more rounds of editing - it was a little distracting at times. I had a lot of fun reading Cirque Berserk & I can't wait to see what Jessica Guess does next!

CW - domestic abuse, sexual harassment

[Michael Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of CIRQUE BERSERK can be found at High Fever Books.

Cirque Berserk, the fourth entry in Unnerving’s series of Rewind or Die novellas, is a slasher fan’s dream come to true. It’s fun, compulsively readable, and Jessica Guess tosses in one hell of a game-changer that turns this horror book head over heels.

A group of teens aren’t ready for their Senior Night festivities to end and want to keep the party going when one suggests heading to the highly Instagrammable and deserted carnival. Cirque Berserk is best known for the urban legend that surrounds it. In 1988, a gang of teen employees at the circus went on a violent killing spree. Since then, the vacant park has been rumored to be haunted, and the locale is a site where, supposedly, teens go to make out, get drunk, and spray graffiti ... but never leave. It’s the perfect place for a group of high schoolers to revel at before their graduation sees them all going their separate ways for college. And it’s going to be one hell of a night to remember — if any of them survive!

Guess writes the hell out of this premise, and as the founder of Black Girl’s Guide to Horror where she lists her alias as Slasher Bae, it’s clear she has a particular affection for the slasher genre. She knows how it works, understands the tropes, and delights in giving us something that is both welcomingly familiar and malleable enough to twist into something creative and original, all while still staying true to this particular subgenre’s roots. She also gives us a wonderfully diverse cast of characters to root for (or against), bringing a healthy dose of representation to a genre that has historically overlooked non-white characters. I refuse to spoil all the ways Guess shakes things up here, but there were a few scenes that left me positively shook, even as I was grinning ear to ear at one particularly bold and ballsy narrative choice.

Although the main narrative is set in the present-day, we get plenty of flashbacks to the late 80s and the origins behind Cirque Berserk’s urban legends, which helps to infuse the entire narrative with a particular 80s-throwback feel. While it’s a very contemporary take on the slasher story, it still’s very much of the days of VHS rentals and now classic tunes. One character, Rochelle, is a huge Whitney Houston fan, for instance, and Guess layers many of the book’s scenes with a built-in soundtrack. Cirque Berserk also has a fair deal of heart, which makes all the cool kill scenes and gory moments all the more appreciable, working in themes of toxic love and abuse, and overcoming these challenges, throughout the narrative. Rochelle may be a huge fan of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” but Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” would be just as appropriate an anthem for this killer carnival.

Only one glaring issue presented itself from keeping Cirque Berserk from being an absolutely perfect slasher story for me, and that’s the total lack of proofreading. This book suffers from a number of errors that were simply too distracting to ignore, from a glaring anatomical misunderstanding in the book’s opening pages where a machete slices “where the boy’s abdomen and arm joined,” to typos aplenty (a bolt cutter is called a bold cutter at one point, and during a storm the rain comes “down sheets so in thick), and random insertions of the word ‘the,’ such as when “Kate eyed the age faded the Confederate flag” on her dirtbag daddy’s arm. It’s a shame that a book this good didn’t get the attention it deserved to give it a proper presentation. Even a quick pass through Grammerly could have helped cut down on the egregious amount of errors that made it into this book’s final text, and readers that are particularly sensitive to these issues will likely find themselves apoplectic. And that’s damn shame, because purely from a story standpoint, I had such a good time with Cirque Berserk that it very quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year. The problem is, it’s an unfortunately difficult read at times, thanks to missing or transposed words along with other issues that really should have been corrected before publication. I expect issues like this in advance copies, but not from supposedly final retail editions.

Looking strictly at the narrative, though, I have absolutely no complaints. Guess freaking nailed this story and executed it perfectly. Her take on a slasher horror story was engrossing and kept me chugging along through all the typographical missteps. This book would have been an easy five-stars if not for the issues described above, but taking those complaints aside I had an absolute blast with this book. Mark down for a copy of whatever Guess publishes next!

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, quick read that doesn't require much thought. Think cheesy 80's b-flick. So far, the best of the series.

[Mique Watson · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

I liked the book most when it was a straightforward slasher in the first act….. and then the second act happened and I was like WHAT. THE. HELL. for a long time, this book lost me. It does begin to pick up again near the finale, when we get to learn about the various motivations of the main cast. I can’t really say what I liked without spoiling, but the sudden shift the story takes slightly goes off the rails… but eventually it finds it’s footing. The kills weren’t particularly impressive,, but if you’re looking for a short and sweet bite of 80’s slasher goodness, I guess I’d recommend this??? I felt that the timelines switching from the past to the present kept getting in the way of the tension. I think this book is more for people new to the horror/slasher genre. Readers who are used to extreme horror will—like me—find themselves more bored than excited (for the most part).

[Alex | | findingmontauk1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cirque Berserk is the first piece of work I have read by Jessica Guess, and it will 100% without a doubt not be the last! I had a great time from the first page through the end... and I still want more! Cirque Berserk is just my kind of book: slasher horror! I will always love the slasher sub-genre. But this is not your average or cookie-cutter slasher. Guess creates her own new formula and she executes it perfectly.

Full of twists and revamped/modernized tropes, Guess delivers quite the scary slasher story. I love how many times I found myself predicting what was about to happen only to be totally cast off balance when the event(s) actually unfolded. The dialogue was engaging, the kills were never a let down, and the fact that this book also "has heart" makes it even better. Also, the fact that the sections of the books are titled after famous 80s pop songs is just the cherry on top. Guess checks all the right boxes with Cirque Berserk!

If you enjoy slasher books and movies then this needs to go to the top of your TBR! 5 stars from me - and I need to read anything and everything that Guess delivers from here on! Thanks so much to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[AFrolicInTheTomesXx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Book #4 of the rewind or die series! I actually really loved this. This is everything I wanted out of “tastes like candy” by ivy tholen and more. This has cult vibes, rituals, paranormal aspects, a carnival, and slaughter. The deaths weren’t all super unique or anything. But a lot of them were fun and enjoyable still. But on top of that, the plot is so unique with the paranormal aspect. And the characters. Man they’re so developed in my opinion. This is also a story that mainly follows the “villains” so to say on two timelines. One that develops their story from the start and shows why they are how they are (which I love), and present day, which just develops them even more. I just loved them so much I couldn’t help but root for their success. They’re definitely likable and sympathetic villains. The ending was so heartwarming for me.

All I can say is if you read any of these books in this series…. Let it be this one! it’s so fun.

Will def continue the series. It’s hit or miss. But I think it’s worth it.

** the rewind or die series is written by different authors and the books aren’t related, so it can be started at any point and time. You do not have to start at book one.

[Amy Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't perfect but I had SO much fun reading it. For a slasher, some of the kills were a bit lackluster and I would've liked it if certain things were expanded upon or further explained. But the twists were great and the story was fun. It was a great time! I'm looking forward to reading more from both this author and the rewind or die series.

[Jan Agaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

i was surprised by the overall premise of this! so much better than i expected & lol at this being my 100th book of 2023 🤡

[Tyler Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun. I loved getting to know the characters and feel for them. This book made me cry. It also made me question things because things aren't black and white. It even has a trope I hate The whole demon summoning thing and I still loved this book and am giving it 5 stars! That says something.

It's an interesting slasher, that's for sure!

Read this on KU. This is another one i'm going to have to buy physically, isn't it? xD

[Tammy Niraula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a FUN campy slasher! I loved this book from the very first page. The popular 80s song mentions were super fun! It made me want to listen to the songs while reading the book. For such a quick read I was very impressed by the character development. I loved all of the creepy abandoned carnival vibes and the unique storyline. A perfect read for summer chills or spooky season scares. This is a must read for slasher fans!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Tara Losacano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much more than I expected! It's not just your average slasher, there are two stories/time-lines intertwined together making it difficult to decide who to root for. That's not to say there wasn't lots of death and blood, because there certainly was. And the ending was perfection! 5/5 carny skulls 💀

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars - it was ok. (I originally had this at 2.5 but I've changed it now that I sat with my feeling on it for a little bit.)

SPOILERS AHEAD

I wanted to enjoy this way more than I did. I really enjoyed the writing style, it was easy to read and it was a cool concept. there were times where I had a lot of fun with this book but overall it it's not for me.

I am usually a huge fan of multiple POVs and multiple timelines (this was jumping between the present and 1989) but it wasn't executed as well as it could of been. what Was the point of Pattys POV? sure it provided some information on a killing but that info was in other places in the book, Patty is completely irrelevant.

There was also a few plot holes and things that just didn't add up. Rochelle is on the senior planning committee, she helped organize where the seniors went for the last night etc. So this is a class trip through their school, which should mean the entire senior class was invited.. nope just 8 of them. Then it's mentioned that Brittany is the one that invited them and that it's her parents that rented the party bus. So the school planned a senior trip, let someone's parents pay for the transportation and only invite a handful of kids and not the entire senior class. No chaperones other than the bus driver and no curfew?

Also, its 1 am, Sam is the one that mentions she wishes they went somewhere else in the start of the book instead of Universal studios. Rochelle suggested a club. When other suggested just going home Sam was the one that really pushed to have them go somewhere else. and it was Sherry who suggested they go to Cirque Berserk. Rochelle even acted like she'd rather not go. So, at the end of the book knowing Rochelle's character, what she had to do and that time was of the essence just felt like poor planning with the story.

the ending just pissed me off. It was so cheesy and felt almost cringe with the conversation with Lilith, felt comical in the worst way. This could have worked if the ending was elaborated a bit more and was more scary.

[Dale Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a middle of the road read for me. I went into this expecting a creepy carnival environment but came out underwhelmed. Maybe that's my own fault for expecting something different than it actually was.

The writing didnt give me much feeling of dread or creepiness in terms of the carnival atmosphere. The book turned out to be more a teenage romance storyline, with a supernatural element thrown in. Yes, there's plenty of gore and horrific death but alot of that happens early on. Then the backstory of the characters becomes apparent.

I would certainly be interested in anything else the writer releases. Unfortunately this one didnt hit the mark with me.

Also, and maybe this is a personal preference, but each chapter didnt start on a new page, they just followed on from the previous one.

[Brooke — brooklynnnnereads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

This was a quick and “fun” slasher set on the grounds of a carnival but I was hoping for more of an 80’s vibe with more description and details of the setting.

It was a quick read but the story and plot had nothing that would really stick in your memory long-term.

If you are looking for something spooky and quick to read during the Autumn/Halloween season, maybe pick this one up but keep your expectations low.

[Suz Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a trip to an amusement park fails to provide the thrills they’d hoped, a group of teens visit Cirque Berserk, an abandoned carnival where horrific spree murders occurred in the late nineties. The carnival is said to be haunted by the murderers and may still be claiming victims, yet the lure of taking Instagram-worthy photos beats the teens’lingering fears, at least it does until the bodies start piling up.

The story toggles between 1999 and 2019 providing a fun mix of pop culture and music, and evoking the fun spirit of vintage slasher movies. The supernatural backstory is rich, and the relationships between the characters are realistic and conflict-laden.

CIRQUE BESERK nicely satisfies a craving for slasher movies, while defying some of the tropes of the genre, infusing the story with freshness as well as fun. Jessica Guess is a storyteller to watch. I can’t wait to see what she serves up next.

CIRQUE BESERK is part of Unnerving’s fantastic Rewind or Die series. I’m glad I purchased the whole 2020 line up from the publisher.

[Kelsi - Slime and Slashers · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down for Goodreads. This little slasher book was a quick and easy read. But, for the most part, I found the kills to be extremely generic and lacking. I think there could have been a lot more creativity with the kills considering the wonderful setting of this book.

There is a twist in this story that surprised me, and I did enjoy that. However, that wasn't enough to counter the qualms I had with this story.

Overall, I still had a fun time reading this one. I just feel like there was something missing from me personally. I still think that most people who enjoy slasher books, would enjoy this read. And I always recommend people give things a go and decide for themselves! Plus, I know quite a few people who LOVE this book! So if you're curious and like slashers, I'd recommend picking this one up.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and creative, but something fell a bit flat for me. Editing errors drive me nuts. And, perhaps a bit too much crammed into a very short book. A bit more length and attentiveness might have been used to address some very significant plot holes. The teen who gets to live in the real world for a year - where do they live? How do they pay for it, eat, buy clothes, enroll in school? And, we're to believe that Rochelle lured these classmates to Cirque Berzerk, but, she was not at all instrumental in them ending up there. Fun idea, not fleshed out well enough. Still a decent read for slasher fans.

[Venus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this slasher novella. It definitely had a twist on a common trope that I didn’t see coming. I also wasn’t expecting the ending and I definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good slasher book to read.

[Sara Tantlinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very gory and entertaining time! Had a lot of fun reading this one, and I look forward to what Jessica Guess does next!

[Natascha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Schön trashig, blutig und unterhaltsam, aber letztendlich nichts besonderes. Für zwischendurch aber eine solide Wahl, wenn man mal wieder in die wilde Slasherzeit der 80er und 90er abtauchen will.

[J.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary

A group of teens decide to take their grad night celebration a step further than everyone else by visiting an abandoned and supposedly haunted circus.
It turns out not to be as abandoned as they expected and once you go inside, there's only one way out.

Personal Opinion

A fun and short carnival story with a side of murder and blood sacrifices. It definitely had strong 80's vibes and popular song mentions in the flashbacks throughout the story.
There were quite a few errors with some words missing or swapped around in the wrong spots which is the reason for the 4 star rating instead of 5.
I did really like that Cirque Berserk focused more on the killers instead of the teen victims. I also think this would make a very cool and entertaining movie.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how tension between characters were created! And I found relatable characters and I hoped so badly them to survive. And that what makes a good horror story: you have someone to root for.

And circuses, oh circuses. I just can't find another setting I would love more in horror! Well maybe abandoded circuses and look what we got here!