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Carnaval des Ténèbres #3
Mutatus
Family. Friends. Freaks.
I'm a little person, but more than that I'm a fairy. It’s not by birth, or by choice. These people who surround me every day accept me for who I am, and what I was transformed into. Yet, none of them truly understand the weight I'm carrying on my breaking body.
I'm running from a past that's riddled with pain. It haunts me. Every single day, every time I look in the mirror, it feels like he's there too, looking over my shoulder.
I was born a freak. He turned me into a monster.
I'm a little person, but more than that I'm a fairy. It’s not by birth, or by choice. These people who surround me every day accept me for who I am, and what I was transformed into. Yet, none of them truly understand the weight I'm carrying on my breaking body.
I'm running from a past that's riddled with pain. It haunts me. Every single day, every time I look in the mirror, it feels like he's there too, looking over my shoulder.
I was born a freak. He turned me into a monster.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2020
6 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Ally Vance
71 books533 followersAlly is an International Bestselling Author who writes in the Dark Romance & Horror genres. Ally has been writing since she was a teenager, and it had been a long-time dream of hers to finally become a published author. Ally lives in Kent, in the United Kingdom, with her husband, son, and their two crazy kitties; Kian and Declan.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 27, 2020
Genre: Horror
Type: Book 3 of 7 from Carnaval des Ténèbres series
POV: First Person - Multiple
Rating:
Maia radiated warmth and positivity among her chosen family at Carnaval des Ténèbres. As the Human Fairy, she entertained the crowds with her act and put smiles on their faces. But inside, no one truly knew the pain she endured in the past. And now the past had come back to haunt her and risked ripping away everything she ever cared for.
I loved Maia right from the start of this series. I was pleasantly surprised by the direction the author took with her story. Her life was full of pain and I felt it right along with her.
The story was engaging, well developed, and impactful for something so short. I loved the characters and their role in the story. The only thing is, a certain perverted wish of mine was not granted lol!
Mutatus is a story of embracing oneself. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a dark medical horror.
Books in the series:
🧚♀️🎠🧚♀️. . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🧚♀️🎠🧚♀️
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
Type: Book 3 of 7 from Carnaval des Ténèbres series
POV: First Person - Multiple
Rating:
Maia radiated warmth and positivity among her chosen family at Carnaval des Ténèbres. As the Human Fairy, she entertained the crowds with her act and put smiles on their faces. But inside, no one truly knew the pain she endured in the past. And now the past had come back to haunt her and risked ripping away everything she ever cared for.
I loved Maia right from the start of this series. I was pleasantly surprised by the direction the author took with her story. Her life was full of pain and I felt it right along with her.
The Carnaval des Ténèbres is a place to call home for freaks like me, whose differences make us social outcasts. For the last eight years, it has been my safe haven. But it’s only taken a brief moment for that sense of safety and comfort to be destroyed, decimated.
The story was engaging, well developed, and impactful for something so short. I loved the characters and their role in the story. The only thing is, a certain perverted wish of mine was not granted lol!
Mutatus is a story of embracing oneself. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a dark medical horror.
Books in the series:
🧚♀️🎠🧚♀️. . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🧚♀️🎠🧚♀️
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
July 27, 2020
4.25 ★
Maia grew up knowing she wasn’t necessarily the norm, but she made the best of it until someone she trusted altered her appearance causing immeasurable physical pain. Upon joining the Carnaval de Ténèbres seven years ago, Maia finally found an accepting family, and in that security, she learns to accept herself until her nightmares come true.
After meeting Maia in Barren, I was curious to read more about how she became known as the Human Fairy. With her kindness and ability to make others comfortable, it is a contrast to the inner pain she feels. I felt for Maia and admired her courage in trying to protect others, even knowing what her decision would be.
Mutatus is a dark story about obsession and sacrifice that would appeal to those seeking a horror theme.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Maia grew up knowing she wasn’t necessarily the norm, but she made the best of it until someone she trusted altered her appearance causing immeasurable physical pain. Upon joining the Carnaval de Ténèbres seven years ago, Maia finally found an accepting family, and in that security, she learns to accept herself until her nightmares come true.
“Your home is here in a sea of abnormality, and maybe, one day, you’ll find peace.”
After meeting Maia in Barren, I was curious to read more about how she became known as the Human Fairy. With her kindness and ability to make others comfortable, it is a contrast to the inner pain she feels. I felt for Maia and admired her courage in trying to protect others, even knowing what her decision would be.
Mutatus is a dark story about obsession and sacrifice that would appeal to those seeking a horror theme.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
April 19, 2020
This story will tug at your heart.
Mutatus is the story of Maia.
Born a little person then altered into a human fairy by the cruel man that "owned" her before she escaped to join the Carnaval, Maia has not had an easy life. From her first performance where she describes the physical pain of having her new wings and the emotional pain of trying to keep a smile on her face for the adoring crowds that come to marvel at her. From the way she feels so much less than the other freaks but finds so much comfort in knowing that in this place, they're all equal, you'll have your heart ripped out and stomped on.
The details in this story will have you sitting front row center at the show, and you'll find yourself wanting nothing more than to help Maia when she finds herself in a situation much worse than before.
Maia is definitely one of, if not the, best character that Ally has brought to life to date.
This story will stick with me for a long time.
Mutatus is the story of Maia.
Born a little person then altered into a human fairy by the cruel man that "owned" her before she escaped to join the Carnaval, Maia has not had an easy life. From her first performance where she describes the physical pain of having her new wings and the emotional pain of trying to keep a smile on her face for the adoring crowds that come to marvel at her. From the way she feels so much less than the other freaks but finds so much comfort in knowing that in this place, they're all equal, you'll have your heart ripped out and stomped on.
The details in this story will have you sitting front row center at the show, and you'll find yourself wanting nothing more than to help Maia when she finds herself in a situation much worse than before.
Maia is definitely one of, if not the, best character that Ally has brought to life to date.
This story will stick with me for a long time.
June 16, 2020
This series should be on every dark-fic lover’s list! This is the second installment that I read (the first one was “Barren”) and I honestly can’t get enough of it! In “Mutatus,” we’re introduced to Maia, a human fairy performing as an attraction at the Carnaval des Ténèbres. Despite her miniature stature, she’s an incredibly strong person and particularly given to what has been done to her by a mad scientist, Dr. Waugh. It appears that the worst is behind her and that she has finally found a family, which accepts her for who she is and loves her unconditionally. However, amid the crowd of spectators is the one who refuses to let go and now, not only Maia’s but her friends’ lives are in danger.
Maia’s story is dark, raw, but so absolutely perfect. Beautifully written, tragic, and pulling at every single one of your heartstrings. I’ll definitely be continuing with the series. Five very well-deserved stars!
Maia’s story is dark, raw, but so absolutely perfect. Beautifully written, tragic, and pulling at every single one of your heartstrings. I’ll definitely be continuing with the series. Five very well-deserved stars!
June 8, 2020
This is part of the Carnaval des Tenebres collection. I absolutely loved it.
Mutatus is about Maia the human fairy. My heart broke for how much she has gone through and I was really hoping she would find some happiness.
Well written story that pulled on my heartstrings.
Read it in one sitting as there was no way I could put it down. Can’t wait to read more of these stories.
Mutatus is about Maia the human fairy. My heart broke for how much she has gone through and I was really hoping she would find some happiness.
Well written story that pulled on my heartstrings.
Read it in one sitting as there was no way I could put it down. Can’t wait to read more of these stories.
August 2, 2020
If you’ve gotten this far in the series, you’ve already had some brief glimpses of Maia, “The Human Fairy”. Born with Pituitary Dwarfism, Maia was always tiny, but she didn’t consider herself a “freak“ until she became, ”a prisoner, and the sexual plaything for a sadistic madman.” The Doctor who adopted her when she was young not only sewed wings onto her back but surgically attached them to her ribs, leaving Maia with horrible self-esteem and chronic pain. Her life improves some when she finds refuge with her Carnaval family, but then the twisted doctor finds her again…
I am a huge fan of Ally Vance, so I was super excited for her installment! As expected, her book was beautifully written, and I loved Maia’s story. However, I was disappointed that the one dark erotica scene was completely fade to black with literally no detail at all. Knowing what Vance is capable of, I was craving more! And the end… Ugg!!!! What a crushing, depressing, unexpected ending! Not every book can have a happily ever after, though, and this is one of those, so brace yourself!!!!!
I am a huge fan of Ally Vance, so I was super excited for her installment! As expected, her book was beautifully written, and I loved Maia’s story. However, I was disappointed that the one dark erotica scene was completely fade to black with literally no detail at all. Knowing what Vance is capable of, I was craving more! And the end… Ugg!!!! What a crushing, depressing, unexpected ending! Not every book can have a happily ever after, though, and this is one of those, so brace yourself!!!!!
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November 10, 2021yeah no. take this book back, i don’t want it
January 16, 2021
🥺😭
The human fairy. Thumbelina. Maia.
Maia is a 3 foot 3 inch little person with wings like a fairy made of human skin and bone from an obsessed mad man named Dr. Waugh who adopted her as a child.
He “loves” her. Obsessed over his little fairy he has tortured and brutalized for years.
🧚🏼♀️
Maia was able to run away to the Carnaval des Ténèbres and find a new family that accepted her. Even though she couldn’t accept herself. She hated looking in the mirror, the mental and physical pain these wings create made life hard and unappealing for Maia.
🧚🏼♀️
Her life spirals downward when her obsessive stalker and madman finds her again after years of freedom and kidnaps her AND another carnie.
“Thumbelina, your prince has returned. He’s salivating to be with you once again, and this time, it’s going to be forever.”
🧚🏼♀️
The rest of the book is a bloody and twisted tale.
If you read book one, you most likely fell in love with Maia’s friend Yager, the boy who can’t feel.
You find out what happens to him in this book.
🧚🏼♀️
Umm.. no. This book has ZERO HEA for anyone really.
I’m giving 4 stars for the great writing, flow of the story, and interesting plot. Even though I want to cry over #YagerAndMaia
The human fairy. Thumbelina. Maia.
Maia is a 3 foot 3 inch little person with wings like a fairy made of human skin and bone from an obsessed mad man named Dr. Waugh who adopted her as a child.
He “loves” her. Obsessed over his little fairy he has tortured and brutalized for years.
🧚🏼♀️
Maia was able to run away to the Carnaval des Ténèbres and find a new family that accepted her. Even though she couldn’t accept herself. She hated looking in the mirror, the mental and physical pain these wings create made life hard and unappealing for Maia.
🧚🏼♀️
Her life spirals downward when her obsessive stalker and madman finds her again after years of freedom and kidnaps her AND another carnie.
“Thumbelina, your prince has returned. He’s salivating to be with you once again, and this time, it’s going to be forever.”
🧚🏼♀️
The rest of the book is a bloody and twisted tale.
If you read book one, you most likely fell in love with Maia’s friend Yager, the boy who can’t feel.
You find out what happens to him in this book.
🧚🏼♀️
Umm.. no. This book has ZERO HEA for anyone really.
I’m giving 4 stars for the great writing, flow of the story, and interesting plot. Even though I want to cry over #YagerAndMaia
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2022
Ally has officially broke my heart with this painfully dark and soul crushing story.
Maia may be small, but this young woman’s heart is huge. My heart hurt as her past came back to haunt her with a vengeance that made my skin crawl.
Darryn may have only had a small bit in this story, but his impact is huge. I could feel the love he has for Maia by the way he cares for her and risks his life to try to save her.
Dr. Waugh is a sick and twisted individual that will forever haunt my thoughts. His thought process alone gave me chills before he even got physical.
Ally took me on one helluva roller coaster ride with this story. It’s sweet (at first), then dark and ends on a heartbreaking note. But this is flawlessly written with characters that are just as vivid as the world they reside in. I could feel the pain from Maia and Darryn along with the madness from Dr. Waugh. I hate that I loved this story so much but I can’t deny that I devoured this in one sitting and would do it again in a heartbeat.
Maia may be small, but this young woman’s heart is huge. My heart hurt as her past came back to haunt her with a vengeance that made my skin crawl.
Darryn may have only had a small bit in this story, but his impact is huge. I could feel the love he has for Maia by the way he cares for her and risks his life to try to save her.
Dr. Waugh is a sick and twisted individual that will forever haunt my thoughts. His thought process alone gave me chills before he even got physical.
Ally took me on one helluva roller coaster ride with this story. It’s sweet (at first), then dark and ends on a heartbreaking note. But this is flawlessly written with characters that are just as vivid as the world they reside in. I could feel the pain from Maia and Darryn along with the madness from Dr. Waugh. I hate that I loved this story so much but I can’t deny that I devoured this in one sitting and would do it again in a heartbeat.
June 7, 2020
This is a gripping, heart-pounding, and soul-shredding horror from Ally Vance. There are no words to truly explain my thoughts on the emotional impact of this book. All I can say is I needed chocolate and venting to even semi-recover from Mutatus.
Maia is a character who has gone through so much and my heart was terrorized as I read about her journey. It felt so incredibly realistic, a credit to the author. The depth of emotions the author pulls from her characters is awe-inspiring, even though it led to me needing to take the occasional break.
The world-building is extremely vivid and that storyline just leaves me speechless. It is an amazing addition to this series.
These characters snuck into my heart and will never be forgotten.
5 stars for a dark and emotionally deep read.
Maia is a character who has gone through so much and my heart was terrorized as I read about her journey. It felt so incredibly realistic, a credit to the author. The depth of emotions the author pulls from her characters is awe-inspiring, even though it led to me needing to take the occasional break.
The world-building is extremely vivid and that storyline just leaves me speechless. It is an amazing addition to this series.
These characters snuck into my heart and will never be forgotten.
5 stars for a dark and emotionally deep read.
June 2, 2020
Oh holy hell what a book this was it just blew my mind. 🤯 Once I started this I couldn't put it down the story just flowed from one word into the next until I realized I'd reached the end.
Maia was given to Dr Waugh by her parent's at a very young age to whom she thought would take care of her, but she finds out as she gets older that is not to be the case when she wakes one day to find herself face down on a gurney with him doing something to her. Are you intrigued, because that's all I'm saying you'll just have to one click it to find out what happens in Maia's life and believe me you'll want to know. This book was sooo good definitely a must read.
Maia was given to Dr Waugh by her parent's at a very young age to whom she thought would take care of her, but she finds out as she gets older that is not to be the case when she wakes one day to find herself face down on a gurney with him doing something to her. Are you intrigued, because that's all I'm saying you'll just have to one click it to find out what happens in Maia's life and believe me you'll want to know. This book was sooo good definitely a must read.
April 18, 2020
Mutatus by Ally Vance is the third installment of the Carnaval des Ténèbres collection my seven authors.
Mutatus stars Maia, the human fairy. Maia escaped her past and joins the carnival and becomes part of the family. But what happens when the past becomes present, and the safety of family becomes in jeopardy??
My heart. OMG. This is an emotional and gripping read. I could not put the story down. The stories are connecting so well with each other and with the characters. Can't wait for the next one.
Mutatus stars Maia, the human fairy. Maia escaped her past and joins the carnival and becomes part of the family. But what happens when the past becomes present, and the safety of family becomes in jeopardy??
My heart. OMG. This is an emotional and gripping read. I could not put the story down. The stories are connecting so well with each other and with the characters. Can't wait for the next one.
June 6, 2020
Mutatus is the story of the birth and life of Maia, the human fairy, the side show freak of the Carnaval des Ténèbres.
Her story is heart breaking. The pain in which Maia must endure daily is crippling but she is strong and determined. I fell in love with Maia.
Ally Vance is a horror readers delight. The depths to her gruesome horror scenes had me cringing but boy did I get hooked with the story. It ticked all the boxes that I look for in a book. So all of you horror lovers checkout this amazing author, you won’t be disappointed
Her story is heart breaking. The pain in which Maia must endure daily is crippling but she is strong and determined. I fell in love with Maia.
Ally Vance is a horror readers delight. The depths to her gruesome horror scenes had me cringing but boy did I get hooked with the story. It ticked all the boxes that I look for in a book. So all of you horror lovers checkout this amazing author, you won’t be disappointed
June 28, 2020
3.5 stars!!!
I am a WRECK after reading Mutatus. 😭 I loved Maia, I loved Darryn, and I looooved Yager. Because of that I'm a little mad at Ally right now. 😉 There was one scene that was particularly hard to read because Ally painted such a detailed picture, but who am I kidding, this whole book was hard to read. Definitely the darkest one out of the Carnaval des Ténèbres. This was my first read from Ally and I would love to read more from here, but after this one I'm a little scared. 😜
I am a WRECK after reading Mutatus. 😭 I loved Maia, I loved Darryn, and I looooved Yager. Because of that I'm a little mad at Ally right now. 😉 There was one scene that was particularly hard to read because Ally painted such a detailed picture, but who am I kidding, this whole book was hard to read. Definitely the darkest one out of the Carnaval des Ténèbres. This was my first read from Ally and I would love to read more from here, but after this one I'm a little scared. 😜
April 18, 2020
Maia, The Human Fairy.
Born with a form of dwarfism, and having a twisted doctor perform a life altering surgery on her, Maia has found comfort in the family she developed with the Carnaval. Seeing how her story unfolds will definitely pull on your heart.
A moving story with another glance at the Freaks, if the first two books from this series are anything to go by, there won't be a bad book released. I can't wait to read more of them!
Born with a form of dwarfism, and having a twisted doctor perform a life altering surgery on her, Maia has found comfort in the family she developed with the Carnaval. Seeing how her story unfolds will definitely pull on your heart.
A moving story with another glance at the Freaks, if the first two books from this series are anything to go by, there won't be a bad book released. I can't wait to read more of them!
June 13, 2020
WOW JUST WOW
This is book 3 in the Carnaval des Ténèbres series and this is Maia's story.
All I can say is I'm not crying your crying, this book put me through the emotional ringer. Maia story is as horrific and heartbreaking as you can imagine. It tells us how she became the "human fairy".
Ally has given us a truly wonderful book that is so well written, that you get lost in the world of freaks.
This is book 3 in the Carnaval des Ténèbres series and this is Maia's story.
All I can say is I'm not crying your crying, this book put me through the emotional ringer. Maia story is as horrific and heartbreaking as you can imagine. It tells us how she became the "human fairy".
Ally has given us a truly wonderful book that is so well written, that you get lost in the world of freaks.
May 30, 2020
Wow what a read this was. I LOVED the freak Show when it came to town, kinda makes me think what some of them go thru now. I loved how brave Maia was, and how crazy cool she sounds, I so wanna see what she looks like. But also made me sad for what she went thru and goes thru each day. Such an emotional read, I loved it.
June 25, 2020
Darkest of the series so far.
Absolutely amazing. This story is told from 3 perspectives and it works brilliantly. The multiple perspectives make the story hit harder because you know everyone's feelings. A brilliant contribution to this twisted series.
Absolutely amazing. This story is told from 3 perspectives and it works brilliantly. The multiple perspectives make the story hit harder because you know everyone's feelings. A brilliant contribution to this twisted series.
July 7, 2020
The human fairy
Maia's story was so emotional, twisted and dark. Ally has created such a beautiful character with a troubled past. Her story was heartbreaking and I loved Darryn. Another great addition to the Carnaval series.
Maia's story was so emotional, twisted and dark. Ally has created such a beautiful character with a troubled past. Her story was heartbreaking and I loved Darryn. Another great addition to the Carnaval series.
7-tbr-ooit
November 24, 2020
February 25, 2021
This was my first full Ally Vance book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This story had plenty of creepy darkness within it, and yet also unique lessons of love and acceptance. I enjoyed this addition to the Carnaval series, and I definitely want to check out more of Vance's books in the future.
February 27, 2024
Το πιο σκληρό μέχρι στιγμής και το πιο αποκαρδιωτικό.
June 8, 2020
This story is so emotional. Had me in tears. The world can be so mean and add a crazy owner to the mix is call for disaster. Ally Vance had me feel every emotion that character felt. This us and fantastic read!!
June 8, 2020
This is Maia's story and she was born a little person and passed on to a madman where she has no choices not knowing true love or where she belongs until she finds the Carnaval and some normal as the human fairy and acceptance.
I adored Maia her story is not an easy one to read it holds alot of struggle and emotional pain, I did not expect any of this and I was glued to the pages as this little beautiful woman came to life in this story and just tried to live and survive. Fantastic characters and writing that will consume you.
I adored Maia her story is not an easy one to read it holds alot of struggle and emotional pain, I did not expect any of this and I was glued to the pages as this little beautiful woman came to life in this story and just tried to live and survive. Fantastic characters and writing that will consume you.
June 8, 2020
The Carnaval has come to town and the show is just getting started. Mutatus is the story of Maia and how she became the human fairy.
Maia, is one of the carnival’s attractions and is grateful to perform. She goes out every night and do what she does but when her father/tormentor comes back, everything changes for her.
This story is a horror and it’s not for the faintest heart but it was great for me. I liked all the squeamish scenes and the details in this story. Ally knows how to bring the grotesque things out in her books and deliver and good story.
Maia, is one of the carnival’s attractions and is grateful to perform. She goes out every night and do what she does but when her father/tormentor comes back, everything changes for her.
This story is a horror and it’s not for the faintest heart but it was great for me. I liked all the squeamish scenes and the details in this story. Ally knows how to bring the grotesque things out in her books and deliver and good story.
June 8, 2020
Having found a place that she fits, Maia's past is never far away. Disfigured by a madman, Maia has found her home within a family of characters who fascinate society. I read this in one sitting; I was so consumed in the story that really was a gritty, emotional read. I truly loved Maia. A dwarf who had been horrifically disfigured, she was delicate and intriguing. The nightmare of her past comes knocking and I joined the horrific ride of what transpires. My emotions were ripped apart and completely shredded.
November 5, 2020
I was so excited to read Maia’s story from the get go. Maia had spent her life in pain in one way or another and I felt sorry for her. Maia was born a little person and her parents gave her to an evil man.
Maia put her trust into the wrong person, he ended up causing her so much pain by turning her into his own little Thumbelina, luckily for Maia she managed to run away and found a place at the Carnaval de Ténèbres for several years amongst other freaks until her nightmare came true and the evil man who turned her into his own little fairy found her and took her hostage.
Maia was so kind for someone who had been through what she had been through. Each and every time she performed she was in pain and she used this pain to overcome what happened to her and to help the other freaks.
This story would have been rated higher but Vance killed Maia off in the end, I really loved Maia and she was my favourite freak.
Maia put her trust into the wrong person, he ended up causing her so much pain by turning her into his own little Thumbelina, luckily for Maia she managed to run away and found a place at the Carnaval de Ténèbres for several years amongst other freaks until her nightmare came true and the evil man who turned her into his own little fairy found her and took her hostage.
Maia was so kind for someone who had been through what she had been through. Each and every time she performed she was in pain and she used this pain to overcome what happened to her and to help the other freaks.
This story would have been rated higher but Vance killed Maia off in the end, I really loved Maia and she was my favourite freak.
January 7, 2024
This was another great read by Ally.. I really enjoyed it ever word I read.. It had my heart pounding and even got my crying. Especially at the end. I really recommend reading this book.. Must read
January 8, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. So many feels and the descriptiveness was sublime.
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