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The Pilo Family Circus #2
The Pilo Traveling Show
Jamie has escaped from the Pilo Family Circus, but he doesn't remember any of the gruesome details of what he had seen—or done—while under the terrible influence of the clown face paint. His life is normal again. Yet his family and friends don't trust him. The police are still wondering about the night they found him, dressed in a clown outfit with blood on his shoes. And the mother of his missing friend keeps calling and whispering: "Murderer."
But there are those who do remember what happened. The circus has a new boss, and he's seeking out past performers and enslaving new cast members. Jamie finds himself drawn back into the dark world of the diabolic big top. But this time, the clown paint has no effect on him. His evil twin—JJ—is dead and buried. Jamie believes there is no way to bring back that twisted side of himself. That is, until the body is found and reanimated...
But there are those who do remember what happened. The circus has a new boss, and he's seeking out past performers and enslaving new cast members. Jamie finds himself drawn back into the dark world of the diabolic big top. But this time, the clown paint has no effect on him. His evil twin—JJ—is dead and buried. Jamie believes there is no way to bring back that twisted side of himself. That is, until the body is found and reanimated...
Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2015
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About the author
Will Elliott
36 books162 followersWill Elliott (born 1979) is an Australian fiction writer who lives in Brisbane, Queensland.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 7, 2015
If you've not read the first novel The Pilo Family Circus and there's a slim chance you might one day in the future, then don't read this review as there may well be spoilers of story ruining proportion.
In a calamitous finale the Clowns of the Pilo Family Circus suffered an ending to beat all endings when they were ripped apart as the boss, Kurt Pilo finally flipped, Gonko was carried off into the pits of hell and you would think there was no way back for the boys. Except Jamie of course he realized a much more euphoric final day in the world next door to hell, in that he actually survived and made it back home. Story over you'd think, after all everyone's dead, not quite though. Hoo-fucking-ray the boys are back in The Pilo Traveling Circus and what's unmade in the soul stealing realm of the circus can be remade, in somewhat haphazard fashion anyway.
Jamie is back home with not a clue as to how he suddenly appeared, wearing a clown suit, with a bag that might of contained a special powder in his pocket and a friend, missing. Suspected murdered, there is only one possible suspect, him. Murderer, but there's no proof, no body and not a fucking Scooby doo as to what's gone on.
Meanwhile back at the Pilo Family Circus, drum roll, that little pile of Pilo, George, is in command riding some grotesque that makes him feel like a giant, all of 5ft 3" with a nasty case of little bloke syndrome. One year ago Kurt Pilo burst out of his human form with devastating consequences and now with the lash, a time of repair, rebuild, regurgitate and resurrection. After all the world needs its distractions and entertainment, it needs its circus.
'Below the Funhouse, beside a sacrificial stone slab long unused, a tunnel twists into the showground’s true depths, covered with a lid of wooden boards. It is not so very far down, in truth, despite being far from sight and mind. Its rock walls shine red and orange. Where that tunnel ends and meets the stone cavern floor, a pair of baggy clown pants sit in a crumpled neglected pile. Forlornly, half-heartedly, the pockets now and then bulge with magically conjured bits and pieces summoned in the vain hope of escape: a small parachute puffs out to catch a gust of hot wind; a climbing pick clangs uselessly to the floor, a white flag of surrender weakly flutters. In time, all of these things dissolve back into air.'
Gonko's magic pants, desperately waiting for the appearance of the backside that's going to refill them. How can you possibly have any feelings for a pair of pants, well I felt a little sad.
'The time crawls by slower than it ever has. At the end Gonko cannot remember his name or occupation for the rage has conquered all. He manages somehow to hug the acrobat when ordered to and to say something resembling “sorry.” When the angry mist clears, he is standing ankle deep in the rubble of a wagon, with various aches indicating his own hands and feet destroyed it.'
And the man himself, forced into circus therapy to curb his anger and violence aimed at the acrobats. George still won't give the Clowns their show back, instead they're forced up to the surface to track down escaped circus members. This is where a plan and the traveling circus are born, George needs to be reminded of his standing. Gonko and the Clowns need Kurt back and they'll do anything to get rid of George with scheming, conniving, bribery and as a first resort, the threat of violence.
I love the whole concept of the Pilo Circus, it survives on little shiny pieces of the soul stolen from the tricks as they are entertained by the different shows. Anyone unfortunate enough to wander through the ticket collectors gate loses a bit of themselves and the show thrives. The world building is simply out of this world, a fantasy right next door to the bottomless pit. There's not so much in the way of character depth but to be honest it's really not needed, there's action and malicious reaction all the way and it's a joy to behold. Gonko is one of my all-time favourite characters and there is no stopping him as the clowns run riot in cunningly sneaky guise.
Another thoroughly entertaining, violently warped tale that you can't help being dragged in and bounced around by, and this is every bit as good as its predecessor.
'Night night, said Gonko’s fist.'
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
In a calamitous finale the Clowns of the Pilo Family Circus suffered an ending to beat all endings when they were ripped apart as the boss, Kurt Pilo finally flipped, Gonko was carried off into the pits of hell and you would think there was no way back for the boys. Except Jamie of course he realized a much more euphoric final day in the world next door to hell, in that he actually survived and made it back home. Story over you'd think, after all everyone's dead, not quite though. Hoo-fucking-ray the boys are back in The Pilo Traveling Circus and what's unmade in the soul stealing realm of the circus can be remade, in somewhat haphazard fashion anyway.
Jamie is back home with not a clue as to how he suddenly appeared, wearing a clown suit, with a bag that might of contained a special powder in his pocket and a friend, missing. Suspected murdered, there is only one possible suspect, him. Murderer, but there's no proof, no body and not a fucking Scooby doo as to what's gone on.
Meanwhile back at the Pilo Family Circus, drum roll, that little pile of Pilo, George, is in command riding some grotesque that makes him feel like a giant, all of 5ft 3" with a nasty case of little bloke syndrome. One year ago Kurt Pilo burst out of his human form with devastating consequences and now with the lash, a time of repair, rebuild, regurgitate and resurrection. After all the world needs its distractions and entertainment, it needs its circus.
'Below the Funhouse, beside a sacrificial stone slab long unused, a tunnel twists into the showground’s true depths, covered with a lid of wooden boards. It is not so very far down, in truth, despite being far from sight and mind. Its rock walls shine red and orange. Where that tunnel ends and meets the stone cavern floor, a pair of baggy clown pants sit in a crumpled neglected pile. Forlornly, half-heartedly, the pockets now and then bulge with magically conjured bits and pieces summoned in the vain hope of escape: a small parachute puffs out to catch a gust of hot wind; a climbing pick clangs uselessly to the floor, a white flag of surrender weakly flutters. In time, all of these things dissolve back into air.'
Gonko's magic pants, desperately waiting for the appearance of the backside that's going to refill them. How can you possibly have any feelings for a pair of pants, well I felt a little sad.
'The time crawls by slower than it ever has. At the end Gonko cannot remember his name or occupation for the rage has conquered all. He manages somehow to hug the acrobat when ordered to and to say something resembling “sorry.” When the angry mist clears, he is standing ankle deep in the rubble of a wagon, with various aches indicating his own hands and feet destroyed it.'
And the man himself, forced into circus therapy to curb his anger and violence aimed at the acrobats. George still won't give the Clowns their show back, instead they're forced up to the surface to track down escaped circus members. This is where a plan and the traveling circus are born, George needs to be reminded of his standing. Gonko and the Clowns need Kurt back and they'll do anything to get rid of George with scheming, conniving, bribery and as a first resort, the threat of violence.
I love the whole concept of the Pilo Circus, it survives on little shiny pieces of the soul stolen from the tricks as they are entertained by the different shows. Anyone unfortunate enough to wander through the ticket collectors gate loses a bit of themselves and the show thrives. The world building is simply out of this world, a fantasy right next door to the bottomless pit. There's not so much in the way of character depth but to be honest it's really not needed, there's action and malicious reaction all the way and it's a joy to behold. Gonko is one of my all-time favourite characters and there is no stopping him as the clowns run riot in cunningly sneaky guise.
Another thoroughly entertaining, violently warped tale that you can't help being dragged in and bounced around by, and this is every bit as good as its predecessor.
'Night night, said Gonko’s fist.'
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
December 31, 2015
Better than the first book. Funnier at the very least. And I gave that one five stars, twice.
This is brilliant comedy. Why are you still sitting there? Buy it. Read it.
I'll wait here.
This is brilliant comedy. Why are you still sitting there? Buy it. Read it.
I'll wait here.
February 25, 2017
"It ain't slapstick without blood. We'll use real glass."
Jamie forgot what his time at the Pilo Family Circus was like. Memories erased. Unfortunately for him, he is about to remember. He is about to go back and get reacquainted with the old gang.
Send in the clowns.
The boys are back in town and a major coup is about to take place. It will be Pilo against Pilo in this one and once again Jamie is right in the middle. The corn dogs and cotton candy are about to hit the fan in a big way.
I really liked this one. More than the first. The clowns weren’t nearly as whiney and all my old pals were back and bad as ever. Lots of laughs and whacky clown antics.
A lumberjack security squad, Emerald kissing booths, nourishing soul dust, flower pot baby Goshys and Kurt Pilo in a tie-dyed muumuu. Yep. The boys are definitely back in town. A Solid 4 Stars.
Jamie forgot what his time at the Pilo Family Circus was like. Memories erased. Unfortunately for him, he is about to remember. He is about to go back and get reacquainted with the old gang.
Send in the clowns.
The boys are back in town and a major coup is about to take place. It will be Pilo against Pilo in this one and once again Jamie is right in the middle. The corn dogs and cotton candy are about to hit the fan in a big way.
I really liked this one. More than the first. The clowns weren’t nearly as whiney and all my old pals were back and bad as ever. Lots of laughs and whacky clown antics.
A lumberjack security squad, Emerald kissing booths, nourishing soul dust, flower pot baby Goshys and Kurt Pilo in a tie-dyed muumuu. Yep. The boys are definitely back in town. A Solid 4 Stars.
September 20, 2015
Review to come!
June 27, 2021
Great ending to a wild ride that spanned two books. In this sequel we learn alot about how the Circus operates and we get a glimpse of the entities who truly run the show. My only gripe with the book is that I would've loved to have learned a bit more of the clowns backstories. Who was Gonko before he joined the circus? Was Goshy always this creepy? Was Rufshod into BDSM before he became a clown?
So many questions left unanswered, but despite that the book was still highly entertaining.
So many questions left unanswered, but despite that the book was still highly entertaining.
December 24, 2020
Es una novela de terror, la secuela a "The Pilo's family circus". Un circo que existe entre dos mundo, cuya función es atraer a personas para recolectar y robar partes de sus almas. Estas pequeñas piezas de almas son el alimento y fuente de poder de estos freaks que viven en este circo.
En términos generales para mi, la historia está un poco mejor encaminada, y cerca del final logró que quisiera seguir leyendo para saber como concluye. Sin embargo es de un desarrollo lento, toma casi más de la mitad del libro par llegar a ese punto, y para ser un libro corto de 216 páginas es algo molesto.
¿ Perdì el tiempo leyendo esta novela? No sé. Al menos era corta. Supongo que me gusta el terror que me de miedo y me haga soñar cosas feas, de lo contrario nunca lo consideraré terror y este libro no logró nada de eso
En términos generales para mi, la historia está un poco mejor encaminada, y cerca del final logró que quisiera seguir leyendo para saber como concluye. Sin embargo es de un desarrollo lento, toma casi más de la mitad del libro par llegar a ese punto, y para ser un libro corto de 216 páginas es algo molesto.
¿ Perdì el tiempo leyendo esta novela? No sé. Al menos era corta. Supongo que me gusta el terror que me de miedo y me haga soñar cosas feas, de lo contrario nunca lo consideraré terror y este libro no logró nada de eso
August 14, 2019
It bums me out to be writing a less than glowing review of Pilo Traveling Show,
as a sequel to The Pilo Family Circus I think this lacked the unapologetic teeth that made the original so good.
I missed the random chaos of the clowns, the double-dealing and so on.
as a sequel to The Pilo Family Circus I think this lacked the unapologetic teeth that made the original so good.
I missed the random chaos of the clowns, the double-dealing and so on.
October 8, 2015
The Pilo Travelling Show is the sequel to the excellent Pilo Family Circus.
It's a similar read to the first book; ordinary guy Jamie gets caught up in this strange underground circus that's run by a crazy, blackly funny and slightly evil group of clowns, headed by Gonko. I felt this book lost a bit of the charm of the original (similar stuff being done again) but still a wickedly fun read and the clowns have to be some of the most warped characters created.
Worth a read but if this sounds interesting, check out the first book first. 3.5 stars
It's a similar read to the first book; ordinary guy Jamie gets caught up in this strange underground circus that's run by a crazy, blackly funny and slightly evil group of clowns, headed by Gonko. I felt this book lost a bit of the charm of the original (similar stuff being done again) but still a wickedly fun read and the clowns have to be some of the most warped characters created.
Worth a read but if this sounds interesting, check out the first book first. 3.5 stars
January 3, 2016
The funniest and scariest bunch of clowns I've ever read about! Just as good, if not better than its predecessor.
February 3, 2019
3.5 stars. Psychotic, crazy, murderous clowns. A story of chaos. I like it.
November 22, 2019
If you liked book one, book two should be fun for you.
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
November 13, 2024
Will Elliott's first book, The Pilo Family Circus, was an unexpected success: a macabre carnival, an eery underworld full of vain acrobats, temperamental magicians, psychotic clowns, and a boss literally from hell. It somehow combined grunge subculture with deranged satire. The reason for the circus show is simple: they lure "tricks" from the outside world, swindle them out of their souls, and then send them back into the real world where they will carry out nefarious plans. It's a circus but it's also a more sinister conspiracy, orchestrating all evil in the world. Like heroin addicts, the carnies burn the fragments of human souls, a white powder, so that their wishes can be granted and when their supply it out, they will do anything—fawn, beg, steal, kill—to get more. The manager, Kurt, might speak of Christian charity and use the anodyne language of corporate HR but he is a monster who also bludgeons his underlings with a crucifix. In this sequel, The Pilo Traveling Show, the protagonist, Jamie, is back. Having escaped at the end of the first book, wiping away all the horrible memories of his time in this hell, he has now been brought back into this lair of debauched antics. But this time there has been a change in management: Kurt's brother, George, has been promoted and Kurt has been imprisoned for his last genocidal rampage. The clowns themselves are trying to secretly carry out their own coup. Jamie has to survive not only a vengeful troop of clowns but also his own alter ego.
It's an enjoyable sequel but it lacked the same novelty and malevolent silliness of the first book. In the first novel, Goshy, falls in love with a flower and tries madly making love to it. It's quirky and weird and bizzare. In the second, Goshy starts spawning progeny from his elbow and then bloodily consuming them. This sequel has more absurd body horror and lacks the original whimsy and novelty. The ending was a shoot-out farce.
It's an enjoyable sequel but it lacked the same novelty and malevolent silliness of the first book. In the first novel, Goshy, falls in love with a flower and tries madly making love to it. It's quirky and weird and bizzare. In the second, Goshy starts spawning progeny from his elbow and then bloodily consuming them. This sequel has more absurd body horror and lacks the original whimsy and novelty. The ending was a shoot-out farce.
December 4, 2015
The Pilo Family Circus was one of the few horror/dark fantasy-novels I thoroughly enjoyed in recent years. Though I did not remember the details of the first novel's ending, I was quite surprised to learn of this sequel because I thought the story had been told - but I guess that Will Elliott had more to say.
Firstly, PTS is a direct sequel and I wonder if one could enjoy it as much as a standalone-novel. Elliott seemed to have that thought in mind, because Jamie, the main character of both PFAC and PTS, also has problems remembering prior events.
I will stay clear of the plot in order to avoid spoilers. Apart from two supporting characters from Brisbane (the town 'above') I did not notice new characters though the importance has many obviously shifted. The story is surprisingly straightforward and I guess that is my main issue with PTS. It may sound more critical than I aim to be, but I could have done without this sequel.
Still, for re-acquaintance with Jamie, Gonko & Co: 3.5 Stars
Firstly, PTS is a direct sequel and I wonder if one could enjoy it as much as a standalone-novel. Elliott seemed to have that thought in mind, because Jamie, the main character of both PFAC and PTS, also has problems remembering prior events.
I will stay clear of the plot in order to avoid spoilers. Apart from two supporting characters from Brisbane (the town 'above') I did not notice new characters though the importance has many obviously shifted. The story is surprisingly straightforward and I guess that is my main issue with PTS. It may sound more critical than I aim to be, but I could have done without this sequel.
Still, for re-acquaintance with Jamie, Gonko & Co: 3.5 Stars
November 3, 2015
Ok, so I messed up and read this first. I actually think this mistake made me even more excited to read the first one. I was confused a bit, but nothing I couldn't get past.
This is gruesome. And sick. And gory. And there are clowns. Scary, awful, demented clowns. Have a fear of them? Stay very, very far away from this book.
Jamie was a clown in the Pilo Family Circus. He doesn't remember much about it and it's better. Most of the time. That is, until memories come half-way back and he acts a bit, well, off his rocker. He goes back to the circus. Mayhem ensues. Good stuff here. Really good stuff.
Other reviews have compared this to past works from Palahniuk, early King, David Lynch, and even Lovecraft. Imagine their stories thrown together in a blender with some bloody face paint - if this interests you, you have the right *taste* for this book.
This was a perfect read for the fall/Halloween season. And I can't wait to get the first one.
This is gruesome. And sick. And gory. And there are clowns. Scary, awful, demented clowns. Have a fear of them? Stay very, very far away from this book.
Jamie was a clown in the Pilo Family Circus. He doesn't remember much about it and it's better. Most of the time. That is, until memories come half-way back and he acts a bit, well, off his rocker. He goes back to the circus. Mayhem ensues. Good stuff here. Really good stuff.
Other reviews have compared this to past works from Palahniuk, early King, David Lynch, and even Lovecraft. Imagine their stories thrown together in a blender with some bloody face paint - if this interests you, you have the right *taste* for this book.
This was a perfect read for the fall/Halloween season. And I can't wait to get the first one.
February 1, 2016
I love me a clown story - the more insane, the better. And this is where The Pilo Traveling Show fits in perfectly. This story is full of key ingredients, such as humour, weirdness, blood and gore, and many little creepy moments.
The writing is tight and suspenseful, and moves at a great pace. It sucks in and keeps you there. Just remember to come up for air.
I read this one, but have since found out that it is the second in a series. I have to go and find the first one now. Will Elliott has one awards for his writing, and I can see why. I will be keeping an eye out for his other works.
The writing is tight and suspenseful, and moves at a great pace. It sucks in and keeps you there. Just remember to come up for air.
I read this one, but have since found out that it is the second in a series. I have to go and find the first one now. Will Elliott has one awards for his writing, and I can see why. I will be keeping an eye out for his other works.
May 19, 2017
Really more of a 3.5. This book takes place right when the last one ends, and it is shorter so it feels like a continuation of the first book rather than a sequel. It treads a lot of the same territory, at times it felt like a retelling of the first story. However it was still a fun read and they expanded on the universe of the circus a good bit. I'd say the series as a whole is a 4.
May 18, 2016
Really enjoyed revisiting the crazy characters that came into creation in the first book. I don't think this book had the depth of The Pilo Family Circus, but it was definitely fun, off putting and horrific at the same time.
June 25, 2016
review coming!
November 10, 2020
Uggggggggh.
This book really actually deserved a two star. Because I didn't really like it. It was just ok.
But after all the searching and scouring and digging that I did to find this book--which I didn't actually find, it was found by someone else who did the same amount of TIRELESS SEARCHING for me--I couldn't bring myself to give it that low of a score. It's like saying a food that is a delicacy is actually disgusting. But yeah, this book sucked.
I was a huge fan of the first one and totally pumped to read this one. But this one totally didn't do it for me. I was glad to know what happened in the end. But eh, I think maybe I was better off not knowing and leaving it where the first book ended.
I wouldn't recommend, especially if you really loved the first one. Just my taste and opinion though. I still loved the first one.
This book really actually deserved a two star. Because I didn't really like it. It was just ok.
But after all the searching and scouring and digging that I did to find this book--which I didn't actually find, it was found by someone else who did the same amount of TIRELESS SEARCHING for me--I couldn't bring myself to give it that low of a score. It's like saying a food that is a delicacy is actually disgusting. But yeah, this book sucked.
I was a huge fan of the first one and totally pumped to read this one. But this one totally didn't do it for me. I was glad to know what happened in the end. But eh, I think maybe I was better off not knowing and leaving it where the first book ended.
I wouldn't recommend, especially if you really loved the first one. Just my taste and opinion though. I still loved the first one.
July 23, 2017
Nasty business, clowning! Laughed out loud on several occasions and also fought back nausea on a few. Preferred this book to its predecessor (which one should really read beforehand or this one will make no sense at all). What a twisted mind Mr Elliott has, hope to read more from him in the future (and not to bump into him in a dark, sideshow alley....)
January 15, 2023
A continuation of the story from the events of the 1st book. Although it was just as bizarre, and we got to hang out with some of our favorite characters again, it didn't feel like anything new was added or explored - almost like the author just rehashed the same plot.
A great example of a fun, psychotic universe that the author didn't really know what to do with after its creation.
A great example of a fun, psychotic universe that the author didn't really know what to do with after its creation.
December 22, 2019
This book started and ended on a spooky, fantastical note. Unfortunately, the part in the middle relied on gross-out description and unlikely coincidences, as if the author was out of ideas and couldn't think his way out of the world he'd created.
January 24, 2017
It was a nice way to wrap up the loose ends the original story had. You got to see what was really behind it all. It was a good read.
March 23, 2017
This book was disturbing, to say the least! I really enjoyed this series. If you want to have nightmares about a very dark circus, and it's very disgusting shows, then give it a go!!
March 29, 2019
This book is a must read just as good as the first book. Such a good read gory as hell, full of laughs. Only disappointment is that there isn’t more books to the series. Sad when I was finished
April 15, 2019
I never thought that Elliott would be able to top The Pilo Family Circus, but this book was AT LEAST just as good as the first one.
December 31, 2019
I read this one because I felt invested after reading the first one, but this fell a little flat for me.
April 27, 2020
Re-read 2 times. Love it
October 9, 2020
I would probably give this one a 3.5 or so. Things were more cartoony and there was a different feel about it.
November 4, 2022
wonderful
I really enjoyed this book! What a great end to the series. Great characters and a fun storyline! I highly recommend this series.
I really enjoyed this book! What a great end to the series. Great characters and a fun storyline! I highly recommend this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews