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Carnival of Bones #1

Carnival of Bones

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Bienvenue à la maison

The song beckons me. Haunting, tragic and utterly lovely. It calls me to a place deep in the Louisiana Bayou, where impossible things creep in the shadows.

Following the voice on the wind, I scratch at the blood coating my skin and dance along the swamps with the crickets. Hands caress my arms and lips coax at mine, begging for me to let them inside. Begging me to surrender. Two men...if you can call them men, tell me I'll never leave this place. These lights, this music, this nightmare... It scares me but it thrills me. Enough that I can almost forget about the blood on my skin.

My name is Moria Laveau, and I think I've done something very, very wrong.

This is a standalone dark ménage romance. This is a why choose book, in which the MC does not have to choose between two love interests. Not suitable for anyone under the age of 18 due to extreme violence, depictions of death, graphic sex and references to triggering subjects.

375 pages, ebook

Published October 10, 2021

138 people are currently reading
1070 people want to read

About the author

Penn Cassidy

47 books482 followers
I spend 95% of my life huddled in my little office, at my little desk, vividly hallucinating about characters and scenarios that don't exist. Then I write it all down for you to enjoy!

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5 stars
198 (44%)
4 stars
123 (27%)
3 stars
94 (21%)
2 stars
19 (4%)
1 star
10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Genevieve.
Author 16 books11 followers
November 5, 2021
Evoking dark Louisiana vibes during Mardi Gras, you could almost feel and smell the atmosphere surrounding Moira as she wakes in the bayou and the Carnival Of Bones.

Theo, dark, brooding, manipulating questions and requiring answers. The keeper of the cross roads, possibly entranced by Moira too.

Bael, his opposite, temptation itself. While Theo is darkness, Bael is the trickster to me, yet equally as dangerous.

Cliffy to be expected. It’s a quick read with so many more avenues to explore. October was the month for spooky, horror themes, and you found it all in one neat package in The Carnival Of Bones.

I adored Noc City. This was such an easy one click preorder and paperback purchase for me. Ms. Cassidy is a talented author, sitting creating some amazing words in dark romance.
Profile Image for DettaDrake.
212 reviews7 followers
October 1, 2021
This book is haunting, even a bit creepy at the start.

During the book, we slowly get more and more information on what is going on, and when you finally figure it out... WOW!

The beginning is a bit slow and confusing, but don’t let that deter you, the longer you read, the more answers (and questions) you get, which make everything make sense.

The atmosphere of the book is captivating and the descriptions bring it to life.

I love that we see a bit of Vodou culture, which I personally don’t know much about, so I loved reading about it!

I can’t wait to continue reading in the second book, there are some questions I still desperately need answers for 😝!
Profile Image for Mawgan Dipple.
1,694 reviews
October 13, 2021
I saw this book on tiktok and it intrigued me. I don't normally read much para romance, but I am fascinated with New Orleans and the history and culture there. Moria found herself in a strange situation and follows the music and voices until she finds the strange carnival of bones in the middle of the bayou. She is on a quest of sorts to find out how she got there. With Bael and Theo to guide her, she discovers things she was told as a child were in fact truth in the spiritual realm. It's a slow burn with the romance side of things and nothing really starts to happen until the end of the book, but this doesn't really take anything away from the story. It pulls you into the bayou, making you want to take this adventure with Moria and see if she can piece together her life before she ended up in the swamps. Not my usual read, but really enjoyed it and I cant wait to read the second part of the this duet.
Profile Image for Crystal Benton.
105 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2021
Omg! What a story! I was captured by the elements of the story but the intensity between the FMC and the love interests had me captivated. The storyline is hauntingly sad but beautiful at the same time. It’s unfortunate what the FMC had to go through but the feelings the love interests brought out in her gave me so much hope. Every element touched me and I am in awe from the story. Not to mention the twist at the end of the book. I can’t wait for book 2 to come out. Also Bael is my favorite, i licked him and will fight for him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jacquie Stewart.
2,626 reviews74 followers
October 9, 2021
I'm trying not to be mad at that ending 🤣
Atmospheric and eerie. I can't decide which guy I like best
Profile Image for emsreviewsandrecs.
299 reviews15 followers
October 15, 2021
I can’t wait for the next one!

Haunted music. Blurry vision. Blood covered. Nothing is right. Why can’t I wake up?

I started reading Penn Cassidy when she released the Noc City series. I immediately fell in love with that series. When she announced she released another book, I had to give it a go!!! LET ME TELL YOU, this did not disappoint. I couldn’t put this book down! I was immediately in a trance and couldn’t quit reading. I love the unknown, the plot, and the characters. I thought I had an idea on how the book was going to go, then Penn makes me second guess myself. Then boom.

Moria has been a pushover the last few years. She was dealt with a bad hand in life already. I hated seeing her when she felt like she didn’t deserve anything better. However, the author does a good job of showing the thoughts of someone in a bad situation. I cannot wait to see more of Moria and how she will deal with what she’s learned.

Sly. Mysterious. Handsome. Everything both Bael and Theodore are. I wanted to be wary of them, just like Moria, but I wanted them no sooner than each one was introduced. Every time Theodore spoke, no lie, I read him with Idris Elba’s voice in my mind. I loved how dark and mysterious they were. I cannot wait to see how they influence Moria in the next one.

I just want to say, I loved everything about this book. I want to thank the author, especially because the plot wasn’t like anything I’ve read before. I honestly cannot wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Tia Fanning.
Author 45 books137 followers
October 18, 2021
Cool Story

This was a very neat story, and I enjoyed the world building. The story has a lyrical quality to it that is both beautiful and forlorn. Love the details.
493 reviews9 followers
October 24, 2021
Penn has weaved her words with witchcraft so dark that your soul will be swallowed up. This book is as dark as it is seductive, it will chill you to the bone and set your heart alight. This is a scintillating original story that will haunt your dreams as your mind slowly pulls all of its dark elements together.

Moira finds herself broken, beaten and pulled from her heritage by the man who is meant to love her. She is drawn into the dark, and enticing world of the carnival of bones to be tempted and seduced by Bael and Theodore. Alone confused, frightened and tormented she needs answers as to why she is here.

Bael is a truly delectable being, he's full of mischief, adorable yet fierce. He has the ability to phase in and out and loves to play with Moiras emotions but at the same time she calls to him I a way no one ever has. Will he ever be able to give her the answers she truly desires or will he be held back?

Theodore is darkness incarnet, he controls the crossroads where the carnival sits. He knows why every souls comes to his world yet knows more about Moiras true purpose then he leets on. He I'd dark, delicious and manipulative but ultimately he seems obsessed and on the verge of falling in love yet holds himself back.

This book ends on a cliff hanger that although you knew elements of it you were not expecting everything that's revealed... will Moria get the answers she desires, will she give Theo the right answer... I need to know now
Profile Image for Cat Vann.
110 reviews28 followers
October 3, 2021
It’s not often I’m taken by surprise with the twists and turns a book can take but I can honestly say this one here has nailed the “Holy Sheet” effect intended!

Now first off spice level! Solid 🌶🌶🌶🌶 4/5. We have not one but two different levels of LUST interests going on so it adds to the anticipation pot nicely.

⚠️ Possible Spoilers Agead ⚠️

Moria is our main FMC who is hopelessly lost and lived a very traumatic life with her douche canoe fiancé.

Then something out of this world pops off.

It’s all very ominous and filled with riddles that leave you helplessly guessing.

Makes for the absolute perfect page turner.

The ending I would describe more as a thriller than a cliffhanger. My version of cliffhanger is when someone’s life is hanging in the balance and that doesn’t happen here. It’s again one big riddle you need answers to.

Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars because once I started, there was no putting it down until I was finished! It’s definitely one of my top October reads.
Profile Image for Chloe.
52 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2022
I enjoyed this so much more than I was expecting since I went into it blind after seeing a few people recommend it on tiktok. The eerie atmosphere was everything I wanted it to be, it is perfect for the spooky season.

I really enjoyed the characters, even though they just give you crumbs of information and leave you more confused than ever. I have so many questions and I can't wait to read the next book where, hopefully, they will be answered.

The tension and build up between the FMC and the men is perfect. I love the difference between Bael and Theodore, one being Grumpy as hell and the other being almost a Sunshine type character in contrast. This book spends a lot of time setting the scene and building up the tension, there is minimal spice but it does not disappoint in the least.

Read this if you like:
- Books with a spooky atmosphere
- Paranormal romance
- Why choose romance with 2 love interests
- Having more questions than answers
- Pierced peen

This book ends of a cliffhanger, so prepare yourself.
62 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2021
A Whole New Meaning to “Welcome Home”

This was such a beautifully haunting story and I truly couldn’t get enough of it! I was guessing on things until the very end and even though it does end in a cliffhanger, it really does get you that much more excited for the second book!

Moria has been through such unimaginable hell but she still has an incredibly strong spirit that wants to survive so badly. Bael and Theodore are absolutely to die for and I couldn’t stop drooling even though they both terrify me to the bone. All of the scenes are abundantly descriptive so much so that you feel like you’re right there at the carnival with the characters. And each piece of the story and Vodou culture were so well written with so much heart and respect. I’m addicted to this world and I’ll be waiting with baited breath to see how the rest all plays out within the next book!!
Profile Image for Amy.
114 reviews
October 1, 2021
OMG! LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! Such a great beginning to what I know will be yet another marvelous series.
“Carnival of Bones” starts with Moria and her journey to Le Carnaval des Ossements. There she meets two men, Bael and Theo... but they aren’t quite human, so what are they? Well, I’m not going to spoil it for you, trust me when I say you want to read this book.
The ending, I wouldn’t say is a cliffhanger, more like a series hook. You’ll still be left wanting more but it doesn’t exactly leave you cursing the author.
If you’ve read Penn Cassidy’s work before then you already know you’re in for quite the treat. If this is your first time reading one of Cassidy’s novels, enjoy then I recommend also checking out her other series (after reading this one, of course).
Profile Image for Shayna Turpin.
149 reviews16 followers
October 9, 2021
Wow wow, OH did I say WOW! This story is captivating! So this is my first book by this author and I'm blown away! It is so beautifully written. I didn't want to put it down, once I got started. There are so many twist and turns and secrets. It will keep you guessing.

There is steam, like so much spice! Just how I like my books. It was haunting and a bit spooky, literally the perfect book to read during Halloween. I couldn't get enough. This is a great beginning to this series! The storyline, plot, world building and characters are all on point. But that cliffhanger?!? 😩 I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!!
Profile Image for Marisa.
862 reviews33 followers
October 15, 2021
Haunting, captivating and unique

Haunting, captivating and unique. This book is different than many paranormal books recently released. The story and characters cast a spell on you that will completely entrap you in their world. I was pleasantly surprised that this book was turned into a duet because I feel like there’s so much more to be explored.

Each character is twisted and sad in their own way, even with the way they’re trying to project themselves. You don’t know which way is up or down as you read and as more is revealed it’s hard to say if you are actually learning more or there’s just more to be explored.

One part of the ending was fairly easy to guess but the other part had me theorizing and needing to know more. I’m not sure which direction this duet will go in but I know the ending will be memorable.
Profile Image for Jess_feelzinsane .
345 reviews10 followers
June 19, 2024
She left her one life for an eternity with them!

Lenore is someone who, like some of us, found herself in a relationship with a man who would take out his anger on her! She then finds herself in a place in-between and meets 2 men *cough cough* (no spoilers) that will do their best to try to convince her she needs to stay! NOW WHEN I SAY YOU need to read this book JUST for the ending alone! TRUST ME!
Profile Image for Bianca M.
918 reviews10 followers
October 3, 2021
Twists, turns, and secrets! I really enjoyed reading this spooky book. There’s still so many questions with where the book left off. I want to say, it’s not quite a cliffhanger ending but man oh man, I can’t wait to read the next one! There’s a lot of buildup and angst going on, along with a few surprises.
Profile Image for Fawn.
567 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2023
wow

This book took me by surprise. Dark. Mysterious. Full of a lot of New Orleans lore that was unknown to me. I loved every page and devoured it in one night. I can not write and explain how much I loved this book and anxiously await the next, coming out in a few months. Even so it is worth the wait.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
391 reviews5 followers
October 28, 2021
eerie read

Book 1 of duet.
TW baby loss, domestic abuse.

Moria is the granddaughter of Annette Laveau, a respected Vodou Mamba from New Orleans. Instead of following in her grandmothers footsteps Moria is stuck, alienated from her friends trapped with an abusive boyfriend, but all that changes one Marde gras when Moria finds herself covered in blood and haunted by a song, the next thing she finds herself lost in the bayou when she stumbles upon Le Carnaval des Ossements.

This is a eerie read that is almost chilling at parts, the author really sets the atmosphere. Can’t wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Brandi Dornon.
217 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2025
Overall, I liked the story and will read book two.

...However, I wish there was more. I was left wanting more character development!!! I wanted some back history from Theodore... I loved that we learned some about Bael, but it wasn't enough.

Hopefully book 2 will answer some of my questions.
Profile Image for Heather Klausing.
143 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2021
Upside down and inside out! So many twists and turns, I loved it! This story is SPICY!! “Welcome Home” has never looked this way before. The ending of this book takes you for a ride, be warned you will be shocked.

Cannot wait for more.
302 reviews4 followers
October 13, 2021
What an amazing book!!

This is the first book of Penn’s that I have read and wow I absolutely loved it.

It wasn’t like anything I have ever read before and it was packed full of so much I just couldn’t stop reading.

I really didn’t want it to end and I cannot wait now for book 2.

The characters are great and I can’t wait to see how it all evolves in the next book.

Getting to the end of the book I was just not ready for it to finish.

An amazing read and I would totally recommend you read this!
Profile Image for Readingwithdesi .
1,276 reviews38 followers
August 8, 2024
This book was so so good! Anything that penn writes I’m going to read it! I enjoyed reading about a haunted carnival and a girl who is just trying to figure out things! Must read!!
Profile Image for Kimberly Karma .
211 reviews22 followers
October 14, 2021
Hold on tight for this one!!

This Book Is Dark, Twisted And mysterious! I never saw anything coming, Which made it that much more enticing and exciting! I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to take A dark trip into the unknown with some raw feelings and The right amount of sexiness For this 1st book!! I am totally psyched and cannot wait For the second book!!!!!
Profile Image for Meghan.
87 reviews188 followers
August 28, 2022
This had so much potential for me but fell a little flat.

I usually don’t mind books with low “spice” but for some reason the tension and story didn’t pull me along. I found the characters chemistry lacking.

There was a twist in the story that has me curious. The carnival/bayou/paranormal vibes are so good that I might pick up the second at a later time regardless of the lack of spice/chemistry.
Profile Image for CARIE CORBIN.
81 reviews
October 10, 2021
I loved it!!!

This book here!

I loved the story living in Houston you get a taste of the New Orleans culture but I will now be looking into it more.

I am pissed at the cliff hanger but she loves leaving us hanging right there about to fall!!!
Profile Image for Jessica Fuller.
410 reviews79 followers
December 28, 2023
This book was very uninteresting.
There was absolutely no world building or character development so I was confused throughout the entire book.

I felt like Theodore’s character may have been more interesting if we were presented with his back story a bit first.
Bael was interesting and mysterious. I would have liked to read about him more in depth.
Mori was just frustratingly annoying. Because we didn’t get much character development I couldn’t understand why they cared for her over everyone else. Why was she so special?

The same things would be mentioned several times which could get tedious. Example: her not knowing if Theodore or Bael were friends or enemies. She asked that to herself repeatedly. Or when she heard the screams of a woman. She recalled that several times. It’s just a bit repetitive.

There was a touch of spice on page 96 but it was over before it really begun. Then on page 171 it had a full on sex scene. It isn’t something that bothers me but I thought I’d mention this in case others aren’t into sex scenes in books.

I found myself saying ‘wait what?’ at some of the scenes within the book.
POTENTIAL SPOILER:
Theodore brought her to the crossroads. Yet she made a deal with him to find out why she was there. Then was shocked to find out he already knew??? He was the one who brought you there of course he’d already know. I found this so frustrating and even said it to myself when she made the deal.

A book like this usually takes me a day or less to read but it was very hard to keep picking up.

I feel like the concept was interesting and it could have been good if the world building & character development were present and if it was thought out a lot more.
Profile Image for Lacey.
353 reviews10 followers
October 30, 2023
Short and Creepy Read

This is a quick, quite creepy read about a carnival in the middle of the bayou and Mori has no idea how she got there. While there are no Halloween elements to this, per say, it’s still spooky and unsettling.
Both Bael and Theodore are hotter than sin and give Mori answers in riddles, and maybe it’s just me, but I understood what the riddles actually meant and actually had somewhat of an idea of what was happening. Unlike Mori.
This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I’m about to dive into book two now!
Profile Image for Emma Hull.
53 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2021
To start with I struggled to get into it but once it got going you can’t help but feel for the main character. It has a couple of triggers but the way the story grips you they don’t become as bad as some. The twists and the way the characters react together makes it some of the best reading. The characters are so lifelike and believable using names that hold meaning to different beliefs. Good story good characters and such a twist love it x
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