REVIEW: CAROUSEL

Title: Carousel
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Author: Sarah McKnight
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Publisher: Amazon KDP

Date Published: April 27, 2024

Pages: 274

Genres: Fiction, Horror, Young Adult

Obtained: Free

Format: Ebook

Synopsis:

Ladies and gentlemen, the show is about to begin…

All Laura Fitzpatrick wanted to do was tell her lab partner, Maddie, how she really feels about her, but when a perfect opportunity falls into her lap, Laura does what she does best – chickens out.

Then, Laura is dared to check out the abandoned carnival grounds outside of town, and she seizes the opportunity to prove to herself and others that she can be brave after all. To her surprise, Maddie isn’t about to let her go alone.

As they explore the eerie property, they’re thrust into an endless night of terror, where danger lurks around every corner. With a century-old mystery waiting to be uncovered, Laura must learn what true bravery means if she hopes to get herself – and Maddie – out of the Plum Creek Carnival alive.

Whatever you do, don’t let the Carnival Man see you…

Praise for CAROUSEL

“Step right up and enter The Carnival Man’s shadow world, where each page will leave you with chills while wanting more. McKnight masterfully blends quick wit and spine-tingling teen screams while providing a fresh new take on terror that will leave even the bravest readers perched at the edge of their seats. With a distinctive storyline, a plethora of endearing characters, and a nightmare-inducing villain, Carousel is a masterfully crafted horror novel that executes the plot without disappointment. You’ll definitely want to add this book to your shelves for Spooky Season.”

Rob Loveless
Author, Eleftheria

“Once you get on the McKnight Carousel of terror, you won’t be able to get off until you have read every last word. And even then you will be begging for more. You simply won’t be able to put the book down, so beware… it might be bewitched.”

Tara Platt
Author, Prep School for Serial Killers

“McKnight’s Carousel spins with pulse-pounding thrills and chills. It’s The Carnival Man’s world, and McKnight’s characters are along for the perilous ride, taking the reader on the same horrifying roller coaster. Carousel is a thrilling, twisted story from this established horror author and if you are a fan of Steven King or Clive Barker, you’ll love this horrific tale.”

My Review:

I got this book for free, in exchange for my honest opinion via Booksirens.

18 year old Laura Fitzpatrick has decided to break out of her introvert shell and attend a classmates Halloween party. She finds this the perfect place to tell her lab partner Maddie, exactly how she feels. But when her golden opportunity falls into her lap, Laura does what she does best, chickens out. Laura then is dared to check out the old abandoned carnival outside of town, she snatches up the opportunity to prove to herself and others that she is, in fact, capable of being brave. To her surprise, Maddie isn’t about to let Laura go alone. Once on the grounds, Laura and Maddie are tossed into a world of terror and macabre, where danger lurks around every corner. With a mystery waiting to be uncovered, Laura must learn what true bravery is if she hopes to get herself and Maddie out of the carnival alive.

When I read the synopsis I was really excited to read this. However, I didn’t quite enjoy the book in the way I thought I would. I did enjoy the mystery aspect of it, and the way the story took a turn once in the carnival grounds. I also enjoyed how the story bounced from what was happening in the carnival to what was happening in the outside world. Both Laura and Maddie’s friends and family are viewing their disappearance as a kidnapping.

I keep going between a ‘good’ read and an ‘okay’ read. I’m so conflicted. The characters bounced from being well written to being mediocre. The story was there, but I think it was a little too fast of pace, it felt like a blur sometimes. But the ending was really good. It didn’t just abruptly end and actually touched on what happened after. Which is great, because not a lot of books do that.

In the end, I’ve decided to rate this a “3.” The parts were there, but for me, it just didn’t fully jive with me.

Thank you, Booksirens and Sarah McKnight for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.

My Rating: