The Immortal Circus

by A.R. Kahler

New Adult Paranormal

Book Description

Murdered contortionists aren’t exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can’t quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded—especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader Mab is the Faerie Queen of legend…and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly Courts.
Aided by her friends Kingston—a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart—and his smart-ass assistant Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past—and future—than she bargains for.
The show’s just beginning.

Step right up…

MY THOUGHTS: 4 OUT OF 5 FLEURS DE LIS

The Immortal Circus by A.R. Kahler

Vivienne can’t recall any of her past, since she’s become a part of the traveling Cirque du Immortels. But soon, circus performers start turning up dead, and she can’t help but be scared that she might be next. The truth is, the circus, run by the authoritarian Mab, is definitely unlike any other show. And even though unimaginable things are happening behind the scenes, the show must go on…

This was definitely an original book. I didn’t really have any expectations going into it, but I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be a twist on the faerie lore I have seen so many times.

Vivienne is around 22 years old. All she knows is that she joined the circus, but doesn’t recall exactly how or why. Little pieces of her story come back to her throughout the course of events, but everything is very hazy.

The circus is full of unique characters. There is Mab, the ringmaster for all intents and purposes, who expects perfection from her performers and is definitely not happy when things don’t go her way. Kingston is a sexy magician who may not just be creating illusions onstage. There are also a crew of shifters and other supernatural beings, but the creepiest of all is Lilith. With the body and mannerisms of a young girl, but the spirit and mind of something ancient, she is terrifying to say the least.

The main problem I had with this book, which led to my taking away a star, is that I don’t feel things were explained as often as they should be. I’m not saying I need things spelled out in a simplistic way for me, but I mostly figured out what was going on through context clues rather than main character discovery. Even though Vivienne is a human and doesn’t remember anything, the sights she sees don’t seem to make her question too much.

There was a bit of romance, frustratingly drawn out much to the chagrin of both myself and Vivienne. The chemistry between her and Kingston was pretty hot, and it was irritating that it took so long for them to realize that.

I loved the ending but it definitely left me with a ton of unanswered questions. It seems like this may be the beginning of a series, though, so we shall see how things progress. I want to applaud the author for dealing with a familiar trope in an original way!
View all my reviews

About the Author

Most little boys dream of running away to join the circus.

Alex didn’t just dream it: he did it. But then, he rarely lets a good dream pass him by.

In the past six years he’s toured and trained across America and Europe. He’s performed in Amsterdam, taught trapeze in Madrid, studied in Glasgow and even had a stint as assistant to Holly Black and Cassandra Clare in New England. He’s constantly on the lookout for new places to explore and new worlds to invent. He’s a Sagittarius fueled by full moons and espresso. The way to his heart is a latte and fan art. Just for the record.

THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS is his first New Adult novel, and is being released exclusively through the Amazon Kindle e-Serials program by 47North. It will be available in print and audio when the episodes are complete.

MARTYR the first book in his post-apocalyptic fantasy, will be published by Spencer Hill Press in October 2014.