The Immortal Circus Trilogy by A. R. Kahler
Published by: 47North
Review by: Dani Hoots
This series was very entertaining and I couldn’t put it down. I loved the characters and imagination behind the tale, and although I didn’t care for the ending, I still think it is very well written. I will review each book separately below and be sure to help support this author by signing up for his Thunderclap at the end of the blog post!
The Immortal Circus: Act One
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—because forever means something quite different at the Cirque des Immortels.
Aided by her friends Kingston—a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart—and his sarcastic 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…
*From Description on Amazon*
This was my favorite book out of the three. It is very strong and while there were still many questions still unanswered, I thought it came together very nicely. I loved the characters, especially Kingston, and they were all individual and very well-developed. The descriptions were great and I felt as if I was in the circus itself.
This book had a great combination mystery, romance, suspense, fantasy, and action. I was never bored throughout the story. I loved the relationships that unfolded and how around every corner there was a surprise. Definitely give this book a 5/5!
The Immortal Circus: Act Two
Vivienne is almost content with her new life in the Cirque des Immortels. She has moved up from selling cotton candy to telling fortunes, she has a gorgeous, magical boyfriend, Kingston…and no one has been murdered since the clash between the otherworldly Courts. Her life under the faerie big top would be perfect, in fact, if not for the nightmares and visions that compel her to seek and confront her half-remembered past. But for Viv, not knowing her past may well be a blessing. There’s a reason she ran away. But can she truly escape herself?
The second act of the fantastically evocative Cirque des Immortels series, The Immortal Circus: Act Two draws readers further into a world that’s at once wonderful, seductive…and deadly.
Step right up…
*From Description on Amazon*
This book follows as Vivienne is beginning to understand her powers and what is exactly going on in the circus. There are a lot of surprises that I won’t spoil, but believe me when I say it will make your head spin.
Vivienne’s past begins to clear up and we get to see how this strengthen or weakens her relationship with Mab and with Kingston. I wanted to learn more about the Fairy King in this story but unfortunately it mainly focused on Vivienne. It also moved a little slowly for me and didn’t feel as organized as the first one. I give this book a 4/5 as it was very entertaining, but there was some room for strengthening the plot.
The Immortal Circus: Final Act
Despite Vivienne’s broken heart and deadly truths, the show must go on at the Cirque des Immortels. But it takes more than glamour and sex appeal to keep the Big Top running; without the magic and support Viv came to rely on, the circus is in danger. Now the troupe verges on rebellion, the war between Mab and Oberon rages on, and a horrifying menace looms—with Vivienne stuck in the middle of it all.
When Mab’s manipulations put others at risk, Viv has to decide where her heart lies. Everything depends on her choices. How can she know her true desires? And will she have what it takes to fight the demons she must face?
*From Description on Amazon*
As most trilogies, this book definitely felt like Vivienne was gearing to battle for what she thought was right. She is remembering who she once was and how she was tricked and lied to. She doesn’t know who to believe and just wants to live a normal life, but is that even possible any more?
I didn’t like the ending, but it was definitely a plausible ending. It just wasn’t to my taste and I can’t explain without giving it away. I give this book a 4.5/5 as it felt like just gearing up for battle, and then battling, without being to engaging with the reader.
I really enjoyed this series and recommend it to anyone who loves magic, fairies, or the circus. I was so intrigued that I went out and bought the next series A.R. Kahler is working on called Ravenborn. He is definitely a great writer and I will recommend his books to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure. I give the entire series a 4.5/5, and it is definitely one of my favorite series of all time.
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