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Harrow Faire #1
The Contortionist
Come one, come all, to Harrow Faire...and greet your sweetest nightmare.
Cora Glass’s humdrum existence as a bank teller flips upside down when a long-abandoned circus mysteriously returns to life. But the entry fee to this big top show is far more than Cora bargained for.
A deal struck.
A soul...stuck.
As Harrow Faire shines a spotlight on Cora, she discovers there are far more secrets in that three-ring nightmare than she could possibly imagine. Trapped in the world of the fiendish and alluring man known as the Puppeteer, Cora finds herself caught in a war between him and the reclusive Mr. Harrow. Both parties will stop at nothing—even murder—to get what they want.
And what they want…is her.
Cora Glass’s humdrum existence as a bank teller flips upside down when a long-abandoned circus mysteriously returns to life. But the entry fee to this big top show is far more than Cora bargained for.
A deal struck.
A soul...stuck.
As Harrow Faire shines a spotlight on Cora, she discovers there are far more secrets in that three-ring nightmare than she could possibly imagine. Trapped in the world of the fiendish and alluring man known as the Puppeteer, Cora finds herself caught in a war between him and the reclusive Mr. Harrow. Both parties will stop at nothing—even murder—to get what they want.
And what they want…is her.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2020
835 people are currently reading
11965 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Ann Kingsley
64 books2,363 followersKathryn has always been a storyteller. Years of scriptwriting for performances on stage and for tourism in Boston led her to writing romantically dark, fantastical tales, which was an obsession of hers that began once seeing The Phantom of the Opera at a young age.
When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.
She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.
When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.
She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 690 reviews
May 13, 2024
UPDATE 5/2024 : I reread this novel, this time trying with all my might to ignore the stuff that bothered me the first time. I made it through, so that's something!
My opinion still stands. This was overwritten and tacky and not in a way that was ~easy~ to ignore, like some pulpy entertainment is. It was still a chore to get through, but this series has all the stuff I like ~on paper at least~ and my favorite things aren't exactly main stream, so I have to go through my discarded pile like this :(
If this was alien romance I would have never looked your way again, Harrow Faire!
I hope the rest of the series won't be me regretting finishing this.
OG review (2021):
DNF @ 30ish %
Overwritten.
I liked the premise. I love circuses. Fairs. Carnivals. All of it. And I liked the horror elements in this one.
But the idea of reading not just one but 5 overwritten books in the series turns my stomach. It's a mix of the author's writing style with a lack of proper editing: essentially, the author repeats certain words or information over and over again.
Cora's chronic pain, for instance. Obviously, chronic pain is chronic, so it makes sense that it comes out a lot. But the way it is done here is like the reader is an idiot and has already forgotten that Cora has chronic pain and needs a chronic reminder.
It would have been easy to just write something like this: "A wave of fatigue hit Cora as she longed to sit down, but the needle in her hip would make even that excruciating."
Instead, the author explains what chronic pain is and what it entails, several times.
Another thing that the author seems to "double-down" upon is Trent's homosexuality and Cora's exasperation with his hypersexuality. The problem with the repetition is mostly that it feels less like character building and more like info-dumps being shoved down reader's throats.
Many passages in the book are like that - Cora's pain, Cora's job, Cora's lack of boyfriend, Cora's bssties - everything is sort of listed again and again until I was just sick of it.
In short: it's overwritten. An editor could easily fix it and leave us with a possibly great horror series. But I won't find out because I prefer my writing underwritten rather than overly done.
My opinion still stands. This was overwritten and tacky and not in a way that was ~easy~ to ignore, like some pulpy entertainment is. It was still a chore to get through, but this series has all the stuff I like ~on paper at least~ and my favorite things aren't exactly main stream, so I have to go through my discarded pile like this :(
If this was alien romance I would have never looked your way again, Harrow Faire!
I hope the rest of the series won't be me regretting finishing this.
OG review (2021):
DNF @ 30ish %
Overwritten.
I liked the premise. I love circuses. Fairs. Carnivals. All of it. And I liked the horror elements in this one.
But the idea of reading not just one but 5 overwritten books in the series turns my stomach. It's a mix of the author's writing style with a lack of proper editing: essentially, the author repeats certain words or information over and over again.
Cora's chronic pain, for instance. Obviously, chronic pain is chronic, so it makes sense that it comes out a lot. But the way it is done here is like the reader is an idiot and has already forgotten that Cora has chronic pain and needs a chronic reminder.
It would have been easy to just write something like this: "A wave of fatigue hit Cora as she longed to sit down, but the needle in her hip would make even that excruciating."
Instead, the author explains what chronic pain is and what it entails, several times.
Another thing that the author seems to "double-down" upon is Trent's homosexuality and Cora's exasperation with his hypersexuality. The problem with the repetition is mostly that it feels less like character building and more like info-dumps being shoved down reader's throats.
Many passages in the book are like that - Cora's pain, Cora's job, Cora's lack of boyfriend, Cora's bssties - everything is sort of listed again and again until I was just sick of it.
In short: it's overwritten. An editor could easily fix it and leave us with a possibly great horror series. But I won't find out because I prefer my writing underwritten rather than overly done.
September 17, 2020
Wowzers this was so different but most definitely a worthwhile read and this author has once again managed to pull it out of the bag.
This was phenomenal and ever so imaginative and Simon The Puppeteer slash villain slash hopeful romantic interest was in another league completely.
I have absolutely no idea what’s going to happen between him and Cora or even discern what he even maybe wants himself from her beyond the whole self-interested she’s mine, like a potential toy he’s been deprived of.
Simon has such a charming but totally sadistic psychopathic vibe too him, though there is definitely something about him that’s intriguing he's just not that likeable yet, tantalisingly appealing yes but his allure mostly comes from his whole wrongness, he's manipulative and selfishly out for number-one and on top of all that he's mad as a box of frogs but there's just something about him that gets to me and Im just equally fascinated by him.
Cora well she’s a tower of strength she also has a chronic pain condition which has definitely shaped and defined her current mindset and reality.
But I digress the basic premise here is a magical Faire "The Harrow Faire" that randomly seems to appear every few years and preys on the visitors taking pieces of there essences to feed the Faire and its inhabitants.
Cora finds herself an unknowing but willing victim when she doubts what she is told.
The recipient of her begrudging gift is The Puppeteer Simon who upon savouring a piece of her is then greatly intrigued by Cora and decides he wants much more from her even if it is forbidden.
In fact, telling him no only makes him that much more eager to partake in the forbidden.
So this is essentially the beginning of the journey forward and even though we have barely touched the surface here I’m already so excited and hooked and can’t wait to experience more from this fascinating new world.
This was a brilliant start to a new series and gets a massive thumbs up from me.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of The Contortionist (Harrow Faire).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
October 25, 2022
This was close to 4.5 stars for me. It was my first Kathryn Ann Kingsley book and I was not disappointed. I’m often reluctant to read series because so many of them are drawn out/full of filler. I decided to take a chance on this because I’d heard good things, and the idea of a supernatural circus fit my spooky October reading theme.
I was impressed by Kingsley’s writing and storytelling. It was so creative and different than anything I’ve ever read, and so wonderfully weird and creepy that I found myself enraptured even though it didn’t contain any actual romance yet! The whole idea of a circus that behaves like an entity, entrapping a cast of “immortal” characters who sustain themselves by consuming tiny pieces from select patrons’ personalities (seity), was just so unique.
It ends on a cliffhanger and I couldn’t wait to start the next book. I very much hope the rest of the series can hold my attention in the same way.
I was impressed by Kingsley’s writing and storytelling. It was so creative and different than anything I’ve ever read, and so wonderfully weird and creepy that I found myself enraptured even though it didn’t contain any actual romance yet! The whole idea of a circus that behaves like an entity, entrapping a cast of “immortal” characters who sustain themselves by consuming tiny pieces from select patrons’ personalities (seity), was just so unique.
“Barker talked you into going through the Dark Path. I was merely the lucky winner to whom the Faire gifted your seity. Why am I to be blamed for that?”As a chronic pain sufferer, I often don’t want to read about it because books are my escape. But Cora’s struggles with Ehler’s-Danlos syndrome made her more relatable for me. Simon was just insane—definitely a villain, but not without charm.
“The Faire doesn’t eat people.”
“Oh, yes.” He grinned at her, sadistic and cruel. His voice dropped to a low, husky sound that sent a shiver up her spine. “It does. It very much does.”
It ends on a cliffhanger and I couldn’t wait to start the next book. I very much hope the rest of the series can hold my attention in the same way.
June 2, 2021
I have such a difficult time with this author. On the surface I find her stories incredibly unique and creative. I am a sucker for villain romance books, and Kathryn undeniably rides that marketing train until the wheels fall off. However, this is the third time I have started one of her books to only put it down with zero desire to see how it ends. Maybe because her books read more like “new adult” and I keep trying to compare her to R. Lee Smith?
I also find her main characters exasperating. The heroine is always lackluster and the “hero” always comes across as a flamboyant gay uncle. I have zero attraction to either character. I simply do not mesh well with this author. Time to give it up.
I also find her main characters exasperating. The heroine is always lackluster and the “hero” always comes across as a flamboyant gay uncle. I have zero attraction to either character. I simply do not mesh well with this author. Time to give it up.
August 18, 2021
I! LOVED! THIS! 😍 It was unlike any book I’ve ever read before! And such an amazing start to a series… (that’s finished, may I add!) There’s a super-creepy, atmospheric setting; a gripping plot; a strong, grown-up, snarky heroine (who’s also a trauma survivor); and a love interest who’s a total psycho! 😵💫
It’s also completely addictive, so I’m going straight to book two. 😉
This will be a treat to all lovers of spooky stories and slow-burn paranormal romance. 👌
Short review is short! →Here’s← one that’s much more comprehensive.
It’s also completely addictive, so I’m going straight to book two. 😉
This will be a treat to all lovers of spooky stories and slow-burn paranormal romance. 👌
Short review is short! →Here’s← one that’s much more comprehensive.
October 17, 2022
It would have been great (maybe) if it wasn't for the disgusting romanticization of abuse.
holy crap, why are all the reviews thirsting over a man that shares all the qualities of an abuser? why did the author do it in the first place? oh and cora? not dumb. just manipulated by this narcistic abuser.
why the fuck does this book exist? it is romanticizing abuse, clear as day. attempted rape, attempted murder, groping, manipulating and twisting emotions and all this and more classic abuser behaviour from the love interest, shadow. you literally could have just kept him the villain. or an abuser. but no... it's "romantic". its "sexy". why?
great idea. plot? not bad.
but is is ultimately overshadowed by ABUSE. ABUSE POTRAYED AS OKAY, IF NOT BETTER THAN.
Like omg. people are going to read this, thinkthis is ok, and 1. not listen to those or help those who experience similar things and 2. gaslight themselves or others into thinking this is ok.
PLEASE, I BEG YOU, SPREAD WORD ABOUT ABUSE ROMANTICIZATION IN BOOKKS LIKE THESE - AND GET THIS BOOK CANCELLED.
holy crap, why are all the reviews thirsting over a man that shares all the qualities of an abuser? why did the author do it in the first place? oh and cora? not dumb. just manipulated by this narcistic abuser.
why the fuck does this book exist? it is romanticizing abuse, clear as day. attempted rape, attempted murder, groping, manipulating and twisting emotions and all this and more classic abuser behaviour from the love interest, shadow. you literally could have just kept him the villain. or an abuser. but no... it's "romantic". its "sexy". why?
great idea. plot? not bad.
but is is ultimately overshadowed by ABUSE. ABUSE POTRAYED AS OKAY, IF NOT BETTER THAN.
Like omg. people are going to read this, thinkthis is ok, and 1. not listen to those or help those who experience similar things and 2. gaslight themselves or others into thinking this is ok.
PLEASE, I BEG YOU, SPREAD WORD ABOUT ABUSE ROMANTICIZATION IN BOOKKS LIKE THESE - AND GET THIS BOOK CANCELLED.
September 7, 2020
When I heard Kathryn's next series was going to involve a creepy carnival that steals pieces of people's memories and personalities, I remember thinking what a perfect setting it was for her type of book. Luckily, I was right.
First thing to get straight: this is a villain romance, as with all of the author's book. The main romantic interest is a lunatic and he does not have good intentions towards our heroine, Cora. While I am 100% intrigued by Simon the Puppeteer, I can't say I'm rooting for him yet, but I don't the dark path I'm being led down and that, from past book experiences with this author, she has the magic touch of making these villains so multi faceted that you can't help but root for them.
Cora was an interesting character, and I found the dynamic of her life suffering from a medical condition that causes her chronic pain a really interesting one. Poor Cora does not have an easy time of it here, but she is strong, and while her brwka down is believable, I know that she'll get through it.
Add chemistry, freaky carnivals, interesting side characters, and you have the happen package really!
I loved it and can't wait for the next.
First thing to get straight: this is a villain romance, as with all of the author's book. The main romantic interest is a lunatic and he does not have good intentions towards our heroine, Cora. While I am 100% intrigued by Simon the Puppeteer, I can't say I'm rooting for him yet, but I don't the dark path I'm being led down and that, from past book experiences with this author, she has the magic touch of making these villains so multi faceted that you can't help but root for them.
Cora was an interesting character, and I found the dynamic of her life suffering from a medical condition that causes her chronic pain a really interesting one. Poor Cora does not have an easy time of it here, but she is strong, and while her brwka down is believable, I know that she'll get through it.
Add chemistry, freaky carnivals, interesting side characters, and you have the happen package really!
I loved it and can't wait for the next.
September 14, 2020
Whoa!!! I hate Simon but I know the author will make me fall in love with him in the next few books.
February 17, 2021
After reading two of her other novels, Illusions of Grandeur and Ghosts & Liars, I wasn't sure if I should read this one. Her writing is dark - dark characters, dark events, dark themes. In fact, Ghosts & Liars was a bit off-putting, so I was terribly nervous about this one. But you know what? I love a scary, sinister, cursed circus. I figured I could read The Contortionist and see how it would go. If I didn't like it, I could just stop there. Haha, funny. Fair warning - this is a longer series so you can't really stop with just one.
Luckily, The Contortionist, while dark and disturbing, didn't make me feel gross. Sure, Simon is unhinged and I'm worried about what he will bring in the future. While he didn't cross some of the lines that I felt Julian from Illusions of Grandeur and Ghosts & Liars did, I think he will at some point. I feel quite a bit of sympathy for Cora who suffers from a serious ailment (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). She is in constant pain and her life has been hijacked by the disease. It's not fair. She is definitely fair game for the Harrow Faire to take her from her life and introduce her to something very unique and disturbing. I'm not sure I like Cora as much as I like Alice (Illusions/Ghosts), but she might grow on me. The mystery of the faire hasn't been revealed just yet - just a few bits and pieces - which is the big reason I'm going to read the next one. I love a good dark mystery.
Luckily, The Contortionist, while dark and disturbing, didn't make me feel gross. Sure, Simon is unhinged and I'm worried about what he will bring in the future. While he didn't cross some of the lines that I felt Julian from Illusions of Grandeur and Ghosts & Liars did, I think he will at some point. I feel quite a bit of sympathy for Cora who suffers from a serious ailment (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). She is in constant pain and her life has been hijacked by the disease. It's not fair. She is definitely fair game for the Harrow Faire to take her from her life and introduce her to something very unique and disturbing. I'm not sure I like Cora as much as I like Alice (Illusions/Ghosts), but she might grow on me. The mystery of the faire hasn't been revealed just yet - just a few bits and pieces - which is the big reason I'm going to read the next one. I love a good dark mystery.
April 13, 2021
A good start to a series that I'm looking forward to reading the rest!
This story blends perfectly the eccentricities and somewhat creepy magic of the circus, with some occult horror and some truly terrifying yet hot villains, and a good romance. It was something really interesting and refreshing to read, you definitely cannot tell where this book is going to take you. I thought some bits of the book at times were slightly repetitive and Cora was a little wearing at times though.
I just wanted to comment on the romance because it is truly something done well. Most of the romances in fantasy novels are quite predictable and the love interest a well rounded character that we can like, I'm not saying those novels are boring, but they're nice. This romance, however, is something else COMPLETELY. It's sooooooo unpredictable. I sometimes am genuinely scared of the love interest. Sometimes he's the most swoon-worthy character, other times he's completely mad and manical. I love that I'm afraid of the character, I don't know if those two are going to end up together, or he's actually going to go mad and kill everyone, including her.
Call me crazy, but I love it.
→3.5 stars
This story blends perfectly the eccentricities and somewhat creepy magic of the circus, with some occult horror and some truly terrifying yet hot villains, and a good romance. It was something really interesting and refreshing to read, you definitely cannot tell where this book is going to take you. I thought some bits of the book at times were slightly repetitive and Cora was a little wearing at times though.
I just wanted to comment on the romance because it is truly something done well. Most of the romances in fantasy novels are quite predictable and the love interest a well rounded character that we can like, I'm not saying those novels are boring, but they're nice. This romance, however, is something else COMPLETELY. It's sooooooo unpredictable. I sometimes am genuinely scared of the love interest. Sometimes he's the most swoon-worthy character, other times he's completely mad and manical. I love that I'm afraid of the character, I don't know if those two are going to end up together, or he's actually going to go mad and kill everyone, including her.
Call me crazy, but I love it.
→3.5 stars
August 18, 2021
A haunted Faire, lots of creepy characters, one special psycho, a sensible and sharp-tongued female main character, all in an adult setting? Sold!
It was very refreshing to read a female protagonist that wouldn't go for the clueless and naive conduct-cliches so typical in MF. Cora surely is new to this world of dark magic or whatever, but she won’t stop asking and pressing to know and understand, to help her friends, and she won’t loose her mind over a man, even if said man is Tall, dark and handsome. So typical for us women in fiction to become hopeless twats around the main male character😖. Cora is attracted to Simon, but she won’t let that cloud her vision of him or the faire. She knows he is dangerous, and she acts as a mature, intelligent person would.
“[…]I want to know why. Why it picked you, when—” He broke off. “Come on.”
“When what?”
“Hm?”
“You said, ‘why it picked you, when,’ then you stopped. When what, Simon?”
“It’s not important.” His jaw ticked. “Just follow me like a good girl, please.”
She narrowed her eyes. “How hard do you want me to knee you in the balls, Simon?No. Step one, let go of my wrist. Step two, tell me what you were going to say.[…]I can’t trust him. Not now, not ever.”
Simon was such a funny Villain! I was always expectant of his appearances on page. The way Kingsley’s books are written through the heroine’s perspective AND also through the Villian’s is everything. Reading Simon’s POV left no doubt he was the big bad wolf anyone should run from, but at the same time, the one you'll inevitably root for and be drawn to.
The banter between these two was so funny.
“I really do wish you’d give me my gun back.”
“Later. You don’t need it. You could put as many holes in me as you want, and you’d just ruin my nice clothes and scare the patrons.” He grinned. “But later, I can strip naked, and you can pop me with your little toy as many times as you like.”
She grimaced. “Hard pass.”
“Damn.”
I really liked the book. It has some horror to it, some very funny bits and dialogs, and the beginning of what seems to be a very nice slowburn. The last chapters are very intense, this book does not work as a standalone... so I’ll better start book two right now ☺️
It was very refreshing to read a female protagonist that wouldn't go for the clueless and naive conduct-cliches so typical in MF. Cora surely is new to this world of dark magic or whatever, but she won’t stop asking and pressing to know and understand, to help her friends, and she won’t loose her mind over a man, even if said man is Tall, dark and handsome. So typical for us women in fiction to become hopeless twats around the main male character😖. Cora is attracted to Simon, but she won’t let that cloud her vision of him or the faire. She knows he is dangerous, and she acts as a mature, intelligent person would.
“[…]I want to know why. Why it picked you, when—” He broke off. “Come on.”
“When what?”
“Hm?”
“You said, ‘why it picked you, when,’ then you stopped. When what, Simon?”
“It’s not important.” His jaw ticked. “Just follow me like a good girl, please.”
She narrowed her eyes. “How hard do you want me to knee you in the balls, Simon?No. Step one, let go of my wrist. Step two, tell me what you were going to say.[…]I can’t trust him. Not now, not ever.”
Simon was such a funny Villain! I was always expectant of his appearances on page. The way Kingsley’s books are written through the heroine’s perspective AND also through the Villian’s is everything. Reading Simon’s POV left no doubt he was the big bad wolf anyone should run from, but at the same time, the one you'll inevitably root for and be drawn to.
The banter between these two was so funny.
“I really do wish you’d give me my gun back.”
“Later. You don’t need it. You could put as many holes in me as you want, and you’d just ruin my nice clothes and scare the patrons.” He grinned. “But later, I can strip naked, and you can pop me with your little toy as many times as you like.”
She grimaced. “Hard pass.”
“Damn.”
I really liked the book. It has some horror to it, some very funny bits and dialogs, and the beginning of what seems to be a very nice slowburn. The last chapters are very intense, this book does not work as a standalone... so I’ll better start book two right now ☺️
July 20, 2025
DNF but I bravely sat thru enough of this… story … to count it as read
October 16, 2022
How is this published. How is a man assaulting a woman repeatedly and trying to kill her AT ALL romantic. This is awful. No. Just no. Get help.
March 21, 2022
I was very much looking forward to this series.
I like the concept of the plot; the potential of a creepy Faire that steals people away. I thought I would be in this for the romance, but the further I got into the book, the less I enjoyed the fmc and mmc, and the more I pressed on just to get a sense of what the Faire was about.
Even then, it was slightly underwhelming. I found the writing repetitive over time. The Faire folk kept telling Cora to stay away yada yada, but no one ever took a bit of time to even explain to her exactly what was going on. Cora’s relationship with her friends were boring and superficial. It all fell a bit flat for me.
I haven’t read much anti-hero/villain mmc sort of romance books, so maybe I’m just not used to how creepy Simon is. Like - not in a good way. He’s literally just a creep. He doesn’t actually care for the heroine at all. Yeah, I get that he’s ~insane~ but I don’t find it sexy, rather a little one-dimensional and caricature-ish.
I particularly did not enjoy the parts of the book where Cora is begging and pleading for him to leave her alone and he just violates her boundaries over and over again. But hey, I understand that a lot of people are into suspending their morals/beliefs because they’re into this non-con mandhandle- y shit. Now, I love a lil sexy rude alpha manhandling myself, but I also like consent. No judgement, Simon and Cora’s dynamics were just not for me.
Also NOT into his constant incessant whining about his views of ownership over Cora; all the paragraphs of him going “She’s mine. Miiiiine! Mine!” All it drew up were mental images of an immature toddler of a man, stomping his feet and balling his fists, throwing tantrums at the sky.
Still, I finished the book - which lends an extra star, because I rate all DNFs at one star so this did…something. Not much. Not a re-read. But something.
I like the concept of the plot; the potential of a creepy Faire that steals people away. I thought I would be in this for the romance, but the further I got into the book, the less I enjoyed the fmc and mmc, and the more I pressed on just to get a sense of what the Faire was about.
Even then, it was slightly underwhelming. I found the writing repetitive over time. The Faire folk kept telling Cora to stay away yada yada, but no one ever took a bit of time to even explain to her exactly what was going on. Cora’s relationship with her friends were boring and superficial. It all fell a bit flat for me.
I haven’t read much anti-hero/villain mmc sort of romance books, so maybe I’m just not used to how creepy Simon is. Like - not in a good way. He’s literally just a creep. He doesn’t actually care for the heroine at all. Yeah, I get that he’s ~insane~ but I don’t find it sexy, rather a little one-dimensional and caricature-ish.
I particularly did not enjoy the parts of the book where Cora is begging and pleading for him to leave her alone and he just violates her boundaries over and over again. But hey, I understand that a lot of people are into suspending their morals/beliefs because they’re into this non-con mandhandle- y shit. Now, I love a lil sexy rude alpha manhandling myself, but I also like consent. No judgement, Simon and Cora’s dynamics were just not for me.
Also NOT into his constant incessant whining about his views of ownership over Cora; all the paragraphs of him going “She’s mine. Miiiiine! Mine!” All it drew up were mental images of an immature toddler of a man, stomping his feet and balling his fists, throwing tantrums at the sky.
Still, I finished the book - which lends an extra star, because I rate all DNFs at one star so this did…something. Not much. Not a re-read. But something.
May 26, 2022
DNF 50%
I really, really wanted to like this. Like, REALLY.
Dark fantasy circus? Creepy puppeteer love interest? Just my jam.
Unfortunately, this book strongly needs an editor. I can’t exactly point my finger on it, but it was kinda badly written. Dialogues felt forced and stretched out without a clear reason; the actions and reactions of the characters came out of nowhere only to serve the plot and sometimes didn’t make sense or were exaggerated; there was a lot of overexplaining and repeating things, and the writing just felt… off.
Sad.
I really, really wanted to like this. Like, REALLY.
Dark fantasy circus? Creepy puppeteer love interest? Just my jam.
Unfortunately, this book strongly needs an editor. I can’t exactly point my finger on it, but it was kinda badly written. Dialogues felt forced and stretched out without a clear reason; the actions and reactions of the characters came out of nowhere only to serve the plot and sometimes didn’t make sense or were exaggerated; there was a lot of overexplaining and repeating things, and the writing just felt… off.
Sad.
March 18, 2024
5/5⭐ 1/5♨️ 3/5😱
This series is AMAZING, and my one and only series read rating 5 stars in each instalment.
It isn't perfect and isn't for everyone.
Kingsley's writing isn't for everyone for sure.
However, it is PERFECTION for me.
I haven't reviewed this series yet, and i shall rectify that immediately.
Starting with Book 1, The Contortionist ...🤸♀️😍
This novel is the perfect concoction of the right amount of spooky, paranormal romance with oh so much tension build up, contemporary setting (but not always), mystery, a tiny bit of horror, and suspense. Oh, and the villain totally gets the girl. And he is a villain.
The premise: the girl (Cora Glass) lives a miserable existence. One day, she goes to a travelling faire in town (one that seemed abandoned for ages) and things start to happen. The circus and the performers are... strange? sinister? dark. Cora suffers from hypermobility of her joints and tendons, so she is in pain most of the time. So when the Puppeteer of the Faire family makes her an offer that will take the pain away - let's just say she has some thinking to do. There is quite a lot going on considering this is a horror romance of a contemporary setting but involves paranormal circumstances, and the world building left me enthralled.
I will just leave you with the list of elements that made me regret the book was finished
🤸♀️Circus Faire - but something is off
🤸♀️The villain is villaining so hard
🤸♀️The circus seems sentient
🤸♀️There is a slooooow burn romance developing (although at this point it is more of a villain / victim relationship)
🤸♀️Disability rep which is usually not my jam, but it is essential to the plot here and is done very well
🤸♀️The love interest has strings with which he can control ... bodies
🤸♀️He also has a shadow which becomes corporeal in het dreams. I mean 😍😱
All my reviews of Harrow Faire can be clicked through here:
The Contortionist -⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Puppeteer -⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Clown -⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Ringmaster -⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Faire -⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pick this series up, if dark paranormal romance set in a spooky circus is your jam.
This series is AMAZING, and my one and only series read rating 5 stars in each instalment.
It isn't perfect and isn't for everyone.
Kingsley's writing isn't for everyone for sure.
However, it is PERFECTION for me.
I haven't reviewed this series yet, and i shall rectify that immediately.
Starting with Book 1, The Contortionist ...🤸♀️😍
This novel is the perfect concoction of the right amount of spooky, paranormal romance with oh so much tension build up, contemporary setting (but not always), mystery, a tiny bit of horror, and suspense. Oh, and the villain totally gets the girl. And he is a villain.
The premise: the girl (Cora Glass) lives a miserable existence. One day, she goes to a travelling faire in town (one that seemed abandoned for ages) and things start to happen. The circus and the performers are... strange? sinister? dark. Cora suffers from hypermobility of her joints and tendons, so she is in pain most of the time. So when the Puppeteer of the Faire family makes her an offer that will take the pain away - let's just say she has some thinking to do. There is quite a lot going on considering this is a horror romance of a contemporary setting but involves paranormal circumstances, and the world building left me enthralled.
I will just leave you with the list of elements that made me regret the book was finished
🤸♀️Circus Faire - but something is off
🤸♀️The villain is villaining so hard
🤸♀️The circus seems sentient
🤸♀️There is a slooooow burn romance developing (although at this point it is more of a villain / victim relationship)
🤸♀️Disability rep which is usually not my jam, but it is essential to the plot here and is done very well
🤸♀️The love interest has strings with which he can control ... bodies
🤸♀️He also has a shadow which becomes corporeal in het dreams. I mean 😍😱
All my reviews of Harrow Faire can be clicked through here:
The Contortionist -⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Puppeteer -⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Clown -⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Ringmaster -⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Faire -⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pick this series up, if dark paranormal romance set in a spooky circus is your jam.
October 18, 2020
2.5🌟
dnf @ 60%
For now at least
It's not a bad book, okay? After you go thru the first 30 percent I guess you do get a little curious but see? that's the problem, as unique as the plot was I just couldn't be bothered to know what happened to the MC. I found her ridiculously stupid and wanted to punch her when she was being so stubborn and skeptic esp after all that happened, she was still like"nO iTs AlL a Lie" and I am like NO hunny, the psycho literally came to you in your dreams and repeated that you called him sexy irl! How much more creepy can it get? but NO you're astupid curious cat so you still went back to the faire, clearly knowing how dangerous it is🙄 and are attracted to him too smh
I am just so annoyed by the h. She gives TSTL a new meaning, but I can see why others liked this book sm. It does have a unique plot and as excited, I was to start this, this wasn't for me.
Another thing that bothered me, I wasn't sure if the puppeteer was the H or not. That sudden attraction on both the sides made me uncomfortable bc I found the H
I didn't like him. I found him dumb and OTT and a grade-A loser. He pissed me off just as much if not more with his stupid antics. I did not find him sexy, neither his acts nor his looks. He was such a wannabe badaas and was sooo childish all I wanted to do was punch him hard,
not get scared.
dnf @ 60%
For now at least
It's not a bad book, okay? After you go thru the first 30 percent I guess you do get a little curious but see? that's the problem, as unique as the plot was I just couldn't be bothered to know what happened to the MC. I found her ridiculously stupid and wanted to punch her when she was being so stubborn and skeptic esp after all that happened, she was still like"nO iTs AlL a Lie" and I am like NO hunny, the psycho literally came to you in your dreams and repeated that you called him sexy irl! How much more creepy can it get? but NO you're a
I am just so annoyed by the h. She gives TSTL a new meaning, but I can see why others liked this book sm. It does have a unique plot and as excited, I was to start this, this wasn't for me.
Another thing that bothered me, I wasn't sure if the puppeteer was the H or not. That sudden attraction on both the sides made me uncomfortable bc I found the H
I didn't like him. I found him dumb and OTT and a grade-A loser. He pissed me off just as much if not more with his stupid antics. I did not find him sexy, neither his acts nor his looks. He was such a wannabe badaas and was sooo childish all I wanted to do was punch him hard,
not get scared.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2021
3.5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
He was a madman. He wanted to turn her into one of his dolls—whatever that meant—but he was captivating. God help her, something about him caught her breath in her throat.
He was monstrous. He was wicked. He was beautiful. He watched her with those fiendishly colored eyes, and she saw desire in them. She saw mischief. She wanted to know what he was planning…because she might want it a little bit, too.
Think of a tad bloody and sinister version of Caraval.
But it isn't anything like Caraval except for the carnival setting.
The Contortionist is the first installment in the Harrow Faire series and it's a fantastic introduction to this twisted and dark carnival.
It's a fun, imaginative and fast-paced paranormal book with a dark backdrop that does its job at making some scenes chilling or outright creepy.
Meet our heroine Cora Glass who was quite relatable to me and she had quite the sharp edge to her personality. Cora has chronic illness and I like how the author gave her a proper representation rather than mention it once and never bring up how she has to live with constant pain. It's a factor that is almost always present.
Come one, come all, to Harrow Faire,
To greet your sweetest nightmare.
Rejoin your dreams and memories,
Of carnivals and reveries.
Seek the truth in mirrored lanes,
That show you all the hidden planes.
Enjoy the sights,
see what we’ve made,
Let all life’s sorrows wilt and fade.
For like all things, we’ll call away,
To all the gloom and shaded gray.
Join us now, my friends, be brave—
Laugh now.
Laugh long.
Soon comes the grave.
The world is lush and atmospheric that makes it seem like us, the readers, stepped into this world with Cora.
The story played with my nerves a bit as the heroine was swept into games of manipulation and stumbled upon mysteries and secrets that should never be found.
Did I mention that the carnival is a living being?
The carnival or let's say the Faire is it's own entiry. It's a man-eating-murder-circus as Cora would call it. The Faire has a void that needs to be filled and it will sto at nothing to draw Cora to it.
The Faire wanted her…and it wanted to keep her for itself. He found himself at odds with the very creature that kept him alive.
Now comes the enigmatic madman and the sadistic puppeteer, Simon. He was so very wicked but so very intriguing. I really enjoyed his character the most. He played with my emotions as if they too were his puppets too. His personality was rich in a way that it felt he encompasses so many personalities into one body. He was melodramatic but even that melodrama did not wipe away his evil essence. You did not forget that he was a monster.
That what made him such a compelling love interest and villain.
And when I say love interest I mean there is a spark that I know will become more in the next books. There is this chemistry between Cora and Simon that creates a very different dynamic between them. Cora will need to take on the puppeteer and bring him to his knees.
It may not be anytime soon but I look forward to continue the series in the future. This was a promising beginning and I'm curious to see where the story will go.
He was a madman. He wanted to turn her into one of his dolls—whatever that meant—but he was captivating. God help her, something about him caught her breath in her throat.
He was monstrous. He was wicked. He was beautiful. He watched her with those fiendishly colored eyes, and she saw desire in them. She saw mischief. She wanted to know what he was planning…because she might want it a little bit, too.
Think of a tad bloody and sinister version of Caraval.
But it isn't anything like Caraval except for the carnival setting.
The Contortionist is the first installment in the Harrow Faire series and it's a fantastic introduction to this twisted and dark carnival.
It's a fun, imaginative and fast-paced paranormal book with a dark backdrop that does its job at making some scenes chilling or outright creepy.
Meet our heroine Cora Glass who was quite relatable to me and she had quite the sharp edge to her personality. Cora has chronic illness and I like how the author gave her a proper representation rather than mention it once and never bring up how she has to live with constant pain. It's a factor that is almost always present.
Come one, come all, to Harrow Faire,
To greet your sweetest nightmare.
Rejoin your dreams and memories,
Of carnivals and reveries.
Seek the truth in mirrored lanes,
That show you all the hidden planes.
Enjoy the sights,
see what we’ve made,
Let all life’s sorrows wilt and fade.
For like all things, we’ll call away,
To all the gloom and shaded gray.
Join us now, my friends, be brave—
Laugh now.
Laugh long.
Soon comes the grave.
The world is lush and atmospheric that makes it seem like us, the readers, stepped into this world with Cora.
The story played with my nerves a bit as the heroine was swept into games of manipulation and stumbled upon mysteries and secrets that should never be found.
Did I mention that the carnival is a living being?
The carnival or let's say the Faire is it's own entiry. It's a man-eating-murder-circus as Cora would call it. The Faire has a void that needs to be filled and it will sto at nothing to draw Cora to it.
The Faire wanted her…and it wanted to keep her for itself. He found himself at odds with the very creature that kept him alive.
Now comes the enigmatic madman and the sadistic puppeteer, Simon. He was so very wicked but so very intriguing. I really enjoyed his character the most. He played with my emotions as if they too were his puppets too. His personality was rich in a way that it felt he encompasses so many personalities into one body. He was melodramatic but even that melodrama did not wipe away his evil essence. You did not forget that he was a monster.
That what made him such a compelling love interest and villain.
And when I say love interest I mean there is a spark that I know will become more in the next books. There is this chemistry between Cora and Simon that creates a very different dynamic between them. Cora will need to take on the puppeteer and bring him to his knees.
It may not be anytime soon but I look forward to continue the series in the future. This was a promising beginning and I'm curious to see where the story will go.
June 12, 2023
Maybe I got a little overhyped, but I'm not quite as invested as I hoped to be, unfortunately. I did read this while I was also in a meh mood hoping it would take me out of a bit of a slump, so that might've affected it. 😂 I DID like Simon for the most part (some stuff about his personality I was kind of so-so on, but it fits his character so far), but I do need more time to warm up to Cora. 😭 While their dynamic was kind of fun, I wasn't hooked by their interactions together. I'm sure my impressions will improve as I continue the next book though!!
The worldbuilding was great, but I think the execution of the plot specifically didn't quite work for me. I think I could only take so many "Don't listen to X, listen to me" exchanges from almost everyone to Cora. 😅 And her being like "I just wanna go home" (while TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE) a lot was like just a bit too repetitive for me. I'm sorry, Cora! I'm not heartless, I swear. 😆 But this first book was a good setup and I'm definitely going to read on. Definitely interested in getting answers and finding out more about the rest of the cast!
---------
Book 1: The Contortionist ⭐⭐⭐
Book 2: The Puppeteer TBR
Book 3: The Clown TBR
Book 4: The Ringmaster TBR
Book 5: The Faire TBR
The worldbuilding was great, but I think the execution of the plot specifically didn't quite work for me. I think I could only take so many "Don't listen to X, listen to me" exchanges from almost everyone to Cora. 😅 And her being like "I just wanna go home" (while TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE) a lot was like just a bit too repetitive for me. I'm sorry, Cora! I'm not heartless, I swear. 😆 But this first book was a good setup and I'm definitely going to read on. Definitely interested in getting answers and finding out more about the rest of the cast!
---------
Book 1: The Contortionist ⭐⭐⭐
Book 2: The Puppeteer TBR
Book 3: The Clown TBR
Book 4: The Ringmaster TBR
Book 5: The Faire TBR
May 18, 2025
Series review/thoughts
My absolutely favorite series by this author. Yes, this may seem difficult to believe because this first book I only rated 3 stars, so I'm really glad I continued on. Simon is over-the-top and so out of his mind and I love him. Cora is so strong-willed, I love her journey in this series.
Remember though this is a villain romance and there is no redemption here.
My absolutely favorite series by this author. Yes, this may seem difficult to believe because this first book I only rated 3 stars, so I'm really glad I continued on. Simon is over-the-top and so out of his mind and I love him. Cora is so strong-willed, I love her journey in this series.
Remember though this is a villain romance and there is no redemption here.
February 4, 2023
"Humanity is too eager to toss away that which they deem ordinary without ever realizing what it was that they had. Surrounded by ourselves, we think such things are commonplace. Worse yet, we think of our memories as monotonous. Not simply abundant, but boring.
It makes the job of taking it all away so much easier.
Welcome to my Faire.
The fee won’t be too high for you, I promise.
You won’t even notice when it’s gone."
This was interesting. Original. Entertaining.
The story and premise were definitely something new. I haven't read anything similar to this.
I like how even though there was tension between the main characters they didn't get together right away.
I like the whole theme surrounding the circus and i cannot wait to truly discover the lore and what happened. Also Simon's full past.
I don't know if we're ever going to see Trent again but I'm so sad with how it ended with him and Cora :(
It makes the job of taking it all away so much easier.
Welcome to my Faire.
The fee won’t be too high for you, I promise.
You won’t even notice when it’s gone."
This was interesting. Original. Entertaining.
The story and premise were definitely something new. I haven't read anything similar to this.
I like how even though there was tension between the main characters they didn't get together right away.
I like the whole theme surrounding the circus and i cannot wait to truly discover the lore and what happened. Also Simon's full past.
I don't know if we're ever going to see Trent again but I'm so sad with how it ended with him and Cora :(
October 30, 2023
It wasn’t bad at all! I liked the nightmarish elements to it and I’m glad it wasn’t a typical lovey-dovey romance book. The creepy dream sequences were my absolute favourite parts. I wish it had more details about the Faire itself. If you are into possessive, controlling, selfish and egotistical psychopaths then Simon is your kinda guy. 🤭
Story: ★ ★ ★ ★
Performances: ★ ★ ★ ★
Story: ★ ★ ★ ★
Performances: ★ ★ ★ ★
April 20, 2024
I was looking for something unique and this fits the bill! On to book 2
April 5, 2023
Y'all. I'm sorry I'm not writing reviews for the books. It's because I am SAILING through them and in love. Currently, I am inhaling the final official book. There is a very high likelihood I'm going to buy the whole series. Like, actually shell out money.
April 3, 2025
03/04/2025
2025 reads book 17
reread, still had a blast! Knowing how the series ends its interesting to see the beginning of it again. It has its faults, but it still feels like a 5 stars so the rating isn't changing for me.
07/08/2021
Book 48/52
Welcome to my faire.
The fee won't be too high for you, I promise.
You won't even notice when it's gone.
genre: horror fantasy
age: adult
Review: I ADORED THIS. I adore books taking place at carnivals or circuses, yet I had never read one that also included a horror element (without it being a complete "run away from clowns" type of story). Simon is terrifying, yet I feel like not everything with him is what it seems. Cora is completely crazy if she ever actually decides to go for him , but I can admit that I am very intrigued by him and love their little banter moments . All the books in this series are short, so I'm sure I'll fly through them in no time. They're on Kindle Unlimited people, go read them!
Trigger warnings: gore and mutilation, horror, not being able to leave a place
2025 reads book 17
reread, still had a blast! Knowing how the series ends its interesting to see the beginning of it again. It has its faults, but it still feels like a 5 stars so the rating isn't changing for me.
07/08/2021
Book 48/52
Welcome to my faire.
The fee won't be too high for you, I promise.
You won't even notice when it's gone.
genre: horror fantasy
age: adult
Review: I ADORED THIS. I adore books taking place at carnivals or circuses, yet I had never read one that also included a horror element (without it being a complete "run away from clowns" type of story). Simon is terrifying, yet I feel like not everything with him is what it seems. Cora is completely crazy if she ever actually decides to go for him , but I can admit that I am very intrigued by him and love their little banter moments . All the books in this series are short, so I'm sure I'll fly through them in no time. They're on Kindle Unlimited people, go read them!
Trigger warnings: gore and mutilation, horror, not being able to leave a place
May 20, 2025
Reread
So I loved this book the first time I read it and now, knowing what's to come, it just seems so much better somehow.
Loved it
It took me A little bit to get into this novel, but once I was in, I was all in. What a delicious world Kinsley has built in this series. I can not wait to move on to the next.
So I loved this book the first time I read it and now, knowing what's to come, it just seems so much better somehow.
Loved it
It took me A little bit to get into this novel, but once I was in, I was all in. What a delicious world Kinsley has built in this series. I can not wait to move on to the next.
November 2, 2020
Interesting concept but the potential wasn’t quite fulfilled. The writing wasn’t terribly good and was very repetitive. A shame because the idea for the series is a good one.
January 1, 2024
3.5/5
Simon nooo don't be evil you're so sexy haha
Simon nooo don't be evil you're so sexy haha
September 19, 2020
We all love a little wicked..
If you’ve read Kathryn’s other books than you’ll love The Contortionist. You can’t help but to love the villain just a little bit and kind of cheer for them to win. I look forward to the next book, I only wish I waited till all 5 books were out because I’m as patient as a toddler. Worth the read!!!
If you’ve read Kathryn’s other books than you’ll love The Contortionist. You can’t help but to love the villain just a little bit and kind of cheer for them to win. I look forward to the next book, I only wish I waited till all 5 books were out because I’m as patient as a toddler. Worth the read!!!
March 8, 2023
Okay, so not a bad start for book one in this series. I knew this was going to be weird going in… romance novel set within a circus? Strange, but I’m down. Turns out it’s horror/romance and I’m definitely here for it.
We have our badass heroine, Cora Glass, who never loses her spunk no matter how bad things get, and trust me, they get bad. Our villain, Simon, who also happens to be our hero, is a sadistic psychopath but he’s tall and sexy so we’re going to give him a chance anyway. The Faire, that Simon belongs to, uses a strange power to feed its family, all the performers and creatures that make Harrow Faire the entertaining circus that it is.
I’m giving it 3 stars because it did get boring in the middle and there is zero romance. BUT Kingsley does cleverly set the mood for it (for book two) and even though I’ve never read her before, I’m going to go ahead and trust her on this.
Even though this story didn’t grip me as hard as I was expecting, I’m still down to read book two and see what happens. Just maybe not right away.
We have our badass heroine, Cora Glass, who never loses her spunk no matter how bad things get, and trust me, they get bad. Our villain, Simon, who also happens to be our hero, is a sadistic psychopath but he’s tall and sexy so we’re going to give him a chance anyway. The Faire, that Simon belongs to, uses a strange power to feed its family, all the performers and creatures that make Harrow Faire the entertaining circus that it is.
I’m giving it 3 stars because it did get boring in the middle and there is zero romance. BUT Kingsley does cleverly set the mood for it (for book two) and even though I’ve never read her before, I’m going to go ahead and trust her on this.
Even though this story didn’t grip me as hard as I was expecting, I’m still down to read book two and see what happens. Just maybe not right away.
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