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The Contortionist

Book 1 in the series:Harrow Faire

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Step right up to the twisted world of 'The Contortionist' in the 'Harrow Faire' series by Kathryn Ann Kingsley. This dark and unique tale follows Cora, a young woman living a mundane life plagued by chronic pain until a mysterious circus reopens in town, bringing with it a cast of eccentric characters and a villainous hero named Simon. As Cora's world is turned upside down, she finds herself entangled in a dark and seductive romance with Simon, exploring themes of love, danger, and the supernatural. The story unfolds with a slow burn, captivating the reader with vivid descriptions, intriguing plot twists, and a touch of macabre that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Kathryn Ann Kingsley weaves a spellbinding narrative in 'The Contortionist', blending elements of horror, romance, and fantasy into a mesmerizing tale that delves into the depths of human nature. Through Cora's eyes, readers are drawn into a world filled with bright lights, haunting sounds, and a sense of foreboding that sets the stage for a grand adventure. With a cast of complex characters, including the enigmatic Simon and a diverse array of circus performers, the story unfolds with a perfect mix of darkness and light, keeping readers enthralled from start to finish.

Characters:

The characters are complex, with Cora embodying resilience in the face of chronic illness, while Simon represents a morally ambiguous villain, adding depth to their interactions.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and immersive, blending dark humor and psychological elements to create a rich and well-developed world.

Plot/Storyline:

The story features a dark and twisted romance intertwined with a haunting carnival setting, focusing on Cora's journey into its magical dangers.

Setting:

The setting is a dark and twisted carnival that enhances the eerie atmosphere, serving as a backdrop for supernatural events and character development.

Pacing:

The pacing features a slow burn romance that gradually intensifies, building tension through character interactions but occasionally experiencing drawn-out sections.
The dilapidated towers of wood scaffolding stabbed at the sky like bony fingers reaching out of the dirt. Broken and burnt bulbs sat in rusted sockets and had not illuminated the night sky in decades....

Notes:

The Contortionist is the first book in the Harrow Faire series by Kathryn Ann Kingsley.
The series is a dark fantasy romance involving a murderous circus.
Cora Glass, the main character, deals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a chronic illness.
Simon Waite, the male lead, is a crazed puppeteer with villainous traits.
The series features a mix of horror, fantasy, and romance elements, particularly in a circus setting.
The plot revolves around Cora's entanglement with the circus and its characters, particularly Simon.
Fans appreciate the enemies to lovers trope and the character development throughout the series.
The books feature slow burn romance with steamier scenes appearing later in the series.
Many readers find the dynamic between Cora and Simon compelling due to their complex relationship.
Kathryn Ann Kingsley is known for her morally gray characters and villain romance themes.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include violence, psychological manipulation, and themes around chronic illness.

Has Romance?

Yes, the romance is a significant aspect of the story.

From The Publisher:

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.

If you're drawn to compelling villains and sinister love stories, The Contortionist-book one of the Harrow Faire series by Kathryn Ann Kingsley-is your next book obsession! Dark fantasy and occult horror blend seamlessly with romance in this gripping page-turner!

Ratings (23)

Incredible (8)
Loved It (5)
Liked It (7)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (102):

Read It (22)
Want To Read (53)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (25)

2 comment(s)

Incredible
3 months

I don't know if any other Hazbin Hotel fans have read this book, but Simon is so Alastor coded.

 
Loved It
11 months

The MC and the VILLAN omg <3

 
 
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