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Jill Kismet #4
Flesh Circus
The Cirque de Charnu has come.
They will clean out the demons and the suicides, and move on. As long as they stay within the rules, Jill Kismet can't deny them entry. But she can watch -- and if they step out of line, she'll send them packing.
When Cirque performers start dying grotesquely, Kismet has to find out why, or the fragile truce won't hold and her entire city will become a carnival of horror. She also has to play the resident hellbreed power against the Cirque to keep them in line, and find out why ordinary people are needing exorcisms. And then there's the murdered voodoo practitioners, and the zombies.
An ancient vengeance is about to be enacted. The Cirque is about to explode. And Jill Kismet is about to find out some games are played for keeps. . .
They will clean out the demons and the suicides, and move on. As long as they stay within the rules, Jill Kismet can't deny them entry. But she can watch -- and if they step out of line, she'll send them packing.
When Cirque performers start dying grotesquely, Kismet has to find out why, or the fragile truce won't hold and her entire city will become a carnival of horror. She also has to play the resident hellbreed power against the Cirque to keep them in line, and find out why ordinary people are needing exorcisms. And then there's the murdered voodoo practitioners, and the zombies.
An ancient vengeance is about to be enacted. The Cirque is about to explode. And Jill Kismet is about to find out some games are played for keeps. . .
322 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Lilith Saintcrow
122 books4,483 followersLilith Saintcrow was born in New Mexico, bounced around the world as a child, and fell in love with writing stories when she was ten years old. She and her library co-habitate in Vancouver, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
January 27, 2016
“But when a girl's motivated, miracles are possible.”
Even if I don't love these books, for some reason they're pretty much impossible for me to put down. This one involves a demonic circus that has come to town to drain the suicidal and the hopeless. It must be allowed and is a rule of coordination between hunters, the lead hellbreed of the city, and the cirque. Strange - but interesting - stuff.
Saul is back this time, but there is trouble in the air with their relationship. That's kept up for the entire back until the end, where the resolution seems a little slight and silly. With that being the reason, it kind of seems invented to throw something in without enough backbone. Still, it makes interesting reading and I couldn't wait to see what was going on.
Jill seems more exhausted than before, but this is likely from the relationship struggles weighing in with her ridiculously busy, stressful job. She's still not totally likeable, but in a way can be - there are some small flashbacks to her thinking about her mother, which I found interesting. She certainly had a rough life. I do wish she could stop and listen to her man some, she's on a constant rollercoaster and I think that without Saul, she would likely have lost it or been dead by now.
Perry is in the book a lot more - thankfully. His scenes are riveting. I'm curious how Saintcrow will wrap that up, although I'm imagining it will probably be violent (sadly.) The villains in this one have a twist and Jill has to seek help, voodoo shops, and all sorts of things to solve this mystery. As far as stories go for the series, it's a pretty good one. The circus is dark and carries that depressing vibe I can easily picture. When Jill was experiencing the music, I could almost hear it myself.
Sometimes the action grows too monotonous to where it wouldn't hurt to let it up and breathe some, but at least with these shorter novels a lot of punch is delivered in events and twists.
December 12, 2009
Let me start off by saying I LOVE Lilith Saintcrow. I've read her Dante Valentine series and now her Jill Kismet series and I'm a huge fan of each. Her writing is wonderful and face paced. I'm always stoked when a new book is released because I know it's going to be good. Saintcrow really knows how to grab my attention in a book!
Flesh Circus continues the urban fantasy saga of Jill Kismet(#4) hunter of Santa Luz. Like past books Jill is a kick-ass heroine who protects her city from the evil supernatural that threatens it.
As if Jill doesn't have enough on her plate being the only hunter in Santa Luz , then the Cirque de Charnu comes to town. Trouble is around each corner for Jill and now even her personal life is threatening to crumble, she doesn't want to give up her only chance at happiness but she has a job to do and business comes before pleasure for Jill always.
I really like Saul's character but personally I find it lacking in development. It describes him a few times and he is a constant in many scenes, but I find although I cannot find nothing bad with his character, I find something missing with him. Jill's character is right on with personality and her structure. I find myself always rooting for her, as for Saul.. I find I'm not as close with him as I wish I could be. I just I could understand his character more.
This book follows the same formula as the previous books in Jill Kismet series, mixing thrilling scenes, exciting romance, supernatural creatures and awesome twists and surprises. As for the book in general I give it a 5 out of 5. It's beautifully written. The suspense is perfect and thrilling and I'm always left begging fore more!
Synopsis:
The Cirque de Charnu has come.
They will clean out the demons and the suicides, and move on. As long as they stay within the rules, Jill Kismet can't deny them entry. But she can watch--and if they step out of line, she'll send them packing.
When Cirque performers start dying grotesquely, Kismet has to find out why, or the fragile truce won't hold and her entire city will become a carnival of horror. She also has to play the resident hellbreed power against the Cirque to keep them in line, and find out why ordinary people are needing exorcisms. And then there's the murdered voodoo practitioners, and the zombies.
An ancient vengeance is about to be enacted. The Cirque is about to explode. And Jill Kismet is about to find out some games are played for keeps...
Flesh Circus continues the urban fantasy saga of Jill Kismet(#4) hunter of Santa Luz. Like past books Jill is a kick-ass heroine who protects her city from the evil supernatural that threatens it.
As if Jill doesn't have enough on her plate being the only hunter in Santa Luz , then the Cirque de Charnu comes to town. Trouble is around each corner for Jill and now even her personal life is threatening to crumble, she doesn't want to give up her only chance at happiness but she has a job to do and business comes before pleasure for Jill always.
I really like Saul's character but personally I find it lacking in development. It describes him a few times and he is a constant in many scenes, but I find although I cannot find nothing bad with his character, I find something missing with him. Jill's character is right on with personality and her structure. I find myself always rooting for her, as for Saul.. I find I'm not as close with him as I wish I could be. I just I could understand his character more.
This book follows the same formula as the previous books in Jill Kismet series, mixing thrilling scenes, exciting romance, supernatural creatures and awesome twists and surprises. As for the book in general I give it a 5 out of 5. It's beautifully written. The suspense is perfect and thrilling and I'm always left begging fore more!
Synopsis:
The Cirque de Charnu has come.
They will clean out the demons and the suicides, and move on. As long as they stay within the rules, Jill Kismet can't deny them entry. But she can watch--and if they step out of line, she'll send them packing.
When Cirque performers start dying grotesquely, Kismet has to find out why, or the fragile truce won't hold and her entire city will become a carnival of horror. She also has to play the resident hellbreed power against the Cirque to keep them in line, and find out why ordinary people are needing exorcisms. And then there's the murdered voodoo practitioners, and the zombies.
An ancient vengeance is about to be enacted. The Cirque is about to explode. And Jill Kismet is about to find out some games are played for keeps...
February 10, 2010
Another debacle for Kiss.. she always manages to land herself in the worst trouble she can. And she's not at all graceful about it. I feel like half the time she fumbles around, and manages to misconstrue every situation to her least advantage. Frankly, although I enjoy the books and the stories that Saintcrow creates, I've suddenly realized that I absolutely dislike Kiss's character. I mean really. She's completely unlikable, and manages to inadvertently piss off everyone around her while she wallows in self pity.
If she just ONCE listened to someone without editing their comments in her head, maybe she wouldn't get into so much damn trouble. And poor Saul.. really I wanted to reach into the book and wallop Kiss on the back of the head. Just stop whining and listen to him talking... no really. Just stop lol. All of that self made drama was enough to make me cringe.
I must be a glutton for punishment though because when the next book is out I will be panting after it so I can read all about the character I dislike so much. Jeeze.
If she just ONCE listened to someone without editing their comments in her head, maybe she wouldn't get into so much damn trouble. And poor Saul.. really I wanted to reach into the book and wallop Kiss on the back of the head. Just stop whining and listen to him talking... no really. Just stop lol. All of that self made drama was enough to make me cringe.
I must be a glutton for punishment though because when the next book is out I will be panting after it so I can read all about the character I dislike so much. Jeeze.
February 20, 2016
Jill Kismet is exasperating. Or perhaps that should be exasperating, with her inability to convey her feelings, her lack of interpersonal skills, and her never-ending need for italics.
In this installment, the circus has come to Santa Luz. Only this circus doesn't involve trapeze artists or even peanuts, for that matter. Run by hellbreed and Traders, the circus comes with one purpose -- to attract the desperate, the dregs and the hopeless as a means to gain even more Traders. Being the Hunter of her city means Jill will be required to watch over Cirque de Charnu, making sure everyone involved doesn't step out of line or leave the confines of the designated circus area. Being in such close proximity with the enemy is bound to set any Hunter on edge, and Kismet is feeling the strain. Add to that, Perry is also around for much of the time, adding fuel to the already raging fire for Jill.
I've said it before about Lilith Saintcrow -- nobody does dark and dirty and gruesome urban fantasy quite like she does. She certainly took Flesh Circus above and beyond what I normally expect from her, weaving a little horror in this time with the introduction of zombies and the associated gore that goes along with them. Gobbets, for Chrissake! That's an awful, awful word that paints an awful, awful picture. And I loved every minute of it.
Back to the exasperation. It's no secret that Kismet isn't good with feelings or even relationships in general, and that came to play rather prominently this time around. Saul is back and he's a little different. Quiet, withdrawn, a little distant. Of course, Jill thinks it's her. Of course, it's takes the majority of the story for them to even try to hash it out, and the angst -- the seemingly never-ending angst! -- really started to irk me. And the fact that Saul came across as a tabby most times, versus the big, bad werecat he is. I get it, I really do. Relationships have problems. But I also don't think it's necessary to drag it out at the expense of trying to create some sort of emotional turmoil from the reader. Unless the emotion was annoyance, then it totally worked :)
Bottom line -- Jill Kismet is awesome, Lilith Saintcrow is awesome, this series is awesome. Dark and dirty and gruesome and creepy, and filled with unexpected revelations with each installment. The only problem is, I need more Perry. Something's cooking with him and as I get closer to the end of this series, I'm filled with more and more anticipation to see exactly what Saintcrow has planned for my favorite hellbreed.
In this installment, the circus has come to Santa Luz. Only this circus doesn't involve trapeze artists or even peanuts, for that matter. Run by hellbreed and Traders, the circus comes with one purpose -- to attract the desperate, the dregs and the hopeless as a means to gain even more Traders. Being the Hunter of her city means Jill will be required to watch over Cirque de Charnu, making sure everyone involved doesn't step out of line or leave the confines of the designated circus area. Being in such close proximity with the enemy is bound to set any Hunter on edge, and Kismet is feeling the strain. Add to that, Perry is also around for much of the time, adding fuel to the already raging fire for Jill.
I've said it before about Lilith Saintcrow -- nobody does dark and dirty and gruesome urban fantasy quite like she does. She certainly took Flesh Circus above and beyond what I normally expect from her, weaving a little horror in this time with the introduction of zombies and the associated gore that goes along with them. Gobbets, for Chrissake! That's an awful, awful word that paints an awful, awful picture. And I loved every minute of it.
Back to the exasperation. It's no secret that Kismet isn't good with feelings or even relationships in general, and that came to play rather prominently this time around. Saul is back and he's a little different. Quiet, withdrawn, a little distant. Of course, Jill thinks it's her. Of course, it's takes the majority of the story for them to even try to hash it out, and the angst -- the seemingly never-ending angst! -- really started to irk me. And the fact that Saul came across as a tabby most times, versus the big, bad werecat he is. I get it, I really do. Relationships have problems. But I also don't think it's necessary to drag it out at the expense of trying to create some sort of emotional turmoil from the reader. Unless the emotion was annoyance, then it totally worked :)
Bottom line -- Jill Kismet is awesome, Lilith Saintcrow is awesome, this series is awesome. Dark and dirty and gruesome and creepy, and filled with unexpected revelations with each installment. The only problem is, I need more Perry. Something's cooking with him and as I get closer to the end of this series, I'm filled with more and more anticipation to see exactly what Saintcrow has planned for my favorite hellbreed.
February 14, 2010
"I screamed and leapt, the whip coming free and flicking forward, silver flechettes jingling as it wrapped around one of the zombie’s legs and almost tore itself out of my hand."
Ever since the my first encounter with Jill Kismet in her first book, I have felt a huge connection with her. No, I was not abused as a child, I did not turn to prostitution and I am not a hunter of nightmarish monsters. Jill is not ONLY those those things either. Besides all that she has gone through and a lot of times because of it, Jill is a broken woman. She has the deep seated belief that she is not worthy of love. In comes Saul and lights up a flicker of hope that she can be and deserves to be loved.
"Five little words. “That you’re worth a damn.” Mikhail was the only man who ever thought I was worth a damn, I’d told him once. Not the only one, he’d told me later"
Those 5 words were said by Jill, the first time, in the first or second book, I can't remember which. They struck me so hard, I never saw it coming and the powerfulness of that feeling was amazingly well written by the author.
As I pointed out in my review of the first 3 books in the series (you can read that here), I have felt that Saul was the ultimate balance to the darkness that is Kismet's life. However, in this instalment of the series, Saintcrow decided to put some hurdles in Saul and Kismet's way.
I am all for obstacles that need to be conquered so that the characters can go forward, but this felt so forced for me in this book. I get Jill's inability to believe that happiness has a place in her life and that it will last. But, Saul's motives for the "problems" he is having are never really
disclosured. I mean, all the books are in Jill's voice,so when Saul is brooding or upset, we can't guess what the hell is wrong unless the author gives us a vowel. That was really my only problem with the book. So, I digress.
"It never got old. Or less scary. Being looked at like that will give you a whole new definition of naked. It’s just one of the things about dating a Were that’ll do it."
In my opinion, Kismet's biggest battle is in her heart. It is between the woman and the hunter in her. She wants to have a nice little life with Saul, but she cannot leave her duties as a hunter behind and her loyalty to her city is then strongest force that drives her on.
"I stamped past him, every string in my body aching to stop and touch him, throw my arms around him, and maybe engage in some undignified begging. Screw the entire city, screw everything. I didn’t care as long as he stayed with me. As long as there was a chance. But. One teensy-tiny little but. I’m a hunter. It’s that simple."
I have to say that Jill's pain got me to tears once again and I believe that is a huge testament to Lilith Saintcrow's talent in writing this series. I can feel Kismet's desperation and heartache through the pages and reaches right through my heart. However, I think that if I look at it in a more objective manner, she can be a bit whiny at times. She might have reasons to be a disbeliever in happiness, but she needs to learn to listen more. Saul's and Her biggest problem is communication and Jill's inability to just stop for a couple minutes and listen can get a bit tiring.
The bad guy in this creeped me out. Voodoo is something that I cringe from instinctively, since I have had encountered with its Brazilian cousin before. As usual, the mystery throughout the book was really interesting and well thought out, however, I did figured out the main mystery before the heroine hehe =)
All in all, I really liked this book and it left me wanting more and I really liked where some aspects of the story are leading to. So, I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
I think this might have been my longest review to date lol. Sorry for the length, but this book spoke to me hehe
Ever since the my first encounter with Jill Kismet in her first book, I have felt a huge connection with her. No, I was not abused as a child, I did not turn to prostitution and I am not a hunter of nightmarish monsters. Jill is not ONLY those those things either. Besides all that she has gone through and a lot of times because of it, Jill is a broken woman. She has the deep seated belief that she is not worthy of love. In comes Saul and lights up a flicker of hope that she can be and deserves to be loved.
"Five little words. “That you’re worth a damn.” Mikhail was the only man who ever thought I was worth a damn, I’d told him once. Not the only one, he’d told me later"
Those 5 words were said by Jill, the first time, in the first or second book, I can't remember which. They struck me so hard, I never saw it coming and the powerfulness of that feeling was amazingly well written by the author.
As I pointed out in my review of the first 3 books in the series (you can read that here), I have felt that Saul was the ultimate balance to the darkness that is Kismet's life. However, in this instalment of the series, Saintcrow decided to put some hurdles in Saul and Kismet's way.
I am all for obstacles that need to be conquered so that the characters can go forward, but this felt so forced for me in this book. I get Jill's inability to believe that happiness has a place in her life and that it will last. But, Saul's motives for the "problems" he is having are never really
disclosured. I mean, all the books are in Jill's voice,so when Saul is brooding or upset, we can't guess what the hell is wrong unless the author gives us a vowel. That was really my only problem with the book. So, I digress.
"It never got old. Or less scary. Being looked at like that will give you a whole new definition of naked. It’s just one of the things about dating a Were that’ll do it."
In my opinion, Kismet's biggest battle is in her heart. It is between the woman and the hunter in her. She wants to have a nice little life with Saul, but she cannot leave her duties as a hunter behind and her loyalty to her city is then strongest force that drives her on.
"I stamped past him, every string in my body aching to stop and touch him, throw my arms around him, and maybe engage in some undignified begging. Screw the entire city, screw everything. I didn’t care as long as he stayed with me. As long as there was a chance. But. One teensy-tiny little but. I’m a hunter. It’s that simple."
I have to say that Jill's pain got me to tears once again and I believe that is a huge testament to Lilith Saintcrow's talent in writing this series. I can feel Kismet's desperation and heartache through the pages and reaches right through my heart. However, I think that if I look at it in a more objective manner, she can be a bit whiny at times. She might have reasons to be a disbeliever in happiness, but she needs to learn to listen more. Saul's and Her biggest problem is communication and Jill's inability to just stop for a couple minutes and listen can get a bit tiring.
The bad guy in this creeped me out. Voodoo is something that I cringe from instinctively, since I have had encountered with its Brazilian cousin before. As usual, the mystery throughout the book was really interesting and well thought out, however, I did figured out the main mystery before the heroine hehe =)
All in all, I really liked this book and it left me wanting more and I really liked where some aspects of the story are leading to. So, I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
I think this might have been my longest review to date lol. Sorry for the length, but this book spoke to me hehe
April 3, 2013
I feel like throughout the books Saul is not a fully fleshed out character to me. I like him, but he mostly stays in the background in both the action in the book but also I feel like as far as a piece the plot and as a real romantic partner for Jill. It's a shame since I think Saul could have been a more interesting character for Jill to bounce against but that's my only real nitpicky issue with the series so far really.
However in this book the relationship with Jill and Saul is a big deal and is under a lot of strain. Saul seems to be having problems which Jill feels like she needs to give him space to deal with. And then when things finally get to a head and Jill tells Saul he can leaves he just goes. And then after the big climax of the book he just shows up again with no explanation why he left or what his problem was and the book just ends. ENDS. What????????? I mean now everything is fine and fixed because he gave her a hug????
I feel like too many things are left without much of an explanation or none at all as far as Jill and Saul's relationship, particularly in this book. Which is a shame because I think it lessened my enjoyment of the rest of the books. If you are going to write a big romantic tension for your main character and not have any kind of satisfactory conclusion why should I care what happens to them? I still wanted to finish the series but I got kind of pissed off at that.
However in this book the relationship with Jill and Saul is a big deal and is under a lot of strain. Saul seems to be having problems which Jill feels like she needs to give him space to deal with. And then when things finally get to a head and Jill tells Saul he can leaves he just goes. And then after the big climax of the book he just shows up again with no explanation why he left or what his problem was and the book just ends. ENDS. What????????? I mean now everything is fine and fixed because he gave her a hug????
I feel like too many things are left without much of an explanation or none at all as far as Jill and Saul's relationship, particularly in this book. Which is a shame because I think it lessened my enjoyment of the rest of the books. If you are going to write a big romantic tension for your main character and not have any kind of satisfactory conclusion why should I care what happens to them? I still wanted to finish the series but I got kind of pissed off at that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2010
Jill is back and watching over her city, when the circus comes to town and she must make a deal with them not to kill them, but then they also make a deal with her to take only the willing, Jill's not sure what to think. But of course nothing can ever go easy in her world, with a rash of voodoo like possessions and people dying left and right at the Circus Jill is running all over to get the bottom. While investigating Jill has to dig deep into the past and the other hunters records learning a lot. She also seems to pick up a shadow that will prove to be very interesting in the future. Saul who usually has her back seems to be off and there is all kinds of uncertainty there. So much is going on in her both her personal and professional life that hits so close to home with her past experiences, the case taking a harder than normal toll.
February 6, 2019
This is my favourite Jill Kismet book so far, I think. There is, as usual, plenty of action. To be fair, the plot was perhaps a little disappointing - although the pace made it hard to tell. :-) What made this one my favourite was the relationship between Jill and Saul - it's rare in urban fantasy to read a relationship where neither party is being bitchy/arrogant/selfish/demanding/unreasonable towards the other. Jill and Saul don't always communicate as well as they might, but they do love each other - and neither tries to pretend (to themselves or each other) that they don't.
I'm looking forward to the next one.
I'm looking forward to the next one.
April 1, 2017
I love the progression of the romantic love relationship between the main characters. It's solidly healthy and beautiful, while being dramatic enough for a fiction read. I love how Lilith Saintcrow integrates different types of occult myth and magic into this series. A great read for paranormal and urban fantasy fans.
August 2, 2020
Flesh Circus (Jill Kismet book 4)
I very much did not like this book–but your mileage may vary. (I’m not really fond of this particular series in general–Jill Kismet is even more “standard babe with gun urban fantasy romance” than Saintcrow’s previous “standard babe with a gun urban fantasy romance” series heroine, Dante Valentine.) I had many problems with the plotting and world building, to the point where I was very reluctant to write a review. (Very, very reluctant, I bought and read the book a few months ago.)
This particular installment features the arrival of a hellspawn-run circus called the Cirque De Charnu, which is a great deal like the carnival in Something Wicked This Way Comes–only it apparently has some variety of legal sanction as long as certain rules are followed. (This is not the brain breaking part. After the umpteenth bizarro-dystopia, you get used to it.) There is also a homicidal transgender mambo, the usual shrieking and snarling between Jill and the demon she has a contract with, accompanied by Jill being Very Stupid about her relationship with her Native American werewolf boyfriend.
The brain breaking parts come in with how Saintcrow handles–or doesn’t handle–voudou. Much like Boyett in Elegy Beach she attempts to indicate that it’s a religion, and that it has nothing to do with “devil worship.” Unfortunately, she does this mostly by having the hellspawn characters be completely unfamiliar with Vodou to utterly ridiculous lengths. They are so unfamiliar they apparently don’t even have a grocery store book rack familiarity with it. They don’t even have an old horror movie or Dark Shadows concept of it.
Jill does have some experience with it, and apparently has an affinity for one of the loa, but her general attitude is one of fearful hostility. Then there’s the very problematic theme worked in where Saintcrow repeatedly states in narrative that the loa are opposed to the hellspawn, while not acting all that different from them (and again, the hellspawn are apparently oblivious to the loa. To me, this would tend to indicate they must not be very effective enemies.)
Some other problems I had were some of her slightly stereotypical “ethnic” characters, and the Native American-coded were-animals. (Note to writers: PLEASE STOP DOING THIS. OKAY? THANK YOU GOODBYE.)There was also the subtext of “depressed or otherwise mentally ill people who go to an evil circus to be eaten deserve to get eaten.” The general tone of the series maintains a certain “tee hee I’m so dark and edgy” that occasionally overwhelms the storyline, and we get an overly large dose in this installment. I do not recommend this book, but if you are a fan of the writer or the series there is a great deal of action, and the mystery elements manage to pull a few rabbits out of the hat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2016
It occurred to me partway through this book, the 4th in Saintcrow's series about an augmented-human hunter that defends her corner of the world from demonkind and things that go bump in the night, what sets if off from other very similar sounding UF novels.
She remembers to make evil actually be scary.
Oh sure, the spawn of hell are often described as heartbreakingly beautiful, and the bargains they make with human Traders that want a leg up on life are clearly enticing enough to understand why a person would agree to them. And yet, despite their power and attractions, these demons are always described as "poisoned candy" or "painfully beautiful" or some other turn of phrase that lets you know our intrepid narrator is always aware of the sharp hooks underneath the surface. Truly horrifically evil stuff is done by the enemies - bodies are physically and spiritually twisted by nightmare sorcery, and some good cops go mad from seeing the dark side. It's refreshing to have a world where there's a whole network of battle-hardened lone wolves desperately fighting to keep the night at bay actually have one of those lone wolves never find the one "good" bad guy to fall into bed with. And all that leads us to one of the most amazing unicorns in UF: this story is about her own personal redemption from what she has to do to keep the world safe, not the quest for redeeming some baddie that only appears to be evil on the outside.
Hard-drinking, foulmouthed, prickly, deeply flawed Jill Kismet gets to be the star of her own story, not merely a window onto someone else's. That's about as feminist as it gets.
She remembers to make evil actually be scary.
Oh sure, the spawn of hell are often described as heartbreakingly beautiful, and the bargains they make with human Traders that want a leg up on life are clearly enticing enough to understand why a person would agree to them. And yet, despite their power and attractions, these demons are always described as "poisoned candy" or "painfully beautiful" or some other turn of phrase that lets you know our intrepid narrator is always aware of the sharp hooks underneath the surface. Truly horrifically evil stuff is done by the enemies - bodies are physically and spiritually twisted by nightmare sorcery, and some good cops go mad from seeing the dark side. It's refreshing to have a world where there's a whole network of battle-hardened lone wolves desperately fighting to keep the night at bay actually have one of those lone wolves never find the one "good" bad guy to fall into bed with. And all that leads us to one of the most amazing unicorns in UF: this story is about her own personal redemption from what she has to do to keep the world safe, not the quest for redeeming some baddie that only appears to be evil on the outside.
Hard-drinking, foulmouthed, prickly, deeply flawed Jill Kismet gets to be the star of her own story, not merely a window onto someone else's. That's about as feminist as it gets.
February 16, 2014
Emotionally draining, those two words really sum up this book. No wonder; the demonic cirque is in town, to prey on the willing, the desperate and the suicides. Jill can't deny them entrance as long as they follow the rules. Things go from bad to worse when cirque performers start dying and Perry, with his possibly forked , offers his assistance for a piece of her tempting soul;-)
Yes, Perry and Saul are back, but so are voodoo priestesses and zombies, and they're holding grudges. To make matters worse, old insecurities haunt both Saul and Jill, and their relationship is precariously close to total collapse. At times, it felt so heartwrenching that I had to take a break from this book. But despite the desperation, I found the cirque utterly fascinating. We even get to meet Traders who genuinely seem to care for their hellbreed. Their reasons for Trading in the first place; sad, but understandable. And the ever present danger from Perry, doing what he's always done best: Keeping secrets, taunting, protecting, trying to lure Jill back into his world. I really couldn't ask for much more. Except possibly the answer to what a certain part of a hellbreed's anathomy really looks like. (Perv, shame on me. And YOU!)
Yes, Perry and Saul are back, but so are voodoo priestesses and zombies, and they're holding grudges. To make matters worse, old insecurities haunt both Saul and Jill, and their relationship is precariously close to total collapse. At times, it felt so heartwrenching that I had to take a break from this book. But despite the desperation, I found the cirque utterly fascinating. We even get to meet Traders who genuinely seem to care for their hellbreed. Their reasons for Trading in the first place; sad, but understandable. And the ever present danger from Perry, doing what he's always done best: Keeping secrets, taunting, protecting, trying to lure Jill back into his world. I really couldn't ask for much more. Except possibly the answer to what a certain part of a hellbreed's anathomy really looks like. (Perv, shame on me. And YOU!)
December 21, 2010
Hummmm.... I prepared myself for Lilith's writing... I knew that it's going to be hardcore, dirty, and intense... No matter, I still wasn't prepared! Wow! That's one action-packed book... And I don't mean it in a way that there's a lot of things happening (there was a lot). I meant it like I could imagine an action movie happening with the vividly detailed fight scenes.
Jillybean is very much a woman in this book... She is still a killing machine hunter however in this book her vulnerability as a woman is emphasized. Not sure how I feel about it... But I guess you can't have a robot right? I just get so annoyed with Saul... I mean backbone right? Speak up! :P
Hellbreeds and Vodoo... And add some relationship problem... So you can only imagine how tiring the book is. :) Anyway, It left me lots of questions at the end, nothing about the plot, just about our main character. I'm keeping it to myself and adding it to my private notes. :) I don't know when I'll pick up the next book... I think I need a breather after this one. :) Lilith Saintcrow's books are intense (except the YA one). I will definitely read the next book, just not right away. :)
Jillybean is very much a woman in this book... She is still a killing machine hunter however in this book her vulnerability as a woman is emphasized. Not sure how I feel about it... But I guess you can't have a robot right? I just get so annoyed with Saul... I mean backbone right? Speak up! :P
Hellbreeds and Vodoo... And add some relationship problem... So you can only imagine how tiring the book is. :) Anyway, It left me lots of questions at the end, nothing about the plot, just about our main character. I'm keeping it to myself and adding it to my private notes. :) I don't know when I'll pick up the next book... I think I need a breather after this one. :) Lilith Saintcrow's books are intense (except the YA one). I will definitely read the next book, just not right away. :)
December 14, 2009
As always, Jill is a favorite of mine! She has so much going on all the time that many times I have to read and re-read to keep it straight. This book dealt more with Jill's chosen career than anything. Although, we did get some interesting insight into her relationships with both Perry and Saul. I found it particularly interesting that Perry has chosen to let Jill freely draw power from her mark - at least temporarily. My thoughts are that he is attempting to win her over this way. She has already begun to drop her guard a bit with him.
Saul is another issue altogether. He is obviously unhappy about something...I'm curious to know if he is ready for pups - maybe they're already on the way. The weres have been reacting strangely to her lately.
I'm ready for the next installment!
Saul is another issue altogether. He is obviously unhappy about something...I'm curious to know if he is ready for pups - maybe they're already on the way. The weres have been reacting strangely to her lately.
I'm ready for the next installment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2014
I haven't read any of the Jill Kismet books, and this is my first time reading a Lilith Saintcrow novel. I've only read her short stories before.
The narrator was great. She had a husky, slightly rough voice with an understated delivery that let the words really shine. Her characterization of side characters was great, making it easy to keep track of who was speaking.
Descriptions were memorable and fun, and touched on all the senses. Characterizations really told a lot about each individual and gave information about both them and the narrator. She was really snarky, selling toughness without overdoing it. Some repetition in the action scenes, with guns and bones popping frequently. Liberal use of adverbs, and the plot relies heavily on elements that must have been established in earlier books. I could still follow along, though. The magical details were the best part.
The narrator was great. She had a husky, slightly rough voice with an understated delivery that let the words really shine. Her characterization of side characters was great, making it easy to keep track of who was speaking.
Descriptions were memorable and fun, and touched on all the senses. Characterizations really told a lot about each individual and gave information about both them and the narrator. She was really snarky, selling toughness without overdoing it. Some repetition in the action scenes, with guns and bones popping frequently. Liberal use of adverbs, and the plot relies heavily on elements that must have been established in earlier books. I could still follow along, though. The magical details were the best part.
November 19, 2021
Today’s post is on Flesh Circus by Lilith Saintcrow. It is 336 pages long and is published by Orbit. The cover has Jill in it looking ready for trouble. As it is the fourth in the series, you need to have read the first three volumes to understand the story. There is foul language, no sex, and violence in this volume. The intended reader is someone who likes gritty urban fantasy. The story is told from first person close of the main character, Jill. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the book- The Cirque de Charnu has come.
They will clean out the demons and the suicides, and move on. As long as they stay within the rules, Jill Kismet can't deny them entry. But she can watch -- and if they step out of line, she'll send them packing.
When Cirque performers start dying grotesquely, Kismet has to find out why, or the fragile truce won't hold and her entire city will become a carnival of horror. She also has to play the resident hellbreed power against the Cirque to keep them in line, and find out why ordinary people are needing exorcisms. And then there's the murdered voodoo practitioners, and the zombies.
An ancient vengeance is about to be enacted. The Cirque is about to explode. And Jill Kismet is about to find out some games are played for keeps. . .
Review- A good volume in the series but not the best. The Cirque de Charnu has come to town and Jill has to protect them and the city from them. In the past a hunter from her line made a deal with the Cirque that for one week they could come and set up for business. And business is getting people’s souls. But when someone who has a grudge against the Cirque starts killing performers, Jill has her hands full. I liked the overall plot of the Cirque and the history of Jill’s line of hunters but the story was bogged down by the drama between Jill and Saul. I think that this book is more about setting up for a future book with the history we learn but I wanted more than we got. That said I did like it, it was a solid entry in the series, and I look forward to seeing where Jill and Saul are going next.
I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this series with my own money.
From the back of the book- The Cirque de Charnu has come.
They will clean out the demons and the suicides, and move on. As long as they stay within the rules, Jill Kismet can't deny them entry. But she can watch -- and if they step out of line, she'll send them packing.
When Cirque performers start dying grotesquely, Kismet has to find out why, or the fragile truce won't hold and her entire city will become a carnival of horror. She also has to play the resident hellbreed power against the Cirque to keep them in line, and find out why ordinary people are needing exorcisms. And then there's the murdered voodoo practitioners, and the zombies.
An ancient vengeance is about to be enacted. The Cirque is about to explode. And Jill Kismet is about to find out some games are played for keeps. . .
Review- A good volume in the series but not the best. The Cirque de Charnu has come to town and Jill has to protect them and the city from them. In the past a hunter from her line made a deal with the Cirque that for one week they could come and set up for business. And business is getting people’s souls. But when someone who has a grudge against the Cirque starts killing performers, Jill has her hands full. I liked the overall plot of the Cirque and the history of Jill’s line of hunters but the story was bogged down by the drama between Jill and Saul. I think that this book is more about setting up for a future book with the history we learn but I wanted more than we got. That said I did like it, it was a solid entry in the series, and I look forward to seeing where Jill and Saul are going next.
I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this series with my own money.
November 9, 2020
Flesh Circus is the fourth book in the Jill Kismet series written by Lilith Saintcrow. It centers on Jill Kismet, a Hunter, set in a world five hundred years in the future.
The Cirque de Charnu, a traveling troupe visits Jill Kismet's city. This isn't the average circus as it attracts those with darkness in their hearts or souls – those that are most likely to trade pieces of themselves for a bit of power. So while in town, Jill has to keep an eye out for them, protect them while she's protecting the innocent of her city. It is a convoluted and twisted and of course Jill would rather kill them all, but that would only bring down the wrath of demons. Except that there's something strange going on as the circus are being possessed and being zombified corpses running around and killing people and she has to work out the person behind this twist.
Flesh Circus is written rather well. The narrative is action packed filled with death, voodoo, circus enchantment, double dealing, and of course, murder, all of which Saintcorw does well by melding the ambiance of a spectacle with voodoo and zombies of the urban fantasy genre. True to fashion, the narrative is filled with thrilling scenes, romance woes, supernatural creatures, and somewhat twists and surprises.
All in all, Flesh Circus is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
The Cirque de Charnu, a traveling troupe visits Jill Kismet's city. This isn't the average circus as it attracts those with darkness in their hearts or souls – those that are most likely to trade pieces of themselves for a bit of power. So while in town, Jill has to keep an eye out for them, protect them while she's protecting the innocent of her city. It is a convoluted and twisted and of course Jill would rather kill them all, but that would only bring down the wrath of demons. Except that there's something strange going on as the circus are being possessed and being zombified corpses running around and killing people and she has to work out the person behind this twist.
Flesh Circus is written rather well. The narrative is action packed filled with death, voodoo, circus enchantment, double dealing, and of course, murder, all of which Saintcorw does well by melding the ambiance of a spectacle with voodoo and zombies of the urban fantasy genre. True to fashion, the narrative is filled with thrilling scenes, romance woes, supernatural creatures, and somewhat twists and surprises.
All in all, Flesh Circus is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
August 28, 2020
I'm torn on this one. In one sense I quite enjoyed this. I like Jill a lot and I appreciated the mystery. Plus, I was happy to see the apprentice angle is being pursued, as I hoped. However, I also felt like too much of the book is dedicated to her getting beat up and I had one BIG complaint. A lot of the angst of the book is dedicated to Saul's uncertainty. I read the whole book basically looking to learn what would cause him to doubt their relationship when nothing had previously hinted at trouble. Then, the book esentially just waves it aside without ever truly engaging the problem. I finished it super frustrated. I wanted a lot more explanation.
April 25, 2019
Where the last books in the series was missing series development, this one more than made up for it. There is plenty of Saul (including some trouble in paradise), Perry is back, and there is a certain gang-banger that keeps popping up. It was an exciting story, and made me reach for the next book right away.
August 29, 2020
Yes! This was awesome: great action scenes as always, but this had the personal investment I was missing in book three. Jill struggling with so much really gave punch to the carnival scene at the end.
August 6, 2024
fun story in this instalment, but nothing really special. And I'm also starting to feel ambivalent towards the romance. 4 books in and it still kinda feels like we're like 1/4 into book 2. Maybe it's just the characters, I'll have to see how I feel about the next instalment.
October 8, 2019
4+. I love these books. They are dark and twisted and all consuming. I just can't stop reading.
December 20, 2019
I have a personal loathing for carnivals, so that didn't help while I was reading this. Still a good book.
October 27, 2022
3.5 stars
June 17, 2024
Not really my cup of tea. But then, I think I may have jumped into the series in the middle.
February 20, 2012
I went on a Jill Kismet reading marathon last month - reviewed one of the books, then forgot to review the rest. As a whole (having read the complete series last month) I loved the Jill Kismet series. Yet while I enjoyed Flesh Circus very much, I didn't love it as much as the other books. I still think this was a very good book - lots of action and suspenseful moments. It's just that the last book was so completely full of actions and kickassery, that it's hard to top.
In Flesh Circus, a traveling troup visits Jill's city. Only this isn't your average circus (or is it?) it's more of a circus that attracts those with darkness in their hearts or souls. Those that are most likely to trade pieces of themselves for a bit of power. So while in town, Kismet has to keep an eye out FOR them, protect them while she's protecting the innocent of her city. It's convaluted and twisted and of course Jill would rather kill them all, but that would only bring down the wrath of demons.
Except that there's something strange going on. Suddenly there are possessions and zombified corpses running around and killing people and those that Jill usually protects people from. Somebody is using voodoo to get at the circus workers.
And there's something about this circus -
I mention this in each of my Saintcrow/St. Crow reviews - the words. Her words paint this almost 3D picture in my mind of each scene. For instance, the circus. Not only is there descriptions (though not page after page of these) of the workers and ambience, but the music is almost a complete side character. The music, the changes of the music, rising and falling of the melody with mood and atmosphere changes is noted with every scene that takes place within the circus. It's the same with the charms in her characters' hair, or the scar on Jill's wrist. These aren't things that are just mentioned once in a while in passing, they are a real part of the story and frequently "speak". One of the reasons I enjoy Lilith Saintcrow's books so much.
It's also very apparent that Saintcrow does her research with religions and beliefs. Flesh Circus gives us a touch of the Voodoo rites, the gods and doing's.
Everything added together made a very interesting, action packed read. One thing about Saintcrow's books - Once I start one, I can count on being engrossed from beginning to end.
In Flesh Circus, a traveling troup visits Jill's city. Only this isn't your average circus (or is it?) it's more of a circus that attracts those with darkness in their hearts or souls. Those that are most likely to trade pieces of themselves for a bit of power. So while in town, Kismet has to keep an eye out FOR them, protect them while she's protecting the innocent of her city. It's convaluted and twisted and of course Jill would rather kill them all, but that would only bring down the wrath of demons.
Except that there's something strange going on. Suddenly there are possessions and zombified corpses running around and killing people and those that Jill usually protects people from. Somebody is using voodoo to get at the circus workers.
And there's something about this circus -
I mention this in each of my Saintcrow/St. Crow reviews - the words. Her words paint this almost 3D picture in my mind of each scene. For instance, the circus. Not only is there descriptions (though not page after page of these) of the workers and ambience, but the music is almost a complete side character. The music, the changes of the music, rising and falling of the melody with mood and atmosphere changes is noted with every scene that takes place within the circus. It's the same with the charms in her characters' hair, or the scar on Jill's wrist. These aren't things that are just mentioned once in a while in passing, they are a real part of the story and frequently "speak". One of the reasons I enjoy Lilith Saintcrow's books so much.
It's also very apparent that Saintcrow does her research with religions and beliefs. Flesh Circus gives us a touch of the Voodoo rites, the gods and doing's.
Everything added together made a very interesting, action packed read. One thing about Saintcrow's books - Once I start one, I can count on being engrossed from beginning to end.
August 1, 2014
Everyone Loves the Circus
As if poor Jill Kismet, the only Hunter in Santa Luz, doesn't have enough on her plate, things only get worse when the Cirque de Charnu comes to town. Demonspawn and Traders delight, but it's up to Jill to keep her city safe. Although she has no choice but to let them set up shop, an uneasy treaty between the Ringmaster, Perry, Santa Luz's resident hellbreed in power, and Jill is struck and the Ringmaster must give up a hostage against his and his minions promise of good behaviour. As long as they obey the rules, no one gets hurt. Too bad members of the circus start showing up dead, and the hostage's life is threatened. When zombies start turning up all over the city and there seems to be a sinister link back to the circus, Jill really isn't surprised. She must get to the bottom of the mystery and put a stop to it before the pact with the circus is broken and all hell (literally) breaks loose.
As usual, Saintcrow has provided an action packed, page turning story. Poor Jill is run ragged with this one. To make matters worse, something is up with Saul. He hasn't been the same since coming back to town after the death of his mother. Not known to be one to walk on eggshells, Jill doesn't have a clue what to do about the situation with Saul, but it may come to a head before she's ready, forcing her to deal with her relationship whether she wants to or not.
While not my favourite in the series, it was still a great read. The main reason I didn't like this book as much is because of the whole Saul/relationship subplot. Jill is such a kickass heroine yet she undervalues herself and seems to have such low self esteem. She has this great relationship with Saul but for her there is always an undercurrent of doubt, like she's just waiting for him to come to his senses and dump her. I was also disappointed that Perry had such a small role. I've been waiting for his 'revenge' on Jill for losing out on the bargain with her, but so far he seems to be biding his time, although maybe less than patiently.
As if poor Jill Kismet, the only Hunter in Santa Luz, doesn't have enough on her plate, things only get worse when the Cirque de Charnu comes to town. Demonspawn and Traders delight, but it's up to Jill to keep her city safe. Although she has no choice but to let them set up shop, an uneasy treaty between the Ringmaster, Perry, Santa Luz's resident hellbreed in power, and Jill is struck and the Ringmaster must give up a hostage against his and his minions promise of good behaviour. As long as they obey the rules, no one gets hurt. Too bad members of the circus start showing up dead, and the hostage's life is threatened. When zombies start turning up all over the city and there seems to be a sinister link back to the circus, Jill really isn't surprised. She must get to the bottom of the mystery and put a stop to it before the pact with the circus is broken and all hell (literally) breaks loose.
As usual, Saintcrow has provided an action packed, page turning story. Poor Jill is run ragged with this one. To make matters worse, something is up with Saul. He hasn't been the same since coming back to town after the death of his mother. Not known to be one to walk on eggshells, Jill doesn't have a clue what to do about the situation with Saul, but it may come to a head before she's ready, forcing her to deal with her relationship whether she wants to or not.
While not my favourite in the series, it was still a great read. The main reason I didn't like this book as much is because of the whole Saul/relationship subplot. Jill is such a kickass heroine yet she undervalues herself and seems to have such low self esteem. She has this great relationship with Saul but for her there is always an undercurrent of doubt, like she's just waiting for him to come to his senses and dump her. I was also disappointed that Perry had such a small role. I've been waiting for his 'revenge' on Jill for losing out on the bargain with her, but so far he seems to be biding his time, although maybe less than patiently.
October 29, 2013
I spent the majority of this book confused. I had no idea what was going on, there were cockroaches everywhere, Saul was being a weirdo, Jill was being a weirdo, the Cirque was creepy, and Jill's "sea-urchin aura" kept spiking everywhere. I'm rating this up mainly because I like Jill quite a bit, even if she ventured into whiny-baby territory as regards to Saul. I understand her doubts about her relationship since they are really doubts about herself, but that whole thing was not well resolved.
The Cirque sounds like a super-creepy place, like all the worst parts of carnivals and haunted houses smooshed together plus demons, and it definitely added to the horror-movie atmosphere of the book but its purpose wasn't really clear to me. Nothing in this book was really clear to me but at least it was a fun read (once I managed to skim over the cockroach bits).
Saintcrow is a really terrific writer and I'm really interested to see where this series ends. But when she finds a phrase she likes, she really sticks with it. See "sea-urchin aura". It's a really descriptive phrase, but I was definitely weary of it by the end.
The Cirque sounds like a super-creepy place, like all the worst parts of carnivals and haunted houses smooshed together plus demons, and it definitely added to the horror-movie atmosphere of the book but its purpose wasn't really clear to me. Nothing in this book was really clear to me but at least it was a fun read (once I managed to skim over the cockroach bits).
Saintcrow is a really terrific writer and I'm really interested to see where this series ends. But when she finds a phrase she likes, she really sticks with it. See "sea-urchin aura". It's a really descriptive phrase, but I was definitely weary of it by the end.
February 13, 2015
I know some people have reviewed this book and hate the fact we are in Jill's head more and more each book, but I actually like it. Jill is a very complex and conflicted character, in order to understand why she does what she does we need to see the internal struggle. I also happen to like listening to her snarky little comments.
This time around the Circus has come to town, one made of hellbreed and traders. What I loved about this plot is that they actually help the city, in a way. They clear out the suicidal and desperate who have just given up with their situations. While I wouldn't label them as good, they serve more of a purpose than the hellbreed that simply cause terror in town. It's nice to see another side of them. So often we see evil creatures as simply one sided, up to no good beings. Instead Saintcrow has created an enemy that becomes a needed evil as much as hated.
The end of the series is in sight...while I am eager to find out what else happens to Jill Kismet, I am sad that I only have 2 books to go.
This time around the Circus has come to town, one made of hellbreed and traders. What I loved about this plot is that they actually help the city, in a way. They clear out the suicidal and desperate who have just given up with their situations. While I wouldn't label them as good, they serve more of a purpose than the hellbreed that simply cause terror in town. It's nice to see another side of them. So often we see evil creatures as simply one sided, up to no good beings. Instead Saintcrow has created an enemy that becomes a needed evil as much as hated.
The end of the series is in sight...while I am eager to find out what else happens to Jill Kismet, I am sad that I only have 2 books to go.
August 9, 2015
I read this while on a trip, and it was definitely better than anything else I had with me, and a pleasant read, but afterwards someone asked me what it was about and I strongly suspect it made no frigging sense. Which isn't exactly a slam, I enjoyed it and will read the next one, but I can see how it would get annoying.
This one had a couple noticeable editing issues - she wished she was wearing a cuff and then next minute she felt the leather on her wrist, and there was a weird bit where she was tall, then short. I think an awful lot of SF/F publishers don't bother with an editor. :(
I was trying to analyze what I like about the series, and I came up with: 1) fascinating world, which I suspect will never be fully explored, and 2) Saul. Although I do spend a lot of time while reading thinking, yes, you really *do* have time to sleep/eat. You'll be more alert! Jeez, just, eat some dinner, honestly, girl, nothing is so time critical you can't take 10 minutes to eat something! She gets frustrating.
This one had a couple noticeable editing issues - she wished she was wearing a cuff and then next minute she felt the leather on her wrist, and there was a weird bit where she was tall, then short. I think an awful lot of SF/F publishers don't bother with an editor. :(
I was trying to analyze what I like about the series, and I came up with: 1) fascinating world, which I suspect will never be fully explored, and 2) Saul. Although I do spend a lot of time while reading thinking, yes, you really *do* have time to sleep/eat. You'll be more alert! Jeez, just, eat some dinner, honestly, girl, nothing is so time critical you can't take 10 minutes to eat something! She gets frustrating.
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