The Carnivale of Curiosities

"A wonderfully imagined and fiendishly clever debut."

“A mesmerizing, gothic tale of magic and danger, The Carnivale of Curiosities is an enthralling feat of imagination.”

"First-time novelist Gibbs crafts a strong sense of time and place through descriptions of the physical world as well as the societal expectations for the rich and poor in Victorian England; she also deftly weaves threads of darkness into all the characters while portraying the Carnivale as a close-knit, found-family unit. Tension builds as the fragility of life is repeatedly tested, and dangerous lies unravel the ties binding lives together. Unique and emotionally engaging, Gibbs' tale may appeal to fans of Mexican Gothic (2020) by Silvia Moreno-Garcia as well as readers enthralled by Shirley Jackson and Edgar Allan Poe."

“The Carnivale of Curiosities is a glowing ember of a novel. Amiee Gibbs has expertly crafted a universe that simmers with infinite possibilities and burns with life-altering danger. Her characters—a circus troupe in Victorian London—will stay with you long after reading.”

"Beautifully presented, with vivid descriptions of the most minute aspects of setting . . . intriguing and smartly woven together . . . This novel will appeal to those who deeply loved V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue or Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus."

"[A] glamorous debut . . . Through lyrical prose, Gibbs builds an atmospheric historical world with danger and magic around every corner . . . This vibrant and unusual circus is well worth a visit."

"Debut author Gibbs dazzles with lush, evocative prose, delightfully diabolical plotting, and abundant heart . . . the dynamics of the found family formed by the “curiosities” add more than enough nuance and emotional complexity . . . Subtle worldbuilding elevates the tale’s intrigue without distracting from the action. Darkly enchanting and grimly gratifying."

"If you love star-crossed romance, Faustian deals, and the glamour and mystery of the circus, then The Carnivale of Curiosities by Amiee Gibbs should definitely be on your TBR list!" 

"A compelling tale of a group of people seen as 'others' by the privileged and elite and how their bonds and connections make them stronger in the face of those who try to exploit them . . . mysterious and explosive . . .  gripping and keeps the pages turning."