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sonja_ahrb's review against another edition
4.0
Ever since I read Gena Showalter's Last Kiss Goodnight, I've always wanted to read circus-y type books, so when I saw Ms. Giannoccaro's Cirque title and then read the synopsis, I was very intrigued and wanted to read it. I knew going in that it was going to be a weird book and I was not wrong. It's unique and weird and nothing like I've read before and while I can't really say that I loved it, I definitely didn't hate it or dislike it.
Much like I thought the story was weird, I thought the hero and heroine were too. They have a lot of secrets and unresolved issues that I don't think they've ever really dealt with and they're kind of messed up as a result. Of course, I had no problem with that and there were quite a few things that I liked about each of them. I loved the way Sivan and Imogene felt about each other, I loved how sweet they could be, and I loved their hearts. Sivan and Imogene feel so unlovable for all their issues and there was nothing that I wanted more for them than to just find that love with each other with no secrets between them, everything exposed and out in the open, and for them to finally have some true peace and happiness for the first time in their lives and I sincerely hope they do find it because they deserve it.
Cirque has this dark, slow, sensual, pulsing energy that keeps you glued to the pages and makes your heart beat faster. It will frustrate you, stun you, grab you, and maybe even mystify you. It's heart wrenching, peculiar, intriguing, and weird and if you like reading something that will give you a new experience, then I recommend picking this one up - I can't guarantee you'll love it, but you'll absolutely be in for a different adventure.
Cirque does end in a cliffhanger that I don't think will drive you too crazy, it's told from Sivan and Imogene's POV, and there's no happy ending for them yet, but I really hope they get one.
~ Sonja, 4 Stars
Much like I thought the story was weird, I thought the hero and heroine were too. They have a lot of secrets and unresolved issues that I don't think they've ever really dealt with and they're kind of messed up as a result. Of course, I had no problem with that and there were quite a few things that I liked about each of them. I loved the way Sivan and Imogene felt about each other, I loved how sweet they could be, and I loved their hearts. Sivan and Imogene feel so unlovable for all their issues and there was nothing that I wanted more for them than to just find that love with each other with no secrets between them, everything exposed and out in the open, and for them to finally have some true peace and happiness for the first time in their lives and I sincerely hope they do find it because they deserve it.
Cirque has this dark, slow, sensual, pulsing energy that keeps you glued to the pages and makes your heart beat faster. It will frustrate you, stun you, grab you, and maybe even mystify you. It's heart wrenching, peculiar, intriguing, and weird and if you like reading something that will give you a new experience, then I recommend picking this one up - I can't guarantee you'll love it, but you'll absolutely be in for a different adventure.
Cirque does end in a cliffhanger that I don't think will drive you too crazy, it's told from Sivan and Imogene's POV, and there's no happy ending for them yet, but I really hope they get one.
~ Sonja, 4 Stars
deetrejo07's review
5.0
I love the clown… and you will too!
I have always loved Ashleigh Giannoccaro’s books, but Cirque is worlds away from her Colour Me Ugly series. Clowns are not my thing; not by a long shot, but Sivan might have just changed my mind because, I think I love the clown. As the reader, you can’t help but be drawn to him and his dark side. Cirque is freaking brilliant.... this book felt like a voyeuristic trip into a world of hidden desires and high wire acts. I love how the book is able to wrap you in atmosphere of that old carny feel you just want to grab your popcorn and enjoy the show.
Sivan is a loner. Even though he has friends and family who love him, he only feels free when he lets himself go and paints a frown on his face. It’s a secret he’s kept since he was a kid peeking through a window at a circus. As he aged, his obsession only grew. He feels he can’t share his life with anyone because of his secrets... until his world gets turned upside down. Until he meets Imogene.
I loved Imogene from the start. A girl with circus and magic in her blood. One who also hides her secrets as well as the box she contorts her body into at night. Imogene is intrigued and drawn to Sivan unlike anyone ever before; just like Sivan is draw to Imogene. The girl who is scared to fall, is falling in the worst way possible. But followed by a shadow from her past,she's completely unprepared for the nightmare that haunts her. Secrets destroy and skeletons don’t stay hidden forever. In her world, falling is dangerous and you get hurt: so you don’t fall.
I can’t wait for the second act to start... this intermission is gonna kill me! I can’t wait to see what the clown has up his sleeve. All I want to do is care and love Sivan and his darkness, like no one has before and I know you will too. I went into this story not liking clowns, but I came out loving the clown and loving this book.
I have always loved Ashleigh Giannoccaro’s books, but Cirque is worlds away from her Colour Me Ugly series. Clowns are not my thing; not by a long shot, but Sivan might have just changed my mind because, I think I love the clown. As the reader, you can’t help but be drawn to him and his dark side. Cirque is freaking brilliant.... this book felt like a voyeuristic trip into a world of hidden desires and high wire acts. I love how the book is able to wrap you in atmosphere of that old carny feel you just want to grab your popcorn and enjoy the show.
“No one likes clowns, no one accepts those who are different to them; I know that better than most.” - Sivan
Sivan is a loner. Even though he has friends and family who love him, he only feels free when he lets himself go and paints a frown on his face. It’s a secret he’s kept since he was a kid peeking through a window at a circus. As he aged, his obsession only grew. He feels he can’t share his life with anyone because of his secrets... until his world gets turned upside down. Until he meets Imogene.
“We all have skeletons, I like to slow dance with mine, but most people hide them away so no one ever sees them.” - Imogene
I loved Imogene from the start. A girl with circus and magic in her blood. One who also hides her secrets as well as the box she contorts her body into at night. Imogene is intrigued and drawn to Sivan unlike anyone ever before; just like Sivan is draw to Imogene. The girl who is scared to fall, is falling in the worst way possible. But followed by a shadow from her past,she's completely unprepared for the nightmare that haunts her. Secrets destroy and skeletons don’t stay hidden forever. In her world, falling is dangerous and you get hurt: so you don’t fall.
“I’m coming for you, Imogene, your box can’t keep you safe from my bitter love.” - Sivan
I can’t wait for the second act to start... this intermission is gonna kill me! I can’t wait to see what the clown has up his sleeve. All I want to do is care and love Sivan and his darkness, like no one has before and I know you will too. I went into this story not liking clowns, but I came out loving the clown and loving this book.
“Welcome one and all. We have no ringmaster, no rules, and no love here. Laughter will be at your expense and fun is mine alone, your pain will be my enjoyment.”- The Clown
apagetoturn's review
4.0
My rating: 4
I picked this book up because I wanted to read something a little different, and boy howdy did I get different! I've never read another story like this one! Even if you hate clowns, you should give this one a shot! It's not for the weak at heart, that's for sure. You get sex in the prologue and many more times throughout - but it's pretty tasteful for the most part, although extremely weird. Just warning anyone that doesn't want to read anything like that...
On to the good stuff.. without giving much away, here is the gist. Boy has a certain taste when it comes to sex, love, and all that. He's a little unsatisfied, until he meets a girl who piques his interest. Things get a little more interesting from there. I really liked kind of the psychological side of this book, as well as the dark side of Sivan. It's a good read, not for everyone. I really enjoyed it, although it did take me a little while to get used to the author's writing style, but once I did the story flowed nicely.
(If it's a little too mature for you, you should go read The Flocksdale Files by Carissa Ann Lynch to satisfy your taste of creepy.)
I picked this book up because I wanted to read something a little different, and boy howdy did I get different! I've never read another story like this one! Even if you hate clowns, you should give this one a shot! It's not for the weak at heart, that's for sure. You get sex in the prologue and many more times throughout - but it's pretty tasteful for the most part, although extremely weird. Just warning anyone that doesn't want to read anything like that...
On to the good stuff.. without giving much away, here is the gist. Boy has a certain taste when it comes to sex, love, and all that. He's a little unsatisfied, until he meets a girl who piques his interest. Things get a little more interesting from there. I really liked kind of the psychological side of this book, as well as the dark side of Sivan. It's a good read, not for everyone. I really enjoyed it, although it did take me a little while to get used to the author's writing style, but once I did the story flowed nicely.
(If it's a little too mature for you, you should go read The Flocksdale Files by Carissa Ann Lynch to satisfy your taste of creepy.)
dawn3171's review
5.0
This book does not fit into any particular box. It can't be easily described. It is twisted, frightening, heartbreaking, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
A young boy who is so adversely effected by a quick peek behind the scenes of the circus. A little girl who's life continues to be impacted by growing up as part of the circus. Suddenly their lives collide!
It's such an emotional ride. Can they really have a successful relationship? They are both so broken. Worry and heartache for both Sivan and Imogene. And what about Sam?
I can't wait to dive into Act II.
A young boy who is so adversely effected by a quick peek behind the scenes of the circus. A little girl who's life continues to be impacted by growing up as part of the circus. Suddenly their lives collide!
It's such an emotional ride. Can they really have a successful relationship? They are both so broken. Worry and heartache for both Sivan and Imogene. And what about Sam?
I can't wait to dive into Act II.
picky_book_b1tch's review
5.0
Ashleigh knocked this one wayyyyyy out of the box!!! Even if you hate clowns, you can love this story.
Cirque is a thought provoking exploration into what lurks behind the masks we all wear, the secrets we keep and the struggle to find acceptance for who we truly are.
Sivan and Imogene's story is masterfully written with interesting revelations woven throughout, that will constantly have you changing your perceptions.
I don’t have the words to convey how this book made me feel, how original the characters, the story, and the storytelling are. It is dark and gritty but it’s also touching and hopeful. You will find yourself rooting for this clown. Hoping that he can find the happiness, acceptance and love, he so desperately needs. Yes, even a clown, deserves to find a place where he belongs.
If you love dark, twisty tales with amazing characters and unique storytelling, I ask that you give this one a chance. You can love the clown. Yes, you can!!!!
Cirque is a thought provoking exploration into what lurks behind the masks we all wear, the secrets we keep and the struggle to find acceptance for who we truly are.
"When you don't fit in, you standout and that is never a good thing. I know."
Sivan and Imogene's story is masterfully written with interesting revelations woven throughout, that will constantly have you changing your perceptions.
I don’t have the words to convey how this book made me feel, how original the characters, the story, and the storytelling are. It is dark and gritty but it’s also touching and hopeful. You will find yourself rooting for this clown. Hoping that he can find the happiness, acceptance and love, he so desperately needs. Yes, even a clown, deserves to find a place where he belongs.
"It’s like she saw me, really saw me: the inside. The part I hide, even from myself. I let it show and Imogene saw it.
If you love dark, twisty tales with amazing characters and unique storytelling, I ask that you give this one a chance. You can love the clown. Yes, you can!!!!
alexa_ayana's review
4.0
Copy provided by author for exchange with a honest review.
Sirkus selalu ada dalam darah Sivan dan Imogene, walaupun berasal dari pengalaman masa lalu yang berbeda. Sirkus juga yang menjadi dasar obsesi Sivan terhadap badut dan Imogene terhadap box.
Pertama, tambahan point PLUS karena A. Giannocarro berani menulis novel dengan hero yang tak biasa. Seorang pria dengan alter ego seorang badut. Well, tak ada seorangpun yang menyukai badut bukan? Tapi di sini kita bisa mengintip di balik pikiran Sivan tentang apa yang di hasilkan dari "trauma mata" masa kecilnya. Imogene cukup mengejutkan sekaligus membingungan sebagai heroine. Di awal dia tampak kuat dan sangat manipulatif. Tapi saat dia menemukan cinta, karakternya mulai emosional dan lebih banyak angst. Berbeda dengan karakter Sivan yang makin menguat di saat cobaan melanda.
Kedua, cara bercerita masih khas dengan alur perlahan, intens, detail dan narasi angst yang kuat. Di ceritakan dalam dual POV pertama, kisah ini tampil dengan minim repetisi scene. Buku ini juga jauh lebih ringan dari kisah suspens psikologi di buku-buku Ash yang lainnya. Dan terlepas dari kepribadian tersembunyi Sivan ini terasa seperti buku tema keluarga.
Ketiga, storyline buku ini sederhana karena aku yakin ini hanya babak awal dari kisah kehidupan Sivan dan Imogene. Chemistry mereka terbangun perlahan dan scene steamy mereka sedikit tapi WOW.. berkesan. Hal ini membuatku memaafkan minimnya konflik dan ending menggantung yang membuat penasaran akan kelanjutan hubungan mereka.
Ini adalah buku romance psikologi yang berbeda. Buku ini membuatku penasaran apakah seorang badut yang menakutkan juga bisa di cintai? Mungkin akan ada lanjutan buku ini di Cirque Act 2?
My rating :
Star : 3.5/5
Bikini : 3/5
Sirkus selalu ada dalam darah Sivan dan Imogene, walaupun berasal dari pengalaman masa lalu yang berbeda. Sirkus juga yang menjadi dasar obsesi Sivan terhadap badut dan Imogene terhadap box.
Pertama, tambahan point PLUS karena A. Giannocarro berani menulis novel dengan hero yang tak biasa. Seorang pria dengan alter ego seorang badut. Well, tak ada seorangpun yang menyukai badut bukan? Tapi di sini kita bisa mengintip di balik pikiran Sivan tentang apa yang di hasilkan dari "trauma mata" masa kecilnya. Imogene cukup mengejutkan sekaligus membingungan sebagai heroine. Di awal dia tampak kuat dan sangat manipulatif. Tapi saat dia menemukan cinta, karakternya mulai emosional dan lebih banyak angst. Berbeda dengan karakter Sivan yang makin menguat di saat cobaan melanda.
Kedua, cara bercerita masih khas dengan alur perlahan, intens, detail dan narasi angst yang kuat. Di ceritakan dalam dual POV pertama, kisah ini tampil dengan minim repetisi scene. Buku ini juga jauh lebih ringan dari kisah suspens psikologi di buku-buku Ash yang lainnya. Dan terlepas dari kepribadian tersembunyi Sivan ini terasa seperti buku tema keluarga.
Ketiga, storyline buku ini sederhana karena aku yakin ini hanya babak awal dari kisah kehidupan Sivan dan Imogene. Chemistry mereka terbangun perlahan dan scene steamy mereka sedikit tapi WOW.. berkesan. Hal ini membuatku memaafkan minimnya konflik dan ending menggantung yang membuat penasaran akan kelanjutan hubungan mereka.
Ini adalah buku romance psikologi yang berbeda. Buku ini membuatku penasaran apakah seorang badut yang menakutkan juga bisa di cintai? Mungkin akan ada lanjutan buku ini di Cirque Act 2?
My rating :
Star : 3.5/5
Bikini : 3/5
linathebookaddict's review
4.0
What can I say? I have read dark and gritty but this was a genre on its own.
Let Sivan drag you into his circus. Beware the clown!
Full review to come...
4 Stars
Let Sivan drag you into his circus. Beware the clown!
Full review to come...
4 Stars
More...