CARNIVAL of SOULS by Melissa Marr

Hardcover, 306 pages

Expected publication: September 4th 2012 by HarperCollins

ISBN: 0061659282

Source: Publisher
Offical Website: CARNIVAL OF SOULS

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

In a city of daimons, rigid class lines separate the powerful from the power-hungry. And at the heart of The City is the Carnival of Souls, where both murder and pleasure are offered up for sale. Once in a generation, the carnival hosts a deadly competition that allows every daimon a chance to join the ruling elite. Without the competition, Aya and Kaleb would both face bleak futures--if for different reasons. For each of them, fighting to the death is the only way to try to live.

All Mallory knows of The City is that her father--and every other witch there--fled it for a life in exile in the human world. Instead of a typical teenage life full of friends and maybe even a little romance, Mallory scans quiet streets for threats, hides herself away, and trains to be lethal. She knows it's only a matter of time until a daimon finds her and her father, so she readies herself for the inevitable. While Mallory possesses little knowledge of The City, every inhabitant of The City knows of her. There are plans for Mallory, and soon she, too, will be drawn into the decadence and danger that is the Carnival of Souls.

My thoughts:

I have been a fan of Melissa Marr for many years. Her skill at turning words into a story that can take steal my breath and quicken my heart have always amazed me. Now after reading her newest novel, CARNIVAL OF SOULS I am again taken to that place that only she can transport me to and I am forever grateful.

CARNIVAL OF SOULS introduces several different characters POV's all tied to an alternate world ruled by Daimons, and while each is intriguing and unique they all are inexplicably connected. The Carnival of Souls is the competition that allows daimons a chance to change their status in life if they are willing to fight till the death.  Aya, belongs to an alternate world ruled by Daimons, a noble born of the higher caste seeking ultimate freedom by fighting at the Carnival of Souls. Kaleb, is of the lowest caste seeking a better life for him and his pack mate by also engaging in the competition. Mallory, lives in the human world but her upbringing is anything but normal. Raised by a Witch and taught to fight and be lethal, but all the training has not prepared her for the one that is tied to the carnival.

WOW! this book just blew me away. I was sucked into the storyline so fast that I when I became aware of my surroundings, hours had flown by. The only thing that momentarily stopped me was my need for sustenance and once that was fulfilled I was back to my story, gripping the pages for dear life and eager to experience what would happen next. As always Melissa Marr has an talent for creating a world filled with characters that are mulch-faceted and intriguing while having a sensual edge that is intoxicating. I became immersed within each of these character's story lines and I wanted more. Of the three main characters introduced I was drawn to Kaleb, his story was the most intriguing to me for it seemed to encapsulate the nature and need for the Carnival of Souls. Through his experiences I came to understand with awe and well deserved fear, how this world operated. Not to mention that I found him to very smexy a quality that Melissa Marr has a great talent for showcasing.

While I did enjoy this story I did find a few scenes to make me go "What-wha???  Did that just happen?" making me go back and reread certain passages. One scene in particular made me even blush and that rarely happens. Yet, it is all part of the rules for this world of which sex is a big part of. I only question how younger teens will view these moments and what they will think of it. 

Melissa Marr's newest literary creation is nothing short of incredible. Carnival of Souls is a  powerful, dark and insanely sensual tale infused with lore, passion and ultimate survival. A must read for her fans and for those seeking to read something wholly engaging and unforgettable.