Welcome To The Circus

BH Sprinkle
Feb 10, 2024
3 min read

Welcome back to Writing with Sprinkle!

Totally couldn't introduce you to a review for a dark circus & royal-type read without referring to one of the most awesome (in my opinion) Five Finger Death Punch songs.

if you already understood that reference you are so fun. If you caught the second unintentional reference for something else, also fun.

I'm not here to discuss references to some favorite music or moves.

Today I want to talk about the book I ARC read in October 2023, Just last year.

It's called Grimmfay by M.T. De Santis.

I'm feeling eternally grateful to have read it and for being able to give my honest opinions.

Though you may have seen my Instagram and Goodreads reviews last year, I wanted to mention it and several other titles on the blog.

I'm thrilled to have been able to receive my early access ticket to this breathtaking show.

Thoughts on Grimmfay

Immediately I was swept up in the entrigue and vividly described beauty of the world that the author had created.

Characters were complex & well-written with their own struggles, strength, & motivation.

I found the world-building enthralling. Characters seemingly combined with that of fairy tales such as Cinderella or Hansel &Gretel being combined with unique magical abilities ensnaring them. Bringing a pull towards obedience to a alluring,mysterious master. Then, such power and fairy tales is brought together with the childlike wonder of a circus that's far more dangerous.

All the family relationships were as sweetly and dangerously close as the rest of the circus. Hansten &Grenna. Zelandra & Delaria. Two of my favorite family relationships in the story.

It left me feeling captivated, wonderstruck, and entrapped.

If you enjoy...

Royal Characters

Circuses in the Night

Mysterious Circumstances

Vivid Imagery

Sinister Plots

Grimm Tales

Nutcracker and the Four Realms

You'll enjoy this book.

In my opinion not only was it uniquely designed in a way that moves you to the edge of your seat, but captivating of fans of Ray Bradbury, author of "Something Wicked This Way Comes" & "The Illustrated Man".

What had me chained to this story?

Everything!

Darkness pulling on the characters as they light up their performances in a unique, elegantly crafted take that resembles their fairytale counterparts. Of course the characters themselves based on fairy tales also had their own set of particular skills that perfectly align with those tales.

Imagery was captivating.

Especially the start of the Eventide & Grimmfay with it's colors, sounds, showmanship. It had me wishing to enter this book despite the dark circumstances.

It's exactly the fairytale-circus I'd loved to have had read when I was a child. Full of magic, mystery, darkness, family, royalty, and sweet treats. As in...wish I read this sooner & it's sure to become a comfort book.

Warning- Don't read this book whilst hungry.

Is described in full detail of colors, environment, and even sweet treats.

Ahhhh.