The Ringmaster
As above, so below...who was once friend is now a foe.
The Faire is alive. It's alive, it's sentient, and it wants more from Cora Glass. Reeling from the revelations that Clown left her with, she struggles once more to find her footing. She never gets the chance.
Harrow Faire wants Cora for murder. She assumed it was her death that it was after. She was wrong. It wants her to kill...to save them all. But the question remains - is Cora a murderer? Can she take a life, even if she is told she must?
Faced with someone from her past she thought she would never see again...she is forced to find the answer.
- Pages
- 363
- First published
- 2020
- Language
- English
- Edition
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Reviews
Finished October 3, 2025
This book wove a good mystery, continually making you think about what the possibilities could be. I loved the dynamic between Cora and Simon; they make a perfect couple. Cora realizes she loves Simon but that he can't love her back Damn it. Typical me. Falling for a guy who couldn’t love her back. Literally couldn’t. If he did, he might shatter. Great. Awesome. I’m a genius. Simon finally admitted to himself that he loves her after seeing her monstrous side. Simon was shocked to realize he had found happiness with Cora. Simon is weirdly caring and is able to give Cora what she needs, even though he remains insane and monstrous. Simone's shadow, on the other hand, is so adorably devoted and in love with Cora. I can't help but want to hug the shadow portion of Simon and never let go. Simon gave Cora excellent advice not to tell anyone about what happened with Clown, since they didn't know who to trust. I found it very interesting what the faire said about the only kind of people it takes to join the faire, if true, those who killed or would have killed. The faire also claims it wants to be part of a family and cares about them all, and wants them to be happy. According to what it said to Cora, it doesn't even use a portion of its power and instead gave up much of it to be their servant in a way. Ringmaster's history with the faire is revealed, but I wish there were more character development for him. I will have to wait until the next book to find out what he will do to make sure his plan does not fail. “I dislike sharing you, as I said. Even with myself. I am a jealous and wrathful creature.” “I’m still terrified of you. I always will be. I think that’s a large part of your charm.” “Hope.” Clown interjected. “You are hope. Not just to me…but to him. The only person in a hundred and thirty years of his life to take him into her arms and show him sympathy. Pity. Empathy. You are the only hope anyone in the Faire has. Aaron, Bertha, Jack, Louis, Elena, Rudy. All of them are in your hands. You can be their future if you’re brave enough to take the first step.” “Whatever you pick, Cora. Whatever you choose. I’ll still love you.” He smiled against her and kissed her again. “Even if you decide we all have to die.” She squeezed her eyes shut. He meant it to be comforting. It had exactly the opposite effect. And Simon would do anything—anything—to ensure no harm ever came to Cora. Not just because he wanted to win. Not just because he wanted to live. But because he didn’t know how to deny the truth that was asleep in his arms. He whispered the words. They were like venom on his tongue. He couldn’t say them to her, but they needed to be spoken. If he didn’t say them, he worried he might burst. It was a secret he would find a way to bury deep underground. “I love you, Cora Glass.”