Description

Warriors Kaleb and Aya will stop at nothing to destroy their competition. But when Kaleb finds his fate entwined with that of Mallory, a seventeen-year-old human girl, he can't seem to separate the vicious Carnival contest he's entered from his sudden devotion to her. He and Aya may be prizefighters from the otherworldly Untamed City, but his strange, obsessive connection makes staying away from the witch-ruled human world, and Mallory, harder every day.

All Mallory knows of the Untamed City is what her elders have told her—that it's full of debauchery and daimons looking to destroy her. But she knows she's being pulled toward Kaleb with an emotion so fierce that it's utterly foreign.

The two are forced apart by Mallory's overprotective witch father, stranded by necessity between warring populations that can't coexist. But when The City's ruler raises the stakes of the Carnival's prize, there's nothing Mallory, Kaleb, or Aya can do to stop the two worlds colliding. Mallory's about to discover her true identity—and stumble into a fate she'd die to avoid.

Fans of The Hunger Games will devour this tale of lush secrets, dark love, and the struggle to forge one's own destiny from the bestselling author of Wicked Lovely, Melissa Marr.

(Formerly published as Carnival of Souls)


  • Forbidden Love: He's a daimon warrior from a vicious other world. She's the human girl he can't stay away from, protected by a witch who would see him dead.
  • Deadly Competition: In the otherworldly Untamed City, the Carnival contest demands blood and sacrifice. To win the prize is everything, but the stakes are higher than anyone knows.
  • Clashing Worlds: Mallory has been taught to fear the daimons her entire life. Now, an undeniable connection to Kaleb pulls her toward the one world she was forbidden to enter.
  • Secret Heir: Mallory thinks she's an ordinary girl, but her true parentage is a secret that could shatter two worlds—or get her killed.

About the author(s)

Melissa Marr writes fiction for adults, teens, and children. Her books have been translated into twenty-eight languages and been bestsellers in the US (NY Times, LA Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal) as well as overseas. Wicked Lovely, her debut novel, was an instant New York Times bestseller and evolved into an internationally bestselling multibook series. Over the last two decades, she's also published middle grade (The Hidden Knife), adult fiction (Graveminder), picture books (Bunny Roo, I Love You), and comics (The Strange Case of Harleen and Harley). If she's not writing, you can probably find her in a kayak or on a trail with her wife.

Reviews

Marr’s world-building is complex and masterful, and through skillful plotting, she builds intrigue and suspense, with plenty of romance as well. - School Library Journal

The fast pace, feisty female warriors, and themes of social justice bear more than a small resemblance to Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games, but Marr’s many fans from the Wicked Lovely series won’t be disappointed. - Booklist

“Marr’s trademark blend of dark romance, fantasy, and action is on full display.” - Publishers Weekly

“Marr showcases her impressive talent by crafting an incredible, fantastical, complex world. This book is worth reading for the amazing fight scenes alone. Immerse yourself in the CARNIVAL OF SOULS, you won’t regret it.” - RT Book Reviews (top pick)

“Enchanting and magical.” - Sherrilyn Kenyon, author of the Dark Hunter series

“Sexy, charming, sometimes harrowing fantasy.” - Locus

“Enticing.” - Washington Post

A novel so dangerous and decadent it’s impossible to put down. - Kami Garcia

Melissa Marr’s best book yet, which is saying quite a lot. - Margaret Stohl

“Lives collide in a spectacular tangle of love, hate, and long-standing vendettas…Add in class warfare, a deadly tournament, and the Carnival of Souls, where any pleasure or contract can be fulfilled, and this is one novel that will be at the top of everyone’s to-read list.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (starred review)

“No one builds worlds like Melissa Marr.” - Charlaine Harris

PRAISE FOR MELISSA MARR’S NOVELS: “Complex and involving.” - New York Times

“Breathtaking.” - Romantic Times

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