Review: Carnival of the Spider

Carnival of the Spider is the third stunning adventure in the Carnival series which has absolutely captivated me with its atmospheric, dark and dangerous Victorian steampunk vibes which swept me into an action-packed, intriguing adventure that I really could not put down.  This series can be read as standalones, but I have no doubt that, once one adventure has been read, the others will prove irresistible!

Remy makes a dangerous escape from the streets of Paris, chased by part-mechanical villains, seeking help from the Carnival in London as instructed by his imprisoned mother who he has had to leave behind.  Using his gift of being able to manipulate the shadows of darkness to conceal himself, he finds himself aboard a wagon and then a boat to London.  Luck is on his side, and he soon finds the talented and extraordinary Carnival. 

When Sheba, the wolf-girl, learns that Remy’s mother is none other than her old friend Sister Moon, she is determined to use the skills of the Carnival to free her from her captor, the Spider.  So begins THE most incredible adventure as Sheba, along with her friends Pyewacket and Inji, embark on a perilous mission to the streets of Paris which are under siege by the Prussian army.  They find themselves searching for a treasure map in the underground catacombs, facing capture by the Spider’s terrifying villains and trying to avoid the war which has come to the streets of Paris.  Will they be able to rescue Remy’s mother before they are caught in the Spider’s web?

Well, that’s how to tell a story!  I was absolutely engrossed from the intriguing opening which sent a shiver down my spine … tick, tick, tick, tick.  I could feel the threat of danger, the ominous, dark atmosphere which is so richly described, and the building tension throughout.  The mechanical villains, with their clockwork technology, are deliciously scary and brilliant creations that oozed with threat and purpose.  Each chapter, with its descriptive ‘in which’ heading, really immersed me in the action making me feel a part of the story as I ventured with the Carnival in their daring and courageous race to save Remy’s mother.  The darker atmosphere of the streets of London and Paris, where people are treated appallingly for the way they look, and where criminals lurk, were almost tangible and I really sensed the sights and sounds as I read.

Just in case anyone is in any doubt, I absolutely LOVED this story (and Carnival of the Lost and Carnival of the Hunted).  It’s a gripping, immersive read with some brilliant twists and revelations and really clever interweaving of plot and background that kept me utterly engrossed throughout. 

I loved being back with Sheba, Pyewacket and Inji who are living successfully in London.  They are a wonderful found family of people who have faced prejudice, and terrible treatment, from others because of the how they look, yet they have overcome this to help others in need.  Pyewacket is one of my favourite characters ever – I adore his humorous interactions with others.  Remy is a wonderfully sympathetic character, with his own gift, who has been hidden away from others in the hopes of keeping him safe.  He faces his fears with incredible courage and determination and finds the family and sense of belonging that he craves which I found wonderfully heart-warming.

The full-page, grayscale illustrations by Sam Usher are absolutely stunning and complement the mood of the story perfectly.

Carnival of the Spider is an epic, unforgettable adventure, catching the reader in a web of danger, twists and intrigue that makes this a breath-taking page-turner …. an absolute must-read for readers of 10+.

Thank you to Bethany Carter and Faber Children’s Books for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.