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The Clock and The Carnival
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
She never believed the stories of the Fallen Saint or Patient Thirteen.
Those fictional warriors have always been her lovesick mother, holding the frail, weak hand of the father she'd never know.
Sapphire S Valdawell is the daughter of Kane and Skylenna, the twin sister of Krimson Arthur Valdawell, and the longtime enemy of the future leader of her country.
Niklaus Demechnef.
Though Sapphire dreamed of a life far away from the name Valdawell, the dark biblical twist of fate had other plans for her.
In a life-threatening encounter with members of the dwindling group of the Vexamen Breed, Sapphire learns that her mother and father's rare mental abilities are, in fact... hereditary.
And to escape certain death, the void of time claims her, chaining Niklaus to her side whether they want the other's company or not.
From the Emerald Lake Asylum to the Vexamen Prison, Sapphire is forced to witness the truth behind her parents' tragic tale. To live through their trauma, their soul-shattering love story, their everlasting power that would bring her to her knees and haunt her for years to come.
But if Sapphire can skip through time in moments of duress, what happens when she's able to control where she goes and what she changes?
Will warning Dessin of his imminent coma prove too dangerous to meddle with?
Or is the clock her new toy and the landscape of time her new carnival?
This is the final chapter of The Pawn and The Puppet series—the end of Dessin and Skylenna's story.
Savour. Every. Word.
Trigger
Abduction, captivity, imprisonment, psychological manipulation, gaslighting, delusional captor behavior, coerced bonding, trauma bonding undertones, forced proximity in captivity, physical torture, beatings, restraint, non-consensual medical procedures, injections, witnessing torture, threats of violence, fear-based manipulation, intense emotional distress, PTSD symptoms, dissociation, hallucinations, body horror, bruising and injuries, vomiting, fainting, carnival/circus horror elements, drug-induced sexual assault, chemical coercion (sexual), non-consensual, drug-facilitated arousal, intense body-shaming, eating disorders, fatphobia, and sexual contact.
She never believed the stories of the Fallen Saint or Patient Thirteen.
Those fictional warriors have always been her lovesick mother, holding the frail, weak hand of the father she'd never know.
Sapphire S Valdawell is the daughter of Kane and Skylenna, the twin sister of Krimson Arthur Valdawell, and the longtime enemy of the future leader of her country.
Niklaus Demechnef.
Though Sapphire dreamed of a life far away from the name Valdawell, the dark biblical twist of fate had other plans for her.
In a life-threatening encounter with members of the dwindling group of the Vexamen Breed, Sapphire learns that her mother and father's rare mental abilities are, in fact... hereditary.
And to escape certain death, the void of time claims her, chaining Niklaus to her side whether they want the other's company or not.
From the Emerald Lake Asylum to the Vexamen Prison, Sapphire is forced to witness the truth behind her parents' tragic tale. To live through their trauma, their soul-shattering love story, their everlasting power that would bring her to her knees and haunt her for years to come.
But if Sapphire can skip through time in moments of duress, what happens when she's able to control where she goes and what she changes?
Will warning Dessin of his imminent coma prove too dangerous to meddle with?
Or is the clock her new toy and the landscape of time her new carnival?
This is the final chapter of The Pawn and The Puppet series—the end of Dessin and Skylenna's story.
Savour. Every. Word.
Trigger
Abduction, captivity, imprisonment, psychological manipulation, gaslighting, delusional captor behavior, coerced bonding, trauma bonding undertones, forced proximity in captivity, physical torture, beatings, restraint, non-consensual medical procedures, injections, witnessing torture, threats of violence, fear-based manipulation, intense emotional distress, PTSD symptoms, dissociation, hallucinations, body horror, bruising and injuries, vomiting, fainting, carnival/circus horror elements, drug-induced sexual assault, chemical coercion (sexual), non-consensual, drug-facilitated arousal, intense body-shaming, eating disorders, fatphobia, and sexual contact.
- GenresDark Romance
641 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2026
82 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 15, 2026
Book 5 - the end game - the finale - the conclusion - the completion - a lot to live up to in a series of 5 books and a novella. Lots to know, lots we want to happen, lots we will hold our breath for! Will it live up to our expectations and heal our hearts.
Yes yes yes it delivered, oh did it ever. The clock and the carnival was an extremely hard, beautiful, emotion journey. I’ve love each and every part of this series, the emotion, the trauma, the passion, the uniqueness. It’s been a long journey and this fulfilled all, but now I’m sad it’s over.
All books tie in extremely well, there’s so much depth that you’re not going to realise until you’re reading this book. Brandi is a very clever writer in how she interweaves this whole series the way she has, I was gobsmacked and stunned when parts clicked in.
The characters are family I’ve found and adored, the enemies to lovers trope in this book is perfection - it’s drawn out to the full extent of what a true enemies to lovers fan needs. The story completes all I needed to finish the series perfectly and then some, it fills in things, it twists and turns perfectly.
I could say so much but I don’t want to give anything away, but this series is hard to stop once you start it. Being completely finished means you won’t have to wait and can just indulge in it fully. This is dark so definitely check your triggers first. I recommend it fully and will definitely reread this many more times.
Yes yes yes it delivered, oh did it ever. The clock and the carnival was an extremely hard, beautiful, emotion journey. I’ve love each and every part of this series, the emotion, the trauma, the passion, the uniqueness. It’s been a long journey and this fulfilled all, but now I’m sad it’s over.
All books tie in extremely well, there’s so much depth that you’re not going to realise until you’re reading this book. Brandi is a very clever writer in how she interweaves this whole series the way she has, I was gobsmacked and stunned when parts clicked in.
The characters are family I’ve found and adored, the enemies to lovers trope in this book is perfection - it’s drawn out to the full extent of what a true enemies to lovers fan needs. The story completes all I needed to finish the series perfectly and then some, it fills in things, it twists and turns perfectly.
I could say so much but I don’t want to give anything away, but this series is hard to stop once you start it. Being completely finished means you won’t have to wait and can just indulge in it fully. This is dark so definitely check your triggers first. I recommend it fully and will definitely reread this many more times.
February 15, 2026
The long wait finally has come to and end, I swear I think I’m about to cry again just thinking about it 😭 it’s like a bittersweet moment knowing that what I looked forward to for so long has now finally arrived and that I enjoyed it so much and was so invested throughout the whole book, this whole series was truly so well written and this last book was honestly so freaking good and definitely worth the wait. Okay I think I need to stop typing before I cry again 😭😭 sorry I can’t talk about the plot at all without my eyes starting to sweat, its so strange 🤣😭😭
February 15, 2026
⚠️⚠️⚠️Check all TW ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Excuse me while I go and dry my eyes. What on earth. I have read this series from the beginning when it first came out and I’m obsessed even now. I 10/10 recommend this book if you like dystopian romance.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Excuse me while I go and dry my eyes. What on earth. I have read this series from the beginning when it first came out and I’m obsessed even now. I 10/10 recommend this book if you like dystopian romance.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
February 12, 2026
Such a masterpiece. If there were cracks in this series, any loose threads in this finale, I never saw them. I’m not moving on in heart or spirit. THIS. SERIES. Every book somehow climbed higher than the last, and this final book brought it all full circle with a kind of epic intensity that felt inevitable.
The enemies to lovers slow burn in The Clock and The Carnival is the gold standard. This is what we mean when we claim to love that trope. The forced proximity, the survival, the fragile trust forged under pressure. And every single time “my wife” appeared on the page, I absolutely lost it.
“𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞.”
This was the ending we needed after the long, brutal road these characters walked. The kind of closure that shatters you gently and then stitches you back together. The time travel offered glimpses into past moments from new angles, and it was electrifying. I would suddenly realize, this is that moment, and experience it all over again through different eyes.
The characters. The found family. I have never been so deeply attached to an entire cast. Not everyone gets their final days with the people they love. I suspected what was coming. It didn’t make it hurt any less. And as I write this, my eyes once again fill with tears.
…𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.
This wasn’t just a story to me. I’m genuinely in awe of what Brandi created. Every single puzzle piece was placed with intention, from the first page of the first book to the final breath of the last. Nothing accidental. Nothing wasted.
All along, I thought I was watching the strings.
Turns out, I was the puppet.
And I would let her pull them all over again for a journey like this.
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐩𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐒𝐤𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞? 𝑾𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒏.
The enemies to lovers slow burn in The Clock and The Carnival is the gold standard. This is what we mean when we claim to love that trope. The forced proximity, the survival, the fragile trust forged under pressure. And every single time “my wife” appeared on the page, I absolutely lost it.
“𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞.”
This was the ending we needed after the long, brutal road these characters walked. The kind of closure that shatters you gently and then stitches you back together. The time travel offered glimpses into past moments from new angles, and it was electrifying. I would suddenly realize, this is that moment, and experience it all over again through different eyes.
The characters. The found family. I have never been so deeply attached to an entire cast. Not everyone gets their final days with the people they love. I suspected what was coming. It didn’t make it hurt any less. And as I write this, my eyes once again fill with tears.
…𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.
This wasn’t just a story to me. I’m genuinely in awe of what Brandi created. Every single puzzle piece was placed with intention, from the first page of the first book to the final breath of the last. Nothing accidental. Nothing wasted.
All along, I thought I was watching the strings.
Turns out, I was the puppet.
And I would let her pull them all over again for a journey like this.
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐩𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐒𝐤𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞? 𝑾𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒏.
February 4, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
as a dedicated reader to this series (even before the first one was published) I found Brandi on my fyp on TikTok all those moons ago. I was intrigued, and I dove in. And here we are. On the last book. It ended as perfectly as I could imagined and more. I am a pile of goo and tears and snot.
We watch sapphire and niklaus navigate through time. We watch everything through their eyes. And we finally learn about the prophecy in whole.
Does Dessin ever wake up?
Now, that’s something I’ll leave for you all find out.
But we do learn, that skylenna and dessins children are gifted. Just like them.
We do learn that they are their parents children.
We remember that family can be chosen.
We remember that love can do truly extraordinary things.
This whole series has been with me through hardships, through finding love, through many obstacles, this series saw many versions of myself. Kind of like our broody dessin.
Thank you Brandi.
This whole series is truly a masterpiece. And if you want something that’ll rip your soul out but also make your heart gooey, start at the beginning. Stay a while. The ride is worth it.
as a dedicated reader to this series (even before the first one was published) I found Brandi on my fyp on TikTok all those moons ago. I was intrigued, and I dove in. And here we are. On the last book. It ended as perfectly as I could imagined and more. I am a pile of goo and tears and snot.
We watch sapphire and niklaus navigate through time. We watch everything through their eyes. And we finally learn about the prophecy in whole.
Does Dessin ever wake up?
Now, that’s something I’ll leave for you all find out.
But we do learn, that skylenna and dessins children are gifted. Just like them.
We do learn that they are their parents children.
We remember that family can be chosen.
We remember that love can do truly extraordinary things.
This whole series has been with me through hardships, through finding love, through many obstacles, this series saw many versions of myself. Kind of like our broody dessin.
Thank you Brandi.
This whole series is truly a masterpiece. And if you want something that’ll rip your soul out but also make your heart gooey, start at the beginning. Stay a while. The ride is worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This entire series is all-consuming — but The Clock and the Carnival takes it to another level.
Out of all the series I’ve read, Brandi Elise Szeker completely knocked this one out of the park. She brings everything full circle in a way that feels intentional, powerful, and deeply satisfying. There are no loose ends. No forgotten details. Even the moments that seem like passing comments come back with meaning. Nothing is accidental.
The depth in this series is unreal. The heart. The soul. The love and the hate. The breaking and rebuilding. It’s layered in a way that makes you feel everything.
The last 80% of this book? Straight tears. Every kind. Sadness that turns into heartache. Heartache that turns into complete devastation — the gut-wrenching, “my heart is dust” kind. And then somehow… pure joy. Relief. Happiness. Emotional whiplash in the best possible way.
Every time you think you know what’s about to happen — I promise, you don’t.
Brandi brought these characters to life in a way I didn’t think was possible on paper. She gave me a family I fell hopelessly in love with. She gave me a story that made me want a soulmate in a way I didn’t even realize I needed.
This series isn’t just one of the best you’ll ever read.
It’s a home you didn’t expect to find.
A must read.
A must own.
A must cherish.
Till hell freezes over. Right, Brandi?
Out of all the series I’ve read, Brandi Elise Szeker completely knocked this one out of the park. She brings everything full circle in a way that feels intentional, powerful, and deeply satisfying. There are no loose ends. No forgotten details. Even the moments that seem like passing comments come back with meaning. Nothing is accidental.
The depth in this series is unreal. The heart. The soul. The love and the hate. The breaking and rebuilding. It’s layered in a way that makes you feel everything.
The last 80% of this book? Straight tears. Every kind. Sadness that turns into heartache. Heartache that turns into complete devastation — the gut-wrenching, “my heart is dust” kind. And then somehow… pure joy. Relief. Happiness. Emotional whiplash in the best possible way.
Every time you think you know what’s about to happen — I promise, you don’t.
Brandi brought these characters to life in a way I didn’t think was possible on paper. She gave me a family I fell hopelessly in love with. She gave me a story that made me want a soulmate in a way I didn’t even realize I needed.
This series isn’t just one of the best you’ll ever read.
It’s a home you didn’t expect to find.
A must read.
A must own.
A must cherish.
Till hell freezes over. Right, Brandi?
February 14, 2026
No please what do you mean this is it? I’m still crying. I don’t know what to say about this book. This is my everything! This book gave me a new family, I was a part of their family. The last chapters gave me everything. They gave me happiness, relief and utterly sadness. I’m destroyed in all ways. This series is my safe space. I will never recover from my babies. I read many books, I rate many books 5 stars. But this series is more than stars. It’s my everything. My soul belongs to this series, to the people in it. I can’t stop crying actually. I think I will never stop crying about them. They got their happy end, and I’m so happy and proud of them. But what about me 😭 im devastated here. But Brandi I love you, thank you for this absolute masterpiece. I will reread this series when I’m feeling like I need a big good cry. Thank you for letting me be a part of this world. They are my comfort ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was like coming home.
It broke me and fixed me!
For me this book was perfect. Im both sad there will be no more but incredibly happy with the end!
Thank you Brandi for creating a family whom I can visit whenever I need to.
'Till hell freezes over…'
It broke me and fixed me!
For me this book was perfect. Im both sad there will be no more but incredibly happy with the end!
Thank you Brandi for creating a family whom I can visit whenever I need to.
'Till hell freezes over…'
Review of advance copy received from Author
The 5th and final installment of the “Pawn and the Puppet” series has us 21 years pass that doozy of a cliffhanger in the 4th book. (FYI I am still SALTY about that Brandi, how dare you live a life outside of these worlds you’ve built)
We are now following Shapphire, (daughter of Skylenna and Dessin) and Niklaus, (son of Marilynn and Niles) and oh do these two loathe each other but in a way do they also “hate” their parents.
These two characters start out where I wish Skylenna had in the beginning, strong and oh so sassy and prepared for the gut wrenching situations their parents had lived through.
“The Clock and Carnival”, doesn’t just take us on a “Walking in someone else’s shoes” type of journey, but it makes us relive the first four books through these characters eyes and what we didn’t realize the scenes we already met these 2 from before. The way these kid’s see their parents past and the perils they themselves have to endure at the same time, makes this book my favorite of the entire series.
Brandi’s writing style and the way she weaved these 2 characters throughout previous books and then greatly wrapping up the final book has made her one of my “Top 3 Authors”! Her storytelling is chef’s kiss with a side of twisted and absolutely unhinged. I will continue to read from her books as long as she stops playing with my emotions and taking over a year to release a final installment (yup salty af still).
Also Brandi, I hope your pillows stay warm, and that you step on all the legos for what you did to Niles.
I have to give “Clock and the Carnival by Brandi Elise Szeker” 4 stars! A couple of name errors here and there and missing words through me out of my binge read a few times. I also wanted more of “Sapphire and Niklaus” closure. I wanted more of their life when they returned because we spent 3/4 of this book invested in them and then all of a sudden it was done. I was happy to see the wrap up of our favorite originals but in a way I felt like it left me sad. So I did keep this book at 4 stars on a really great book.
I also want to state that this is the first time I have read a book from this series as I received an “Arc” from the author. I have enjoyed the Audiobooks from day one and will listen to this book again when it’s released.
We are now following Shapphire, (daughter of Skylenna and Dessin) and Niklaus, (son of Marilynn and Niles) and oh do these two loathe each other but in a way do they also “hate” their parents.
These two characters start out where I wish Skylenna had in the beginning, strong and oh so sassy and prepared for the gut wrenching situations their parents had lived through.
“The Clock and Carnival”, doesn’t just take us on a “Walking in someone else’s shoes” type of journey, but it makes us relive the first four books through these characters eyes and what we didn’t realize the scenes we already met these 2 from before. The way these kid’s see their parents past and the perils they themselves have to endure at the same time, makes this book my favorite of the entire series.
Brandi’s writing style and the way she weaved these 2 characters throughout previous books and then greatly wrapping up the final book has made her one of my “Top 3 Authors”! Her storytelling is chef’s kiss with a side of twisted and absolutely unhinged. I will continue to read from her books as long as she stops playing with my emotions and taking over a year to release a final installment (yup salty af still).
Also Brandi, I hope your pillows stay warm, and that you step on all the legos for what you did to Niles.
I have to give “Clock and the Carnival by Brandi Elise Szeker” 4 stars! A couple of name errors here and there and missing words through me out of my binge read a few times. I also wanted more of “Sapphire and Niklaus” closure. I wanted more of their life when they returned because we spent 3/4 of this book invested in them and then all of a sudden it was done. I was happy to see the wrap up of our favorite originals but in a way I felt like it left me sad. So I did keep this book at 4 stars on a really great book.
I also want to state that this is the first time I have read a book from this series as I received an “Arc” from the author. I have enjoyed the Audiobooks from day one and will listen to this book again when it’s released.
February 15, 2026
The Clock and the Carnival - The final book in The Pawn & The Puppet series ...all the stars, take them all! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I think I have cried through about 50% of this book and couldn't stop 💔.
I started this series in 2024 and it absolutely blew me away. From where we start in Book 1 with an Asylum, Patient 13 and the Baby Doll regime to where we end up is honestly the wildest ride.
The story & the world grows exponentially to include soul mates, found family, newly discovered powers and potential, cruelty, betrayal, trauma but most of all love. Love is a common theme throughout this whole series, that no matter how dark things seem, love is never far away ❤️.
The series conclusion- The Clock and The Carnival was epic. Those who have read the series and know the way we left the characters at the end of the previous book will know why this one is so emotional.
Twenty one years have passed. Sapphire Valdawell, the daughter of Skylenna & Kane Valdawell is learning that certain things are hereditary & in a dark twist of fate, she & Niklaus are about to learn of the origins and their parents' truths and traumas firsthand.
From early on into this book, I was crying 😢. It was so bittersweet in that I didn't want the story to end but I was also desperate to know how everything unravelled. Meeting the characters again was amazing & I loved seeing Sapphire & Niklaus take the reins. Just like their parents, they discover that you never truly know what you are capable of until you are put through the most gruelling experiences.
It was emotional, heart breaking, heart mending and when everything comes back around in a loop (literally)... we discover once again that Love will always prevail ❤️. This book felt like Brandi's love letter to the most amazing characters & it won't be one that I forget any time soon! ❤️
I started this series in 2024 and it absolutely blew me away. From where we start in Book 1 with an Asylum, Patient 13 and the Baby Doll regime to where we end up is honestly the wildest ride.
The story & the world grows exponentially to include soul mates, found family, newly discovered powers and potential, cruelty, betrayal, trauma but most of all love. Love is a common theme throughout this whole series, that no matter how dark things seem, love is never far away ❤️.
The series conclusion- The Clock and The Carnival was epic. Those who have read the series and know the way we left the characters at the end of the previous book will know why this one is so emotional.
Twenty one years have passed. Sapphire Valdawell, the daughter of Skylenna & Kane Valdawell is learning that certain things are hereditary & in a dark twist of fate, she & Niklaus are about to learn of the origins and their parents' truths and traumas firsthand.
From early on into this book, I was crying 😢. It was so bittersweet in that I didn't want the story to end but I was also desperate to know how everything unravelled. Meeting the characters again was amazing & I loved seeing Sapphire & Niklaus take the reins. Just like their parents, they discover that you never truly know what you are capable of until you are put through the most gruelling experiences.
It was emotional, heart breaking, heart mending and when everything comes back around in a loop (literally)... we discover once again that Love will always prevail ❤️. This book felt like Brandi's love letter to the most amazing characters & it won't be one that I forget any time soon! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Clock and the Carnival isn’t just a finale it’s a reckoning. It’s the kind of book that feels aware of the weight it’s carrying, and instead of collapsing under it, it leans in. Hard.
This story doesn’t pretend it exists in isolation. It actively engages with the books that came before it, folding their themes, echoes, and emotional threads into something that feels deliberate and almost architectural. You can feel the scaffolding. Moments that once seemed small suddenly reveal themselves as foundational. Lines of dialogue, motifs, even character dynamics resonate with a kind of retrospective clarity that makes the entire series feel meticulously designed rather than episodic.
And then there’s the ambition. Structurally, this book plays with time and inevitability in a way that mirrors its thematic core. It’s not flashy for the sake of being clever it’s purposeful!!! The manipulation of pacing and revelation creates tension that simmers rather than explodes, and that restraint is powerful. The author trusts the reader to sit in discomfort, to notice patterns, to connect dots. That trust pays off.
This isn’t a book that rushes to tie everything in a neat bow. And while it delivers the spectacle readers expect, it’s the emotional undercurrent that lingers. The sense that every choice mattered. That nothing was accidental.
By the time you close it, you don’t just feel like you’ve finished a book; you feel like you’re closing a chapter of your own life!
This story doesn’t pretend it exists in isolation. It actively engages with the books that came before it, folding their themes, echoes, and emotional threads into something that feels deliberate and almost architectural. You can feel the scaffolding. Moments that once seemed small suddenly reveal themselves as foundational. Lines of dialogue, motifs, even character dynamics resonate with a kind of retrospective clarity that makes the entire series feel meticulously designed rather than episodic.
And then there’s the ambition. Structurally, this book plays with time and inevitability in a way that mirrors its thematic core. It’s not flashy for the sake of being clever it’s purposeful!!! The manipulation of pacing and revelation creates tension that simmers rather than explodes, and that restraint is powerful. The author trusts the reader to sit in discomfort, to notice patterns, to connect dots. That trust pays off.
This isn’t a book that rushes to tie everything in a neat bow. And while it delivers the spectacle readers expect, it’s the emotional undercurrent that lingers. The sense that every choice mattered. That nothing was accidental.
By the time you close it, you don’t just feel like you’ve finished a book; you feel like you’re closing a chapter of your own life!
February 5, 2026
Spoiler free:
I felt so honoured to be chosen as one of the ARC readers. I can’t even describe how much I loved these books. I could honestly cry thinking about them being over now (until I reread them, of course, haha). I started the series before it even gained that audience, and I am so incredibly happy for Brandi that it reached so many people. She truly deserves all of it.
She is so close to her readers, always responding to messages and being genuinely kind. I still remember receiving that package with stickers, bookmarks, the book, and a little handwritten note inside. That moment will stay with me forever.
I will always be grateful for what you’ve given me, Brandi. It was a true honour for me to experience the world of Skylenna and Dessin, watching them grow, building their own family through so many ups and downs. It was an emotional rollercoaster. I cried a lot, but I also forgot the entire world around me.
The whole series is an absolute 5-star read for me. And if you haven’t read it yet but you’re a fan of dark fantasy, prophecies, soulmates and strong female characters, then this series is definitely for you.
I will love this book series until hell freezes over, and even then. Thank You.
I felt so honoured to be chosen as one of the ARC readers. I can’t even describe how much I loved these books. I could honestly cry thinking about them being over now (until I reread them, of course, haha). I started the series before it even gained that audience, and I am so incredibly happy for Brandi that it reached so many people. She truly deserves all of it.
She is so close to her readers, always responding to messages and being genuinely kind. I still remember receiving that package with stickers, bookmarks, the book, and a little handwritten note inside. That moment will stay with me forever.
I will always be grateful for what you’ve given me, Brandi. It was a true honour for me to experience the world of Skylenna and Dessin, watching them grow, building their own family through so many ups and downs. It was an emotional rollercoaster. I cried a lot, but I also forgot the entire world around me.
The whole series is an absolute 5-star read for me. And if you haven’t read it yet but you’re a fan of dark fantasy, prophecies, soulmates and strong female characters, then this series is definitely for you.
I will love this book series until hell freezes over, and even then. Thank You.
February 14, 2026
The Clock and the Carnival, the fifth and final book in the Pawn and the Puppet series, brings the story to a close in the most beautiful and emotionally devastating way possible.
This book finishes out the series perfectly. From the first chapter to the last, the author takes you on an unforgettable emotional roller coaster one that will absolutely require tissues. Every thread that’s been carefully woven throughout the series comes together in a way that feels intentional, earned, and deeply satisfying.
I won’t go into details because I don’t want to ruin anything for other readers, but I will say this: the wait was worth every single second. The emotions hit hard, the stakes feel real, and the ending lingers with you long after you turn the final page.
If you’ve followed this series from the beginning, prepare your heart this finale delivers in the most unforgettable way.
This is one of those series I’m going to wish I could forget completely to be able to read them again for the first time.
This book finishes out the series perfectly. From the first chapter to the last, the author takes you on an unforgettable emotional roller coaster one that will absolutely require tissues. Every thread that’s been carefully woven throughout the series comes together in a way that feels intentional, earned, and deeply satisfying.
I won’t go into details because I don’t want to ruin anything for other readers, but I will say this: the wait was worth every single second. The emotions hit hard, the stakes feel real, and the ending lingers with you long after you turn the final page.
If you’ve followed this series from the beginning, prepare your heart this finale delivers in the most unforgettable way.
This is one of those series I’m going to wish I could forget completely to be able to read them again for the first time.
February 17, 2026
One word… masterpiece. In the words of Wayne and Garth from Wayne’s world “We’re not worthy.” Brandi Elize Szeker has written a series that is like nothing else you will ever read. The detail of this emotional roller coaster of a Journey with Dessin and Skylenna is nothing short than amazing. You will cry for the characters, you will be mad at the pain they suffer, you will cheer at their success, and will be shocked at the surprises that come at you. The author did not disappoint or rush this last book at all. We are not dealing with a games of thrones show and being disappointed with the ending. Yes we have new characters sapphire and niklaus who take us on a journey brining some characters we wish we could forget back to us. But their adventure takes us on that emotional roller coaster again. It doesn’t end there. Did we have to wait a bit for the last book? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes. Thank you for this beautiful masterpiece of a series Brandi. I just wish I could read it for the first time again.
February 16, 2026
I Cried So Hard I Almost Threw Up
WHAT A JOURNEY!! Not just the series, but even this one book. Brandi ripped my heart out by page 46 (kindle). Brandi has written everything so well, I feel like I’m apart of Skylenna and Dessins family. I will be feeling the devastation but absolute LOVE this series has given me for the rest of my life. To bring in new characters in the last book of the series but still get attached and just completely fall in love with is magic. The way she has certain small moments through out the series tie in and become HUGE moments in this book had me gasping for breath, it’s unbelievable. This book had me laughing, sobbing, screaming, giggling, scream sobbing again to where I was so nauseous I almost literally threw up but in the best way possible. I am grieving!!! Beautifully gut wrenching. You MUST read these books that will have you thinking about them for the rest of your life.
WHAT A JOURNEY!! Not just the series, but even this one book. Brandi ripped my heart out by page 46 (kindle). Brandi has written everything so well, I feel like I’m apart of Skylenna and Dessins family. I will be feeling the devastation but absolute LOVE this series has given me for the rest of my life. To bring in new characters in the last book of the series but still get attached and just completely fall in love with is magic. The way she has certain small moments through out the series tie in and become HUGE moments in this book had me gasping for breath, it’s unbelievable. This book had me laughing, sobbing, screaming, giggling, scream sobbing again to where I was so nauseous I almost literally threw up but in the best way possible. I am grieving!!! Beautifully gut wrenching. You MUST read these books that will have you thinking about them for the rest of your life.
February 17, 2026
I am unwell. Utterly heartbroken in the best way. 🥺💔
That finale took me through all the feels and left not a single tear unshed. I can't believe it's over. While this series kept me on my toes and took me away to this fantasy, I truly didn't want it to end the way that it did. I have been so invested in this series for so long that the found family aspect pulled me in and kept me going. The author really made you fall in love with these characters.
I don't know how I feel about Sapphire and Niklaus, I feel robbed 😅 but I liked it and I'd offer up the brick that the author threw at my chest and thank her for doing it again. It was honestly like rereading this series all over from the beginning but from a different perspective and that was so refreshing.
I will never find another series like this. Dessin and Skylenna are endgame. They ruined every fantasy book romance for me and their story will live rent free in my head and heart forever. ❤️
That finale took me through all the feels and left not a single tear unshed. I can't believe it's over. While this series kept me on my toes and took me away to this fantasy, I truly didn't want it to end the way that it did. I have been so invested in this series for so long that the found family aspect pulled me in and kept me going. The author really made you fall in love with these characters.
I don't know how I feel about Sapphire and Niklaus, I feel robbed 😅 but I liked it and I'd offer up the brick that the author threw at my chest and thank her for doing it again. It was honestly like rereading this series all over from the beginning but from a different perspective and that was so refreshing.
I will never find another series like this. Dessin and Skylenna are endgame. They ruined every fantasy book romance for me and their story will live rent free in my head and heart forever. ❤️
February 18, 2026
Devastatingly beautiful.
Beautiful. No notes, no words. Perfect ending so brutally beautiful. this story had so much depth and layers that all circled back together and in the end it was all beautiful. Their love for each other, I wish I could start this series all over again and feel everything because it was so perfect. This series will live in my head forever. I've never seen such a love before written and I hope one day I will have a love like theirs. I am so glad I found this series and experienced everything I did because it was worth all of it. Even though I balled my eyes out the last 10-15% of the book it was all worth it. Every bit.
Incredible! If I could give this series more than 5 stars I would. So worth the wait, so devastatingly beautiful. Skylenna and Dessin have my heart forever, along with DaiSzek, Niles, Ruth, Warrose, Chekkis, Nicklaus, Sapphire, and Marilyn.
Incredible!
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Beautiful. No notes, no words. Perfect ending so brutally beautiful. this story had so much depth and layers that all circled back together and in the end it was all beautiful. Their love for each other, I wish I could start this series all over again and feel everything because it was so perfect. This series will live in my head forever. I've never seen such a love before written and I hope one day I will have a love like theirs. I am so glad I found this series and experienced everything I did because it was worth all of it. Even though I balled my eyes out the last 10-15% of the book it was all worth it. Every bit.
Incredible! If I could give this series more than 5 stars I would. So worth the wait, so devastatingly beautiful. Skylenna and Dessin have my heart forever, along with DaiSzek, Niles, Ruth, Warrose, Chekkis, Nicklaus, Sapphire, and Marilyn.
Incredible!
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February 14, 2026
Advanced copy received from author:
I am in absolute shambles, tears and utterly crushed. I fell head over heels in love with this series and I can’t comprehend that it has come to an end. I hope we get a novel about their last war (the woman who sent Delilian). I‘m so glad Skylenna and Dessin got their happy and, same for Sapphire and Niklaus, but I‘m still mourning my golden boy Niles….I wish Sapphire and Niklaus would have went back to save him. He passed on way too soon. Chekiss and Daiszek as well. And what do you mean Dessin lived thirty years after Skylenna‘s death?!! In my head they died together just like Warrose and Ruth did. At least they reunited in heaven. Thank you Brandi for this wonderful masterpiece of a story. There aren’t enough words to describe my utter love and adoration for this story its characters❤️✨
I am in absolute shambles, tears and utterly crushed. I fell head over heels in love with this series and I can’t comprehend that it has come to an end. I hope we get a novel about their last war (the woman who sent Delilian). I‘m so glad Skylenna and Dessin got their happy and, same for Sapphire and Niklaus, but I‘m still mourning my golden boy Niles….I wish Sapphire and Niklaus would have went back to save him. He passed on way too soon. Chekiss and Daiszek as well. And what do you mean Dessin lived thirty years after Skylenna‘s death?!! In my head they died together just like Warrose and Ruth did. At least they reunited in heaven. Thank you Brandi for this wonderful masterpiece of a story. There aren’t enough words to describe my utter love and adoration for this story its characters❤️✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
I have to say that this series has been such a roller coaster of emotions. I knew this last book would be great but wow…WOW! once again I’m blown away. I cried and screamed (on some scenes) and in the end was in such pain for each character, idk how you do it but I’m happy and so beyond grateful to have been given this chance to read the ARC so I can say thank you. You not only had me hooked with Skylenna and Dessin but then I was able to relive all those emotions again with Sapphire and Nicklaus. This will be one of the best reads for 2026 and for those about to read it just be ready, you won’t be disappointed one bit! UNTIL HELL FREEZES OVER - and even then.
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 14, 2026I have loved this whole series and I am gutted it’s come to an end. Thank you Brandi for sending me this ARC, I was buzzing when I got the email 🖤.
What a beautiful and fitting finale to the series. This book brought the whole series together beautifully. We got to see every characters story unfold. You think you know about the characters from the previous books? Think again there is still more to learn.. and then you realise how things are connected in a way you hadn’t realised before. All the little moments in time coming together to form the full picture, an absolute rollercoaster.
I loved the closure we got in this story and but boy was my heart broken and I have definitely been left with emotional damage!
This series will forever remain in my heart.
“Until hell freezes over - and even then” 🖤
What a beautiful and fitting finale to the series. This book brought the whole series together beautifully. We got to see every characters story unfold. You think you know about the characters from the previous books? Think again there is still more to learn.. and then you realise how things are connected in a way you hadn’t realised before. All the little moments in time coming together to form the full picture, an absolute rollercoaster.
I loved the closure we got in this story and but boy was my heart broken and I have definitely been left with emotional damage!
This series will forever remain in my heart.
“Until hell freezes over - and even then” 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review 💕 ✨
I would give this 6 stars if I could. This finale emotionally destroyed me and I mean that as the highest compliment.
Knowing this was the final installment made every moment feel sharper and more important. The time elements, family legacy, trauma, and fate all collide in a way that feels heavy, meaningful, and completely consuming.
This book feels like standing in the aftermath of everything the series has built. The emotional weight lingers long after you finish the last page.
If you have been invested in this series, prepare yourself. This finale is intense, emotional, and unforgettable.
I would give this 6 stars if I could. This finale emotionally destroyed me and I mean that as the highest compliment.
Knowing this was the final installment made every moment feel sharper and more important. The time elements, family legacy, trauma, and fate all collide in a way that feels heavy, meaningful, and completely consuming.
This book feels like standing in the aftermath of everything the series has built. The emotional weight lingers long after you finish the last page.
If you have been invested in this series, prepare yourself. This finale is intense, emotional, and unforgettable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Clock and the Carnival. ARC read. Releases 14th of February
⭐️ - 6 out of 5
🌶 - 4.75
Honestly I dont even have words to describe this book.
It was everything I needed and so so so much more,
I sobbed my eyes out for the last hundred pages - in sadness, happiness and all of the feelings I could have felt.
This entire series has been a treat to read and im heartbroken but so happy that this beautiful book finishes this series.
Thank you so much @brandibookthought for letting me join your ARC readers and for writing this amazing series.
Also WHAT THE FUCCCCK did you do to me.
⭐️ - 6 out of 5
🌶 - 4.75
Honestly I dont even have words to describe this book.
It was everything I needed and so so so much more,
I sobbed my eyes out for the last hundred pages - in sadness, happiness and all of the feelings I could have felt.
This entire series has been a treat to read and im heartbroken but so happy that this beautiful book finishes this series.
Thank you so much @brandibookthought for letting me join your ARC readers and for writing this amazing series.
Also WHAT THE FUCCCCK did you do to me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review: This is the conclusion I wasn’t ready for but needed. Brandi did her magic with depicting our misunderstood characters and had me thinking I knew what was going on until she pulled the rug from under me all over again. I feel like this book really highlighted all the things we loved about the series. She delivered all things I wish there was more of from the other books and tied it all together in a heartwarming/ heartbreaking bow. I’m just sad I can’t read this series for the first time again.
February 15, 2026
What a journey it‘s been with these incredible characters, i actually can‘t grasp that their story ended but it will stay with me forever and I’m going to reread it often (I already wanna go right back in)
Skylenna and Kane’s love is truly the definition of soulmates
The last 20% of the book I was literally bawling my eyes out the entire time…
All characters will stay with me forever, generously this book has the greatest characters, no matter if human or animal 🤍
“For giving me this miraculous life. This family. You are my soulmate in life and death. Now let’s tell our story.”
Skylenna and Kane’s love is truly the definition of soulmates
The last 20% of the book I was literally bawling my eyes out the entire time…
All characters will stay with me forever, generously this book has the greatest characters, no matter if human or animal 🤍
“For giving me this miraculous life. This family. You are my soulmate in life and death. Now let’s tell our story.”
February 16, 2026
I loved it
Ive started this series when the fourth book came out and I fell in love with it instantly. It made me cry, laugh, angry, and also made me want to scream. It was all amazing though. This is one of The only series that has made me actually feel something while reading. I already know that I’m going to reread it multiple times. Brandi, you are an amazing writer and I can wait for what you put out next. I’m sure I’ll love it just the same, but, Dessin and Skyleena will always have my heart.
Ive started this series when the fourth book came out and I fell in love with it instantly. It made me cry, laugh, angry, and also made me want to scream. It was all amazing though. This is one of The only series that has made me actually feel something while reading. I already know that I’m going to reread it multiple times. Brandi, you are an amazing writer and I can wait for what you put out next. I’m sure I’ll love it just the same, but, Dessin and Skyleena will always have my heart.
February 16, 2026
Oh my goodness, this Author has a way with words. I’m obsessed. The way she made me fall in love with all the characters in this series. I was balling my eyes out by the end. It so was heart and soul wrenching to go through some of the scenes. I’m sad it has come to an end but I love how it ended. Brandi Elise Szecker is by far my favorite dark romance author. I will forever love each a one of these characters. They became family to me. I can’t wait to see what more she has in store. Dessin/Kane + Skylenna = Forever 🖤
Review of advance copy
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book before it was released to the world. 5 starts will never be enough. This book wrapped up the series beautifully. Sapphire’s journey had me going through every emotion possible.
If you enjoy a series that will have you on the edge of your seat through every single book, on top of enjoying a darker setting- this may be the series for you. It is absolutely worth the time and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with it.
If you enjoy a series that will have you on the edge of your seat through every single book, on top of enjoying a darker setting- this may be the series for you. It is absolutely worth the time and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This series has been such an emotional rollercoaster, watching the growth between Skylenna and Dessin, building their own family through all the ups and downs. I have definitely shed some tears while reading this entire series.
It ended as perfectly as I could have pictured.
Throughout the series, we learn that family doesn’t have to be blood but it can be chosen.
It ended as perfectly as I could have pictured.
Throughout the series, we learn that family doesn’t have to be blood but it can be chosen.
February 15, 2026
AMAZING
I love this series so much. The entire book series tied together completely. But I sobbed wholeheartedly so much during this book. Feel drained in the best way. Love you, Skylenna, Dessin/Kane, and all the other alters. You will always be in m heart. My favorite book series EVER!!!
I love this series so much. The entire book series tied together completely. But I sobbed wholeheartedly so much during this book. Feel drained in the best way. Love you, Skylenna, Dessin/Kane, and all the other alters. You will always be in m heart. My favorite book series EVER!!!
February 17, 2026
Get a box of tissues ready
I absolutely have no words for this book.. I cried just a few chapters in, and absolutely BAWLED my eyes out at the end.
Brandi, thank you so much for making such an epic ending.
I will be re reading this series from time to time just so I can love Dessin, Kane, Skylenna and Daiszek one more time (and more after that).
I absolutely have no words for this book.. I cried just a few chapters in, and absolutely BAWLED my eyes out at the end.
Brandi, thank you so much for making such an epic ending.
I will be re reading this series from time to time just so I can love Dessin, Kane, Skylenna and Daiszek one more time (and more after that).
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