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Dark Circus #1

Center Ring: A Dark Circus Novel

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Fear runs rampant, horror comes alive, and an ancient curse comes to light in the Dark Circus.

As the star of the show, Candace is trapped between what she knows and what her mind demands her heart to see.
She was raised knowing that when it comes to the Circus, nothing is what it seemed, but even some things were too terrifying for her to believe.

The cards are stacked against her, and the stage is set. As time begins to run out a new show arises, one that brings evil to life.
When she steps into the Center Ring, Candace understands that she'll never be able to turn back. The only certainty she holds is that she will die, but how is what the Tarot cards refuse to show.

Thrust into solving the mystery of her impending death she knows that only The Fool would wait for someone else to save her. But when you don't know who she can trust, how can she hope to save herself?

290 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2015

1 person is currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Desiree DeOrto

8 books85 followers
Desiree DeOrto is a mother of four adorable little hellions. When she's not busy wiping noses, stopping toddler WWIII, cooking, or cleaning she can be found creating complex characters in believable worlds, throwing confetti, or causing general mayhem. Desiree believes in the power of words, and works hard to create an escape from reality through her stories. She loves to hear from readers so don't hesitate to contact her by email (lemuriangoddess1115@yahoo.com) or through Facebook (http://facebook.com/AuthorDesireeDeOrto)

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5 stars
17 (68%)
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6 (24%)
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1 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly Mccurdy.
892 reviews37 followers
October 2, 2015
~~I received this in exchange for my very honest opinion~~

Where do I even begin with this book? Not only did I immerse myself into this book and live there, I was apart of the Dark Circus. This book kept me on my toes and always had twists in there that I never saw coming. I really want to tell you all the twists that were in there, but I am not going to do that. You are going to have to read the book to see for yourself.

The Dark circus is just what you think it is. It is dark. The acts that the performers put on are dark, and they are the type of stunts that will make your fears come alive. They count on that in their shows. They want the audience to feel scared. Candy is an aerial acrobat and she practices the hardest so she is the star of the show. Until one day. That one day changes her life forever.

Desiree writes with a ton of passion. She wants you to live where her characters are at. She wants you to get to know the characters. Her writing is amazing. She has a way to make the characters come alive on the pages. I love reading Desiree's book. I know that everytime that I read something of hers, she isn't going to disappoint me at all. I don't just like this book, I love this book.
Profile Image for Susan  Owensby .
187 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2015
Center Ring: A Dark Circus was unique and inventive. Author Desiree DeOrto never ceases to amaze me with her creative imagination. The story was written quite well and pulled me in immediately. I absolutely loved her spin on God's and Demons and cannot wait for the next installment to this series.

I honestly felt the story was too short. But, I always feel that way with a book that I enjoyed. LOL! I would have loved for there to be a bit more character and plot development. I just needed and wanted to know more about the characters.

The story ends with a big cliffhanger that will leave you begging for more.

When all is said and done I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from Ms. DeOrto.
Profile Image for Aimz.
223 reviews43 followers
October 14, 2015
I received this for an honest review. But all of my reviews are honest. Why lie? No one wants to read a review that is poppycock. Anywho .....


I love Desi's style. She doesn't pussyfoot around. It was instantly devoured. I didn't want to stop until I was done. I want the next book please. It was fast. Confusing at times but that's how she rolls. If it makes sense then why would you keep coming back for more? Major cliffy. But aren't they all?
Profile Image for The Magic of Books Blog.
285 reviews14 followers
October 25, 2015


Center Ring (Dark Circus book 1) By Desiree DeOrto
(3 stars)
Reviewed by Jenna

Fear runs rampant, horror comes alive, and an ancient curse comes to light in the Dark Circus.

As the star of the show, Candace is trapped between what she knows and what her mind demands her heart to see.
She was raised knowing that when it comes to the Circus, nothing is what it seemed, but even some things were too terrifying for her to believe.

The cards are stacked against her, and the stage is set. As time begins to run out a new show arises, one that brings evil to life.
When she steps into the Center Ring, Candace understands that she'll never be able to turn back. The only certainty she holds is that she will die, but how is what the Tarot cards refuse to show.

Thrust into solving the mystery of her impending death she knows that only The Fool would wait for someone else to save her. But when you don't know who she can trust, how can she hope to save herself?

★. •°*°•.★.★. •°*°•.★ ★. •°*°•.★.★. •°*°•.★ ★. •°*°•.★.★. •°*°•.★ ★. •
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
★.•°*°•.★ .★.•°*°•.★ ★.•°*°•.★ .★.•°*°•.★ ★.•°*°•.★ .★.•°*°•.★ ★.•°*

First I want to take a moment to say how much I LOVE this cover! It is what drew me in initially!

I love these dark paranormal type reads! Center Ring hooks you instantly! I loved the whole idea of this book. She blends together so many lore’s perfectly! First you have this dark sinister circus. Major creep factor right there. Then she throws in this ancient curse and godly type creatures. It really is an amazing read!

There were a few things I struggled with. I felt like the transitions from scene to scene were rough and confusing! It didn’t have a smooth flow to it. Other than that I enjoyed the writing style. The characters were likeable too. One thing I didn’t understand was the MC has a heart condition yet she is doing all these insane tricks for her job. It doesn’t add up to me.
One instance in the book Vincent finds her passed out in the dirt and acts like it’s no big deal. I’m sorry if I saw someone in the dirt that I knew had a heart condition I would be acting a little more concerned.
I found there was a lot of things left unexplained and I can’t stand that.
It was never explained why Tabitha said phoenix is bad. Some of the deaths didn’t make sense either. I saw no reason for Marcus death. AND there was a death! Tons of people seen it regardless if they thought it was part of the show someone would have informed the cops NOTHING HAPPENED. They went on like it was nothing. No cops investigating the show or anything. Didn’t make sense.
And talk about Cliff hanger! That cliff hanger killed me! I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
If you’re into scary thrilling reads this book is for you!
I would recommend this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,375 reviews118 followers
December 14, 2015
SNS Rating: 4.75

~~~~~~~~~~Val's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This book flowed perfectly and came to life! The characters were amazing, the writing was amazing, the descriptions were beyond amazing!! Every emotion that Candace felt, I felt! This book was so dark and so twisted...I loved every word!! Bring on book 2!!

~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

SPOOKY! No two ways about it! This paranormal adventure is saturated with mystery, suspense, questions, evil, magic, deception, darkness. Told from Candace's POV, one learns answers to the riddles and finds the pieces to the puzzle as she does. One easily feels her confusion, her terror, her anxiety. The author does an amazing job putting together words to paint the dark and dangerous world of the circus. Desiree expertly weaves together the strands that bind Candace, Phoenix and Vincent through the centuries as they replay their cursed dance over and over.

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

WOW! This book had me hooked from the first page. It never let go, even as I read those dreaded words... THE END. Desiree DeOrto knows how to keep you hanging on and wanting more. This book was different from any paranormal book I have read before and it was written so well that I didn't want to stop reading. I have several favorite Paranormal Authors that I like to read and Desiree DeOrto has just joined that small elite group.

This book is about Candace or "Candy" as she is called. She is a circus performer that has a secret that even she doesn't know about. Then Phoenix shows up and everything starts to come back to her. She is torn; the people she thought she could trust she is not so sure that is the case anymore. She is so conflicted in what she sees and what she dreams, what is true?

I would definitely refer this book to anyone because it was that good. I cannot wait to see where Desiree goes with this series. I think you will enjoy this book as well too. I happily give this book 5 stars.

~~~~~~~~~~Kelli's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Center Ring isn't usually my type of book. But man, oh man it was really good. The author keeps you guessing at what's going on. I love the mythological aspects to the story. The concept of a dark circus is genius. It's definitely not all sunshine and rainbow, more like terrifyingly frightening! The author leaves you wanting more.

Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,375 reviews118 followers
October 13, 2015
SNS Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Val's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This book flowed perfectly and came to life! The characters were amazing, the writing was amazing, the descriptions were beyond amazing!! Every emotion that Candace felt, I felt! This book was so dark and so twisted...I loved every word!! Bring on book 2!!

~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

SPOOKY! No two ways about it! This paranormal adventure is saturated with mystery, suspense, questions, evil, magic, deception, darkness. Told from Candace's POV, one learns answers to the riddles and finds the pieces to the puzzle as she does. One easily feels her confusion, her terror, her anxiety. The author does an amazing job putting together words to paint the dark and dangerous world of the circus. Desiree expertly weaves together the strands that bind Candace, Phoenix and Vincent through the centuries as they replay their cursed dance over and over.

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

WOW! This book had me hooked from the first page. It never let go, even as I read those dreaded words... THE END. Desiree DeOrto knows how to keep you hanging on and wanting more. This book was different from any paranormal book I have read before and it was written so well that I didn't want to stop reading. I have several favorite Paranormal Authors that I like to read and Desiree DeOrto has just joined that small elite group.

This book is about Candace or "Candy" as she is called. She is a circus performer that has a secret that even she doesn't know about. Then Phoenix shows up and everything starts to come back to her. She is torn; the people she thought she could trust she is not so sure that is the case anymore. She is so conflicted in what she sees and what she dreams, what is true?

I would definitely refer this book to anyone because it was that good. I cannot wait to see where Desiree goes with this series. I think you will enjoy this book as well too. I happily give this book 5 stars.
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,375 reviews118 followers
October 13, 2015
SNS Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Val's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This book flowed perfectly and came to life! The characters were amazing, the writing was amazing, the descriptions were beyond amazing!! Every emotion that Candace felt, I felt! This book was so dark and so twisted...I loved every word!! Bring on book 2!!

~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

SPOOKY! No two ways about it! This paranormal adventure is saturated with mystery, suspense, questions, evil, magic, deception, darkness. Told from Candace's POV, one learns answers to the riddles and finds the pieces to the puzzle as she does. One easily feels her confusion, her terror, her anxiety. The author does an amazing job putting together words to paint the dark and dangerous world of the circus. Desiree expertly weaves together the strands that bind Candace, Phoenix and Vincent through the centuries as they replay their cursed dance over and over.

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

WOW! This book had me hooked from the first page. It never let go, even as I read those dreaded words... THE END. Desiree DeOrto knows how to keep you hanging on and wanting more. This book was different from any paranormal book I have read before and it was written so well that I didn't want to stop reading. I have several favorite Paranormal Authors that I like to read and Desiree DeOrto has just joined that small elite group.

This book is about Candace or "Candy" as she is called. She is a circus performer that has a secret that even she doesn't know about. Then Phoenix shows up and everything starts to come back to her. She is torn; the people she thought she could trust she is not so sure that is the case anymore. She is so conflicted in what she sees and what she dreams, what is true?

I would definitely refer this book to anyone because it was that good. I cannot wait to see where Desiree goes with this series. I think you will enjoy this book as well too. I happily give this book 5 stars.
Profile Image for Dani.
Author 71 books419 followers
December 9, 2015
*Review originally posted on A Bibliophile's Reverie*

DeOrto did a great job blending together circus themes with mythological stories. I was hooked right away as our heroine deals with a new character that has fallen from the skies and into the tent of the circus. We are immediately wrapped up in tale that has gone back generations, one that I won’t spoil but urge you to read to find out.

I am a big fan of stories dealing with the circus. It fascinates me and while I have been disappointed in the past by some authors, DeOrto did not disappoint me. Her circus comes alive in these page and her characters all feel individual and each have a different personality. I do wish that there were a few more characters that we get to learn about and interact with, but I have a feeling the books to come will supply that need of mine.

The main character Candace is one complicated gal. Not only does she have a heat condition, one that could bring death upon her soon, she is also wrapped in this mythological mess, stuck in the middle of love triangle, and has to make her choice. Although in some areas I felt like she didn’t take a stand and was a little whiny, that was more just personal taste and I still found her to be a strong character lead.

I can’t wait to read more of the series and hope that you all will check this new series out. I give it a 4.5/5 as there were some areas that needed work, such as more description, more character interaction, and some spelling errors, but it didn’t take away from the entirety of the story. It was very enjoyable!
Profile Image for Suzanna Lynn.
Author 27 books113 followers
November 19, 2015
~~I received this in exchange for an honest review~~

First off, the cover is to die for. Seriously, it grabs you up and doesn't let you go!

The story was pretty good. I like the concept of a dark circus with magic and mystery. The descriptions of the character's were very nice and imaginative. You could definitely see the circus through the author's eyes. I liked the 'flash back' concept (I won't say more because it will spoil it).

I did have a few issues with some of the situations being a bit unbelievable, but in a fantasy story like this, I suppose anything is possible.

I found myself confused several times in the story as to who was doing what (eg: "she ran toward him" except there are two she's or two him's in the room so you're not sure who is doing what). Also, there was some repetition of situation that distracted me. The main character blacked out a lot (which I understand is part of her condition, but it felt a bit distracting). Also, "A single tear fell down her cheek" was used a lot.

It does end in a cliffhanger. But I'm a fan of cliffhangers so that didn't bother me really. All in all, I would definitely like to find out what happens in book two of this series.
Profile Image for Tracy Arnett.
173 reviews9 followers
November 7, 2015
❤❤❤❤❤

WOW! This book had me hooked from the first page. It never let go, even as I read those dreaded words... THE END. Desiree DeOrto knows how to keep you hanging on and wanting more. This book was different from any paranormal book I have read before and it was written so well that I didn't want to stop reading. I have several favorite Paranormal Authors that I like to read and Desiree DeOrto has just joined that small elite group.

This book is about Candace or "Candy" as she is called. She is a circus performer that has a secret that even she doesn't know about. Then Phoenix shows up and everything starts to come back to her. She is torn; the people she thought she could trust she is not so sure that is the case anymore. She is so conflicted in what she sees and what she dreams, what is true?

I would definitely refer this book to anyone because it was that good. I cannot wait to see where Desiree goes with this series. I think you will enjoy this book as well too. I happily give this book 5 stars.
Profile Image for Leanne.
537 reviews47 followers
October 7, 2015
I was a bit disappointed by this book in all honesty.
The blurb was promising, I was really excited to read this one but I quickly found it to be a bit dull really.
I didn't particularly take to any of the characters, none of them have a real personality that you can attach yourself too.
The middle section livened up a little bit, with the introduction of the past and Tabitha's involvement but for me, it's still a bit flimsy. All the blacking out and subconscious memories were just too predictable for my liking.
I couldn't get to grips with the ending either, I didn't really understand what was happening. I would have liked to have seen more bite to the drama. I felt like the book just kind of stopped. I'm not sure this story actually took me anywhere. I didn't fall in love, I didn't dislike anyone, I didn't particularly learn anything, I don't cry...I just read.
Sorry but this one really didn't tickle my tastebuds.
Profile Image for Page Turners.
722 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2015
This is not my usual type of book to read but I am so glad I got the chance to read it. It is good to step out of your comfort zone sometimes and try something new. This book was mesmerizing from the beginning and I could not rest until I finished it but even after reading it the story stays with you. Candy is a circus performer in a world that is dark and exhilarating. As she uncovers the truth behind her dreams she discovers that not everything is as it seems and people she trusted before are not who she thought they were. Each page was like discovering a clue in this mystery that drew you into the suspense. This book was so well written and the characters were fresh and unique. I loved it and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Cupcakes and vodka Book Blog .
100 reviews6 followers
October 6, 2015
Book: Center Ring
Desiree DeOrto
Reviewer: Felicia Wright

***I RECEIVED THIS BOOK IN RETURN FOR MY HONEST OPINION***
From Cupcakes and Vodka; We give this book
5 Shots...held high
CHEERS!
And as for the cupcake-Well...with all the in suspense, darkness and mystery this book. I think we need 2! Cupcakes!!
I happily and energetically give this book 5 stars!
Candy is an acrobat in the circus. That's all she knows, been in it since she was young. However, when Phoenix shows up she questions everything she knew. She's conflicted if the people she has came to love, admire, trust and aspire to are what they seem. This book has lots of twist, turns and loops. It is definitely a DARK circus novel. Without a doubt. I loved every minute of it.

Profile Image for Rachael Fick.
238 reviews18 followers
September 29, 2015
Words can't begin to describe what I just read.

Good vs Evil.

The Soul caught between them.

A never-ending struggle to see who will win. What would YOU do to keep people safe?

This type of book usually isn't my thing, but I'm glad I read it. Have you ever listened to a melody that just felt "off"? That gives you that feeling in the pit of your stomach which tells you everything isn't what it seems? THAT is the vibe of this book from the very first page, and boy did it ever deliver. Highly imaginative and creepy as hell, this book is one that you NEED to read. I can't wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Indies Heart.
154 reviews6 followers
November 8, 2015
3.5 Stars for Center Ring. The story was good with some twist and turns. The characters are well written. This is the first book I have read from this author and although it's not my usual genre, I enjoyed it. I do wish it was a bit longer, but I'm sure the next book will continue along with Candace still under Vincent's spell. The Center Ring is a place of fear, punishment, and death. What hold Candace to the center ring? Love. A past that doesn't seem can be overcome. There are so many lies and secrets. You'll be engaged in this one, hoping beyond all hopes that Candace can find a way to escape the darkness she's known all of her life.
Profile Image for Lee.
Author 33 books154 followers
February 25, 2016
I just finished Center Ring by Desiree DeOrto and I cannot express how awesome this book is with mere words. Her story wraps you in it spell and draws you down the twisting turning world she creates and unveils in an amazing and descriptive journey. Her characters are wonderfully written and you find yourself cheering for the powers of light and booing for the powers of darkness. This is a five star read I highly recommend!
54 reviews11 followers
October 1, 2015
An amazing read!

Stunning! The gift this Author has when painting pictures with her words is unparalleled, you are immediately drawn into this story. A wonderful escape, suspenseful and an excellent storyline. I loved it and cannot wait for the next book. BRAVO!!!
Profile Image for Aletia.
429 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2015
Not OK!

The book is amazing! The story, fantastic! But why oh why isn't the 2nd book out!?! Desiree has other books you should check out too:D
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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