Flesh Circus

As if poor Jill Kismet, the only Hunter in Santa Luz, doesn't have enough on her plate, things only get worse when the Cirque de Charnu comes to town. Demonspawn and Traders delight, but it's up to Jill to keep her city safe. Although she has no choice but to let them set up shop, an uneasy treaty between the Ringmaster, Perry, Santa Luz's resident hellbreed in power, and Jill is struck and the Ringmaster must give up a hostage against his and his minions promise of good behaviour. As long as they obey the rules, no one gets hurt. Too bad members of the circus start showing up dead, and the hostage's life is threatened. When zombies start turning up all over the city and there seems to be a sinister link back to the circus, Jill really isn't surprised. She must get to the bottom of the mystery and put a stop to it before the pact with the circus is broken and all hell (literally) breaks loose.

As usual, Saintcrow has provided an action packed, page turning story. Poor Jill is run ragged with this one. To make matters worse, something is up with Saul. He hasn't been the same since coming back to town after the death of his mother. Not known to be one to walk on eggshells, Jill doesn't have a clue what to do about the situation with Saul, but it may come to a head before she's ready, forcing her to deal with her relationship whether she wants to or not.

While not my favourite in the series, it was still a great read. The main reason I didn't like this book as much is because of the whole Saul/relationship subplot. Jill is such a kickass heroine yet she undervalues herself and seems to have such low self esteem. She has this great relationship with Saul but for her there is always an undercurrent of doubt, like she's just waiting for him to come to his senses and dump her. I was also disappointed that Perry had such a small role. I've been waiting for his 'revenge' on Jill for losing out on the bargain with her, but so far he seems to be biding his time, although maybe less than patiently.

I read in a recent interview with Saintcrow that there are two more books left in Jill's story. I can't wait! Book 5, Heaven's Spite, is due out in 2010.

Unfortunately for Jill the Cirque de Charnu has come to town and to make matters worse performers are turning up dead - and the ringmaster who would like nothing more than to pin the killings on Jill. Our resident hunter must go against the grain and protect the Hellbreed and Traders of the Cirque and find out who is behind the killings. Jill and Saul are having some problems, and there is a new man in Jill's life who looks like he could play a significant role in Kismet's life.
Flesh Circus was not my favourite in the series, but nonetheless a great read. There was less character development in this installment and it was more of a stand alone plot than the other novels. After Redemption Alley I was really hoping to see the relationship between Jill and Perry change (for better or for worse) but from the preview chapter of Heaven's Spite - book 5- looks like things could pick-up.