Review: Go For The Company (Carnival of Mysteries story) by Ander C. Lark

Rating: 4.75🌈

I believe that Go For The Company is a first published novel by Ander C. Lark and, if so I look forward to many more by this author. Ander C. Lark’s Go For The Company takes many popular paranormal themes and gives them the author’s own unique insight and twist to make them feel fresh and interesting.

Several things stood out here in the narrative for me. Lark’s knowledge of various cultures mythologies which plays In beautifully to the storyline in unexpected places. I also really enjoyed the fact that Lark never forgets that while so often the characters and narrative feels light and humorous, we are dealing with some dark and hellish elements. So yes, to the lovely moments and finding an engaging found family in Hell. However , Lark’s writing will insure that lurking in the shadows is something to be truly frightened of. And that the raw reality of the beings and place these characters inhabit is never far away from current events. Reparation/road to redemption or unrelenting torture. Disneyland rides or undergoing agony. Here we get both.

And a beautiful use of the central theme of the Carnival of Mysteries and Madam Persephone. Her character as a fortune teller is so poignant and layered. So well thought out.

As is the entire concept of Hell and Heaven, and its various entities. Such an entertaining place and a wonderful read.

Gabe’s journey through the afterlife isn’t one I would spoil for anyone. It’s just too good. The characters here are so multifaceted, the world building is extensive, and the plot horrifying enough to warrant a trigger warning or two about torture scenes, on page death, and domestic violence (not together).

As I said this author’s work was so enjoyable that I can’t wait to see what they do next. Until then, I’m highly impressed with Go For The Company (Carnival of Mysteries story) by Ander C. Lark and recommending it.

Carnival of Mysteries series:

✓ Crow’s Fate by Kim Fielding

✓ Step Right Up by L.A. Witt

✓ Magic Burning by Kaje Harper

✓ Night-blooming Hearts by Megan Derr

✓ Go For The Company by Ander C. Lark

✓ Roustabout by Morgan Brice

✓ Assassin by Accident by E.J. Russell

◦ Dryad on Fire by Nicole Dennis – Sept 13

◦ The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray by Kayleigh Sky – Sept 6

◦ Smoke and Mirrors by Elizabeth Silver – September 20

◦ You Can Do Magic by R.L. Merrill – September 27

◦ Sting in the Tail by TA Moore – October 4

◦ Gods and Monsters by Rachel Langella – October 25

Buy Link:

Go for the Company: Carnival of Mysteries

Blurb:

Someone once said, “Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.” Gabe Rossi didn’t believe in either and figured it would be a long time until he had to deal with finding out if he was right. Instead, he’s dragged off a balcony the day after an unnerving meeting with a fortune teller and into a postmortem reality he never would have expected.

Now Gabe is in Hell, which ends up being full of some really nice people who have necessary (if unpleasant) jobs. He’s been promised a transfer to Heaven, but in the meantime Gabe will have to deal with a psychotic ex who’s turned out to be a former despotic ruler of Ancient Rome, an aged-down grandmother who keeps causing chaos, corporate politics, a pet hellhound, a lot of unanswered questions about his own existence, and a growing attachment to the guy in charge of the place. What’s a dead college student to do, aside from enjoy the company?

Go for the Company is part of the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries Series. Each book stands alone, but each one includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. This book contains slow-burn paranormal romance, asexual representation, and a guaranteed Happily Ever Afterlife.