Freakslaw is a surreal novel about a "freakshow" carnival which comes to a small Irish town and tells a story about magic, revenge, and acceptance of who you are.

The Freakslaw are a wonderfully varied group of performers who are more a family than anything. Featuring a wolf boy, a fat lady, a fortune teller, and a contortionist (among others) they pull into towns once a year with revenge on their minds. There's a magic realism at work as sins of the past are revealed and this troupe will exact their revenge.

But this town s filled with people who find these people disgusting. The town is steeped in bigotry and prejudices towards anyone different. While the 'freaks" are comfortable in their own skin and relish in who they are, this pisses the town folks off even more. This is going to lead to a battle that doesn't end well for many of them.

That's the basic plot but it doesn't do this book justice. It's a very well written piece of horror fiction and the writing style cements these scenes in your head. With queerness being the driving force and the town who rejects all they stand for outright, the battle lines are drawn.

Yet there are certain folks who find the allure of this carnival too much to resist. But is it because of the magic being done or because of their own desires and hidden secrets? The answer is both and that's where this book really shines.

With fantastic characters, a beautiful surreal narrative, and the ultimate sacrifices some must make before everything is lost, this novel makes for a great read. I highly recommend it.

This was such a great horror novel that I wanted and enjoyed the way this story was told. I loved the idea of a carnival filled with troublemakers. It was a wonderfully done story and worked with the world set. The characters were interesting and worked with everything that I was looking for. Jane Flett has a strong writing style and can’t wait for more from Jane Flett.

This was a wild ride that I was absolutely here for! I could not put this book down! I absolutely loved how the author lovingly wrote about the Freakslaw performers. This book is wild, freaky, and a damn good time!

"Freakslaw" by Jane Flett explores themes of identity, challenges to societal expectations, and the complexities of personal relationships, including chosen family.

The story follows a group of misfits navigating a world that often marginalizes them. With elements of humor, the narrative offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be different in a conformist society.

Set in the 1990s, the tale revolves around a traveling circus—a modern-day freak show—that establishes a home in a small town in Scotland. Their objective is to lure the youth, much like the Pied Piper, while seeking revenge on those who have historically ostracized and oppressed their communities.

"Freakslaw" embodies a rebellion against norms that oppress and harm minorities. It celebrates uniqueness and challenges the status quo. The story presents a revenge twist on the concept of a freak show, placing the disenfranchised in positions of control and power.

I recommend this novel. While it is playful, the messages resonate both historically and in today's world. Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for the ARC.

Okay, the cover caught my eye then the title, and by that point the synopsis, the cherry on top.

This was a entire trip, dinner and a movie, all tied up with absolute chaos.
Big big AHS vibes, which personally I like.
This though was better then AHS. The story line was better and had Alot more oomph packed into it.

This kept my attention the whole time, and honestly I felt like it was medium to fast paced, you did not have time to catch a breath 😂

Pitlaw, yall, every small town I've ever lived in but more fucked up.

I saw some complaints that there were too many characters, but considering Needful Things by Stephen King is my favorite book ever, bring on all the characters,

I want to meet them, hell I want more stories of the people that lived in the town.

I would have loved more but not everything needs to go on forever.

Honestly I will buy this when it's released and will be buying my bestie a copy they will LOVE this.

Weird horror is on the rise and I am absolutely here for it

Thanks netgalley for another great read

sometimes you read a book and you’re like Holy Fuck! this is a holy fuck book. gripping, visceral, and Holy Fuck! i’m being vague on purpose— this is the kind of book where going in knowing the most vague information possible is exactly how it’s going to hit best.