I don't know what it is about this series, but I keep getting my hopes up that it'll work out for these kids, even in some small way, and they keep getting knocked down again. Well, 4 more to go and then I'll be done. The circus scenes and characters are imaginative, at least. ( )

1

3,5/5

As I've said before, this is past the point in the series in which the stories are breaking out of the mold a little bit. The Baudelaire orphans are no longer stuck to random distant relatives that barely take care of them for a couple of chapters. They are constantly being chased by the police, they are taking action and directly confronting Olaf in his own game most of the time.

This time, they are sent to a circus in the middle of nowhere, full of Olaf's allies and they must disguise themselves to survive. Beyond that, they have to live among freaks and are being constantly mistreated. Overall, it's a pretty interesting development, even if lacking in a couple of places.

Once again, the morals of the series are a bit off to me. The orphans start asking themselves whether or not they are bad people, having done questionable actions while trying to escape Olaf. And, again, even keeping in mind they are kids in a book series for kids, it's a silly development. When they lie, when they cheat or when they steal, they are literally forced to do so in order to survive. Hopefully the next books in the series develop these morals a bit better, because it does feel like a silly message to pass to young kids. ( )

(2.5 / 5)

There were some decent moments in this book, for example a humorous play on the phrase "deja vu." It was interesting that Olaf and his acting troupe were out in the open this time, while the Baudelaires were the ones spying. It was also nice to finally get at least one answer to a series-long mystery. And there were some decent moments in this book, for example a humorous play on the phrase "deja vu."

On the other hand, this book had whole new, over-the-top annoyances for me. The "freaks" whined constantly about their "deformities" which would have made more sense if one of them wasn't simply ambidextrous. I'm sure it was some kind of humor that I just do not get, but the fact that both of Kevin's legs are equally strong is something I really could have done without being reminded about all through the story. And the guests to the carnival were ridiculously blood-thirsty. But at least there's Tim Curry. Slim consolation prize at this point. ( )

Estimado lector,

La palabra "carnívoro", que aparece en el título de este libro, significa "comedor de carne", y una vez que has leído una palabra tan sangrienta, no hay ninguna razón para seguir leyendo nada más. Este carnívoro volumen contiene tal angustiante historia que consumir cualquier parte de su contenido hará que se te revuelva el estómago, incluso más que con la comida más desequilibrada.

Para evitar causar molestias, lo mejor es que no mencione ninguno de los desconcertantes ingredientes de esta historia, sobre todo un mapa confuso, una persona ambidiestra, una multitud incontrolable, una tabla de madera, y a Chabo la Bebé Lobo.

Desafortunadamente para mí, todo mi tiempo está relleno con la investigación y el registro de las desagradables y desencantadas vidas de los huérfanos Baudelaire. Sin embargo, tu tiempo podría estar relleno de mejor manera con algo más apetecible, como comer tus vegetales, o dárselos de comer a alguien más.
Con todos mis respetos,

Lemony Snicket