Empty Smiles

By: Katherine Arden

Narrated by: Renee Dorian

New York Times bestselling author Katherine Arden thrills once again in the finale to the critically acclaimed, bone-chilling quartet that began with Small Spaces.

It’s been three months since Ollie made a daring deal with the smiling man to save those she loved, and then vanished without a trace. The smiling man promised Coco, Brian and Phil, that they’d have a chance to save her, but as time goes by, they begin to worry that the smiling man has lied to them and Ollie is gone forever. But finally, a clue surfaces. A boy who went missing at a nearby traveling carnival appears at the town swimming hole, terrified and rambling. He tells anyone who'll listen about the mysterious man who took him. How the man agreed to let him go on one condition: that he deliver a message. Play if you dare.

Game on! The smiling man has finally made his move. Now it’s Coco, Brian, and Phil’s turn to make theirs. And they know just where to start. The traveling carnival is coming to Evansburg.

Meanwhile, Ollie is trapped in the world behind the mist, learning the horrifying secrets of the smiling man's carnival, trying everything to help her friends find her. Brian, Coco and Phil will risk everything to rescue Ollie—but they all soon realize this game is much more dangerous than the ones before. This time the smiling man is playing for keeps.

The summer nights are short, and Ollie, Coco, Brian, and Phil have only until sunrise to beat him once and for all—or it’s game over for everyone.

Good finish

The ending seemed a little rushed but overall entertaining. There was some continuity issues but for the age demographic, appropriate

Amazing!

A brilliant and thrilling conclusion to the series! Not very satisfied with the ending, though I thought the book overall was great!

Great Series!

This series has been fantastic! I’ve enjoyed every single book. Sad to see the series come to an end.

Strong finish to a great series

I really enjoyed this book. I think my overall only issue is that it felt like it finished really suddenly. However, i am also an adult readwe and I think that might be why. I found this to be a good end to a really enjoyable series! i highly recommend it.

Satisfied me 100% !

I have to say I was hoping for a better ending and otherwise it was one of the greatest books in Katherine’s quartet. Loved how many voices the Narrator could do too, so great job Renee Dorian! Renee’s voice was very clear most of the time, and what I am going to say is kinda doubtful but I REALLYREALLYREALLYREALLY hope Katherine Arden makes a 5th book for this series.