Alison here ~
Title: The Night Circus
Series: N/A
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Release Date: Sept 13, 2011
Genres: Fantasy/Historical Fiction/Romance
Blurb: The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.
But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.
True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus performers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.
Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.
*****My Review*****
Characters ~ 7
Atmosphere ~ 10
Writing ~ 9
Plot ~ 10
Intrigue ~ 7
Logic ~ 10
Enjoyment ~ 8
*****4.5 Stars*****
This story has a very unique feel. The whole plot perfectly fits the mysterious circus theme. The descriptions are magical, and I’d love to really step foot into this traveling circus. The only book (well series) that I’ve read that even remotely has a similar feel is Caraval. The biggest difference for me is the characters and their lack of development in this book. I know this was most likely intentional to fit the very shady atmosphere, but it’s also that one thing that keeps this story from being outstanding for me. But, overall it was still a very intriguing and entertaining read for me.
Challenges: Popsugar, Beat the Backlist, Wizarding World Tour, Goodreads
Have you read The Night Circus? What did you think if you did? If not, are you planning to? I really enjoy books that have unique atmospheres. Do you have any suggestions?
Happy Reading,
Alison
Ali's Books 
I really enjoyed reading your review, and I like the opening rating system with your follow up that gives people just enough to decide if they want to pick it up. This book was bitter sweet for me, for much the same reasons as you I think. I loved the circus and did not care for the characters, particularly Marco (and his casual dumping of the Tarot card woman). I could have done without the love story (which was the most poorly written part, in my opinion). Great review!
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Thanks! Yes, the romance really fell short. The descriptions of the circus itself were the high point for me.
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I still have to get to this! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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Thanks! Hope you get to try it soon.
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Good review. “The story has a very unique feel”. Really? 🙂 Isn’t it Romeo and Juliet meets Harry Potter meets Water for Elephants? I will say that it is a very unoriginal story. If you take away circus atmosphere from there, there is hardly a book there to merit any attention.
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I’m so glad to hear you loved this one. It’s one of my favorites. I actually want to re-read it soon because it has been so long since I read it the first time.
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Hope you can get to it soon!
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Sadly this one fell flat for me… The descriptions were indeed magical but I was constantly waiting to feel more of a connection to the characters and their story! Glad to see that you enjoyed it more though 🙂 Great review!
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The character development was the definite low point in this story, and I definitely see how it can affect your enjoyment in this one!
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I’ve had this book for a really long time, but I still haven’t managed to pick it up. I do worry a little bit about the lack of character development since the characters are usually what truly make me want to keep reading. I still plan to read this one day, though.
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I totally get that, and I can see how it might affect some readers’ opinions. I do have to say that I usually need better character development to enjoy a story, but in this case the other elements still made up for it for me.
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I read this one when it came out and remember loving it. It’s been such a long time that I don’t remember what you’ve pointed out. I can see how it could be frustrating, though!
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I definitely loved all the beautiful descriptions, though. They were fantastic!
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You reminded me I still need to read this one. Sounds like it might work for me.
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You should definitely give it a try!
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Fab review! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed The Night Circus too… It’s one of those books where I didn’t mind the slow pace as I was too busy enjoying all those gorgeous descriptions. I wish I could visit the circus myself!
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Yes, the whole vivid atmosphere was fantastic!
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I’m really curious about The Night Circus but I want to read The Starless Sea first. Great review, Ali.
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Thanks! I’m wanting to read The Starless Sea, too!
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I don’t know if I could happily read a book with lacking character development ! The atmosphere has to be GREAT in this book for you to rate it so highly, even though you didn’t really like the character development ! 🙂
I’ll put it on my tbr 😉
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The descriptions in the circus were definitely awesome, and the lack of character development led to the mystery of the plot. So, it worked for me in this one.
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Perfect then 🙂
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