The Night Circus in Metro Library ReadUp

Jan 17, 2012 Jacki rated it it was ok

Shelves: fantasy, adult-fiction

This review goes out to my friend Scott, who's going to read it and probably cross this book off his to-read list.

Who doesn’t love the circus, especially a circus with real magic and zero animal cruelty? Morgenstern creates a circus here that would make any Vegas show wither and die from envy. Cirque de Soleil? Dead. Blue Man Group? Dead. Siegfried and Roy and all those tigers? Dead and dead and all dead, and not because the latter ate the former. Morgenstern’s Le Cirque des Rêves, a black-and-w This review goes out to my friend Scott, who's going to read it and probably cross this book off his to-read list.

Who doesn’t love the circus, especially a circus with real magic and zero animal cruelty? Morgenstern creates a circus here that would make any Vegas show wither and die from envy. Cirque de Soleil? Dead. Blue Man Group? Dead. Siegfried and Roy and all those tigers? Dead and dead and all dead, and not because the latter ate the former. Morgenstern’s Le Cirque des Rêves, a black-and-white themed, nocturnally active, magically powered circus is an unparalleled work of imagination. What begins with standard but exceptional performers (acrobats, a contortionist, an illusionist) evolves into a wonderland of ice gardens, cloud mazes, and living carousels that left me entranced and desperate for a ticket.

The magic for the circus is provided by the protagonists, Celia and Marco. Celia and Marco each represent a different school of magical thought. Celia’s father trained her in the type of magic that she can draw from within herself. Marco’s mentor taught him to manipulate situations indirectly from afar. Bound into competition by their masters, Celia and Marco create and modify magical tents and attractions in an on-going competition to prove which school of magic is supreme. It’s kind of like Iron Chef, but with magical circuses instead…so, not very much like Iron Chef at all, except for the competition. However, neither contestant knows the rules of the game, how to win, or when it will end. As the so-called duel stretches on and on, Celia and Marco focus on impressing each other rather than some nebulous concept of victory, and inevitably they fall in love. Unfortunately, when the rules of the game finally come out, their love will be pushed to the breaking point. (Sort of.)

Sounds, well, magical, right? And it is, to an extent. The descriptions of the circus amazed me. Morgenstern evokes each detail, right down to the costumes and tent entrances. The concept is brilliant. But…

***You can read my gripes and final analysis of this book at http://infinitereads.com because I'm shamelessly trying to funnel people to my blog. See you there!*** ...more

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Jan 22, 2018 Natasha rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, fantasy

I can't believe it took me until now to read this book! It is so good! the writing was beautiful it reminded of "the quick" so if you like this you will like that! ...more

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Apr 11, 2013 Kathleen Dupré rated it it was amazing

Read this books immediately. It is truly amazing. The writing is absolutely lyrical, with vivid, haunting imagery that will ensnare all the senses. The characters are complex and flawed, while at the same time managing to stay sympathetic as they fight against forces that are bigger than all of them. This is a truly beautiful, intricate work that utilizes a unique chronology to tell the story from multiple points of view. I can't stress this enough--read this book as soon as you are able. It wil ...more

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Sep 24, 2012 Taylor rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, fantasy

Simply wonderful. One of my favorite books. It may not be for everyone, but it is certainly worth a try. Character driven, romantic, magical, beautiful writing..... I couldn't ask for more out of a book. I would read this book again and again. ...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Courtney rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Just as awesome the second time around! I love this book. It is an excellent read. Erin Morgenstern has the most amazing imagination...love the characters, adore the story. Highly recommended.

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