From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
No group discussions for this book yet.
What Members Thought
I've been giving this book side eye for quite a long time. On the one hand, I like books set in Victorian England and fantasy and circuses and mystery - I was hoping maybe this would be like the show Carnivale, in England, possibly with flowers (the cover looks sort of flowery. I like flowers.). On the other hand, I do not like magical realism, nor unbounded magic (if magic has no boundaries, the story has no tension, because the characters can overcome anything), nor heavily descriptive prose,
...more
I don't usually read fantasy, but this was a delightful read. Superb storytelling. It is sensuous and subtle and romantic. An enchanting read.
...more
I'm hovering between 3 and 4 stars for this one. I expected to love itand I did enjoy the read, but in the end, I thought it was just okay. I'm still trying to decide why that is, but part of it was that the ending felt much too easy to me. Like a puzzle that is already put together when you open the box, it just all came together much too neatly.
...more
I was completely enchanted by the first three quarters of this novel. The vivid descriptions made me feel as though I could see, hear, and taste everything in the book. I loved the world the author created. However, when it came time to focus on the story, things just fell apart. I realized I wasn't that invested in the characters and the magic of the setting unraveled. Still worth a read.
...more
An enjoyable read for late-night nursing. I can definitely see why it would be a 4 or 5 star read for the right person -- well written, very creative. I enjoyed the visuals of all the imaginative attractions. I didn't find the characters terribly compelling, but the story kept my interest all the same.
I do have to ask though ... what was Sukiko's deal?? Never understood her motivations. ...more
I do have to ask though ... what was Sukiko's deal?? Never understood her motivations. ...more
The plot and characters get this to three stars, but the setting itself moves it up to four for me. I found this a predictable (and enjoyable) rivals-to-lovers story, but it's the setting -- the circus itself -- that makes this delicious. This is a book with pretty immaculate ~vibes~.
...more
I loved this book! There was something magical about it. The premise is there is a competition between two magicians and the setting (or arena) is a circus that is open only at night. The way it is told, you feel like you are there. The writing is really outstanding!
I wish I could give half stars- 3.5. It was a good summer read. I can definitely see a Sleep No More (a Punchdrunk play) influence. I wonder when it'll be turned into a movie
...more
I think I'll give it some time and go back and read this one instead of listening. I think it lost some magic in the audiobook.
...more
Dec 07, 2011
Ali
marked it as to-read
Dec 09, 2011
erin
marked it as to-read
Nov 30, 2015
Terri FL
added it
Dec 30, 2019
knittingmami
added it
Feb 21, 2022
Harvey
marked it as to-read
