Thoughts

[Jenny]

I'll start off by saying that the book was interesting and I feel it had a lot of potential; however, I believe the execution of the ideas did not work in favor with the story. I feel it got lazy at the end. My expectations were very high with the "life or death competition," but it was hardly a competition. It was pretty much whoever hits the bucket first wins, which is lame. It also brings the question of why a sacrifice was so important. I mean, they could have just kept going with it. If I was given the option of being trapped in the circus forever or just keep competing I would chose to just compete. The next thing that bothered me was the romance between the two main characters. It was a bit interesting at first, but then it just became boring and stereotypical. I also did not think that there was enough detail in how they fell in love, but then again, that could just be because of the fast paced time changes. But to be honest, Baily and Poppet were more interesting. Speaking of Baily, didn't that seem weird how he was randomly chosen to deal with the circus? I feel like that was a pretty lazy decision as well, but thats just my opinion. What do you think?

[Roxanna]

Jennifer wrote: "I'll start off by saying that the book was interesting and I feel it had a lot of potential; however, I believe the execution of the ideas did not work in favor with the story. I feel it got lazy a..."

So I liked it because it was an interesting idea. I mean a black and white circus so mysterious, you don't know when it'll arrive? Sign me up! I enjoyed the second point of view! Felt like I was looking around. I can agree about the choppy execution. I got lost over all the dates and time periods; it just wasn't interesting enough for me to go back and look at them. I will also agree that the romance between Bailey and Poppet was more intriguing than the main characters. Perhaps it is because we did receive more of a background between them? Between the two main characters it was instant attraction. A want for the forbidden possibly? For Bailey taking over the circus it was more of he was in the right place in the right time (which Celia does say; I am paraphrasing). So I didn't know whether to be happy it wasn't all "he is chosen" but I think it was for the purpose of tying things together...? That was a curve ball though. A character I would have liked to see more of is Alexander (I think this is the name of Marco's teacher). He seemed so cool, and genuine in his emotions towards the situation. More than Hector anyway, who I did not care for.

[Jenny]

I completely agree! The circus was interesting, and the imagery was very beautiful and satisfying. Though, as you stated, the dates and times were all over the place, which made it more difficult to get a feel for the characters coexisting with one another. Although, I also agree that the relationship between Bailey and Poppet was more successful because there was more details. Speaking of which. Am I the only one who was screaming, "DETAIL, DETAILS, DETAILS!" I feel the story was so vague, and I understand there was a mystery aspect to the story, but I was almost finished with the book-- well even when I finished the book there was hardly any details about the competition, the mentors, and the circus. This caused me to also feel disappointed in the story, but I guess that's probably because of my preference for details in novels.
The relationship between Celia and Marco was instant, and I understood the attraction. I just didn't quite understand the, I-know-so-little-about-you-but-I-would-risk-my-life-for-you, type thing.
As for Alexander, I was about to mention that he was so fascinating, and how it was a shame that we did not get to read more about the character, but I believe that part of his allure was his mysterious nature. I thought Hector was a bit funny and interesting in the beginning, but then he just became a dull and insensitive character.
Speaking of the mentors, I still do not get the point of why they would want to do such a meaningless competition. Again the vagueness of the competition is just so frustrating. Seriously, the competition ends when someone dies, but dies from what? Old age? Suicide? How does that prove anything?

[Roxanna]

I understood, in a way, the need for mystery or lack of details. the thought I had was what if the story we are reading is when Widget is telling Alexander the story...? I think that could explain some vagueness to it because Widget may not know ALL the details... but that was just my theory.
I adore Alexander the way he is, and I thought I would like Hector because of his humor like when he was all "Well shit" when meeting Celia but not too long after that, I got a bad feeling... which got worse after that. I think there is potential for a prequel. Dating back to Alexander's youth and his own mentor days with Hector. I would read that because like you said that part was vague. Did you find it funny they tried to play of the game as one of endurance... it's like either endure... or die!... Well that's not very encouraging... I think there was an explanation somewhere...? I just didn't get it... if there was one because they were trying to find out which method is better... but you are right, what does that prove?

[Jenny]

Let me just say, if there is another book, the only way I will be reading it is if it's a sequel, but not with Celia and Marco who are just too boring. Plus there is not much to tell after the ending of the book (or at least nothing that I would be interested in). If the book is in the point of view of Widget and Poppy, then I will most definitely read it. They were most certainly my favorite characters. I wish they were the main characters of this book. I would have definitely rated the book five stars if it was. I loved the part of Widget and Alexander. I remember questioning the usefulness of Widget's ability at first, but then the way it was wonderfully portrayed made me to change my opinion--to even like it better than Poppy's. The reason why I would not read a prequel is because I couldn't take another competition as boring as this one or as lame as the contortionist's. However, if it is farther back to where it explains Alexander in his earliest of years, before the competitions, then I would be interested.
As for the vagueness, I was really appreciating it in the beginning because I thought it would give an interesting and new perspective to the story. Plus, it was elevating my excitement for the climax of the story, except there was no climax and by the time I was on page 400 I realized that the vagueness was going to continue till the very end. I did try to appreciate the fact that it could be the way it was designed to be, along with the fast paced time lapses, but I guess with a better executed story it could have worked, but not with this one. Again, great story and great beginning, just the ending with Celia and Marco was disappointing. Eliminating them or putting them as minor characters would have been a better choice for the story.
Also, did you feel bad for Isobel? I thought Marco was pretty selfish to not break it off with her before trying to get with Celia. I couldn't enjoy their romance so much because I kept thinking "Hello! What about Isobel?"

[Roxanna]

I would read a prequel following Alexander and have it end with him taking on Hector as a student. I think that would be fitting with the way this story is told as well. Both vague.
As for switching main characters, I have to agree. It would have had a different perspective if we were following either/both the twins. Although I don't see a sequel happening. I think (even if rushed) the story tied up obvious ends. (I have to agree about being stuck in a circus... Never moving on... Yeah, I don't think so) I think Poppet's power came off as "powerful" but Widgets came off more interesting and useful in it's way. How great would it be to just know things about objects or people? Well, okay, not completely great but cool. So they contrast with one another's powers. Poppet can see the future (essentially right?) and Widget can see the past. Black and White. And then they were born different days (which I think is awesome. imagine saying you have twin that was born a different day... The reaction it would get!)
Now that I think back on it, there wasn't a climax. If that was meant to be when they (in a round-a-bout way) found out that one would have to die then it didn't really make an impact. Even with their "death" I didn't really feel anything... it was almost dull and fell flat.
Oh jeez. Yes! I mean, this chick willingly traveled to unknown locations (by her anyway) with people she didn't know that well to help Marco. And what happens? He leaves her for the girl she was spying on for him! What the hell? Honestly though, when she was introduced, I knew they wouldn't last long. Just because I expected the forbidden aspect of the story romance to kick in with the main characters (who are competitors) fall for one another. Does it make me feel any less sorry for her? No. And yes! I cringed each time Marco and Celia were having a moment because I was thinking of Isobel. The lest he could have done was say, "hey we're done" not string her along. This "well I didn't tell her I love her" is bullshit. You can't just assume the other person will know that for something that wasn't said... She really loved him...

[Jenny]

I completely agree, a prequel with Alexander meeting and taking on Hector as a student would be very interesting. As you said, it was not really mentioned how they were introduced or what started the need to prove themselves to each other. I really did want to know more of what they thought about one another because they both saw flaws in their methods, but at the same time they must think highly of each other. Why else would they spend their time doing these competitions all the time?
I also have to agree with you on the fact that there is very little chance that there will be a sequel with the twins, but I can still hope!
Yeah, their death was not that dramatic. I guess, I am not a fan of the whole Romeo and Juliet type of thing to begin with. Well, unless its depicted properly that is, but yeah, I wanted to feel something when they made that sacrifice but just couldn't. Furthermore, it did not even feel like a sacrifice. I was already expecting what they were going to do because Celia kept mentioning Hector's situation, so it was a bit obvious. I guess something that is obviously hinted cannot be climactic.
As for Isobel, I actually preferred her with Marco. Even though she only saw his "perfect looks", while Celia saw him with his "true looks," I still felt like Isobel really cared about him. Celia just seemed to be fascinated by his abilities that were like hers, and as you said, she liked the whole forbidden thing. Isobel, though, liked Marco not because he was "stunning" or whatever, but because she connected with him. She might have been fascinated with his abilities at first, but then she didn't seem to be phased by it as much and was determined in doing everything she could to help him. Well at least that's what I think.

I guess to wrap up my opinions on this book, I will say that this was a creative book with an interesting world filled with some very interesting characters. Some things I loved and some things I didn't love, but overall it was a good book. The only reason I gave it such a low rating was because I expected more from the book. Putting that aside, however, I would still recommend the book, as I think that others would enjoy it, and probably not overthink or dissect it as much as I do.

[Roxanna]

I think it would be interesting. Aren't you curious about this person Alexander loved when he was "young and foolish"? (Not an exact quote but paraphrasing) Because I totally want to know what went down. Just from the interaction between Alexander and Hector is very engaging that you know there has to be a story behind that. Built on mutual respect and years of almost companionship.
Great I wasn't the only one who felt nothing! Since they were main characters I wanted to root for them. I was actually expecting them to find another way around it. All those spells, and power, do you think they could have managed a way out? Loopholes? (I am grasping at straws but it's an idea). As you said, we were given (not so subtle) hints on what Celia was looking into. if we are aware of this then there isn't much of a surprise. It was just bang, they died... but not really...
I think I felt more chemistry with Marco and Isobel then Marco and Celia.... Just because I felt Isobel sacrificed (in a way) more for him than Celia. I really can't tell you when Celia and Marco fell in love... just that they had a common ability that they shared that they were infatuated with...

I would totally recommend it for a day in which someone is in the mood to read and you don't know what to decide on. It is interesting, and beautiful. I'll admit it had the capacity to grow, but overall it was enjoyable.