Good or bad. What did you think??

[Karlus]

/random contribution from an almost-outsider/
I enjoyed the book, and agree with many of the thoughts here, whether pro or con. "Lazy plot"? Yes, but there was, a plot, even though I know others who have argued vociferously with me that there was none. Setting? Yes, and very descriptive, even if others I have known are left cold by it -- an illustrative question being: "But what is the purpose of that clock?" To my mind, no purpose necessarily, except to contribute to the glitter of the circus background. But, again, the counter-complaint "But it has no purpose!" And so on. The clock appeals to some, not to others.
But I have since seen that clock! Maybe not as grandiose, but nevertheless a self-deconstructing and reconstructing clock like I have never seen before. Simply amazing to see it work, and to read about in the novel, and finally way good enough for me.
I made it to the end of the book, enjoyed it, and didn't put it aside onto my abandoned pile, despite its being a little difficult to follow..
/two cents worth :) /

[CoffeeSiren]

I bought this book for 2 reasons, it's cover caught my attention (I really do read all kinds of things but let's face it a cover is the first manipulator in a story)and it was on sale. I am rarely disappointed with a book to be honest, I love this story, it offers the unknown with wimpy and mystery and magical adornment. I love the story of the characters and the path they walk. I went to tell my dear friend about the book and she had already read it! I read somewhere in a dark corner this was being considered for a movie???? I would love to see more from this Author.The Night Circus

[Jeanne]

I really loved this book! It pulled me in and I did not want the adventure to end.

[Alex]

I love the opening--so atmospheric. It's my favorite fiction opening of all time. I'm not prone to exaggerations, but I can't think of another opening that has impressed me as much. Nothing comes close, really. Morgenstern not only has superb imagination but also the verbal gift to express it.

[Sparrowlicious]

I think it was okay. Since I'm not into romance books it's really hard for me to say. There were parts that felt extremely long and that was a bit annoying. /:
You could tell that this was a Nanowrimo novel though. I'm also someone who participated at Nanowrimo quite a few times now (every year since 2008) so I know what a Nanowrimo novel 'feels' like - if you can even say it like that. At least the ones that were pantsed at least a little - since the author actually once said the night circus was her 'ninjas' (if you're stuck, throw in ninjas (something unexpected) is a common suggestion for people who get stuck during Nanowrimo), I guess the novel wasn't entirely planned out. Maybe some more editing could've gotten rid of the slow parts.
Nothing negative about any of that though.

The only slightly negative thing I got to say is that Friedrick' name was horrible for me to read. I know native English speakers have a huge problem with the 'ch' sound - but it's not a 'ck'. I constantly read the name like 'Fredrick' because my brain tried to work around the uncommon sound at the end of his name. Yes, I'm a German native speaker.

[Kelly]

Meh. Not the best on audio, I'll say that. My opinion might change if I read it in another format.

[Dawn]

I enjoyed this book overall-- the story itself was unique and fantastical, which always engages me, and the writing was very beautiful in general. However, I have always loved the Romantic genre and fantasy in general. I would say that, if you are reader who has trouble with fantasy or romantic elements that involve instances of the supernatural or events that move beyond reality, you may not find the novel credible or enjoyable. Many of the characters compelled me, even though I did not find the characterization to be one of the strengths of the book.