Reviews with content warning for Suicidal thoughts - The Night Circus

Wow was this book crazy. This book definatley fit the storybook vibe, and it made me feel like I was reading the story of Celia and Marco's lives. I really enjoyed this book and the characters; however I did find a few issues.

Number 1: THIS BOOK WAS SO SLOW!! When I tell you there are parts of the summary that don't even become a part of the story until the second half of the book, you know it's slow. Some people could probably get past the pacing, but ocassionally having a semi-interesting bit of info every 30 pages or so doesn't cut it for me.

Number 2: I wish we learned more of some of the side characters' stories. I was left wanting to know more about Isobel and Tsukiko and their lives outside of the circus. I understand that the author wanted to focus on Celia and Marco more because of a desired effect (not knowing everyone's story and life outside of your experiences with them), but come on! I want more Kiko!

Number 3: I did not enjoy the subtle time jumps that happened almost every chapter. It made it hard for me to get very into the story becuase the time line was all over the place. i.e. going from like 1886 to 1902 in the most causual manner and then in the next chapter going back to like 1889.

Overall I think this would be a book that is better to be an assigned reading at school rather than on your own because there is a lot of symbolism and it involved quite a bit of Googling for me because I don't know tarot meanings or things of that nature.

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hmbrokaw's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

“You are simply in the right place at the right time, and you are willing to help. Sometimes that is all you need.”

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ceruleanshelves's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

“The circus arrives without warning.”

if you thought caraval was trippy, give this a whirl 🖤

slow-paced, but vivid and fantastical. i admittedly felt a bit bogged down sometimes with the time jump POV changes and would have liked a little more of the romance, but overall erin morgenstern delivers a vividly crafted tale of magic, time, and mystery. she cuts no corners on her lush scenery and revelry, the imagery so vibrant and detailed you can almost taste the caramel popcorn.

“When all of this is over, no matter which one of us wins, I will not let you go so easily. Agreed?”
“Agreed.”

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kathrynok's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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vireogirl's review against another edition

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challenging inspiring mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

A magical, mystical world. I suspect it would make more sense on the second read.

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danajoy's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

This book is all atmosphere. It paints a beautiful, magical world in black, white and splendour.

I just didn't completely buy everything. There was something slightly lacking for me with the characters. The main romance was instalove which I dont really care for and didn't buy into.

I found Marco more unsettling and sinister than I believe I was meant to. I always liked Celia more and when she doubted him frankly, I did too.
Sidenote though I did really like Bailey and Poppet, they were very sweet together.

It was a bit hard to follow the time jumps while consuming soley as an audiobook. I cared about the characters but not all that much.

I think this is a book to read for the vibes. The circus itself sounds really fascinating and I do believe it would adapt beautifully to the screen if they have the right team.

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adarose's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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xosirenox's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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