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theaceofpages's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I'd definitely forgotten a lot of what happened! While it wasn't quite the same as reading it for the first time, it was still such a great experience. The writing is just as beautiful as I remember it being. I loved the mysterious tranquillity of the circus. And the clock! I love the clock. Being able to explore some of what it contains was definitely my favourite part of this book! I will say that, like last time, I found keeping track of all the characters was a little confusing, although it was better this time around. (also, a side note here. The original adults are terrible! I had forgotten or maybe didn't even realise the first time just how bad they are...
I'd love to be able to see some of Bailey's circus to see how it has changed because while it was definitely a dark place for a while, the people who worked there still managed to make it something beautiful. He's definitely one of my favourite characters in this. I can only imagine what it could become when someone who loved the circus for its magic rather than seeing it as a competition field took over and became its caretaker and owner. The ending... That last part was so beautiful. (Now all I have to do is find this mysterious circus...)
I know this book is recommended a lot and I love it, but I can understand why others struggle with it. Be aware that this is a meandering walk through space and time (although in a magic way rather than a scifi one!) full of descriptive writing for most of it. You might enjoy this less if you need a lot of action to keep you engaged. There is action, but it takes quite some time to get there. But if you are the kind of reader who enjoys the journey to the climax, this might be the book for you!
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism, Grief, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Suicide, Blood, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
thehobbitbarbie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It's almost impossible not to wax a little poetic about it because this is a highly poetic book, which is wild considering it's at least partially, basically about Disney adults. All that to say, it was a five-star read for me, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for what I can only describe as a luscious read.
Minor: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Grief, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
daisyfont's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was the book I read before going to bed. Erin's description of the (probably gigantic) circus is beautiful, but I didn't feel very much for the characters. I didn't really care about the development of the story, the characters or the ending.
I also have her other book, The Starless Sea, on my book shelf. But it will remain there for a while, I think.
Graphic: Death and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Alcoholism and Grief
Minor: Murder and Pregnancy
chronicacademia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Suicide, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
adarose's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Classism
kcmg710's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Grief, and Alcohol
aas's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Suicide, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Alcohol
sadiaa's review against another edition
4.0
I prefer the starless sea to this book
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Dementia, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
innerweststreetlibrarian's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Death, Suicide, and Murder
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Grief
jobaji's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, and Grief
Minor: Sexual content