njoky's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ec211's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
megrob's review against another edition
3.0
Delightful world building and story telling. To me it was reminiscent of both V.E. Scwab and J.K. Rowling in feel.
jbmarie's review against another edition
2.0
Lots of lovely descriptions... really boring plot. Couldn't even get through it all.
fantasybeforereality's review against another edition
5.0
Black-and-white stripe tents appear out of nowhere. When you approach the gates you are met with a sign that says 'Le Cirque des Rêves.' The events do not occur until dusk has begun to fall and then you may enter. Each tent hosts a performer so otherworldly and unique that it could take days or weeks to explore them all. Behind the magical aura, a fierce competition that has been 20 years in the making takes place between two unknown contestants. Only one contestant can be left standing and the circus is the stage for the imaginative and creative dual between illusionists. Despite the stakes, Celia and Marco fall into a deep and magical love that with the slightest brush of a hand can make the lights flicker and the room glow. Love or not, the game must continue for the fate of the circus, their friends, and themselves are at stake.
Have you ever read a book that you feel was made for you? This is that book for me. There isn't too much plot here but the imagery, atmosphere, and prose combine to create a beautiful silhouette for the circus of my dreams. The cast of characters is vast and easily the highlight of the novel. Honestly, I cannot begin to describe how breathtaking and romantic this book is. The setting is lush within the circus with tents full of magic, gardens of ice, acrobats, talented kittens, and a tree to make wishes upon that only appears when you need it most. I don't believe this type of book will be for everyone but for me, this book quickly became one of my all-time favorites. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves atmospheric writing, whimsical settings, and romantic plots. This is magical realism at its finest.
Have you ever read a book that you feel was made for you? This is that book for me. There isn't too much plot here but the imagery, atmosphere, and prose combine to create a beautiful silhouette for the circus of my dreams. The cast of characters is vast and easily the highlight of the novel. Honestly, I cannot begin to describe how breathtaking and romantic this book is. The setting is lush within the circus with tents full of magic, gardens of ice, acrobats, talented kittens, and a tree to make wishes upon that only appears when you need it most. I don't believe this type of book will be for everyone but for me, this book quickly became one of my all-time favorites. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves atmospheric writing, whimsical settings, and romantic plots. This is magical realism at its finest.
lostlenore's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully written. The characters are lovely and the world Morgenstern has built is simply incredible. The atmosphere she built and the magic she put into the prose held my attention from very early on.
However, the point of this book was the romance and it was the least engaging thing about it. The ending fell flat for me, as well.
However, the point of this book was the romance and it was the least engaging thing about it. The ending fell flat for me, as well.
lulujaym's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books I have read in a long time! Fanciful, mysterious, vivid and romantic. A page turner from the very beginning.
earthtoriah's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
wormtheerm's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25