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A review by xlivingthroughpagesx
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Book Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5/5)
Thank you Bree for the suggestion as one of my 12 months, 12 books challenge!
The Night Circus is pure enchantment—an atmospheric, dreamlike novel that sweeps you into the mysterious Le Cirque des Rêves, a black-and-white wonderland of magic, illusion, and romance. At its heart is a high-stakes duel between two magicians, Celia and Marco, who unwittingly fall in love, complicating the already intricate game their masters have set in motion.
Erin Morgenstern’s writing is gorgeous—lush, poetic, and dripping with vivid imagery. The circus itself is the real star, with each tent offering something more breathtaking than the last. It’s a book that feels magical.
That said, the shifting timelines and multiple POVs (I counted 11, I think?) can be confusing, making it tough to fully connect with the characters. While the romance is intriguing, it feels a little distant, and I often found myself lost in the structure rather than the story. It’s definitely a book that benefits from a reread to fully appreciate its depth.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely—if you love immersive, lyrical storytelling and don’t mind a plot that’s more about vibes than a tight narrative. Just be prepared to get a little lost in the magic!
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5/5)
Thank you Bree for the suggestion as one of my 12 months, 12 books challenge!
The Night Circus is pure enchantment—an atmospheric, dreamlike novel that sweeps you into the mysterious Le Cirque des Rêves, a black-and-white wonderland of magic, illusion, and romance. At its heart is a high-stakes duel between two magicians, Celia and Marco, who unwittingly fall in love, complicating the already intricate game their masters have set in motion.
Erin Morgenstern’s writing is gorgeous—lush, poetic, and dripping with vivid imagery. The circus itself is the real star, with each tent offering something more breathtaking than the last. It’s a book that feels magical.
That said, the shifting timelines and multiple POVs (I counted 11, I think?) can be confusing, making it tough to fully connect with the characters. While the romance is intriguing, it feels a little distant, and I often found myself lost in the structure rather than the story. It’s definitely a book that benefits from a reread to fully appreciate its depth.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely—if you love immersive, lyrical storytelling and don’t mind a plot that’s more about vibes than a tight narrative. Just be prepared to get a little lost in the magic!