Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Anchor Books
Format: Paperback
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Synopsis from Goodreads:
The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.
But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing. Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance.
Summary/Plot
Years later I have finally read this book and it was amazing!! An atmospheric story telling novel about two people, Celia and Marco, who have been placed in a competition due to their fathers. The Night Circus is told from when Celia and Marco are kids to adulthood. They are bound together and they will be a part of this competition till one of them is left standing. However, the rules aren’t that simple. And when Celia and Marco, the magicians, realize that every single move doesn’t only affect them but everyone and everything that’s involved within The Night Circus, things change. And in all of this Celia and Marco fall in love with one another which makes this competition all that much harder because it is not easy to escape The Night Circus. The Night Circus is like a chess board and Celia, Marco, and the rest of the team are the chess pieces.
“The most difficult thing to read is time.
Maybe because it changes so many things.”
The Night Circus isn’t your regular circus. No this one is full of enchanting tents like The Ice Garden, The Wishing Tree, Cloud Maze, and so many more. Each one built filled with magic, illusions, and manipulations. Each tent serves a purpose. Every single thing that happens within the circus has a reason and a purpose because in the end, it’s all part of game.
Writing
I loved the writing. The story is told in third person so we get to see a little of everything that’s going on. It’s a little slow paced but so worth it because of it’s poetic flowery way of writing. It’s avid descriptions of every single person, thing, circus, surroundings were vivid and wonderful. The writing completely sucked me in. I also loved how the author makes you think since she doesn’t entail everything. I love authors who do that, don’t give you everything in written detail but have a way of saying things that you still understand what’s truly being said.
Every single time I picked up this book, the author definitely sucked me into The Night Circus and I felt like I was there experiencing it all through every sentence that flowed through this book.
“I would have written you, myself, if I could put down in words everything I want to say to you. A sea of ink would not be enough. But you built me dreams instead.”
Characters:
We meet so many characters throughout this book and they are all important to the story because they play important roles within what’s taking place in the competition. Although Celia and Marco are the main characters of the story, we also get insight of other characters which in my opinion, makes me feel like The Night Circus in a whole is just the main character at this point lol.
Celia and Marco wouldn’t be the amazing Illusionist they are without their instructors. Celia’s instructor who so happens to be her father Prospero the Enchanter. He is a downright douchebag who always claimed he wanted the best for her. Through his character we see that Celia and Prospero don’t have the greatest relationship. I’ll go to say that he’s emotionally abusive to Celia, all for a win. We also meet Mr. A.H., Marco’s instructor, who is merely present in Marco’s adult life but still has a hold of the circus and knows what’s going on at all times!
There are a few characters that I absolutely loved though, the red haired twins Poppet and Widget. One born a minute before the circus opens and the other born during the grand opening. Poppet and Widget aren’t just any bit human, they have these magical abilities. Just like Celia and Marco, we also see Poppet and Widget grow into adolescence (sheds a tear). Poppet and Widget really stole my heart because of their sweet innocence. You can’t help but love them so much (my precious babies). Another character that grows with them but we don’t really see much of is Bailey. Bailey is not apart of the circus but his story was very heartwarming and added more to the summary and plot. Bailey’s story started off with a dare from his sister to take something from the circus in the middle of the day, meanwhile the circus only opened up at night.
Thoughts:
I still can’t believe how long it took me to read this book but I am so happy that I started off the new year with this dark circus read. It’s branded as a favorite of 2017 for sure. I took a long time reading it for good reason, I have a thing with faves…they take me forever to finish. I just didn’t want to let go of the circus. I know I said this but again, The Night Circus isn’t a regular circus. It’s full of magical elements that I have never seen or read in any other book. The Night Circus consumed me in amazing ways. We even get to meet these group of people in the book who follow the circus wherever it goes, and if this book was real, I’m sure I would be apart of that group.
I loved that we get to grow throughout the years with these characters and we see character development for sure. Everyone plays an important role and there were times that I was scared of what was going to happen. There is also a take on mental instability for some of the characters and I liked how the author handled that eloquently.
One of my favorite things about this book is how there isn’t instalove. Both Celia and Marco were around one another for years but didn’t really KNOW each other. I would ask myself “sooooo when are you two falling in love, hmm?” The author definitely took us on a ride with those two characters but it was so worth it.
I am hoping that maybe one day the author will write a book about Poppet and Widget, that would be my ultimate dream come true besides making a movie for this.
Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? Let’s chat in the comments!
Instagram: @chicnerdreads
Twitter: @ChicNerdReads
Goodreads: Gretchen (ChicNerdReads)
Great review! I adored this book and didn’t expect it
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Thanks love!! I didn’t expect for this book to be soooo amazing as it was as well!
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I love this book!! The writing is so pretty ❤
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I agree!!
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Over the moon happy to have you now join the bookworm fans of The Night Circus! honestly while you were reading it, I was getting major cravings to do a re-read lol. I’m def going to this year, look at the Fall for this one cuz it’s just too perfect for that Fall/Winter season. Poppy & Widget *sigh* I agree, I would also love it if they were given their own arc. I heard through the grapevine that Erin Morgenstern (hehe Shadowhunter name) is writing a new book…hope its a fact 😉
P.S. Wonderful review Grey!!!! ❤
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Yay!!!!! Thank you! And yes every time I see her last name I think of Shadowhunters lol. I’m excited for this new book in the works. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on that one.
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YESSSSSS! This Night Circus is one of my favorite books. I agree that the pacing is slow, but I love that. There is incredible dramatic build as the events unfold due to the slow pacing. I adore Poppet and Widget, too. I am also really intrigued by the whole concept of the Reveurs. Herr Thiessen’s storyline was the most mysterious to me he first time I read it. I kept questioning his purpose and ultimate goal. I was shocked when we finally got to the end. But closing the book… I finished the book, closed the cover, and just reveled in the experience. It was the most sated I have ever felt after reading a novel. The ending was perfection.
Great review, Gretchen! I am soooo glad you love this book.
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Omg yes!!! I thought Thiessen’s storyline was mysterious as well. And I liked his quotes in the beginning of some chapters. I thought it added a special element to his character.
Thank you!!!! This novel definitely had me in my feelings =)
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Oh! I forgot about his quotes. Man. I really need to re-read this book. Perhaps I’ll make a point to re-read some of my favorite books this year.
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This book is definitely the re-read kind of book ❤
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You can’r even image how happy I was when I saw this review! I read it one or two years ago and ever since I’m still looking for a book that would captivate me as much as this one! My memory is far from perfect so reliving the story while reading your review was like a gift! Thank you thank you for this amazing post!
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Aww thanks for reading and commenting!!! This book is very special indeed =)
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Thank YOU for bringing back memories!
P.S the last photo is so on point 👌🏻
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Thank you!!
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I’m glad you liked this book, I read it before it started blogging and it was not my cup of tea unfortunately. I seem to be in the minority so maybe I will pick it up again sometime and try again. 😀
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You know…I went through the same thing as you. I had first picked it up and got into a reading slump during summer 2016. Then I tried it again and MAGIC!!! I loved it. I think you just have to know when to pick it up. But again, not all books are for everyone
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Thanks for the tip maybe I will try it again…
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awesome!!
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This book is so beautiful! I love it so much. I just want to live inside of it, where magic and dreams become a gorgeously rendered reality. This book makes me happy.
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I love how you worded this because yes I want to live there too! This book makes me happy as well. Eek!
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This is another book that I’ve been eyeing for YEARS. For some reason it makes me very nervous though, and I can’t put my finger on it. I’m afraid to read it.
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Lol it’s okay! It happened to me as well. I do hope that one day you’ll read it =)
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Me too. 🙂
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Love your review and I love this book too! Although I know some people didn’t love the ending. Personally I think the whole book was amazing haha! 🙂
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Thank you for reading and commenting!! I loved everything about this book! No complaints at all =)
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I was so excited to see this pop up in my feed ❤ Then I was nervous haha. I was like, "what if she didn't enjoy it like I did?". It is amazing! Then I read your stellar review ❤ Absolutely perfect. You managed to this book, that I find so hard to put in words such gorgeous justice ❤
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Aww thanks love!!! This book was a wonderful experience that I hope to relive one day again in the future. Because I definitely want to reread this one. I’m so happy that you loved it as well. It’s great!
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It is on my list as a possible reread this year. Time will tell, but it has been too long for me 😉
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sweeeeeeeet!!!!
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❤
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Great Review! I’ve recently bought this book and now I’m pretty much excited to read it! 😀
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YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you love it!
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I hope so too! 😀
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I’ve literally heard nothing but amazing things about this book, including your review! I’m in two minds about this book though because I did start to read it a few years ago and couldn’t get into it, but I don’t think I gave it a long enough chance to be honest. All these amazing reviews are really making me rethink it. I’ll have to give it another try. Thank you for the great review.
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My first try of this book was a no-go! I got into a reading slump but then the second time around, I was sucked in! I say go for it and give it another try. You never know =)
Thanks for stopping by and commenting !!
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Loved the review! This book has been on my TBR for ages. Will have to read it ASAP!!
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Yes you have to!!! and thank you ❤
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You’re welcome!
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Great review for this book Gretchen. The Night Circus is one of my all-time favourite books and one I re-read over and over again (although one I still need to review on my own blog now I think about it.)
There was so much happening in this book, in terms of the time it spanned and all the characters introduced but I thought it was so wonderfully written that even thought it was slow at the beginning I was hooked from the first page.
Oh I would love to see another book set in this world, and love to see more of Poppy and Widget, or even any of the characters we were introduced to. 🙂
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Oooooo I would love to see a review for this one your blog if you write one =)
I would love to see Tsukiko (i hope I spelled her name right) in maybe her own book with her own game. I know the author tells us what happens but even her own POV from her game to Celia and Marcos game would be pretty cool.
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I really want to re-read it soon, your review and reading Caraval has made me want to pick it up again ASAP.
Ohh that would be amazing (I’m not sure if you spelt her name right but I know what character you’re talking about). Either way it would be great to see more of the magical battles that happened before, maybe some with no so happy endings as well.
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Yes!!!! I agree
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What is wrong with me?!?!? WHY haven’t I read this?!?! I make a vow to you right now, I will read this book by April! No excuses!!!! Fantastic review Gretchen! You’ve really made me want to drop everything and pick this one up ASAP.
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Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot wait to see what you think. I really hope you love it ❤
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YAAAAAY!! I’m SO happy you loved this book. It’s certainly one of my favorite books of all time right 😀 I love the way the story is constructed across a wide ranging timeline. Also, the characters are so enchanting and mysterious and the book’s atmosphere is just brimming with magic. Lovely review, Gretchen! ❤
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thank you so much!! I loved this book and it is one that will stay with me forever. just like you, i love the wide ranging timeline. it gives the book a special touch.
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Brilliant review! I absolutely ADORED this book, I’m so glad you liked it because I know not everyone loved it as much as I did 🙂
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Thank you so much!! This book was amazinggggggg
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[…] I recently finished The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. One of my favorite reads of 2017. This book was magical and beautiful. The world was fascinating and wonderful. I also love that it’s a standalone! I have a full non spoiler review for this book here. […]
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Great review! I absolutely loved this book, although it was very slow paced, in my opinion. It was such an entrancing read, and I hope to reread it this year. Glad to hear you enjoyed it too!
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Thanks so much! It’s definitely worth the reread!
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I can’t wait to read this, and for my birthday I asked for the vintage edition from Book Depository! I am so excited about that!
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Awesome!
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[…] This circus is everything I would love to visit and more! I have a full non spoiler book review here. I would love to reread this one day in the future and may be even see it as a movie adaptation. […]
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[…] The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Romance Thoughts: One of my all time favorite books and my heart will be forever changed by the characters and the circus. I will need to revisit this world sometime in the future again. Review here. […]
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[…] The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. This was such an easy answer because it’s really stuck with me. It’s actually one of the very first books I read in the beginning of the year. I have a full non-spoiler rave review here. […]
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Great review! I read this book in January but now I’m getting a little emotional again ! I’d love to read a book about the twins! The writing was so flowery and beautiful like you said and the Circus is AWESOME! They were awesome and I loved how they worked with cute little kittens for their circus acts! The only thing that did confuse me was the competition that took place between Celia and Marco.
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omg yes! I loved the kittens and how they took care of the animals. This book is just everything! I can definitely see how the competition can be a little confusing but I really think it all had to do with their tutors being in competition and using them as pawns.
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Yeah probably! I hope to read more of Erin’s work soon!
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