The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 beautiful stars for a breathtaking journey into a world of magic and top hats.
“Like stepping into a fairy tale under a curtain of stars.”
The Night Circus was the book that made me realize fantasy was the genre for me. It was the first book I read that made me realize how much I missed reading since I was a child. It will always hold a very special place in my heart.
That being said… I want to be honest about what to expect if you’re considering reading this book. I think the description can be a bit deceiving. While the story is breathtakingly beautiful, it is quite slow moving. It is rich in detail and every chapter feels like a work of art. The description makes it feel like this will be a fast paced and intense duel-to-the-death plot… but please be warned that this is not the case. The duel between the two magicians is very abstract and spans the course of several years. This story is meant to be savored, preferably with a serving of chocolate.
I still can’t help but adore this book to pieces. It is told from multiple POVs and even different times. You’ll be following your POV (yes… you are a character in this book and no, I’m not joking and it is super cool..) alongside of the past and the future. Don’t let it scare you- I don’t think its too confusing.. and everything is building up towards the end.
I can’t rave enough about the characters. Celia and Marco (the two magicians who inevitably fall in love) have such an interesting dynamic. Their chemistry and curiosity for each other is off the charts. I enjoyed every scene with them together (and oh my word.. the scene where Celia leaves her shaw… helloooo goosebumps.)
“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.”
Don’t underestimate the side characters either. Widget and Poppet are the most adorbs characters ever. Their story (along with Bailey’s) is really neat as it plays out. Not to mention- they are hysterical!
And the world? Completely stunning and artistic – with a dash of steampunk awesomeness.
All in all, I highly recommend this to anyone with a love for magicians, mystery, romance, historical fiction, and timepieces. I should also note that I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Jim Dale (the same narrator from Harry Potter) – and I HIGHLY recommend it.
This really was so beautifully written!!!
It is going to be a movie too!! (Which I imagine will speed up the pace a LOT and make it really fun!)