The Night Circus

By Erin Morgenstern

Book Overview

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - Two starcrossed magicians engage in a deadly game of cunning in the spellbinding novel that captured the world's imagination. - "Part love story, part fable ... defies both genres and expectations." --The Boston Globe

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 R ves, 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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0307744434
• ISBN13: 9780307744432
• Release Date: July 2012
• Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
• Length: 528 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Too ugly to keep ready . . . for now. Maybe later.

See above.

Descriptive and captivating at times.

I wasn’t sure of this book, I kept reading it thinking it would get more interesting. It wasn’t for me. I did love how descriptive the book was and at times I felt I was at the circus because how perfectly worded it was but that’s about it for me.

I enjoyed it.

I liked it was a new story line of something I’ve never seen or read before so that was enjoyable .

I didn’t hate or love it.

This book was just meh for me. The love story was almost unnecessary. There’s so many characters and perspectives I got confused trying to keep track of who’s who.

Incredible story telling, I was hooked.

Incredible story, the timeline can be super confusing though. It follows 2 main characters and quite a few side characters that I loved. If you like books with magic, a bit of love, and detailed locations this is for you. It's like harry potter, meets cirque de freak, meets hunger games.

Enjoyable

This one appealed to me after reading the description and people raving about it on booktok. I bought it then looked at some of the reviews online for it. Many people said that there isn’t a plot to the story and that it’s insta-love. I was a little hesitant but I wanted to give it a shot since I had already bought it. The plot is nuanced and much larger than just a competition of two magicians. For those who like plot driven stories, this book may not be for you. The focus is on the characters and setting more so than the plot. I also don’t agree that it’s insta-love. The story takes place over many years allowing for feelings to grow even from a distance. Without getting into spoilers, I will just say it’s not what I would call insta-love. I’ve seen insta-love in other stories. I actually appreciate the way the love story plays out here. Hands down, my FAVORITE part of the story are the beautiful descriptions of the circus. From the black and white theme to the wonder of the tents, I was swept away in those moments reading each detail. The one thing I didn’t love was the emphasis placed on tarot readings throughout the book. I personally didn't feel it was necessary for it to be such a large focus of the story. If that is something that doesn’t jive with you, this book may not be for you. All that said, I think this is one I will definitely revisit (once my tbr list gets a little shorter)

I love this book

This book his a whole vibe and one I never wanted to leave. Wholesome and fantastical, amazing.

Not my cup of tea

I've heard only good things so I was a bit let down. It's not a bad book, but I mainly finished it just so I could understand what was going on. This is the kind of story that doesn't really focus on the characters as much as it does the mystery and intrigue of the narrative. In addition, the narrative jumps through time rapidly, focusing on events rather than delving into who the Characters are and what they go through. We hardly get anything about them and I felt like I hardly knew them by the end which made it really hard for me to feel truly invested throughout.

Book Club

Read for my book club and absolutely loved it. Wonderfully written and really allows your imagination to run.

Beautiful Imagery That Becomes A Solace For Unusual Souls

Gorgeous book and vivacious world, even in black and white. I myself adore the circus and the darkness that encompasses it brings me peace and yearning for adventure outside the bounds of modernity. The romance was a bit stiff and underwhelming, but regardless, it was a good read.

great condition

the condition was great and the book is fantastic

Amazing

I've read this book several times. I absolutely love it. This is the book thatbif I could read it again for the first time I would be all.over it!

A dreamy novel of absolute beauty

It's a beautiful novel both in prose and world building. I couldn't put it down. Trust me, it will make a reveur out of you, too ✨

Incredible imagery and love the plot line!

I loved the suspenseful nature and amazing detail in the writing! Usually I'm a Hist Fic type of gal so I love that it's set in the late 1800s. Beautifully balanced book, highly recommend!

The Night Circus,Enchanting fun

I’ve particularly adore the way that Erin Morgenstern Structures her stories,she leaves this air of mystery to her narratives and she treats the reader like they are experiencing the events of the stories first hand,with her detailed imagery. The Night Circus has very fun and compelling characters and a pretty interesting narrative.The subject of the romance in particular does something that I’ve never really seen before,It left me curious as to what will happen next. Overall The Night Circus is a very well thought out immersive reading experience I throughly enjoyed the the world Morgenstern created and Its great.

Literally my favorite book

Amazing writing that creates a whole new world. Impossible to put down and really wish it was a series.

One of my favorites

The Night Circus is one of the best books I've ever read. I am not usually into fantasy books but the magic and details in this book put me right into Circus de Rives, walking around, eating the food, taking in the tents of wonder. Loved this book.

Absolutely amazing

I don't even know how to describe this book other than "fantastical". It's an incredible story from different perspectives and the writing is just spectacular. This is definitly a book not easily forgotten.

Got what I wanted

So I order this on 2/2/21 and I got it on 2/5/21 so I'm pretty happy that it didn't take so long since I've wanted this book for a while but it was too much money anywhere else. When it arrived, it looked pretty good, with no folds or dents so I would say that I'm satisfied with my order. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to read about two young magicians that fall for each other who weren't supposed to and it makes everything in their lives complicated.

My new favorite star-crossed lovers!

I was starting to give up on many romantic titles until a friend recommended this book. She already knew I was a hopeless romantic albeit dissatisfied with a lot of "popular romances" and convinced me to read this one. The main love story made me sigh more than once and the supporting cast of characters was spectacular on its own. I already regret it reading it all in a single afternoon.

The Best Fantasy Novel I've Ever Read!

Erin Morgenstern does an amazing job of making the impossible, vivid and tangible. From the tastes, sights, and smells, to the unique relationships and glances exchanged. Definitely worth the read!

One of my favorites!

Couldn't put it down, read in 2 days. Love, love, love this book.

Takes a while to get into it

I thought the book was ok because it had potential for a good story line and an interesting magical world, but a lot was left unexplained and it took a while to get into any of the action. I found myself skipping around a lot and the romance aspect was not fleshed out properly. Kinda like a worse version of AHS Freak Show without the interesting parts, it was a bit dry. Overall, a light read and not worth purchasing.

Very well written

A beautifully written quick book. Fun to read; I became completely absorbed in the imagery.

I liked it

I love the story...

Absolutely amazing!

I read this book so fast! I loved every second of it. My only complaint is that it isn't longer.

Loved!

I loved this book and it is one I will never forget. A very different, intriguing story and it is one of those books you will likely never forget after you've read it. Very, very good!

awesome

I had a marvelous time reading this book! I cannot recommend it enough

Couldn’t put the night circus down

I wish there were more books such as this! Such magic and surprise. Will Erin Morgenstern please write another novel. This book make me happy when I was sad! Filled with such imagination!! Cannot say enough. A must read!

The Blue Moon of novels

There is nothing like this book, it is magical, whimsical, passionate, spontaneous, beautiful and time-stopping. I first found this book a few years ago at my local bookstore and decided to give it a go based on the beauty of the cover art. After the first page I was hooked. I cried and laughed and held my breath and wished the story was real. I got lost in the descriptions and colors and sheer mystery of it. When i turned the final page, I went back to page one and started it again because I couldn't imagine just walking away from this incredible world that Erin Morgenstern has gifted us with. This book is a must read.

Never put it down

I began reading this on a Thursday while with my brother at a weekend festival. Once I started my brother would beg me to take a break cause I kept reading it while walking through the festival. I finished the entire thing in 3 days and nearly cried when it was over. There's a reason it's on almost everyone's "must read" lists.

Amazing book

I've read this book more then a few times and it's just as magical every time. Definitely worth the read, it blends fiction and reality together is such a magical way.