by Erin Morgenstern
I really don’t know what I expected from The Night Circus. Everyone seemed to love it and was obsessed with it, so I guess I expected a book that would grip me, either from the beginning or once I got into it, and make me not want to put it down.
It did not.
That being said, it didn’t make me want to stop reading it, either.
Honestly, my first impression of it was that it was a more “old fashion” [think Charles Dickens, but less wordy] style than a modern one. But that doesn’t mean it’s bad. And, even if you didn’t like Charles Dickens, that doesn’t mean you’ll dislike this book. It’s just the closest I can get to describing the writing style.
Personally, I didn’t feel so much submerged in the story [even though parts of the book are written in the first person of the reader – which I thought was an interesting touch] as I did an observer [an audience for a performance, if you will] where I’m only being told as much information as necessary, but not nearly everything. Even the main characters are being withheld from all of the information.
And it all makes for a unique experience!
Before I continue – I don’t always remember to add my “I recommend it” or “I don’t recommend it” note before the spoiler note, so: if you’re open to a more old fashion writing style with a very unique magic system that’s never truly explained but doesn’t really take away from the story, then give this book a try.
It’s also a book I think I’m going to want to reread in the future to try to appreciate it better because I know what to expect. I think it’s a book that I’ll catch more things and more things will make sense the second time around. If I do, I don’t know if I’ll write a review or post on it or not.
On-wards to the more book content related review!
[Gentle reminder that this review is spoiler review up until the spoiler alert. Then only read on if you’ve read the book or you don’t mind spoilers!]
The book definitely opens on an intriguing situation. Next level magicians, a little bit of first person perspective from the view of the reader [or so it’s implied], and a circus that only runs at night. I mean, c’mon, how interesting!
Celia, while a tad obnoxious, is a really fun character. As much as I occasionally got annoyed with her, that only made her more real, in my opinion. And her using her father’s mistakes to try to improve on them herself to save what she loves [hint, she loves multiple things, people – as in multiple – and not-people included] was so great to read.
Marco . . . I found a touch more obnoxious. He was a little too . . . he craved flashy and showing off and dramatics. That’s a tad annoying for me, though I completely understand, with his history, why he’s like that. His character development, though, was pleasant to watch unfold.
It’s also a crazily complex story and plot. A good number of people [not Wheel of Time level, but still a good number!], so many moving parts, so much withheld information – it’s very surprising! It’s less twists as it is information reveals, if that makes any sense. At least, that’s how it felt to me.
**SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT. DON’T READ FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT SPOILERS. SERIOUSLY. DON’T KEEP READING IF YOU DON’T SPOILERS. YOU’LL BE SO UPSET WITH YOURSELF.**
I’m a little disappointed that the most obvious love story possible was here, but it’s still a unique and special love story, so it’s forgivable.
I love all the characters and their complexities and their impact on the plot and main characters and the circus! I’m not a big circus person, but I’d love to go to this one! And not just because actual magic is at work, but because it’s so unique. I think it’s because it’s a combination of an adventure and talented performers – and, of course, the whole at-night thing is appealing.
Celia’s father is a right pain, and Marco’s teacher is too full of himself for my taste.
The extra-slow-aging thing is an interesting twist. While it was interesting, it could have been removed and nothing much else would have changed.
Also, Isobel is . . . selfish. And immature. Like, I get that watching the guy you like choose someone else, even after you did so much for him is painful it’s on you, not on him. Throwing a tantrum, especially when you don’t know the consequences for your actions, is extremely immature and selfish. You offered to do what you did without him promising you anything. He never even told you he had feelings for you!
I need to stop or I’ll rant forever. Isobel is tied with Marco’s teacher for being my least favorite character.
Alright, beyond that – the magic in this book was so unique! I loved the way Celia’s magic differed from Marco’s. I would love to learn what made the other kids not get chosen that Marco did “right” that got him chosen.
Celia’s and Marco’s love story: I don’t know what to make of their ending. Are they in limbo? Are they dead? Are they alive, but on a different plane? Are they happy? Watching their romance bud was interesting. I still don’t know how I feel about it as a whole, though. I don’t know if they’re the couple I care the least about [as in, I wouldn’t have been terribly sad if they didn’t get to be together], but they’re far from my favorite.
That being said, I’ve been told The Starless Sea is a prequel of sorts, so maybe that will touch on the magic system a tad more because I have questions. I’m aiming to read that one soon, though I don’t know exactly when!
I’ll be reviewing The Illuminae Files next!
The Fox Den 