The Night Circus

by Erin Morgenstern
The Night Circus cover
Good Books rating 3.3
Fantasy
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £18.99
Bookshop
Format • £9.49
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1081
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781446468265
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2011-09-15
  • Formats: 76
  • Reviews: 4

The Night Circus transports readers to a mesmerizing world where a mysterious circus, Le Cirque des Rêves, appears without warning and captivates all who enter. The circus is a marvel of black-and-white striped tents and breathtaking performances, but it harbors a dark secret: a fierce competition between two magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood for a duel that could have deadly consequences. As the circus becomes a battleground for their magical prowess, the lives of everyone involved hang in the balance. The novel is praised for its imaginative storytelling and has become a million-copy bestseller, captivating readers with its enchanting and spellbinding narrative. /n/nThe circus is not just a setting but a character itself, filled with acrobats, fortune-tellers, and contortionists who add to its magical allure. The author, Erin Morgenstern, has crafted a world that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, making it a standout in the realm of contemporary fantasy literature. The Night Circus has been described as a breathtaking feat of imagination, leaving readers in awe of its intricate plot and vivid descriptions.

Reviews
Reddit - r/books · 2025-10-04
boring 1.00

The book is found to be boring with unlikable main characters and a lack of plot. The reviewer criticizes the book for its lack of substance.

The reviewer finds the book to be quite boring, with main characters that are not particularly likable. They criticize the lack of a coherent plot, describing it as pages and pages of filler without substance. The reviewer's overall impression is one of disappointment, feeling that the book did not live up to their expectations. The criticism is focused on the book's inability to engage or hold the reader's interest.

Quick quotes

    It was really, really boring and neither of the main characters were particularly likable.

    There was essentially no plot, just pages and pages of nothing.

    Disappointing and lacked substance.

Goodreads · 2025-10-04
enchanting 4.50

The book is praised for its rich, seductive prose that is a feast for the senses and the heart. It is described as a spell-casting novel with a magical atmosphere.

The reviewer is enchanted by the book's rich and seductive prose, which they describe as a feast for the senses and the heart. The magical atmosphere and the way the story unfolds are particularly praised, making it a captivating read. The reviewer finds the book to be a spell-casting novel that leaves a lasting impression. The overall tone is one of admiration for the book's ability to create a mesmerizing and immersive experience.

Quick quotes

    Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.

    A magical atmosphere that captivates from the very beginning.

    A spell-casting novel that leaves a lasting impression.

Reddit - Recommended Books · 2023-03-16
enchanting 4.20

The book is a visual and emotional feast, but the ending feels rushed. The magical elements are brilliantly executed.

This Reddit user was blown away by the visual and emotional richness of the book. They praised the magical elements, calling them 'brilliantly executed' and noted how the author's descriptive prowess brought the circus to life. However, they felt that the ending was rushed and could have been more satisfying. Despite this, they found the book to be a memorable and enchanting read that they would recommend to others.

Quick quotes

    The book is a visual and emotional feast, with every page bursting with magic and wonder.

    The magical elements are brilliantly executed, making the circus feel like a living, breathing entity.

    The ending feels rushed, leaving some loose ends that could have been tied up better.

Reddit - Books · BookLover42 · 2023-03-16
enchanting 3.50

The book's magical world is enchanting, but the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying.

BookLover42 was captivated by the magical world of the book. He loved the way the author created a sense of wonder and mystery that kept him turning the pages. However, he felt that the ending was rushed and unsatisfying, leaving him with more questions than answers. He also thought that some of the characters could have been developed further, as they felt a bit one-dimensional at times. Despite these issues, he still enjoyed the book and thought it was a unique and imaginative read.

Quick quotes

    The magical world is enchanting and full of wonder.

    The ending felt rushed and unsatisfying.

    Some of the characters could have been developed further.

Appears in Lists