The Night Circus

by Erin Morgenstern
The Night Circus cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Fantasy
Technical:
  • ID: 1081
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9781846555244
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2011-01-01
  • Formats: 65
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £18.99
Bookshop
Format • £9.49

In 1886, the Cirque des Rêves, a mysterious traveling circus that appears only at night, captivates audiences with its black-and-white wonderland. The circus is no ordinary spectacle; it features tents filled with clouds and ice, and its patrons, known as rêveurs, are utterly enchanted. Behind the scenes, a high-stakes competition unfolds between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who are bound by a magical duel that tests the limits of their imagination and love. The novel is a feast for the senses, blending fantasy and reality in a fin-de-siècle setting that will dazzle readers of all ages./n/nThe Night Circus is a magical and atmospheric tale that weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and historical fiction. The circus itself is a character, filled with wonder and mystery, while the love story between Celia and Marco adds depth and emotional resonance. The novel's unique setting and intricate plot make it a standout in contemporary fiction, offering a rich and immersive reading experience.

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.

Goodreads · Sarah Johnson · 2023-03-15
enchanting 4.20

The lush descriptions and magical atmosphere make this book a captivating read, but the pacing can feel uneven at times. The characters are deeply engaging, though some plot twists may feel predictable.

The reviewer was enchanted by the vivid and immersive world-building in this novel, praising the author's ability to create a magical and dreamlike atmosphere. They found the characters, particularly Celia and Marco, to be compelling and well-developed. However, they noted that the pacing could be inconsistent, with some sections feeling slower than others. The reviewer also felt that some of the plot twists were somewhat predictable, which slightly detracted from the overall experience. Despite these minor criticisms, they highly recommend the book for its unique storytelling and atmospheric setting.

Quick quotes

    The descriptions are so rich and vivid that you can almost feel the magic in the air.

    Celia and Marco's characters are beautifully crafted, making their story deeply engaging.

    While the world-building is exceptional, the pacing can be uneven, which makes the book feel longer than it needs to be.

Reddit - r/books · BookLover123 · 2022-05-20
mesmerizing 4.80

A mesmerizing and unique story that blends magic and romance seamlessly. The characters are memorable, and the setting is unlike anything else.

The reviewer was completely mesmerized by this novel, praising its unique blend of magic and romance. They found the characters to be memorable and well-developed, particularly Celia and Marco, whose love story is both heartwarming and tragic. The setting of the circus is unlike anything else, creating a magical and dreamlike atmosphere that is truly captivating. The reviewer highly recommends this book for its originality and the way it seamlessly blends different genres. They found the story to be a refreshing change from typical fantasy novels, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    The blend of magic and romance is seamless and utterly captivating.

    Celia and Marco's love story is both heartwarming and tragic, making it unforgettable.

    The setting of the circus is unlike anything else, creating a magical and dreamlike atmosphere.

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