Bookseller Reviews
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It's not what you think, what you think.
There is a lot lo like about Erin Morgenstern’s ‘The Night Circus’ and in a delightful, uncommon twist to the modern reader, the degree of how much you tak... READ MORE
The best novel of 2011!
Let the beautifully designed cover and charming endpapers draw you in, let the lure of a ribboned hardback overcome the nagging voice of the paperback... D... READ MORE
Expect Amazing Dreams As You Read This Book.
I loved the i'mage'ry in The Night Circus.
Just from the blurb I did not really know what to expect but it packed a punch for me and I was hooked on the ma... READ MORE
Magical!
A bewitchingly told tale of magic, mystery and love contained within the most astounding circus you could ever imagine. From the very first page I was swep... READ MORE
Absolute magic!
This is one of those rare books that comes along and completely wraps you up in itself. I defy anyone not to fall in love with The Night Circus. I found my... READ MORE
Running Away With The Circus!
So many other reviews have really said it all, wonderful, magical etc. I don't like reviews that overgush or give too much away, so all I'm saying is if yo... READ MORE
Oh my!
'Oh my' was all I was capable of for a good while after reading this! I was sucked in to this magical world from the off and as much as I didn't want it to... READ MORE
The Night Circus
Amazing book! I read it in a day; it was completely impossible to put down.
In some respects it reminded me of the Time Travellers Wife, because of the imp... READ MORE
The Night Circus
What an amazing novel. I adore anything that has a magical/fairy tale feeling to it and from the very first page 'The Night Circus' delivers just this. Whe... READ MORE
One of my favourite books this year!
'A magical and captivating novel by a debut author whose voice is more assured than many established writers, this had me reading into the wee small hours ... READ MORE
Words cannot do it justice!
I cannot find the words to appropriately explain just how beautiful this novel is. Les Cirque des Reves is like a dream that we all entered upon opening th... READ MORE
Takes your breath away....
Wow, I'm never sure what to say when I give a 5* review. But I really do feel that this book deserved it. In some ways it took me back to the feeling I got... READ MORE
Could not put it down! A must read!
The Night Circus is a fully immersing story about a game of will, control and manipulation played by two players, centered around an extraordinary circus.
... READ MORE
Never has black and white been so colourful!!
This book had me totally hooked from the end of the first chapter. Full of mystery and magic this is the perfect book for anyone who is looking to lose the... READ MORE
Well worth a visit
Marcus and Celia's destinies are entwined as their guardians have pitted them against each other in a battle of magical prowess. Their venue is the magnifi... READ MORE
I can still smell the caramel apples
Night Circus is easily the best piece of fiction I have been privilaged to read in 2011 and it's stunning prose and beautifuly worded world is one I am gla... READ MORE
Something of a gem
At first, I thought this book was way over-hyped. The descriptions were OTT and it was so self-consciously trying to be magical and wonderful and special t... READ MORE
Magically seductive!
A magical and captivating novel by a debut author whose voice is more assured than many established writers, this had me reading into the wee small hours w... READ MORE
This is a nice cozy read for fall, especially carnival season
This book is an atmospheric story filled with creative magic and gorgeous visuals that will pull you in and delight your senses!! I was disappointed in cer... READ MORE
A nostalgic fantasy!
A book that gives you an innate sense of nostalgia even when reading it for the first time - the story feels familiar but still manages to take the reader ... READ MORE
Magical
This is a magical book which will pull you in from the very first line. The writing feels like it is weaving you a fairytale that is being told just for yo... READ MORE
Something else entirely...
I adore the new cover so much! This book has great reviews for a reason - because it is great!
I like that the circus is the main thing not people as bo... READ MORE
Utterly spellbinding.
Told from multiple character perspectives and constantly jumping back and forth within the plotline, with regards to timing and locations, it is a fast pac... READ MORE
I could not put it down.
A gorgeous 10th anniversary edition of this well beloved book. I fell in love almost instantly.
If you have not yet read ‘The Night Circus’ you are in... READ MORE
Anything Morgenstern touches is pure magic
One of my all-time favorite books. Incredible, wonderful, full of vivid imagery that whisks you to a circus you'll find it hard to leave on the page and no... READ MORE
The Most Magical Circus
The beautiful and magical Cirque des Reves has black and white stripey tents and is only open at night. Contortionists, illusionists, magical tents and acr... READ MORE
Synopsis
The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. The black sign, painted in white letters that hangs upon the gates, reads: Opens at Nightfall, Closes at Dawn.
As the sun disappears beyond the horizon, all over the tents small lights begin to flicker, as though the entirety of the circus is covered in particularly bright fireflies. When the tents are all aglow, sparkling against the night sky, the sign appears. Le Cirque des Reves. The Circus of Dreams. Now the circus is open. Now you may enter.
Publisher information
- Publisher: Vintage Publishing
- ISBN: 9780099554790
- Number of pages: 512
- Dimensions: 196 x 128 x 33 mm
- Weight: 406g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allAbsolutely wonderful
I'm not easily pleased, I find plenty of fiction disappointing, however, I've just emerged from this book, reluctantly, and I'm almost grieving for it's lo... READ MORE
Could be better.
The Night Circus is an intriguing novel surrounded by a huge amount of hype which is partly why I wanted to read it. The Night Circus is about a circus lik... READ MORE
Book of the year!!
This quickly became one of my favourite books, so wonderful and magical and .. caramelly!
You *must* read it.
Dreamfull
I read lots of fantasy books...this one in particular, is just fantastic and astonishing. I love the way it's been written, love the mixure of events and t... READ MORE
Simply stunning
This was one of the first books I read at the beginning of this year, and I absolutely loved it. It was unusual, serene, and wonderful. It made me want to ... READ MORE
Magic.
"The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it, no paper notices on downtown posts and billboards, no mentions or advertisements in loca... READ MORE
The best book of 2011
I absolutley adored this book from beginning to end.
From the beautiful front cover, to the delicious prose within, Miss Morgenstern had me hooked.
The s... READ MORE
Magical, and Enchanting ......
The night circus is a magical place and described to such perfection that sometimes I thought I was there. a compelling story with a dash of mystery, love,... READ MORE
Absolutely Astounding!
Although at first I found the plot a little complex and difficult to follow, I soon managed to figure it out - I recommend that you remain attentive while ... READ MORE
My kind of book
This is exactly the kind of book I love to read, set in a world I recognise but a world where so much more is possible, one for fans of Neil Gaiman and the... READ MORE
This book is a surprise on a shelf
Possibly one of the best books that I have read in a long time, I was not expecting this book to be such a read!
Every page turned sustained the world of t... READ MORE
I never want it to end.
This is the most beautiful, enchanting, magical and mysterious book I have ever read. I could not put it down. The story is so fluid and enticing. It is th... READ MORE
Amazing book
I bought this just before Christmas and though I have not read it yet, my mum has. She described it as magical, gripping and she could not put it down. One... READ MORE
Enchanting
Quite simply the best book I have read this year, superbly written, full of quirky and intriguing characters. The story and the concept is fascinating. The... READ MORE
I wanted to like it more
The cover art and black edged pages really appealed to me and I was excited to be transported to the Night Circus, but I found it quite hard initially to b... READ MORE
A Rarity
It's a rare occasion that I connect so much with a piece of literature like I did with this one: Morgenstern immerses you completely into an irresistibly a... READ MORE
I wonder where the circus will arrive next...
Easily one of the most imaginative books I have ever read! The detailed pictures of what every person would love in a circus full of mysteries makes it see... READ MORE
A true fairytale.
I wasn't sure if I'd like this book, because it's not what I'd usually choose, but I could not have been more wrong! Erin Morgenstern's imagination appears... READ MORE
It’s like watching the circus through a snow globe
The best way I can describe this book is that it is enchanting. It’s intriguing from the start and is almost as though when you open the first page a spell... READ MORE
Truly Magical
This book was recommended to me by a bookseller from Waterstones and I was captivated immediately. It filled me with awe and I started believing miraculous... READ MORE
A Modern Inspiration...
The Night Circus is beautiful, captivating and inspiring. Beautiful in the way it is written, how the stories run parallel and come together entwined with ... READ MORE
What do I read now?
I discovered this book via a random suggestion from Pinterest. The cover of the book had me hooked before I had even opened a page. I haven't been able to ... READ MORE
A truly enchanting read
In all honesty when I first picked up this book I was slightly sceptical to how good it would be. Thankfully though I was happily pulled to the positive si... READ MORE
beautifully written and truly enchanting
Very rarely will I give 5 stars to a novel but The Night Circus really deserves all 5. This is a wonderful novel pushing the boundaries of reality and imag... READ MORE
This is IT!
This novel is it! After a long wait since 'Glass Books of the Dream Eaters' and 'Mr Norris and Johnathan Strange', we have something to get our teeth into.... READ MORE
Enchanting
This novel is completely enchanting! Erin is a wonderful writer, who knows just how to capture you and make you completely immerse yourself within the stor... READ MORE
Everyone needs to read this!
The Night Circus was an astounding book where every page was delicate and perfect. I urge everyone to read this book! Just wow!
Transported to the Night Circus!
I had only read the short description for this book and wasn't sure whether it was for me. As soon as it arrived the feel of the book (even the review copy... READ MORE
A dreamlike sensation!
I have just finished reading The Night Circus and I am completely besotted. The book, from start to finish, was simply sensational. In all honesty there wa... READ MORE
just wow
This book completely captivates you and draws you into the magic and wonder of the circus and it's performers. A beautiful love story cleverly intertwined ... READ MORE
Magical
What a wonderful novel! It's kept me entranced right up until the end, it's beautiful and tragic... a true love story, a story about telling stories.. simp... READ MORE
Enthralling tale with double feelings
When I started The Night Circus I immediately loved it. Whilst reading, you are welcomed into a completely other world and you find yourself wondering all ... READ MORE
An entertaining read!
I received my review copy of this book and I was so excited to read it, even the name drew me in, ‘The Night Circus’ a place of magic and mystery, a black ... READ MORE
Wow!
Im amazed on how Erin Morgenstern creates a whole different world! You feel encapsulated within the world she has created and by the end of the novel you f... READ MORE
Amazing!
I haven't read a book like this in a long time. You think you know what is going on and in the next you are completely thrown off. A little bit of a love s... READ MORE
all i can say...
I read this book as soon as it came on the shelves, and from the first page I knew i would love it! And now I look back at thus wonderful book and realise ... READ MORE
Like reading a dream.
When you enter the pages of THe Night Circus you are transported to another world, one where Twins travel through clouds and orchards are made of ice. It's... READ MORE
Magical
This is one of the best books that I have ever had the pleasure to read.
From the first page you are drawn into the world of the characters, which turns ou... READ MORE
Stunnng, beautiful, breathtaking... and much more!
I adore books like no-mans business and nine times out of ten, I tend to love the books I read. But when a book becomes something I adore, something that I... READ MORE
This is not a book it's an enchantment
[re-read July 2017 for book club, review based on second reading]
I finished rereading the Night Circus yesterday and I haven't woken up yet.
Looking ... READ MORE
Intoxicating, magical and imaginative.
I absolutely LOVE this book - an utterly thrilling, divinely magical and imaginative fantasy. It has taken the top spot in my current-favourite-reads; alt... READ MORE
A magical fable
A beatifully written ride through creative spaces. Character and place are both dreamlike and real at the same moment. With a nod to Angela Carter this is ... READ MORE
Like reading a dream...
If you want to be swept away then 'The Night Circus' will certainly snatch your imagination and take you on the most incredible journey. Captivating and dr... READ MORE
Magical
Amazing, captivating, you enter a world of pure magic!
magical
This book was amazing and a true wonder to read it made me imagine the impossible and have feeling which I thought I would never find in a book at the end ... READ MORE
Step Right Up!
"The circus arrives without warning.
No announcements precede it, no paper notices on downtown posts and billboards, no mentions or advertisements in loca... READ MORE
Enchanting
A truly magical tale that captures the interest of the reader from the start.
My favourite book
This is one of my favourite books of all time! It's character driven but the plot is also very good, with magic and mysticism. I'm always on the hunt for b... READ MORE
Splendid
Hooked me in the first few pages. Now 2/3rds read and enjoying so much that it’s one I don’t want to end.
Great characters, buckets of magic, imagination ... READ MORE
:)
Really imaginative
One of my favourites of all time.
One of the best booking have ever read in the fantasy genre. The way the book is written takes you a journey and back to those childhood days when you went... READ MORE
Sumptuously spellbinding
The book, I believe is a work of genuine art. It is gorgeously emotive and yields it's secrets slowly, retaining always a little of itself so questions end... READ MORE
A new favourite of mine
I have always loved fantasy books / books edging on fantasy and this one was no disappointment. Set in late 19th century, it's a very imaginative story of ... READ MORE
Frustraing
I found the first two-thirds of this book very frustrating as it is slow to build. It is written from the perspective of an outsider looking in, so most of... READ MORE
Astronomical
This book was an absolute miracle of a read. Morgenstern created such a perfect atmosphere of mystery and magic that almost doesn't feel like magic but som... READ MORE
The Night Circus Review - loved it!
The Night Circus is an incredibly captivating novel with a massive amount of excitement surrounding it, which admittedly is the reason it took me so long t... READ MORE
The Night Circus
Beautiful book, fast delivery, extremely happy
Magical!
I loved this book. It’s so descriptive that it’s easy to visualise the circus and characters.
Its not a book I would have ordinarily chosen but after rea... READ MORE
Favourite Book
This is my favourite book ever! It has everything, mystery, intrigue, fantasy, history, magic, thill even romance. Honestly please give this a read it will... READ MORE
Mysterious and magical
I went into this book not really having any idea what it was about, which I think made me love it all the more.
This is a magical love story draped in mys... READ MORE
Unique and enchanting
This a brilliant read. Imaginative, original and well placed. I was hooked very quickly with the characterisation and the intrigue.
Story resonated in a ... READ MORE
NOT FOR ME
I couldn't get on with this book at all. I gave it until page 106 and decided it was a waste of my time. It jumps around in time and is narrated by differe... READ MORE
Brilliant!
An incredible magical story with a bit of a dark side that really will keep you captivated until the end. What a superb imagination Erin Morgenstern is ble... READ MORE
Disappointing
Sorry but this was not at all what I was hoping for and therefore, early on, decided life was too short to proceed further. I felt relieved when it had b... READ MORE
Beautifully written
I absolutely loved this beautifully written story and it has gone onto my bookshelf with my other favourites.
Disappointing and boring
I wanted to like this so much, and I just… No. it was awful.
The pace is SO slow, nothing happens, and everything is too ‘drawn out.’
This book is all... READ MORE
A Dream
This book was magical, romantic and beautiful all at the same time. The relationships you develop with the Characters and everlasting, and this book is a ... READ MORE
Distilled magic
Like a lot of people my age, or any age I guess since my daughters loved them too, my first introduction to independent reading, and the very first books I... READ MORE
Will be recommending
I was bought the night circus as a gift for Christmas and thought it sounded good then. This book exceeded my expectations though, the whole idea of it was... READ MORE
A fantasy you'll never want to leave
The Night Circus is a book unlike any other I have read. The rich detail of the surroundings pulls you deep into the pages, you feel as if you are there.
... READ MORE
Amazing!
This book was unlike any other that I have read. The way that the story is narrated by the characters is very creative and the storyline changes with each ... READ MORE
Great idea, but left disappointed
I really thought I would like this one because I am a fan of fiction and it has tons of brilliant reviews, but unfortunately that was not the case.
Althoug... READ MORE
Magic
This book was pure magic, I throughly enjoyed the concept of this book which always kept you half knowing but still with many questions to be answered. I l... READ MORE
Magical, mysterious and legend of literature
I believe that this should become a classic. The writing is beautiful and serene. A great book to go back to if you are ever in a reading or writing slump.... READ MORE
Stunning
I love this book! When I picked it up it was not yet a bestseller and that makes me happy. It was the cover that drove me in. Maybe it took 5 pages but I w... READ MORE
I definitely liked but didn't love
3-3.5 stars
This has been a strange reading experience for me. I struggled to get into it and then I stalled for a couple of weeks at the 25% mark, I came... READ MORE
A stunning novel
can’t believe that The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern has been sitting on my shelf for about six years until now. I decided to pick the book up after rec... READ MORE
Lyrical Perfection
“The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not.”
The Night Circus is a gorgeous magical t... READ MORE
Euphoric
I want to be at this circus. I loved this book, I was in another world and with every description of the circus and it's contents, I felt I tasted, smelled... READ MORE
A unique experience
This book is enchanting, beatiful and unique. There are words I struggle to describe it . So instead I'll tell you the feeling I felt throughout the book. ... READ MORE
Good fantasy novel
Well written and engaging. Good characters. Good story. The only reason I didn’t give five stars is because it’s not really my type of book.
A Captivating Circus
Now I know people say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I totally did with this one, as I remember walking through my local Waterstones and brow... READ MORE
Magical imagery and unique characters
In the late 19th Century, two illusionists each take on a young protégé and begin a contest that will span decades. Whilst the two younger illusionists wor... READ MORE
What an exquisite read!
I’m an older gent these days, but I still cling to that eager wonderment of childhood Christmas Eves. I look forward to that feeling all year long. The wor... READ MORE
A truly special read
It's weird, until page 100 or so I wasn't drawn into The Night Circus at all and then it suddenly clicked for me and I was engrossed. The descriptions of t... READ MORE
Magically beautiful
It was suggested that I read this book and after having heard many different opinions where people either absolutely love it, or completely dislike it. I w... READ MORE
Unique but not for me
When I first discovered Booktok and Bookstagram, The Night Circus was everywhere. I felt like everything I was seeing was about it, and so, finally, I read... READ MORE