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wannabeshakespeare's review against another edition
5.0
I want to forget that I read this book, just so I can experience it for the first time again.
cestrella's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
agniesken's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
frostap's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't expect to like this book (as I'm not really one for fantasy), but the prose and descriptions and inventiveness won me over--at least for the first four hundred or so pages. I loved the non-linear structure and interspersed tent chapters, and it passed the metro test, meaning I was able to concentrate on it while standing in the midst of my fellow commuters on a speeding train.
My complaints:
1. The ending. It's abrupt and ill-conceived. After the creativity of the Cirque des Reves, I was expecing more of a climax.
2. The persistent use of -ly adverbs. The book could have used a heavier editing hand.
3. I wish the characters (main and otherwise) had been half as developed as the circus itself.
My complaints:
1. The ending. It's abrupt and ill-conceived. After the creativity of the Cirque des Reves, I was expecing more of a climax.
2. The persistent use of -ly adverbs. The book could have used a heavier editing hand.
3. I wish the characters (main and otherwise) had been half as developed as the circus itself.
books_tea_and_fantasy's review against another edition
5.0
✨REVIEW✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book enchanted me from the first page. It’s such a beautiful lyrically written story which has rendered my speechless. I got completely engrossed in this tale the same way the visitors lose themselves in the magical labyrinth of the circus.
All characters have an elaborate backstory and add an element of mystery and magic to the book. It’s been a while since I’ve read a perfect love story that isn’t problematic, and it was worth the wait.
I had a hard time parting from the enchanting atmosphere and the protagonists which I love dearly. This book will stay with me for years to come.
TW: character death, child abuse
6/60
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book enchanted me from the first page. It’s such a beautiful lyrically written story which has rendered my speechless. I got completely engrossed in this tale the same way the visitors lose themselves in the magical labyrinth of the circus.
All characters have an elaborate backstory and add an element of mystery and magic to the book. It’s been a while since I’ve read a perfect love story that isn’t problematic, and it was worth the wait.
I had a hard time parting from the enchanting atmosphere and the protagonists which I love dearly. This book will stay with me for years to come.
TW: character death, child abuse
6/60
readingintherayne's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
music_girl84's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
yars_reading_corner's review against another edition
2.0
The first two thirds of the book is so boring and chaotic with too many unnecessary details that aren't as beautiful as I expected, compared to the fact that it's about a magical circus the elements are super flat and uninteresting in my opinion and the characters aren't very lovable so I was struggling so much with this long book.
The last third of the book is sort of better and we see a plot twist and characters somewhat break the stereotype but it's still underwhelming, and the timing with the years and memories are also tangled up and easy to mix up and confuse you as you read and trust me when I say this I'm so sad it's only two stars that I have a plan on rereading it in the future with fresh eyes.
Still I had far more expectations from this book, I absolutely despised the lack of color and events and how bland it is compared to other books in the fantasy genre but maybe I'm just spoilled by asian fantasy and now these "normie books" bore me out of my skull.
The last third of the book is sort of better and we see a plot twist and characters somewhat break the stereotype but it's still underwhelming, and the timing with the years and memories are also tangled up and easy to mix up and confuse you as you read and trust me when I say this I'm so sad it's only two stars that I have a plan on rereading it in the future with fresh eyes.
Still I had far more expectations from this book, I absolutely despised the lack of color and events and how bland it is compared to other books in the fantasy genre but maybe I'm just spoilled by asian fantasy and now these "normie books" bore me out of my skull.
carriesouthard's review against another edition
3.0
it was ok. I didn't like how it lead up to an event that never happens.....