A review by drowningfaithh
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

4.0

tropes/tags:.
→ rivals to lovers
→ circus + magic !!
→ the atmosphere of this was just 100% magical
→ a lot of vibes, a little plot


Aaaaaa I have mixed feeling about this book. I loved it, then I didn’t, then I kinda maybe sort of loved it again. I intended to rate this 3 stars when I was reading through the middle but as I got to the end, I felt the need to change it to 4 stars only because of Poppet and Widget. Seriously, how can you not love them.

First of all, Erin Morgenstern’s writing really captured the essence of a magically-infused circus. The imagery she portrayed in her descriptions were very vivid that I really felt like I was in the scene myself.

But I feel like most of the novel focused too much on the circus and its exhibits that it diverted from its original plot—the “duel” between the two students of powerful magicians. I would say that the first 3/4 of the novel was dedicated to world-building, and the other 1/4 was where all the action took place. I would say that the remaining chapters are what carried the whole novel.

Okay, next. The romance part that the synopsis mentioned was kinda clickbait because
Spoiler 1) It took so long for Marco and Celia to interact properly and 2) The romance was too sudden! They interacted like TWICE and they’re suddenly in love? No, thank you. I just wish that their relationship was developed properly instead of being made an instant connection. Plus, there was the matter of Isobella and the fact that Marco just upped and dropped her. Please


Also, as fun as it was to explore the wonders of the circus, I think it would be more interesting to explore the more about the other duels that happened between Hector Bowen and Alexander’s students. Like how these challenges even started and what transpired before Marco and Celia were chosen.
Spoiler ALSO, YES I LOVED HOW TSUKIKO WAS A PREVIOUS STUDENT OF ALEXANDER! Tsukiko MVP.


Okay lastly, I just want to get it out there that I love the Murray twins! Poppet and Widget have my heart. They carried the entire novel on their backs. Celia and Marco whomstve?

Anyway, I do recommend giving this book a try because it was, I guess you could say, a worthwhile experience.