The Night Circus

I have been wanting to read The Night Circus ever since I saw the beautiful cover in the new arrivals section in my local Waterstones. I was expecting a similar tale to Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke and the themes of magic, love and a deadly battle are familiar.

Two young apprentices are being trained to take part in a mysterious challenge that reveals itself at certain points in the story. The backdrop is the beautiful circus which arrives suddenly, opens at dusk and closes at dawn. Everything is black and white and there are tents full of ice or labyrinths, a wishing tree, performing cats and magic that almost seems real...  

The book darts back and forth in time which at times makes the reader feel disorientated which is all part of the overall illusion. The chapters vary from different characters viewpoints which makes for a very interesting narrative. There is also the odd page which describes the sights, sounds and smells of the circus as if you, the reader, are exploring the strange tents.

This book has been described as a feast for the senses and it really is. I could almost smell the caramel and sugar mice and see the while flames of the eternal bonfire. The visions are so strong it is no surprise that film rights have already been snapped up.

I don't want to give too much away as the story is revealed slowly, but with a great cast of strange characters, dark humour, romance and stunning descriptions, this is well worth reading! In fact as soon as you finish it, I guarantee you will want to start all over again!

Watch the trailer here:
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