I loved this book! If Goodreads allowed half stars, this would be a 4.5.

The Night Circus is an atmospheric wonderful read! I really liked the writing and the characters and concept are quite original. The reader is immersed in a world of beauty and wonder, that can at times become frightening. The magic in this story is very much present and is integral to it, but by the way it is written and used you can almost believe it to be part of our reality, from very subtle things to otherworldly events! The scenes in the Cirque de Rêves were absolutely amazing, I could feel myself there: the smells, the noises, the ambience, the mystery, the sense of wonder and awe...

The cast of characters was quite interesting and each had their own backstory, arc and development, witch I appreciated a lot. In fact, I only wish we could have more from quite a few of them outside this book! The two main characters were interesting enough, I actually liked the development of their relationship, but were not the central point of the book for me, or even the characters I found more interesting or compelling.

The plot is slow, yes, but I feel that even so something is always happening or about to happen, there is a constant crescendo of tension, you never have all the pieces of the puzzle, you are constantly guessing at some element or other of the story and I loved that! The more this book sits with me, the more I like it!!! This is a story I actually want to re-read, as I am sure I will like it as much, if not even more.

I recommend this to any reader who likes historical fiction mixed with magical elements, stories with an heavy emphasis on the world building and atmosphere, a slower plot with some vague elements to it, that leave room for interpretation form the reader, making it a very personal and unique journey!

Now, onto The Starless Sea!!!