I've read a lot of good books lately and this is one of them! I didn't know what to expect because there's a lot of mixed reviews. 

"Remember, it's only a game..." or is it?

Yes, this book has a carnival/circus theme and really reminds me of, The Night Circus. From the very beginning I was drawn into this story. The plot flowed so smoothly and I couldn't put this down. I flew through this book. The story is just so enchanting and a mystery! The whole time, I kept trying to read behind the lines! I really didn't figure out was happening. One minute, I thought I had realized what was going on, to find out I was way off. There's a lot of twists and turns but not too many that you get lost. 

I loved Julian. He was my favorite character. I kept trying to figure him out and I really did enjoy his banter with Scarlett. There is a quote that Scarlett uses to describe him and I find it perfect:

"She imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars came out."

I also really liked Tella, I wish we would have had more of her in this story but I imagine she will be a major player in the second book. 

I did feel like the ending was a bit anti-climatic and a little safe. It's okay though because we are left with a pretty good cliffhanger. Come on book two!