Similarly to Sabriel, I read this book because it was on a list "What to Read after Harry Potter." Like other readers have stated, its not Harry Potter. However, that doesn't mean its not as magical or fantastical.

Morgenstern writes delicately, almost like she has to dip her pen into a bottle of ink and sprinkle drying powder over each paragraph. Every word is precise and practiced and well-thought. The story is not really about a love story, or a competition, or even about magic. Its really about a circus. There are no magic spells, just a quality of magic that seems to weave seamlessly into the writing.

Recommended if you enjoy Alice in Wonderland dreamy-type landscapes, an aura of mystery, and of course, circus exhibits that you've only imagined!