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Monday, September 12, 2011

Review & Giveaway: The Night Circus

by:  Erin Morgenstern
published by:  Doubleday
publish date:  September 13, 2011

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des RĂªves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

This book, much like a real circus, was quite a spectacle to behold.  It was finally something completely different and imaginative. 

This was one of the few books that I felt like it would make a better movie than a book.  It's not to say that the book was bad by any means.    It was just such a visual book that I think it could be so much more as a movie.  The movie right have already been optioned.  It definitely needs Tim Burton as a director.  The entire circus and it's cast is clad in black and white only with little bits of silver here and there.  That screams Tim Burton to me, plus he would lend that undertone of evil that is woven through the whole story even though there's a love story blossoming.

What I liked about this book was the writing.  It was beautifully written.  I loved the circus.  I loved how mysterious and magical it was.  I really liked the black and white theme, it was perfect.  I think it illustrated how naive the players in the duel were and how evil their masters their masters were.  I liked Celia and I liked Marco, however I didn't like them together.  That brings me to what I didn't like.  I didn't find them together very believable.

I wish there had been a little more explanation of the dual and what exactly it was it was going to be in the beginning.  It seemed like there was going to be an epic battle of magicians, a la Lord of the Rings, but it far different than that.  Not different bad, but don't expect something like that.

Thanks to the great people at Doubleday I have 2 copies to giveaway.  US addresses only.  No P.O. Boxes.  Please leave a comment below with a valid email address to enter.  If you'd like an additional entry you can spread the word about this contest (facebook, twitter, etc.) please leave a link in a separate comment.  I'll pick a winner on 9/19/11.

30 comments:

Tiffany Drew said...

I have seen this book everywhere, everyone is talking about it! I have also read some very positive reviews for it, so I'd love to read it :) I also really love the cover, one of my favorites of the year I think. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy :)

jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net

Tiffany Drew said...

I also tweeted:

http://twitter.com/#!/enterthedrew/status/113253458068516864

jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net

Jen Bigheart said...

Thx!

jenbigheart at yahoo dot com

Love seeing that BBWH logo over there!

Jen

Christi said...

I have heard nothing but great things about this book and can't wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway!

Unknown said...

This book sounds really interesting, thank you for sharing!

liedermadchen(at)hotmail(dot)com

Lukey Here said...

I have been entering every giveaway I can find for this book. I want it so bad!

teresa[dot]lukey73[at]gmail[dot]com

Lukey Here said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/tlukey73/status/113396365719126017

teresa[dot]lukey73[at]gmail[dot]com

Jenna said...

That has got to be one of my favorite covers of this year. That alone makes me want this book. Thanks for the giveaway!

jennapomme[at]yahoo[dot]com

sablelexi said...

Thanks for the giveaway. This looks like such a good book.

jlynettes @ hotmail . com

Anonymous said...

I don't like circuses, but if The Night Circus has dueling magicians in it, then I'm in! Thanks for the review!

Diana said...

Thanks so much for this giveaway :) Please count me in!

Diana
lovelygetaway@gmail.com

Cialina at Muggle-Born.net said...

This book sounds fantastic. I cannot wait to get my hands on it. I've heard so many things about the actual writing itself so I can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway.

books[a]muggle-born.net

Pabkins said...

I'm interested that you said you think it would make a better movie than a book. I almost always think when I watch a movie - I bet a book would have been better haha. But movies are great and I love seeing the books I love brought to life. *crosses fingers hoping to win!*
tlabunski **((gmail))**

Pabkins said...

also tweeted it for you!
http://twitter.com/#!/Pabkins/status/113693512440098816

Oh hey - i just remembered you should win something for a change - come by my sister's blog she is giving away a handmade zombie plush bunny she made. We are crazy crafters as well as readers!

http://rinnisplayground.blogspot.com/2011/09/first-giveaway-handmade-zombie-plush.html

Ironstrangeprompts said...

Intriguing.

derangedpegasus@gmail.com

Tara said...

I have heard so many amazing things about this book! I would love to read it!

TaraTagli at gmail dot com

Stacey said...

Awesome Giveaway! I am dying to read this book. I tweeted the giveaway as well.

contact@readinista.com

Alexis @ Reflections of a Bookaholic said...

I can't wait to read this.

(not an entry)

AmyS. said...

Looks like this book will be a great read. Thanks for the giveaway.

truebloodfan[at]rock[dot]com

The Reading Date said...

I'm intrigued by your review and that you think Tim Burton would be a good match to direct. The black and white theme sounds intriguing as do the magical elements. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

readingdate(at)gmail.com

test said...

me wants...

wefancybooks AT gmail DOT com

Erinberry said...

I'd love to read this. Thanks for the giveaway!

erinberry12 at charter dot net

Erinberry said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/Erinberry12/status/114025484563656704

erinberry12 at charter dot net

Michele said...

I've been hearing so much about this book - this is a must read!
rlawrence110 at yahoo dot com

Michele said...

I tweeted
http://twitter.com/rlawrence110/status/114560033513156608
rlawrence110 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Looks like a good read! Thanks for the good giveaway.:D


Kandee
Kennedycrazdraw@yahoo.com

Misusedinnocence said...

I would absolutely love to read this!

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Aydrea said...

I've heard great things about this book, thanks for the giveaway!

danceislove27 At gmail DoT com

Aydrea said...

Tweeted it - http://twitter.com/#!/arick01/status/115503566415867904

Ashley @ Bookaholics Anonymous said...

I've just recently started seeing this book everywhere, but it sounds like it has an interesting story line. The cover is kinda cool looking too.

bookserieslover (at) hotmail (dot)com