An Interview with the Ladies of Apocalypse Reads: These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

The ladies of Apocalypse Reads thought we would change it up a bit. Instead of a normal review, we have reviewed These Broken Stars interview style.  Enjoy! Let us know what you think in the comments!

How would you best describe These Broken Stars to someone who might be interested in reading it?

Rebecca:  Mysterious love story on an alien planet.  Can they and their love survive the harsh conditions they find themselves in?  Will love triumph overall?  It is also a story of perseverance and test of character.  What will harsh conditions reveal about Lilac, the heiress to the LaRoux empire, and Tarver, a young war hero?

Esso: It has been pitched as a "Titanic in Space", but I certainly disagree with that statement. Yes, there is luxury space liner that inevitably "crashes", a clash of societal classes, and the potential for a budding romance, but it is also so much more. I would describe the book as more of a survival story than a romance.

What did you like or dislike most about this book?

R:  I disliked how disconnected I felt with the characters.  I wanted more.  I also have mixed feelings about the big confrontation at the end.  While it was appropriate because of the bad guy’s lying and manipulation, I did not like the dynamics and lack of respect between parent and child.  I like the additional story line progressing in addition to the story.  The dual story lines kept me reading and made me anxious about the ending.
E: For some reason, this is a hard question for me to answer. Overall, I really enjoyed the story, but if I could name one thing that bothered me it would be that the characters didn't feel "alive" enough. I would have liked to build a more solid connection with them. One thing I did end up liking was the turn of events. I never saw it coming!

What was your experience with this book?

R:  I enjoyed reading it; I could not put it down.  I immediately read book 1.5 to get further into the series. 
E: Initially I thought that there were going to be definite spoilers because of the interrogation pages before each chapter. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that was not the case. Also, this was the only other book, aside from The Monstrumologist series, that gave me the heebie jeebies. I actually had a hard time reading it before bed. Embarrassing, but true.

Who would you recommend this book to?

R:  I would recommend this book to someone who likes survival love stories. 
E: I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for a science fiction read coupled with a survival story. Also, someone who doesn't mind a little bit of the supernatural in their stories. 

Are there any other thoughts you'd like to share with the readers of Apocalypse Reads?

R:  I wanted to keep reading this series.  Unfortunately I had to wait for it become available at the library.  I still have This Shattered World in my possession.  For some reason because I was not able to read it immediately I have yet to read it.  I would recommend all three books being available, so one can read all three at once.
E: After finishing These Broken Stars I did go on to read the short story in between books 1 and 2. I thought it shed some light on the characters from the book and was worth the read. (It's also free as an ebook!) I'm sure I will go on to finish the series.

For Entertainment Only: The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Just the facts:

Overall: 3 Stars

Addiction Level: I read it every waking moment.

Believe-ability: It was believable.

Dystopia Factor: Eh. It’s “normal” life.

Favorite Quote: “I thought about Naji. Jackass. I thought about myself. Idiot.” (I don’t know why I find this so amusing, but I do.)

~~~~~

            The Pirate’s Wish is the sequel to The Assassin’s Curse and if The Assassin’s Curse was Naji’s book, then The Pirate’s Wish surely belongs to Ananna. The Pirate’s Wish definitely has a different feel to it as we get a better glimpse into the life of Ananna. There is a lot more pirating and sea battles and it seems like Ananna is in charge of things now.

            One of the things I liked best about this series (besides a refreshing story that doesn’t take three or more books to tell) is that the story is simply entertaining. It’s nice to read a story where you feel like the characters are just there to amuse you and provide an escape from our everyday world. Plus, it’s kinda fun to read about pirates (without it being commercialized, if that makes sense).

            There is still a major lack of development to the story and unfortunately some of my questions about Naji remain unanswered, but we finally find out what the “make life out of violence” thing turns out to be and that was pretty entertaining, not terribly believable, but entertaining none the less. So, I’m giving this book 3 stars and a recommendation for those who might just want to sit back and enjoy a story for what it is.  

Breaking the Usual YA Conventions: Infinityglass by Myra McEntire

Just the facts:

Overall:  3 Stars

Addiction Level: I read it every waking moment.

Believe-ability: It was believable.

Dystopia Factor: Eh. It’s “normal” life.

~~~~~

            Like I said in our Best Books of 2013 post, Rebecca and I actually did read our share of books last year. I wasn’t the most consistent with posting, but I would like to share my reviews for some of the books I finished, especially those that I’ve reviewed previous books in the series.

(Need to catch up on this series? Check out our reviews for Hourglass or Rebecca’s review for Timepiece.)

I had been anticipating this book and the conclusion of the Hourglass series for a long time. I also had been not so secretly hoping that McEntire would return to Emerson as narrator. However, it was not meant to be. Infinityglass is actually narrated by Dune and a new character Hallie. (Insert sad face here.) This was an instant dilemma for me. I didn’t care for Timepiece as much as Hourglass because of the change in view point and Infinityglass started off on that path as well. This brings me to my main point.

I think YA readers have come to expect a certain framework in their novels. An integral part of this framework is that we expect to be given the “starting lineup” of characters that will be telling the story. Once those characters are established we tend to be comfortable and happy to keep it that way. McEntire, however, has purposefully chosen to upset the contentment of her readers by giving us a series that does not follow this convention. What, then, is a reader to do?

This equates to my problem with the series (note: not McEntire’s problem). I absolutely fell in love with Emerson in Hourglass. I loved her snark and was looking forward to living in her world for a while longer. Then, along came Kaleb and my biggest feeling from Timepiece was disappointment. I know that some would argue that Timepiece suffers from Second Book Syndrome, but I would disagree. I think that it is easier to get hung up on what I wanted from Timepiece and Infinityglass than to appreciate the stories for what they are. Just because we as readers expect our narrators to stay consistent does not mean that they actually have to. It’s our job to read the books, not write them.

 I do think that Infinityglass has some things going for it. I loved that the overall story encompassed so many people. Typically YA novels rely on one or two characters to solve the dilemma of the story (see above: elements of YA framework) but McEntire creates an entire team of characters that have to work together to fix the problem. It really is a great reminder that no one person has it all together. There is no fantastic hero/heroine who can do it all on their own. Plus, McEntire uses all three books in the series to tell the story. I don’t think that any of the books are redundant or could be removed from the story. And although we don’t get all the details from the characters I love, we do learn about other interesting characters. I really enjoyed getting to know Poe a little bit better. Had I not read Infinityglass, I would never have known that I actually like Poe.

Lastly, I will say that upon reading Timepiece for the second time I was better able to enjoy it. I surely hope that happens when I reread Infinityglass. And perhaps, I need to remember that I do not control the plot or characters from my favorite books. I just get to go along for the ride.

Not Your Typical Assassin Story: The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Just the facts:

Overall:  3 Stars

Addiction Level: I read it every waking moment. (It only took an afternoon.)

Believe-ability: It was believable.

Dystopia Factor: Eh. It’s “normal” life.

~~~~~

            The Assassin’s Curse takes place in a fantasy setting where a young pirate girl named Ananna is preparing to marry a man she’s never met from another pirate family. Ananna decides that she wants to make life plans for herself, including captaining her own pirate ship and decides to run away before she is married off and loses control over her own decisions. Unfortunately, this is taken as an insult (wouldn’t you be upset, too?) and her fiancée’s family sends an assassin after her to make amends for the snub. 

            After hiding out for a bit, it becomes clear to Ananna that she and the assassin, Naji, will eventually have a showdown and decides to take a stand. While in the midst of their face-off Ananna saves Naji’s life on a knee jerk reaction (which was pretty under-whelming, by the way) and activates a curse that binds the two together. When realization of this sets in, Ananna and Naji set off on a quest to break the curse and allow the two of them to resume their lives as best they can.

             Seeing as I’ve rated this book at 3 stars there are obviously some things that I didn’t like, though overall, I did enjoy the story. My biggest complaint is that there are aspects of the story that are not fully developed; and were they developed the story would be much more fulfilling. The biggest of these revolves around Naji himself. I like Naji as a character but I didn’t feel like there was a very clear picture of who he is. There was almost no back-story, only small hints that made me want to know more. Who is he really? Why did he become an assassin? Will we find out the answers to these questions in book two? The story also relies heavily on the use of magic, but I still feel like magic wasn’t really connected to the story. There was something missing. And what role do assassins really play in this story world? I could understand the story world but still felt a little lost.

            However, the book did have many redeeming qualities too. I really enjoyed a story where there was no insta-love. Eventually Ananna realizes she has feelings for Naji, but I’m not really sure that she knows what or why she likes him, and that’s okay. I like that Ananna is not overly dependent on Naji but also is not overly feminist in her attitudes and beliefs. It seems that authors often feel that in order to make a strong female character that the character must be anti-male in their beliefs. This is not true. A female character can still be strong and need or want the help of a man. Usually a feminist character just comes across as bitchy and unpleasant, to me at least. I think Ananna strikes a nice balance.

            The story ends at a bit of an odd point but I am actually looking forward to finishing the story in the sequel. I have lots of questions that I would like answered and the only way to find out is to read on! I will say that even though the story could be more developed it is an easy read and some of my hang-ups kind of melted away if I just took the story at face value and didn’t over think my stumbling blocks. 

False Advertising at its Best: Vesper by Jeff Sampson

Just the facts:

Overall: 1 Star

Addiction Level: I ignored the hubby and puppies until I finished the book. (It only took one sitting.)

Believe-ability: Some aspects were real; others were not.

~~~~~

Emily Webb is a geek. And she’s happy that way. Content hiding under hoodies and curling up to watch old horror flicks, she’s never been the kind of girl who sneaks out for midnight parties. And she’s definitely not the kind of girl who starts fights or flirts with other girls’ boyfriends. Until one night Emily finds herself doing exactly that . . . the same night one of her classmates—also named Emily—is found mysteriously murdered.

The thing is, Emily doesn’t know why she’s doing any of this. By day, she’s the same old boring Emily, but by night, she turns into a thrill seeker. With every nightfall, Emily gets wilder until it’s no longer just her personality that changes. Her body can do things it never could before: Emily is now strong, fast, and utterly fearless. And soon Emily realizes that she’s not just coming out of her shell . . . there’s something much bigger going on. Is she bewitched by the soul of the other, murdered Emily? Or is Emily Webb becoming something else entirely—something not human?

As Emily hunts for answers, she finds out that she’s not the only one this is happening to—some of her classmates are changing as well. Who is turning these teens into monsters—and how many people will they kill to get what they want? (Synopsis taken from Goodreads).

            What would you think this story is about if you read the above synopsis and compared it to the cover of the book? Obviously something paranormal. Maybe some sort of spiritual battle. You probably wouldn’t think about werewolves. At all. But, then you would be stuck in the same boat as me, staring at the book with a dumbfounded look as you realized that is exactly what it’s about.

            If reading about werewolves doesn’t turn your smile into a frown then perhaps Emily’s character would. Quiet, geeky, keeps to herself-Emily almost instantly turns into trashy, slut-tastic, jump any male around-Emily overnight. Apparently, this is her alter ego. Right. I don’t know if this is a by-product of a male author writing from a teenage girl’s perspective (surely it’s not, right?), but it really irks me. Here’s a girl who seems pretty smart and level headed, but her alter ego is a tramp?! Of all the ways to go in a story like this, Sampson had to go there.

            The one thing that could have redeemed this story also aided in its downfall. The story is a written account of what had happened to Emily, including transcripts throughout of a verbal interview being held in the present tense. It works as an attention grabber leading you to believe there is more to Emily’s story than her discovering she’s a werewolf, but by the end there are illogical sequences thrown in. You can’t end a story by adding random connections and abilities. I realize the purpose it to create suspense and make me want to find out what happens next, but it just left me shaking my head in disapproval.

            A very superficial story at best, I’d pass unless you have some sort of hysterical love affair with anything werewolf related.

Resurrection and Redemption: Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel

Just the facts:

Overall: 3 Stars

Addiction Level: I read it when I had spare time.

Believe-ability: It was believable.

Dystopia Factor: Eh! It's "normal" life.

~~~~~

            Such Wicked Intent is the second book in The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein series. (Click for a quick recap of my thoughts on This Dark Endeavor.) As much as I was disappointed by the first book in the series I was strangely drawn back into the world of the young Victor Frankenstein in this second book. I think I’m a bit of a sucker for wanting books/series to redeem themselves.

           

            Such Wicked Intent picks up shortly after the end of This Dark Endeavor as Victor, Elizabeth, and Henry decide that they must resurrect Konrad, even after all of the trouble they went through to find the Elixir of Life that obviously failed. Of course, Victor finds help from his ancestor, Wilhelm Frankenstein, in entering the spirit world and beginning to make preparations to bring Konrad back. Mischief and creepy stuff ensue and the three friends learn more about one another than they ever imagined.

            I must say that Such Wicked Intent proves that it is possible to redeem a series. For some reason I was able to really enjoy this story, unlike its counterpart. Perhaps it was because I had an idea what to expect from this book and I felt that the characters were more developed. I also think that the adventures were more believable and even darker than the first. Luckily, a reread of This Dark Endeavor was not necessary and Oppel seemed to remind the reader of important details without too much retelling.

            Worth a read if you are looking for something quick, easy, and more on the dark side. (Perhaps while waiting for The Final Descent? Just don’t make the mistake of comparing Will Henry with Victor Frankenstein.)  

Confessions, Confessions: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Just the facts:

Overall: 3 Stars

Addiction Level: I ignored the hubby and puppies until I finished the book.

Believe-ability: It was believable. (In a fictional, this could never be true kinda way.)

~~~~~

Seeing as the title of this post is confession based, I’ll get right to the point.

Confession #1: I have been sucked into the black hole of girlie fiction recently. I know. It’s disturbing. And yet oddly relaxing. I suppose knowing that girlie fiction isn’t going to bend your mind or make you think too hard is part of the draw. Mindless reading. I can do that on occasion.

Confession #2: I may have suffered a minor book hang over because of this story. Yes, I stayed up to the wee morning hours, on a school night, to finish the book in one sitting. I realize that this may not have been the best idea the day before parent teacher conferences, but I was banking on a snow day. (Wish granted, by the way. Yipee!)

Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is, I must admit, a teenage/vampire love story. Eek! Essentially, seventeen year old Jessica is confronted by her arranged-marriage-soon-to-be-husband vampire from Romania that she never knew existed. (Did that make sense?) Of course, Jessica immediately and defiantly resists this new realization by treating Lucius, the aforementioned, like a delusional freak. The school year progresses, and low and behold, the tables turn and Jessica evolves into the one pining after Lucius. Of course, things are never easy in a vampire relationship and Jessica must make Lucius admit to his love for her, else they start an all out vampire war.

Confession #3: As cookie cutter as this story is (and yet, isn’t), I liked it just the same. (Shocking, I know, but I am still a girl.) Sometimes, it’s nice to let go and just enjoy a story for what it is. It doesn’t have to be complicated. There doesn’t always have to be a rebellion and a lot of ass kicking. There doesn’t even have to have a really swoon worthy guy (Prince Brigan, anyone?). Occasionally, what makes a good book is that you enjoyed the time you spent reading it. And as silly as it might be, Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side did that for me. Go figure.

P.S. I finished Bitterblue last night. Expect a raving review soon!!!

Dante’s Inferno with a Modern Twist: Petronella & the Trogot by Cheryl Bentley

Just the Facts:

Overall Rating:  3 ½ Stars

Addiction Level:  I read it when I had a chance, but it was a quick read.

Believe-ability:  It was believable.

Favorite Quote:  “But only good folk like you, Pe…tro…ne…lla, can be happy because their souls be beautiful.  Folks with ugly souls liveth a life of misery.  If ye soul be ugly ye cannot be happy.”  -The Hooded Horseman, Part 2 Click to Tweet

~~~

Firstly I would like to thank NetGalley, Cheryl Bentley, and Sparkling Books for the opportunity to preview Petronella & the Trogot.   

Petronella & the Trogot is introduced as a supernatural chiller.  People who lived almost 1200 years ago, members of the Strincas civilization, start appearing and living in modern day Fort Willow.  Needless to say the Strincas resurrection scares (off) many modern day citizens.  If that were not enough, Bentley adds a hooded horseman (think Legend of Sleepy Hollow) and a black, evil monster tree in Petronella’s back yard. 

In Part 1 one you get to know Petronella-our protagonist, modern day Fort Willow inhabitants, the Strincas, and the evil Lord Fortesque.  In Part 2 Petronella and Percy, a Strinca, investigate the tree and find themselves on a journey.  Their journey is similar to Dante’s Inferno with a modern twist.

The beginning was confusing.  I had a difficult time following the story, as the narrator kept switching characters’ stories.  I was not sure whose story was most important:  Petronella’s, Maalox’s (her cat), or the Strincas’.  The black tree was mentioned several times, and I kept aching for more input.  Who/What is this thing?  Why does it appear to move?  What is it called?

As soon as I reached Part 2, it all came together.  Petronella and Percy go on a journey through hell.  Like Dante’s Inferno this hell has appropriate consequences for misdeeds done on earth.  For example, people who were gluttonous spend their afterlives on all fours gulping mud.  There is no enjoyment, just swallowing.  Bleck!

Let me put my teacher hat on for a minute…I think this novel would be a good companion to students reading Dante’s Inferno.  As much as I enjoy the Inferno, a lot time must be spent on background information.  Who are all these people in Dante’s hell?  What did they do?  Why did he punish this in this particular way?  In Petronella & the Trogot, you know who all the offenders are.  I enjoyed reading the novel first.  Now it is time to reread and note the particulars.

Petronella & the Trogot will be published on October, 1, 2012.  The paperback price is $14.95 USD/£9.99 GBP; the eBook edition is $6.99 USD/£4.99 GBP.  Thanks again to Cheryl Bentley and Sparkling Books for the opportunity to preview before publication.

(Not So) Great Expectations: This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel

   Just the Facts:

Overall: 3 Stars

Addiction Level: I read it when I had spare time. (But it was a quick read.)

Believe-ability: It was believable.

Dystopia Factor: Eh! It's "normal" life.

~~~~~

   Sometimes I think I expect too much from a book. Then I think, "No! You're the reader! You have a right to expect greatness from a book! That's why books are published - because they're supposed to be great. Publishers don't go around looking for books that are 'just ok' to publish. They have a stake in it too." Now, I'm not saying that This Dark Endeavor is a bad book - it's not. I just feel that books have been letting me down lately, this one included.

   I saw This Dark Endeavor on the shelf of my favorite book store (check 'em out!) and thought, "Yes! Maybe this book will help fill the void left by Will Henry. Surely it's no replacement and probably not the same level of awesomeness, but maybe it will give me a little taste of the world that I've been missing". ... Obviously it didn't.

   This Dark Endeavor is supposed to be a prequel of sorts to the classic Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It follows Victor Frankenstein's quest for the elixir of life, an elixir that he believes will save his sickly brother Konrad. It promises to have it all - adventure, romance, and life changing decisions. But, for me, it just falls flat. (When writing this I actually had to think what Victor's brother's name was. It starts with a K...?)

   I think my biggest issue is with the "marketing" of this book. I thought it was supposed to be a young adult book, but in reality it was a middle grade book. Let me clarify: I have no problems with middle grade literature. I think it serves an important purpose and there can be great stories contained within. I even have a few favorites. But, had I known that it was more middle grade my expectations would have been different. Just like I don't read adult fiction with young adult expectations, it just doesn't work well.

   I will state that perhaps my indifference towards this book is a result of my expectations and is not necessarily the fault of the author or publisher. Not a bad book at all, but forgettable as far as I'm concerned.

Opposition Rising: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Esso's Review:

Just the facts:

Overall: 5 Stars

Addiction Level: I ignored the hubby and the puppies until I finished the book.

Believe-ability: I daydream about the created world and wonder how I fit in.

~~~~~

     When I first read the cover leaf for Hourglass I wasn’t impressed and thought it sounded like it belonged primarily in the paranormal category. Did I really want to go there? No. No, I did not. However, after a great recommendation and a comforting “don’t judge it by the cover” comment (Thanks Dr. M!) I decided I’d try it out. I am, after all, a huge Doctor Who fan and there is a time travel element. Make that a HUGE time travel element. Needless to say, I was hooked by the first chapter.

     Hourglass is the story of seventeen year old Emerson Cole and her discovery of what her visions from the past mean for her future. It is also a story that examines opportunities to right the wrongs of life, as well as the choices we make and their consequences. Hourglass comes complete with a cute older guy, secret organizations, and a cheeky tone. Heaving with romance, I caught myself blushing and giggling all the way through, which I think might have been more so than my entire teenage life. (Not to worry moms, there is nothing too over the top. Promise.) My only complaint is that the story features another petite heroine who likes to run. Really?! Who in their right mind likes to run?! I keep holding out for an average build, average motivation heroine. That could work, right?

     Hourglass will leave you breathless and wondering what would happen if someone screwed with the space time continuum of your life. The downside is that this obsession, I mean symptom, will probably last until the sequel comes out, maybe longer (Thank goodness we're now only about a month away!). I recommend a healthy dose of Doctor Who to tide you over, preferably featuring David Tennant as the tenth Doctor, the supreme Doctor.

 

Rebecca's Review:

Just the Facts:

Overall Rating:  3 Stars

Addiction Level:  I ignored the hubby and puppy and stayed up late until I finished the book.

Believe-ability:  The setting is believable.

Dystopia Factor:  The world is starting to disintegrate.

~~~

One thing I liked about Hourglass was its ability to draw me into the story.  The first time I read it was over the summer.  I stayed up late and suffered from a book hangover the next day.  Not pretty, but almost worth it.  At the time I was the only one not to LOVE Hourglass.  Let me tell you why.

I have mixed emotions about romance novels.  I like them, but I hate when characters mistake lust for love and 17-year-old girls know who they want to spend the rest of their lives with.  Additionally sometimes I feel like reading too many romance novels is dangerous for my relationship with my husband.  I start to wonder why he doesn’t show affection the same way the characters do.  Does this mean he doesn’t love me?!?!? <gasp!>  No. of. course. not. Don’t. be. ridiculous.

I also get frustrated when the romance overshadows the plot.  I feel this is the case in Hourglass.  The main characters are time traveling.  How cool is that?  Can you imagine what kinds of mischief people could get in to or what kinds of honorable acts could be done?  Imagine if we could change the course of history!  Awesome in a scary way!

The end left with me with more questions.  How does time travel really work?  How have events changed?  Can they be sure of what tomorrow holds?  What is next?

***SPOILER ALERT***

One thing I enjoyed and was intrigued by was Jack.  He makes a scary villain.  He visits Emerson in her bedroom, the most intimate and personal space she owns.  (When I was done reading the second time I also expected to find Jack waiting in my bathroom for me.  Scary!)  He changes her past, so that she “owes” him for her present.  He stole Liam’s wife’s memory which incapacitated her.  He manipulates people and situations to his own end.  He has messed with time, so no one is sure of the consequences. He is mastermind behind the “evil plans.”  I buy most of it, but I feel like McEntire tried too quickly to tie up some of the loose ends leaving the reader unconvinced. 

Not Your Typical Peanuts & Cotton Candy - The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Just the facts:

Overall: 5 Stars! (WooHoo! First of the year!)

Addiction Level: I read it every waking moment.

Believe-ability: I daydream about the created world and wonder how I fit in.

Favorite Quote: “People see what they wish to see. And in most cases, what they are told that they see.”

~~~~~

     I have to start this review by saying, “What up!!?” Not only is this my first five star book of the year, but also me conquering my previously mentioned nemesis. Take that!

     The Night Circus is a beautifully written story about a circus that is created when two illusionists are pitted against one another for no other reason than pure sport. Celia and Marco are entered into this competition as mere pawns by their respective masters and the entire circus becomes entangled in the aftermath of the decision. A love story in many different ways, The Night Circus will tug at your emotions and dreams.

     I don’t know about you, but for me there is something really special about the circus. It’s so exciting and exotic and it takes all your patience waiting for your parents to take you when you’re a child. My love of the circus comes from my mother, who used to tell me and my brother that she met my dad at the circus where she worked as the bearded lady. A couple of years ago a tiny circus came to our small rural town and my mom and I bought our tickets right away. We went together, two adults, no kids, to see “The Big Cats”. It was great fun. The last circus I had to been to before that was when I was really little and the only thing I remembered was playing under the bleachers and throwing up from eating too much cotton candy. The Night Circus, however, is not your typical circus. It’s the most magical circus ever. The best circus ever (minus the elephants, which are sadly missing).

     When I first bought The Night Circus, I had a little bit of buyer’s remorse because I just spent $27 on a book. Now, I think it was one of the best $27 I’ve ever spent. Morgenstern’s writing is so enchanting that I felt as if I were dreaming the entire time I was reading. She writes in the most peaceful and relaxing way. There are no words for how well crafted a story this is.

      As readers, we often take away different meanings or messages from a book. For me, The Night Circus was a love story about the circus. I cared about all of the characters, but they took supporting roles compared to the circus itself. For most, it will be a love story between Celia and Marco. Regardless of what it is or isn’t, I hope that you would read this book with the eagerness of a child. You won’t be disappointed and you can mark me down as the newest rêveur.