Book Review: Night Circus

Night Circus
by Erin Morgenstern
Format: Kindle Book
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3 stars

Summary from GoodReads: 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 Rêves, 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 per¬formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.


I don’t normally read fantasy, but this would be the type of fantasy book I would read. Similar to Harry Potter in that there is magic and some of the book is very made up, but it takes place in a real setting.

I only gave this book three stars. While I was intrigued with the whole idea, the book just didn’t grab me and keep hold of me through to the end.

I liked the characters the author developed. My favorite were the Murray twins and their interaction with Bailey. They were a lot of fun and the descriptions of them, their antics and the journeys did keep me entertained. I was shocked with Bailey and the ending of the story. I liked the game that was to be had, but it was a little confusing. I guess it was also confusing to the participants.

I guess what I didn’t like was all the detail of the meetings. It did seem like those just carried on and didn’t serve a great purpose to the story. I didn’t hate the book, just wasn’t as entertained.

Verdict: Give it a try. I know I will later try it in audio format. The book is read by Jim Dale (known from Harry Potter readings) and I hope this may give the book the flair I am looking for. I would give the cover 5 stars. This did help me to visualize the circus. Awesome cover.

New Year's Resolutions and Reading

In planning for this year’s reading, I was initially thinking I would officially join a challenge or two. I decided against that this year since I am really trying to kick off my blog and enhance my book review writing. So I have decided to informally make some of my own goals and challenges.

First and foremost, I will continue writing reviews and post on my blog, as well as trying to become part of the blogging community.

Second, I have many titles on my Kindle. And when I say many, I mean over 700. I have read 83, some of which include borrows from the Library through Overdrive. Of this 700, I have purchased less than 100, probably even less than that, so my pocket book isn’t screaming as loudly as you thought. However, I would love to bring down the Kindle TBR. So how do I choose what to read? There are so many. I downloaded them many months ago and probably have forgot what their about. So where do I begin? I have decided to approach this by reading alphabetically (not necessarily in order) by title A to Z on Kindle and see how many times or time I can do this. This will help clear out some back log and give me a variety on what I read and not be too picky.

Next, I listened to several audio books last year and then became disengaged. I have decided that I will always be listening to an audio book in the car to hopefully retrain myself to listening and enjoying books in that format. I really don’t like the radio, never anything on and if there is it’s right before your destination. So what better to do with that time than to listen to a book. I also read several articles about audio books last year and they said it’s like practice to really enjoy them. So hopefully I will get practiced enough this year I will at the end of the year be able to say it is my new form of enjoyment.

Last, I have loved the Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke. So I have set out on a quest to find a new series that I love as much as Joanne’s Hannah Swensen and Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. To do this I am reading several first installments of cozies and if they pique my interest enough, I will continue into the next couple of installments to see if the series worth a finish. Hopefully I will find at least one, if not more.

So that pretty much sums it up and hopefully I will accomplish these goals and challenges and be really involved next year.

Book Review: Dead in the Family

Dead in the Family
By Charlaine Harris
Kindle Book
Paranormal Romance
Part of a series: Sookie Stackhouse #10
Rating: 3 stars

Summary from GoodReads: After enduring torture and the loss of loved ones during the brief but deadly Faery War, Sookie Stackhouse is hurt and she's angry. Just about the only bright spot in her life is the love she thinks she feels for vampire Eric Northman. But he's under scrutiny by the new Vampire King because of their relationship. And as the political implications of the Shifters coming out are beginning to be felt, Sookie's connection to the Shreveport pack draws her into the debate. Worst of all, though the door to Faery has been closed, there are still some Fae on the human side-and one of them is angry at Sookie. Very, very angry...

This book was an okay read. A lot is going on with the Faery War, but also with the political positions of all the vampires and weres. Everyone seems to be on edge, as well as Sookie who is not really sure what to do. Remember, she is part Fae, her brother and boss are shifters, and she is in love with two vampires. She does seem to be believing she is in love with Eric, but is she happy with him??

Verdict: 3 stars, an okay read. Seems to be a bridging book setting up a lot to happen in the next installment. For Sookie readers, enjoy but don’t expect fireworks.