Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is a novel about how things are not always what they seem and how people see only what they want to see. It’s a cominNight Circus by Erin Morgenstern is a novel about how things are not always what they seem and how people see only what they want to see. It’s a coming-of-age story fantasy style, and a dark, magical tragedy turned comical, somewhat mirroring the revenge and manipulations in Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest. Two dueling enchanters exploit their children by pitting them against each other in the backdrop of a traveling circus venue during the last decades of the 19c through 1902, when things don’t quite go as planned. The proper narrative style helped to set the stage for this time in history when long distance communication was limited to writing letters and transportation was by train and ship. Under the watchful eyes of hovering paternal guardians, the main characters, Marco and Celia come of age, while becoming masters at magical manipulation to the point of controlling the circus and its players and creatures much like ancient Greek gods. The lines between reality and fantasy, and also good and evil are blurred. Child neglect and abuse, pride and love, play a large role in the development of this story. Acrobats, fortune telling, big cat acts and the smell of caramel make up only the surface layer of the amusements under the big top of the circus of dreams, a traveling show that for some characters is a bit like the song, Hotel California, “You can come…but you can never leave.”...more
Enter Vildyn, a place divided into faithful followers and heretics. This is the world of Khendryll, an acolyte youth near graduation from the local TeEnter Vildyn, a place divided into faithful followers and heretics. This is the world of Khendryll, an acolyte youth near graduation from the local Temple which indoctrinates its people with the teachings of Jurryk from the sacred book, the Khelyreiad. When this book is in the wrong hands, and misinterpreted, it’s up to a few determined elves, one human believer, and Lorewyn and her unicorn to restore peace and trust.
Metaphors such as “The verse flowed from her lips like yesterday’s sweet wine…” (Ch. 8) and descriptions such as “roaring waterfalls”, “grassy green bluffs”, “crescent mountains”, and “cascading rivers” blend with song and magic, disciples and expeditions that spotlight the struggle between power and greed and the greater good in this story. Philosophy too plays a role, “Hate cannot be returned with hate if we expect love to come from our efforts.” (Ch 7)
With C.J. Pearson’s bright characters and vivid setting, he delivers an authentic celestial fantasy about the consequences of freewill, fear, politics, and religion. For readers of all ages, Do the Gods Still Dance in Waterfalls? is a hopeful book with a solid story arc and a satisfying end. I loved it!...more
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