Night Circus

by Erin Morgenstern

This is a fascinating story about two magicians who each train a young person in their skills, with the intention that the two trainees will at some unspecified time compete "to the death".   Years later the setting for their competition is an unusual circus, the Night Circus, which arrives without notice in towns around the world.  The circus and the acts are all designed in shades of black and white.  Instead of a circus tent with many circles within, the Night Circus consists of numerous tents which feature amazing sites and performances.

As the story develops, one of the competitors figures out who his competition is, the other competitor does not know who he is until much later.

The two original magicians are thwarted in their plans as the two apprentices fall in love and try to figure out how to avoid the conpetition.

The story is very engaging.  I found aspects of the circus, many of which seemed to feed fantasies and experiences rather than entertainment, very interesting.  In the book many people who attended the circus became "groupies" following the circus around the world.  I can understand how the fantasy and creativity of the circus could hook people.

I found the main story line, with two people, who with no choice in the matter, are destined to be pawns in a competition by two egomaniacs interesting, while sad.  But the two main characters were not the only ones whose lives were affected by this competition.

The story explored control, destiny, magic and freedom.