The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus is set at the turn of the 20th Century and follows a mysterious and enchanting nocturnal Circus, Le Cirque des Rêves, which moves silently around Europe settling in new places now and then without any warning. The circus has been designed and created by a team of unusual and artistic people who each bring their own talent to its marvellous features.

The black and white striped tents hold such wonders as an enormous dreamlike clock, an illusionist who conceals real magic as trickery, flame-haired twins who perform trapeze and a multitude of small rooms filled with the stuff of dreams and fantasy. All the while, the circus builds a following of people known as rêveurs, a red scarf-wearing clan of die-hard fans who follow the circus around the continent to experience it's ever-changing joy night upon night.

All the while, a fierce battle is underway between two young magicians bound to the 'challenge', a mysterious competition they have been trained for since childhood by their respective benefactors. The catch - only one participant will come out alive. They know not the purpose of the challenge, but both try to resist it when they realise there is a connection between them which cannot be explained in words - the slightest touch of their hands can produce an electrical reaction powerful enough to stun crowds into silence.

This is such a joyous and enchanting novel, full of surprise and wonder in its language and gripping in its plotline. A few have commented that it's slow moving, yet I liked the building suspense which culminated in an action-packed end. I would highly recommend it if you've not yet read it, and will be encouraging friends to read this for a long time!