Let me start by saying that the imagery and descriptions in the book were BEAUTIFUL, and really were one of the best things about it. However, it felt almost like the author relied too heavily on said descriptions, and then fell flat with the plot.

I went into the book expecting a magical spectacular duel, and that was not what happened at all. It was more or less just Celia and Marco taking it in turns to make cool magical features and having a flat romance. I didn't feel drawn to any of the characters really (although I was sad about Thiessen- I sat there staring at the page in shock with my hand over my mouth). 

All in all, despite the 'magic' of the circus and characters, it didn't feel like a very magical book. Maybe I'm being too harsh, or maybe my expectations were too high, but I don't see how this is so many people's favourite.