The descriptions are plush and evocative. The occasional use of second-person--"You walk into a tent filled with snow..." makes the description even more immersive. The magical circus is so fully imagined, not only sounds and sights but textures and scents. It is a five-star fantasy setting; I'd count the setting among the best I've read.

However, this is a good book to read in small parcels, maybe 4 or 5 chapters at a time. When I read it for long periods, the description really bogs down and left me wanting more plot and narrative. This was not a page-turner until 4/5 through the story.

If you can get into what I think the author is trying to do...to make the circus itself into the main character without resorting to making the tents talk...you will enjoy this book.