When I read the description of this book as a "Romeo & Juliet" love story that takes place in a fantastical circus, I thought, "Cool! Sounds perfect!" When I found out it was being read by Jim Dale (the popular narrator of the Harry Potter books) I downloaded it right away.

Unfortunately, this book did not live up to the hype. I was very disappointed since the story is so original in an industry that keeps chugging out the same ol' romance and/or murder mystery by the same authors. But for me, there was too much time spent on describing the circus instead of developing the characters. Celia and Marcus were barely in the same room for most of the story, and then all of the sudden they realize they're in love? I didn't buy it. I will say that I loved the author's description of the circus in spite of the fact that:

1.) I have little patience for authors who go on and on about a setting, and

2.) The circus creeps me the $%*& out - seriously, clowns are psychotic

The book is well-written and Jim Dale is a delight (although, he did seem to go overboard with the Scottish accents in this one), but the story was just not quite there.