Books Like The Night Circus
I read The Night Circus years ago, and it gave me the same chills as reading Harry Potter for the first time. The descriptions of the magic in this book are unlike anything I have ever read. I wanted to find books like The Night Circus to cure you of your book hangover.
This is a book that I come back to time and time again. It has magic, love, and wonder. While this is technically an adult historical fantasy book, it is appropriate for teens who love fantasy as well.
This is a book filled with everything you could hope for in a book. If you have not read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, it is an absolute must. If you have already read it and want more books like it, I hope you will love these books as much as I do.
The Best Books Like the Night Circus
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Circus Book Like the Night Circus
Revelle by Lyssa Mia Smith- Jump to Section
The Best Magic Books Like the Night Circus
Caraval by Stephanie Garber- Jump to Section
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Circus Books Like the Night Circus
Revelle
Author: Lyssa Mia Smith
Year: 2023
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This prohibition-era historical fantasy novel was inspired by Moulin Rouge! It’s filled with romance, carnival performers, and a magical community on an island near New York. Luxe (our Satine) can use her magic to create illusions to give people exactly what they want but what her family needs is money.
When Dewey, a time-traveling smuggler, asks her to help him become mayor by pretending to be his fiance, she thinks her prayers are answered.Until she meets Jamison, a poor commoner with no magic to speak of. They begin an illicit relationship that might spell doom for them all.
Why Kirsten loves it
This YA historical fantasy novel held me captive. It was so original! If you are looking for young adult fantasy romance books, this one should be on your TBR.
Find this book in: Jazz Age Novels /Carnival Books/ Books Like the Night Circus
The Ladies of the Secret Circus
Author: Constance Sayers
Year:2021
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:16+
Plot
In 2004 Lara Barnes’s fiancé disappeared on their wedding day. As Lara searches for answers, she starts to unravel a family mystery that goes back to 1925. This book has everything. It’s a dark fantasy filled with mystery, disappearances, and magic.
Trigger Warnings
Murder
Why Jackie loves it
Have you ever loved a book so much that you couldn’t put it down but also didn’t want it to end? That is how I felt about the book! I don’t want to give more detail because I don’t want to spoil any part of this book- it was one of my favorite fantasies of 2021!
Find this book in: Books With Secret in the Title / Best Circus Books / Beach Reads 2021 / Books Like the Night Circus
Plot
Rosie and Ivory have grown up in their mother’s circus and are returning to Port’s End. It is a place closest to any home after years of traveling. As the circus prepares for opening night, fundamentalists seek to stop the show from continuing. But, as the show begins, a massive fire strikes the tent and that is only the beginning.
Why Jackie likes it
This YA fantasy book is a queer re-telling of Snow White and Rose Red (not to be confused with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs). It has been thoroughly reimagined and transformed in this book.
Find this book in: Books Like the Night Circus / Circus Books
Magic Books Like the Night Circus
Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Year: 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestselling Fantasy debut
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When it comes to YA Fantasy books, this one is a classic. The story begins with letters from Scarlett to Legend, the leader of Caraval- a game played once a year in a far-off destination.
Every year, every time it is played, the game is different. Filled with magic and wonder, Scarlet plays this destination-based competition to win this year’s prize – her sister Tella – before anyone else can. This is a game filled with magic where the stakes become higher the longer Scarlet plays.
Why Jackie loves it
This is the first book in a three-part series that gets better and more complex with each new book. This series of YA fantasy romance books is a must-read.
Find this book in: Stephanie Garber Books / Books Like the Selection / Best Puzzle Books / Popular Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books /Books About Sisters and Bonds of Sisterhood / Best YA Romance Books / Books Like the Night Circus
The White Octopus Hotel
Author: Alexandra Bell
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This dual-timeline story takes place at a gorgeous hotel in the Swiss Alps, where Eve Shaw, an art appraiser in 2015, is visiting after meeting Max Everly, a man who shares the same name as her favorite composer, born over 100 years earlier.
When she arrives at the White Octopus Hotel, Eve is thrown back in time to 1935 as she tries to undo a mistake from her past, avoid falling in love with Max, and head back to her own time.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, War, Grief
Why Kirsten loves it
This fantastic novel was steeped in such creative magic that I could vividly picture everything. The Art Deco hotel would have been a treat on it’s own, but adding in the magical paintings, objects, and others items really made it immersive. I was swept away by this charming story.
Find this book in: Hotel Novels / Historical Fantasy Books / Books Like the Night Circus
Plot
Mullory Prudence is sixteen-year-old and only has her late mother’s warnings to “run if the strange finds you,” left as memories. Nevertheless, she is drawn into a game called Mystery Royale at Stoutmire Estate, where the prize is a massive inheritance. Once there, she discovers the true prize is Xavier Stoutmire’s illusionary magic, coveted by a family willing to kill for it. To win the game, Mullory must solve the murder of Xavier Stoutmire while navigating family secrets and deciding whom she can trust.
The magical elements reminded me a bit of Caraval but with a distinctly Death Eater-type flavor. The story pits Lyric, Ellison (and her twin), and other relations in a game to win their deceased Uncle’s magic – along with outsider Mullary who is attempting to win and understand why she was chosen to participate in the puzzle.
Why Kirsten loves it
I was swept into the story and I couldn’t put it down. The magical parties and hidden puzzles were painted in such a vivid fashion that I could picture everything in my brain. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!!
Find this book in: Puzzle Books / Books like the Night Circus / Beach Reads 2025 / Family Inheritance Novels
Plot
I absolutely adored this pick for best fantasy books of 2023 because it’s pure magic at its best. What starts as a historical fiction set in Chicago in the 1930s transforms into a beautiful fantasy about a ballerina, her violin, and the kingdom of death.
When Grace becomes the prima ballerina at The Near North Ballet Company, she is overjoyed that her dream has come true. In accepting this position, she has become a patron of Master LaRosa and must move into his mansion.
She is not sure what he wants from her. Soon, she discovers there is so much more within the mansion than she thought possible.
Why Jackie loves it
This Beauty and the Beast retelling is perfect for a list of books like ACOTAR. It is beautiful and absolutely heartbreaking. The writing is lyrical and I savored every minute.
Find this book in: Ultimate Beach Reads 2023/ Books Like The Night Circus / Fairy Tale Retellings for Adults & YA / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Books About Ballet
Payback’s a Witch
Author: Lana Harper
Year: 2021
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: The Witches of Thistle Grove #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This adorable romance was the perfect post-Halloween read for me. Emmy Harlow must return home to her magical town of Thistle Grove to arbitrate a spell-casting tournament. The winner will have control of magic in the town.
Emmy ran away because of a broken heart but now, her heart may be on the mend thanks to the beautiful and powerful Talia.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this book. The magical competition and the high stakes of this game make it perfect for anyone who loves some heart-pounding action to go with their fantasy books. Add in a sprinkle of romance and its a winner for me.
Find this book in: Books Like The Night Circus / Best Witch Books / Adult Fantasy Romance Books
The Rose Bargain
Author: Sasha Peyton Smith
Year: 2025
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance
More info: Cruel Prince meets The Selection
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Think of this book as The Selection but with Fae! The queen has ruled for hundreds of years after she ended a war. Now, every citizen in England is granted one wish from the fae queen. Girls bargain for a gift to help them make a good match and men bargain for wealth and status. However, with each gift comes a price (like the tip of a pinky finger or a few teeth). This year the stakes are the highest because the fae prince is looking for a wife.
Ivy needs that match more than ever. Her sister made a bargain she cannot remember, and it has nearly destroyed her family. To save her family from ruin, Ivy will compete with other women to win the prince’s heart.
Why Jackie loves it
I immediately wanted to read this when I heard “The Selection”, but this book is sooo good with its unique storyline. I love the alternate English history rather than a dystopian setting. The characters in the book are fun to read and I could not put this book down. There were some unpredictable elements in the story that made it even more fun and I am already dying to read the next one.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is everything my ballgown-loving heart wanted it to be. I swooned over the romance, hated the main villian, and was utterly gobsmacked by the ending. I can’t wait for the sequel!!
Find this book in: Books Like The Selection / Adult and YA Fae Books / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Books With Flowers in the Title / Best Beach Reads 2025 / Best Fantasy Books of 2025 / Books Like The Night Circus
More Books By Erin Morgenstern
The Starless Sea
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Year: 2019
Genre: Fantasy
More info: National Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
How to describe this book that is an ode to storytelling…..it’s a love story to books, a fantasy within a love story within a fairy tale. Zachary finds a hidden book in the library stacks filled with romantic love stories – including one from his own life! Soon he’s transported to a magical world in search of answers.
Why Jackie loves it
To say that I was excited about Erin Morgenstern‘s new book might be the understatement of the year. The writing is beautiful- Erin’s signature style of vivid imagery left me completely captivated. I truly loved every minute of this book. It was pointless to predict the story. So, I let it take me away with the lyrical prose.
Find this book in: Books Like The Night Circus / Full Cast Audiobooks / Magical Realism Books / Books About Librarians
Expert Tip
If you are looking for books like The Night Circus, here are some tips:
- If you love the fantasy element of the book, choose a book from the fantasy section. These are great choices
- If you love the circus element of the book, have a look at the circus books on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I read if I loved The Night Circus?
We have a list of books that you should read if you love The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. These are our top three.
1. Caraval by Stephanie Garber
2. Nocturne by Alyssa Wees
3. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Related Content
Epilogue:
What is your favorite pick from this list of books like The Night Circus?
