Best word to describe this book: imaginative. I loved it! This book will make you think of a circus in a way you've never thought before. The complexities of the characters really pulled me in. I also enjoy the fact that there were so many things that were not overtly explained (some may be bothered by this) because it really let my imagination wander. I was kind of confused by the timeline, though I must admit I hadn't even noticed it for the first half of the books, but I didn't understand its relevance. I know "time" or lack thereof was a major theme so if someone wants to explain the timeline to me, I'd be "eternally" grateful. :) 
 I noticed some people were disappointed with the book because "it didn't live up to the hype" that the media presented prior to its release. I thought it was awesome so I'm glad I didn't read too much about it - gave me a chance to enjoy it on my own. 
 I think this is a great unconventional book group selection. I wish I knew someone else who read it so that I could have discussed it with them while I was reading. There were just so many ideas that could use some intelligent conversation and so many inspired ideas that come through in the reading that I would have liked to share! Oh well - looks like I'll have to add it to my recommendations list. Curious to see if this will become a series.