There are several descriptions in this book of a specific type of performance done at the titular circus. These are performances by contortionists, that are described as wearing very elaborate costumes, holding a position for long periods of time. Except that they aren't holding a position. The way it is described is that if the audience watches the performance carefully enough, and for a long enough stretch of time, they'll actually notice that they contortionists are moving from one position to another. That they are actually doing something beyond just standing there like a very well dressed statue.

And I feel like that's a very accurate description of the book as a whole. It is very, very descriptive. It tries very hard to pull the reader in with the elaborate tents the public could wander into, and how the performers are costumed to match the color pattern of the circus as a whole, and all the pleasing sights and sounds of this fantastic and magical place. And if you're paying really close attention, you may be able to go "Oh hey, was that a plot development?"

This is one of those wonderful books that points out its own major flaw. There is a contest going on between two main characters. These characters know about this contest, but don't know the identity of their opponent. There are also side characters that know about the contest and that one or more of the main characters are the people involved in that challenge. And there is a point in the book, when most of those side characters that know what's going on start saying "you know, these two should have figured out the identity of their adversary and started working against each other by now". There's a difference between "slow burn" and "did anyone remember to bring matches?".