Caraval by Stephanie Garber Pages: 416
Published by Flatiron Books on January 31, 2017
Series: Caraval #1
Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy & Magic
Source: Paperback ARC from Publisher
Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world . . .
Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.
Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.
But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.
Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.
Caraval is the first book in a new, young adult fantasy series of the same name by author Stephanie Garber. Caraval has gotten so much excellent hype that when I grabbed a copy at ALA last year, I could hardly contain myself. I am always a little weary of books that have so, so much hype surrounding them, but I am happy to say that Caraval certainly delivered. And then some. I loved this book and I cannot wait for book 2 when we get a chance to journey back to this magical world Stephanie Garber created.
Caraval does have a romance in it, and it was a romance that I really enjoyed, but what I liked even more than the romance was that the main characters, and main focus, of this book were the two sisters. It was really refreshing to see such a great bond between them. And trust me, no matter what your initial impressions might be, there is a great bond between the two girls. View Spoiler »
Scarlet and Tella grew up admiring the mysterious and grand show of Caraval, an interactive circus where visitors can choose to watch the competition or participate for themselves. I loved the idea behind Caraval. It was part contest, part scavenger hunt, and a whole lot of magical and creepy. The land of Caraval was enthralling. I could not pull myself away from it. Even now, weeks after having finished the book, I still catch myself thinking about it. Part of me wants to run through those streets with Scarlet and part of me thinks I would never have the guts to participate.
All of the characters in Caraval are so multifaceted and super interesting. And I do mean every one is interesting. Even the actors in Carval play awesomely complex roles. A mixture of real and fake that I couldn’t get enough of. Julian, who is the slow burn kind of love interest was particularly interesting. The whole book just works so well. I loved seeing the history of Carval, I loved seeing the present, I loved the characters and the world and just getting to be a part of the whole story telling experience. I need more!! Seriously, this better not be a duology. I want a long series of Caraval books! I can’t wait to see what the next evolution of Carval, the game, looks like. I am addicted to this book! And I want more! You need to read this book. Now!
Caraval by @sgarbergirl is such a magical read! @BookBriefs thinks you need to read it. Now! @FierceReads @Flatironbooks Click To Tweet
About Stephanie Garber
I can also be found on Twitter, and I love connecting with readers. If you’re looking for more information about my books, I try to update my website on a regular basis.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Julie @ Happily Ever Chapter
You are absolutely right about this book having a lot of hype surrounding it. I haven’t read one negative review about it yet! This is definitely one that I am going to have to pick up eventually. Great review!
Brittany
So glad you loved Caraval too! Fabulous review 😀 I cant wait for Stephanie’s next book 🙂
Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
danielle hammelef
i’m so happy to read a great review of this book and find someone who liked it. I’ve been seeing DNF posts because people felt let down after all the hype for this book.
Michelle @ Book Briefs
I really really liked this one!! The world is so cool!
Penny Olson
Thanks! It’s really good to know Caraval lives up to the hype.
Chelsea Hunter
Your review was wonderful, and it really makes me want to go out and buy the book right now!
Margaret Appel
I have gotten several newsletters talking about Caraval & found the blurbs intriguing. I was tentatively thinking of purchasing it & am glad I read your review. Now I really am looking forward to it! Thanks 🙂
Victoria
I love the cover & enjoyed your review. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Sue @ Crushingcinders
So glad you liked it. The cover is stunning.