Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Author: Stephanie Garber

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Publication Date: January 31, 2017

Pages: 416

Format: Hardcover

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Purchase Links: [Chapters/Indigo] [Amazon]

Goodreaders Synopsis:

Remember, it’s only a game… Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her 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 faraway, 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. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic. And whether Caraval is real or not, Scarlett must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over or a dangerous domino effect of consequences will be set off, and her beloved sister will disappear forever. Welcome, welcome to Caraval…beware of getting swept too far away.

My Review:

"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."

At first I didn’t understand why a lot of people were obsessed with Caraval. You know the saying? You never know until you’ve tried it? Yeah, same. I am obsessed with this book. I thought it was a great story, but I didn't cry and my heart didn't feel connected with other characters as everyone else. I do however feel my heart getting crushed when something sad happens or it would race when something really exciting happens.

I also did love the concept and idea of Caraval. Stephanie’s writing style is wonderful, and isn’t choppy. It was very magical and enchanting.

I didn't really connect with the characters that much. I found Tella to be annoying. I didn't really care for her (sometimes I would forget about her... Oops?)

Don't get me wrong I was very intrigued with the book. It kept me hooked, which is a sign of a good book. I always wanted to know what was going to happen. I was always trying to guess what was going to happen also trying to figure out the clues, like I was one of the players playing. The mystery of who Legend was was always on my mind. I was really focused on figuring out who they were and if it was all just an act.

One of my favourite aspects of Caraval was that the form of currency wasn't money. Caraval deals with your greatest fears, secrets and lies and even days of your life. So for instance if you want your future told you may have to give up one of your secrets.

I think this book was cursed for me because every time I would pick it up during the day I would hear my name getting called. I always had to put the book down and go help my family. The worst part was that it wasn’t like I finished the chapter, nooooo I was in the middle of it and all I wanted to do was finish it. There were so many twists and turns on every page, leaving me at the edge of my seat. Right from the beginning I had my theories but as I kept going I would second guess and change them and then change them again. Its safe to say that Caraval keeps you second guessing whats real or fake, is it just part of the game?

#fantasy #youngadults #4stars #stephaniegarber #caraval