Kate (Blogging with Dragons)
Written on Oct 6, 2019
Welcome to Caraval, where nothing is quite what it seems...
'If you ever wondered how it would feel to step into a dream, here's your ticket' - Stacey Lee
Scarlett has never left the tiny isle of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year week-long performance where the audience participates in the show.Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure. And for Scarlett and her beloved sister Tella it represents freedom and an escape from their ruthless, abusive father.
When the sisters' long-awaited invitations to Caraval finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show's mastermind organiser, Legend.
Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But nonetheless she quickly becomes enmeshed in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak. And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever.
A mesmerising, magical and stunningly imaginative debut novel for anyone who loved The Night Circus.
- ISBN10 1250095255
- ISBN13 9781250095251
- Publish Date 31 January 2017 (first published 6 December 2016)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Flatiron Books
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 416
- Language English
Reviews
Renee
Written on May 15, 2019
I enjoyed this book, it was an easy read, and the story was intriguing. But honestly, the romance was terrible. I did not care for a second about Scarlett and Julian, especially because it was obvious from the start that he was either working with Legend or that he is Legend. Somehow I think this took away from the plot twists. I am not sure if it was supposed to be a plot twist, but it felt like one that was so foreshadowed that it wasn't at the same time. However, the part after that about Tella working together with Legend and her planning this whole thing did surprise me. I had not expected that.
The characters felt incredibly bland and undeveloped. They did not have a real personality. One characteristic defined them completely. I did not mind it that much since I still enjoyed the book a lot, but I do wish that they get more interesting as the series continues.
The world itself was really interesting, even though the magic system was never really explained. Things just happened because why not? If it was not for enjoyment, this book would probably have 2.5 or three stars, but I really really liked it, thus four stars seems more appropriate. Enjoyment is the most important aspect of general YA novels for me. However, I do feel the need to address the issues of this book and not just hype it up only because I enjoyed it a lot. I highly encourage the audiobook, I flew through it.
Even though I really enjoyed this book and will continue the rest of the series, I do not agree that this is a series. This book had a very nice end and continuing this series felt forced. It would have been more interesting if there were other books in this world, however, I do not care about Scarlett and Tella's continuation.
kalventure
Written on May 6, 2019
"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."I've owned a copy of this book for almost two years now (and I even pre-ordered Legendary last year!), yet it has taken me until the eve of Finale's release to finally read this book. And what a fool I am for waiting so long! This book is magical and perfect and I loved every minute of reading it.
I was immediately swept away by Garber's effortlessly captivating prose. Her words had almost a magical power over me and it was as if I was transported into the magical game myself. Lush and descriptive, she manages to describe the world, people, and settings so well that I can see them in my head. Simply put: the worldbuilding is magnificent. I love it and despite the danger I desperately want a few days of magical adventure. The magic was never really explained, it is almost a character itself and ethereal, but it didn't really bother me much.
Opening the book with those letters to entice the reader and give the slightest hint of the world we are about to step in was brilliant. Caraval is told in a single, third-person POV that adds to the feeling of not knowing who to trust within the game. It added to my anxiety to not know more than what Scarlett interpreted to be going on.
I have to say this now -- I get weak in the knees for morally grey, dark and handsome pirate types. An "ethical bad boy," if you will. Which means that I essentially fell in love with Julian immediately. He's shrouded in mystery and seems to know a lot about what is going on, making me never sure what side he is on but wanting redemption for him all the same. While the romance that develops is quick as the main events of the book take place over the course of five days, it manages to develop in a way that doesn't feel like insta-love and feels genuine.
"She imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars came out."I adored Scarlett and Julian's characters as they felt the most developed to me, but that could very well be because Tella doesn't get as much page-time in the book. I really enjoyed the journey that Scarlett undergoes to conquer her fear, make choices for herself, and find freedom in this book. But even when she was almost paralyzed by those fears she didn't appear weak or in need of a white knight. The game almost helps her to find her voice and find her power, as well as maybe believing in a bit of magic again.
"Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything."This book is excellently paced and felt like reading the first act in a play, which is how I prefer my duologies/trilogies to be written. I don't need everything to be resolved in the first book, but I don't enjoy when a book is all rising action that ends with a cliffhanger and a million questions. I love that the book came to a sense of conclusion, satisfyingly tying up the loose ends and questions I had while reading while setting up the next act of this adventure. And right now I am really happy I decided to buy Legendary last year on a whim so I can dive right into it!
Caraval is an action packed and magical adventure that at its center is about the deep sisterly bond between Scarlett and Donatella, and the lengths they will go to protect one another. I really appreciated the theme of the power we all have, that if we want something bad enough we can make it happen. I know that in reality it isn't as simple as that as there are systems in place that make it harder for some to achieve those dreams, but I think it is a powerful and positive message -- and one that meant a lot to me right now. I really enjoyed this book and devoured it literally in one sitting and I think if you are a fan of strong sibling relationships this is a book you shouldn't miss!
CONTENT WARNINGS: abusive father, murder, torture
Quirky Cat
Written on May 3, 2019
Of course, nothing is ever what it seems in this world, and it is full of dangers. But compared to the dangers that they are running from, it certainly seems like it is worth the risk. All they have to do is win, and they'll earn themselves a wish.
I'm so behind in reading this series, and having finally read it, I really regret that it took me so long. But at least I can tell you that it was worth the wait, and that it held up against all the talk and hype about it. And on the bright side, I can binge the whole series at once, which is a plus.
Warnings: There are a lot of heavy tones in this series. Like any world that covers the darker side of magic, there's murder, suicide, and all sorts of dangers. A lot of this is told second hand, but it still occurs. There's also abuse and kidnapping. The abuse is probably the most detailed out of the things I've mentioned.
I've heard a lot about Caraval since it came out, and I can honestly say that it lived up to the hype. That was no easy task, considering some of the positive reviews out there! I found Caraval to be an enjoyable read, and one that was extremely difficult to put down.
I found myself immediately connecting to Scarlett and her desperate (and constant) attempt to save and protect her sister, Donatella (better known as Tella). It was sweet and compelling, while also showing the passion and steel within her character.
The world these two get thrown into...it's amazing. It's as deadly as it is beautiful, with twists and turns that those unused to magic would have trouble predicting. So to say that they were in over their heads would be putting it mildly. But it did make an interesting story for us readers!
The romantic subplot was a nice touch as well, not only because it was emotionally compelling (and confusing at times) but because it added to the complexity of the plot. That it put the main character into an even more confusing situation only added to the main plot.
I loved so much of this. From the imagery to the situation the sisters were in, as well as Legend himself and many of the secondary characters. The style was just amazing, and exactly what I was looking/hoping for.
I've read a few books that tried to hit the tone this story did, only to fail. Caraval is unique in that it really did feel wondrous and magical, as well as terrifying and lethal. That's a hard balance to find, but the series seems to have done it.
I don't normally find myself wishing for a movie adaptation for a novel (because they are so frequently butchered), but I would absolutely love to see what a creative (and faithful) director could do with this series.
I am so happy that I finally sat down and read Caraval. And I'm even happier that it held up. I can also tell you with complete honesty that the second I finish writing this review I'm going to sit down and read Legendary. Wish me luck!
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Emma (SCR)
Written on Mar 9, 2019
The book follows sisters Scarlett and Donatella. The majority of the book is about Scarlett and follows her as she plays the game of Caraval. I won't really add much more of the story because there are layers, twists and turns that you really need to experience for yourself.
I will, however, talk a little bit about the characters. Scarlett is cautious. she's a planner and she's a worrier. Tella is impulsive, fun and a little dangerous! Then we have Julian oh that beautiful infuriating man! There are lots more characters and quite frankly I could go on for hours about them. These characters are well developed and have many many layers
This was a really good story with a good pace. I loved the descriptions and the grandeur of it. The whole thing just sounded so magical.
One thing that appears a lot in this book is roses. At the end of the book, there was an interview with Stephanie where she mentions that her sister gave her the idea for the roses when she said that they can beautiful or creepy. As soon as I heard that I thought you are SO right and then I tried to think back to all the uses or roses in this book both creepy and beautiful
Even at the end of the book, there are a lot of mysteries. I'm not sure what is real and what isn't. What I do know is that I am stoked for Legendary as it's all about Tella and I quite like her character.
littleread1
Written on Aug 7, 2018
anastasia
Written on Feb 23, 2018
Full Review on my blog
I fell in love with this book from day one when I read the premise, and I definitely was not disappointed when actually reading the book. Talk about some amazing world-building! It was even more incredible than I could have ever hoped for it to be.
From the very first page up until the last, there was never a dull moment while reading Caraval. It was just an enigma wrapped in magic and deception. One minute you think you have the story and the characters all figured out, the next minute the storyline takes you on a completely different direction! There were just so many twists, turns, and puzzles that every page leaves you hanging at the edge of your seat.
Caraval is a magical game that is played once a year. Not everyone can go, but the lucky ones are sent tickets, and once they arrive they are able to choose if they’d like to watch the game or actually play the game. The story follows two sisters voyage to Isla de los Sueños, after being invited to attend this years Caraval. Here, a mystery must be solved, but as every participant has been told repeatedly- It´s only a game!
I definitely can’t wait for book two because something tells me that Stephanie has more tricks and magic up her sleeve for her readers! 🙂 I highly recommend it!
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paperbackjedi
Written on Jan 9, 2018
limabean74
Written on Oct 21, 2017
I am not sure what I expected when I started this book. The cover was gorgeous and it reminded me of a cross between Alice in Wonderland and Willy Wonka. I liked the flow of the story and the writing was very descriptive.
The story is told in Scarlett’s POV and I will be honest in the beginning I wasn’t really liking her very much. She played by the rules and wouldn’t allow herself to take risks. I wanted to shake her a few times and tell her to stop being so safe, it was driving me crazy.
The cast of characters in this book had me all kinds of confused, I wasn’t sure if I liked them, trusted them or found them annoying.
The game was confusing and the explanation at the end sort of confused me even more.
The descriptions of things were delightful (this does not include world build, that was missing). Like colors and foods are described in whimsical detail.
Abusive father selling his girls to the highest bidder. It sort of seems like a common thing in these type of fairy tale books.
I wanted to know more, I felt like it left to much to your own thoughts. I have questions or what to know more details on things. The book has some vague backgrounds and it needed more of a world build. It has details but the world was a bit confusing.
The End totally confused me but I realize this is a series so I will have to see what happens next but it was still confusing
Overall this book was ok, I wasn’t blown away by it and it seemed to have a lot of hype when it first come out. I liked the characters to a point but I enjoyed the story more, even if at times I found it confusing or sort of all over the place. The amount of times it had to be explained what was going on made it even more confusing. At this point I really don’t know what was true and what wasn’t. I will for sure be checking out the next book in the series, I think the story has great potential and maybe it will be more present in the next book. I do recommend if you are looking for something different. This was an out of the box type of book.
Thanks for stopping by to check out my review.
Have a great day and Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life
Amber (The Literary Phoenix)
Written on Aug 7, 2017
I've been having an awesome year with books about magical festivals and circuses, and Caraval one of the ones I was looking forward to the most. But from the moment I started, I just did not care about any of the characters. I wanted to. I wanted to so much. But I didn't.
Scarlett is snobby and self-righteous. It's not the most attractive combination in a heroine. Then there's Donatella who is selfish and flighty, and Julian who switches between clichés so often that you don't really know if it's bad writing or an unpredictable character. To be honest, I was so disconnected from the characters that I was just about ready to put the book down until I hit the 50% mark.
So, at the point where it seems like most the people were getting bored, I was finally starting to get interested. The twists I wanted didn't happen, and the most boring predictable ending is what I feel like I got. But, the world came more to life, and some of the minor character starting being interesting. Would I pick up the sequel to this book? Probably not. I just don't care what happens to Scarlett and Donatella. But I think the concept and the plot are really good ideas, I just wish they had been fleshed out a little bit better. The world as well.
So to all the diehard fans of this book, I wish you well. I can definitely see where you're coming from and see why you love it. Unfortunately, it was just not for me.