Caraval (Caraval, #1)

by Stephanie Garber

[Amber (The Literary Phoenix)]

I really, really wanted to like this book.

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.