Caraval (Caraval, #1)

by Stephanie Garber

[alisoninbookland]

Caraval is quite the adventure. Garber creates a Wonderland-esque world full of mystery. I loved the twists and turns. Nothing is what it seems so you don’t know what to expect and I love that. Even on my reread, I was pleasantly surprised with the turns. [I have a terrible memory for books which is why I had to reread it.] The world building is a bit shaky but I was fine just sitting back and enjoying the ride.

This was a reread for me and I’m still not a Tella fan. I know there’s more to her (and I’ve been told I’ll like her more in Legendary) but her foolhardiness bothers me. I suppose it’s because I’m more grounded and realistic like Scarlett so Tella’s ways just drive me batty. It’s lucky that things worked out well but that was one heck of a chance to take!

I go back and forth with Garber’s prose though. It is lovely and magical. Other times, it’s heavy handed and I skim over it. For example: “He tasted like midnight and wind…”. WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?! It sounds pretty, I guess? The story flows very well though and I hated putting the book down.

I’m currently indifferent to the insta-love going on. I am happy the Count is out of the picture but I’m not sure on Julian. I can understand being smitten with him but love? Eh, we’ll see. Then there’s the whole old-enough-to-date-her-grandmother thing going on which is a bit odd.

All in all, a magical journey.

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