Caraval

I had been super excited to read Caraval by Stephanie Garber ever since I started my bookstagram account. The cover just looked spectacular and everyone just seemed to like it! I hadn’t read any reviews – I hadn’t even read the blurb about the book. But I ordered it.

In short – Caraval is a story about two sisters, Scarlett and Tella who are invited to the magical world of Caraval, run by the Master Legend. Now in Caraval, you have to be careful not to get too involved in ‘the game’, remember that not everything is real, and most importantly don’t trust anyone. The adventure follows a crazy carnival with dangers and delights around every corner. From mood-changing dresses, to secret passageways, to carousels of roses, Scarlett must decipher the clues that Legend has left for the players of Caraval. But will the clues lead her to the final prize? Or to something worse?

As I mentioned, I’d heard lots of talk about Caraval. So I had high expectations. Luckily, these expectations were met. I really enjoyed this book! It gripped me from the beginning. I loved the map, and the letters and the clues! The fantasy world building was beautiful! I loved the rules of Caraval – like only being able to solve the clues at nighttime! And I could see the appeal of the idea of Caraval. It was an escape from reality with the chance of winning prizes! But the dark undertone of the death that occurred years ago made me suitably worried for Scarlett and her sister.

I like how Garber used a bond of sisterhood to tell the story. I have three of my own sisters and I loved the way she described Scarlett’s devotion to Tella. I also loved Julian. My, my, my, Julian. He was a charming rogue if ever there was one! The depth to his character was something I loved finding more and more about. I loved that he calls Scarlett Crimson. I thought it was the sweetest thing! And Legend. He’s a creeper. I don’t even know what exactly to think of him. I’m assuming we will find out more about him in Legendary (which I’m super excited for!) later this year.

One last thing I want to mention is the twists! Every time I thought I had the next step worked out, something happened and I was completely wrong! Everything just pieces together, but in a way I would never have expected! Each layer being peeled back revealed so much more about each character and it was brilliant to watch unfold! Overall, this book gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 out of 5 stars from me! I can’t wait to read more!!

To get your own copy of Caraval before Legendary comes out – go here: https://www.bookdepository.com/Caraval-Stephanie-Garber/9781473629165?a_aid=princessbecreads Happy bookventures!

-Bec