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41.8k reviews for:

Caraval

Stephanie Garber

3.88 AVERAGE


Scarlett was SO.FRIGGIN.DUMB. I couldn’t handle it. She runs around like a moron for the entire story. I also just don’t really love a mystery and none of it made any sense and none of it was all that surprising. I liked the writing though. And it was a quick read.

The writing was average, the MC was lovable, and the idea of the book/series is great! It just could have been developed better. I wanted more romance. The MC didn't feel committed to her love interest and it just felt rushed, like the romance was second to the mystery. And maybe that was the point, but don't rush a romance into it then. It just makes the whole thing messy.

Absolutely hated all the supporting characters. There wasn't much development and the sister is a total brat.
adventurous mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Read this book if you’re looking for: magical adventures, strong sister bonds, Alice in Wonderland vibes, romance that isn’t cringy, and a story that keeps you hooked without overwhelming world-building.



✨ “Remember, it’s only a game.” ✨



I’d started this book a few times before and it never clicked… but this time, it completely did. The characters are so well-written, Scarlett is fierce and determined, and the whole adventure kept me flipping pages. I love when a book includes sisters (ride or die for mine 💕), so that instantly made me more invested.



The romance is there, but not overdone — just enough to keep things interesting without taking over the story. Honestly, when I finished I caught myself thinking… should I dive right into book #2?? 👀



If you like fantasy but hate spending the first 200 pages trying to memorize kingdoms, maps, and family trees, this one’s for you. Definitely recommend!


adventurous challenging emotional mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Bohooo, I'm Scarlett and I'm lost and sad and miserable all the time. And I want to find my sister and save her because I love her. But at the same time I've fallen in love with a random dude after approximately 2 intimate moments.

There are a lot of things I liked about this book and it has so much potential. I liked some of the metaphors and the use of colours to explain feelings.

But the amount of chaos and confusions and plot twists in this book makes you want to tear your hair out.

Safe to say that I wanted to yeet this book out the window.
maa888's profile picture

maa888's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH

Soft DNF.. I’ll probably pick it up later and read it again
adventurous mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous challenging medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: N/A
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No