Reviews with content warning for Child abuse - Caraval

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Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

393 reviews

hannahmarkby's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with Caraval, but it’s been on my TBR for quite some time, and I was pleasantly surprised! I’ve been in a reading slump for the past several months, starting many books and finishing none, but Caraval was able to break that.

The first book was a lot of fun to read, especially since I couldn’t predict what was going to happen. Every time I developed a new theory, it was soon disproven, and Garber did an excellent job convincing me of a false story so that I was completely shocked when the true ending was revealed. Caraval itself was fascinating, reminding me of Wonderland and Holly Black’s version of Faerie, with deals that were too good to be true and magic that made it difficult to distinguish what was real. My favorite aspect of this was the way that secrets and time were the preferred currency, especially how time was transferred through blood (and the resulting scene between Scarlett and Julian).

There were definitely a few YA clichés sprinkled throughout, such as the abusive father/dead mother, the adultification of the eldest daughter, and Julian’s personality, but in general I did not mind. Scarlett and Tella’s quest to get away from their father at all costs added an extra level of depth to the story, and I really appreciated Scarlett’s personal growth as she learned to take risks and no longer be ruled by fear and overcautiousness. Also, I’m unashamed to admit just how much I loved Julian.

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chrisdanlew's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

LOVED this story but the main character and the ending weren't as exciting as I'd hoped

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marygeer's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.25

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val_theburrowofstories's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’ve been waiting for months to get this trilogy in Libby and I’m so happy I ended up really liking it!

This might be the 10th audiobook that I’ve listened narrated by Rebecca Soler and she never disappoints.

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are two sisters who live with their abusive father in the Isle of Trisda. The girls have always dreamed of leaving and being free, and the opportunity finally presents itself in the name of Julian Marrero when this boy comes to the island and offers them to take them to Caraval, this magical place where they can play the game and if they win they can ask for anything they want.

I really liked the sisters, but especially Scarlett because I feel I would be more like her in this whole situation. I loved seeing her romance with Julian and how she had to learn to trust him. I did not expect that many plot twist and surprises in the book, especially in the end I was loving that. I was having such a great time with this book.

By the end we got so many emotions and information that just convinced me this is a 4 ⭐

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cowboylikebrie15's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

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underwaterlauren's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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aureolyn's review against another edition

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5.0

I may have found myself a new favorite author. How enchanting and bewitching. It truly felt as if we also entered into the game and were players too—never truly knowing what was real and what wasn’t. As if the magic of Caraval was seeping out of the book and enveloping us too.

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cierrachey33's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Caraval: A Mesmerizing Gamble with a Slow Start
Caraval's premise is undeniably enchanting. The idea of a magical game that grants wishes is pure escapism, and the descriptions of the fantastical setting are vivid and transportive. The final quarter of the book lives up to this promise, filled with twists and a satisfyingly fast pace.

However, the first half struggles to find its footing. The slow burn drags, making it difficult to connect with Scarlett and the other characters. Their motivations felt underdeveloped, and their personalities didn't quite click.

While Caraval didn't completely capture my heart, the latter part's exciting reveal and the captivating world-building offer a glimpse of what this series could be. If you're looking for a fast-paced adventure from the get-go, this might not be it. But for those who enjoy a slow burn that erupts in a dazzling finale, Caraval might be worth sticking with.

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pagecalico's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book is so confusing but in the best way possible.
I never had so much fun reading a book before, it genuinely felt like i was actually in the story and not just reading. Although this isnt a book i would normally read, im so happy i did!!
Also

SCARLETT AND JULIAN ARE SO CUTE TOGETHER OMGGGGGGG normally i find pet names cringy but everytime Julian called Scarlett Crimson my heart flutters🥺🥺

I cant wait to read the rest of the series!!

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booknerdcoco's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Overall, I really enjoyed this boom. I loved the Carnival/magic theme. And found it refreshing.

I found the mysterious element intriguing, and it made me want to continue reading whenever I had a free moment.

Though it is far from a typical fairytale due to the themes, I was drawn to the innocence of the FMC.

My only downside: I felt like the ending dragged out a little. But this certainly won't deter me from reading the rest of the trilogy.

Plot: 5/5
Spice: 0/5
Book boyfriend: 3/5

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