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cady_sass's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
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? It's complicated
5.0
It’s been a LONG time since the ending of a book had me saying “are you fucking kidding me” in a good way. This book changed my brain chemistry and I’m so happy I stumbled upon it, it has romance and intrigue and time travel and magic and all the ingredients of a fun time. Admittedly I picked this up not knowing it was the first in a series (sigh) but that made the ending okay because it 100% could’ve just ended with that ambiguity and left us to speculate forever, but luckily there’s more where this came from! I was not ready for it to be over and will absolutely pick the next book up immediately.
ididsomereading's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
alguienmescucha's review against another edition
4.0
Copado, aunque no me voló la cabeza. Tiene sus momentos. Me gustó la idea central y por esto voy a continuar con la serie.
soramun's review
4.0
This story takes place in present day New York where a headstrong thief named Esta and her crew work together to steal precious magical items. Whether it be from the past or the present, Esta uses everything her adoptive father has taught her, to bend time and the people around her to her will. Finally, after many years of training, she is ready to pull one of the biggest heists of her life from one of the trickiest people she's ever come across; The Magician. With the fate of all Magical people held in her hands, Esta must go back in time to steal an ancient book which has the ability to change everyone's future. But, New York in 1902 is full of territorial gangs and members of the Order who exterminates magic users every chance they get. Unfortunately she's going to have to choose who to trust and there's not enough time for mistakes, not even for her.
From start to finish this is one of the most thrilling books I've read all year. Maybe even my entire life. It reminded me a lot of how I felt when reading Six of Crows and even Lord of Shadows. The character development was spot on and although I cared more for certain characters than others, ALL of the people in this story played their roles perfectly. Lisa Maxwell does a fantastic job of building up each and every back story so that when something happens, you're either biting your nails in anticipation or laughing out loud at someone's victory. Not to throw any shade, but this is everything I had wanted in Caraval. There's magic, trickery, a really good love story, betrayal, and a game of wits and power. Also, I am a lover when it comes to stories set in older eras. The details made me really feel like I was bouncing around the entire city of Old New York. Maxwell's writing just flowed so well together that it almost felt like I was watching a movie play out (I would love to see this as a movie tbh). The twists and turns were almost too much for me to bare at one point which I absolutely CRAVE in stories. This is one of those books that the ending never spoils because it's more about the journey toward the end, than the actual ending itself and the journey was freakin fantastic.
A couple of things I did have a problem with was one, the ending. It left on such a cliff hanger that I was just sitting on my bed like, "What just happened??". I don't know yet whether this was a stand a lone or if she plans on writing a second book or companion book. I just really hope she does something to fill in the blanks. Also, there was a bit of science that explained a few things towards the end that confused me a little. Maybe it's because I don't know that much about science, but I might have to reread to understand a bit better and make sure it wasn't just a bunch of fluff to try and wrap things up nicely. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book immensely. I haven't seen too many people on BookTube talk about it yet and some people I noticed on social media seemed to push the book to their TBR but anyone who enjoyed Six of Crows or any novels about heists, gangs, magic, and or the early 20th century will enjoy this book. Just give it a chance!
From start to finish this is one of the most thrilling books I've read all year. Maybe even my entire life. It reminded me a lot of how I felt when reading Six of Crows and even Lord of Shadows. The character development was spot on and although I cared more for certain characters than others, ALL of the people in this story played their roles perfectly. Lisa Maxwell does a fantastic job of building up each and every back story so that when something happens, you're either biting your nails in anticipation or laughing out loud at someone's victory. Not to throw any shade, but this is everything I had wanted in Caraval. There's magic, trickery, a really good love story, betrayal, and a game of wits and power. Also, I am a lover when it comes to stories set in older eras. The details made me really feel like I was bouncing around the entire city of Old New York. Maxwell's writing just flowed so well together that it almost felt like I was watching a movie play out (I would love to see this as a movie tbh). The twists and turns were almost too much for me to bare at one point which I absolutely CRAVE in stories. This is one of those books that the ending never spoils because it's more about the journey toward the end, than the actual ending itself and the journey was freakin fantastic.
A couple of things I did have a problem with was one, the ending. It left on such a cliff hanger that I was just sitting on my bed like, "What just happened??". I don't know yet whether this was a stand a lone or if she plans on writing a second book or companion book. I just really hope she does something to fill in the blanks. Also, there was a bit of science that explained a few things towards the end that confused me a little. Maybe it's because I don't know that much about science, but I might have to reread to understand a bit better and make sure it wasn't just a bunch of fluff to try and wrap things up nicely. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book immensely. I haven't seen too many people on BookTube talk about it yet and some people I noticed on social media seemed to push the book to their TBR but anyone who enjoyed Six of Crows or any novels about heists, gangs, magic, and or the early 20th century will enjoy this book. Just give it a chance!
mickachoo's review
5.0
I'm not really good at reviews but I'm going to give it a shot!
I initially saw this book on the shelf at Wal-Mart and (foolishly) judged it by its cover since it's kind of generic and the description doesn't do it justice at all. I then went on Amazon and read the first chapter there in the descriptions and the next day I went back to Wal-Mart and bought it because I was already hooked.
This story was so unbelievably good that I'm mad at myself for denying it at first. Esta is an amazing character; stubborn, headstrong, and confident. But she has her flaws and weakness which makes her human and relatable. That's the best kind of character.
My favorite character however is, of course, the Magician. The chemistry he and Esta have boiling form the beginning is so tummy fluttering. If the plot hadn't been captivating enough and making me turn each page as fast as I could, Esta and Harte's little spats and love-hate would've kept me going.
Alongside all that, the plot to get the Book and all of the side characters are lovable and it reads so smoothly despite all of the intertwined plot twists and such. I'm a sucker for time travel, history, New York City, and magic and this book having them all just makes me want to explode with happiness. The time travel parts are so exciting and the way Esta's power works is so unique. I love it. The magic is amazing, everyone's, and I can't wait to see what other affinities are revealed in the future.
The plot, the characters, it's all A++. I'm not big on rereading books but this one is definitely one I will reread in the future. I'm so excited for a sequel and I'm dying while waiting for it.
I initially saw this book on the shelf at Wal-Mart and (foolishly) judged it by its cover since it's kind of generic and the description doesn't do it justice at all. I then went on Amazon and read the first chapter there in the descriptions and the next day I went back to Wal-Mart and bought it because I was already hooked.
This story was so unbelievably good that I'm mad at myself for denying it at first. Esta is an amazing character; stubborn, headstrong, and confident. But she has her flaws and weakness which makes her human and relatable. That's the best kind of character.
My favorite character however is, of course, the Magician. The chemistry he and Esta have boiling form the beginning is so tummy fluttering. If the plot hadn't been captivating enough and making me turn each page as fast as I could, Esta and Harte's little spats and love-hate would've kept me going.
Alongside all that, the plot to get the Book and all of the side characters are lovable and it reads so smoothly despite all of the intertwined plot twists and such. I'm a sucker for time travel, history, New York City, and magic and this book having them all just makes me want to explode with happiness. The time travel parts are so exciting and the way Esta's power works is so unique. I love it. The magic is amazing, everyone's, and I can't wait to see what other affinities are revealed in the future.
The plot, the characters, it's all A++. I'm not big on rereading books but this one is definitely one I will reread in the future. I'm so excited for a sequel and I'm dying while waiting for it.
manuelapalmieri0109's review
5.0
This is like the night circus meets six of crows meets the infernal devices. And it was perfect
danielled75's review
5.0
I don’t know why I waited so long to read this book, when I finally got around to reading it, I got it done in one sitting.
Esta has the ability to jump through time, by grabbing strings and being able to jump to those points in time, making her the perfect thief. The book takes place between modern day New York and 1902 New York, after a few chapters the majority of the book takes place in 1902.
Esta is given the responsibility of stopping a Mageus from using an ancient book that could possibly destroy the Brink and or the Mageus. This is an evil book, that can even be used to control those with magic. Not a very nice book to have around.
Esta relies on a newspaper clipping from preset day to let her know if what she is doing is helping change the past, at times it would go blurry like the letters were trying to rewrite themselves. I thought this was a great way for Esta to know if things were actually being changed or if time was going to stay the same despite her actions.
The rest of the cast was a bit annoying, especially when there was 0 trust being shown, and what little trust there is, is hidden behind secrets.
Harte was also an interesting character, being an escape artist who studied the ancient magic’s and wanted to prove that the tricks he performed were nothing more than that.
Loved that you find out why the Auyrn is on the cover and what it represents in the book. Very fitting in my eyes.
When you find out who the magician is at the end of the book, and what their true motives are and how they were able to manipulate not just Esta but everyone from the thief’s crew, just blew my mind. I mean I had an idea as to who it really was but at the same time was still shocked. I did get a good laugh from the “nefarious villain” trope where they divulged their plans to the hero, and the hero in the end finds a way to stop the plans.
I enjoyed the way the book ended and how it sets up the start for the second book.
Esta has the ability to jump through time, by grabbing strings and being able to jump to those points in time, making her the perfect thief. The book takes place between modern day New York and 1902 New York, after a few chapters the majority of the book takes place in 1902.
Esta is given the responsibility of stopping a Mageus from using an ancient book that could possibly destroy the Brink and or the Mageus. This is an evil book, that can even be used to control those with magic. Not a very nice book to have around.
Esta relies on a newspaper clipping from preset day to let her know if what she is doing is helping change the past, at times it would go blurry like the letters were trying to rewrite themselves. I thought this was a great way for Esta to know if things were actually being changed or if time was going to stay the same despite her actions.
The rest of the cast was a bit annoying, especially when there was 0 trust being shown, and what little trust there is, is hidden behind secrets.
Harte was also an interesting character, being an escape artist who studied the ancient magic’s and wanted to prove that the tricks he performed were nothing more than that.
Loved that you find out why the Auyrn is on the cover and what it represents in the book. Very fitting in my eyes.
When you find out who the magician is at the end of the book, and what their true motives are and how they were able to manipulate not just Esta but everyone from the thief’s crew, just blew my mind. I mean I had an idea as to who it really was but at the same time was still shocked. I did get a good laugh from the “nefarious villain” trope where they divulged their plans to the hero, and the hero in the end finds a way to stop the plans.
I enjoyed the way the book ended and how it sets up the start for the second book.
acatalani's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.5