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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
Very disappointing. I really did not like the writing and the story was just bland and boring. Tried it as audibook which was even worse.
It’s 3 am. That’s how good the book is. The plots twists just kept coming, and they got crazier and crazier, i just couldn’t put the book down. Just when i thought it would end, the whole plot turns around. Although for some reason, i don’t feel completely satisfied. Something is lacking, but the magnificent journey that i was taken on makes up for it.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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:
No
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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:
Complicated
4.5 ⭐️
wow wow wow. i found myself getting so caught up in the whimsical writing and mysterious game that i found it hard to put down. the atmosphere was so gripping. and the cliffhanger at the end?!
I wanted to give it a 5 ⭐️ so bad but the one major part at the end that i wished played out differently wouldn’t justify it.
what a magical time. i can’t wait to jump into the next book.
wow wow wow. i found myself getting so caught up in the whimsical writing and mysterious game that i found it hard to put down. the atmosphere was so gripping. and the cliffhanger at the end?!
I wanted to give it a 5 ⭐️ so bad but the one major part at the end that i wished played out differently wouldn’t justify it.
what a magical time. i can’t wait to jump into the next book.
so magical, so beautiful.
Julian and Scarlett have my heart
Julian and Scarlett have my heart
Wow, I forgot just how annoying and self absorbed Tella is.
very good book! i was very invested and it was super interesting. amazing plot! lots of plot twists. it was a fun book!
For me, just as good as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which is amazing.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
2/5? I think? Alright gang, getting back into literacy let’s go!!
So I went into this book pretty blind, hadn’t really read any reviews, barely knew the plot (aside from it being about some magical game), and had an open mind.
I think my problem is any book narrated by Rebecca Soler is a red flag (she narrated the Fourth Wing series) 😟
I jest, I jest, but it is odd two fantasy books I really didn’t like are both narrated by her 🤔
Anyway, about the actual book it was just so meh. Setting was kind of interesting but underdeveloped, magic system is completely unexplored, characters were either insufferable, dull, or both. And when the plot is mostly character driven, having Scarlett as your protagonist really doesn’t do the story any favors.
Geez man, where do I even get started on Scarlett. She’s so whiny! And don’t get me wrong, protagonists don’t have to be perfect, but just everything was some type of frustration, embarrassment, or upset to her. She was also…I hate to say “pick me” but she’s literally described as being beautiful but wanting to hide it so she could be ignored.
Also, did not give two shits about her sibling relationship with Tella. Her inner monologue was constantly “I have to be focused on saving Tella! She’s all that matters to me!” But like highkey Tella is an asshole and a bad sister so like I just don’t buy their sisterly love.
Other relationships were okay. I actually enjoyed Julian! Then I found out Scarlett is 17 and Julian is immortal. 😀 Like guys I think we have past the age of immortal “but looks 17” dating MINORS. I’m so tired.
In that same vane, why did Scarlett and Tella have to be so young? Stephanie I’m begging you to write adult characters if you want adult characters. Because the suggestive language in this book is soooo comfortable when realizing you’re talking about a 16 year old, wtf. This might be a no spice book, but it isn’t a “no heavily implied sex” book.
Okay other character problems to speedrun, why is the father of Scarlett and Tella like comically evil? Like child abuse is serious but the way this book does it is just…bros about to start rubbing his hands and twisting his mustache.
Notice how all the problems I’ve mentioned are character driven and not about the game of Caraval? Yeah I don’t have much beef with it aside from the last of explaining. But again, for a character driven story, these characters sucked for it.
Oh also Scarlett sees emotions as colors and “and to her horror, rather than feeling distaste, a tingle of periwinkle curiosity prickles her senses.” (144) is a direct quote.
Also this quote “it tasted like the moment before night gives birth to morning.” (397) This has to be the title of a yankee candle
I will be reading the rest of the series though. Tune in next time! 🤩
So I went into this book pretty blind, hadn’t really read any reviews, barely knew the plot (aside from it being about some magical game), and had an open mind.
I think my problem is any book narrated by Rebecca Soler is a red flag (she narrated the Fourth Wing series) 😟
I jest, I jest, but it is odd two fantasy books I really didn’t like are both narrated by her 🤔
Anyway, about the actual book it was just so meh. Setting was kind of interesting but underdeveloped, magic system is completely unexplored, characters were either insufferable, dull, or both. And when the plot is mostly character driven, having Scarlett as your protagonist really doesn’t do the story any favors.
Geez man, where do I even get started on Scarlett. She’s so whiny! And don’t get me wrong, protagonists don’t have to be perfect, but just everything was some type of frustration, embarrassment, or upset to her. She was also…I hate to say “pick me” but she’s literally described as being beautiful but wanting to hide it so she could be ignored.
Also, did not give two shits about her sibling relationship with Tella. Her inner monologue was constantly “I have to be focused on saving Tella! She’s all that matters to me!” But like highkey Tella is an asshole and a bad sister so like I just don’t buy their sisterly love.
Other relationships were okay. I actually enjoyed Julian! Then I found out Scarlett is 17 and Julian is immortal. 😀 Like guys I think we have past the age of immortal “but looks 17” dating MINORS. I’m so tired.
In that same vane, why did Scarlett and Tella have to be so young? Stephanie I’m begging you to write adult characters if you want adult characters. Because the suggestive language in this book is soooo comfortable when realizing you’re talking about a 16 year old, wtf. This might be a no spice book, but it isn’t a “no heavily implied sex” book.
Okay other character problems to speedrun, why is the father of Scarlett and Tella like comically evil? Like child abuse is serious but the way this book does it is just…bros about to start rubbing his hands and twisting his mustache.
Notice how all the problems I’ve mentioned are character driven and not about the game of Caraval? Yeah I don’t have much beef with it aside from the last of explaining. But again, for a character driven story, these characters sucked for it.
Oh also Scarlett sees emotions as colors and “and to her horror, rather than feeling distaste, a tingle of periwinkle curiosity prickles her senses.” (144) is a direct quote.
Also this quote “it tasted like the moment before night gives birth to morning.” (397) This has to be the title of a yankee candle
I will be reading the rest of the series though. Tune in next time! 🤩