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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It’s whimsical and magical but with just enough menace to keep your pulse racing. Stephanie Garber really knows how to keep you on your toes, throwing in twist after twist until you stop trusting anyone, including your own judgment. Every time I thought I had the game figured out, the story yanked me in a completely different direction.
One of the things I loved most was how many easter eggs were scattered through the book, almost like hidden winks. At first, they just feel like part of the scenery but by the end you realize they were clues all along and it makes you want to flip back through the pages just to spot them again. It’s such a satisfying “ohhh, so that’s why” feeling. The writing can sometimes be a little hazy and hard to visualize in the moment, but that dreamy confusion kind of works with the whole Caraval vibe. You figure it out as you go and it just adds to the sense that you’re wandering through a place where reality is never quite solid.
As for the characters, Scarlett had my sympathy from the start and watching her navigate the chaos was equal parts stressful and exciting. Tella, on the other hand… she REALLY tested my patience. I get that she wanted to protect her sister and free them from their horrible father but the way she went about it caused Scarlett way more pain than she deserved. Sure, she meant well but “well-meaning” doesn’t cancel out emotional whiplash and near-death situations.
Overall, I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed but I enjoyed it enough that the second book is now firmly on my TBR because that ending seriously messes with my brain and now I have no choice but to find out what happens next.
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
Great first book for this serie.
Got me hooked up for the next book.
End a bit chaotic and hard to follow but it goes well with the second book and creates a good link
Got me hooked up for the next book.
End a bit chaotic and hard to follow but it goes well with the second book and creates a good link
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-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
This is definitely a fun read and a great debut novel.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
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
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
adventurous
funny
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
Caraval by Stephanie Garber is a fast paced, enchanting read with vivid, immersive worldbuilding that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the game yourself. I was especially intrigued by Julian and Legend, and while Donatella played a smaller role, I can tell she’s being set up for bigger moments in the next book. The slowburn romance was a highlight. Perfectly balanced despite the story taking place over just a few days. The ending was satisfying, especially knowing there’s more to come, and it left me eager to continue the series (and read more of Garber’s work).
adventurous
dark
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:
N/A
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.