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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
Like 3.75, I had to reread a few pages more than once bc I got a little lost. The build up at the end and all the drama made it worth it
This is one of those books where I can see why some people love it and why some people don’t. My feelings are lingering somewhere in the middle; I was not wowed or blown away by anything this book had to offer, but I did have a good time and was enjoying myself during most of the book.
I think what was dragging the book down for me, though, is the lack of character development and depth we got. It’s what stopped me from ever veering into love territory when it comes to this book.
Scarlett is a semi-likeable character, but that’s about it. She doesn’t really shine in any particular way and she stayed the very same from beginning to end. I would describe her as a rather… flat character.
I think I can best describe her character like this: It constantly felt like the story was happening to Scarlett rather than her truly living the story and actually acting like an important player within it. She was just kind of… useless.
In a way, Scarlett’s only real personality trait was that she thinks her sister is a moron who is in constant need of her help (even though we learn Tella is anything but stupid and has actually been twenty steps ahead this whole time, which makes her seem a whole lot more interesting in my eyes, but that’s beside the point).
I mean, I do adore sibling love, but their relationship felt more like an obligation to Scarlett than it did actual love. Most of her inner monologue mentioned Tella in a very negative light and she did not seem to actually like her sister all that much; she just loves her because she thinks she has to… Which is not great. Especially not when her enire story in this book was based on that supposed love for her sister. It took away the emotion and weight out of that part of the story quite a bit.
That said, her relationship with Julian was better. Still not amazing, but definitely better. I wish I could have seen why and how they fell in love a little bit clearer, because it did feel pretty random now, but I do believe they each cared for each other, and they also had semi-decent chemistry. When we saw hints of Julian’s protectiveness, that was when he shined the most.
Now, as has probably become quite clear, neither the characters nor the relationships did all that much for me here, and I think the best part about the book was something entirely different: the mystery.
We knew that everything the main character saw and heard in this book could be a lie and so it definitely kept you guessing what was real, what everything meant, what you could trust, and what would eventually happen.
Thus, it was mostly my drive to see the mystery uncover that was driving me forward to keep reading with relish. It was what kept me on my toes and intrigued to find out what came next. In other words, it is what made me feel invested in this book despite my lack of character investment.
All in all, the book had its pros and its cons, and although it failed to give me the character and relationship depth I would prefer in a book, it did capture me with its mystery and twists-and-turns. The story was definitely unique in its own way.
I think what was dragging the book down for me, though, is the lack of character development and depth we got. It’s what stopped me from ever veering into love territory when it comes to this book.
Scarlett is a semi-likeable character, but that’s about it. She doesn’t really shine in any particular way and she stayed the very same from beginning to end. I would describe her as a rather… flat character.
I think I can best describe her character like this: It constantly felt like the story was happening to Scarlett rather than her truly living the story and actually acting like an important player within it. She was just kind of… useless.
In a way, Scarlett’s only real personality trait was that she thinks her sister is a moron who is in constant need of her help (even though we learn Tella is anything but stupid and has actually been twenty steps ahead this whole time, which makes her seem a whole lot more interesting in my eyes, but that’s beside the point).
I mean, I do adore sibling love, but their relationship felt more like an obligation to Scarlett than it did actual love. Most of her inner monologue mentioned Tella in a very negative light and she did not seem to actually like her sister all that much; she just loves her because she thinks she has to… Which is not great. Especially not when her enire story in this book was based on that supposed love for her sister. It took away the emotion and weight out of that part of the story quite a bit.
That said, her relationship with Julian was better. Still not amazing, but definitely better. I wish I could have seen why and how they fell in love a little bit clearer, because it did feel pretty random now, but I do believe they each cared for each other, and they also had semi-decent chemistry. When we saw hints of Julian’s protectiveness, that was when he shined the most.
Now, as has probably become quite clear, neither the characters nor the relationships did all that much for me here, and I think the best part about the book was something entirely different: the mystery.
We knew that everything the main character saw and heard in this book could be a lie and so it definitely kept you guessing what was real, what everything meant, what you could trust, and what would eventually happen.
Thus, it was mostly my drive to see the mystery uncover that was driving me forward to keep reading with relish. It was what kept me on my toes and intrigued to find out what came next. In other words, it is what made me feel invested in this book despite my lack of character investment.
All in all, the book had its pros and its cons, and although it failed to give me the character and relationship depth I would prefer in a book, it did capture me with its mystery and twists-and-turns. The story was definitely unique in its own way.
listened to this on audiobook because I couldn’t get into it at first but it started picking up at the middle ended with a cliffhanger so now I’m ready to start reading the second book
adventurous
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:
Yes
4.5/5
Such a magical story!! Had me hooked from start to finish.
The writing was almost musical, so beautifully written
One of the first YA books I’ve really enjoyed in ages!
Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Such a magical story!! Had me hooked from start to finish.
The writing was almost musical, so beautifully written
One of the first YA books I’ve really enjoyed in ages!
Can’t wait to see what happens next!
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Caraval is an interesting read,intense and keeps you on edge.it touches on issues like abuse when scarlette and her sister are abused by their father.on issues like redmeption,as seen in the letters between donatella and the legend.sadly it ended on a cliffhanger which makes me not happy.nope not at all.overall found the book okay,an interesting read,but doesnt make my favorite list.not the kind of book where i would be impatient to pick up the sequel
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated