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A review by keysmashhh
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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
2.0
Plot: 2/5
Character: 2/5
Relationships: 3/5
World-Building: 4/5
Genre: 2/5
Plot: I had major issues with the pacing of this book, some parts of it were wayyyyyy too slow and others were extremely rushed. I understand that "time works differently inside Caraval" but the poor pacing meant most of the plot was lost on me. The final confrontation and resolution made no sense to me and the reveal that Tella and Julian were alive felt just... wrong - the backtracking just didn't feel right with me. The series of reveals felt jaunty and disconnected and by the end, I was just so confused as to who was good and who was evil.
Character: I didn't resonate with any of the characters, I found most of them to be annoying, to be honest. None of them felt likeable to me (maybe that's just me), some of the other side characters were a bit more interesting, Aiko for instance. I spent most of the time wanting to know more about Legend and became increasingly frustrated whenever the conversation diverted from information about Caraval.
Relationships: I have to say seeing a strong sisterly relationship in YA fiction (that isn't unprioritised when a romance plotline comes about) was refreshing - I was feeling the Katniss and Prim vibes. The actual relationship was complex and they didn't agree/love each other all the time but it worked. The romance was... alright I guess. I didn't exactly find myself rooting for them but the alternative of her fiance wasn't any better. I felt super uncomfortable about the father and the fiance though, I understand the violence was a strong incentive for Scarlett to leave but something just felt a bit *weird* when reading some bits.
World-Building: The world-building was my favourite part of this book - I loved the magical atmosphere and the descriptions of Caraval. My favourite aspect of the world was her dress, the descriptions of her outfits were amazing! (honestly my 2 star rating is mostly down to this detail)
Genre: In terms of YA fantasy, it was pretty disappointing. The premise felt very similar to The Night Circus, which if I had to choose, I would choose The Night Circus over this book any day. I don't think I will continue this series which annoys me because I want to know who Legend is.
Character: 2/5
Relationships: 3/5
World-Building: 4/5
Genre: 2/5
Plot: I had major issues with the pacing of this book, some parts of it were wayyyyyy too slow and others were extremely rushed. I understand that "time works differently inside Caraval" but the poor pacing meant most of the plot was lost on me. The final confrontation and resolution made no sense to me and the reveal that Tella and Julian were alive felt just... wrong - the backtracking just didn't feel right with me. The series of reveals felt jaunty and disconnected and by the end, I was just so confused as to who was good and who was evil.
Character: I didn't resonate with any of the characters, I found most of them to be annoying, to be honest. None of them felt likeable to me (maybe that's just me), some of the other side characters were a bit more interesting, Aiko for instance. I spent most of the time wanting to know more about Legend and became increasingly frustrated whenever the conversation diverted from information about Caraval.
Relationships: I have to say seeing a strong sisterly relationship in YA fiction (that isn't unprioritised when a romance plotline comes about) was refreshing - I was feeling the Katniss and Prim vibes. The actual relationship was complex and they didn't agree/love each other all the time but it worked. The romance was... alright I guess. I didn't exactly find myself rooting for them but the alternative of her fiance wasn't any better. I felt super uncomfortable about the father and the fiance though, I understand the violence was a strong incentive for Scarlett to leave but something just felt a bit *weird* when reading some bits.
World-Building: The world-building was my favourite part of this book - I loved the magical atmosphere and the descriptions of Caraval. My favourite aspect of the world was her dress, the descriptions of her outfits were amazing! (honestly my 2 star rating is mostly down to this detail)
Genre: In terms of YA fantasy, it was pretty disappointing. The premise felt very similar to The Night Circus, which if I had to choose, I would choose The Night Circus over this book any day. I don't think I will continue this series which annoys me because I want to know who Legend is.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Emotional abuse, and Death
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Toxic relationship and Kidnapping