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adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Synopsis: Caraval - a magical fantastical game held only once a year with a life changing prize for the winner. Scarlett Dragna has longed to attend Caraval with her sister Donatella ever since their mother abandoned them. But locked away on a remote island with their abusive father, destined for an arranged marriage with a man she doesn't know, Scarlett Dragna's dreams are just that. Dreams. When Scarlett and her sister suddenly receive an invitation to Caraval, they embark on a journey filled with magic, mysteries, betrayal, and love.
Review: With beautiful writing filled with purple prose and an exciting plot, this book held so much promise. I loved the mad world of Caraval, Scarlett's determination to win the game, and the sparks between Scarlett and Julian. But all that was destroyed with absurd twists on twists for no reason other than to needlessly confuse the reader. The betrayal left a bitter taste in my mouth and made we want to throw the whole book. Rather than a wholesome story of the love between sisters, all I see is horrific trauma induced for the most absurd reasons.
Review: With beautiful writing filled with purple prose and an exciting plot, this book held so much promise. I loved the mad world of Caraval, Scarlett's determination to win the game, and the sparks between Scarlett and Julian. But all that was destroyed with absurd twists on twists for no reason other than to needlessly confuse the reader. The betrayal left a bitter taste in my mouth and made we want to throw the whole book. Rather than a wholesome story of the love between sisters, all I see is horrific trauma induced for the most absurd reasons.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Alcohol