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A review by pagebypaigereviews
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
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
4.0
"Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world."
--Caraval
Scarlett and Donatella have spent years under the thumb of their abusive father, with no hope of escape until Scarlett is set up for an arranged marriage with a mysterious Count. Scarlett believes that her marriage will finally free her and her sister from their father's grasp, but all of that changes when the sisters receive personal invitations to this year's mystical Caraval performance. The prize: one wish. Is the prize worth enough to risk it all?
Caraval captured my attention from the first page. One wild event after another, this book is very difficult to put down! The blend of magic and reality will leave you questioning what you think is real, and what is all part of the performance. I made several predictions throughout the book, but was surprised to discover I was wrong for the majority of them. This book will mess with your head and your heart.
One thing that bothered me was that some aspects of the book went unexplained, like Scarlett's ability to see her emotions as colors. I hope it is addressed in the later books. I thought it was neat, but I wondered why she had the ability. Also, the clues in the game were very vague, which made it really difficult to try to solve them along with the main character. I like to feel a little more involved in the discovery rather than sit back and watch the MC stumble upon the answer.I'm also not a big fan of the hollow victory trope.
Overall, I really enjoyed Caraval! It was such a unique concept and I was drawn into the magic of the story so easily.
--Caraval
Scarlett and Donatella have spent years under the thumb of their abusive father, with no hope of escape until Scarlett is set up for an arranged marriage with a mysterious Count. Scarlett believes that her marriage will finally free her and her sister from their father's grasp, but all of that changes when the sisters receive personal invitations to this year's mystical Caraval performance. The prize: one wish. Is the prize worth enough to risk it all?
Caraval captured my attention from the first page. One wild event after another, this book is very difficult to put down! The blend of magic and reality will leave you questioning what you think is real, and what is all part of the performance. I made several predictions throughout the book, but was surprised to discover I was wrong for the majority of them. This book will mess with your head and your heart.
One thing that bothered me was that some aspects of the book went unexplained, like Scarlett's ability to see her emotions as colors. I hope it is addressed in the later books. I thought it was neat, but I wondered why she had the ability. Also, the clues in the game were very vague, which made it really difficult to try to solve them along with the main character. I like to feel a little more involved in the discovery rather than sit back and watch the MC stumble upon the answer.
Overall, I really enjoyed Caraval! It was such a unique concept and I was drawn into the magic of the story so easily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Alcohol