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A review by gracealicia
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
3.0
The book that broke my reading dry spell! This is such a fun magical book, with romance and mystery galore.
Ever since they were young, Scarlett and her sister Tella have been obsessed with the mystery of Legend and his fabled game Caraval – a yearly game that mixes magic and mystery where players compete to win an enchanted prize. When Scarlett receives a letter from Legend with three tickets to the Caraval. With the help of a sailor, the sisters arrive on Legend’s mysterious island, but Scarlett and Tella are quickly separated, with Tella quickly being swept into the game. Scarlett has left two steps behind her sister, racing to find her once more. With only Julian the sailor for help. As Scarlett plays to win her sister's freedom, the lines between fantasy and reality will blur – putting Scarlett’s life at risk.
What I Liked:
• The worldbuilding in this series is amazing, you quickly get a feel for the social structure, expanded society and little quirks.
• The characterization of Scarlett, her backstory has shaped her, and while she longs for romance, she has a strong head on her shoulders.
• Caraval – I loved everything about this concept, a yearly interactive carnival filled with magic and mystery. It was so well done too, drawing you in from the get-go without ever letting you know quite what was really happening.
• The magic, like bleeding the colour from the world so what mattered stood out, the whirlwind carousel and dresses that cost days of your life. Some of the concepts were ones I hadn’t seen done before, it really added to the feel of magic.
What I Disliked:
• First and foremost, Tella. Despite not being seen very often I immediately disliked the younger and bolder of the two sisters. Seemingly uncaring of her sisters’ emotions and needs. While I know much of this is a ruse, I can’t help but dislike the girl for how far she was willing to go.
Yes, that is it, I only really disliked one little thing of this whole book. It is really too easy to fall into the world Garber creates. I can honestly say I never did see the twists and turns coming; I was just as blindsided as Scarlett was with every revelation. I look forward to the next installment and seeing this universe grow.
Ever since they were young, Scarlett and her sister Tella have been obsessed with the mystery of Legend and his fabled game Caraval – a yearly game that mixes magic and mystery where players compete to win an enchanted prize. When Scarlett receives a letter from Legend with three tickets to the Caraval. With the help of a sailor, the sisters arrive on Legend’s mysterious island, but Scarlett and Tella are quickly separated, with Tella quickly being swept into the game. Scarlett has left two steps behind her sister, racing to find her once more. With only Julian the sailor for help. As Scarlett plays to win her sister's freedom, the lines between fantasy and reality will blur – putting Scarlett’s life at risk.
What I Liked:
• The worldbuilding in this series is amazing, you quickly get a feel for the social structure, expanded society and little quirks.
• The characterization of Scarlett, her backstory has shaped her, and while she longs for romance, she has a strong head on her shoulders.
• Caraval – I loved everything about this concept, a yearly interactive carnival filled with magic and mystery. It was so well done too, drawing you in from the get-go without ever letting you know quite what was really happening.
• The magic, like bleeding the colour from the world so what mattered stood out, the whirlwind carousel and dresses that cost days of your life. Some of the concepts were ones I hadn’t seen done before, it really added to the feel of magic.
What I Disliked:
• First and foremost, Tella. Despite not being seen very often I immediately disliked the younger and bolder of the two sisters. Seemingly uncaring of her sisters’ emotions and needs. While I know much of this is a ruse, I can’t help but dislike the girl for how far she was willing to go.
Yes, that is it, I only really disliked one little thing of this whole book. It is really too easy to fall into the world Garber creates. I can honestly say I never did see the twists and turns coming; I was just as blindsided as Scarlett was with every revelation. I look forward to the next installment and seeing this universe grow.