A review by julisbookshelf
Finale by Stephanie Garber

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful tense slow-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? No

4.5

What. The. Hell. ?!?!?!?

That.
Was.
FANTASTIC!!

Now I’m so sad this is over!! Can you believe it? After almost not being able to get through the first book 😂😂 Who would’ve thought? 🤭

Caraval was such an experience—nothing like it. I needed this. I needed a break from what I always read, and this hit just right.

Let’s elaborate:

Scarlett: I need to be honest—I didn’t like her much in the first book, but she grew on me. I really saw myself in her whole “living for love” thing, and her character growth was beautiful to watch.

Donatella: I liked her free spirit, but damn she was stubborn!! Still, I enjoyed watching her get her shit together. I loved that she had her own mission and wasn’t afraid to defy everyone and everything with that fierce fire of hers.

Julian & Legend: I love how you played me 😂 So. Many. Times. The whole series had me on edge because of you two. But that kind of love—the little acts of kindness, compassion, and care… I’m starry-eyed 🥹💖

(Surprisingly) I loved the writing. The dialogue was really well done—surprisingly because I don’t usually enjoy third-person writing 🫠

We jumped from the Caraval world into the world of the Fates, which—okay, I get it—we couldn’t stay in Caraval forever. But oh, how I miss it! It was fun, it was magic, it was unlike anything! Still, the storyline with the Fates was really interesting, so I’m not complaining.

Overall: I’m happy. I’m surprised. And I’m so damn glad I didn’t give up on this series.
Now I’m so fucking ready to dive into Jacks’ world 💖

I’ll try to read Spectacular at some point—I promise!

Thanks for joining me on this journey 🤭