The Bibliophile's Bookshelf

Title: Caraval

Series: Caraval #1

Author: Stephanie Garber

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Scarlett has never left the small island where her and her sister, Tella, live with their abusive father. Now that Scarlett’s father has arranged her marriage, Scarlett thinks her dream of seeing Caraval are over. Caraval is a magical show, where the audience participates and there is always a prize. This year Scarlett’s long-dreamed of invitation finally arrives. With the assistance of a sailor, Tella takes Scarlett to the magical game. Once they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by the organizer of the game, Legend. This year’s game revolves around finding Tella, and whoever gets to her first is the winner. Scarlett has been told that whatever happens during Caraval is a performance. Despite this Scarlett is embroiled in love, magic, and heartbreak. And, real or not, Scarlett must find Tella in time or serious consequences are coming for them.

Characters

Scarlett: I really liked Scarlett. She is down to earth and responsible. I loved watching how she changed and was more open to adventure, risk, and love as the story progressed.

Julian: I love Julian! He was a snarky, fun character that lived to tease Scarlett. He was also very caring and kind. He was mysterious as well, and I hope we get to know him more as the series progresses. I love Julian and Scarlett together!

Tella: Tella was a very important character, but not physically in the story very much. I got a sense of who she was, but it was tempered by Scarlett’s perspective and recollection. I am excited to get to know her on a deeper level next book.

Performers: There were so many characters in this book. Most of them were performers and held small, but important roles. Dante was probably my favorite one of these characters, but I might be biased because I have read this book before and I know he holds important roles in the next book. I really loved how cryptic all of the characters are. In real life I love straightforward people and in books I like more straightforward narration, but I love characters that are quirky and cryptic. Legend’s performers are wonderful and added a magic to the story.

Story

I have read this book a number of times, and it is still so much fun to return to this world. I will say that it’s hard for me to get into this book. I struggle to picture everything they describe, though it does sound amazing from what I can picture.

I am not a huge mystery reader. While this book is centered around finding Tella and winning the game, it does not give me strong mystery vibes. It’s definitely more of a romantic, fantasy, adventure book than anything else.

I love the characters and the storyline, though the characters are my favorite! The writing was beautiful, and the story was captivating. You are immediately invested and engrossed in the game.

There is also a really cute romance present through most of the book that captivated me. I also really loved that the whole story was about somebody wanting to save their sister.

Caraval is a wonderful book, introducing an amazing series. The characters are sweet and entertaining, the story captivating, and there is a sweet romance storyline throughout the book. If you’re looking to escape on an adventure, Caraval is for you!

Quotes

“She imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars came out.”

“Hope is a powerful thing. Some say it’s a different breed of magic altogether. Elusive, difficult to hold on to. But not much is needed.”