Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Release Date: January 31, 2017

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 416

Summary:  Before you enter the world of Caraval, you must remember that it’s all a game . . .

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their ruthless father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the legendary, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

Then, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation to Caraval finally arrives. So, Tella enlists a mysterious sailor’s help to whisk Scarlett away to this year’s show. But as soon as the trio arrives, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nonetheless soon becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with her sister, with Legend, and with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

My Thoughts: Okay, so I had heard really great things about Caraval, but I wasn’t real sure what it was even about. But I knew I had to read it if I got the chance!

We are introduced to sisters Scarlett and Tella. Scarlet always has been so protective of Tella. Their father has a habit of punishing them for the most ridiculous things and he’s brutal.  They have heard things about Caraval, a place like no other. Stories from their family that they must explore. So, Scarlett has written to the master of Caraval many times with no response. But she finally hears back, finally!

Caraval is a game like no other. It’s a game full of surprises, mysteries, and nobody really knows much about it. Not really. There are stories of course. And the winner gets a wish. Any wish they want. It’s magic. It’s amazing.  Scarlett gets an invitation to play along with a guest, which is meant to be her soon to be husband.

Tella and Scarlett go to Caraval and the game starts. It’s crazy. We also meet a few different boys. And the person who organizes it all, Legend. I wasn’t sure what to think about him as we never really know him or who he is. Just stories. And then another boy who I absolutely fell in love with. He was so sweet yet so dangerous. Whoa. Swoony!

This one was such a magical beautiful book! I want to tell you all about the games, and all the different great characters. But this is one of those you need to experience yourself so I’m going to keep this review somewhat short.

Overall: Caraval was everything I hoped it to be! It was magical, excruciating at parts, and just plain AWESOME! It will probably be one of my favorites this year!!!  

Garber you did everything right!!!!!

Cover: Love it! It fits. It lures you in and doesn't give anything away.

What I’d Give It: