Caraval is a fantasy fiction story–the first in a trilogy–about two sisters who are pulled into a risky game. Stephanie Garber adds a dash of romance and adventure, and keeps the reader invested.
The reviews of this book are relatively scattered. Some of the bad reviews say that it’s predictable, and that the main character is too focused on her sister. Other reviews say that it takes you to another world, and is a work of art. Let me tell you what I think.
The main character, Scarlett, and her sister, Tella, lived in a very judgemental society. When they were young, their mother abandoned them, leaving them with only their father. He was a strict, and abusive man. Tella really had no cares in the world, and defied her father any chance that she had. Scarlett was always the one saving her from the expected punishment. Being the older sister, Scarlett felt the burden to do so.
In this world, there was a person who spread mystery and interest among the people. That person was Legend, a magician who went around the world hosting yearly games/competitions that were known as “Caraval.” The prize for said game would be meeting Legend in person. People described it as mystic, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The setting was something you could never forget, but it wasn’t real. Legend’s magic was inconceivably strong, to the point where he could make illusions so believable that some never make it back from the games. Caraval would drive people insane; sometimes people would disappear, and some didn’t make it until the end of the game. The citizens of their world soon realized that Caraval wasn’t just a game, and started to wonder, “Is it really an illusion?”
Even though fear and risk were tied into it, Scarlett had always dreamed of going to something so beautiful. Her grandma, who we later find out had a past with Caraval and Legend himself, would tell her and Tella stories about it. But Stella specifically was mystified by these tales.
So when they were granted an invitation by mail to go to, and compete in, Caraval, Scarlett was hesitant. She was grown now, and she knew that her father would likely not allow it. Also, she didn’t want to risk having her or Tella get hurt.
She ultimately decides to hide it so she can think it over. When Tella finds it, she’s immediately encouraged to do it. Knowing that it would make their father mad, she makes a plan. Tella decides to convince a man, whom she had been kissing in the beginning of the book, to sneak her and Scarlett out. Julian Santos, the man that Tella was messing around with, grows away from Tella. They clash, and Tella confesses she was just using him for fun.
Almost immediately after they arrive, Tella gets kidnapped by Legend himself. Scarlett, being the protective big sister she is, gets more than determined to win Caraval. Julian and Scarlett work together, and grow closer, making a companionship they weren’t expecting.
That’s only the beginning: you’ll have to read it if you want to know the ending. 😉
Personally, when reading this book, I really enjoyed it. It has been one of my favorites for a long time. The story really sucks you in, making the book almost impossible to put down. Caraval met every expectation I had for it, and maybe even surpassed some. Sure, Scarlett is significantly focused on her sister, but who wouldn’t be if their sister was kidnapped? This book was not predictable at all, and I found myself getting more and more surprised at every turn.
I, myself, have read this whole trilogy. If you’re a romantasy junkie like me, I think this book is definitely one to put on your checklist to buy.
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