Book Review #15: Caraval

Caraval

Title: Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Publication Date: January 31st, 2017
Publisher: Harperteen
​Category: Flatiron Books
Genre: Fantasy
Star Rating: 5 out of 5
Synopsis:
Remember, it’s only a game…

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

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic. And whether Caraval is real or not, Scarlett must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over or a dangerous domino effect of consequences will be set off, and her beloved sister will disappear forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval…beware of getting swept too far away. 

My thoughts:
Before Caraval released I watched the ARC's fly around to bloggers and booktubers. I watched as those who didn't receive them scrambled in attempts to get their hands on one. Watching all the hype for this book definitely had me intrigued. The author seemed so sweet and the book sounded so interesting! I didn't ever read the synopsis but I paid attention to everyone talking. I like to go into books knowing very little about them. I knew that if everyone was raving over it, then I should probably read it! It took me a lot longer to get around to reading it then I would've liked though... I received the US edition in an Owlcrate box and the UK edition in a Fairyloot box and marveled over the beauty of both the covers! My mom read it and absolutely adored it and she only likes books unless they''re super fast-paced. She strongly encouraged me to pick it up as my next read and I did.

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

Or is it?

Carval is unlike any book I've read before. Just like Caraval does, it seduced me into the game stole my sleep, leaving me to figure out its riddles at night. I quickly became wrapped up into the world that was Caraval, just as people tend to do. You'd think you have everything figured out then the plot twists in a completely different direction. I was never bored and quickly turning my pages for more! This book was way better then I had imagined and definitely superseded my expectations. 

"Whatever you've hear about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world"

Carval is enchanting, romantic, heart-wrenching, mysterious, exciting, and full of wild, blinding twists and turns. It moves at the perfect past, not slow but fast enough to constantly have you rolling along. The world building is fantastic and reminds me of a wonderland type world with a insane Hatter type person pulling all the strings. The character development was just right, Scarlet really transforms from the beginning to the end. Her undying loyalty towards her sister is truly amazing even as hoop after hoop is thrown at her.

I would highly recommend coming into this book not know much, like I did. It really makes all the obstacles thrown at both you and the characters that much more enthralling!