Caraval by Stephanie Garber on January 31, 2017
Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Family / Siblings, Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / General, Young Adult Fiction / Performing Arts / General, Young Adult Fiction / Romance / General
Pages: 416
Format: Paperback
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“Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . beware of getting swept too far away.”
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.
It was easy to be drawn into the elaborate world of Caraval. The story was compelling, from the bond of the sisters to the mystery behind Caraval and its questionable mastermind, Legend. Around every corner was a new danger, a new riddle to puzzle out, and all of it left me wondering if Scarlett should trust anyone, or were they just setting her up for heartbreak and tragedy. I was invested in her journey and in unraveling all the secrets along the way. There are many twists and turns through the story and with each page you learn more and more that Caraval can be a frightening place. The guests are warned at the beginning that everything is just a show and not too get too enraptured but it feels less and less like a performance with every passing chapter. Scarlett is caught up in the mystery and in finding her own confidence and heart and you will be, too. It is a lovely story that is very character driven.
I gave this first novel in the series four stars. I had so much fun reading this and I could never make up my mind it what was happening was true or magical. I had my suspicions on some characters but I did not see the twists coming! Can’t wait to continue with the series.