**This book was reviewed via Netgalley**

Sub rosa.

Beneath the rose, nothing is safe, yet all is sacred.

Caraval whisked me away from word one. Garber has woven true magic, as only the best authors can, opening the door to a wondrous new world.

For years, Scarlett has written to the Master of Caraval, a unique performance of magick and mystery, beseeching him to bring his show back to her home island. For years, there is no response, until the day comes that Scarlett sends a final letter saying she will not write again, and that she is to be married. An invitation is sent to Scarlett, inviting her, her fiancé, and her sister Donatella to Master Legend’s private island for this year's Caraval.

Despite the great risk, Scarlett and Donatella end up at Caraval, where they learn there is so much more to this game than they ever could have imagined. They will be tested to their very limits, in ways both subtle and overt, and will find strength they never knew they had. Strength to find themselves, strength to break the chains that bind them.

Caraval’s clarion call of mystery and magic draws you in, whispering seductive secrets. It rings with the scintillating prospect of self-transformation. Caraval lays you bare, revealing your deepest, darkest dreams, fears, and yes, even hopes. Beneath Caraval's roses, secrets are safely revealed through elaborate illusion, weaving the strongest of alchemic transformation. If you pay close enough attention, you may find you've gone through your own alchemic journey along with Scarlett and Donatella.

I found Caraval to be a rich, grown-up version of beloved classics such as Michael Ende’s The Neverending Story, and ACH Smith’s Labyrinth, with a touch of the surreal found in the movies Inception and Pan’s Labyrinth. I love that Scarlett seems to be a synesthete, experiencing emotions as colours she can 'see’. This isn't a concept played with too often in books I've read, and it is such a fascinating condition.

Echoes of the Stanford Experiment rang through this novel too. Caraval allows the players to let their innermost selves out, their Shadows, in keeping with the alchemic theme. It's all illusion after all, and what happens in Caraval, stays in Caraval. Except it doesn't, does it. It exposes your darkest self and deepest fears, and that changes everyone, and most people aren't equipped to deal with that after the illusion is broken.

🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻 Highly recommended, if you love fantasy, especially books such as Labyrinth and The Neverending Story.

I almost didn't pick up on this book, but I kept seeing it on everyone's most anticipated books for January, so I decided to check it out and get the e-galley. And I am so glad I did. The hype around this book is very deserving, it is amazing and hard to put down. I advise you to pick it up on a day when you have nothing else planned, because you will not be able to put it down. I curled up with it on a recent rainy Sunday and had a really hard time putting it down.

Scarlett is a great main character. She is tough and has survived much in her young life. I also admire her relationship with her sister. But she still has her flaws and doubts about what she is doing. Scarlett at times is a mess, and so unsure of herself that you doubt the book will have a happy ending. But she manages to survive and go on against the odds.

Julian, Scarlett's love interest, is a very interesting character. I spent most of the book trying to figure out his true identity, or was he just one of the hired players playing his role. He was mysterious and yet so protective of Scarlett, that I just wasn't sure what was motivating him. Their romance is wonderfully done as well. I sometimes felt as Scarlett did that he was not to be trusted, but there was no one else she could trust.

There are lots of other good characters that pop up through out the story, but there is one that we never meet, but whose presence is felt through out, Legend, the Caraval's organizer. Scarlet is always second guessing his motives and his clues to finding her sister, so you always feel like he might just be behind the next corner, or hiding in the shadows watching her.

The Caraval itself is almost a character as much as it is a setting. It is spooky and otherworldly and utterly captivating. I could picture it very well from the authors descriptions, and it truly felt magical in every way, and except for some of the scary things that went on, it sounded like a great place to visit, but I think I would be a spectator not a participant.

I simply could not put this book down! Every time I thought I had the plot and characters figured out, I'd be thrown for a loop! The book strung me along though many ups and downs only to lead me to a sequel! ARGHHH! What will happen next??!?!?!?!

Not quite sure how far she'd already fallen, she imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars came out.


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I read this before Christmas, and it was like the most wonderful gift. Like all gifts, if unwrapped slowly, the anticipation is built and, if the present is worth anything, the end is an explosion of fireworks, hysteria, and utter glee at all your questions being answered...and all your wildest fantasies coming alive.

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And that's exactly what Caraval was like. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting, but not once was it anything that happened in this story. But, the best part is, you really don't have to strain yourself trying to figure everything out. In fact, I quite enjoyed unraveling the mystery bit by bit...without having to drive myself insane to feel like I was keeping up with everyone and everything.

"Don't look at me like that," Scarlett said. "It doesn't work on me."
"That's why it's so fun."


No, the beauty of this story is the simplicity. Not once does Garber try to make Caraval something it's not. Instead, she ventures into a world of vivid imagination, creating something that feels real, palpable...well, at least in fantasy.

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It's a world we all want to escape into, to become a part of...that is, until things don't seem so pretty. Until seemingly vile people begin to surface and even less appealing scenarios arise. Not all is as it seems in the beautifully alluring world of Caraval...and Scarlett has a front row seat.

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Scarlett has always wanted to attend Caraval, admiring it from afar since she was a child. She and her sister Donatella dreamed of the day the Caraval Master would write back and say he was finally bringing the show to them, that they'd finally get to see the show of all shows. After all, he is a man of legend, and his show and it's performers proceed him. But perhaps the Caraval Master isn't as illustrious and kind and amazing as he seems...maybe he's more monster than man, and he's finally taken notice of Scarlett's pleas.

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Not only did Flatiron send me an ARC of this novel, they also, additionally, sent me the audio version to listen to for my enjoyment. I'll admit this is my first audio version of any book EVER, but I found it to be quite nice and it really enhanced the story after I had read it already. It was nice to lay back and listen, to hear the different voices and see the book from a different perspective. I had thought it would hinder my enjoyment of the story, but it actually enhanced it. It's apparently narrated by the person who also did the Lunar Chronicles, so perhaps this will help sway your decision. She really put everything into the voices and I think added something special I hadn't realized was possible. (Look at the end of my review for a free clip of the audiobook version).

"...Follow the boy with a heart made of black."


I can't quite explain the magic of this story, only that it seems unparalleled, at least while you're entwined within its pages. There were moments where I felt 'color explanation' was overused, and that might be my only lingering concern when I think back, but then again, I remember truly enjoying the visceral feelings I experienced when they were used-so can I really complain?? Colors, as a closet artist, are like crack to me, so seeing them so intricately used within the story is thrilling...if not overly so.

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So, if you're looking for a fun, quick read where you're surrounded by magic, intrigue, and a mystery that gets more dangerous with each passing page-this is the book for you. Scarlett is an intelligent girl, and by a certain point in this book, she has no clue who to trust. Her enchantment with the traveling show begins to fade as things begin to turn darker...and instead of a fantasy, it's a race to save her sister's life.

But before you fully enter into our world, you must remember it's all a game. What happens beyond this gate may frighten or excite you, but don't let any of it trick you. We will try to convince you it's real, but all of it is a performance. A world built of make-believe. So while we want you to get swept away, be careful of being swept too far away. Dreams that come true can be beautiful, but they can also turn into nightmares when people won't wake up."


I can't help you with who to trust...but I can assure you that someone stole my heart from the moment we meet him-whether he's friend or foe, I can't say...but damn if he isn't sexy as hell. Have fun. *smirky face*

Metallic and wet and just a little sweet. Bravery and fear and something else she couldn't distinguish. Dimly, she knew she tasted his blood. It was like no other gift she'd ever received. Strangely beautiful, alarmingly intimate. And she wanted more of it. More of him.


If you want a clip of the audible of Caraval, click HERE, courtesy of Flatiron.

Two sisters have always lived under the repressive, abusive thumb of their cruel father. Spurred by the remembered tales of their now-missing mother, they dream of Caraval, which is a near-legendary annual carnival-slash-contest run by a ringmaster who calls himself Legend. Legend is rumored to have a dark side, but the prize that goes to the annual winner at his events lures in participants: the magical granting of any wish.

This year, Scarlett has nearly given up on Caraval. She's been engaged, and although she's never met her suitor face-to-face, she holds hope that marriage will be her escape. Of course, it would be this year that Legend finally responds to her long series of 'fan' letters, sending her a personal invitation and free tickets to the game. Conveniently, her sister Tella has just made the acquaintance of an enormously handsome young sailor who is willing to smuggle the girls off their island home and off to the ball...

There's some dithering about the risk, but it's a foregone conclusion that the sisters will attend Caraval. But once there, they will find that the game may involve both of them more deeply than they had ever guessed.

The overall feeling of the book is that of YA romance, although the bulk of the page time is actually given over to running around and plots. I still think that romance readers will like the book more than fantasy/adventure readers. Of course, those who enjoy the subgenre of YA books centered around the idea of a 'game' will also appreciate the concept. However, for me, I had a hard time getting into the story simply because the settings were so very vague and unformed. At no time could I really picture the world or physical layout that all the action was taking place in. I think that the game scenario of Caraval would've stood out more sharply if it had a firm 'real-world- background to stand out from, but the sisters' home is only vaguely delineated with wavy fairy-tale-esque lines. On the island where Caraval has been set up, we know that there is a gated enclosure, and then that there are balconies overlooking the 'action' for spectators - but then most of the action seems to take place inside buildings. What are people actually watching? Is it magic? It never really becomes clear.

Also, why I very much like plots with abrupt reversals and hidden agendas - I felt like there were just a bit too many here, and not all of the revelations really made an enormous amount of sense with the given background.

Overall - this was OK, but I won't be holding my breath waiting for the sequel that is very clearly planned.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the opportunity to read. As always, my opinion is solely my own.

Scarlett has grown up hearing stories of Caraval from her grandmother and has always been enchanted by the wonder of a traveling performance where the audience takes part. But living all her life on an island with her sister and controlled by their cruel father, she's never been able to go herself. Now when Scarlett is weeks away from an arranged marriage she hopes will take her and her sister far away from their home and father, she finally receives an invitation to the show. Scarlett isn't sure what to do, but Tella takes things into her own hands and makes the decision for Scarlett - they're going to Caraval. But as soon as they arrive at the show (with the help of a roguish sailor) Tella is kidnapped by Caraval's mastermind Legend. Now Scarlett must find her sister and win the game before the show ends, her father finds out where she is, and she loses everything.

While life with their father has made Scarlett cautious, Tella has grown up wild and rebellious. In the beginning I didn't know what to think of either of them, but as the story went on, I grew to like Scarlett a lot more - and Tella a lot less. Although Scarlett's behavior could be frustrating at times, I can definitely relate to her. She is not a risk taker by nature and is trying to make as few waves as possible. All she wants is to protect her sister and get them both away from their father. Although Scarlett has never met her fiancé, she sees her arranged marriage as the way to do that, and she is terrified of messing that up. Tella, on the other hand, wants Scarlett to get out and live life. But she also comes across as very selfish, and I didn't like her thorough most of this story.

From the start I admired Scarlett for her loyalty to her sister and determination to rescue her at all cost, but the more she got caught up in the performance of Caraval and began to take risks and make choices for herself, the more I liked her. It was rewarding to see Scarlett worry less as she took control of her own life. As much as this tale is a fun and mysterious fantasy, it is also the story of two girls who have grown up in an abusive home, who have learned to survive in different ways, and who have to figure out their own ways to escape. I think the true magic of this story is the mix between the enchanting fantasy and brutal, honest themes.

Did you notice I mentioned a sailor above? Well that is Julian. We meet him in a bit of an uncomfortable and compromising situation, but as is everything with Caraval, nothing is what it seems. As with Scarlett, I grew to like him a lot more as the story continued. He begins as a sort of reluctant ally to Scarlett on her quest to rescue her sister, but their relationship slowly changes and deepens as the book continues. This is a slow burn, and as with everything in Caraval, Julian isn't exactly what he appears. But he is good for Scarlet, and I loved seeing them begin to trust each other. Julian challenges her, and they rescue each other repeatedly, and I enjoyed their interactions so much. I only wish that once the dust settled from all the revelations, we'd have a chance to get to know him even more.

I don't know where this story is going. I know there will be a sequel, and the end of this book seems to set that up as a companion following another character. However, I'm not sure Scarlett's story is completely over either. As long as no one messes with Scarlet and Julian, I can't wait to find out what happens next. We still have some revelations to uncover and mysteries to solve.

Caraval has a lot of hype. A lottttt of it. And that definitely played into my reading of the story. On the one hand, I can see the comparison to The Night Circus, and if I'd read Caraval without anyone telling me it was similar, I would have made the connection myself. A magical circus-like place that is only opened at night? In this case it's a game, but its impossible to miss the similarities. While that helped to define this story, it also managed to work against me a little bit. Because, while I enjoyed Caraval a great deal, The Night Circus is one of my favorite books of ALL TIME and in comparison, this just isn't quite there for me. But still Caraval was a really great story, full of twists and mysteries and magic. I'd highly recommend it.

Love Triangle Factor: None. (Spoiler: Scarlett does have a fiancé when the book begins, but she's never met him and has no romantic feelings for him besides hoping he'll be able to rescue her and her sister from their father. /End Spoiler)
Cliffhanger Scale: Low. Epilogue definitely sets up another book. But story does not end in a painful or dangerous way.

Sometimes, buzz surrounding a soon-to-be released novel is purely from great marketing. After all, we can all name at least one book that was hyped to the heavens but ended up being a major disappointment upon reading it. This is the danger with early buzz; you just never know if a novel is worthy of it. Caraval is one of those novels that was capturing attention as far back as May of last year, and it has only become more popular as its release date draws near. Knowing this, it was easy to open the book with some trepidation. Thankfully, my fears were completely unfounded. In fact, the book is totally worthy of every bit of attention.

The combination of romance, magic, sisterhood, adventure, and empowerment is magical. The story itself, of a mythical game held once a year and to which it requires an invitation to watch or play, is intense. Part of this is because, like Scarlett, you have no idea what is happening or who is who. There are rules, but you do not know them. There are clues and hints throughout the game, although you have to be able to discern them as such. In short, you are learning at the same time Scarlett is stumbling around trying to find her sister.

The magic portions are charming. The way time moves quickly, the dress that transforms itself depending on its mood, the little nuances that you know are not realistic all add a little dazzle to an already spectacular setting. The world of Caraval is almost like a fairy tale, with a sense of otherworldliness as well as timelessness that makes it a great story for readers of all ages.

As with any fairy tale though, there is a dark side to the story. Scarlett and Tella face almost constant abuse from their father, something Ms. Garber neither hides nor softens. His cruelty makes itself felt as an almost constant presence during the game, as his psychological hold on Scarlett impacts her decision-making. Plus, not everything in Caraval is wine and roses, as Scarlett discovers. Danger does indeed lurk around every corner.

Add on top of all this one kickass romance and one of the most amazing sister relationships you will find. Scarlett's innocence is charming even as it is misguided, and her fight against her growing attraction is fun to watch even while a bit infuriating at how slow she is to realize the truth. However, it is her love and fierce devotion to her sister that rules the day, as it guides her every action. She lives to keep her sister safe and happy, even at her own expense. It is touching the lengths she will go to save her sister and a reminder that there are things more important than a man.

Caraval is not perfect but it does not matter. The story itself is so entertaining that you cannot stop reading it. Scarlett's desperate search for her sister engages you but it is her own frailties that capture your heart. Combine that with a magical world and you have all the elements of a blockbuster. Do not let the fact that it is the first book in a series stop you. Caraval is one of the must-read books of this young year.

Ladies and gentlemen, this was excellent! Superb! Marvelous! Mwah!
From the opening line to the epilogue, this book was enticing and gripping and such a treat. I finished it in one sitting in about 5 hours and the only thing I regret is that it's so short, I wish it could be longer.
It lives up to its comparison with The Night Circus while being completely different and ridiculous and enchanting in its own way. The plot just keeps on giving and the intrigue never stops. There's a reveal, then there's another reveal, and the reveals just don't stop, making you scream and gasp. No kidding, my boyfriend just marched into the living room after 5 minutes of me screaming my head off and asked whether I was all right. All I was able to say was: "THIS BOOK IS SOOOO GOOOD!"
It's the characters. It's the tender way Stephanie has crafted their relationships and made their feelings clear without overusing a single line or word.
It's a wicked game for a naive but such a good girl that would do anything to keep her sister safe. To give her the dream she wants. It's a tale of love. The best kind of love. And a tale of strength too, and standing up for yourself. Scarlett is such an unassuming person at first but just hear her roar... she's more powerful than she thinks and she has the strength to go all the way.

So what I am trying to say is...
THE CHARACTERS: 5/5
THE SETTING: 5/5
THE LOVE TO HATE ME VILLAINS: 5/5
EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER LEVEL: HELP! I'm falling! Oh no, I'm good. We're good phew. Wait, what?!! OK, BYE

I loved this book too much to put into the words. The whole idea and premise of this book was amazing and it was executed beautifully. I loved everything about this book!

I give the book 3 stars. From reading from the discription the story had lots of potential. I felt the story was too predictable and I don't like how the story ended. I feel there are still some unanswered questions that should of been answered in the first book not in the second book. It's not my first choice for recommendation but I would still tell people about the book.

I officially kicked off 2017 by reading a book that I think will be a heavy contender for my favorite book of the year – Caraval by Stephanie Garber. I’m very picky about what book I read first in a new year, so I was very thankful to have the ARC for this one waiting on me. It delivered exactly what I was hoping for – an enchanting getaway to someplace magical. Garber’s debut is a truly immersive experience into the world of Caraval, a treacherous, dark adventure disguised as a game.

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RELEASE DATE: January 31, 2017

Summary (via Goodreads)

Welcome to Caraval, where nothing is quite what it seems.

Scarlett has never left the tiny isle of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year week-long performance where the audience participates in the show.

Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure. And for Scarlett and her beloved sister Tella it represents freedom and an escape from their ruthless, abusive father.

When the sisters’ long-awaited invitations to Caraval finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show’s mastermind organiser, Legend.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But nonetheless she quickly becomes enmeshed in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak. And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever.



Things I Liked:
I was absolutely lost in the world of Caraval, probably as much so as Scarlett. You won’t know who to trust, what to believe, what’s real and what isn’t…and then it all gets tied together so perfectly that you have to wonder why you didn’t just trust your instincts in the first place. I LOVE when a book can make you question yourself, and when you learn things at the same time as the character whose head you’ve been living inside of for 400-or-so pages.

I’m also really drawn to the relationship between Scarlett and her sister, and the horrors that they’ve faced at the hand of their father. There’s a really deep bond established between them. Having a sister myself, whom I love more than anything, made Scarlett’s desperation to recover her sister all the more real. The sisters are also uniquely different in their personalities. I enjoyed Tella’s impulsiveness, determination, and craftiness, and I really liked how selfless Scarlett is throughout the story. The abuse they’ve faced together shapes their motivations in different ways which impacts each of their decisions.

There’s a slow building romance that I appreciated for the fact that (a) it wasn’t an instant love interest (b) there’s no stupid love triangle (c) you can’t be for sure that you can trust this relationship. The question of whether or not you can trust that they both have feelings for each other or whether this is part of the game hooked me and delivered many surprises.

Things I Didn’t Like:

At this moment, I’m wracking my brain trying to think of anything that I wouldn’t have liked about the book. What don’t I like? I don’t like that I don’t already have the next one…

Overall Rating:
5/5 This was a perfectly magical way to begin the new year. I love the adventure, the characters, and the topsy-turvy twists, turns, and thrills. This is one of those books that you will feel compelled to read all at once, and you should! I couldn’t put it down, and so I went cover to cover in just a few hours. After finishing, I was stoked to read that Caraval has already been optioned for a movie. I have a feeling that the book is going to be a big hit among readers, and I look forward to seeing the magic of Caraval play out on the big screen one day.

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While supplies last, Flatiron Books is doing this wonderful preorder promotional giveaway. All you have to do is fill out the short form at the link below and attach a photo of your preorder receipt before January 31! Check it out here:

http://us.macmillan.com/flatironbooks/promo/caravalpreordergiveaway

I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

When I first saw Caraval on another blogger’s site, I was intrigued. When I received a copy for review, I was ecstatic! Seriously, did you take the time to read the blurb?! “A legendary game” and “dangerous intrigue” grabbed my attention. Caraval is a story about two sisters, an abusive father, and how they finally escape. BUT y’all it’s SO much more than that. It’s a story about magic and distortion of reality. You can trust nothing and everything at the same time….confusing? You bet but it is such an amazing read!

Scarlett is an easy character to like. Her motives are simple. She’s the older sister. It is her job to protect her sister, her duty to marry, and her responsibility to stay her father’s hand. This girl has one focus and one focus only: marry the fiancé she’s never met and take her sister with her. Scarlett is not really living her life. Her fear rules her and it is heartbreaking. She sacrifices much to protect her sister, including her dreams.

I’ll admit Tella wasn’t my favorite character. She was portrayed as selfish, uncaring about the consequences of her actions. Our first encounter with her she is holed up in the wine cellar with a sailor. *rolls eyes* Do you see why it’s hard to like her? Scarlett sacrifices so much for her and this is what we see. However I do love what the author does with her character.

The plot of the story revolves around the events of Caraval. Scarlett has always dreamed of attending and has written to Master Legend every year since her mother disappeared. He’s never responded. Now she is getting married and he finally responds with tickets. That is how the story begins and I’ll be honest I was shocked at how fast the pace moved. I felt like I couldn’t keep up. I loved the mystery surrounding Caraval which reminded me a bit as a cross between an elaborate circus and Wonderland. There isn’t much known about the game except rumor, yet the mystery and excitement holds the reader captive. And the imagery….seriously LOVED the imagery! It is so vivid, the colors and scenes bleed from the page.

As I’ve been writing this review, I’ve been trying to put into words why I loved the story so much and I feel I’m doing a poor job. Caraval is billed as a game, but it isn’t a game like The Hunger Games was a game. There isn’t really competition per se. It’s like a puzzle game, one that no matter how many times you read it, I think you will catch different clues. It isn’t a story that contains dramatic irony, where the reader knows something the character doesn’t. We learn things at the same speed as the character and the author does a fantastic job of keeping us guessing right to the very end. I personally was shocked and awed at every turn. I cried when Scarlett cried, I fell in love when Scarlett fell in love, and my heart broke with hers. That is a true marker of a great author!

Overall I LOVED this book! I can’t say that enough. I found myself engrossed. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about the events that had happened so far. Even now that I’ve finished the book, I’m still thinking about the events and characters and can’t help but wonder what life has in store for them next. I think I missed the memo that they are fictional. If you enjoy fantasy, excitement, and a touch of romance, I highly recommend you grab a copy of Caraval as soon as it is on the shelves!

There is so much hype surrounding Caraval that I was hesitant to read it. But oh, is it deserving of that hype. Caraval is lush and romantic and whimsical, a dark fantasy that pulls you in and won't let go. The Alice in Wonderland allusions are accurate and deserved. Just like Scarlet, I quickly forgot that it was all a game. Fantasy- and adventure-loving teens will adore this. Just an incredible debut. Stephanie Garber is a real talent, and I can't wait to see this book out in the world!

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for me to read and review.*

Okay, so it appears that I am in the minority, but I did not love this book. It suffered from a lot of the same issues that The Night Circus did. The descriptions were lovely, and the magic was fascinating, but I am not sure that I was completely sold on the plot.

I like the idea of a magical competition, and this book's main character had a lot at stake. She thought that she and her sister would be working together to play the game, but she soon learned that finding her sister was the object of the game.

I think what I am mostly getting stuck on was our main character, Scarlett. She lacked the depth that I have come to expect with heroines. I found her to be annoying, and she was not presented as smart enough to work out the clues in the way that she did.

And, while I understand that we were warned early on that not everything is as it seems, it felt like too much. It got to the point where I began to skim because I did not really care about what was happening, knowing that it would likely be wiped away as magic in the following pages.

Overall, I did not love this book as much as it appears the majority of readers do. This was my first foray into fantasy after ages of almost exclusively reading contemporary YA, so it is probably just me. I see the strong appeal, and I think a lot of people will love it. The end of the book set it up nicely for a sequel, and I am intrigued enough that I would certainly pick up the second book to find out what happens.

If you’re looking to get swept away into a magical adventure this year, Caraval is just the ticket you need. I’ve had my eye on this book for almost a year, and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from the lovely folks over at Flatiron Books, but I’ve made myself wait until now to review it so that I can give it the proper build-up it deserves before it’s release later this month.

If you’re a fan of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, you’re going to fall in love with this book. I can think of no higher honor, as The Night Circus remains one of my all-time favorite books on this earth. I’ve been craving another mystical romp through a magical circus/carnival ever since I put that book down two years ago. And I finally found it in Stephanie Garber’s gorgeous Caraval.

This is book that will draw you in from page one and leave you aching for more. In fact, if I have any one complaint about this book it’s the fact that I wanted more of everything. More of the caraval, more of the magic, more of the strange people and places and trades, and more of the mystery. There was never enough of anything because it’s all drawn up so perfectly that you can’t help but feel greedy and left wanting. I’m so glad that this is going to be a duology, because another book is EXACTLY what the doctor ordered here (and by doctor, I mean me).

THINGS TO FAN OUT ABOUT IN CARAVAL:

1- There are puzzles and topsy turvy wonderland-esque riddles and tons of twists and turns you will not see coming. It is definitely in the same vein as Tahereh Mafi’s Furthermore, Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, and other delightfully mysterious books. So if you’re looking for a story to keep you guessing, look no further.
2- The world-building is exquisite. There are so many little tastes into this strange world that you are definitely going to want to move there and experience Caraval for yourself.
3- Scarlett and Julian. I don’t think I can even say anymore than that without giving things away, but let’s just say YES YES YES YES. I am shipping the heck out of them now.
4- Thrilling chases, violent crimes, and a ticking clock that runs through it all. Caraval is going to keep you on your toes. There were some truly cringe-worthy moments where I was left gaping over what happened. Like, truly, my mouth was hanging open in shock.
5- And an ending that appears to tie everything up nice and neat only to throw you a HUGE cliffhanger right at the end and make you want to throw the book across the dang room.


THINGS I’M HOPING FOR IN THE SEQUEL:
1- More of everything (as stated earlier), but especially more of the Caraval’s actual atmosphere. I want more of the crazy little shops that sell everything under the sun for a price – from protection spray that can cost you your deepest fear to a dress than can take two days from your life – more of the quirks that make Legend’s little game so freaking magical. I would read an entire book where the characters did nothing but walk around Caraval to explore the nooks and crannies. Stephanie, if you’re reading this – I’m not even kidding. I don’t even need a plot. I just want to explore your world more thoroughly. That’s how much this world tantalized and enthralled me.
2- LEGEND. I want to actually meet him because now I’m very invested in knowing who he is and what his true motives are.
3- A better character ARC for Tella. While I liked Scarlett more and more as the story progressed (she grows a lot over the course of the story), I really felt agitated by the way Tella acted and at the end I didn’t feel she had experienced a lot of growth. I won’t give anything away, but she kind does some real messed up stuff in the first book, and I’d just like to see some true character growth out of her in a sequel.

If you’re looking for a book to start the year off with a BANG, this is definitely a great choice. You won’t be able to look away until the very end.

REVIEW: Was this book weird? Totally and deliciously! It's weird along the lines of Alice in Wonderland or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or even The Wizard of Oz. We have two sisters and a rogue sailor who "fall down the rabbit hole" into Caraval, a land where magic rules and nothing is as it seems. Along the way, one of the sisters--Donatella--is kidnapped and made the centerpiece of the game. The player who gets to Donatella first wins a wish from Legend, the creepy creator of the game.

This book has everything: mystery, adventure, romance, illusions, fighting, murder, lies, beautiful dresses, and plenty of twists. Julian is a swoon-worthy love interest, and there's a nice little twist at the end as well.

I especially love the way debut author Stephanie Garber weaves color and scent descriptions into everything--the clues, the facial expressions, the emotions. Scarlett hates plum purple because it's the color of her fear. Gold is happiness. Black, of course, is blood and death. Scarlett's father smells like lavender and anise. While inside Caraval, Scarlett wears a dress that constantly changes its color and form to reflect Scarlett's mood and feelings. Just gorgeous!

Even though it's a January release, I have no doubt at all this book will make it on many "Best of 2017" lists. According to Ms. Garber's website, Caraval has already been optioned for a movie by Twentieth Century Fox. Awesome!

THEMES: sisters, abuse, lies versus truth

THE BOTTOM LINE: A must for any library serving teens! Beautifully-written and super-fun!

STATUS IN MY LIBRARY: On order. I can't wait to booktalk this one!

RATING BREAKDOWN:
Overall: 5/5
Creativity: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Engrossing: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Appeal to teens: 5/5
Appropriate length to tell the story: 5/5

CONTENT:
Language: none
Sexuality: mild; ogling, appreciation of male abs and muscles, kissing, "sharing a bed," potential rape that never happens
Violence: medium; knife violence, murder, father-daughter physical abuse, suicide
Drugs/Alcohol: mild; several magical elixirs

Oh my god, I loved this book! The world is absolutely amazing! Twists and turns and secrets and magic...I literally couldn't put it down! I finished it in pretty much one sitting!
The characters are wonderful, but man, that world! The Caraval is a place I'd love to visit, and a dangerous game that I'd love to play.

Wow, what a page turner! Think of Nerve mashed with Circus Mirandus, on a teen level. What is part of the game, and what is real? Your mind will whirl trying to figure it out! Congrats to Stephanie on an awesome debut!

This book, guys! THIS BOOK!! As most of you know, I’m quite hesitant about reading fantasy books. I struggle with them often, making my enjoyment of them rather hard to come by. But, oh boy, did I LOVE Caraval!! Everything about this book was utter perfection and I can’t even handle my own excitement right now!!

Scarlett and Tella, two completely opposite sisters, have been living a rather poor life. Their father is horrible to them, and both sisters do anything they can to protect the other from him. Scarlett has gone so far as to agree to an arranged marriage with a man she’s never met, solely for the purpose of escaping her father’s bad temper and evil ways, and in hopes of bringing her sister along with her. Caraval has always intrigued the sisters since a very young age when their grandmother told them all about her experience there herself. After many, many letters written to the brilliant mind behind Caraval, they are finally invited to join Caraval as special guests. When Tella is kidnapped as part of the game of Caraval, Scarlett must play the game, and win, in order to save her sister and return home in time for her wedding.

I loved the strong sisterly bond between Scarlett and Tella. They had each other’s backs at all costs, and I loved seeing such a strong familial bond between siblings. There was also a bit of a romance in this story, which I won’t say too much about since I don’t want to give anything away. I’ll just say I totally shipped it. Hard. The characters in this story are some of the best I’ve ever read. The way Stephanie Garber can make me care about even an evil character is incredible.

Everything about this story was amazing. The world of Caraval was so magical and intriguing. I adored how nothing was as it seemed, always keeping me on my toes. Caraval isn’t just a game… it’s a performance filled with deception, trickery, and loads of twists and turns. When you finally think you may have an idea what’s real and what’s fake, another twist knocks your socks off. This story is seriously incredible. The vivid world of Caraval Stephanie Garber creates and the boatload of complex characters, along with her absolutely gorgeous lyrical writing, made this my favorite book of 2016!