Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Pages:
Publish date: January 21st, 2017
Publisher: Hachette Australia
ISBN: 9781473629158
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – Dymocks
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.
Caraval:
I received an ARC of Caraval from Hachette Australia in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.
I was very excited to get Caraval in my hands, where it’s all about magic and fighting for what you love. However, it wasn’t what I expected, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like it.
Caraval follows protagonist Scarlett Dragna and her sister Tella as they are invited to enter the magical game of Caraval. But, when they arrive Tella vanishes and Scarlett must do everything in her power to find her. However, everything is not what it seems. And you don’t know what’s real or not, you have to trust in yourself. And try not to be caught up in the game.
Scarlett was the type of protagonist that I clicked with. She cared so much for sister that she would do anything for even, anything. She has this presence about her that I really enjoyed reading. And as the book went on she grew stronger. One of the things I loved about Scarlett was her weakness – she love and compassion for her sister, was also her downfall.
Tella, on the other hand, was so frustrating at times. She reminded me a lot of one of my sisters when she was younger – and I just couldn’t take it. I don’t know if it’s the big sister in me or what. Although, we didn’t get to see much of her in the book.
One of the things I loved most about Caraval was the notion of family. It was great seeing both sides of the same rock. The readers are able to see the loving relationships between Scarlett and Tella. Where Scarlett will do anything for her sister and vise versa. Then on the other side, it’s the horrible relationship they have with their father. It’s rare that we get to see the good side of families in YA, especially in fantasy.
I don’t know how I feel about the romance in Caraval. It’s very hard to talk about it without giving anything away. But, it’s not your usual YA romance, also there are so hurdles along the way – that she didn’t sit right.
Be warned – Don’t believe anything in Caraval. It’s one of those books where you don’t know what is real and what isn’t until the last page. You are second guessing yourself the whole book, along with the characters. You don’t know what or who to believe. It’s like you are on a scale, tipping slowing. And however frustrating it is, it works in Caraval.
The world of Caraval was fascinating. They have this game that is never in the same place. Where you don’t know what is going to happen next and when you win – you get 1 wish. I was swept up into this magical world with beautiful writing that seemed also fairytale-like.
The ending was intense. The whole of Caraval lead up to this point. And everything clicked or was washed away. It was like layer upon layer finally clicking.
Overall, I enjoyed Caraval. It can be confusing and angry you to the bone, but it works. It explores the notion of family, friendships and doing what you think is right. It’s about finding believing in others and finding yourself. I cannot wait to read the second book in this two book series.
Have you read Caraval? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? Let’s Chat!
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