In the first book of this trilogy, we were swept into the magic of Caraval, the magical game where the two sisters, Tella and Scarlet, show their brains, their courage, and their devotion to one another. In Legendary, we saw Legend, the master of the game, as the Fates attempt to ruin the human's lives and once again, the sisters step up. Now, in the Finale, the diabolical bad guys, the Fates, are running lose and causing murder and mayhem, literally. Poison is a nasty piece of business as he freezes entire families, the Assassin can move through by time and space creating some helpful solutions, and the Fallen Star has issues with fire torture and power envy. As Julian and Scarlet discover their love for each other, Scarlet also learns of deep secrets that involve her mother, the Fates, and her own past. At the same time, Tella and Legend take part in a love triangle with Jacks, the King of Hearts and a Fate who has an 'interesting' take on relationships. Stephanie Garber brings together the most intriguing cast of characters seen in YA fantasy. Finale is a worthy culmination to this magical and beautiful trilogy.

Netgallery and the publisher provided an eARC, in exchange for my honest opinion.

Finale was my least favorite out of the trilogy. First off, I'm not a big fan of the alternating POVs. But I'm sure it was a necessary evil, since the sisters have different plotlines. Unrealistically, both sisters also end up tangled up in love triangles. Scarlett's in particular was unnecessary and very short-lived. I really loved Tella/Dante in Legendary, but they lost a little bit of their shine when I found out Legend and Dante were the same person. However, this left me pretty invested in Tella/Jacks vs Tella/Legend. There are a lot of similarities between both Jack's and Legend, Neither of them is all good or all bad, but I think they both had the potential to reallylove Tella. However, because Tella/Legend was endgame I feel like Garber did Jack's a disservice, personally I think Tella could've ended up with Legend without making him a villan. I guess in the end Tella was trying to choose the lesser of two evils. However, even though I didn't like their love triangle,
I think Julian and Scarlett really grew into themselves both individually and together. Finale has lots of surprises in store for the reader. Overall. It was an enjoyable read especially for those that loved the first two books in the trilogy.

I was a little disappointed with this series finale (see what I did there?)...bummer.

First of all, I've always been Team Tella as opposed to Team Scarlet (and yes, I know they're on the same team), so I just wasn't all that excited to have Scarlet's POV back in this book. It was hard not to skim over her parts and get back to Tella, who for me is a much more interesting character with a more complex story arc. So much of Scarlet's story seemed unnecessary to the plot... the competition between Julian and her almost-fiance (which never actually takes place), her powers and becoming a fate (which she never actually does), the will-she-or-won't she with Julian (uh...duh...obvious).

Secondly, why...WHY...WHY do we still need a love triangle...for BOTH girls? Seriously? This is book three. I want to read about the Fates and how awful they are and how they can be stopped and what's up with Legend and his powers...not how Scarlet and Tella are still waffling with all of the hot young men who want them. And why does EVERYTHING in this book have to do with love? The love triangles, Paradise's once-love, can Legend or the Fates love, the fact that a Fate's one weakness is loving a human and losing their immortality. Ugh. I love me some romance, but come on.

Finally, there's no Caraval here. No game. Legend is focused on the throne and the girls are focused on the boys and the Fates are off playing dirty tricks. I missed that is-this-real-or-part-of-the-game element from the first two books.

The saving grace here is the last 100 or so pages...FINALLY we get to know the fates a little more (I could have read 200 more page about The Assassin and Poison alone) and devise a plan to defeat them or work with them or run away. FINALLY things got exciting and I had to finish the ending before I could go to sleep.

So overall disappointing, but I'm pretty satisfied with how the trilogy ends.

Finale is the 3rd installment in the most incredible series I stumbled upon ! Magic, mayhem and love in twisted try to untangle form ! I absolutely loved each book and you learned more about the characters and what made each one special and how they were important to Legand and Caraval but in this final one you learn how Stella and Scarlett are the true heroes and everyone else is along for the ride. I will not give any spoilers but I can say the ending will leave you wanting so much more but no cliff hanger ! You just don’t want to say goodbye to these incredible characters that you feel like you have come to know throughout the books !

I was so excited to be able to get an advanced copy of this book. I enjoyed the first two books in the Caraval Series & couldn’t wait to read the Finale.
It was a nice wrap up of Scarlett & Tella’s story. I would love it if Stephanie Garber would continue on with a prequel about the Fates & more about Legend.
I’ve enjoyed this series so much, especially after finishing Night Circus & wanting more from the author.
I would definitely recommend this to students & have recommended this series to friends.
I’m sad that it’s over though but have enjoyed this YA series immensely.

Finale is the final installment in author Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. The story takes place 2 months after the events of Legendary. Even though this story is told from both Scarlett and Donatella Dragna POV's, it is Tella that gets a huge chunk of the story. Just like she did in Legendary. Since the book is mostly about Tella, let's start with her. Tella has won Caraval but she hasn't received her prize from Legend who now has even bigger fishes to fry and more enemies to deal with.

Tella is enraptured every night in dreams wrapped in the magic of Legend while encountering the devious Jacks during the day. Tella and Legend are on a collision course with the Fates who were released in the previous installment. It is fair to say that Tella spends an inordinate amount of time thinking about Legend, her mother, and Jacks, a bastard of a fate who has decided that Tella is going to be his whether she likes it or not. Talia has always been brazen, reckless, and makes silly mistakes that come back to haunt her.

Tella must not only deal with Legend and Jacks, but the rest of the Immortal Fates who have returned to the Meridian Empire seeking a bit of vengeance. Meanwhile, Scarlett has chosen to meet with her ex fiance Nicolas who had thought she was dead, which leads to a game between him and Julian who disappeared for weeks, but now wants to focus all his time and energy on making up to Scarlett. One could honestly say that it was pretty apparent as to what the author had already intended before she started writing this book.

Scarlett's story isn't just about her and Julian, or her and Nicolas which is basically a blip on the radar, it is much more intense after meeting certain fates who might hold the key to her underdeveloped powers and a way to defeat them. She also has to understand that there is someone who wants her to become immortal and thus heir to the Meridian crown. Scarlett's story has been an interesting one from the beginning, and now that it is over, her ending is one that I am sure readers will be pleased with. It is fair to say that I was hoping for a more equal story between the sisters. But, such as life.

I lost interest in the last book of the series. I wasn't sure what the plot was about as it didn't give a definitive, clear plot line with both sisters. I loved book one and two and will still recommend the series. The last book wasn't my favorite.

I just don't know if I can express my love for this series and book. This ending to the Caraval series was magical and so satisfying. It had the perfect blend of plot twists and keeping me on my toes, yet still ending in a way that was perfect. I am so sad that is is over. However, I am thrilled to have a new favorite author and one that I absolutely can't wait to see what she does next.

After the ending of Legendary, I was praying to the skies that there would be a third book because the way the second one ended was not enough! And the games, oh how I do love the games!

This one is told from POVs from both Scarlett and Tella. Scarlett has always been my favorite but Tella was good too—even though she could be frustrating at times! There was too much back and forth going on with her, Legend, and Jacks! However, I think my heart called most to the devious little Jacks. It was a pure treat getting to see Scarlett and Julian again because I love them so much!!

There was fun, games, betrayal, reveals, swoon, magic, and a perfectly descriptive world! I don't want to give too much away, but this was the perfect ending to a series that I'll want to reread time and time again!

3.5 stars

I've had the same rating and the same general feelings about all three books in this trilogy...points for consistency, I suppose?

Finale, for the most part, had the same strengths and the same weaknesses as Caraval and Legendary. The creativity and originality of concepts and plot points are excellent and well above the norm for YA fantasy. The execution and writing is, unfortunately, below average.

While the execution is slightly better in the second and third books of the series than the first, it still doesn't hold up well under scrutiny and when compared with peers. Garber created a more unique concept than most authors in her genre (in terms of both the macro and the micro of this series' plot), but the whole thing still has a sort of half-baked feel.

This book, like its two predecessors in the series, was sloppy and in need of editing. It was also plagued by world building that has great potential but feels only partially realized. There was also way too much over-the-top, angsty dramatics in Tella's storyline in this book. Scarlett has always been a stronger and more interesting character, but Tella's chapters were borderline unbearable this time.

On the plus side, Garber continues to dazzle with creativity and small magical touches to the story, and despite some clunky writing, the book is propulsive and fun to read.

Also worth noting: This series is a good one if you're looking for YA books that are appropriate for the younger end of the demographic. There's plenty in here to keep an older audience entertained, but it's notable that there's also nothing objectionable about these for a younger crowd.

Such a great ending to a beautiful series. From start to finish i was So excited to be back in the world of caraval.

This book really wasn't for me. That said, it would definitely be a satisfying conclusion for those who loved the first two books in the trilogy.

I absolutely loved the ending to the series. The entire series is one that I will reread often and one that I will recommend to my friends and students.
I really loved the way the author presented the character Jacks. I loved and hated him all at the same time. He had the trickster mood to him and gave great twists and turns in the book. His obsession with Tella was evident and it was interesting seeing how it all played out.
The Fallen Star was a new character who also was a diverse character. He also gave background on Paradise.
I really hope there is more to come from Garber as she is an amazing author. Please weave some more tales for us!

Wonderful. Everything about this book was wonderful from beginning to end. I love that it was told from both Tella and Scarlet's perspective because it brought Caraval and Legendary together. I already know I will be rereading this series in the future and returning to the world of Caraval. The one thing I would love to see now from Stephanie Garber would be some novellas about the Fates themselves, especially the Assassin, Lady Prisoner, and Maiden Death!

Two months have passed since the final Caraval was completed. Legend has claimed the empire’s throne and the Fates have been freed from the cards. Tella does not believe that Legend is the rightful heir to the throne and will risk more than she imagined to see her plans through. Scarlett has not gotten over Julian and is ready to meet with her former fiancé or is she? Scarlett has decided to have her own game where the winner gets to marry her. Is Scarlett in control of her destiny or are larger powers at work? Will Tella be able to stop Legend or is his fate part of her destiny?

Finale is the third and final book in the Caraval trilogy. The sisters have learned a lot about love and magic over these last few months and now they must determine what their own hearts desires are. Garber’s world is a wonderful place to escape into and readers who invested time in Scarlett and Tella during the first two books will not be disappointed to learn their fate. I am glad I was able to read all three books in a short amount of time because this trilogy is definitely devour worthy.

Gosh, this book was amazing.

As everyone knows, Caraval is my favorite series. Stephanie Garber knows just how to weave a world I want to never leave.
Her prose draws me in. Her settings, her plots, and her characters keep me there. Her use of colors and descriptions make me feel welcome.

I struggled with Finale slightly, only because I did NOT want it to end. But all good things must come to an end, and I am so happy to say, this was such a good thing.

I'm going to miss this world and all of it's characters.

After reading Legendary, I was VERY IMPATIENT while waiting for Finale to finally arrive. I loved loved loved this book! It's told from both Scarlett and Tella's POV. I love Scarlett and Julian so much, but Tella and Legend were almost too frustrating to me (but in a good way).

I had so much fun reading this book. If you loved Caraval and Legendary, then you will no doubt love this book. I was super satisfied with the ending, even though I didn't want this series to end...

“But I don’t want to feel differently. I want to feel love in its every form. I used to be so scared of it, but now I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren’t supposed to exist, it’s infinitely valuable. I can’t imagine my life without it. And if you felt any love in your heart, you would understand.”

4 stars.

This was…kinda a let down from Legendary—a book that I loved oh-so much, which may have caused me to have high expectations of this last book. I heard before reading it, Finale would follow both sisters, Scarlett and Tella. But oh how I do not like Scarlett. She is sooooo boring!
However, I gave this book four stars for a reason:
1. The writing-Stephanie Garber is an amazing wordsmith. I feel that every sentence in her books are works of art (example: “He looked like a wish that had just woken up.”) See? Gorgeous!
2. Tella-She is a grade-a bad ass and I love everything about her! She more than makes up for her sister’s shortcomings.
3. Legend/Dante- I am kinda sorta in love with this character. His flaws and all.
4. The story- OHMYGOD! I love this Deck of Destiny (read: Tarot cards) storyline. It is so freaking awesome. I loved that we got to learn more about the Fates—specifically Jacks. I thought there may have been more than meets the eye—I am still trying to decide if I am right on this. And oh! That twist! Scarlett is what?! Slightly more interesting than before, yes.
5. Legend/Dante-Oops! Already said this, but whatever! I love this character so much and I worship DanTella (did that work?).

Now, it is not five stars because I thought some of the scenes were kinda lacking (gross summarization: ???: *Darth Vader voice* Scarlett, I am your father. Scarlett: Oh ok!) Also, I am not exactly sure how I feel about a happy ending, I was hoping for more drama. However, I am DanTella trash…so mixed feelings over here!

Overall, I really liked this book and I am crossing everything and praying to Mistress Luck for another series that follows Tella’s (and maybe Scarlett’s) daughter. Pretty please? With cherries and sugar on top?

4.5/5 Stars

Author: Stephanie Garber

Publisher/Imprint: Flatiron Books

Edition: e-ARC, 324 Pages

Hardcover Publication Date: May 07, 2019

A Spine that Shines? Quite Well!

*This review is based on an e-ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. These are my honest opinions. Thank you.*

Initial Thoughts:

Wow. My mind was definitely whirling after finishing Finale. Finale certainly feels different from both Caraval and Legendary, but it still sparkles with enough imagination to keep the reader entertained. Perhaps what I miss the most is the actual Caraval game. I was sad that Caraval ended in Legendary, and I suppose that is one of the main things that distinguishes Finale from the previous two books.

Another thought I had is that the summary blurb that is currently up on Goodreads seems strangely inaccurate. Based on the e-ARC I read, Finale is the story of how Tella, Scarlett, Legend, and Julian must work together to prevent the Fates from wreaking havoc across Valenda and the rest of the Meridian Empire.

Speaking of the Fates, I am so excited that Garber finally expanded on these magical beings! That was one area in which I had thought Legendary was lacking. But in Finale, we get to experience what multiple Fates are like – and even some of the Fated objects and Fated places. There is an enchanted key that can take the owner of the key to any person they wish to see. A magic map shows you the route to the place you want to visit. There is also a magical market that will help you find something you desperately need, but it will require a time sacrifice in exchange. There is even a magical library! Yes! Unfortunately, the history of the Meridian Empire and the world-building itself is still not super detailed, but I think it is adequate for the story. I continue to be impressed with Garber’s creativity. She even weaves a bit of time travel in there!

Another creative aspect I enjoyed was the communication via dreams that occurs between two characters. (Reylo vibes, anybody? I know it’s not the same thing as a “Force Skype,” but still.) So cool and magical! I really enjoyed reading about the scenes that were dream illusions.

Finale's pacing is excellent as well. I was completely addicted to the story, flipping the digital pages on my device as fast as I could. I can’t think of any spot where something felt boring.

Characters:

Finale alternates between the POVs of Tella and Scarlett. Personally, I felt more drawn to Tella’s POV, but it just depends on your preference. The sisters are as passionate and spunky as ever, determined to bring down an evil Fate that wants to take over the Empire. Their sisterly love for each other is admirably unyielding. In terms of the romance, I did find it slightly irritating that Tella and Scarlett are at first willing to toy a bit with their different suitors if they already know with whom they want to be. There is a lot of back-and-forth throughout. But I am happy with how it all turns out in the end.

Legend and Julian’s handsome faces also return in Finale. While Legend is dark and brooding, Julian is sweet and protective. Garber does have a talent for creating dreamy boys. But I think Legend shows more character development than Julian in this book; Legend learns something about himself that he previously didn’t know – or didn’t want to accept.

The villainous Fate in this tale is quite evil. I think he is the most well-crafted villain Garber has created thus far. His presence in the story really raises the stakes. You’ll see what I mean if you read Finale yourself.

Final Thoughts:

Let’s talk about why I didn’t give Finale a full 5-star rating.

While there is definitely a lot going on in the book, one of the main things that drives Finale is the romance. It is romance-heavy. Thus, how much you enjoy Finale may depend on how you feel about romance-heavy plot lines. Personally, I enjoyed it for the most part. However, some of the blood exchange scenes did make me feel slightly uncomfortable. And the obsessive aspect of the romance felt a bit unhealthy.

Furthermore, there is an event that occurs fairly early in the story that left me feeling disappointed, but I can’t be very specific since it would be a spoiler. I’ll just say that it felt as if an earlier plot line was abandoned rather quickly, and it kind of shifted the direction I originally thought the story was going to take.

Nevertheless, I totally think Finale is worth reading if you enjoyed the first two books! If it weren’t for the points listed above, Finale probably would have been a 5-star read for me. The ending provides a satisfying conclusion to the series, and there are some really good twists that surprised me! Definitely check it out when it releases on May 07th! Thanks for reading, and I hope this review was helpful.

I was really reluctant to read this book because (1) I didn't want the series to end and (2) I loved the first book so much (and enjoyed the second) that I didn't know how Finale could possibly compare, so I honestly cannot believe how enthralling and satisfying I found the conclusion(?)! I love that this books alternates between both Scarlet and Tella's perspectives. There were times in which I felt like I was being punched in the gut while cringing my toes and times in which I was giddy with glee and everything in between. This book has all the magic.