When I first requested the beast of Carnaval I was super excited I love books like the night Circus and my favorite book of all times the beast of Carnival by Amy G Gibbs and thought this would be similar but I was sadly wrong. It’s as if the author got up thesaurus for Christmas and wanted to put every word from the thesaurus and make it into a story. I love beautiful pros profound storylines in great world building but there was just too much to slog through to not only get to the point of the story but then once you get to the point of the story it completely changes with the exception of the overuse the descriptures in each sentence I mean she had five different analogies for paper and that was in one sentence. I really thought she did really well at world building but it was in trying to know the characters and their story I thought she could’ve laid off all the similes I mean she absolutely overused that. once I got used to the writing style I found myself getting into the story about Sophia and Adelaide on the island but then everything changed including the writing style. There was just too many things about this book that let me down or that I was disappointed in and sadly it is a book I cannot recommend. unless it sounds like something you would like they have much better more direct storytelling world building magic and excitement in other books in the genre. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #RosaliaRodrigo, #TheBeastOfCarnival,

Within the shores of Isla Bestia, guests from around the world discover a utopia of ever-changing performances, sumptuous feasts and beautiful monsters. Many enter, but few ever leave. The participant requirement is excess and secrecy.
Sofia, a writer has been keeping tabs on Isla Bestia for some time. Her twin brother Sol has been missing for five years after leaving the sugar cane hacienda with his boss/master Don Raynaldo. Sofia and her friend Adelina (Don Raynaldo's daughter) find themselves aboard the ship headed to Isla Bestia..both in search of their loved ones.

Will the seduction and beauty of Isla Bestia allow Sofia and Adelina to focus on their search? This is a very atmospheric novel with excellent descriptions of both the beauty of the island and the history that reveals itself of the indigenous tribe that was long thought to be extinct. Add a touch of the other worldly and its a page Turner. Beasts of Carnaval would make an excellent mini series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade/MIRA for the eARC.

An immersive atmospheric fever swirl of a novel that sees Sofia looking for her brother on the isle of Bestia, a place where Carnaval rules. Know that this has a heavy dose of magical realism and is also grounded in the culture of the region. The writing is at times a bit purple but to be fair. that's in keeping with the plot. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. An interesting read

This had a vibrant and lyrical start, full of magical realism and Carnaval flair, but ultimately just wasn’t for me. The writing is rich with metaphor and riddle-like language, but I struggled to connect with the characters or stay engaged—especially in the slower, more abstract second half. It read a bit more YA than I expected, and the story lost steam once Carnaval ended. A beautifully imagined book, but I think I just wasn’t the right audience.

I honestly don't even know where to start with this book. It was phenomenal.

Sofía decides to travel Isla Bestia with her friend, and former owner, Adelina. Now that Sofía is a freedwoman, she wants to find her missing brother. It has been 5 years since he disappeared on the island. Isla Bestia is known for Carnaval, where rich folks get lost in the wine, music, ambiance, and revelry. Upon arrival, Sofía and Adelina explore the island and start to get pulled into its allure surrounded by the rich folk who would have once been her enslavers. As the time goes by Sofía starts to hear whisperings in her native tongue and realizing there is something else happening in the island.

You get this almost fever-dream like experience as the reader going through the experience and observations of Sofía. The writing is so immersive, you can almost picture the island. There is an exploration that takes place as Sofía reminds herself of the reason she traveled to the island. On the search for her brother, she finds other things are lurking in the dark. Sofía is forced to face her experiences, feelings, and dream of the future while fighting the allure of Carnaval.

There themes around colonialism were interweaved into this book so well. I felt all of the emotions. The way Rosália expressed the hurt and anger towards colonizers and all the hurt they caused was so relatable. While I loved all the magical realism, I will say that the conversation around what the Taíno people faced was my favorite part of the book. The feelings and conversations were put together exceptionally.

The audiobook was also fantastic. The narrator was a great choice and I really enjoyed listening and reading the ebook.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Harlequin Audio for the eARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are completely my own.

What a cool story! Beasts of Carnaval is filled with vivid imagery and picturesque prose. I learned so many new words reading this book, and the language was not at all pretentious. I didn't realize going in that much of this is based on historical truths of the colonized Caribbean, and that the Taike'ri are inspired by the Taino and their culture. The Taino were the largest group of indigenous people that inhabited the areas now known as Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Don't skip the author's note!

I was drawn into this world of Carnaval and the Isle of Bestia immediately. It was easy to get lost in this unique story and forget the real world existed. I did find it slightly confusing and hard to follow at times and wish it was more cohesive, but now I'm wondering if that was intentional as we follow Sofia through this wild and mystical journey of Carnaval and searching for her brother among the secrets.

Definitely recommend if you like light fantasy or want to dip your toes into magical realism with some historical fiction woven in.

Beasts of Carnaval completely swept me away with its rich, lyrical prose and intoxicating worldbuilding. I loved how Rosalia Rodrigo wove Taíno-inspired mythology and Caribbean folklore into a story that felt both epic and deeply personal. Sofía’s journey, as she navigates grief, freedom, and power, was heartbreaking and empowering all at once. The island of Isla Bestia is lush, eerie, and full of danger, and the creatures and spirits that inhabit it felt alive on the page. The pacing slows a bit in parts, but I didn’t mind since it gave me time to soak in the atmosphere and the emotional weight of Sofía’s choices. If you like magical realism that leans dark and poetic, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

Magnificent, utterly captivating, and beautifully written! Beasts of Carnaval is a Caribbean/Latinx historical fantasy set in a Puerto Rico inspired island where spectacle and wonder reign - but, remember, not everything that glitters is gold. Inigenous Taíno mythology is intricately woven alongside themes of friendship, family, and community while also unapologetically addressing concepts of decolonization, reclamation, and identity.

If you've read and enjoyed The Night Circus this will definitely appeal to you. The lush, lyrical writing and atmospheric setting makes for a fever dream experience - one that felt both thrilling and unnerving.

Most importantly, it's clear that every word, every sentence, every paragraph, was written intentionally. This was such a powerful story and one that I think everyone should read, especially during this political climate that is vehemently discrediting, silencing, and erasing BIPOC/marginalized voices and histories.

Remember that reading and supporting diverse authors and their works is an act of resistance and solidarity, so please preorder and/or request from your library. 📚

Thank you @netgalley, @reasmirabooks, @htpbooks, and @harpercollins for the digital arc. 🫶🏼

I tried a couple times to complete this story but never managed it. For me, the writing style had me paying too much attention to it by itself rather than helping me get into the story. I feel like not everyone will have this problem and that the writing style can actually be a really strong point of this book for other readers.

Note: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

When I heard that this book was packed with Taino lore and woven with pieces of Puerto Rico I knew I needed to read it. It is obvious that the author took great care in researching Taino history, the colonization of Puerto Rico and the enslavement if its people. It is a heartbreaking history but I love that she captured the magic of our native people on paper. And with the current political climate it feels like an important story to read.

The author has a beautiful way of writing that places you right into her story. I felt like I could see the flamboyanes. I could hear the coquis. I could feel the water from el rio at my toes. The imagery she writes describing the enchanting magic of Carnaval is truly breath taking.

And while the beauty and mystery of carnaval was beautifully captured on page I felt like that didn’t translate to all parts of the story. I saw others describe this book as a fever dream and I think that’s a great way of describing it. There were parts that felt a little messy and hard to follow, as if the transitions between storylines, places and people were blurred. Which does match the blurriness surrounding life at Flor de Lis - but as a reader I found myself confused various times throughout the story.

I loved Sofía. The difficult past she carried and the future she could never quite imagine. Her internal struggle to be herself, always chasing truth and logic. The love for her brother, Sol. And the sisterhood she shared with her once slaver, Adelina. Once I finished and looked back on the story I did enjoy how everything played out but it was hard to overlook the struggles I faced while reading.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for an early copy to review. Rounded up from 3.75.

I really enjoyed this one. The world Rosália Rodrigo creates is vivid, unique, and deeply rooted in Caribbean culture and Taíno mythology. The setting feels alive, and the story keeps you engaged from beginning. I really appreciated how the fantasy elements were balanced with history and cultural depth, making the plot feel meaningful but never overwhelming.

Sofía is a strong, smart lead, and it was easy to connect with her. The characters around her were equally well written and believable. I especially loved how the Taíno language and traditions were naturally woven into the story... it definitely added a lot without feeling forced. I tandem read this with the audiobook, and the narrator did an amazing job, especially with the voice and tone. It made the experience even better.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and Harlequin Audio for the ARC and audio ARC.

Vibrant and rich world building set against a mysterious storyline makes for a compelling and binge-able experience.

Book Stats:
📖: 400 pages
Genre: historical fantasy
Publisher: Mira
Format: ebook/audio from NetGalley
Series: Standalone

Themes:
💫: Decolonization and Reclamation


Representation:
🪽: Indigenous Taíno mythology
🪽: Carnival Culture

Tropes:
💗: Lush island setting
💗: Atmospheric
💗: Non romantic relationships

🥵: Spice: 🚫
Potential Triggers: **check authors page/socials for full list.

Short Synopsis:
Free woman, Sofia, heads to a remote and mysterious island to search for her brother. When she gets there things definitely aren't as they seem and magic and revelry rule all. Will she find her brother and escape or will she become part of the island?

General Thoughts:
This book was absolutely amazing. Set in an alternate Caribbean with an alternate history, the imagery is lush and vibrant. The Way that the author describes what is happening is so immersive and cinematic.

The characters are so well done. I felt like I was there watching all of this happen to these characters. They were relatable and endearing. Sofia is almost logical to a fault, but is so easy to root for. All of the characters were very well flushed out and felt like real and whole people to me.

The mythology and culture surrounding the Taíno people was beautiful. The discussions and usage of Taíno language was so refreshing and interesting. I loved the mythology and culture that was woven into almost every aspect of this novel.

No part of this book felt rushed or poorly done. I was completely immersed from the first page to the last page. I did do this as a tandem read and the audiobook narrator was absolutely wonderful. You could tell a native speaker was used, and the inflection of all the words was so accurate.

I will not be giving spoilers in this review, but needless to say the ending was perfect and well done it did not feel rushed or unfinished. I cannot wait to read what this author comes out with next.

This is the absolute easiest five star I've given out all year.

Disclaimer: I read this book as a eARC via Mira and NetGalley. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Beasts of Carnaval was incredibly beautiful and the fact that it's a debut is wild. I can't wait to read more by this author.

Beasts of Carnaval was an epic adventure! I loved the plot, the characters, and the storytelling. What begins as a friendship between two young women, centering Sofia, formerly enslaved, bursts forth through a cacophony of illustrious, bold parties on a beautiful island designated for the elite. And that only reason Sofia embarks on this journey is to find her brother. However, the revelations and truths uncovered in this world, enchanted by folklore and hidden power, will unravel as the reader follows Sofia, with the help of Adelina.
The attention to detail was astounding, as the folklore was weaved seamlessly into the plot. The tension created by the different plot points propelled it forward, making it fast paced and hard to put down. Overall, very well done!

2.5 stars

Dang I really wanted to like this one. The summary was perfect for me since I really enjoyed the book Caraval and this sounded very similar to it, but I struggled staying engaged in this book. I kept finding myself just reading the words versus immersing myself into the story. I had to either keep rereading paragraphs or pages or else I would just move on. I think what my struggle with was this book is very wordy and overwritten for me. Every time the book started to speed up, the book would all of a sudden get bogged down with too much details. I like this once in a while, but this was a little too much for me since it made me zone out way too often.

Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

This was a tough one for me. I was really drawn in by the stunning cover and the premise — a fantasy story tackling neocolonialism, freedom, and familial bonds, all wrapped in a lush, treacherous island setting. The stakes are high, and the themes are powerful: a sister trying to save her brother, a world that disguises danger with celebration, and a character who must reclaim her own agency.

There’s no doubt the writing is polished and the world-building is intricate. But despite that, I struggled to stay engaged. The pacing felt slow, and while the descriptive prose added richness to the setting, it often came at the expense of character development. I found myself wishing for a deeper connection with the characters to carry me through the narrative.

That said, I can see this book resonating with readers who enjoy immersive, idea-driven fantasy with strong thematic undercurrents. It simply wasn’t quite the right fit for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC.

Unfortunately, I had to DNF this at 28%. Another one I’ll probably be the minority on. I just learned the term “purple prose” and this is exactly it. Writing so flowery, convoluted, and over descriptive you start losing the plot. I found myself not wanting to pick this up and felt it start to put me in a slump. The premise is great and I was really looking forward to this one but it did not deliver. The characters didn’t even seem that invested in their own story, they had no real plan and the story just seemed all over the place. Confusingly enough, it also started to read as YA at times. I’m giving it 3 stars because it was atmospheric and I could see why someone might enjoy it if they have patience for excessive similes, metaphors, and riddles.

This was difficult for me to get into as a book. I was intrigued by the concept, but the detail about the island got in the way of my wanting to read further about the characters to see what happened. It was a DNF

Rosália Rodrigo’s debut novel is an absolute triumph! I was captivated from the very first page. The world-building is so rich and immersive, I felt like I was under the Carnaval's enchantments right alongside Sofia. What truly stood out for me is how masterfully the author weaves the despair, anger, and profound desire for revenge of an enslaved society into such lush and evocative prose, making for a story both beautiful and powerful.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC!

Thank you to the publishers via NetGalley for an e-ARC of this story!

I wanted to enjoy this so badly, it is DRIPPING with potential. Sadly, in my opinion, this is -way- overwritten. I definitely think purple prose has its time and place (note my love for The Night Circus and The Atlas Six), but this book made me feel dyslexic trying to read it. It was a LOT of me rereading paragraphs like "yea technically that sentence is grammatically acceptable I guess, but /why/ choose to write it like that". The story underneath could've been so interesting but it was surrounded in word soup that was a real struggle to get through.

I considered DNF-ing this from about 30% through the rest of the book because it was truly difficult to read. It got to the point that I started keeping track, and in just Chapter 13 alone, there are 24 similes, across 24 pages!! That does not include metaphors, personification, or just pretentious word choices - JUST SIMILES. I only kept count because I noticed they were everywhere and severely got in the way of the actual story. This also impacted how the characters spoke to one another; in keeping the "tone" of the prose, the dialogue felt equally pretentious/flowery to the point that no real person would word a sentence like that out loud, and everyone spoke in riddles.

This book definitely has its audience - I feel like if you loved Strange the Dreamer, for example, you'd really enjoy this!! I, sadly, was just not one of those people.