I really enjoyed this book. I loved the story line and the characters. I will definitely be suggesting this to my teens in our book club at the library.

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.

caraval

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.

caraval-prize

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!

This book was interesting with many twists and turns. I could not put it down!

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.

It's hard to put into words how much I loved this book! It is one of my all-time favourites and I cannot wait to be able to have a physical copy on my bookshelf. Caraval is a wonderful mix of fantasy, reality, magic, love, and wonder. You never really know what's happening and that's the point. Instead of being scary, you follow the game through eyes of wonder, just like a child at Disneyland. Love is everywhere in the book, without being too much. It's a book about what you would do for love, not just for your partner but also for your family. I LOVED this book and am so happy to know that there is a sequel coming, just so I can visit this world and the characters again. I also thought the "cliffhanger" at the end of the book was perfect! It wasn't horrible but instead sets up the same kind of mystery that makes this book so great.

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!

Scarlet and her sister Tella live on an island as virtual prisoners of their abusive, cruel father. To save herself and Tella, Scarlet agrees to an arranged marriage to an unknown suitor. Following the wedding, both girls will leave the island and face the unknown. Scarlet fears staying far more than committing her future to a stranger. For years the sisters have repeatedly tried to save one another, often at a cost to their own well-being. When an invitation to the elusive, once-a-year Caraval game arrives, Tella insists they go and Scarlet very reluctantly agrees. The girls get separated as they arrive for the game and Scarlet spends all of her time searching for her missing sister. The game is mysterious and even dangerous. Lies are told and people pretend, so no one really knows what to believe. All Scarlet wants is to find Tella and leave the game. Garber’s magical world of Caraval is complex and mysterious, and inventive and exotic. As romance blossoms, Scarlet and her companion Julian are caught up in the frenzy of the game. The pace is swift and the tensions are palpable as the game progresses. There’s so much to like in this story of duplicity, lies, threats and challenges.

Firstly, I adored this book. Second, I disagree with any comparison to The Night Circus. This is far more of a Games and survival scenario than the magic and entertainment of the night circus. I think it does it a disservice to lump it in with that book simply because it has similar elements. Caraval is more grounded, more perilous. There is magic and mystique but it is all much more sinister. The action is more intense, there's things to DO, not just experience.
I really loved Scarlett. She's a strong protagonist, she's loyal to her sister in a remarkable way, she's smart and brave and kind. She isn't flawless and she does have her human moments, which was something I found enjoyable all throughout. I hated her father, which I was supposed to, but I kind of hated Tella too, which I'm not sure I was supposed to but it couldn't be helped. She's the worst for the majority of this book.
Caraval, this Game, is so interesting. I love the myth and mystery behind it. It's kind of scary as well, I loved the tone of it. Like a creepy Wonderland where you can't trust anything around you, even as it tempts you. This was so well done, it was a fascinating and enjoyable setting. I was invested in the process of working through the puzzles as much as I was the characters.
And the twists- I was genuinely stumped! I felt like I couldn't see any more than Scarlett did, which was perfect!
I think what I liked best was how complex it was, because I honestly didn't expect it to be. There's a lot of layers buried in here, and it was a rewarding reading experience.
All the plot twists and turns, the action, the gritty realism in contrast to the magic and mystique - incredible! It's a well written book that is original and masterful. I hope every fan of magic, mystery, and suspense gives it a shot.