Caraval

Caraval
Caraval Book One
Written by Stephanie Garber
Fantasy, Romance
Published January 31st 2017
416 Pages
Thank you to Hachette Australia
Add to Goodreads
★★★★☆
Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far away, once a year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.
Under their father's oppressive rule, Scarlett and Donatella dream of fantastical far away worlds, where magic and freedom reigns. Year after year, Scarlett has been penning letters to the eccentric recluse Legend, the master of ceremonies throughout Caraval. When an invitation arrives, Scarlett is hesitant to leave her small island nation only days before her pending nuptials but enlists the assistance of Julian, a devious sailor who promises to deliver Scarlett and Donatella to Caraval in exchange for their remaining invitation. The game has begun.

Donatella has been captured as part of Caraval and Scarlett and Julian will need to join forces to solve each riddle. Beware, nothing at Caraval is what it seems. 

My Thoughts

On the conquered Isle of Trisda, siblings Scarlett and Donatella live under the oppressive rule of their father, a callous man who has betrothed Scarlett in order to keep her complacent. Scarlett is aware that her only escape is to become a bride, until an invitation arrives from the Master Legend, inviting Scarlett and Donatella to his island to participate in Caraval. Scarlett and Donatella have a turbulent relationship, although care for one another deeply. Their father cruelty contends his daughters against one another, often abusive and suppressing their freedom. After deliberation, the siblings are assisted by Julian on their journey to the island of Caraval, where Donatella is taken hostage under the guise of entertainment and the game has already begun.

I enjoyed the slow progression of the tentative friendship between Scarlett and sailor Julian, despite Julian's secrecy and Scarlett's reluctance to compromise. What emerges is a slow burning and sultry romance. Sexy, sexy romance. Scarlett is feisty and often judgmental but ultimately yearns for freedom, especially for sister Donatella. Julian's character is enigmatic and an opportunist but to find Donatella, Scarlett must place her faith in Julian's ability to navigate Caraval.
Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything.
Scarlett is betrothed to a man only known through his penmanship, torn between her developing attraction for the arrogant and flirtatious sailor while anxious not to anger her quick tempered father. He's incredibly violent and rather than punish Scarlett, he will physically assault Donatella and Scarlett is determined to protect her sister.

One of the loveliest aspects of Caraval is the atmospheric beauty. Lyrical and exquisite, I was enamored by De Los SueƱos, the private island where Caraval is held while shrouded in magic and an enchanting illusion of adventure. Beneath the surface, the island threatens to expose the sinister nature of Caraval. Deliciously dark, the world building is breathtaking, mature and refined.
Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or performance. It's the closest you'll ever find yourself magic in this world.
Reminiscent of the lyricism of Laini Taylor, Stephanie Garber's debut made my heart flutter with delight. Caraval is wonderfully atmospheric, beautifully lyrical and an absolute pleasure to have immersed myself within the pages.

41 comments

  1. Glad you really loved it. I have been seeing Caraval everywhere on social media. It reminds me of Night Circus for some reason

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really does Resh. It's so lovely and atmospheric, I can't wait for my preordered copy to arrive. That cover is absolutely gorgeous!

      Delete
  2. I’m looking forward to reading this one (even more so now that I know there will be a slow burning and sultry romance with a flirtatious sailor. I’m a sucker for a sexy sailor!) and seeing how the whole performance/game/sisternapping plays out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's on it's way Sarah, so hopefully it reaches you before the end of the week. The romance was slow burning and sexy, I'm such a fan of forbidden romances especially with Scarlett being betrothed to a man she's never met. The wait for book two is going to be agonising though.

      Delete
  3. So good to hear you enjoyed this Kelly! I have not yet read it because I've been a little nervous after the mixed bag of reviews but hopefully when I pick this up I'll enjoy it! ALSO AWESOME REVIEW GIRL! <3 simple but straight to the point!

    xx Anisha (sprinkledpages.blogspot.com.au)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was beautiful Anisha, so lyrical that it made my heart ache. If you enjoyed either The Night Circus or Daughter of Smoke and Bone, you'll adore Caraval.

      Delete
  4. Ooh a comparison to Laini Taylor's writing? Nice! I keep hearing good things about this one so I am really really curious. Thanks so much for sharing. Lovely review.

    -Lauren

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Lauren. It's just about to be released, so keep an eye out and pick up a copy. You definitely won't be disappointed. It's magnificent!

      Delete
  5. Glad you loved this Kelly! I'm not sure when I'll have the time to read this, but I love how amazing the world sounds.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ohhh how you need this book in your life. It's so lovely and lyrical and atmospheric. Beautifully written!

      Delete
  6. I just tried to post a comment, and I'm not sure if it went through or not... but, this book was nothing like I imagined it to be, lol Great, eye-opening review :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It didn't unfortunately Verushka, Blogger can be frustrating and has been known to munch up reader comments. This is one of those books that I can recommend to everyone, it was incredible!

      Delete
  7. I'm been thinking of picking this up, glad to see you enjoyed this! The descriptions sound lovely and the friendship too!
    Great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's wonderful Cyn. Especially the bond that sisters Scarlett and Donatella share.

      Delete
  8. You are REALLY thorough and thoughtful in your reviews... how do you PICK the books you invest time in? Do you have a criteria? How do you choose?! lol! - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Gingi. It's a mixture of whatever takes my fancy and review copies sent by the lovely publishers, such as Caraval. It's magnificent and was released just yesterday, so make sure you grab a copy!

      Delete
  9. I love atmospheric books and I’m intrigued by this slow burning, sultry and sexy romance. Beautiful review for a beautiful book, Kelly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can almost guarantee that you'll adore Caraval Ksenia, we're both fans of beautiful writing and this is just so lovely.

      Delete
  10. hmm so far this book has had a few good ones, i will keep an eye out

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh please do! Such a wonderful read and absolutely lovely author!

      Delete
  11. yay for slow burning romance, so many people seem to love this book and coming from bloggers I trust I am a little sad I passed on it - eh well it is never too late, right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It certainly isn't Lily and you're in luck, because it's just been released. I'm super excited for my preorder copy to arrive as well. It was magnificent.

      Delete
  12. Adding it! This sounds too good to pass up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was brilliant Christy. Absolutely brilliant.

      Delete
  13. I had this one and for some reason it just didn't click but I know everyone loves it. Maybe it just wasn't the right time for me to read it.

    Karen @For What It's Worth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I need to be in the mood to read fantasy too Karen, but we'll worth coming back for another try. I'd love to see what you think of it.

      Delete
  14. I’ve heard so many great things about this book and your review just makes me want to read it even more! Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! ❤

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Zoe darling. I think Caraval is one that you'll really enjoy as well. So, so beautiful.

      Delete
  15. I had a copy of this but my dumbass let it expire cause I forgot about it. Im glad to hear you liked it.
    Hope you're feeling better!

    Nereyda│ Nick & Nereyda’s Infinite Booklist

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am sweetheart thank you. Ohhhh nooooo. The good news is that it's finally been released so fingers crossed your library has a copy. It's soooo good!

      Delete
  16. I was already super excited to read Caraval but now that I've read your review I'm even more excited! "Reminiscent to the lyricism of Laini Taylor?!?!?!" HECK YEAH.
    Amazing review, lovely <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Faith. It truly is an amazing read, so lovely and lyrical and the romance is all kinds of forbidden and sexy. I'm so excited that it's a series too, already longing for book two!

      Delete
  17. I absolutely loved the setting in Caraval as well, how amazing was the atmosphere? It's not often you hear about an abusive father and I'm kind of glad it didn't brush over things in this one. Lovely review Kelly, I'm so glad you enjoyed it too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think abusive or neglectful parents tend to be included more so in contemporaries so I was surprised actually. It was so atmospheric and lovely, reminded me of that some wonder when I'd first read Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

      Delete
  18. I really liked the eerie atmosphere this had going on and the writing was really lovely, but I didn't always fully connect with the characters. I thought they needed to be a bit more fleshed out. I agree though, there were some sexy, sexy moments in that romance! ;)
    Glad you enjoyed this one, Kelly! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree Nick, I think their development was overshadowed a little by the world building an adventure in the end. Thrilled there's a second book coming, I expect the characters to have a lot more depth. I was thrilled that you enjoyed it so much.

      Delete
  19. This sounds absolutely fabulous, but at the same time, a bit terrifying. The concept of being raise by an abusive father is intriguing, but I have to admit, it does lean way too close to home for me. I can't help but wonder how well these themes were executed? I'm still extremely curious about the book though! Especially in light of all the glowing reviews and endless Instagram photos!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It does for me too Claudia, but personally for myself it wasn't a trigger and I still loved it regardless. I think it depends how at peace you are with the situation. It's definitely not overly violent though. I can't wait for my preordered copy to arrive!

      Delete
  20. SOUNDS INTERESTING! Yet another review that makes me want to be able to read this book! Hopefully I'll get to it by the end of the week! GOOD POST. Have a fantastic February!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I might just check this book out. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Glad you loved it. I'm not really that excited to read it because it's been really hyped up and I tend to stay away from those kinds of books BUT I really like the sound of the romance here, plus the writing sounds incredible. I'll see if I can find it in my library. Beautiful review! :)

    ReplyDelete

© Diva Booknerd. Design by Fearne.