Finale

See my reviews for Caraval and Legendary
Finale
Caraval Book Three
Written by Stephanie Garber
Fantasy, Magic, Romance
Published May 7th 2019
400 Pages
Thank you to Hachette Australia
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★★★★☆
Welcome, welcome to Caraval... All games must come to an end.

It’s been two months since the last Caraval concluded, two months since the Fates have been freed from an enchanted deck of cards, two months since Tella has seen Legend, and two months since Legend claimed the empire’s throne as his own. Now, Legend is preparing for his official coronation and Tella is determined to stop it. She believes her own mother, who still remains in an enchanted sleep, is the rightful heir to the throne.

Meanwhile, Scarlett has started a game of her own. She’s challenged Julian and her former fiancé, Count Nicolas d’Arcy, to a competition where the winner will receive her hand in marriage. Finaly, Scarlett feels as if she is in complete control over her life and future. She is unaware that her mother’s past has put her in the greatest danger of all.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun, with lives, empires, and hearts all at stake. There are no spectators this time: only those who will win and those who will lose everything.
On the Isle of Trisda, siblings Scarlett and Donatella lived under the oppressive rule of their father until liberation arrives from Master Legend, an invitation to attend the Caraval festivities on his private island. Accompanied by debonair scoundrel Julian, Scarlett and Donatella are immersed in a game of illusion and intrigue, of performers and breathtaking adventure. The Caraval festivities have come to a closure and while Paradise slumbers, the city continues to mourn Empress Elantine as Legend prepares for his official coronation. The Fates are on the cusp of awakening from imprisonment within the Deck of Destiny and creating destruction throughout the city.

What Actually Happens In Finale?
Where Caraval and Legendary both surround the game of Caraval, Finale takes place beyond the confines of illusion and manipulation. Basically The Fates are escaping their enchanted Deck and while some appear to be allies, we see a villain emerge in the Fallen Star who really isn't all that villainous, just a little misunderstood. He's also murderous. His ultimate goal is to storm the city with The Fates under his control and become the next emperor.

Sisters Doing It For Themselves
Scarlett and Donatella Dragna have survived the whimsical Caraval, unveiled the illusions Master Legend has created and now forging their own destiny as two young women liberated from patriarchal oppression, who have matured and grown as individuals victorious of challenging the game and winning. Scarlett is practical and empathetic, fiercely protective and passionate. Scarlett feeling the ache of loneliness that brought her to Caraval, begins writing letters to her former fiancee Nicolas in Julian's absence. Oh my. She may be challenging Nicholas and Julian for her affections but her heart belongs to Julian, although the rivalry has certainly made him more attentive. It was cruel to allow Nicolas to believe she was romantically interested in pursuing him and he seemed like a decent chap.

Triangles, as far as the eye can see
Donatella is a young woman of determination and bravado, in love with a man who as an immortal, will never experience love only possession. After the revelations of Legendary, Donatella is no longer a courageous and assured young woman, the anguish her character carries is palpable and although Jacks is a Fate with sinister intentions, she seeks companionship and understanding, Legend unable to provide her with affection to fulfil her needs. In Jacks company, we see Donatella for the young woman she had become. Jacks challenges her ideals and decisions, a tentative truce that has allowed their friendship to blossom without the pressure of expectations.

Is This A Kissing Book?
Yes. Much kissing. With lots of people.

One of my favourite characters of the series is Jacks, the Jack of Hearts of the fated Deck of Destiny. He's conniving but also seemingly cares deeply for Donatella. He also asks for consent on multiple occasions before touching. I thought there was little difference between Jacks and Legend. Both created the illusion of romance although as immortals, neither can love a human. This small act of humanity leaves them vulnerable to then becoming human.

Julian may be human but he seemed to be oblivious to Scarlett's needs. Two men, seemingly experienced yet still can't figure out the basic needs of their significant others. Sounds about right. It also raises issues for both Scarlett and Donatella of their futures beyond Caraval and I loved that neither were willing to settle for less than what they wanted or deserved.

Read It
The Caraval series is absolutely lovely, beautifully written and incredibly opulent. The world Stephanie Garber has created is luscious and darkly imaginative, from the flirtatious and tantalising romances to the the magical illusions and dreamscapes, the series celebrates two young women who have grown into fierce competitors. They've always been capable of winning but I loved their journey towards confidence and strength. 

I couldn't have asked for more from Finale as a finale, utter perfection. 

10 comments

  1. I must admit I got confused reading this review LOL. I haven't read this Trilogy so that's why. But it all sounds so cool and interesting!
    Genesis @ Whispering Chapters

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    1. It's such a wonderful series! Full of passion and intrigue. The romance is one of my favourite aspects. I hope you can pick up a copy of Caraval soon, I'd love to see what you think of it!

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  2. I need to check out this series soon! Great review!

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    1. Thanks Erica and I hope you do, it's absolutely brilliant!

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  3. Oh, I'm so excited!! I just got my copy a day ago at the bookstore!! <3

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    1. That's wonderful news Noel, I can't wait for you to start reading!

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  4. The first book had such mixed reviews. So many people were let down but I think that has more to do with the hype machine at the time. Reviews for the next 2 were so much better.

    I'll have to give it a try.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. I agree Karen, readers seemed to have been expecting something along the lines of The Night Circus or a carnival type read. I loved it regardless, it was one of those books that you find yourself fully immersed in and flying through the pages. I hope you give it a chance, I think it'll really surprise you.

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  5. Yay! I'm happy you enjoyed this one. I'm excited to get to this one.

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  6. I'm not a fan of this series... Haha, don't hate me. I feel like the first two books left a lot unresolved, which I hate, and there were always more questions than answers. I need a little resolution at the end of a book. Also, Scarlett's dress... does it wash itself? She never takes it off, yet she and it are always clean. How does that work? I told myself I wasn't going to read this one, but my desire for answers will likely outweigh my overall annoyance. I'm glad you enjoyed it though! <3

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬

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