Book Review – Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Remember, it’s only a game…

Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her 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 faraway, 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. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic. And whether Caraval is real or not, Scarlett must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over or a dangerous domino effect of consequences will be set off, and her beloved sister will disappear forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval…beware of getting swept too far away.

***

 3/5 Stars

I’m am so conflicted about this book! I really enjoyed it while all the while not being able to put my finger everything that was frustrating me about it.

I like the relationship between the sisters, but Tella wasn’t always who I wanted her to be. And Scarlett is gutsy considering her background. But I just wanted something more. Not sure what! A bit more about why their dad is so angry and controlling maybe? He also seems a bit 2-D as a villainous character.

And then we move onto everything and everyone related to the caraval itself. And I love bits of the setting and the puzzles, but so much of it was equally frustrating – especially by the end.

I know this must seem like I didn’t actually enjoy it, but I did, it’s just left me with more questions and they don’t necessarily feel like ones that will be answered in Legendary. However, you never know!