Title: Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Release Date: 31st January 2017
Genre/Age Group: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mystery, Romance
Format: Paperback (405 pages)
Source: Uncorrected Proof (Sent by publisher in exchange for an honest review)
Rating: 
(This review is spoiler free)
Synopsis
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.
Review
Garber’s debut novel revolves around Scarlett Dragna. A loyal, loving and caring sister, a hopeful, and a bride to be. She spent time in her childhood writing to Legend, the mysterious and magical host of Caraval, in the hopes he’d give her tickets to his next performance. Scarlett never received a response until she mentions what will be her last letter, as she is about to proceed with an arranged marriage that she hopes will provide her and her sister with a better, and more comfortable life away from their cruel father.
Legend’s response presents Scarlett with the opportunity her and her sister need to finally get away from their father and the arranged marriage that Scarlett is kidding herself she’s okay with. She tries to deny the invitation to Caraval, but is thrown into the depths of mystery when her sister disappears. Tella is the most important person in Scarlett’s life, so she immediately takes on a strong and determined persona as she tries to find her sister.
Scarlett enlists the help of a handsome and mysterious sailor named Julian to help her find her sister, and they soon realise that the only way to find Tella is by winning Caraval.
Glittering mist swirled around vibrant green mountains – all covered in trees – that rose toward the sky as if they were massive emeralds.
Caraval is a complete mystery. Garber does a fantastic job from the very beginning by keeping me on my toes the entire time, making this book really hard to predict. Garber had a very clear image of this magical world in her head when she was writing it, the level of detail she goes into when describing any part of Caraval is fantastic. But, she still leaves room for imagination. The vivid descriptions were perfectly combined with just the right amount of action, mystery and a heart throbbing romance.
In Caraval, absolutely no one can be trusted, especially when they are Legend’s performers so characterisation played a big part in this book. Scarlett herself was a great character who began the book settling for an arranged marriage, and throughout she gradually begins to learn the importance of what she believes is best for her and her sister. Her character has a very natural growth throughout the story. She slowly learns through the events of Caraval that her and her sister don’t deserve to be treated so cruelly by their father, making her a fairly strong character by the end of the book. She maintains her good intentions and kind heart throughout the duration of Caraval and doesn’t lose sight of her goals even for a moment. This brought out her stubborn side, which was quite hilarious when she bickered with Julian.
Julian was a wonderful character, from the beginning he had a very mysterious air about him and throughout the book there was really no telling what he’d do next, or if he was there to even really help Scarlett. Julian’s character is one that you’re guaranteed to like immediately. He’s filled with the kind of wit and charm that readers know and adore. But despite his troublemaking personality, it’s very obvious that he has a kind heart just like Scarlett. From the very beginning he enjoys teasing Scarlett, by immediately calling her ‘Crimson‘ instead of her actual name and throwing flirtatious comments any chance he gets. The witty banter between the two only fuels the angst between them, which, as mentioned before forms a heart throbbing romance.
Various other characters make an appearance such as; Tella, the father, Dante, Jovan, etc. But most of this story was written in Scarlett’s POV and not much time was spent with the other characters, because they literally didn’t have the time to spare. Caraval only lasts a certain amount of time, and when it’s over. It’s over. However, seeing glimpses of these characters gives hope that they will appear more in book two. Fingers crossed for more Dante!
She remembered her first impression of him, tall, roughly handsome, and dangerous, like poison dressed up in an attractive bottle.
Garber’s writing throughout this book flowed beautifully. It was truly a magical book to read and as mentioned before, no details were spared when it came to Caraval. She tells a tale of a sister who would do anything for those that she loves, no matter the obstacles put before her. It’s also a story, that personally felt quite motivational and encouraging, showing us that you don’t need to settle. That you’re capable of anything if you’re just willing to go after it.
Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything.
The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, leaving us in Tella’s perspective which leads perfectly into book two as it’s told from Tella’s POV. This is very exciting as it means we will get to learn more about the other sister and potentially what happened to her during Caraval.
This book was an absolute rollercoaster that drops you right into a world of magic, mischief and mayhem. I never wanted to leave Caraval!
You can find my review for the second book in the series here!
Have you read ‘Caraval‘? What did you think of it? And, what secret cover is your favourite?
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