I received this ARC from Publisher, Audiobook from publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber on January 31 2017
Pages: 416
Goodreads
Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world . . .
Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.
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.
My Thoughts:
I had so much fun listening to/reading this book! When I heard about it at BEA I knew I needed to read it. Then I actually got to meet Stephanie Garber and I wanted the book even more. I couldn’t get my hands on a copy then but thankfully I was able to snag an e-galley and an advanced file of the audiobook for review!
My favorite aspect of Caraval was Stephanie Garber’s writing style. Her imagery is simply gorgeous. It painted such a clear picture of the people, sights, and oddities described. The magic of the story felt that much more real thanks to the beautiful writing. Everything just came alive.
Scarlett was an interesting character to follow. Her life has been weird mix of being sheltered in many ways yet being forced to grow up too fast in others. The one thing she knows is that she would do anything to protect her sister, Tella. When she gets to Caraval and is separated from Tella everything starts unraveling for her. She does her best but is soon caught up in a much darker game than she ever imagined. I have to admit… there were times she drove me crazy with her naivete. However, it makes so much sense with her background and the type of person she is. She really grows throughout the Craval experience.
Julian was one of my favorite characters. I loved trying to figure him out! He’s all beautiful and mysterious and exactly the kind of guy that’s fun to read about! I so enjoyed the way he interacted with Scarlett. Their verbal sparring was a highlight of any scene they have together.
Caraval is s delight. If you like your whimsy with a side of darkness you cannot miss it.
Audiobook Notes:
Rebecca Soler narrates this one and that was all I needed to know! I loved her narration of Cinder and couldn’t wait to listen to Caraval. I listened to a little over half via audiobook and loved it. The only think that kept me from doing the whole thing on audio was a technical problem. Check out an excerpt here.
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