Caraval by Stephanie Garber
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- MerryLove
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Caraval by Stephanie Garber
pages: 416
genre: YA fantasy
series: Book 1 of 2
This was such a great book. I flew through the pages, getting wrapped up in the story. It felt like a mix between the first time I entered the magical world of Harry Potter and the intense rush of the game found in Ready Player One. I loved it, and there were only a few minor flaws.
Brief Summary from Goodreads:
“Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure. And for Scarlett and her beloved sister Tella it represents freedom and an escape from their ruthless, abusive father.
When the sisters' long-awaited invitations to Caraval finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show's mastermind organiser, Legend.
Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But nonetheless she quickly becomes enmeshed in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak. And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever.”
Things I liked:
1.) The premise of the story is about two sisters that strive to protect each other at all costs. I loved that the underlying premise was more about family than a lonely teen looking for a boyfriend.
2.) Caraval felt so magical. After reading the book I wouldn't personally want to go there, but the world that Caraval exists in was done so well. I was so swept away.
3.) There is so much action and adventure and suspense! Caraval is a game, and learning the rules of the game and figuring out how to continue on was very well done.
4.) The ending was an utter surprise. It actually threw me off a little and I had to really think about it and process it. It fit well with the story and made me long for a second read of the book. It makes it one of those books that you can glean more from on further readings.
Things I Didn't Like:
1.) I was a little disappointed to see this thrilling, game based story built on the bond of two sisters quickly turn into a romance story about the main character. The romance wasn't necessarily bad, and was good development and growth for the character, but there was just too much of it. Eventually the romance became more central to the story than the game itself did.
2.) There was a particular romance trope present that I loathe to see in books. “You lied to me! Now I must be distraught and never speak to you again,; that is, until I forgive you in the near future!” Insert eye roll here.
3.) When it came to the characters feelings, there was a lot of telling vs showing in the writing. I realize that it shortened the story somewhat, but these moments were sprinkled throughout the book and kept pulling me out of the story. I'd be completely immersed in the world and what was happening, and then suddenly I was yanked back to reality by the character telling me how she feels. It didn't make the story any less good, but it easily could have been great.
4.) The lead up to a sequel wasn't necessary. I'm a bit torn about it, actually. On one hand, I'm excited for more story. On the other, I felt that the completeness of Caraval as a stand alone suddenly became a little less complete.
Rating
I would rate this book a 4 out of 4, and I would recommend anyone fond of fantasy reads it at least once. It really is worth the hype. I know I will be reading this book and its sequel many more times to come.
- AlwaysWorthIt
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The game itself was very good. The twists all through the book was just something else entirely. Speaking back on the romance side, I think that the book would have been better if there was less romance and more about the game. I sort of had a feel for the atmosphere, but I feel like there are pieces missing that I'm just not able to fill in myself. Options: The book could have been longer, but I felt it was decent, not too long, not too short. Another option, leave out some of the romance and give more to the twisty game being played.
As for the second book, there was a finish to the book as a whole and yet she decided to add in a piece of information making you want more and leading you to a second book. Where the book could have ended and been great, I am excited for more. I just hope that the game is a little more pronounced given we already have a base for the romance.
Great review!
- Dh_
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- MeredithLG
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This was also on my To Read list, but since your review I think I am going to have to swing by the library (again) this week and see if they have it.
Thanks for the glowing review!
- gali
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I may have to bump it up on my TBR list!
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