Caraval
21:00
Caraval
CARAVAL DUOLOGY #1
CARAVAL DUOLOGY #1
- by Stephanie Garber
4.5/5.0 stars
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Caraval is one of those books that pleasantly surprises you with how much it engulfs you in its enticing world; it has an almost dream-like element to it with an alternate universe that is dark and twisted, and yet equally whimsical in its magical realm. This book is a winner not just because of the unfamiliar, intriguing tale it tells, but because of the beautiful writing that gives it life. Stephanie Garber's writing is as magical as the world it describes; it is as enchanting and exquisite as the fairytales of which it is reminiscent. It is the perfect paradox; a delightful, dreamy kingdom ruled by the infamous Legend that runs riot with dark magic and a deception that runs so deep, it is impossible to tell dream from reality. That is the wickedly gripping thrill of this tale. Like Scarlett, we are fooled by the masks of Caraval's players and the facade of a game that knows no such thing as going too far. A game that levels life and death and justice in deliciously twisted ways and before we know it, we are entangled by secrets and lies and deceptive truths in a wild chase for answers. And the whole time, we can't help but marvel at the atmospheric, vivid setting that steals the imagination.
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.
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.
Caraval is one of those books that pleasantly surprises you with how much it engulfs you in its enticing world; it has an almost dream-like element to it with an alternate universe that is dark and twisted, and yet equally whimsical in its magical realm. This book is a winner not just because of the unfamiliar, intriguing tale it tells, but because of the beautiful writing that gives it life. Stephanie Garber's writing is as magical as the world it describes; it is as enchanting and exquisite as the fairytales of which it is reminiscent. It is the perfect paradox; a delightful, dreamy kingdom ruled by the infamous Legend that runs riot with dark magic and a deception that runs so deep, it is impossible to tell dream from reality. That is the wickedly gripping thrill of this tale. Like Scarlett, we are fooled by the masks of Caraval's players and the facade of a game that knows no such thing as going too far. A game that levels life and death and justice in deliciously twisted ways and before we know it, we are entangled by secrets and lies and deceptive truths in a wild chase for answers. And the whole time, we can't help but marvel at the atmospheric, vivid setting that steals the imagination.
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I couldn't put this book down. The air of mystery that enshrouds Caraval, coupled with the little revelations that messed with my mind, had me turning page after page well into the late hours of the night. I never truly knew what I was experiencing, but what I did know was that I was as caught up in the game as Scarlett and I was desperate to have my burning questions answered as much as she was. It is a mysterious, magical whirlwind of a tale about love, sisterhood and adventure that I thought was being beautifully wrapped up with a bow and a dreamy happily-ever-after until THAT ENDING. HOLY SHIT. I was blown off my feet with the mother of all cliff-hangers.
Kudos to you Stephanie Garber. You played us well.
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