Caraval

“𝕽𝖊𝖒𝖊𝖒𝖇𝖊𝖗, 𝖎𝖙 𝖎𝖘 𝖔𝖓𝖑𝖞 𝖆 𝖌𝖆𝖒𝖊…” ⚖️🔮⚜️This book had me in its CLUTCHES my GOD. The world, the magic and the intensity was incredible. JULIAN?!?! BE STILL MY HEART“…𝖇𝖊𝖜𝖆𝖗𝖊 𝖔𝖋 𝖌𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖘𝖜𝖊𝖕𝖙 𝖙𝖔𝖔 𝖋𝖆𝖗 𝖆𝖜𝖆𝖞.”OH AND I DID. It’s repeated multiple times throughout the book. it’s even on the cover itself and I was swept out to waters where I couldn’t touch the bottom. The way the line of what is real, and what is game is blurred is perfection. Realizing how much was truly performance and game hit me like running straight into a brick wall. It’s mystifying, maddening and magical all at once.There are a couple plot holes that had me pondering, but it sort of adds to the mystery in my personal opinion. Not everything needs answered, and knowing there are 2 others in the series waiting for me, I am itching to find out more.The only thing that boggled my mind was how seemingly OK Scarlett was at the end of this book. IYKYK, But at the same time, you also feel this sense of OK-ness as the reader as well. All is fair in love and magic 🪄🎩⚜️“𝕳𝖊 𝖙𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝖑𝖎𝖐𝖊 𝖒𝖎𝖉𝖓𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖜𝖎𝖓𝖉, 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖉𝖊𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝖗𝖎𝖈𝖍 𝖇𝖗𝖔𝖜𝖓 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖇𝖑𝖚𝖊. 𝕮𝖔𝖑𝖔𝖗𝖘 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖒𝖆𝖉𝖊 𝖍𝖊𝖗 𝖋𝖊𝖊𝖑 𝖘𝖆𝖋𝖊 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖌𝖚𝖆𝖗𝖉𝖊𝖉.” 🌊🛶🥀“𝕳𝖔𝖕𝖊 𝖎𝖘 𝖆 𝖕𝖔𝖜𝖊𝖗𝖋𝖚𝖑 𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖌. 𝕾𝖔𝖒𝖊 𝖘𝖆𝖞 𝖎𝖙’𝖘 𝖆 𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖋𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖓𝖙 𝖇𝖗𝖊𝖊𝖉 𝖔𝖋 𝖒𝖆𝖌𝖎𝖈 𝖆𝖑𝖙𝖔𝖌𝖊𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗” ⚜️🔮🥀“𝕾𝖔𝖒𝖊𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖌’𝖘 𝖆𝖗𝖊 𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖍 𝖕𝖚𝖗𝖘𝖚𝖎𝖙 𝖗𝖊𝖌𝖆𝖗𝖉𝖑𝖊𝖘𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖈𝖔𝖘𝖙.” ♥️🥀⚖️4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It took me a minute to get into the book but I loved the theme of doing whatever it takes for a loved one. Also, there is a real twist at the end.

I really enjoyed the story. It was whimsical and It was like a puzzle slowly being pieced together, but kept you guessing. I enjoyed how color was such a prominent descriptor and how the female main characters senses were felt and seen in colors. The detailed descriptions in the story brought it to life. It was a love story, a mystery, and taught meaningful life lessons about truly living.

This was a good YA fantasy! A little jarring with a suicide that you don’t know is real or not…but still good. I hope rylie likes it too!

Caraval was an intriguing read, and I finished it pretty quickly—which says a lot, partly because I thought it was going to tie into Once Upon a Broken Heart with a surprise reveal about a shared character. The story had me hooked at times, but I found the pacing a bit uneven. Some parts dragged, while others had me flying through the pages.The book follows Scarlett, who has long dreamed of attending Caraval, a magical, high-stakes game run by the mysterious Legend. While I found her a bit frustrating at times—especially her fearfulness despite this being her lifelong dream—I do understand that her trauma, especially from her abusive father, shaped that cautiousness. Watching her character grow throughout the book was rewarding, and her bond with her sister Tella added emotional weight to the story.Julian was definitely a highlight for me. He added charm, mystery, and tension to the plot, and honestly, I think he carried the book at certain points. I found myself wishing we could have seen the story from his perspective, but I know that’s not Stephanie Garber’s style.The world of Caraval itself is vivid and imaginative—dreamlike, theatrical, and full of twists that blur the line between reality and illusion. That said, some of the plot twists felt more confusing than shocking. Still, the ending left me a little speechless, in a good way, and I’m curious to see where the series goes next.

This was so whimsical and fun! Of course none of my predictions were correct, which is so rare. I love that Stephanie keeps you guessing and with every twist and turn, when you think you know what’s going to happen, everything shifts.This is a really well told story leaving you at the edge of your seat and unable to put down the book. There’s also that underlying romance that keeps things quite warm and exciting and leaving you to wonder what’s going to happen next!For a debut novel, this is so well done. I found no mistakes which is rare. Stephanie writes like a pro, as if she’s been spinning tales for years and years. I love the artistic way she describes things, with such color and dreamlike sensation. She puts magic between her pages and it’s truly magnificent. Well worth the read.

I really enjoyed the world of this book a lot. I love Scarlett’s character and really excited to see her in the next books.The world was honestly very unique and pretty intriguing. I loved how it kept changing but that did come with issues, at times I felt I couldn’t really visualize it well for cuz it kept changing a lot.I love Julian and his relationship with Scarlett even though its the typical insta loveTella was very interesting and I liked her spunkThe father? He was straight trash. I do not like him.Legend? Ehh.What else is there to say?? This book cured my romantanasy slump and got me hooked real quickly! I would recommend for a fun interesting read!4/5⭐️ cuz I still felt it needed a little bit more, idk what that oomph is but I hope it get it with the rest of the series.

Bookish Moments:I read this as a buddy read with a friend, and it made the wild ride of this book even more fun!Scarlett, our main character, completely stole my heart. I wanted to give her a hug the entire time. As a fellow anxious girlie, I felt so seen.I loved how fiercely protective she was of her younger sister, Tella… even if Tella drove me a little nuts now and then!Final Thoughts: ★★★★.75The ending left me satisfied and hopeful. I have mixed feelings about Julian, but I’m happy with how things turned out for Scarlett.The world is chaotic, magical, and totally addictive—I’m excited to continue the series.Audiobook Notes:Narration Style: SoloAudio Score: 3.75Re-listen Worthy: I’d reread the book, but likely wouldn’t listen to the audiobook again. The narrator’s male voices were distracting and pulled me out of the story.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber is an absolute gem! From the first page, I was completely swept up in the magical, mysterious world that Garber has created. The story follows two sisters, Scarlett and Tella, who are invited to the legendary Caraval – a once-a-year, immersive game where nothing is as it seems. What begins as a fun escape soon turns into a dangerous game where reality blurs with fantasy, and Scarlett finds herself racing against time to save her sister.The atmosphere of Caraval is intoxicating – vibrant, whimsical, and eerie all at once. The setting is described in such detail that I felt like I was right there, surrounded by the wonder of the carnival, but also feeling the underlying tension and danger. Garber’s writing is lush and descriptive, pulling you into the fantastical world with ease.Scarlett is a compelling protagonist, and her love for her sister is what drives the story. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way as she navigates a world full of deception and illusions. The romance between Scarlett and the mysterious Legend adds an intriguing layer to the plot, but the real draw for me was the sense of mystery that pervades every moment. Nothing is ever quite as it seems, and I loved that feeling of uncertainty throughout the book.While Caraval is filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing, there were a few moments where the pacing felt a bit slow, especially in the middle. But, that didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the book, and the final reveal had me hooked until the very last page.If you love books filled with magic, danger, and mystery, Caraval is a must-read. It’s a beautifully crafted, immersive experience that will keep you turning pages long into the night. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series! Highly recommend!

I bought this book last fall, but never read it.This book tells the story of two sisters Donatella and Scarlett. They have to deal with a cruel and abusive father. When one sister does something wrong, he will punish the other.They sneak away and travel to another island and enter the world of the game.This had the potential to he something truly amazing, but it fell flat for me. So much more could have been done to bring the world of the game to life. The pace moved pretty quickly. But I never truly felt drawn into the story. None of the characters were very well developed. There was no real growth or change. The stakes just didn't feel very high.The main character Scarlett was so annoying and dumb. She was always whining about how she wanted to find her sister. She was afraid of everything. She also took things way too literally. She would recieve a warning not to trust someone or not do something. But she would do it anyway. Over and over again. She made a lot of really stupid decisions.The ending was just lame. Things were wrapped up a little too nearly and the explanation for certain events didn't make any sense.I realize this is a YA book, but the writing felt very juvenile.This book was nothing special. I'm glad I read it, but it is completely forgettable. I will not he reading the other two books in the series. I'm not sure if I will read Once Upon A Broken Heart by the same author.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars)Stephanie Garber’s Caraval is a spellbinding blend of mystery, romance, and fantasy, wrapped in an intoxicatingly immersive world where nothing is as it seems. If you love books that transport you to a whimsical, high-stakes adventure with dazzling descriptions and unexpected twists, Caraval is an absolute must-read.Plot Summary (No Spoilers!)Scarlett Dragna has spent her life dreaming of Caraval, a legendary, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in an elaborate, magical game. But for Scarlett, Caraval is more than just a dream—it’s a possible escape from her cruel, controlling father. When she finally receives an invitation, she and her rebellious younger sister, Donatella, take a leap of faith and sneak away to the grand, mysterious spectacle.However, the moment they arrive, the game takes a dangerous turn—Tella is kidnapped, and the only way for Scarlett to save her is by winning Caraval. But in this world of illusions, deception, and hidden agendas, Scarlett must decipher what is real and what is just a game before it’s too late.What Makes This Book Exceptional?1. A Dark and Lushly Imagined WorldThe setting of Caraval is nothing short of magical. Every detail— from the twinkling, dreamlike streets to the eerie unpredictability of the game—pulls you deeper into its beautifully crafted atmosphere. Garber’s writing is rich and immersive, making the world feel tangible yet deliciously mysterious.2. High-Stakes Mystery and Mind GamesThe novel constantly keeps you questioning what’s real and what’s just an illusion. The game itself is designed to trick both Scarlett and the reader, making every twist and turn even more exhilarating. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, Garber throws in another surprise.3. Compelling, Multi-Dimensional CharactersScarlett: A relatable protagonist whose cautious nature contrasts with her sister’s reckless spirit. Her character growth—from timid and obedient to bold and determined—is one of the novel’s highlights.Julian: The enigmatic, flirtatious sailor who helps Scarlett navigate the game. His true motives remain a mystery throughout, adding intrigue and tension to the story.Donatella (Tella): Though she plays a smaller role in this book, her rebellious, impulsive personality adds an interesting contrast to Scarlett’s more careful approach.4. Romance That Adds to the MysteryThe slow-burn romance between Scarlett and Julian is equal parts tension and charm. Unlike typical love stories, this one is layered with deception, trust issues, and uncertainty—heightening the stakes of the game. It never overshadows the main plot but instead enhances the emotional depth of the story.5. A Story That Reads Like a Fairytale… with a Dark EdgeCaraval has the enchanting, whimsical feel of a fairy tale, but it’s laced with danger, manipulation, and secrets. It’s the perfect blend of wonder and darkness, keeping you both captivated and slightly unsettled.6. An Ending That Leaves You Wanting MoreThe final chapters deliver shocking revelations that make you rethink everything you thought you knew. And just when you think everything is settled, Garber masterfully teases the next book, making it impossible not to continue the series.Final ThoughtsCaraval is an intoxic

Scarlett and her beloved sister, Donatella, are the daughters of the powerful and cruel governor of a small island. Growing up, the sisters have have heard enchanting stories of Caraval, the extravagant and bewitching yearly performance in which the audience participates and competes to win a prize from the magical master of the event, Legend. When Scarlett’s father arranges a marriage for her to a man she has never met, she believes her dreams of ever receiving an invitation to Caraval are at an end. However, Donatella, with the aid of a mysterious sailor, conspires a way for the sisters to escape their father and experience the magic of Caraval. Upon arriving, Donatella is kidnapped by the notorious ringmaster of the event, Legend. He has made her the center of this year’s adventure as the first person to find her will win the prize. Scarlett has only five nights to find her before Donatella disappears forever - just five nights in which to navigate the fantastical world around her, finding the clues that will lead her to Donatella as she tries to determine just how much of Caraval is a performance and how much is real - and along the way she will be forced to make some excruciatingly painful decisions if she wants to save her sister.It was easy to be drawn into the elaborate world of Caraval. The story was compelling, from the bond of the sisters to the mystery behind Caraval and its questionable mastermind, Legend. Around every corner was a new danger, a new riddle to puzzle out, and all of it left me wondering if Scarlett should trust anyone, or were they just setting her up for heartbreak and tragedy. I was invested in her journey and in unraveling all the secrets along the way.That being said, while this did give a somewhat satisfactory conclusion to the event itself, it’s clearly part of a larger story. Many questions remain about who Legend is and how/why he made the choices he did to become who/what he is, and how does it all relate to the Dragna sisters. I assume this will be the overarching story explored in the subsequent books.I would give the book 5⭐ for its ability to draw me in, but I can’t rightfully give the book that high a rating without knowing how the author builds and resolves the story she’s begun. So for now, I’ll give it a solid 4.25⭐. (because even if I come to feel that the author botches the rest of the series, I at least enjoyed the time I spent on this read.)

“Lovely, dark, and deep,” from Frost’s poem about the woods, are words that can also describe Stephanie Garber’s unique Caraval. Although fixed firmly in the YA lit category due to the ages of its female protagonists and the occasional teenage-girl-fantasy descriptions of the impossibly handsome Julian, Caraval is a far more sophisticated option than the average YA gothic romance. Thankfully, both vampires and werewolves are absent from the world of Caraval, and the magic of the story was both minimal and creative. Scarlett, the overly-cautious heroine, is given a magical gown that reinvents itself every day, and her hotel room expands into a suite, but mostly the significant magic is saved for the surprise ending.Vaguely reminiscent of The Hunger Games and The Night Circus, Caraval is a massive game that is held by invitation only on a magical isle. The Caravel game is unique, however: it’s something like an enormous magical dinner theater in which the players are enveloped for several days. One of the most interesting aspects of the book is how it plays with reality. What is real? What is merely part of the game? Whom can you trust? What are the consequences for choosing the wrong door, failing to be home before sunrise, or trusting your senses instead of the game clues? Scarlett and her sister Donatella are whisked away from their abusive father by a handsome sailor and brought to the island where Caravel takes place, but when Scarlett awakens on a raft near the island, she finds that Tella has been kidnapped and it is up to Scarlett to rescue her, with the no-so-convenient aid of the handsome sailor Julien.The world of Caraval enchants and delights, but not quite in a Harry Potter sort of way: a carousel of roses spins faster and faster when the carousel-master sings songs, otherworldly pastries are available on street corners, and the past and future appear on the pages in a book of paintings, but there are dark edges to the magic. A dress in a shop costs a few days of Scarlett’s life, but (mild spoiler warning) life days can be exchanged in a manner almost reminiscent of the video game life-trading in the 2017 version of Jumanji. The dark elements in the book involve abuse, dismemberment, and murder, but I think that on average nothing is so graphic that it would sicken sensitive readers. The overly-cautious heroine from an abusive family endures some harrowing experiences, but perseveres with courage and determination. She is, in fact, one of my favorite literary females of all time, and one of my favorite things about the novel. In my opinion, it’s extremely difficult to write a good action novel heroine. Katniss was too much of a tomboy for my taste, as was Tris from Divergent. Meaning no disrespect to Stephanie Meyer, who has made infinitely more money than I have as a writer, Bella from Twilight was just boring. But Scarlett could be me. That, of course, is why I connect with her character so strongly, but more than that, I think she’s a finely-drawn portrait of an older sister who has endured far more than she should have had to in her young life and as a result has developed some particular anxieties about her sister and getting into trouble. For comparison, I enjoyed this book more than The Night Circus, although that novel had more literary polish. I never really connected with any of The Night Circus characters, and the plot of that novel, in my opinion, was not as interesting as that of Caraval.There are two major difficulties I had with this book that prevented me from giving it five stars. The first is the ending, which uses magic to cheat fate in a happy but rather predictable way. That’s not horrible, but it’s not entirely great, either. Far more serious, though, is the fact that the hero of this novel, like the Beast from the Disney story, is a scary manipulator who turns out (spoiler warning) to have a heart of gold in the end. Or, in this case, whose heart seems to be turning into gold by the end. The problem I have with this is that I married one of these guys—a lying manipulator—and I thought it would be ok because I love fairy tales like this one and he, too, seemed to have a heart of gold beneath the grime. But in real life, unfortunately, lying manipulators tend to be just that, and they (usually?) don’t improve if you just give them love. In fact, in real life, such people often to take even further advantage of you if they think that you’ll just react by trying harder to love them. So in real life, naïve girls like Scarlett and I should stay very far away from guys like Julien. That being said, as long as the reader is well aware of this truth (real life bad boys generally can’t and shouldn’t be trusted) , the novel is highly entertaining and even deeply meaningful, as Scarlett tries desperately to break free from the abuse of her childhood, find her true nature, and rescue her sister.What would Keats and Aristotle say? Great beauty of characters and plot. Some rather silly...

I began reading Caraval with some pretty high expectations. Before delving into the book myself, I had read many positive reviews from bloggers who managed to get their hands on an ARC copy of the book. Quite a few bloggers likened the aura of Caraval to The Night Circus, which is, in my opinion, a pretty huge compliment. So, the big Q: Were my expectations met?You bet your cookies they were.This book was a fantastic combination of romance, fantasy, adventure, and mystery. The writing is fairly strong yet simple, and it allows you to fully focus on the story and its characters without being distracted by overly-embellished diction. There were some moments of repetitiveness in detail and description, but these moments didn’t take too much away from the story. Also, the inclusion of letters within the text helped give the story an extra touch of characterization, and though I rarely notice this, the design of some of the pages are lovely and add to the magic of Caraval.Stephanie Garber did a wonderful job in bringing her world of Caraval to life with an abundance of sensory details that envelop you and carry you deeper into the mysterious goings-on within Caravel. The author skillfully creates a world where magic is real and powerful, and it acts as an ambiguous force that is acknowledged, though not wielded by anyone and everyone. The magic of Caraval has its own set of rules by which it functions, and the characters taking part in the game soon learn that nothing is as it seems in this elaborate performance orchestrated by ringmaster, Legend.Speaking of Legend, the characters are another strong aspect of this book. Scarlett and Tella (short for Donatella) share a strong sisterly bond in which they are willing to sacrifice themselves for one another. The two girls are similar to Marianne and Eleanor from Sense and Sensibility. Scarlett behaves as the sensible one while Tella is governed by feeling. Each girl has a particular strength of character, and their differing views of the world lead them into an adventure that shapes who they are and who they will become.At first, I was not much a fan of Tella, for she seems selfish and self-centered (and also a kleptomaniac?). But my opinion changed (for the most part, anyways) towards the end, as I realized she simply wishes for both her and her sister to be free of their ridiculously cruel and abusive father and to live their lives the way they desire. As for Scarlett, I found her character to be the most relatable, and even though she is the “sensible” one, her thought processes and actions within the game were understandable given the circumstances. She made many mistakes, but they were somewhat forgivable as she made them all with good intent, the intent to save her sister.Besides familial love, I loved the relationship between Scarlett and Julian (*SWOON*). Julian is an interesting character whose charm stems from his mysteriousness and severe lack of hero qualities. He is an enigma who holds an abundance of secrets that are slowly unearthed throughout the story. And though his words and actions are often questionable, it is hard not to love him for what/who he is. Both he and Scarlett are very independent and of their own mind, but their situation requires them to work together to achieve their differing goals. The connection between the two is not immediate and I fell in love with the slow-burn romance that formed between the two over the course of four or five days.I was really surprised by the level of sinisterness the author incorporated to describe Legend and his grand performance of Caraval, which has an undercurrent of deceit and cruelty that is overshadowed by vivid color and dazzling magic tricks. As the competition goes on, Legend morphs into a faceless villain whose schemes come to a suspenseful head during a final act in which the game comes to an end and the truth is revealed. The last part of the book is fast-paced, thrilling, and full of tension that had me biting my nails and quickly turning one page after another, desperate to know how it all ends.All in all, I loved this book. I thought the author did an excellent job in portraying a sisterly bond that is not entirely perfect, but is strong, as it is built on love. And the characters were well-developed, though they have much more room to grow and to mature, especially Tella. The story is captivating from beginning to end and the magic of Caraval will give readers a sense of wonder that carries them above the clouds until they are set back down on the ground in the stunning conclusion of this book. I can’t recommend this story enough. I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series!

Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . beware of getting swept too far away.After watching countless bloggers rave about this book, and reading the synopsis of the book, I caved and bought the book. I always worry about buying books that have a huge hype on them because I have high hopes for the book then, only to be let down when I read it, but Caraval didn’t disappoint. Caraval isn’t just a book, it’s an experience!!“Whatever you’ve heard about Caraval, it doesn’t compare to the reality. It’s more than just a game or performance. It’s the closest you’ll ever find yourself magic in this world.”And magic did I find! This book was a magical page-turner that I couldn’t put down! When people ask me what it reminds me of, I tell them to image Alice in Wonderland mixed with a circus and an amusement park. Most of the book takes place on an island, where the Master of Caraval–Legend–lives. Caraval is a magical performance that travels to a new place every year, but this year, the Master and his performers aren’t traveling, but are having a private performance and Master Legend invites our main character, Scarlett, and her sister Tella. You can choose to either watch the game unfold, or join in and try to win that years’ prize before the other participants do! And this years’ prize is something everyone wants…a wish.I told you a bit about the plot, and Caraval, but what I didn’t tell you about is how much I love this book! I love everything about it, from the bonds it shows between siblings, to the magic you can find in every page! I haven’t had this much fun reading a book since I read Harry Potter. Yes, I’m comparing it to Harry Potter (My favorite series). Why? Because I felt the magic every time I picked up the book! I felt as if I was in the book, playing Caraval alongside Scarlett. And just like I want to experience Hogwarts, I want to be a part of Caraval. Would I want to play? Um, different story! HAHAHA I’d probably be that person who goes mad and gets swept away, but how a beautiful way I could be swept!“What happens beyond this gate may frighten or excite you, but don’t let any of it trick you. We will try to convince you it’s real, but all of it is a performance. A world built of make-believe. So while we want you to get swept away, be careful of being swept too far away. Dreams that come true can be beautiful, but they can also turn into nightmares when people won’t wake.”I loved all the characters in this novel, especially Julian and Scarlett. Scarlett is hesitant, but brave. She thinks too much, but since she has so much to lose in life, I can’t blame her. What I love about her, besides her honest and caring heart, is her wiliness to put aside her own happiness for her sister. I’m very close to my two sisters, especially my older sister, so their bond really hit home for me. Scarlett reminds me of my older sister and while I’m not entirely like the courageous, and sometimes infuriating Tella, I can’t lie and say I don’t see myself in her because I do. Both are likable characters, but Scarlett really won me over. I adored her character and loved that this book showed the power of love between siblings.Now, Julian. Like Scarlett, I didn’t trust the man right at the start. There was something about him that made me cautious, but when she started to fall for him, I fell for him too! His character is indescribable! But I’ll try to say a little about him. He’s bold, and courageous. He’s stubborn, strong, and so, so likable! God, can you see I have a mini crush on him? Mini? Yeah, I could hear the lie myself. I’m a huge Julian lover! If I didn’t like Scarlett with Julian so much, I would beat her with a stick for him!! (I won’t, but it’s tempting when he acts all mysterious and charming!)“She imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars came out.”My overall thoughts? This book is magical, whimsical, and utterly enchanting! My favorite book of 2017 so far!

Carnival is a book with a very interesting summary, and a lot of rave reviews, naturally I was curious to see what the hype was about. What I found when I read it was very misleading and ultimately disappointing. While it is a well written book, its priorities and shortcomings mar the execution to the point that it was hard for me enjoy it. I’ll try to go into what I didn’t like specifically so you can make your own decisions about if you want to give it a try or not.The beginning of this book is an instantly strong hook. The letters that are written to Legend, the mysterious man in charge of carnival is really fascinating and got me at once. Though there is a lot of time skip you get an impression of the main character, Scarlett and her situation with just a few words and with that we’re thrust into the story itself. We meet her sister Tella pretty fast and the Sailor Julian in a scene which is described vividly and continues the initial hook. The book really hits the ground running with an opening I found more memorable than more things I’ve read.The author is talented in terms of description and internal monologue. Her writing flows and is easy to follow without having to put any work fourth from a readers standpoint. The story summary and concept is also top notch, with characters that can often feel like they have their own world without revolving around the main cast. One example is the girl’s father was relatable, though entirely unlikeable as probably was intended. The book also has a lot of mysterious characters, but once she’s in the carnival it seems everyone has to be appearing duplicitous and enigmatic. It wasn’t clear to me if this was the setting or the characters or a trick to avoid having to develop them, but all the same it seemed to work.Conceptually a world of magic which may or may not be real is neat and very well done here. There is enough to make you question what could be and couldn’t be and I could just imagine the theatre like atmosphere and the players. If Stephanie Garber was setting a stage I would say that she managed to do that perfectly, though I’ve already glossed over some important things I mean to circle back on, her description and drawing the reader in is top notch.Ultimate though I didn’t like this book, there was a lot going for it, but the book starts stumbling almost instantly. First though the characters feel deep, this excludes the leads, in terms of the sisterly bond it feels fake for absolutely no reason. Scarlett is supposed to be trying to save her sister and Tella too but it’s mostly inner monologue that gets constantly contradicted by their actions. While I acknowledge that an unreliable narrator can be a compelling story method, I think the problem is less the narrator and more the author herself. Recall the summary pitch for the book you’ve probably read. It focuses almost exclusively on her situation, the magic and mystery of carnival and mentions love exactly one time. Could this be sisterly? Romantic? No one could sa- it’s romantic and it derails the whole story right away.It isn’t that romance is a bad thing, but the priorities of this story takes a ridiculous back seat to romance. The deus ex machina ways in which the author forces her characters constantly (and I mean Scarlett and Julian primarily) into sexy situations is unbearable. It’s so extreme the book barely passes the bechdel test (Which is an appallingly low bar in literature) because while there are named female characters, they are few and far between and Scarlet hardly ever talks to them and Julian in some way or another pretty much always comes up. What truly bothers me about the romance though is that it infiltrates the most innocuous sections in the least believable ways repeatedly. It’s distracting and ruins the immersion and is totally not what this book was being pitched on in the first place.Without examples it is hard to truly grasp the length Stephanie goes to in order to infuse romance in virtually every section, so some spoilers. If you’ve ever read about the situation where someone walks out of the shower forgetting their towel and the courting aged opposite sex member just happens to be coming at the exact same moment then expect that to happen in this book all the time, figuratively. For instance while rowing a boat, which is mundane, suddenly the boat has a leak and they have to swim, but first their clothes have to come off and thought the water is frigid and there is snow on the beach, you better believe Scarlett is going to think about the closeness and whatever might be seen the entire time because no amount of discomfort or risk of death will dissuade her from romantic inclinations, really. Then not a hop later of course their wet stuff needs to be changed in front of each other so more romantic tension. Yay. Then not a skip later we have to cuddle and pretend to be engaged (with accompanying thoughts by Scarlett.) Kool. And not a hop...