Full Book Review of Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Check out the full book review for Caraval, the first book in the Caraval series by Stephanie Garber. The magical world of Caraval will pull you in if you’re looking for good fantasy books.
Here’s a short synopsis of the book:
“Scarlett Dragna 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 attend. 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 whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, and her sister disappears forever.”
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Full Book Review Without Spoilers
I’m late to Caraval and Stephanie Garber books in general, but I can see why this book received so much hype. The whole book is about a magical game with twists and turns that really blur the lines of magical performance and real world. There isn’t a ton of world-building outside of Legend’s island, but the detailed descriptions allow you to actual picture the streets of Caraval.
At the beginning of the book, I wasn’t sure if I was going to get into the characters or the game, but it gets much better as you go. This type of fantasy builds as the game of Caraval progresses. The magical elements pick up throughout the book as well that makes the plot more interesting.
There are a few fun characters that really make the book better like Julian and Tella. The intrigue of Caraval master Legend also makes you want to keep reading the series. I hope the second book dives into both Legend and Tella more, especially Legend’s true identity.
This book doesn’t have the most in-depth world building or character development, but the author may be saving that for the next books in the series. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything, but there could have been more about what was happening outside of what was going on with Scarlett.
Is Caraval like The Night Circus?
No, not only are the two written for different audiences, the two have different plots and magic. The Night Circus is an adult fantasy about an actual carnival in our world while Caraval is a young adult fantasy about a magical island with a days long scavenger hunt. The only thing that’s the same is that they’re based around a carnival-like theme.
Characters
I didn’t like the Dragna sisters at first, but they do grow on you as the book goes on. As far as the writing goes, the characters were intriguing, and I particularly liked the male characters in the book. I do want to learn more about Legend, but it sounds like that’s coming in the next book.
Plot
The plot of this book really takes you for a ride that you’re not even sure what’s real. The plot twists at the end are just the right amount of surprising but satisfying. It is a bit dark throughout the book, but it’s all part of the larger plot at play.
Writing
This is my first book by Stephanie Garber, but now I plan to read more! I like her style of writing that makes you want to keep reading when each chapter ends and giving you a little bit more of the Caraval world with each chapter. Her balance of romance with the fantasy was also a good medium for me.
Full Book Review With Spoilers
You’ve been warned that from here on out there will be spoilers.
I’m glad I finally went back to finish this book that’s been on my TBR list forever. This is one of those hyped up books that’s actually worth it to read if you like fantasy. The writing is so descriptive and perfect for a world that’s supposed to be full of magic.
Throughout the book, you really start rooting for the sisters and their freedom from their abusive father. And one of the best but unexpected twists was him and the count showing up at Caraval. That seemed to add a ton of suspense to storyline, and bring out more of Julian’s character.
I wasn’t sure about some of the characters at the beginning, but really came around by the end, especially with Julian who ended up being my favorite. I did end up liking Scarlett by the end of the book as we got to see her on a deeper level throughout the game. Her and Julian made a good pair together, with just the right amount of romance in the book.
By the end, I was somewhat sure I knew the real story versus what was part of the game, but I was wrong. Which made for a better ending and an ending that wrapped up all of the important loose ends (besides Legend himself). I ended the book happy that the sisters were free, and Julian and Scarlett were together but also wanting more of them and Caraval.
Pros of the Book
One of the biggest pros of this book is the uniqueness of the magical game and the entire fantasy world as a whole. The entire book is full of hidden magic and surprising turns that aren’t your typical fantasy plot. The wonder of Caraval pulls you in as you get more and more invested in the story.
The end of the book with the ‘big reveal’ was another big pro for me. Even up until the very last chapters, the main characters are still in the game, and you’re not sure how it’s going to turn out even though things are happening really fast. At times, you as the reader aren’t sure what’s still part of the game, so the big reveal at the end really pulls it all together in a satisfying way.
Another positive of this book for me personally is the slow burn romance between Scarlett and Julian. It was unexpected at first, but the way it plays out is just right. The story doesn’t give too much attention to the romance part, so it’s still mostly about the game of Caraval itself.
Cons of the Book
I didn’t have any major complaints with the book, but I didn’t like Scarlett as the main character and only view point we got to hear from. As far as characters go, I wanted more of Julian, Tella, and even Legend. But it does leave a lot of potential for the next books in the Caraval trilogy.
Conclusion
Overall, if you’re a fan of young adult fantasy, this book is worth reading. The writing style and character development make for a very well thought out story with a fun magical system. The dangerous intrigue of a legendary game really pulls you into the story.
If you’re looking for a fantasy book that is equally about the romance (a romantasy) or a book with some very deep fantasy world-building, this may not be the book for you.
You can find the book here.
I have a full summary of the book here if you need a refresher on any of the main points.
Rating-4.25 Stars Out of 5
This was a fun, enjoyable read with just enough magic, suspense, and romance for my liking. I really got into the characters and the game of Caraval, so I felt invested in the book. And the final pages definitely made me want to read the next book right away.
Here’s how I rate all my books: My Rating System
Who Would Enjoy Reading?
Most fans of young adult fantasy would like this book. This book has magic with regular people as the fantasy element instead of fantasy creatures or the more epic fantasy features if you’re looking for that. If you’re looking for romantasy, this is definitely more story than romance but the romance is still very enjoyable.
What to Read After Caraval
If you liked this book, continue on with the series or grab another young adult fantasy with the same feel. Here’s a few of my favorites like Caraval.
Legendary by Stephanie Garber
Keep reading with the next book in the series about Tella and Legend. This is what I’m currently reading, too. You can find it here.
Update! I finished this one and have a full review and summary to check out now.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
If you’re looking for a magical base fantasy that’s a little bit dark, try this series! It’s got a lot of similar elements and lots of great characters. You can find it here.
Lightlark by Alex Aster
If you liked Caraval, but now you’re looking for a similar adult fantasy try Lightlark. This has very similar vibes with a similar scavenger hunt like competition, but there is some spice in this one. You can find it here.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
If you love unique magic systems in your fantasy, try this one. This is another unique plot and world within the fantasy realm that’s sure to pull you in as well. Check it out here.
