TheIndianBookworm

“It’s no secret that a good cover for a book can make people buy it without giving it a second thought. While it doesn’t happen often, I sometimes buy a book simply because I am drawn to the cover. That was the case when I bought “Caraval”. Not only did the intricate but simple design intrigue me, it was also the tagline on the cover which was “Remember, it’s only a game…”. Little did I know, beneath that captivating cover lay a world brimming with magic and mystery, a world that transcended the typical confines of young adult literature. As I delved into the pages of Stephanie Garber’s debut novel, I found myself swept away by a narrative that defied expectations and captured my imagination in unexpected ways. In hindsight, it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the hidden depths that lie within the pages of young adult novels, reminding us that sometimes, the best adventures come in the most unassuming packages.

“Caraval” was written by Stephanie Garber and it was her debut novel. The story follows two sisters named Scarlet and Donatella, whose nickname is “Tella”. Both sisters have spent their entire life on a secluded island under the oppressive rule of their father. Scarlet’s only solace lies in dreams of attending Caraval, a legendary annual performance where the audience becomes part of the show. When Scarlett finally receives an invitation, she sees it as her ticket to freedom from her arranged marriage and her father’s tyranny. However, her dreams quickly turn to nightmares when her sister Tella is kidnapped upon their arrival by Caraval’s enigmatic mastermind, Legend. As Scarlett navigates the whimsical yet perilous world of Caraval, she discovers that nothing is as it seems. With the help of a mysterious sailor named Julian, Scarlett embarks on a quest to find her sister before the game ends and Tella disappears forever. Along the way, Scarlett must unravel the secrets of Caraval, where illusion and reality blur, and trust becomes a scarce commodity.

Garber weaves a spellbinding narrative as Scarlett delves into the intricacies of Caraval. The strength of Caraval lies not only in its richly imagined world but also in its compelling characters. Scarlett’s determination to find her sister amidst the chaos of Caraval drives the narrative forward, while the enigmatic Legend adds an aura of mystery and intrigue to the proceedings.

Garber’s prose is lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into a vividly rendered world brimming with magic and mystery. Each page crackles with tension as Scarlett races against time to unravel the secrets of Caraval and save her sister before it’s too late.

With its spellbinding storytelling, captivating characters, and twists that will keep readers guessing until the very end, Caraval is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure. And with the promise of continuing the adventure in Legendary and Finale, Garber leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this mesmerizing trilogy.

While I did enjoy reading it, I don’t think that I will continue reading the rest of the trilogy. This is mostly because there is a level of deception portrayed in the book that did not sit well with me. Additionally, as someone who is studying to become a clinical psychologist, I couldn’t help but wonder what the psychological toll and trauma would be for the characters.

With that being said, if you had read the book or even the full trilogy, let me know what your thoughts are in the comments. I am always curious to know what others think about the books that I have read.“

Also I have a bookshop.org shop now. From here on out any books that I discuss will be included there. I will do my best to update but if you are curious to see what I have listed so far, please click here.