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Caraval

(Caraval #1)

Stephanie Garber (Goodreads Author)

really liked it 4.00 · Rating details · 256,334 ratings · 33,840 reviews

A legendary competition.
A mesmerizing romance.
An unbreakable bond
between two sisters.

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 parti ...more

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Hardcover, 407 pages

Published January 31st 2017 by Flatiron Books (first published 2016)

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Featured Notes & Highlights

Stephanie Garber - author, fantasy

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really liked it Average rating 4.00 ·

Rating details

· 256,334 ratings · 33,840 reviews

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Mar 04, 2017 emma rated it did not like it

Shelves: nope, reviewed, mystery-thriller-horror-etc, ya, couldn-t-wait-to-read, unpopular-opinion, fantasy, dark, 1-star

*record scratch*

*freeze frame*

Yup, that’s me. Scarlett Dragna, main character of the YA hit Caraval. You’re probably wondering how I ended up in this situation. If everysinglethingthathappenedinthiswholebook was anything to go by, it was through a combination of pointless lying, constant embarrassment, obsession with Some Guy, a big act of caring about a younger sister despite very little indication of that being true, unrelenting drama about a dumb wedding, repetitive interactions, weird descri ...more

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Feb 03, 2017 Emily May rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2017, young-adult, fantasy, coverly-love

I feel the same way about Caraval as I did about The Star-Touched Queen last year. In fact, many of my comments are the same, so if you enjoyed that book then it's probable you will like this one also.

Caraval is a fantasy without world-building or significant character development. It relies on its dreamy descriptions, purple prose, and a heavy helping of romance to make it dazzle. To take a quote from my review of The Star-Touched Queen, "if you buy into these metaphors, put on your prose-tinte ...more

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Jul 06, 2016 Chelsea Humphrey rated it it was amazing

Shelves: from-publisher, library, favorites

Reread this gem before picking up my arc of Finale because I'm not ready for these books to end. :( Hitting up the audio this go around, compliments of my library via Hoopla.

*********************

How can I write a review for this giant ball of awesome and do it justice? I was intrigued by the summary from the second I found this was coming out, but had no clue if it would live up to the hype. The back cover boasts of “The spell-casting fantasy destined to become a sensation” and Fox 2000 has al Reread this gem before picking up my arc of Finale because I'm not ready for these books to end. :( Hitting up the audio this go around, compliments of my library via Hoopla.

*********************

How can I write a review for this giant ball of awesome and do it justice? I was intrigued by the summary from the second I found this was coming out, but had no clue if it would live up to the hype. The back cover boasts of “The spell-casting fantasy destined to become a sensation” and Fox 2000 has already purchased the rights to turn this into a major motion film, which claims some pretty mind-blowing story is within the covers. This book was even better than I could have imagined and then some. Hi, my name’s Chelsea and I’m addicted to Stephanie Garber’s world of Caraval.

The blurb tells you everything you need to know going in; honestly, the less you know the better and the more confused you feel, the more enjoyable your reading experience will be. Every single chapter had some sort of twist, and whether it was minor or major, it got me. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. This book was somehow 400 pages, but it went by too quickly. I kept saying “Just one more chapter” and next thing you know, it was finished. Sort of. Because YAY book #2 is coming! Well, once she writes it of course. (No pressure Steph. I’m only gnawing my nails to the bloody nub in anticipation.)

Surprisingly, one of my favorite things about this book was the budding romance between Julian and Scarlett. I must be maturing (HAH!) and opening my reading door to some new things, because years ago this would have grossed me out to the core. The good news is it isn’t gross and cheesy; the tension continually grows throughout the book but it is really quite clean. This is something I wouldn’t bat an eye at letting my teenager read; the romance was tastefully done and, while refraining from being cheap and raunchy, sucked the reader in as the relationship grew. IMO, this showed what true talent the author had in being able to gain the reader’s interest in her romantic composition without relying on overdone sexual situations that are graphic and distracting from the heart of the story.

JULIAN. I know Scarlett is supposed to the the show stopper here, but Julian stole the limelight for me. I fell in love with his character from the first page he showed up; he’s rugged, bold, and hilarious while carrying meaningful dialogue and playing a deeper role than just eye candy. I found myself cheering for him constantly throughout the story, and even when suspicion is cast his way multiple times (which both was rightly and wrongly cast), I couldn’t have cared less. This series I believe was set up, not as a complete focus on one character with many supporting roles, but as a character study on multiple people with a more complex story that interweaves multiple interests. While it is told mostly through Scarlett’s POV, we have a view into other’s interests as well, and the massive cliff hanger on the final page has set this up to be a strong series that should continue without a hitch.

There is an overall dark feel to this book, and there is some disturbing violence in a fantasy-related sense, but it was necessary and intriguing to the story line. The mystery surrounding Legend and his traveling Caraval performers was breathtaking; I found myself completely lost in this otherworld. To me, it had a historical fiction feel with a side of science fiction due to the fantasy aspect, which made for a unique read. I’m not sure what else to add, other than I have an advanced case of Caraval hangover and need the book #2 cure ASAP. If you enjoy Young Adult novels, regardless of your age, you’ll want to open your heart and your book shelf up to this one. I hate writing reviews this far in advance for a book that doesn’t come out until next year, but go ahead an pre-order, make a note to yourself to request at your library in January, or go to NetGalley and request your copy, because it will have a guaranteed spot on my Top 10 Wrap Up at the end of the year.

*I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. So SO grateful and am already sending up prayers for book #2 once it’s ready. ...more

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Feb 17, 2017 Samantha rated it did not like it

Well that was disappointing.

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Feb 10, 2018 Miranda Reads rated it it was ok

Shelves: audiobook

Welcome, welcome to Caraval! The grandest show on land or by sea.

Ever since Scarlett was a child, she heard tales of the wonderful, mysterious and dangerous Caraval.

Trapped on a tiny island by her monster of a father, Scarlett dreams of nothing but attending.

Hundreds and hundreds of people hope and beg for a position in the games all in the attempt to obtain the grand prize - a single wish.

Much to Scarlett's delight and terror, just a few days before her wedding she receives an invitati ...more

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Dec 28, 2016 Hailey (Hailey in Bookland) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: owned, fantasy

This freaking book HOLY CRAP.
I have a feeling this book is going to be a huge hit when it comes out, and rightfully so. This is the kind of story that you just want to devour because you can't get enough. It's a beautiful story about sisterhood and adventure, full of amazing characters and a delightfully dark world. It's this grotesque Wonderland like world where the Mad Hatter is calling the shots.
Honestly cannot wait for you guys to get your hands on this. Keep an eye out for it because wow. ...more

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Dec 07, 2017 jessica rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favourites

Q: if i could live in any fictional world, what would it be?

A: the world of caraval - im still just as obsessed with its magical mystery as i was the first time reading this.

_________________________

one of the coolest things i have ever experienced was an interactive play. you walked around from room to room in this large house where actors portrayed characters, acted out scenes, but also involved you. this book was like that, but only 1000x more magical. i mean, not to be dramatic, but i would ...more

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Apr 15, 2016 Stephanie Garber rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author)

Hi all!!

Thank you all so much for being interested in my book!

For those of you who are curious, you can now get a sneak peek inside at the first two chapters on Entertainment Weekly! Happy reading!

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/15/... ...more

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Feb 20, 2017 Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin rated it it was ok

Shelves: fantasy-all, young-adult, own

3rd reread. What the frack!! I don’t know if it was the audio or if my real feelings came to the surface! I just know I didn’t really like it 🤨

*********

My February Owlcrate Box!

HOLY CRAP ON A CRACKER! Loved it! ❤

I guess I should put up the big ole spoiler label just in case I get spoilery!

First off let me just get this off my chest. I wanted to smack Scarlett about 15 times during the book because she said this one thing about 50 billion times.

I have to get back to get married. I have to get b ...more

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Oct 04, 2016 Brittney ~ Reverie and Ink rated it it was amazing

Shelves: absolute-favorites, fantasy, recommended-fantasy, favorite-villians, favorite-couples, arcs-i-ve-reviewed, favorite-heroines, 2017-anticipated-reads

*Full Review Update!!* (Spoiler free)
I cannot rave enough guys... this book wins everything.

This has made it in to my absolute all time favorites. I can't even function normally to describe it... I am absolutely floored. Zero complaints. I enjoyed every sentence.. every page.

I couldn't get enough. It was whimsical, off the charts electric, romantic, mysterious, enchanting, enthralling... full of twists and turns. So many that I thought the ending couldn't possibly live up to the mystery this ...more

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Apr 15, 2016 Mikee (ReadWithMikee) rated it really liked it

❝Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world.❞

Thank you to Flatiron Books for sending me an advance reading copy of Caraval for review purposes.

4.5 STARS

This book was just absolutely ENCHANTING! I didn't know how high or how low to set my expectations before going into Caraval but one thing is for sure by the time I closed this book: Caraval surpassed all my expectations and more. I've always been a sucker for circus/carnival themed books but I never read another book that came close to one of my favorite circus tales and favorite books of all time, The Night Circus. But Caraval has easily set its place right next to The Night Circus as one of the most magical stories I have ever read.

From the very first page up until the last, there was never a dull moment while reading Caraval. It was just an enigma wrapped in magic and deception. One minute you think you have the story and the characters all figured out, the next minute the storyline takes you on a completely different direction! There were just so many twists, turns, and puzzles that every page leaves you hanging at the edge of your seat.

Although Caraval didn't really feel like it took place in a circus/carnival like I was hoping it would, the world building was still very mystical. Clues and objects are paid in your deepest secrets, greatest fear, or even days of your life. There are tunnels that drive you mad and make you question what is real and what is simply part of the game. Caraval was just full of so many surprises that'll keep you turning the page. I had so many theories right from the very beginning that kept changing and evolving as the story progressed. I was so immersed in trying to crack the big mystery that was Caraval and Legend. Remember that it's just a game. But is it really? ;) This book will definitely leave you with more questions than answers in the end so prepare to be mind blown!

I can't even put into proper words how magical this book truly is. Of course I can't speak for everybody, but I can almost guarantee that you'll never read a story like Caraval! Stephanie Garber has made quite the entrance into this community with this captivating piece of work. I almost can't believe that Caraval is actually her first book! I can see so much potential in this author and in this world that she has created. I definitely can't wait for book two because something tells me that Stephanie has more tricks and magic up her sleeve for her readers! :)

*** The quote in this review was taken from an uncorrected proof and should be compared to the final copy upon release. ...more

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Feb 04, 2017 Kainat 《HUFFLEPUFF & PROUD》 rated it did not like it

Lowering my rating to 1 star.

I am genuinely trying to find out who started advertising this book and why? It's been blowing up GR for quite a while now. People with ARC were selling it on eBay at ridiculously high prices. That's how it caught my attention in the first place. Was that a publicity stunt? If it was, it's not going to help much because the book is shitty. There is nothing new or exhilarating here. If anything, it's ideas stolen from a bunch of other books, The Lunar Chronicles, Hun ...more

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Jan 22, 2017 Hailey (Hailey in Bookland) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: owned, fantasy

This is my second time reading this as I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the audiobook from Macmillan audio (thank you so much to them!) Honestly I loved it even more the second time. The audiobook was so atmospheric and beautiful and I just adore this story so much!!!

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Apr 06, 2017 Emma Giordano rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks

2.5 stars. I unfortunately was not a big fan of Caraval, which is very disappointing to me considering I was really excited for it!

Pretty much, everything about this book fell short for me. Every character was bland and annoying with no personality. The romance had absolutely no substance in my opinion, I never felt any chemistry or understood why they got together other than the fact that they were basically one of the only people available to the other. The setting of Caraval was so much less 2.5 stars. I unfortunately was not a big fan of Caraval, which is very disappointing to me considering I was really excited for it!

Pretty much, everything about this book fell short for me. Every character was bland and annoying with no personality. The romance had absolutely no substance in my opinion, I never felt any chemistry or understood why they got together other than the fact that they were basically one of the only people available to the other. The setting of Caraval was so much less magical and whimsical than I anticipated, and even the darker portions of the performance weren't dark enough! The tagline is "It's all an elaborate performance," but it felt nothing like a performance at all. It felt like one big, wishy-washy scavenger hunt, not the *amazing, adventurous* experience we're lead to believe.

The magic system itself really irked me. It felt like a bad case of "This happens because !*~.- m A g I c -.~*!" with very little explanation as to how the magic works. I don't feel there were many limitations, and the restrictions that were present weren't all that clear. The magic system was severely underdeveloped in my opinion, which is a big issue for me as a reader.

There definitely were points where I was more interested and entertained by the story (thought those only occurred when I could block out at least a 3 hour uninterrupted period, which is not typical for my audiobook listening) but overall, it was a tough book to get through. I don't often consider putting books down, but there were times when I questioned why I was still listening and contemplated not finishing it.

Ultimately, this book felt very juvenile for me (that is not to say books intended for younger readers are not as good!) but I tend to enjoy more mature YA novels. That being said, I can see why there is so much hype for this book, especially within readers younger than myself. I think younger Emma MIGHT have enjoyed it more, considering I don't look at books the same way I did at 17.

I'm not sure if I'd read book two, I'd have to see how I feel about this story around the time it comes out. But considering I felt Caraval would have fared better as a standalone, it just doesn't seem like this series is for me. ...more

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Jul 13, 2016 sunny rated it really liked it

Shelves: boring-af, cringe-romance, romance, young-adult

This book was ass but surprisingly I really enjoyed it. 😔 review to come

——
listen.... I know I trashed this book, but I saw it on my shelf and it looked sexy so I decided to read it and now I’m kind of into it... 😰

——
I've read 62 pages and I've had enough of this shitty cringefest. I dnfed this weeks ago and can't stand any of the one dimensional characters, especially the muscular, hot and swoon worthy dude who KIDNAPS the MAIN CHARACTER!!! *swoons* wow so hot!!!

fuck this abomination of a book.

b ...more

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Apr 22, 2016 ;3 rated it it was ok

Shelves: silence-straight-people, insta-love, underwhelming, audiobooks, dnf, stupid-main-characters

this was...how do the french say it...messé & stupide

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Jan 05, 2016 Korrina (OwlCrate) rated it it was amazing

This book was just so much fun! What an absolute magical and visual delight. It took so many twists and turns, it really kept me on my toes and made me want to devour the story. Absolutely loved it.

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Apr 07, 2017 booksnpenguins (desktop's version) rated it it was ok

Shelves: paranormal-gothic-ghosts, magical-realism, victorian-historical-past-universes, supernatural-urban-fantasy

Our futures are only predictable because as creatures of this world we are predictable.

I really did want to like this book.
I really did want to dive into a magical and dark adventure with Scarlett and Tella.

Sadly for me, I didn’t enjoy it the way I thought I would, and this adventure turned out to be a little school trip to Boredom Land, with one heck of a frustrating main character.
And don’t even let me start on her sister.

The premise is good, though it has its little flaws right ...more

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Feb 01, 2017 Melanie rated it really liked it

Shelves: young-adult, read-in-2017, magic, signed, fantasy, romance, mystery

This story was so magical, so whimsical, and so perfect. I was skeptical, because I'm pretty much the only person on Goodreads that did not like The Night Circus, but this didn't remind me of The Night Circus at all. Well, at least the 15% I read before I couldn't force myself to read more. I mean, I can see where people would draw the parallels because of the plot, but the writing in this is much more reminiscent of The Raven Boys or Heartless. The prose is the epitome of lyrical, with descript ...more

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Apr 21, 2016 Andreea Pop rated it liked it

Shelves: young-adult, read-in-2017, cover-love, annoying-heroine

I had really high hopes for Caraval. The blurb, the cover, and the excellent reviews promised a magical whirlwind of a story. And this novel delivered that, but its relatively achieved grandeur was overshadowed bit by bit till the end. The last 50 pages or so of the book took its soul out, leaving me with a bittersweet aftertaste, a headache and lots of confusion.

Since I cannot even reflect upon the messy thoughts inside my brain, I'll analyze punctually.

1. The world-building. Sadly, in its tr ...more

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Feb 10, 2017 Candace rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: kidnapped, listened-to-audio-version, favorites, dangerous-hero-themed-books-read, forbidden-romance, paranormal, shocking-twists

What a surprisingly captivating world Stephanie Garber has created in 'Caraval'! I listened to the Audible version of this book and I was mesmerized by the beautiful and vivid imagery that 'Caraval' contained. I was drawn in by the world that Ms. Garber created and it held my attention right to the very end.

Every once in a while, I love a great paranormal romance. I love to leave reality behind and take off on a journey to a place where magic and fairytales exist. This was the perfect story to d What a surprisingly captivating world Stephanie Garber has created in 'Caraval'! I listened to the Audible version of this book and I was mesmerized by the beautiful and vivid imagery that 'Caraval' contained. I was drawn in by the world that Ms. Garber created and it held my attention right to the very end.

Every once in a while, I love a great paranormal romance. I love to leave reality behind and take off on a journey to a place where magic and fairytales exist. This was the perfect story to do just that.

Scarlett, aka "Crimson", and her sister Tella have lived under the oppressive rule of their father. His cruelty seems to know no bounds and he takes satisfaction in tormenting his daughters. Knowing how close the girls are to one another, he uses their love against them. When one of his daughters breaks a rule, it is the other one that will receive the punishment.

Awaiting her arranged marriage to a Count that she's never met before, Scarlett is just biding her time until she can get away from her sadistic father. She's literally counting down the weeks until she will be married and can take her sister with her to her new home. Unlike Scarlett, Tella is skeptical of the mysterious fiancé that seems to say all of the right things but whose identity remains shrouded in mystery.

Before Scarlett can be married off, she receives an invitation from Legend, the famous mastermind behind the Caraval. Despite writing to Legend ever since she was a young child, Scarlett has never received a response before. Now, with the clock counting down to her wedding, it seems like fate that she would receive her first ever response and an invitation to participate in the Caraval.

With the support of her sister, Scarlett sets off for the mysterious island where Legend has indicated that the Caraval is taking place. Along with Tella, she sets sail with Julian, a young sailor, to participate in the forbidden game. Both sisters know that they are risking their lives by sneaking off against their father's wishes. However, they are willing to take their chances in order to seize a once in a lifetime opportunity.

From that point forward, the girls are caught up in a magical and dangerous world. Appearances are not what they seem and even time moves differently in this new world. Caraval is a game where the stakes are very high and not everyone will come out alive or unscathed.

I don't want to give anything away or ruin the surprise for others. There were many twists and turns that I didn't see coming while listening to this story. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, something else would happen that made me question everything again. This story held my attention and kept me guessing right to the very end.

If you like adventure/fantasy/paranormal stories with plenty of twists and turns, this is a great choice. There is some romance, but it took a back seat to the magical world of Caraval. For me, the adventure and mystery of Caraval reigned supreme. Of course, there is a love story weaved into this fantastical story as well. Just, don't plan on a super-smutty type of story where the focus on the romance is paramount.

All in all, I thought that this was a wonderful story. I was enchanted by the world that Ms. Garber created and cannot wait to read the next installment. This book filled my head with some beautiful and vibrant imagery that will hang with me for quite some time. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a paranormal/fantasy/adventure to read. It was fantastic! ...more

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Dec 31, 2018 Katerina rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, 2019-reads

It felt like stepping into a world made of dreams and nightmares, laced with the spicy essence of desire and the cloying smell of fear.

❝ Remember, it's only a game. ❞

Oh, Stephanie Garber appears to be an expert at playing games, a master of manipulation and misdirection. My mind is still clouded, drunk in cider, unable to grasp the boundaries between sweet fiction and reality; I was her puppet numerous times, suspicious, disappointed, frustrated when she wanted me to, enamored yet terrified ...more

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Jan 27, 2017 Dana Kenedy (Dana and the Books) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult, 2017-release, fantasy, arc, netgalley, read-in-2017

4.5/5 - This review can also be found on my blog, Dana and the Books

I had high expectations and low expectations stepping into Caraval. Everyone who's read it has been gushing over what a masterpiece it is. But then it was also endlessly compared to The Night Circus. Confession: I didn't like The Night Circus, so I was concerned that I just wouldn't be the target reader for Caraval. Within the first few pages, it was clear that I was going to fawn over it.

"Remember, it's only a g

...more

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Oct 27, 2016 ambsreads rated it did not like it

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult, magic, not-for-me, savage-review, literal-trash

TRIGGER WARNING: this one slipped my attention while reading, purely because I was bored, but I feel it is important to add that this book features parent x child abuse which isn't dealt with.

WARNING: this review will be a rant, there may be unmarked spoilers. This is also a highly unpopular opinion so if you want to come at me telling me I'm wrong or didn't understand the book I will punch you in the nose from how mad this book made me. Also, there is a high amount of swearing, which I usually ...more

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May 05, 2017 Anne rated it really liked it

Shelves: magic-stuff, read-in-2017, kindle, romance

Did anyone else see this while they were reading?

description

So how do you pronounce this, exactly?
In my head, I was saying it like Carnival without the n sound. Well, actually, I ended up trying out a few different pronunciations in my head (see example above), and eventually settled on that one...ish. Because, and I don't know if I'm the only one who does this or what, I've noticed that I kind of mumble stuff that I'm not 100% sure how to say.
Yes. In my head. I'll mumble shit in my head.
And you know what ...more

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Jul 29, 2017 Cece ❀Rants, Raves &Reviews❀ rated it liked it

Shelves: guilty-pleasure, favorites, pirates, magic-etc, random-shit, hot-jerks, reviews-of-the-year

Fuck that was great
description

At the very beginning this book had me hooked: The mystery of caraval, the man, the myth, the legend behind it. A mysterious salior, the crazy sister who wanted more from life, and the quiet heroine who wanted her own life.

Seriously who the fuck is this guy who has a freaking magic caraval?
description

This book's concept was so unique i couldn't help but be enthralled. The myths and legends behind Master Legend and how he got his caraval gave me goosebumps:

“Perfomances blendi

...more

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May 28, 2017 Kiki rated it did not like it

Shelves: choking-noises, ya, love-stinks, lost-the-will-to-live, never-call-me-again, lolwut

I cannot even express to you guys how bland this book was: like tofu, like unseasoned chicken breast, like brown bread with no peanut butter. Just miss me with that shit. Miss me with it all the way.

Back in the day, when I was a snarky teenager, I used to enjoy writing reviews that were really, really, venomous. Kids can be cruel, and while I stand by my right to love or hate any media, and to express my opinion, it can go...a little far. Then again, hyperbole is hyperbole. When, at seventeen, ...more

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Jun 17, 2017 Warda rated it did not like it · review of another edition

My first one-star rating of the year.

Even though I finished this book within a day, I feel so meh about it. I don't even know how to review it. Whilst reading, I tried to think of one aspect of this book that made it appealing for me and now that I've finished it, I can't think of a single one.

Other than the cover.

Now I just feel numb, devoid of any feelings and emotion to the point it's causing me discomfort.

*curls up in a ball* ...more

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Jun 18, 2017 Always Pouting rated it liked it

Scarlett has been writing letters to Legend for years, hoping to see Caraval, a show whose magic she can't even begin to imagine. Scarlett's grandmother told her stories about Legend coming to their island and the life changing show he put on, but Legend doesn't go anywhere twice, and after an accident at one of his shows he stops doing shows for the public. Scarlett and her sister Tella have never left their home island and so seeing Caraval is just a dream for Scarlett. Her last letter to Lege Scarlett has been writing letters to Legend for years, hoping to see Caraval, a show whose magic she can't even begin to imagine. Scarlett's grandmother told her stories about Legend coming to their island and the life changing show he put on, but Legend doesn't go anywhere twice, and after an accident at one of his shows he stops doing shows for the public. Scarlett and her sister Tella have never left their home island and so seeing Caraval is just a dream for Scarlett. Her last letter to Legend is written around the time of her impending marriage and surprisingly this time she receives an answer. Yet Scarlett doesn't know how her and Tella can manage to get off the island to go to Caraval without their abusive father's wrath coming down on them. Tella meanwhile is plotting a way to escape from their father with a sailor's, Julian, help when she finds out about the tickets and becomes set on bringing Scarlett off the island with her.

I was pretty into the book until about three fourth of the way through. The writing wasn't too bad and I liked the fantasy aspect plus all the action. I was very much into Julian also and he and Scarlett were pretty cute. I just think that the explanation at the end didn't work for me at all. The way things ended up playing out and all the coincidences that piled up through out the book just made it feel messy and not at all well thought out. I was enjoying the idea that everything is a game and the questioning of reality aspect but (view spoiler) all seemed like too much. It didn't seem like all that convoluted back story was necessary to make the book work and it just ruined it for me. Also the explanation for things was pretty iffy and so I just felt turned off by the time I finished. It started off strong but it lost me there towards the end as things got more and more complicated without reason. ...more

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Jan 19, 2017 beautyliterate rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult, arcs, favorite-books-of-2017, fantasy-books

4.5/5 stars

VIDEO REVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPwq5...

Wow.

I have been seeing this book being praised for months now and finally, I understand where the hype is coming from. Magical and whimsical. This story just flies by and I loved getting deeper into it as the storyline progressed. I'm shocked at the fact Stephanie Garber is a debut author and this is only her first book because it was everything I wanted and more. I CANNOT wait for more from this author because my goodness this is ...more

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Challenge Corner: Caraval series by Stephanie Garber --> Restarting May 27th, 2022	37	28	Apr 04, 2022 01:12PM
The Midnight Readers: Caraval - Stephanie Garber	15	129	Mar 25, 2022 11:52AM
For The Love of B...: Caraval	47	40	Mar 19, 2022 10:49AM
Who is your comfort character(s)?	3	21	Mar 17, 2022 12:35PM
YA Buddy Readers'...: Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber - Restarting March 2nd 2022	589	502	Mar 05, 2022 03:07AM

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About Stephanie Garber

Stephanie Garber

21,803 followers

Hi! Thanks so much for stopping by this page. I’m only on this site occasionally, so if you’d like to send me a message, please use the contact form on my website: http://stephaniegarberauthor.com.

I can also be found on Instagram, and I love connecting with readers. If you're looking for more information about my books, the most up to date news can be found on Instagram, but I also try to update ...more

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Quotes from Caraval

“Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything.” — 914 likes

“She imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars came out.” — 610 likes

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