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Caraval (Caraval, #1)

Stephanie Garber

Start date: October 1, 2022

Finish date: October 31, 2022

Discussion: ❃Book of the Month (BOTMs)❃

Why we're reading this: October 2022 Book of the Month
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❃Book of the Month (BOTMs)❃

* January 2023 - One of Us is Lying
By Alexandria , The Third Book Nerd · 1 post · 18 views

last updated Jan 04, 2023 08:32AM

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December 2022 - Red, White & Royal Blue
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What Members Thought

Mar 13, 2024 toointofiction rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, reviewed-books, romance, young-adult

She remembered thinking falling for him would be like falling in love with darkness, but now she imagined he was more like a starry night: the constellations were always there, constant, magnificent guides against the ever-present black.

I knew this would be good based on most of the reviews I came across and the people who hyped it up for me, but I didn’t know it would be this good. Other than those reviews and recommendations, I went into this almost completely unaware of what it was about. She remembered thinking falling for him would be like falling in love with darkness, but now she imagined he was more like a starry night: the constellations were always there, constant, magnificent guides against the ever-present black.

I knew this would be good based on most of the reviews I came across and the people who hyped it up for me, but I didn’t know it would be this good. Other than those reviews and recommendations, I went into this almost completely unaware of what it was about. In a way, I loved it even more because of it. Lately, the only way I can read a book without knowing too much about it is by reading it as soon as it comes out. Honestly, I've known about this series for years, it's a miracle I knew so little of it. Also, I should be in jail for how long it took me to pick up this series. I am completely, utterly speechless. I did not see such a high level of intelligence and complexity coming. It's giving high-stakes missing person case except...it's all a game and it's with magic. The plot twists alone had me freaking out.

Furthermore, Scarlett Dagna is such an interesting character. She was abandoned by her mother when she was very young, abused by her father for most of her life, and, as the eldest child, she had to make sure her little sister, Tella, was safe and taken care of. All this trauma could have turned her into a cynical, bitter young woman, yet she remained hopeful for a better future, as much as she became kind and cautious. Besides, I expected this vicious game she is thrown in to change her too, but she remained the same only she grew a backbone and learned not to let her fears affect her.

Moreover, Scar's little sister, Donatella, is an intriguing character too. She doesn't have a detailed character development, since her point of view comes in Legendary and doesn't appear much in this book, but it's still an epic transformation. She goes from this seemingly naive, impulsive, and wild young woman that Scar always has to keep out of trouble to this intelligent, cunning person with exceptional acting skills 👀. What's more, as careless as she initially seems when it comes to her sister, she is actually just as protective and caring as Scarlett is. She is willing to do anything to keep her safe, including putting herself in harm's way. The two of them have a fantastic relationship, with the hurt only a sibling could cause you and with just as much love. Not to mention their horrible childhood making their bond even stronger. I can't wait to get into her story in the next book.

Additionally, another thing I did not see coming is how hard I would fall for Julian Santos. He's a fantastic love interest. It is clear from the start that he should not be trusted but both Scarlett and I fell for him anyway. How could we not? He has absolutely no reason or obligation to help Scar as much as he has, yet he goes and risks his life for her regardless. He is always there helping her as best as he can. The things he says and does are enough to make you squeal like a schoolgirl and crumble like a piece of paper on the floor. I adore the way his and Scar's relationship develops as well. They are complete strangers to each other. She has no reason to trust him and he has no reason to help her more than necessary, yet not only do they stick together, they fall for each other too. The things they do to help one another are so pure and wholesome, they warm the heart.

Lastly, I absolutely need to know more about Legend as soon as possible. He is such a fascinating mystery, especially after finishing this book. I want to know who he truly is, what his endgame is, and literally everything else there is to know about him. I’m as fascinated by him as Scarlett. I want to know how much of a villain he is and how much of a hero. His whole vibe is giving unhinged morally gray and mysterious, and that's right up my alley. It's so sexy to me. I must explore more and given the title of the second book; I have high hopes that I will find exactly what I'm looking for. ...more

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Dec 01, 2020 Martha⭐(reading.our.books)⭐ rated it it was ok

Caraval es un libro que creo que tiene un mundo muy mágico y bien construido.
Sin embargo, hubo algo que no terminó de encajar como para que me gustara.
No logré sentir simpatía con ningún personaje. Y cuando creía poder comprender algo, todo se derrumbaba a mi alrededor y terminaba igual de confundida que en un principio.
No creo que sea un mal libro, creo que la estructura del mundo es muy buena, pero creo que esta historia simplemente no fue para mi.
Cuando acabé de leerlo termine con un sentimi ...more

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Oct 09, 2023 Kelsey Engel rated it liked it

Summary for me:

Scarlett has an arranged marriage with someone she doesn’t even know. But she’s not nervous about that she’s ready to get out of Trisda. Scarlett has been sending letters to the caraval master legend asking him to come to Trisda. He doesn’t respond until 7 years later giving tickets to participate in the game of Caravel. The game starts in three days but Tella and Scarlett are not allowed to leave Trisda because of their father. Whenever one of the sisters disobey the other one w ...more

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Oct 12, 2021 Julie In Wonderland rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy, fairy-tale-ish

Would have been dozen times better if the actual magical world was explored more than Julien’s hotness. Seriously, we get it. He’s hot. Now back to the caraval? Please?

Gotta read the sequel though. Damn that cliffhanger ending.

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Oct 27, 2021 Erika rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed the story even if the main character was a bit too soft.

A bunch of things got left there hanging, like: why was the inn keeper so scared when she was forced by Scarlett to open the door? And Julian was scared too when he came out of the darkness.

Also the game was tailored on Scarlet, I don’t know how other people were able to get any clues.

I liked Tella a lot, she is more main character material.

Also I hope the magic gown also washes itself.

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