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Caraval (Caraval, #1)

Stephanie Garber

Start date: March 2, 2017

Finish date: March 31, 2017

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What Members Thought

Jun 13, 2017 Flying Monkey rated it liked it

Shelves: 2017

Caraval was a fun, enjoyable read. Why just 3 stars? There was not much character growth or maturation. I'm left with the feeling that I don't truly know a single character besides Crimson. Whom is a bit predictable. The world building and magic system both need some considerable work. We truly get no insight to either of these items. But, it is the first book in a series, so there is the hope that the author grows and develops. I feel similar to after reading Throne of Glass. I'm hopeful, it wi ...more

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Apr 03, 2017 Deborah rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy, romance, adventure, magic, gaming-fiction, mystery, intrigue, abuse, sisterhood, sacrifice

3.5 stars
Imagine The Night Circus and "Mafia the Party Game" reproduced by order of a Venetian Doge. Their precocious offspring would resemble Caraval .

Scarlett Dragna plays the lead in a story about an elaborate role play meta-game. Meta because rules prohibit all but winners from playing the game a second time, likely because once the game is realized and connections and actors revealed it would grant too large an advantage.

Scarlett has never played, but has yearned to see this magical, tr 3.5 stars
Imagine The Night Circus and "Mafia the Party Game" reproduced by order of a Venetian Doge. Their precocious offspring would resemble Caraval .

Scarlett Dragna plays the lead in a story about an elaborate role play meta-game. Meta because rules prohibit all but winners from playing the game a second time, likely because once the game is realized and connections and actors revealed it would grant too large an advantage.

Scarlett has never played, but has yearned to see this magical, traveling theater/game. For years she's written to the legendary patron, host, and genius of the event, who actually goes by the name or title of Legend. (We never learn his name, but we can guess it just isn't mysterious-enough- sounding.) He holds his reply until she sends what she calls her final letter, informing him of her upcoming arranged marriage and finally disclosing her true name. Then she receives gorgeous invitations to a private game in her honor. But she has to act fast. Fortunately, her sister Tella's new beau happens to be a sailor with a ride off their island. The trick is to leave without their sadistic, abusive father learning.

The betrayals, lies, and manipulations start early and keep rolling forward, dragging Scarlett along. Later she does take some control of the plot's wheel, but steering the action based on her needs and goals, but for most of the beginning, she's kind of a passenger in the story. The plot is amazing--complex and nuanced. I do like the supporting characters and wondering what is true, questioning their motives, and the reality of the environment. I also love the idea that players can chose to either play or watch the game. Again, meta. The reader constantly wonders who are the informed and who are the uninformed? Who are the real villains? Who are the victims? The danger escalates as the game progresses.

As a fan of games like Mafia/Werewolf and Resistance, as well as a love of romantic, slightly magical tales of intrigue, I really liked this book. I do wish there had been more world-building in the game universe, in both descriptive and unique details (moving bridges sound like the Hogwarts' moving stairs). The romance worked for me. I look forward to the next installment. ...more

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