Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber - Restarting June 15th 2025

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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 . . .

Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

Scarlett 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 the show. 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 she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

[Cristal (Professional Book Procrastinator)]

Excited to start this!

[Karen]

Copy arrived yesterday. Can't wait to start this-love the cover.

[Gillian]

1/4 (view spoiler)[ wow the father is a piece of work. I must say I'm curious as to who the mystery fianc'e is. Could it be the sailor I wonder. (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

2/4 This is getting complicated (view spoiler)[ the rules keep changing. No one is what they seem and now Scarlett is about to loose 2 days her life. How will she ever find her sister and get home for a wedding she may not want before her father finds out what is going on. So many twists and turns its hard to work out who is good and who is bad. or are they all bad? (hide spoiler)]

[Leah]

Gillian wrote: "1/4 [spoilers removed]"

I feel the same way about (view spoiler)[the father. I can't stand that man. (hide spoiler)] Also, I think that (view spoiler)[Julian is her fiance. (hide spoiler)] Although, I'm still not finished with the first part of the book, Isle of Trisda.

[Leah]

I'm up to Night One of Caraval. I still don't like Tella, and I don't like Scarlett right now. (view spoiler)[I love my sister, but I'm not obsessed with protecting her. Unlike Scarlett is with Tella. It was very annoying. I would have given up on her long ago. (hide spoiler)] The best part of this story, so far, is Caraval. It's quite impressive--strange and beautiful. (view spoiler)[The reverse curfew is weird but quite fitting. (hide spoiler)] I'm looking forward to Legend joining the story.

[Leah]

I'm up to Day Four of Caraval. Things have gotten interesting. I was surprised that (view spoiler)[Scarlett's grandma is Annalise. (hide spoiler)] Also, I'm surprised that (view spoiler)[Julian gave up a day of his life for Scarlett. It was also surprising that Legend looked like Julian in Scarlett's "dream." I don't think Julian is really Legend, but I am curious to know who he, Legend, really is. (hide spoiler)] I wonder what her (view spoiler)[deepest desire really is. I think it might involve being with Julian or her father's death. (hide spoiler)]

[Leah]

Now I'm up to Night Five Last Night of Caraval. (view spoiler)[Julian is part of the game. That was a surprise; I didn't see that coming. Also, I was shocked that (view spoiler)[ Julian was murdered by Legend. (hide spoiler)] That made me angry and sad. I hope this has a happy ending. (hide spoiler)]

[Leah]

I'm finished with this book. I'm glad that (view spoiler)[Julian wasn't really dead. Also, I'm glad that Scarlett was able to bring her sister back to life with her wish. (hide spoiler)] I was surprised that (view spoiler)[Julian and Legend, Caspar, are brothers. I didn't see that coming. I still don't like Tella, though. (view spoiler)[I want to know who Tella was communicating with, who was helping her, and what the key is for. (hide spoiler)] Also, I want to know (view spoiler)[where their mom is and why she left. (hide spoiler)] I hope those questions are answered in the next book. (hide spoiler)]

[Cristal (Professional Book Procrastinator)]

OMG You are a super fast reader Leah!

[Gillian]

Leah wrote: "I'm finished with this book. I'm glad that [spoilers removed] I was surprised that [spoilers removed] Also, I want to know [spoilers removed] I hope those questions are answered in the next book."

(view spoiler)[By the sound of it we will learn more about the mother in another book. They don't half like their secrets in this book lol (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Finished: I enjoyed the book but I would not rave about it. The constant lies and secrets drove me nuts (view spoiler)[ How are we expected to get invested in the characters when NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS. I really feel that part was taken too far. (hide spoiler)] I read my copy on audio which was well done BUT the narrater who I love was the same one who did the Lunar Chronicles e.g. and if you have ever read these you will have noticed the common character names Scarlett and Iko. I'm not sure if Iko is spelt the same but it sounded the same. It may be just a bizarre coincidence.

[Gillian]

I have just read that this book is being made into a movie. I can imagine it will be one of the few books that are better as a movie. There is so much in this book its hard to imagine it to its full potential and a movie will do it justice.

[Karen]

Got sidetracked but have just done the opening chapters. Sounds like Caraval is the place to be. Scarlett and Tella's relationship with their father is abusive, and I hope they get away fast.

[Karen]

Just onto the Isle of Caraval (about 20%). Julian is slippery, but rather charming. Scarlett seems irritating, but I suppose she's meant to at this point. Archie and his clock doorway reminds me of the Mad Hatter!

[Karen]

Day one of Caraval...this place will look (in the right hands) absolutely amazing on screen.

[Karen]

54%-day three of Caraval. Clearly nobody can be trusted. This does not bode well.

[Meaghan]

Joining this! I'm already about 24% done :)

[Meaghan]

Karen wrote: "Just onto the Isle of Caraval (about 20%). Julian is slippery, but rather charming. Scarlett seems irritating, but I suppose she's meant to at this point. Archie and his clock doorway reminds me of..."

Yea I agree, Scarlett seems a tad prickly. But I'm sure she'll be affected by the Caraval and be happy about living her childhood dream soon (I hope.)

[Meaghan]

Gillian wrote: "I have just read that this book is being made into a movie. I can imagine it will be one of the few books that are better as a movie. There is so much in this book its hard to imagine it to its ful..."

Yea there's tons of descriptions of how beautiful it all looks, and I'd love to actually see it rather than imagine it. And they've planned a movie already? That's quite fast, seeing as the book hasn't been out that long, and it's harder to properly gauge how popular/well-received a book is in such a short period of time.

[Karen]

Completed it-okay, I have to start with a bit of a squeal. I couldn't put the book down once I started. Loved the idea, the world, and even the characters...want to know more...want to see the movie...will thrust this in the hands of many and see what they make of it!

[Leah]

Gillian wrote: "Leah wrote: "I'm finished with this book. I'm glad that [spoilers removed] I was surprised that [spoilers removed] Also, I want to know [spoilers removed] I hope those questions are answered in the..."
I'm glad to hear that.

[Meaghan]

Karen wrote: "Completed it-okay, I have to start with a bit of a squeal. I couldn't put the book down once I started. Loved the idea, the world, and even the characters...want to know more...want to see the movi..."

Even though I didn't care for most of the characters, I couldn't put it down either! I flew through it, and loved mostly everything about it, from the world and setting to the plot!

[Meaghan]

Gillian wrote: "Finished: I enjoyed the book but I would not rave about it. The constant lies and secrets drove me nuts [spoilers removed] I read my copy on audio which was well done BUT the narrater who I love wa..."

(view spoiler)[Yea the twists and turns were super excessive, and there really was the whole "unreliable narrator" thing going on. (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

8%
(view spoiler)[Black sand! Their father is horrible, why keep her fiancé a secret? I hope they take the sailor's offer! (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

35%
(view spoiler)[Wonder what the fortune teller is going to say! It's hard for me to pictures this "town". Like the hotel. Not sure if it's from lack of world building, or just me not paying good enough attention. (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

50%
(view spoiler)[2 days for a dress, sheesh, expensive. And why give up 2days when all you have been complaining about is needing to find your sister and get home. (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

85%
(view spoiler)[ Holy shit this is getting super intense. Everyone dying all over the place. (hide spoiler)]

[Abi]

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

Reading from the 1st of March 2017

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

[Bhavik (Semi Hiatus)]

oh boy can't wait to start!

[Kirsty]

15% (view spoiler)[ So far I am enjoying this. There father is horrible I am looking forward to seeing what Caraval is going to be like now they have arrived on the island. Legend sounds like a very mysterious character and I am looking forward to learning more about him. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

18% (view spoiler)[I didn't know what to expect from the book but I'm liking it so far. I can't wait to discover what Caraval really is about. I like Scarlet and also the sailor boy (can't remember his name now lol). Also, I'm really curious to know who is Scarlet's fiancé. (hide spoiler)]

[Songbird Bookworm]

13% (view spoiler)[ <\i love the fact Julian already has a nickname for Scarlett XD And there is so much mystery surrounding the girls, Julian and Legend !!> (hide spoiler)]

[Kirsty]

44% (view spoiler)[ Really enjoying this, it is quite fast paced and I feel like I am flying through. The world is so interesting and unique. I think that this would make an incredible movie. It seems as if no one can be trusted. I wonder what was happening in the tunnels there is clearly a dark side to Caraval. (hide spoiler)]

[Annemarie]

Chapter 5: (view spoiler)[ I loved Legends origin story. And I really liked how they kept him grey. He’s not good, but not completely evil. It gives us a great chance to form our own opinion once he finally really appears in the story.

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6: (view spoiler)[ the description of colours is starting to get to me. I can’t really point out what it is that bothers me… But something does. I mean, malnourished colours?

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7: (view spoiler)[ Scarlett is so stubborn. At least Julian has a normal functioning brain. You’re sister was fine, you guys are soaked. Get warm first you idiot.
The signs on the stores give me an alice in wonderland feel.
I don’t quite get why Scarlett is so bothered by Julian, other than to make it a complex love relationship later in the story. He actually seems pretty decent.
Also, I need a dress like that.

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8: (view spoiler)[ So they’re definitely going to use Donatella’s voice for something bad. I might be lame, but I would have watched. I don’t like games I can’t win.

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9: (view spoiler)[ Has Julian participated in Caraval before? Is that where his scars came from?
I was right. He did.
“Scarlett knew he was trying to.” Wow, she’s very sure of herself isn’t she? I’m not so sure she is right, though.
I’m really starting to like Julian. If he’s gonna turn into a villain, I’m gonna be so upset.

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10: (view spoiler)[ I feel like if something happens to her sister in the game, it’s probably gonna be an illusion. With the “nothing is real” and all.
Yup, I’m still convinced Julian is a good guy.

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 11: (view spoiler)[
I really like the description of: “like poison dressed up in an attractive bottle.” I wouldn’t mind being called that. My slytherin is showing xD

(hide spoiler)]


Chapter 12: (view spoiler)[ I wonder if that was really Tella, or just her voice…
Why don’t I trust Dante… Does it make me twisted if I don’t trust people who seem nice? It does doesn’t it?
I definitely do not want a dress like that, changing without a warning.

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13: (view spoiler)[
“How had she ever thought this was just a game”
Why doesn’t she realize this is just a game? I’m not sure I’d be as freaked out as she is, after how often she’s heard that none of this is real. I’d be concerned and slightly fearful, but definitely not freaking out like she is.
Scarlett makes a lot of assumptions…

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14: (view spoiler)[
I still trust Julian more than Dante. There’s no real reason not to trust Dante though… So slightly conflicted about that.
Scarlett is so smitten on her count she has never even seen. Sure, looks don’t matter, and words can make you fall in love, but you never know if you’ve never even met someone… He could be so different from how he writes his letters.

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[
She’s not very smart, is she? The fortune teller even warned her about questions, yet she still asks thoughtless ones.

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16: (view spoiler)[
I’m pretty sure they’re not talking about Julian. Maybe Dante has the black heart? She keeps lying and lying. She truly is a scaredy-cat. But maybe it’s better for the game… Like Julian said… I don’t feel like it is, though.
I think Scarlett would be reluctant to go anywhere alone…

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17: no thoughts in particular.

Chapter 18: (view spoiler)[ The girl is right though. It’s just a game, get over yourself. Or at least try to play.

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 19: (view spoiler)[ so the clue might really have been about Dante after all.
I’d love to be caraval’s histographer. It does remind me a bit of a Cinderella retelling I read recently, but so far I like Caraval better. It is a bit too predictable so far, though.
I’d have given up days to my life. But wow, it’s shocking to die for a few days instead of just living shorter. In a way it’s a sort of trial of death, that seems interesting though.

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20: (view spoiler)[ Dante lost his sister too?
Actually, after going through this once before, why would he even bring his sister here? He’s not very smart either, is he?
I really, really like Julian.

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 21: (view spoiler)[ So her grandma was Legend’s lover? Is he taking revenge?
Julian is Legend? Or is this another trick? I really really don’t want him to be Legend. But maybe him being legend would make me love him more…

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22: (view spoiler)[ well, let’s find out.
Did he kill him???????????

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 23: (view spoiler)[
I still believe he’s not legend... I feel naïve saying it, but I really do (hide spoiler)]

[Kirsty]

Chapter 21: (view spoiler)[ Julian might be Legend? That would make things interesting. It surprises me that Scarlett gave up two days of her life so easily. I imagine her desire had something to do with Julian. (hide spoiler)]

[Annemarie]

Kirsty wrote: "Chapter 21: [spoilers removed]"
I agree that surprised me too. She is always so scared (view spoiler)[yet losing two days of her life didn't scare her as much as some of the other things (hide spoiler)]
I agree with you about her desire yes.

[Laura]

38% (view spoiler)[I also don't really trust Dante a lot, I have a bad feeling about him. However, it's clear that Julian hides something too. I thought the book was going to be somehow 'darker' than it is. (hide spoiler)]

[Kirsty]

Up to chapter 27: (view spoiler)[ I can't believe that Dante is dead. It appears as if Julian isn't Legend but he wants revenge for his sisters death. I'm still not sure if I trust Julian 100%. Time is running out I hope that they are able to find Tella in time (hide spoiler)]

[Songbird Bookworm]

22% (view spoiler)[ Im excited to see where this is heading and is it bad im already shipping julian and scarlett quite a bit... (hide spoiler)]

[Kirsty]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ Wow that was really good. I got really worried when Julian was killed and then when Tella jumped from the balcony. I can't believe that Tella arranged the game I wonder what she promised Legend, though? I knew there was something about Julian and it turns out he is related to Legend. I wonder what their mother has to do with Caraval. I can't wait for the next book I just wish we didn't have so long to wait for it. (hide spoiler)]

[Annemarie]

Finished:
(view spoiler)[ For me, I felt like the ending felt like a cop-out. The whole time the books said: It's just a game, and it was. But I was hoping for something more. It was so easy to make everything that happened just fade away with the end of the game, so we would have a happy ending.

I still really liked the book, but I'm not sure if I would to read the next one. For me, they finished everything of nicely, and by leaving just a sliver of something to continue on might not be enough for me, especially since Donatella is a character I don't really care about, she was absent for most of the book.
(hide spoiler)]

[Annemarie]

Laura wrote: "38% [spoilers removed]"

I agree, the books isn't quite as dark as I would have expected. I had hoped it would be a bit darker. I liked it a lot, but I think it could use a bit more of an edge.

[Laura]

66% (view spoiler)[I feel like Dante's death was really rushed, we didn't even get to know the character and he's already dead. I'd like to get to know him better and maybe his death would have had a greater impact. Also, I don't really like that suddenly, everyone at Caraval seems to be related to Scarlet (her dad and now her fiancee). (hide spoiler)]

[Jackie]

Just started.

[Jackie]

Chapter 4: (view spoiler)[Their father is an absolutely horrible man, and to be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if he made their mother disappear. Also, it would be nice to get both points of view, which we might now that Scarlet is out. While I don't agree with how Tela tricked her, I do agree that the count would probably be just as bad, if not worse than their father. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

79% (view spoiler)[And now Julian is dead... I don't know what to think about the book. Depending on the way things end it can be a really great book or a really bad one. (hide spoiler)]

[Jackie]

Chapter 12: I'm sad to say this still isn't catching my interest as much as I was hoping. I hope this gets better, but I am not feeling it. (view spoiler)[I am a bit intrigued as to how this will play out and who is worth trusting. A part of me feels that Julian might be trustworthy, but he's also hiding a lot. I think he might have gotten his scars when he played the first time. I really want to know who Legend is and who The Count is. Is The Count Legend? Is he Julian? Is he someone we haven't met yet? (hide spoiler)]

[Jackie]

Chapter 26: Things are getting really interesting, but I thought this book would be a lot more action filled and dark than it is. I have to say though that the world building is really good and all of the descriptions are extremely vivid. (view spoiler)[ how did her father get in after the allotted date? I may not have like Dante, but I do feel bad for everything that happened to him up to and including his death. Who is Scarlett's husband and will she meet him in the game? Who is Legend really? (hide spoiler)]