The acclaimed New York Times bestseller! Welcome, welcome to Caraval—Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of the unbreakable bond between two sisters. It’s the closest you’ll ever find to magic in this world…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 … 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.
Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . beware of getting swept too far away.
New York Times bestseller
#1 IndieNext Pick
Publishers Weekly Flying Start
Entertainment Weekly Best 10 YA Books of 2017
Teen Vogue Best YA Book of the Year
Amazon Best Book of the Year
Barnes & Noble Best Book of the Year
BuzzFeed Best Book of the Year
“The Hunger Games meets The Night Circus. Grade: A-.” —Entertainment Weekly
“Impressive, original, wondrous.” —USA Today
“Spellbinding.” —US Weekly
“Magnificent.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“I lost myself in this world.” —Sabaa Tahir, author of An Ember in the Ashes
“Beautifully written.” —Renée Ahdieh, author of The Wrath and the Dawn
“Shimmers with magic.” —Marie Rutkoski, author of The Winner’s Curse
“Darkly enchanting.” —Kiersten White, author of And I Darken
“Decadent.” —Roshani Chokshi, author of The Star-Touched Queen
“Like stepping into a living dream.” —Stacey Lee, author of Outrun the Moon
“Destined to capture imaginations.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Ideal for fans of The Night Circus, Stardust, and The Hunger Games.” —School Library Journal
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An instant favorite!
An hour into this audiobook I loved it so much I bought the second in the series.
Pure delight! Full of surprises. I loved the mix of magic and creepiness. The characters were superb as was the relationship that developed. So many surprises, and so unpredictable. The final chapters had me crying and biting my nails with worry. Bravo! Mad love!
I’m pretty skeptical when a book has a ton of hype, so I started reading Caraval with low expectations. But it was AMAZING. I enjoyed this book so much that I immediately wanted to start re-reading it upon finishing. Each chapter ends with some sort of cliffhanger, and I was genuinely surprised by the twists and turns — a rarity these days — so it was hard to put it down (I read it in a day). It’s a dark, haunting fantasy with mysterious characters, a fantastic love story, and beautiful world-building that leaves a lot to the imagination, but not in a bad way. The descriptions are gorgeous and enchanting. I wanted to be sucked into the book so I could walk around Caraval and explore — and I’m so glad this has been optioned for film!
All I can say is WOW!! Mind blowing! This book did not let me down! Stephanie Garber put a lot of heart and thought into this book. I felt like I was right there with Scarlett, Tella, and the rest of the cast for “Caraval”
This story starts with Scarlett as a child writing letters to Legend asking for him to bring Caraval close to where she and her sister, Tella, live. Tella has always loved the game of Caraval, and well, Scarlett loves her sister and wants to see her sister happy.
When a mysterious guy shows up and finds out about them getting a gift from Legend to attend Caraval, Julian could not wait to help the girls out, only because he wanted to be selfish and go to the game himself. Bt their father finds him down stairs and making a run for their lives, Scarlett gets knocked out and ends up on the island where Caraval is.
Inside Caraval, there are so many twist and turns, that you are not sure what is real and what is not real. Is the game playing games with them or is it only feeding off of fear. When Scarlett finds out the game includes finding her sister and her fear only increased her need to find Tella, then the games becomes deadly. Scarlett soon questions if Julian is there to help her or destroy her. She doesn’t know what is real in the world of Caraval.
The journey this book to me on was amazing. I was wishing I was there to play the game.
The question of this game is who is Legend? Who is Julian? Where is Tella? What is the secret of this game?
A must read!
Reading this book is like going to a carnival and getting lost amongst the tents where people look at you like you don’t belong, but still show you amazing things. It reminds me a lot of the Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (right? I didn’t look it up. I might not have gotten that name right…) At any rate, it’s whimsical and a little dark, and very compelling. Not too heavy — good vacation reading!
This book was provided to me as an advance reader copy by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
I finished this book almost a week ago, and it’s taken me this long to review it, because I just don’t know what to say. The story is definitely creative and has some seriously out-of-the-box thinking behind it. Scarlett, Tella, and Julian are realistic and complex characters who inspire all the emotions. Scarlett and Tella’s father is depicted with a brutality that made my skin crawl and had me cheering for the girls to make their escape. Ms. Garber added a nice touch of complexity by including performers with the real players to make the game more exciting. The book as a whole was well-written and exciting. Unfortunately, the end of Caraval struck me as a copout. There are books that can get away with simple resolutions, but a twisty, turny, layered book like Caraval should not have such a finale. I was disappointed, but will most likely read the sequel, as the lead-up on the final pages showed the promise of redemption.
This got a lot of hype (as did Three Dark Crowns). They’re different books, but IMO, this one was the real deal. It was sorta like a mashup of Something Wicked This Way Comes and Willy Wonka. Whimsical, but also with some darkness so it’s not too sweet or sugary. Enjoyed this and would recommend.
I absolutely LOVED this book. It was amazing. This book was different than any of the ones I tend to read. It was beautifully written and captivating. The descriptions of the setting transported me to the world of Caraval.
This story follows sisters, Scarlett and Donatella Dragna, who live in the Isle of Trisda, with their abusive father, Governor Dragna. Their mother vanished when they were just little girls. They grew up with w their grandmother telling them many tales of Caraval and Master Legend. For years, Scarlett wrote letters to Master Legend asking him to bring Caraval to their isle. After years of getting no response from Master Legend, Scarlett writes her last letter letting him know it will be her last as she was soon to marry a count, a man she’s never met before. To her unexpected surprise, Scarlett receives a respond from Master Legend and an invitation for her and her sister Tella to attend as guests of Caraval. Afraid that she will ruin her chances of marrying the count, Scarlett decides she will not attend Caraval, however, destiny had other plans for her. Her sister, Tella, ends up escaping Trisda to attend Caraval and Scarlett follows her.
Caraval is a twisted, magical game where the audience becomes the players. There can only be one winner. For this game, Tella is kidnapped and it is up to Scarlett to find her before any of the other players do.
I loved Scarlett’s character. She was an insecure, scared young lady who turned into a strong, confident woman who displayed courage throughout the game. She learned so much about herself and her potential.
Not only did this book contain so many wonderful elements of magic, it also had a beautiful love story that developed Julian and Scarlett.
This book kept me guessing, wondering and wanting to know what was coming next. I LOVED IT…and that ending…..I CAN’T WAIT TO GET SUCKED INTO THIS WORLD IN LEGENDARY.
This was an incredible story – so engaging, with such marvelously detailed and deliciously deceitful characters… I’m thrilled beyond belief at the way it ended – it most definitely left it open for a sequel (or hopefully two or three), but without in any way diminishing or undermining the value of the story itself.
Scarlet wants to escape – her father is a nightmare: her life is an attempt to tap-dance among land mines he has laid for her and her sister, Donatella. She sees one path of escape: marriage. Her sister sees another: Caraval, the mysterious game/performance that has captivated the two sisters since childhood, and to which Scarlett has recently managed to score three exceedingly valuable tickets. The title of the book tells you the choice that Scarlet makes – but that choice is so much more complicated and layered than that statement implies…
This is a book full of magic and danger. No one is who they appear to be – not even the sisters themselves. The twists and turns are delicately layered, a parfait of intrigue, mystery, clues, and secrets piled upon secrets… Garber’s writing style is engaging and easy-going. The plot will pull you in and keep you turning pages faster and faster, waiting to see what fantastic creation Master Legend (the leader of Caraval) will deliver next…
Holy wow! This book took me on a roller coaster! I was hooked from the firs page and remained that way throughout the book. I loved that I never knew what was going to happen, which is perfect because that is what the game of Caraval is all about. If you’ve been inimpressed with ya fantasy novel as of late like I have, fear not! Pick up this book and your faith shall be restored!
There’s only one word that I can use to describe this book the way it deserves. Magical. I was fascinating by the author’s writing, by the enchanted places, the wonderful characters, the mysterious things that have yet to be discovered. Amazing. Stephanie Garber has created a new world and I’m sure you’d be interested to visit it. And who knows… Maybe this bewitched place will leave you speechless, amazed, impressed and make you fall in love with it… But never forget. Caraval is just a game… So go on, play.
I loved this story. Scarlett, Julian, and Donatella were awesome characters along with many others. There were so many twists and turns in this story that kept me guessing until the very end. I already ordered the second book, the downside of that is I have to wait until June. Hope to see this one day on the big screen. 5 of 5 stars and well deserved. Great job Stephanie Garber.
This book was my favorite read of 2018 followed by its 2nd book in the series Lengendary. Stephanie Garber grab a hold of you at the very beginning of her stories and doesn’t let you go until the very last page. Even when the book is over you beg for more. A truly captivating series.
I did something with this book that I never do. I normally buy the ebook and if I love it, I get a physical copy but with this I bought the paperback before I had read……my expectations were high!
I was thrown into Scarletts world with her horrid father and wild sister with an invitation to Caraval. With the help of a passing sailor, Julian, they venture through the gates where nothing is as it seems…..
World of the strange is the only way I can describe it. What was real? What wasn’t? I had so many questions, needed so many answers! What the heck was going on? All I knew what was that I was rooting for Scarlett and Julian!…
‘Not quite sure how far she’d already fallen, she imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars came out.’
Yes there was romance in a very chaste way and I loved it! There was also mind games, a great story, great characters and an ending that made me gasp!
This was hands-down the best book I’ve read all year!! Amazing!!
I couldn’t put this book down. I loved the plot and the characters. I was a little skeptical at first just because the first few pages were a little slow but that was the only slow part of the entire story. Scarlett was lovable and likeable, while Donatella seemed obnoxious throughout the story. Julian seemed egotistical and uncaring in the beginning but softened throughout the story. The world of Caraval was wonderful and magical! The way it ended was spectacular and I look forward to more from Stephanie Garber.
I was so excited to get my hands on this book. It had the potential to be awesome but it just didn’t deliver for me. It was just, ok. A traveling caraval full of magic and wishes sounds like a place I definitely want to go but I just couldn’t connect with a few characters. I connected with Scarlet & Julian and enjoyed their journey together but I just didn’t care enough about Donatello. I did however, enjoy the twist at the end.
I LOVED this book. It has a very Alice In Wonderland like atmosphere – surreal, fantastic, confusing, and a sinister-ness that underpins every interaction – you’re never sure who is “good” or “bad.”
This book enchanted me in a way that doesn’t happen often.
Caraval is the tale of Scarlett Dragna, who seeks to free herself and her sister from an abusive father by escaping into an arranged marriage. But her sister, Donatella, is stubborn and willful, has no problem looking for trouble, and is not satisfied with Scarlett’s vision of freedom. When Scarlett’s lifelong dream of attending Caraval comes true unexpectedly, life takes a sharp detour for both sisters and their visit ends in a way only one of them imagined.
Much along the lines of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, this story combines a Victorian but not steampunk setting with the magic most children associate with circuses and carnivals. If you love young adult/new adult fantasy or magic realism, this is definitely a read for you. As for me, the hardback copy now owns a place on my bookshelf right next to the aforementioned Night Circus and Howl’s Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones.
For those of you who are concerned about sex, Caraval is a “clean” story.
I won this book as part of a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Remember, it’s only a game………
I can’t even begin to stress how much I loved this book! I have read plenty of stories that I liked and enjoyed, but when a book captivates you, gets you lost in its pages, and takes you on an adventure, it’s beyond enjoyable. It’s an experience. And what an experience it was! The characters were well developed. The sister’s relationship was at the forefront but there was also some romance…….
As far as the plot, it was wonderful. A magical fairytale full of action and so many twists that my heart could hardly stand it. In Julian’s words, no one is who they seem. And he is absolutely right. The author did an outstanding job of describing everything and creating a beautiful mystery that you got immersed in. There were some predictable moments, but for the most part, I felt as if I was playing the game right along with Scarlett and trying to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together. It was harder to figure out than I expected. All I did know is that everything was so enchanting, I didn’t want it to end.
You can read my full review on my blog at: https://charleeraeblog.wordpress.com/2016/12/14/caraval-by-stephanie-garber/
It’s very satisfying when you finally get to read something you’ve been meaning to for years. Caraval is one of those books for me, and wow, just wow.
It starts with the letters Scarlett wrote to Grand Master Legend over the years. And on letter number three or four I was sure I’d love the book – and I did!
Everything was pretty consistent throughout, the descriptions, the cliffhangers, the chapter length and I have no complaints there.
I loved Scarlett most of the time, except in the beginning when she was refusing to go to Caraval. This is your childhood dream and you’re like “nope nah not gonna go”. Crazy.
Tella, on the other hand, I didn’t like. It’s not so much Tella by herself as it’s Tella with Legend. There’s no way I’m shipping this, ever.
I also hate Julian, and him with Scarlett by extension. He got on my nerves so much and he’s not the right fit for Scarlett. I even ship her with her mysterious fiancee more, that’s how much I hate him.
Legend I loved of course. Villain or hero or something in between…does it even matter? He’s the best. Scarlett should’ve been with him. I’d say I’m hoping she will later, but I doubt it, Julian’s got too big of a hold on her (+ the Legend/Tella crumbs).
This book took me on a roller coaster with all the guessing. That was masterfully done.
The ending wasn’t my favourite, but it’s good to know that magic is real. I don’t even need to know how it works, I’m just happy it exists.
Extra mention: Dante. He got the short end of the stick when he’s much better than Julian.
Extra extra mention: the character named Jovan. I still can’t wrap my head around that one. It’s way too funny, it doesn’t work as a female name and it kept taking me out of the story.
Caraval may be popular, but it’s criminally underrated if you ask me.