“Dreams that come true can be beautiful, but they can also turn into nightmares when people won’t wake up.”
Stephanie Garber, Caraval
The Basics
Title: Caraval (Caraval #1)
Author: Stephanie Garber
Published: 2017
Publisher: Flatiron Books — Macmillan
Pages: 402
Format: Hardcover
Genres: Fiction Fantasy, High fantasy, Romance, Fantasy romance, Young adult, Young adult fantasy
Plot Summary
From the very first page, Scarlett Dragna’s story swept me into a magical world that felt both real and fantasy at once. Living on the tiny island of Trisda with her sister Tella and their powerful, sometimes cruel father, Scarlett has dreamed since childhood of joining Caraval, the legendary game run by the elusive Legend and his band of performers. Year after year, she has written letters to him, each sent and unanswered—until finally, an invitation arrives. The offer to participate in this once-a-year performance feels like a dream imagined too long to ever come true.
But as I followed Scarlett and Tella into the show, guided by a mysterious sailor who whisks them away to Legend’s private island, I realized this game was not what it seemed. The line separating reality from fantasy grew blurred as Tella was kidnapped, turning the stakes higher than anyone could have anticipated. The audience participates, the season revolves around finding Tella, and whoever finds her first becomes the winner. I felt enmeshed in the elaborate performance, watching love, heartbreak, and magic twist together like a dangerous domino effect. Scarlett must find her beloved sister within five nights, or risk watching her disappear forever.
As a reader, I was enmeshed too—questioning whether the game was real or just another performance. Each turn of the page invited me to take part, and the stakes never stopped rising. I’ve read many fantasies, but few balance reality, illusion, and emotion so perfectly. Caraval doesn’t just tell a story—it pulls you into one.
My Review
When I first picked up Caraval, I didn’t expect to be pulled into such a bewitching and magical world. From the very first page, it felt like stepping onto an enchanted island, where reality blurred with make-believe. The plot is full of twists and mystery, making every read feel like a ride through illusions and secrets. It’s not just a fantasy book—it’s a mesmerizing experience that will completely sweep you away.
What I loved most was how the story followed Scarlett, whose emotions—from frustration and sorrow to joy and elation—made her feel real. Her bond with her sister Tella adds a layer of sisterhood and commitment that goes beyond the usual romance found in YA novels. Still, the slow-burning romance with Julian, full of teasing, tension, and uncertainty, gives the story a beautiful contrast of heart and mystery.
The Legend, the elusive antagonist, remains cloaked in myth and deception, a villain whose presence drives both fear and wonder. The world-building is captivating, filled with games, fate, and destiny that constantly challenge both the characters and the reader. Each clue feels like part of a grand performance, testing trust and perception, leaving you questioning what’s real and what’s illusion.
Reading Caraval was an escapist, captivating adventure that reminded me of The Night Circus, Alice in Wonderland, and even Stalking Jack the Ripper for its dark, glittering surface. Beneath that shine lies depth and emotion, touching on topics like abusive parents, manipulation, and the desire to protect loved ones. It’s not a novel that stays on the shelf; it lingers in your mind, urging you to continue the series.
Stephanie Garber’s writing is full of imagination and adventure, creating a trilogy that promises even more magic and mystery. I’d easily give it 4.5 stars, not because anything felt missing, but because I wish the sequel could arrive sooner. As a reader, this experience felt both original and unforgettable—an enchanting fantasy that keeps you under its spell long after the final page.
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