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longale9's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was unsure at first but I got sucked in.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt
kaylokay_'s review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don't mind a predictable plot as long as it is done well. But every time I thought I knew exactly where this was going, I was wrong. In a good way. I loved the seamless interweaving of diversity in this book, which is an accurate reflection of Latin culture. I can't wait to get to the bottom of this story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Grief and Murder
cierrachey33's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Caraval: A Mesmerizing Gamble with a Slow Start
Caraval's premise is undeniably enchanting. The idea of a magical game that grants wishes is pure escapism, and the descriptions of the fantastical setting are vivid and transportive. The final quarter of the book lives up to this promise, filled with twists and a satisfyingly fast pace.
However, the first half struggles to find its footing. The slow burn drags, making it difficult to connect with Scarlett and the other characters. Their motivations felt underdeveloped, and their personalities didn't quite click.
While Caraval didn't completely capture my heart, the latter part's exciting reveal and the captivating world-building offer a glimpse of what this series could be. If you're looking for a fast-paced adventure from the get-go, this might not be it. But for those who enjoy a slow burn that erupts in a dazzling finale, Caraval might be worth sticking with.
Caraval's premise is undeniably enchanting. The idea of a magical game that grants wishes is pure escapism, and the descriptions of the fantastical setting are vivid and transportive. The final quarter of the book lives up to this promise, filled with twists and a satisfyingly fast pace.
However, the first half struggles to find its footing. The slow burn drags, making it difficult to connect with Scarlett and the other characters. Their motivations felt underdeveloped, and their personalities didn't quite click.
While Caraval didn't completely capture my heart, the latter part's exciting reveal and the captivating world-building offer a glimpse of what this series could be. If you're looking for a fast-paced adventure from the get-go, this might not be it. But for those who enjoy a slow burn that erupts in a dazzling finale, Caraval might be worth sticking with.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
lolalo's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt
naluminum's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Garber uses rich descriptions and imagery in this novel. I was always on the edge of my seat because the MC was thrown into an unexpected quest in Caraval that was mentally challenging and tested her wits, bravery, trust, and love for her sister (who was the one who dragged her out to compete in Caravel in the first place). TBH, the female MC was annoyingly stubborn in her thinking and refused to accept guidance from those who tried to help her, but she came through stronger than expected. The plot twists were unexpected which I liked, but I didn’t love any of the characters though I enjoyed the mystery aspect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Blood, and Gaslighting
Minor: Emotional abuse and Sexual harassment
vnavarro's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Suicide, Kidnapping, and Suicide attempt
finini's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Death
Minor: Rape, Suicide attempt, and Murder
hfayereads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
lexilovesreadingandlaufey's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Tella was giving Taryn vibes from folk of the air. Literally kept saying that and honestly found her annoying until the end. VERY well written and I am really excited to keep reading Stephanie’s books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Blood, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Child abuse, Grief, and Death of parent
dragonsreadtoo's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
...... I didn't like this.
I just didn't connect with the characters, their motivations don't make sense to me and they don't feel real.
The author wanted to keep you questioning what is real and what's not. But that didn't work for me because the world building wasn't there. Every plot twist (and there are to many) I saw coming. And i just felt like there was no purpose to them. I could just tell that most of it wasn't planned and I dont like it.
I just didn't connect with the characters, their motivations don't make sense to me and they don't feel real.
The author wanted to keep you questioning what is real and what's not. But that didn't work for me because the world building wasn't there. Every plot twist (and there are to many) I saw coming. And i just felt like there was no purpose to them. I could just tell that most of it wasn't planned and I dont like it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, and Suicide attempt