chaptersofamylea's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“We will try to convince you it's real, but all of it is a per-formance. A world built of make-believe. So while we want you to get swept away, be careful of being swept too far away. Dreams that come true can be beautiful, but they can also turn into nightmares when people won't wake up."
5 ⭐️
Oh the nostalgia of reading this dreamy book again. Within the world of Caraval you never know whats real or make believe, both the main character and the reader always guessing but never being right as there is always something else to make what you thought ruined. Rereading this has given me some hindsight for the series and the spin off, I hope to pick up more hints throughout the reread to see if I can come up with any theories for later on.
I adore Stephanie’s writing style and the world building, its so magical and whimsical but always has an edge. I also love how our MC links colours to feelings, almost like auras.
TWs: kidnap, suicide, abuse
5 ⭐️
Oh the nostalgia of reading this dreamy book again. Within the world of Caraval you never know whats real or make believe, both the main character and the reader always guessing but never being right as there is always something else to make what you thought ruined. Rereading this has given me some hindsight for the series and the spin off, I hope to pick up more hints throughout the reread to see if I can come up with any theories for later on.
I adore Stephanie’s writing style and the world building, its so magical and whimsical but always has an edge. I also love how our MC links colours to feelings, almost like auras.
TWs: kidnap, suicide, abuse
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Physical abuse, and Suicide
abookisthegatetothesoulgabi's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
My fave book series since it came out!
Content Warnings
Minor: Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
melodyramirez's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The mystery and plot twists are pretty intriguing and fun but the writing is kindof cheesy and the author really over uses similes. The conclusion is also infodump-y.
Spoiler
personally I would never forgive them for any of that
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Violence
Moderate: Kidnapping, Murder, Gaslighting, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Sexism and Sexual harassment
gillshea's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Child abuse
Minor: Kidnapping, Suicide attempt, Murder, Death, Blood, and Abandonment
kiwij96's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Good lord this book is messy. There's so many supposed twists that makes it feel like a coiled spring. I couldn't keep track of all the lies and deceptions and the twists that kept happening. Also the way it was written: I couldn't imagine any of the scenery because it was just Scarlett's internal monologue with a couple of glimpses at what things looked like.
I found Scarlett too whiny. The whole time she wasn't her own person, she was like an extension of other people. Her intire thing was just "that's my sister" or "Julian" without any let up and that bothered me. Donatella was just outright selfish the whole time and she was just infuriating. Also the fact that they were like 16/17 years old and Donatella tried running away with boys from age 12? Like good lord. Maybe their immaturity plays a greater role in how unlikeable the two girls are. It definitely gave me an insight to what a fantasy book looks like with people who want nothing to do with the fantasy aspect of their world.
The only thing that will probably keep me reading the series is the cliffhanger it ended on but also saw coming.
I found Scarlett too whiny. The whole time she wasn't her own person, she was like an extension of other people. Her intire thing was just "that's my sister" or "Julian" without any let up and that bothered me. Donatella was just outright selfish the whole time and she was just infuriating. Also the fact that they were like 16/17 years old and Donatella tried running away with boys from age 12? Like good lord. Maybe their immaturity plays a greater role in how unlikeable the two girls are. It definitely gave me an insight to what a fantasy book looks like with people who want nothing to do with the fantasy aspect of their world.
The only thing that will probably keep me reading the series is the cliffhanger it ended on but also saw coming.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Kidnapping
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Pregnancy, Blood, Death, and Murder
steen19's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is totally YA for a reason. The main character is painfully immature.
The final ~15% of this was really fucked up. Like serious psychological trauma.
This book is like 80% telling and only 20% showing. The MC kinda just walks up on situations and people recount it all. There weren’t really game-like challenges or carnival ambiance.
The final ~15% of this was really fucked up. Like serious psychological trauma.
This book is like 80% telling and only 20% showing. The MC kinda just walks up on situations and people recount it all. There weren’t really game-like challenges or carnival ambiance.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Suicide, Abandonment, Classism, Confinement, Death, Body horror, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Physical abuse
jessicaludden's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“Hope is a powerful thing. Some say it’s a different breed of magic altogether. Elusive, difficult to hold on to. But not much is needed.”
I loved Scarlett. I loved Julian. I loved how this world was so unpredictable and full of risk. The magic left me with a simultaneous feeling of wonder and unease. The ending felt a little rushed and there was a lot going on. Everything in Caraval is truly not what it seems and I’m excited for the rest of the series.
I loved Scarlett. I loved Julian. I loved how this world was so unpredictable and full of risk. The magic left me with a simultaneous feeling of wonder and unease. The ending felt a little rushed and there was a lot going on. Everything in Caraval is truly not what it seems and I’m excited for the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Murder, Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, and Suicide
Minor: Abandonment, Blood, and Kidnapping
sophs_mood_reading_room's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Two sisters (Tella, an impulsive younger sister and Scarlett an older protective, conservative sister) flee an abusive father to take part in an annual, mysterious magical game to secure the prize, a wish. Throw in a handsome man who helps one minute and disappears the next, actors whose aim is to help and deceive you (you just don’t know which) and a kidnapping and you have a whole lot of thinking to do.
This novel (although a little slow to get the the action at first) pops the reader into a magical world where anything is possible although non of it is real (or so you are told). Every chapter comes with twists and turns and just when you think you (and the protagonist) have figured it out, suddenly you have it all wrong again.
The last 1/3 of the book really gets action packed and even in the end you have questions and still want to know more.
The descriptive writing was beautiful, I really felt I could picture the beautiful sets of the game. And the way in which the protagonist could see colour with her feelings made for such beautiful imagery and really got the sentiment across.
There were really clever and fun magical elements such as how the fortune teller discovered peoples inner desires and the affects of the drink to see clearly. I also loved that I didn’t guess what was going on at all as this is often a let down when reading fantasy books. I can’t wait to continue the series.
This novel (although a little slow to get the the action at first) pops the reader into a magical world where anything is possible although non of it is real (or so you are told). Every chapter comes with twists and turns and just when you think you (and the protagonist) have figured it out, suddenly you have it all wrong again.
The last 1/3 of the book really gets action packed and even in the end you have questions and still want to know more.
The descriptive writing was beautiful, I really felt I could picture the beautiful sets of the game. And the way in which the protagonist could see colour with her feelings made for such beautiful imagery and really got the sentiment across.
There were really clever and fun magical elements such as how the fortune teller discovered peoples inner desires and the affects of the drink to see clearly. I also loved that I didn’t guess what was going on at all as this is often a let down when reading fantasy books. I can’t wait to continue the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Suicide, Kidnapping, Domestic abuse, and Child abuse
thelongroadtosanity's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything."
*
**
***
**
*
Scarlett and Tella are two siblings under the abusive control of their father, isolated on their small island that he governs. Over the course of their childhood, Scarlett has written multiple letters to the mysterious ringleader of Caraval, named Legend, and upon learning that she was engaged to an unknown Count, writes her final letter to Legend. Surprisingly, Legend replies to the letter with three tickets to Caraval. Scarlett and Tella argue amongst themselves about whether or not to leave to attend Caraval before Scarlett's wedding. Scarlett is confident that her arranged marriage will save both her and her sister from their abusive father, but Tella believes that running to Caraval and winning the prize of one Wish will help both sister's escape. Scarlett is drugged by her sister Tella and taken against her will to the island where Caraval occurs, with the aid of a very handsome sailor named Julian. When they arrive on the island without Tella, who is supposedly already there and waiting for their arrival, they discover that Tella is missing and presumed kidnapped by Legend. In order to save her, Scarlett is forced to enter the game of Caraval to try and find her sister and win the Wish by winning the game.
I really enjoyed all the unique elements that this book possesses. Scarlett was a very decently written, likable character and overall the book was very fast paced and kept the reader involved with the plot. There were so many twists and turns through the course of the plot that I never really saw coming, and when I would develop my own theories about the identity of a character, or their true purpose, I was always surprised to learn the truth. Each chapter had me guessing secrets and begging to know what happened on the next page. I enjoyed the tidbits of the history of Caraval sprinkled through the musings of Scarlett, and I loved how she eventually would question everything that had occurred. During the conclusion of the novel, I was totally shocked with the ending. (July 2023)
There are just so many good things to say about this book that I struggle to find the words.
I will definitely be reading more of this series in the future, once I finish most of my physical TBR list.
5 out of 5 stars
*
**
***
**
*
Scarlett and Tella are two siblings under the abusive control of their father, isolated on their small island that he governs. Over the course of their childhood, Scarlett has written multiple letters to the mysterious ringleader of Caraval, named Legend, and upon learning that she was engaged to an unknown Count, writes her final letter to Legend. Surprisingly, Legend replies to the letter with three tickets to Caraval. Scarlett and Tella argue amongst themselves about whether or not to leave to attend Caraval before Scarlett's wedding. Scarlett is confident that her arranged marriage will save both her and her sister from their abusive father, but Tella believes that running to Caraval and winning the prize of one Wish will help both sister's escape. Scarlett is drugged by her sister Tella and taken against her will to the island where Caraval occurs, with the aid of a very handsome sailor named Julian. When they arrive on the island without Tella, who is supposedly already there and waiting for their arrival, they discover that Tella is missing and presumed kidnapped by Legend. In order to save her, Scarlett is forced to enter the game of Caraval to try and find her sister and win the Wish by winning the game.
I really enjoyed all the unique elements that this book possesses. Scarlett was a very decently written, likable character and overall the book was very fast paced and kept the reader involved with the plot. There were so many twists and turns through the course of the plot that I never really saw coming, and when I would develop my own theories about the identity of a character, or their true purpose, I was always surprised to learn the truth. Each chapter had me guessing secrets and begging to know what happened on the next page. I enjoyed the tidbits of the history of Caraval sprinkled through the musings of Scarlett, and I loved how she eventually would question everything that had occurred. During the conclusion of the novel, I was totally shocked with the ending. (July 2023)
There are just so many good things to say about this book that I struggle to find the words.
I will definitely be reading more of this series in the future, once I finish most of my physical TBR list.
5 out of 5 stars
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Kidnapping, Murder, and Blood
giulianalb99's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Español:
⚠️ESTA REVIEW CONTIENE SPOILERS⚠️.
Caraval de Stephanie Garber es un libro de fantasía (y diría que también misterio) que trata sobre Caraval, un lugar donde la magia y la realidad se confunden de maneras inimaginables, una competición que dura cinco días y cuyo gran premio es un deseo. Este juego no es como los demás. Para Scarlett Dragna y Donatella (su hermana pequeña) ese concurso significa la libertad: es la vía de escape perfecta para dejar atrás a su padre y sus abusos. Caraval es magia. Misterio. Aventura. Cuando las hermanas reciben por fin las ansiadas invitaciones para Caraval, parece que sus sueños se han hecho realidad. Pero Tella desaparece momentos después de su llegada, secuestrada por el organizador del espectáculo, Legend.
Scarlett tiene entendido que todo lo que sucede en Caraval es una ilusión. Sin embargo, pronto se ve sumida en un peligroso juego repleto de amor, magia y desconsuelo. Real o no, deberá encontrar a Tella antes de que termine el juego o perderá a su hermana para siempre.
➵Los sueños que se hacen realidad pueden ser excesivamente bellos, pero también se pueden convertir en pesadillas cuando la gente no se quiere despertar.
Creo que me han gustado todos y cada uno de los personajes de esta historia (menos el padre, obviamente).
Una de las cosas que más me ha gustado ha sido el amor de Scarlett por su hermana Tella, dispuesta a darlo todo por recuperarla. La verdad es que esta protagonista me ha gustado, pero ha habido algunas ocasiones en las que me ha puesto un poco nerviosa. Demasiado cabezota y tozuda, al principio del libro tiene unas ideas en la mente y es imposible que nadie se las cambie, pero a medida que iba leyendo podía ver perfectamente su magnífica evolución. De querer llevar a cabo sí o sí su boda (con un prometido que no conoce) a querer dar su vida por encontrar a su hermana y decidir quedarse con Julian. Y no sólo eso, sino que también se da cuenta de muchas cosas que, por primera vez, hacen que tome una decisión pensando en sí misma, poniéndose a ella por delante. A mi parecer, creo que es súper fuerte, decidida y capaz de hacer cualquier cosa por las personas que quiere.
Tella me ha encantado, y ya sé que no sale casi nada en este libro, pero es que su actitud y su manera de vivir me ha parecido súper curiosa, ya que se puede ver perfectamente que ella y su hermana son totalmente opuestas. Obviamente no puedo decir mucho más de ella, pero estoy ansiosa por leer el segundo libro de esta trilogía, porque se centra en su historia y es que no puedo esperar más.
Julian está añadido definitivamente a mi lista de crushes infinita. Aparte de guapísimo, su actitud y forma de ser son geniales. Me encanta al principio cómo vacila a Scar todo el tiempo y lo seductor que es durante todo el libro ha sido lo mejor, además de su humor. Repleto de secretos, este personaje pasa de misterioso a abrirse poco a poco con Scarlett, y gracias a eso se va desarrollando una relación entre ambos que me ha fascinado por completo. Por cierto, quiero un Julian para mí (por si alguien encuentra alguno).
El personaje de Legend me ha parecido una maravilla lo bien que está escrito. Alguien súper oscuro mezquino y misterioso, que se vuelve cada vez más villano con cada juego de Caraval, le encanta jugar con la gente y disfruta con ello. Como he dicho antes, quiero leer YA el segundo libro para saber más sobre él y sobre todos los secretos y misterios que esconde. Me ha parecido un personaje increíble y súper original. Un villano con todas las letras.
Personajes como Dante, Aiko y Jovan que, aunque no aparezcan demasiado, me han parecido súper curiosos y a la vez importantes en la historia, y creo que aparecerán más en los próximos libros (aunque es una suposición mía, no lo sé si será verdad).
➵Toda persona tiene la capacidad de cambiar su destino si tiene la suficiente valentía para luchar por aquello que desea más que cualquier otra cosa.
Ahora toca mi opinión. Sinceramente, me compré este libro por insistencia de una amiga y fui a ciegas, ya que no tenía ni idea de qué iba, y menuda sorpresa. No tengo palabras para describir tremendo libro. La autora escribe increíblemente genial, su pluma es una pasada y me ha encantado cómo describe absolutamente todo, añadiendo metáforas preciosas. Me enganchó desde que la primera página hasta la última, y es que leí trescientas páginas en un día porque no podía soltarlo. Al principio no entendía en absoluto lo que estaba pasando, pero a medida que pasaba la historia se hacía muchísimo más interesante y quería saber constantemente a dónde Scarlett tenía que ir y qué buscar para obtener las pistas del juego. Los plot twists me han parecido bestiales, adiviné uno que otro pero con cada página que pasaba había uno nuevo y es que no paraba de sorprenderme (todavía sigo flipando). La relación de Scarlett y Julian me ha parecido súper bonita y la he amado desde el principio y quiero leer más sobre ellos. Sigo sin palabras, no voy a superar este libro en mucho tiempo. La cantidad de páginas anotadas no es ni medio normal😂, pero todo lo que me ha hecho sentir la autora con este libro… bfffffff, increíble.
¿Algún punto negativo? Quizá que hay dos o tres capítulos en mitad del libro que se me hicieron un poco largos pero después remontó de una manera impresionante, pero poco más.
Lo recomiendo a absolutamente todo el mundo en la faz de la tierra.: ¡Vas a ser incapaz de soltarlo!
Al final he decidido cambiar a 4,75 mi puntuación porque estoy segurísima de que el segundo libro me va a encantar muchísimo más. ES QUE ES DE TELLA Y NO PUEDO ESPERAR A LEERLO😭.
Por último y no menos importante antes de leer el libro, busca información sobre los <i>trigger warnings porque puede haber algunos temas que pueden ser duros para algunas personas.
🎪🎠🎩🥀
English:
⚠️THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS⚠️
Caraval by Stephanie Garber is a fantasy (and also mystery) book about Caraval, a place where magic and reality blend in unimaginable ways, a five-day competition whose grand prize is a wish. This game is not like the others. For Scarlett Dragna and Donatella (her little sister) that contest means freedom: it is the perfect escape route to leave behind their father and his abuse towards them. Caraval is magic. Mystery. Adventure. When the sisters finally receive the long-awaited invitations to Caraval, it seems that their dreams have come true. But Tella disappears moments after her arrival, kidnapped by the show's organizer, Legend.
Scarlett understands that everything that happens in Caraval is an illusion. However, she soon finds herself drawn into a dangerous game filled with love, magic, and grief. Real or not, she must find Tella before she finishes the game or she will lose her sister forever.
➵Dreams that come true can be beautiful, but they can also turn into nightmares when people won't wake up.
I think I liked each and every one of the characters in this story (except the father, obviously).
One of the things I liked the most was Scarlett’s love for her sister Tella, willing to give everything to get her back. The truth is that I liked the fmc, but there were some occasions in which she made me a little nervous. Too stubborn, at the beginning of the book she has some ideas in her mind and it is impossible for anyone to change them, but as I kept on reading I could perfectly see her magnificent evolution. From wanting to carry on with her wedding (with a fiancé she hasn’t met) to wanting to give her life to find her sister and decide to stay with Julian. And not only that, but she also realizes many things that, for the first time, makes her start thinking of herself, putting her first before anyone. In my opinion, I think she is super strong, determined and capable of doing anything for the people she loves.
I loved Tella, and I know she doesn’t appear too much, but her attitude and her way of life were super curious to me. You can perfectly see that she and her sister are totally the opposite. Obviously I can't say much more about her, but I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this trilogy, because it focuses on her story and I just can't wait any longer.
Julian is definitely added to my endless list. Apart from being very handsome, his attitude is amazing. I love how he teases Scar all the time at the beginning and how seductive he is throughout the book it’s the best, plus his humor was on point. Full of secrets, this character goes from mysterious to gradually opening up to Scarlett, and thanks to that a relationship develops between them that has completely fascinated me. By the way, I want a Julian for myself (in case anyone finds one).
The character of Legend is amazing how incredibly written he is. Someone super dark, mean and mysterious, who becomes a worse villian with each Caraval game, he loves to play with people and enjoys it. As I said before, I want to read the second book RIGHT NOW to find out more about him and all the secrets and mysteries he hides. He is such an original character. A villain with all the letters.
Characters like Dante, Aiko and Jovan who, although they don't appear too much, I found them super curious and at the same time important in the story, and I think they will appear more in the next books (although it is my assumption, I don't know if it’ll be true).
➵Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything.
Now, my opinion. Honestly, I bought this book because a friend insisted me on reading it and I went totally blind since I had no idea what it was about, and what a surprise. I have no words to describe this tremendous book. The author writes incredibly great, her pen is amazing and I loved how she describes absolutely everything, also adding beautiful metaphors. It had me hooked from the first page to the last, which is why I read three hundred pages in a day because I just couldn't put it down. At first I didn't understand what was going on at all, but as the story progressed it became so much more interesting and I constantly wanted to know where Scarlett needed to go and what to look for to get the clues to the game. The plot twists were incredible, I guessed some of them but with each page that I turned there was a new one and it just kept surprising me (I'm still freaking out). Scarlett and Julian's relationship was super cute and I've loved them from the beginning and I want to read more about them. I'm still speechless, I won't get over this book for a long time. Everything the author made me feel with this book... bfffffff, incredible.
Any negative point? Perhaps there are two or three chapters in the middle of the book that were a bit long to me but then it got back in an impressive way.
I absolutely recommend it to everyone on the face of the earth: You won’t be able to put it down!
After thinking about it, I decided to change my score to 4.75 because I am very sure that I am going to love the second book much more. IT'S ABOUT TELLA AND I CAN'T WAIT TO READ IT😭.
Last but not least before reading the book, look up information about trigger warnings because there may be some topics that can be hard for some people.
⚠️ESTA REVIEW CONTIENE SPOILERS⚠️.
Caraval de Stephanie Garber es un libro de fantasía (y diría que también misterio) que trata sobre Caraval, un lugar donde la magia y la realidad se confunden de maneras inimaginables, una competición que dura cinco días y cuyo gran premio es un deseo. Este juego no es como los demás. Para Scarlett Dragna y Donatella (su hermana pequeña) ese concurso significa la libertad: es la vía de escape perfecta para dejar atrás a su padre y sus abusos. Caraval es magia. Misterio. Aventura. Cuando las hermanas reciben por fin las ansiadas invitaciones para Caraval, parece que sus sueños se han hecho realidad. Pero Tella desaparece momentos después de su llegada, secuestrada por el organizador del espectáculo, Legend.
Scarlett tiene entendido que todo lo que sucede en Caraval es una ilusión. Sin embargo, pronto se ve sumida en un peligroso juego repleto de amor, magia y desconsuelo. Real o no, deberá encontrar a Tella antes de que termine el juego o perderá a su hermana para siempre.
➵Los sueños que se hacen realidad pueden ser excesivamente bellos, pero también se pueden convertir en pesadillas cuando la gente no se quiere despertar.
Creo que me han gustado todos y cada uno de los personajes de esta historia (menos el padre, obviamente).
Una de las cosas que más me ha gustado ha sido el amor de Scarlett por su hermana Tella, dispuesta a darlo todo por recuperarla. La verdad es que esta protagonista me ha gustado, pero ha habido algunas ocasiones en las que me ha puesto un poco nerviosa. Demasiado cabezota y tozuda, al principio del libro tiene unas ideas en la mente y es imposible que nadie se las cambie, pero a medida que iba leyendo podía ver perfectamente su magnífica evolución. De querer llevar a cabo sí o sí su boda (con un prometido que no conoce) a querer dar su vida por encontrar a su hermana y decidir quedarse con Julian. Y no sólo eso, sino que también se da cuenta de muchas cosas que, por primera vez, hacen que tome una decisión pensando en sí misma, poniéndose a ella por delante. A mi parecer, creo que es súper fuerte, decidida y capaz de hacer cualquier cosa por las personas que quiere.
Tella me ha encantado, y ya sé que no sale casi nada en este libro, pero es que su actitud y su manera de vivir me ha parecido súper curiosa, ya que se puede ver perfectamente que ella y su hermana son totalmente opuestas. Obviamente no puedo decir mucho más de ella, pero estoy ansiosa por leer el segundo libro de esta trilogía, porque se centra en su historia y es que no puedo esperar más.
Julian está añadido definitivamente a mi lista de crushes infinita. Aparte de guapísimo, su actitud y forma de ser son geniales. Me encanta al principio cómo vacila a Scar todo el tiempo y lo seductor que es durante todo el libro ha sido lo mejor, además de su humor. Repleto de secretos, este personaje pasa de misterioso a abrirse poco a poco con Scarlett, y gracias a eso se va desarrollando una relación entre ambos que me ha fascinado por completo. Por cierto, quiero un Julian para mí (por si alguien encuentra alguno).
El personaje de Legend me ha parecido una maravilla lo bien que está escrito. Alguien súper oscuro mezquino y misterioso, que se vuelve cada vez más villano con cada juego de Caraval, le encanta jugar con la gente y disfruta con ello. Como he dicho antes, quiero leer YA el segundo libro para saber más sobre él y sobre todos los secretos y misterios que esconde. Me ha parecido un personaje increíble y súper original. Un villano con todas las letras.
Personajes como Dante, Aiko y Jovan que, aunque no aparezcan demasiado, me han parecido súper curiosos y a la vez importantes en la historia, y creo que aparecerán más en los próximos libros (aunque es una suposición mía, no lo sé si será verdad).
➵Toda persona tiene la capacidad de cambiar su destino si tiene la suficiente valentía para luchar por aquello que desea más que cualquier otra cosa.
Ahora toca mi opinión. Sinceramente, me compré este libro por insistencia de una amiga y fui a ciegas, ya que no tenía ni idea de qué iba, y menuda sorpresa. No tengo palabras para describir tremendo libro. La autora escribe increíblemente genial, su pluma es una pasada y me ha encantado cómo describe absolutamente todo, añadiendo metáforas preciosas. Me enganchó desde que la primera página hasta la última, y es que leí trescientas páginas en un día porque no podía soltarlo. Al principio no entendía en absoluto lo que estaba pasando, pero a medida que pasaba la historia se hacía muchísimo más interesante y quería saber constantemente a dónde Scarlett tenía que ir y qué buscar para obtener las pistas del juego. Los plot twists me han parecido bestiales, adiviné uno que otro pero con cada página que pasaba había uno nuevo y es que no paraba de sorprenderme (todavía sigo flipando). La relación de Scarlett y Julian me ha parecido súper bonita y la he amado desde el principio y quiero leer más sobre ellos. Sigo sin palabras, no voy a superar este libro en mucho tiempo. La cantidad de páginas anotadas no es ni medio normal😂, pero todo lo que me ha hecho sentir la autora con este libro… bfffffff, increíble.
¿Algún punto negativo? Quizá que hay dos o tres capítulos en mitad del libro que se me hicieron un poco largos pero después remontó de una manera impresionante, pero poco más.
Lo recomiendo a absolutamente todo el mundo en la faz de la tierra.: ¡Vas a ser incapaz de soltarlo!
Al final he decidido cambiar a 4,75 mi puntuación porque estoy segurísima de que el segundo libro me va a encantar muchísimo más. ES QUE ES DE TELLA Y NO PUEDO ESPERAR A LEERLO😭.
Por último y no menos importante antes de leer el libro, busca información sobre los <i>trigger warnings porque puede haber algunos temas que pueden ser duros para algunas personas.
🎪🎠🎩🥀
English:
⚠️THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS⚠️
Caraval by Stephanie Garber is a fantasy (and also mystery) book about Caraval, a place where magic and reality blend in unimaginable ways, a five-day competition whose grand prize is a wish. This game is not like the others. For Scarlett Dragna and Donatella (her little sister) that contest means freedom: it is the perfect escape route to leave behind their father and his abuse towards them. Caraval is magic. Mystery. Adventure. When the sisters finally receive the long-awaited invitations to Caraval, it seems that their dreams have come true. But Tella disappears moments after her arrival, kidnapped by the show's organizer, Legend.
Scarlett understands that everything that happens in Caraval is an illusion. However, she soon finds herself drawn into a dangerous game filled with love, magic, and grief. Real or not, she must find Tella before she finishes the game or she will lose her sister forever.
➵Dreams that come true can be beautiful, but they can also turn into nightmares when people won't wake up.
I think I liked each and every one of the characters in this story (except the father, obviously).
One of the things I liked the most was Scarlett’s love for her sister Tella, willing to give everything to get her back. The truth is that I liked the fmc, but there were some occasions in which she made me a little nervous. Too stubborn, at the beginning of the book she has some ideas in her mind and it is impossible for anyone to change them, but as I kept on reading I could perfectly see her magnificent evolution. From wanting to carry on with her wedding (with a fiancé she hasn’t met) to wanting to give her life to find her sister and decide to stay with Julian. And not only that, but she also realizes many things that, for the first time, makes her start thinking of herself, putting her first before anyone. In my opinion, I think she is super strong, determined and capable of doing anything for the people she loves.
I loved Tella, and I know she doesn’t appear too much, but her attitude and her way of life were super curious to me. You can perfectly see that she and her sister are totally the opposite. Obviously I can't say much more about her, but I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this trilogy, because it focuses on her story and I just can't wait any longer.
Julian is definitely added to my endless list. Apart from being very handsome, his attitude is amazing. I love how he teases Scar all the time at the beginning and how seductive he is throughout the book it’s the best, plus his humor was on point. Full of secrets, this character goes from mysterious to gradually opening up to Scarlett, and thanks to that a relationship develops between them that has completely fascinated me. By the way, I want a Julian for myself (in case anyone finds one).
The character of Legend is amazing how incredibly written he is. Someone super dark, mean and mysterious, who becomes a worse villian with each Caraval game, he loves to play with people and enjoys it. As I said before, I want to read the second book RIGHT NOW to find out more about him and all the secrets and mysteries he hides. He is such an original character. A villain with all the letters.
Characters like Dante, Aiko and Jovan who, although they don't appear too much, I found them super curious and at the same time important in the story, and I think they will appear more in the next books (although it is my assumption, I don't know if it’ll be true).
➵Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything.
Now, my opinion. Honestly, I bought this book because a friend insisted me on reading it and I went totally blind since I had no idea what it was about, and what a surprise. I have no words to describe this tremendous book. The author writes incredibly great, her pen is amazing and I loved how she describes absolutely everything, also adding beautiful metaphors. It had me hooked from the first page to the last, which is why I read three hundred pages in a day because I just couldn't put it down. At first I didn't understand what was going on at all, but as the story progressed it became so much more interesting and I constantly wanted to know where Scarlett needed to go and what to look for to get the clues to the game. The plot twists were incredible, I guessed some of them but with each page that I turned there was a new one and it just kept surprising me (I'm still freaking out). Scarlett and Julian's relationship was super cute and I've loved them from the beginning and I want to read more about them. I'm still speechless, I won't get over this book for a long time. Everything the author made me feel with this book... bfffffff, incredible.
Any negative point? Perhaps there are two or three chapters in the middle of the book that were a bit long to me but then it got back in an impressive way.
I absolutely recommend it to everyone on the face of the earth: You won’t be able to put it down!
After thinking about it, I decided to change my score to 4.75 because I am very sure that I am going to love the second book much more. IT'S ABOUT TELLA AND I CAN'T WAIT TO READ IT😭.
Last but not least before reading the book, look up information about trigger warnings because there may be some topics that can be hard for some people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Child abuse, Abandonment, Kidnapping, Suicide, Domestic abuse, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, and Death
Moderate: Cursing, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, Misogyny, Bullying, Confinement, and Death of parent