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booksandstardust's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, Kidnapping, Murder, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Body horror, Confinement, and Gore
unboundbooklover's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Physical abuse, and Blood
Moderate: Suicide, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Confinement, Mental illness, and Violence
cardlikecredit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Very interesting concept and world building. There was just something about the plot that it was too slow. It built up nicely at the end but took a while to get there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Suicide, and Murder
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Confinement and Kidnapping
aharper's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Physical abuse, Suicide, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Confinement, Forced institutionalization, and Abandonment
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: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, Kidnapping, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
giulianasbooks'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: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Misogyny, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Alcohol
wickedgrumpy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.25
This book was very much whimsical nonsense tied up in a mystery that was reminiscent of a studio ghibli movie. You question what is real and what is not, if what has happened actually did happen.
There was enough mystery and world building to keep me interested in reading more, though the characters were a bit one dimensional they managed to hold my attention.
Other books I've read with this vibe did not have strong enough characters to keep me engaged and since this was a debut novel it has a lot of promise for what comes next.
There was enough mystery and world building to keep me interested in reading more, though the characters were a bit one dimensional they managed to hold my attention.
Other books I've read with this vibe did not have strong enough characters to keep me engaged and since this was a debut novel it has a lot of promise for what comes next.
Content Warnings
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
avie_j's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Misogyny, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Abandonment
anielabooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The world of this book absolutely captivated me. I truly enjoyed observing Scarlett throughout her time in Caraval. The ending made me feel satisfied while still yearning for more time with the characters. One character I felt very drawn to was Legend, he has absolutely amazing character traits. Somehow he is ever-present in the game while also feeling distant. I will absolutely pick up the next book in this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Rape, and Abandonment
booking_along's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
reread 2023:
i don’t really have any other things to say or thoughts to add to my first ones.
this is very strange.
sometimes very overwritten and too much and trying a bit too hard to not say anything while filling pages with nonsensical words.
i love the idea and the characters and plot idea isn’t bad overall but i wish it wasn’t as flowery and nonsensically written in a way that one never really knows what’s going on and if something is happening or not.
it’s not bad but i think it’s a specific type of writing that you have to be a specific reader to love.
as in if you don’t mind not understand how why or what even after finishing it all and having things described to you in colors for no real reason (dead is apparently purple) fantastic.
look i enjoy description and i like flowery writing but there is a point where i just want a clear answer to things. and in this first book that never really happens
i will continue on with this series this time and see if this writing continues as it’s been done here or if at some point an actual story is being told in a clearer and more easily understandable way.
first read 2018:
3 stars
this is such a strange book!
i really loved parts of it, but the other parts that i didn’t enjoy, those i REALLY did not like!
in some ways this book reminded me a lot of alice in wonderland.
a lot of strange things are happening that make no sense and that are not getting explained at all.
there are also way more overused stereotypes in this book especially gender wise than there should be especially for such a super strange book!
but the writing is so good, and the plot ideas that i could understand and made sense were fantastic...
a very strange mixture!
i know that i will only define my personal option of this book - if i enjoy it or not- when i reread it someday.
for books this strange i need a reread to really form my option and decide how i feel about them.
or in other words: i need a reread in hopes that i will either understand more of it in that go around OR not like it because it will be just as strange and not understandable to me as this time around.
for now i can only say: super strange and over the top whimsical and unexplained reading experience!
i don’t really have any other things to say or thoughts to add to my first ones.
this is very strange.
sometimes very overwritten and too much and trying a bit too hard to not say anything while filling pages with nonsensical words.
i love the idea and the characters and plot idea isn’t bad overall but i wish it wasn’t as flowery and nonsensically written in a way that one never really knows what’s going on and if something is happening or not.
it’s not bad but i think it’s a specific type of writing that you have to be a specific reader to love.
as in if you don’t mind not understand how why or what even after finishing it all and having things described to you in colors for no real reason (dead is apparently purple) fantastic.
look i enjoy description and i like flowery writing but there is a point where i just want a clear answer to things. and in this first book that never really happens
i will continue on with this series this time and see if this writing continues as it’s been done here or if at some point an actual story is being told in a clearer and more easily understandable way.
first read 2018:
3 stars
this is such a strange book!
i really loved parts of it, but the other parts that i didn’t enjoy, those i REALLY did not like!
in some ways this book reminded me a lot of alice in wonderland.
a lot of strange things are happening that make no sense and that are not getting explained at all.
there are also way more overused stereotypes in this book especially gender wise than there should be especially for such a super strange book!
but the writing is so good, and the plot ideas that i could understand and made sense were fantastic...
a very strange mixture!
i know that i will only define my personal option of this book - if i enjoy it or not- when i reread it someday.
for books this strange i need a reread to really form my option and decide how i feel about them.
or in other words: i need a reread in hopes that i will either understand more of it in that go around OR not like it because it will be just as strange and not understandable to me as this time around.
for now i can only say: super strange and over the top whimsical and unexplained reading experience!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, and Gaslighting