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rileydobereading's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, and Death of parent
hannahmarkby's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with Caraval, but it’s been on my TBR for quite some time, and I was pleasantly surprised! I’ve been in a reading slump for the past several months, starting many books and finishing none, but Caraval was able to break that.
The first book was a lot of fun to read, especially since I couldn’t predict what was going to happen. Every time I developed a new theory, it was soon disproven, and Garber did an excellent job convincing me of a false story so that I was completely shocked when the true ending was revealed. Caraval itself was fascinating, reminding me of Wonderland and Holly Black’s version of Faerie, with deals that were too good to be true and magic that made it difficult to distinguish what was real. My favorite aspect of this was the way that secrets and time were the preferred currency, especially how time was transferred through blood (and the resulting scene between Scarlett and Julian).
There were definitely a few YA clichés sprinkled throughout, such as the abusive father/dead mother, the adultification of the eldest daughter, and Julian’s personality, but in general I did not mind. Scarlett and Tella’s quest to get away from their father at all costs added an extra level of depth to the story, and I really appreciated Scarlett’s personal growth as she learned to take risks and no longer be ruled by fear and overcautiousness. Also, I’m unashamed to admit just how much I loved Julian.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Blood, Kidnapping, and Grief
Minor: Sexual assault and Death of parent
cowboylikebrie15's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Kidnapping and Death of parent
nclausel25's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Suicide, Torture, Blood, Death of parent, and Abandonment
adi3's review against another edition
The blurb of the book intrigued me. However, when I read the book, the characters didn't appeal to me and nor did the writing or the plot. All of it felt flat. The setting was quite boring and confising. The long descriptions full of purple prose even put me off more. I disliked the characters. Not only that, the dynamic of Scarlett and Julian was very bland. They didn't have any romantic chemistry and it felt forced. The insta love situation only added fuel to the fire. The pacing was way too slow paced for me. I thought if I read more, it would get better and everything would fall into place and I would finally understand everything but after a few more pages, I decided not to subject myself to more torture.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Death of parent
dezzella's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
This was a pretty good YA story, lots of mystery and intrigue and trying to figure out what's real or not. It was a fun read and I would have read it in one sitting if I hadn't started it so late the other day. It's a quick read and the pacing is good.
I like the characters over all too, though I can't say I'm a fan of the sister. Perhaps the later books will change my view of her, we'll see.
I like the characters over all too, though I can't say I'm a fan of the sister. Perhaps the later books will change my view of her, we'll see.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Blood, and Death of parent
bbmaan's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, and Kidnapping
Minor: Child death, Drug use, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
klmreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Suicide
Minor: Death of parent
lexilovesreadingandlaufey's review against another edition
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
lizziealex's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
4.5
I've just started getting back into fantasy and sci-fi, and this book feels like a really good jump into it. Garber really builds a world that is magical without being fantastical. She weaves a tale of love and devotion and care that I find really appropriate for young adult readers. I though that Julian was Legend , but I think that was the point. I'm beyond stoked for Legend and Finale.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, and Suicide
Moderate: Death of parent