Scan barcode
A review by noellegrace8
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Overall, this was an interesting book. I was definitely kept intrigued by what was going on. It wasn't a simple breadcrumb plotline - there was so much to unravel, I'd never have guessed how it ended. I liked the atmosphere of the book a ton. All the descriptions of carnival-like actors and shops, different forms of currency outside of money, and extravagant outfits/decor made for nice visuals as I read. I also enjoyed reading from the POV of a girl with synesthesia!
That being said, I didn't particualarly enjoy or relate to the characters, which made it a labor to get through at times. To be honest, Scarlet was a bit dull and ignorant a lot of times, Tella was too self-centered and immature, and Julian just seemed like a less established/convincing Jacks. Like the Wish.com version.
I also found the plot to be weirdly dark in contrast to the way it was written and all the description. Which isn't necessarily bad, it just felt... odd sometimes. I will also say, the jump was brutal. Not a fan. The ending felt like that community episode where everyone's acting, trying to teach everyone else a lesson, so you end up having no idea what's real or fake. Which would fit the idea of the book, except that it just didn't feel very well planned. For example, why not just kill that absolute mambajamba, their father? Why resort to some elaborate plot? Just stab him for being an abuser and get it over with.
But I look forward to seeing where the next book goes. I am 100% interested in seeing Jacks again, and hearing about that story.
I give Rebecca Soler 4/5⭐️'s. As I've stated many times, she sounds too much like a little girl too often. Also, when she screams/has a lot of emotion, it's not only too loud, but is overdone & doesn't fit the vibe. And again with the stuffy nose thing at times. But generally, she provides a solid read. I really prefer when she's narrating, it's just the dialogue that I tend to take issue with.
That being said, I didn't particualarly enjoy or relate to the characters, which made it a labor to get through at times. To be honest, Scarlet was a bit dull and ignorant a lot of times, Tella was too self-centered and immature, and Julian just seemed like a less established/convincing Jacks. Like the Wish.com version.
I also found the plot to be weirdly dark in contrast to the way it was written and all the description. Which isn't necessarily bad, it just felt... odd sometimes. I will also say, the jump was brutal. Not a fan. The ending felt like that community episode where everyone's acting, trying to teach everyone else a lesson, so you end up having no idea what's real or fake. Which would fit the idea of the book, except that it just didn't feel very well planned. For example, why not just kill that absolute mambajamba, their father? Why resort to some elaborate plot? Just stab him for being an abuser and get it over with.
But I look forward to seeing where the next book goes. I am 100% interested in seeing Jacks again, and hearing about that story.
I give Rebecca Soler 4/5⭐️'s. As I've stated many times, she sounds too much like a little girl too often. Also, when she screams/has a lot of emotion, it's not only too loud, but is overdone & doesn't fit the vibe. And again with the stuffy nose thing at times. But generally, she provides a solid read. I really prefer when she's narrating, it's just the dialogue that I tend to take issue with.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
Moderate: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Medical content, Kidnapping, Stalking, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Classism