Title: Caraval (Caraval #1)
Author: Stephanie Garber
Release Date: January 31, 2017
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Pages: 416
Source: ARC won from author
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Overall: 4.5 STARS

SUMMARY

Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever. 

MY THOUGHTS
Welcome, welcome to Caraval... and a world of dazzling magic and dark illusions in Stephanie Garber's much-anticipated YA debut. Because in this mesmerizing fantasy, magic is blended so seamlessly with reality, and an elaborate show is about to begin. Hidden in the shadows, Master Legend has already moved his talented troupe of players into place. And a girl who has forgotten how to live and dream will sacrifice everything for her beloved sister.

Over the years, Scarlett has given up hope that she'll ever see Caraval, the legendary, once-a-year performance where the audience becomes participants. Her grandmother's stories of Caraval and its infamous leader, Master Legend, always captivated her and her sister, Tella, as children, but those days of dreaming are over, crushed by their cruel and abusive father. Now, all Scarlett wants is safety, to escape the tiny Isle of Trisda and place her hopes in an arranged marriage.

But much to her surprise, at long last, Scarlett finally receives an invitation to this year's Caraval, sent by Legend himself... and only days before her wedding. Defying their father, Scarlett and Tella arrive at Legend's private island with the help of a mysterious sailor, only to discover they have a very important role to play in this year's Caraval. Tella is suddenly kidnapped, and Scarlett only has five days to unravel the clues and find her before the other competitors in the game.

Nothing is what it seems at Caraval. Because even though Scarlett has been told everything is a performance, that the players are simply playing a part, it's getting harder to distinguish what is real and what is not. Who can she possibly trust? Years of suffering abuse from her father's hands has taught Scarlett to be cautious and wary, to not take chances and play it safe. But with the beguiling wonder of Caraval staring right in Scarlett's face, it's time for her to take a leap of faith. To believe in the power of wishes and magic again like she did as a kid.

Stephanie Garber's Caraval will instantly cast a spell on you with its thrills and delights, passion and deadly intrigue, and an unforgettable conclusion that will leave you gasping in shock. This book was absolutely addictive, constantly leaving me on edge because I could never guess what would be revealed on the next page. There were so many surprises and twists and turns, and sometimes the tone could be whimsical and light, and sometimes it got really intense and grim. I loved Caraval all the more for its unpredictability! And now I can't wait to find out what Stephanie Garber has in store for us next.