Caraval – ARC Review

Caraval – Stephanie Garber

‘Before you enter the world of Caraval, you must remember that it’s all a game’
Caraval has it all. It is magic, mystery, intrigue, romance and deception, all melded perfectly with beautifully written details that portrayed scenes of movies. A 2017 Must Read!

This is a non-spoilery review, so please feel free to read on without fear of being spoiled! The only thing that is written below is the synopsis.

I received an E-ARC via Netgalley from Hachette Australia and I am super excited to be able to read this one in advanced and review it for you! A further spoiler filled review is to come when the book is released!

The hype for Caraval is huge, and it is well warranted! After reading this one, I wished I could go back and experience it again, and I have definitely joined the hype for the release of this one and can’t wait to re-read it.

Synopsis
Caraval follows a once a year performance where the audience becomes part of the show. Scarlett Dragna has been dreaming of Caraval, and along with her sister Tella, and finally their long awaiting invitation from the mastermind behind Caraval Legend has arrived. With the help of a mysterious sailor, they make their way to Caraval, and then the games begin. Scarlett joins the elaborate performance, and when Tella is kidnapped it becomes more than a game to her, it’s personal. Can Scarlett stop herself from being immersed too far into this years game, and remember the one thing she has been told… ‘it is all a game’.

Writing
Caraval is Stephanie Garber’s writing debut, and what a debut it is! The writing within this book is absolute perfection, and the level of detail that is described in this book is astounding. You can truly see the beauty of Caraval as it comes to life on the pages. It felt like a grand production that could be easily transformed from the page to the screen.

Plot
This book was a fast-paced, action packed, mystery that couldn’t be put down. It was an fantastic read, that keeps the readers guessing until right at the end, where you begin to question what is real and not real. Then you realise you have also been caught up in the magical game that is Caraval, and Stephanie has drawn you into the twisting plot, that changes just when you thought you got to the bottom of it.

Within the deception and complexity of this book, there is an underlying romance aspect that I couldn’t get enough of. It’s one that you can’t help but cheer for, but even then I had myself questioning whether it was real or not. Stephanie literally had me in knots trying to work out what was happening, but as the story ended I knew I just needed more writing from this wonderful author and of this world.

Characters
The characters were complex, interesting and the character development was everything I didn’t know I wanted and so much more for our leading lady Scarlett. It was easy to get wrapped up into a story with such great characters. You see how they all intertwine and their motivations behind their choices and they were just great characters to read about and love. The one character that I didn’t enjoy was Tella, her motivations were completely selfish and she put her sister through hell for her own gain.

Overall
I was mesmerized by Caraval, it was beautiful written, with a mysterious and magical vibe that you can’t help but immerse yourself in. The characters were complex and the storyline left me wanting more of this world. Overall, I couldn’t help but give this a 4.5 rating because honestly I could see no faults other than a few characters including Tella & her father that I couldn’t stand. I cannot wait to get my hands on the final copy of Caraval which comes out on January 31st 2017, and I definitely recommend everyone to pick this one up!

Release Date: 31st January 2017
Favourite Quote: ‘Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything.’
Rating: 4.5/5