Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Trope: Fake Relationship, One Bed, Slow Burn
Point of view: Third person
Relationship: MF
Type of series: Trilogy
In a nutshell: Scarlett has never left the tiny isle of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year week-long performance where the audience participates in the show.
Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure. And for Scarlett and her beloved sister Tella it represents freedom and an escape from their ruthless, abusive father.
When the sisters' long-awaited invitations to Caraval finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show's mastermind organiser, Legend.
Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But nonetheless she quickly becomes enmeshed in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak. And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever.
Content warning: Abusive family, violence
What I thought: This novel was unlike anything I had read before. The world building was spectacular, conveying the scale of Caraval and the mystery of Legend. I think the less you know going into this book the better, so I’m not going to talk about the plot line to avoid forming any preconceived ideas. All I can say is there is mystery, magic and a story full of plot twists and reveals. It ends on a cliffhanger but the trilogy is complete so you don’t have to wait before diving back into the world of Caraval.
