“Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything.”
― Stephanie Garber, Caraval
Hello Bookworms, if it were up to me, ALL of you would have already read Caraval but, alas, some need more convincing than others. And that’s what this post is for! If the magic surrounding Caraval and all the gorgeous reviews you have read haven’t convinced you yet, hopefully, I can! This post goes beyond just Caraval and extends into the rest of this magnificent series. I hope you enjoy this post and keep in mind that these five reasons are personal to me. You may read Caraval and enjoy it for completely separate reasons!


Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Rating:
Publisher: Published January 31st 2017 by Flatiron Books
Length: Hardcover, 432 pages
Summary:
Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her 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 faraway, 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. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic. (goodreads)
Reason # 1 : The World Building
The world-building was just…….. I mean I’m speechless. I was entirely consumed while reading this novel. Nothing going on in the real world could have possibly forced me to put down this book. Moreover, paired with the incredibly fascinating characters…well, it’s safe to say that Stephanie Garber had me hooked.
Not only does Caraval transport you to this majestic world, but it does so in a way that was more magical and seamless than any other novel I’ve read. I truly felt as if I was in the characters’ shoes, and could easily visualize the details that Garber would describe.
“Whatever you’ve heard about Caraval, it doesn’t compare to the reality. It’s more than just a game or performance. It’s the closest you’ll ever find yourself magic in this world.”
― Stephanie Garber, Caraval
Reason # 2 : Sibling Relationship Trope
After I first finished reading the Caraval series, I asked myself why I loved the books so much. I know myself as a reader, and I didn’t comprehend WHY I had loved these books as much as I did. Yes, they were written well, yes they had excellent characters and a solid plot but I was still perplexed. Then I came to discern that it was because of this trope. I am a SUCKER for a good sibling relationship trope. As an older sister, I’ve finally realized that the books I enjoy most at least acknowledge a sibling relationship, but those I LOVE usually have this trope as a significant part of the book.
Caraval begins as a tale about the unbreakable bond between two sisters(something I can relate too) and the extent these girls go-to for each other. Exploring sibling relationships, how they evolve or grow is an area in young adult novels that I find often go unexplored.
“It’s better this way, sister. There’s more to life than staying safe…”
― Stephanie Garber, Caraval
Reason # 3 : Complex and Charming Characters
Caraval is a book that just KEPT ON GIVING! And along with all the other marvellous things that Garber gives the readers, intriguing and multi-dimensional characters are one of them.
Ranging from the two sisters; Scarlett and Donatella to Julien and the mystery man Legend, each of these characters was well-developed and equally delightful to read about. They each have something to hide, and this adds another layer of mystery to an already mystical book.
“She imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars came out.”
― Stephanie Garber, Caraval
Reason # 4 : Mysterious and Detailed Writing
Garber’s writing is captivating and beautiful. Although her descriptive sentences can get a little ~much~ at times, they enable the reader to be transported to another world. An engrossing aspect of this novel was also the way the Garber would write feelings as colours. This would highlight these emotions so much more, making the reader feel as if they were truly reading a magical text.
“He tasted like midnight and wind, and shades of rich brown and light blue. Colors that made her feel safe and guarded.”
― Stephanie Garber, Caraval
Reason # 5 : All the other little things(not my finest title)
Now this category may seem VERY broad, but I made it to encapsulate the little details that are often overlooked. Caraval not only covers the four main reasons above but also has romance, an elaborate plot(with more twists than anyone could ask for) and a surprising ending. Any reader can find something to love in Caraval. So what are you waiting for? READ IT!
“Welcome, welcome to Caraval! The grandest show on land or by sea. Inside you’ll experience more wonders than most people see in a lifetime. You can sip magic from a cup and buy dreams in a bottle. But before you fully enter into our world, you must remember it’s all a game.”
― Stephanie Garber, Caraval
To think only!
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Need to read this!
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[…] spot a classic if you look hard enough. And I wasn’t able to fit this series in here, but the Caraval trilogy was also a magical read! Here is my […]
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Great post! I’m very jealous, I’ve wanted to read caraval for so long – and you’re reviews convinced me. Also I’ve nominated you for the Ideal Inspirations Tag 🙂 Great post! This is such a fun tag – speaking of tags, I’ve nominated you for the Ideal Inspirations Tag 🙂 https://hundredsandthousandsofbooks.blog/2020/12/11/ideal-inspirations-tag/
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this comment makes me so happy! hahha love influencing ppl to read the books i love💙
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[…] taken me this long to pick it up again! If you’ve yet to dive into this series then check out Erin @Reading On A Star’s post which gives you 5 reasons on why you need to read this magical […]
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Great post
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Um okay, I AM CONVINCED haha. I’ve had this series on my shelf for ages and I’m so intrigued. Idk if it’s my thing, I hope it is, because it sounds like a ton of fun. Loved this list Erin <3<3
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okay yes thank you so much ruby🥰 That was basically my goal in making this post, FORCING EVERYONE TO READ CARAVAL..teehee😏
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*slowly adds to tbr*
it sounds so good tho!!
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hahah yes that was my plan all along
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I loved Caraval (and the rest of the series)! The colorful imagery was sooo beautiful and magical.
Have you read the later books because I heard there’s going to be a 4th book!
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I’ve read and LOVED the entire series, but I didn’t know about a 4th book! I thought it was a trilogy, ahhh I hope the last book doesn’t ruin the other ones though😅
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[…] Erin @Reading On a Star […]
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I love this post and I LOVE Caraval!
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ahhh thank you Beth🥰
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Caraval has been on my TBR for forever, and this post makes me want to read it even more! I’m planning to visit the bookstore this week, so I’ll have to get this if they have it because it sounds amazing!!!
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I hope you have fun at the bookstore!! hehe thank you🤍🤍
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I loved this series 😍
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Ooh, I’ve been in the mood for fantasy lately, so Caravel sounds right up my alley! I’m super close with my own sister, so I love that the sibling relationship is so strong. Plus majestic world building? Amazing!!
Great post; I love the choice in quotes as well ❤
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Oops, typo!! **Caraval 🙈
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Ahhh we are the same person😂🥰
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Love this post Erin!!! This series seems to be either a hit or a miss for a lot of people, so I’m so glad to hear it hit the mark for you!! It’s moving up my priority TBR for sure 😊
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I know! Thank you so much Abby🤍 Yes I cannot wait to hear what you think!!
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I loved reading your reasons! I adored Caraval when I first read it and was absolutely swept away by Stephanie Garber’s writing.
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Thanks Mel! I loved the entire trilogy🥰
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No offence, but this one didn’t impress me so much
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to each their own🤗
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True!
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Ooooh this book sounds so goood! I’d be lying if I’d say that now I’m not longing to read Caraval. You’ve definitely convinced me to read this book and put it on my TBR with this great review! The summary sounds so interesting! Can’t wait to read it!
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Thank you so much Tess! The world is definitely one of the best out of all the fantasy novels I’ve read, so I hope you enjoy it😃
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I’ve been wanting to read this for SO LONG!! Your review is just giving me more reasons to pop down to the nearest store and give it a shot!!
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Thank you so much Ahaana! You NEED to read this!
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