5 Reasons to Read Caraval by Stephanie Garber✿

“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!

I mean…take a look at this piece of art. THAT TALENT! THE CHARACTERS, THE ATMOSPHERE IT’S JUST STUNNING! fan art by Micheline Ryckman

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Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Thanks for reading! Have you read Caraval? If not, hopefully you’ve now added it to your tbr!