Blurb
Remember, it’s only a game…
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. And whether Caraval is real or not, Scarlett must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over or a dangerous domino effect of consequences will be set off, and her beloved sister will disappear forever.
Welcome, welcome to Caraval…beware of getting swept too far away.
Quick Stats
Page Length: 407
Publication Year: 2017
Characters: Scarlett, Donatella “Tella”, Julian and Legend
Review
Scarlett and Tella live on a tiny island with their cruel and abusive. father. Over a number of years, Scarlett has been writing to the Caraval Master Legend asking him to visit and put on his infamous Caraval show. This year Caraval is finally coming to Isla De Los Suenos (a nearby island) and Master Legend has sent tickets for Scarlett and Tella.
I think I can sum up this book in one word: WOW! this was totally different to anything that I have read for a long time. At first I was a little hesitant to even read it because (and I know how odd this is going to sound) I have read so many good things about it and I was a little nervous that it wouldn’t live up to the hype but I needn’t have worried because it 100% met my expectations.
I enjoyed all the magic and mystery of the book, there were many moments where I thought the story was going to go one way but then it completely went I different way instead. It really kept me guessing right until the last page. The twist and turns made it a really addictive read.
I really liked how well Scarlett’s character developed over the course of the story. She started out not weak as such but kind of trapped by her own fear of things and the need to control and do things a certain way. It was good to see her relax a little and realise things can be done a different and that there is more than one way out of a bad situation.
I would like to have seen more from Tella and Legend, well particularly Legend because he so full of mystery and intrigue, but I think their story will be expanded in the next book. Overall this was a really good read and I’m glad I gave it a chance.
My Rating: 4/5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
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