Caraval (Caraval, #1) in Hooked on Books

Jun 09, 2022 Vanessa Gayle 笞費ｸ� Fangirl Faction rated it it was amazing

Shelves: zz-tbr-december-2021, own-ebook-read, single-pov, slow-burn, theres-only-one-bed, reviewed, first-in-series, latinx-mc, magic-or-alchemy, romance

4.5/5 Stars

Holy wow! This book was so engrossing and whimsical with an undertone of danger and everything mysterious. I loved it!

This book was absolutely entrancing. I was sucked in right away, and it very much felt like falling down the rabbit hole. The plot of this story is fantastic. When you are reading the book there is so much mystery and unknowns that you really don't know what to make of things. But when you read those last words and you put everything together in your head you realize t 4.5/5 Stars

Holy wow! This book was so engrossing and whimsical with an undertone of danger and everything mysterious. I loved it!

This book was absolutely entrancing. I was sucked in right away, and it very much felt like falling down the rabbit hole. The plot of this story is fantastic. When you are reading the book there is so much mystery and unknowns that you really don't know what to make of things. But when you read those last words and you put everything together in your head you realize that this was an excellently crafted story. I really loved the originality of the story coupled with the exciting and unpredictable plot. The writing style was lovely as well. I felt transported into this story with the ease of the author's storytelling. The world-building was a little lax in this book but I think that was the point. In giving small details about Caraval, it really added to the overall mystery in the story. Normally that tactic doesn't go over well with me but in this instance, it really worked. When there were descriptions they felt very whimsical. The only part that I wished had had more world-building detail would be the world outside of Caraval itself. I would have liked to know more about the islands, countries, and the governing structure of the places in the story. Everything we got felt too vague.

The characters in this book are just as mysterious as Caraval itself. The book is told from Scarlett's point of view and she is the only character the reader doesn't really question the motives. Scarlett can not trust literally everyone in the story and it made for some interesting character building. Scarlett experiences significant growth in the story and I felt so satisfied with where she ended up at the end of the story. I did love Julian's character and the growth that he had in the story. Many of the side characters were interesting as well though I don't want to give anything away so I will leave it at that.

The romance in this book was really endearing. It was obvious that Julian was hiding things from Scarlett but he never wavered in his devotion to her when it really counted. He made a significant sacrifice for her in the book that was really touching and it really cemented my approval of him even if I didn't have all the answers yet. I felt that Scarlett and Julian had immense chemistry and I enjoyed their bantering so much.

Overall, I was so impressed with this story! This book truly takes you on a magical journey. You won't know up from down or left from right but you will enjoy the ride thoroughly. This book is very much an experience. I am looking forward to reading the follow-up to this book just as soon as I can! This was my first book from this author and I can see what all the fuss is about now. She has definitely gained a new fan.

GOODREADS ...more

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Apr 25, 2018 Trisha rated it it was ok

窶弩hatever 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.窶�

I'm not sure why, I can't quite put my finger on it....but I'm definitely disappointed. I think I had been ready to be swept away in a magical carnival performance. I wanted it to feel like an adventure, compelling and mysterious.

I wanted a page turner I couldn't put down. Instead, I felt oddly bored. Julian was an in ...more

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Apr 21, 2017 Lesa Divine rated it liked it

Shelves: library, read-it, botm-selection

This was a magical read. Scarlett finally gets a chance to visit Caraval taking her sister Tella with a guide Julian but she changes her mind to to her wedding arriving soon.

Waking up to see she's traveling to Caraval with Julian.
Find out her sister has been kidnapped by Legend himself.
She can't really enjoy the game since finding her sis in 5 days is part of the game.
With everything going on she's warned numerous of times that everything may not be real.
The excitement of knowing what's going to ...more

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