Such a beautiful and intense book! Loved it!
The circus setting is probably one of my favourites in fantasy novels, and Stephanie Garber took things to the next level with Caraval, a place that mixes reality and magic. Really enjoyed the main characters and their interactions, but also how the plot makes it almost impossible to learn if they’re really who they say they are.
But while Caraval is beautiful, it’s also dangerous and a perfect illusion. The main character Scarlett, who escaped an abusive relationship with her father and an arranged marriage, struggles to play the game and differentiate the real from the illusion. Still, she manages to overcome her demons and become the best version of herself.
The writing style is lyrical, musical and hypnotising. The descriptions are magical and I could see the circus with my minds eye perfectly. Despite the danger, I wished to be there, right next to Scarlett, Tella and Julian as they start their journey. The language is addictive and it made it impossible to stop reading.
Pure magic, and a girl learning that courage has always been inside herself.
Book Traveller 