Caraval by Stephanie Garber:
“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.” – Description taken from Goodreads
So Im a little late to jump on this band wagon. I didn’t even know of this book’s existence until I recruited one of my best friend’s to embark on this book review adventure with me. How I DIDNT know about this is beyond me….. ITS RIGHT UP MY ALLEY!! Everything about this book was amazing. It was dark, twisted, a mystery. FUN. EXCITING. To me, it’s like the circus met up with a freak show and added some magic. Honestly, Im glad I found this series late… I have 5 days until Legendary comes out and I’ve already preordered. I don’t know HOW people have waited this long…. I dont know how Im going to make it to the release of Finale projected for next year…. I havent been this excited or obsessed with a book series since Harry Potter or the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire series the books the show True Blood is based on) …. The plot was fantastic and so different from anything ive read. I got this book from my book partner in crime. In the later paperback addition there was some special features in the back of the book. THIS BOOK HAS ITS OWN PLAYLIST!!! so on top over everything amazing about this book it combines my love of books and music into one. I put together the playlist on YouTube (see below). I REALLY hope the sequel Legendary will have songs to add to it. In my Owl Crate I received an except for the next book. I read it. And I believe the second book is going to be even better! you DO need to read the first book first though. This book and the rest of series is NOT going to disappoint. Below you will find the play list that inspired the different parts as well as a link to buy Caraval before the sequel releases the next week.