Synopsis
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.
Thoughts
I have had this series in my TBR for a year, and I moved it up after finding out that the author is local to my area. With signed books in hand after a recent B&N event, I finally sat down to read the first book in the Caraval series. It was quite a Disneyesque book to get lost in for several hours.
This young adult story is an immersive journey reminiscent of other beloved classics. I felt hints of Alice in Wonderland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The Hunger Games, to name a few. I recommend reviewing the trigger warnings before picking up this series. But, check it out if you enjoy themes such as strong FMC, sisterly bonds, enemies to lovers, mystery and suspense, and fairytales. The world-building is great and the characters are interesting. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
Edition
This is a special hardcover UK edition.